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Edgeworth watched, from the corner of the table, at the celebrations of the newly acquitted Simon and the rest of the group. They were laughing, joking, and as usual eating a lot of food. Edgeworth, however, was deep in thought about the trial, keeping an eye on Athena most of all (other than Trucy, as if she would slip once more from his sight if he didn’t...but he knew that it was simply paranoia, it was over, and no one would dare take her from under the noses of so many attorneys and law officers). After all, Athena was smiling, laughing, but he knew that something much deeper was going on, even if she was half as troubled as he was.
After a while, Edgeworth found himself wandering away from the group, heading to stand outside of the restaurant for a moment. He knew he couldn’t stay too long, after all, someone - most likely Phoenix, was sure to follow. He found himself watching the city, thinking about how much had changed these last few years, since he was on a trail, a trail not too dissimilar from this one. He remembered it as clear as day, standing on the witness stand, the look of determination in Phoenix’s eyes, his confusion as he slowly came to realise the truth...and Manfred Von Karma’s piercing screams as he was led out of the courtroom.
Yet, despite all that, he was harsh in court today. Well, he had to be, he knew Wright understood that, likely Simon too, but Athena? She was still young, younger than he would like to see in court on any side… and she was emotional too, which wasn’t necasserily a bad thing, just different to him.
He didn’t really understand why it bothered him either, after all, she wasn’t even his subordinate. He supposed maybe it was some sort of...Related experience? Or maybe it’s something to do with Wright, after all they seem close, and it was nearly always Wright or Kay that was at fault for his more emotional moments. Although, he was better with explaining his feelings than before, still not the best at well...anything social. He should probably talk to her anyway, clear the air, and...well, offer whatever help he could give.
He realised he’s probably been outside too long just as the door opened, he turned, seeing the exact person he expected to appear.
“I was just about to come back inside, you don’t need to worry about me, Wright.” Edgeworth said simply, a small smile appearing on his face.
“I know, I just wanted to check Edgeworth...especially after everything.” Phoenix replied softly, looking back at the group at the table.
“As astute as always, Wright… But I believe it would be more productive to have this conversion with Ms Cykes,” Edgeworth replied with a small frown, noticing that Athena was beginning to withdraw slightly, although it did occur to him that it could be an issue with sound rather than anything else.
“So, that was what you were thinking about then...I noticed you kept looking between her and Trucy,” Both men knew exactly the reason for keeping an eye on Trucy after all, “You should talk to her Miles, I think she would appreciate hearing it from you.”
“I suppose you are Wright, as always...it is in the name after all” Edgeworth replied, quickly making the joke before Phoenix could, causing the other man to laugh.
“You got me there, but I’m serious, I think you should do it tonight...who knows when you’ll get another chance,” Phoenix added, giving Edgeworth a smile before heading back in side, just in time to stop Apollo tackling Trucy for his attorney’s badge. Edgeworth shook his head at their antics, spotting Athena standing out of the other side of the restaurant.
He made is way back inside, deciding to give her a moment alone first. After a few minutes and a nod for Phoenix, he headed outside, stopping by the door. “Ms Cykes? May I join you?” He asked.
Athena looked over, a little surprised, before nodding, “Of course Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth!” She said. As usual, she was energetic, although Edgeworth wasn’t fully convinced it wasn’t some sort of act.
“We’re not in a professional setting, Mr Edgeworth or just Edgeworth is fine.” Edgeworth assured before joining Athena. The outside area was small, a few tables separated from the street by a wooden barrier that Athena was leaning on. Edgeworth paused again, letting silence pass between them. It was a little awkward, after all, they barely knew each other, and Edgeworth still wasn’t sure how much Athena still held his almost aggressive actions over him.
After a few minutes, Edgeworth cleared his throat, speaking once more. “Actually, Ms Cykes, I wanted to speak to you… about the trial today.”
“Oh...what about it?” Athena replied, turning to him and gently covering widget, although Edgeworth didn’t need the necklace to realise the reaction of surprise...and well worry too.
“Well, first I would like to…” Edgeworth wasn’t sure how to word it exactly, after all it wasn’t fully an apology, after all he didn’t regret his actions, it lead to the correct ruling after all. “Explain myself and my actions. I suppose to those who don’t know me, I may seem ruthless in court, especially to those on the stand. The truth is I am at my most ruthless when facing Wright… I know that if the truth is that the defendant is innocent, that will be found despite this.” Edgeworth paused again, although Athena surprisingly remained quiet. “However, I know I am not the most...sensitive...to other, and I may have been too harsh, especially as I found myself in a position eerily similar to your many years ago.”
“You did?” Athena asked, intrigued, but not specifically pushing the topic.
“Yes, it was however the opposite way around - I was first on trail for a murder that had happened only a few days before. Wright defended me, you should ask him about ‘Polly’ at some point… However, I confessed to my father’s murder some 15 years prior to this case, based on a recurring nightmare, well memory, that I had. Wright got me acquitted for that too...and found the guilty party.” Edgeworth admitted, turning away from Athena. It was easier that way. Athena stayed silent once more, perhaps due to shock, perhaps due to an understanding that Edgeworth wasn’t finished yet. “Ergo...I have some understanding of what you went through, and likely still are. I wanted to offer my assistance, should you need it.”
“Thank you...Mr Edgeworth.” Athena replied after a moment, wiping a tear from her face. “Does...Does it ever go away?”
“Does what go away?” Edgeworth asked, looking over at Athena with a slightly concerned look.
“The feeling that you might actually be guilty?” Athena admitted, turning away herself this time, covering widget who had turned blue, Edgeworth wasn’t sure when this happened, perhaps he shouldn’t have turned away for so long.
“No, not fully…” Edgeworth admitted, “However, the feeling does fade, appearing else often over the years, and for what it’s worth, you are most certainly not guilty.”
“That’s why you prosecute like you do...if you didn’t go through possible reason, then there would be doubt, both for you and the defendant.” Athena realised as spoke.
“I suppose you are correct, that does form part of it.” Edgeworth admitted, to be truthful, he hadn’t thought about it exactly in that way - it was his job, his job to find the truth and stay stubborn until there was no other possibilities, but he supposed in the end it was beneficial for the defendant too...it would have been what he wanted after all.
“Oh, and Mr Edgeworth? I could hear it in your heart, that you were fighting for truth, not for pride or anything else - and Boss trusts you, more than anyone else, so I think we all do too.” Athena smiled once more, wiping her face again. “Thanks for the talk Mr Edgeworth!”
“My pleasure, Ms Cykes...shall we return or do you wish to stay here a little longer? I do believe Trucy is doing magic tricks, although I would perhaps hide your attorney’s badge,” Edgeworth joked, looking back at the group once more.
“Oh no, Trucy only goes for Apollo’s. I think she already realised he gives the best reactions,” Athena replied, moving to the door as Edgeworth followed behind, “But you should keep an eye on your prosecutors badge! I bet you would give an even better reaction!”
“Ngh,” Edgeworth sighed, making his way to the table...and if he noticed Athena smiling as he checked his pocket for the 10th time that night...well he was just glad she hadn’t passed on her thoughts to Trucy, yet.