ACE ATTORNEY AU

[enigmaster]

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[enigmaster]

[With that done, there's nothing left but to wait. Mostly, Edward just kind of wants to get this over with.

And finally, it's... about time. He gets up. He lets his caseworker in. She looks around a little, clearly confused about how Edward ended up in a place like this. And then... they take a seat at the table. Edward doesn't speak more than is absolutely required.]

"It's certainly been a while since I've last seen you. Honestly, Edward, it wouldn't hurt to send along an update once in a while."

...I thought that was supposed to stop when I turned eighteen. Isn't that the whole point of this arrangement?

"Oh, really, now..."

[She doesn't look too pleased about that comment, but, well. She seems used to it.]

[agoodname]

"...I don't like her already." [there is a...definite wary tone in Gertrude's voice as she flickers in, standing near the caseworker's chair, arms folded, eyeing her suspiciously.] "Something fishy about her. It's not good."

[enigmaster]

[Edward glances over Gertrude's way. And without even thinking about it,] I'm sure it's fine. "What?" [And Edward blinks. He'd... kind of answered without thinking. So used to just being able to do that here without worrying. Immediately, he fidgets in his seat a little, as he notices his caseworker looking at him with her eyebrow raised.] Oh, um... N-Nothing. [She frowns, though.] "...Alright..."

[agoodname]

"Ah, sorry, Edward. We'll stay quiet." [Elijah, now, as well, flickering into view next to his wife, who doesn't look quite so placated.]

"We will keep a close eye on her."

[enigmaster]

[Edward just... glances over at both of them, but doesn't reply. He'll just... focus on getting this conversation over with, then. The caseworker is, thankfully, already moving on.] "I would have just told you yesterday, but for something like this... Well. I thought it would be better to tell you in person." [She slides an envelope over to him and he opens it. And she tells him what this is really about. Apparently, one of Edward's old foster parents, a man he stayed with for... a decent amount of time, for him, has passed away. Heart trouble. There's a brief silence, as Edward reads over everything and his caseworker just watches. Then... he looks up.] I see. So you're here to deliver good news. [That's a little more... sarcastic, than he's been with her so far. She looks a little scandalized at the response.] "Edward, really..."

[agoodname]

[Well. On the bright side, Edward, ghost parents definitely think it's funny. Gertrude outright snickers, where Elijah hides his smile behind his hand]

[enigmaster]

Ah, sorry. Was I supposed to act upset? "You could be a little more respectful, you know." ...Mhm. [Edward pauses a moment.] Right. I'm supposed to act like this is a sad thing. Like I feel bad about it. Sorry, but I have some trouble faking it. We didn't really get along. [And the woman sighs, a little exasperated. But sort of as if she was expecting it. Like she's used to this. Not in a fond way.] "Well, now, Edward, to be fair... You didn't exactly make it easy for him." [At that... Edward tenses up. It's subtle, really. His guard was already up, so it's only noticeable if you really look. His expression is shifting in the same subtle way, as well. A little more withdrawn, right away. He's quiet for a beat longer than he has to be.] ...I guess.

[agoodname]

[ooooooh Gertrude doesn't like that. She folds her arms, mouth immediately twisting into a scowl]

"What, Edward? A good boy like him? She has too many screws loose!"

"Now, my dear, she can't help herself. I don't know that she has any brain cells left to think with, what with all the hair spray she's clearly using. All those fumes; you understand." [gently. If the words were anything but what they were, it would sound honestly placating.]

[enigmaster]

[The corner of his mouth almost quirks up at that. But... the caseworker continues, so he tries to keep it together.] "Well. Please do think about going to the funeral." ...I don't really-- "You don't have to go. I can't exactly force you. But it would be the polite thing to do. You did stay with him longer than anyone else." ...Not like I wanted to... [Another exasperated sigh from the woman.]

[agoodname]

[at that, Gertrude just snorts] "He does not want to go! So what? Polite-shmolite; why waste time on someone who didn't deserve it? She should listen better!"

[enigmaster]

She never really-- [Again, Edward starts to reply, but he stops himself. A little late, though. ...It seems this, too, is something the caseworker is used to. She stops as she goes to take her bag and just. Looks around. Then looks at Edward. And sighs once more.] "Oh, honestly, Edward... Still?" [He doesn't... answer that.] "I did give you that number, didn't I? You know you can set up an appointment anytime and--" I'm fine... thanks. [She frowns again, but accepts the answer. Reluctantly.] "Very well, then. I can't exactly force you."

[agoodname]

"She cannot." [a decisive nod of Gertrude's head] "This is good. She does not have two brain cells to rub together. Should not be caseworker for anyone, really."

[enigmaster]

[Edward, meanwhile, is just thinking to himself. Wait for it...] "But keep it in mind, alright? I know you're stubborn about these things, but I really think you could benefit from some more counseling. Medication, perhaps--" I said I'm fine. [She lingers, for a moment, but... Finally, she does make her leave.] "Well, then. Good day." ...Mhm. [And away she goes. Leaving Edward behind, but, of course, not alone.]

[agoodname]

"And good riddance! Do not come back!" [the shouting after that woman is rather useless, but that sure doesn't stop Gertrude from doing it. She scowls, folding her arms] "The cheek of that woman!"

[enigmaster]

[There's a moment of... ...honestly, Edward isn't sure. Just a moment. Where suddenly nothing feels like anything anymore, but it. Passes. And Gertrude's voice filters back in.] Ah... [...] It's alright. She's... always sort of like that.

[agoodname]

[and Gertrude just snorts] "Really. It is good you can choose to have nothing to do with her, now. Such nerve!"

[enigmaster]

Yeah. ...I would've preferred just hearing about this on the phone. Kind of seems like making a big deal out of nothing. [Because people definitely need to be gentle about the subject of death with Edward.]

[agoodname]

"Hmph. You would think she would know better. But that is expecting too much, I know."

[enigmaster]

I don't really expect anything at all, to be honest.

[Set your expectations at zero. It's great.

Well... Edward's just... going to go over to the couch, now that he doesn't have to have a Serious Conversation anymore. He'll... wait for Oswald to come home. Put this whole thing out of his head.

...He hasn't thrown away the letter about the funeral yet, though.]

[agoodname]

[Oswald will be home a bit early, bearing those really delicious dumplings from the eatery about a block away]

I'm home.

[enigmaster]

[░░░...] Oh... Welcome home. [It's a relief, more than usual, to have Oswald back. Honestly.]

[agoodname]

Hi. [there's a fond smile that curls the corners of Oswald's mouth as he sets the dumplings on the coffee table, before moving to sit next to Edward] How was your day?

[enigmaster]

It was alright. I'm glad you're back, though.

[agoodname]

I'm glad to be back. [and he really is, honestly. It's been incredibly stressful worrying about Edward most of the day.]

[enigmaster]

[Edward smiles, a little, but... But... B░░░░░░░░] Mhm. I didn't have much to do, after, um, earlier today. So it was kind of quiet without you, you know.