prosecutory | IC INBOX

[Chibi knows he should have expected this from the start. People come and go so quickly here; even England's immortality couldn't have saved him from that. That doesn't stop the pit sinking into his stomach when he gets the notification, nor does it stop the empty feeling that forms upon his palms, as though his lover has left an indelible physical mark and then disappeared into thin air.]

[and the thought of him strung in the nexus code, lifeless, like the bodies they walked along that day, arm in arm as they faded into the atmosphere-- to think of that feels like his heart is carved out.]

[It takes a few ViViD trips, polygonal monsters falling to his fists and if he imagines they are CERES, is there fault in that, and coming home to a worried AI before Chibi thinks to talk to someone. He's used to handling his burdens alone; it's easier when you have an entire race's secrets to bear.]

[But he thinks of England's roommate, and he picks up the CEREvice without thinking about it. Maybe he needs to talk, too? And even if he doesn't...]

Are you doing alright? [Chibi sure as hell isn't, but that speaks for itself.]

[Edgeworth, too, had been through this countless times, even back in Death City during his first unintentional world-hopping stint (minus the Nexus Code, of course). But he had always placed it only in the back of his head.

When he found out that England was gone, Edgeworth felt his heart slowly sink. He had been quite fond of his roommate, shared a love of tea and several stories and even a couple of memories through dreams...and suddenly, the apartment seemed so empty with only one mortal man and his dog left in it.

He's downcast, but certainly he knows England's lover must feel much worse. Edgeworth would offer Chibi company in his apartment but perhaps the sight of England's previous abode wasn't what Chibi needed right now.]

I will be, in time.

[Yeah, Edgeworth isn't doing so hot either, no lie.]

All things in time.

[Even in time, it is hard to imagine this hole stitched closed. Acquaintances, friends, they are one thing; family and lovers are different.]

[Just as he will always love Mina, though she is gone, lost to the crushing hand of the end of the world - he, too, may always love England, his soul still hanging somewhere from that altar, in a state of there and yet not. In time, he knows he might love again, even if it takes him until the next life he lives though the thought of moving on isn't even one in his mind, how could it be, but a part of his heart still rests with each.]

[But was it not those two who drew him from his shell, taught him to seek solace in others when it is needed?]

Perhaps we ought to get tea, or something of the sort.

I would appreciate that. Do you have a place in mind?

[England's old tea shop? Well, it was Chibi's call. Admittedly a cup of tea with someone would really make him feel better right now.

He's not sure how else he can help Chibi apart from keeping him company and commiserating with him though. Edgeworth still remembers Ruby telling him that he's not very good with comforting words.]

There is a tea shop over by the entertainment district that is nice. [And he types out the name of the one England worked at; he'd never been there with England, so it does not carry the association of the places they used to go on dates.]

[(Because, really, going on a date to your workplace is the least romantic thing.)]

What time is best for you?

I can meet you there in an hour.

[EDGEWORTH DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT ROMANCE SO YEAH how would he know which places are the least romantic, alsjflajf.]

Alright.

[And as promised, he will have claimed a table for two near the back.]

[The first thing Edgeworth might notice is that Chibi looks a mess, but is trying very hard to not look a mess. He's freshly showered, hair still damp and face clean-shaven (though there's a visible nick on his jaw), but the skin around his eyes is puffy and reddish. He's staring into a cup of black tea like the patterns in the creamer will give him the answers to life, stirring it one way, then the other in gentle motions. Keep things in motion, keep searching; that's how he's always dealt with rough situations.]

[He does notice Edgeworth when he shows, though, and raises his other hand to give a little smile-and-wave. It's good to see a friendly face, anyway.]

[Edgeworth is very punctual and quickly begins scanning the place for Chibi. Needless to say, he finds Chibi right away, especially when the other man waves, and heads for that table.

Chibi's sad state doesn't go unnoticed either, as Edgeworth slides into the other chair, looking much better - if only because he was not as close to England and because he was very good at keeping his emotions inside and away from his face.]

Hello, Chibi. [His tone, however, is clipped and has a note of gloominess in it.] I hope I didn't keep you waiting.

[Chibi is about to nudge the other chair out with his foot, but Edgeworth beats him to it. (His reaction time is suffering, as trips into ViViD have shown.) Instead, he just lets a grateful smile spread across his face, though it doesn't quite creep into his eyes.]

You did not. [It takes effort to look back up from his teacup, but he does.] But it is good to see you, despite... Circumstances.

[despite the empty feeling that opens, even with the relatively small time they spent together, as though they'd tangled roots.]

Likewise.

[Edgeworth doesn't comment on Chibi's smile...and instead does his best to smile back, a little. For the both of them.]

What blend did you order?

Just a rose petal black tea. [It's one of his favorites, a comfort when he's feeling down. Warm, with that bit of earthiness, and the sweetness lent to it by the milk - it's nice.] I'd considered the 'Taste of England,' but I have...

[Already tasted him. Chibi tries and fails to contain a little snort.] Haaaah, sorry, bad joke.

[Chibi has good taste. It's hard to tell if Edgeworth was offended, or if the joke sailed over his head, or if he's just very good at not reacting.]

I think I'll also have the rose petal black tea. It's one of my favorite blends here.

IC INBOX | cerealia

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