slightlyoffchilt | - IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

I don't think 'lighthearted' really depicts either one of us too well, Chilton. You still trying to establish your place in all this? Do you need me to put you in that place? Because I will.

I just want to go home. I want to go home but if I try that spell it could destabilize the whole multiverse, right? That would kill billions of people.

On the positive, though, I could stop hearing people talk about Crane.

[Edgeworth continues to glare at him, sneering back at the doctor as he looks him over. But then...

The lives, and sanity, of other people are at stake too, Mr. Edgeworth

His face falls instantly, and he looks down, his outrage replaced with shame. He had counterarguments. He had ways to fight against Chilton's accusations. But they all disappear when he thinks of his final argument]

I...

[He purses his lips together and closes his eyes, and breathes in deep]

Are you suggesting an unofficial investigation, then?

[There's no heat to his words, no anger. His voice is quiet. Muted. Humbled]

My standards have been met. I will be sure to dress accordingly.

But don't worry about any absent, flexible lad or lass -- that is a topic I intend to hit with you.

[Appetizing, huh? Chilton gets the barest of smiles, amused rather than rueful, but he's not about to comment on that statement being anything else. Same with the "appropriate" comment. Will knows he tends to shift between looking fine and looking like hell, he doesn't read this as Chilton holding back on something more, something borderline rude. You are looking well for once, who knew? There is enough of a struggle going on here, has to be, Will doesn't need to add onto it.]

Don't mind at all. [Fingers lace together over his stomach as he slumps in the seat, propping one foot up on the floorboard and letting his other leg hang loose, resting against the middle. If he looks comfortable perhaps he'll feel it, too, and if he puts off the image that this is really no big deal, just the two of them hanging out, perhaps Chilton can feed off of that. No power play going on if they're both at ease and treat it like a normal, necessary adventure.] It's outside town on the north side...near the gas station with the big waving trucker mascot, drive for that.

[Will will give further directions if it's necessary, gentle nudges to take a left or a right or whatever else. But Chilton can see the bigger picture about a lot, Will knows, so starting broad it is. Chilton might take different streets than Will would, but as long as they reach their end goal, that's really all that matters.]

We were glad you stopped in at Abigail's birthday party, by the way. Never got around to sending out thank you cards... [Because the Crane nation attacked. Because Chilton left town with Raina. Because far ruder things happened than not sending out polite cards, damn it.] ...I gave her a necklace last Christmas myself.

[Except Will's gift hadn't been the same sort of dick move, of course it hadn't. But even so, Will doesn't growl this, doesn't tense, doesn't give off the air he's bringing it up to scold Chilton's pointed gift. It's just conversation, not threats, not displeasure. He sounds so far from displeased one might assume he found Chilton's present delightful instead of the opposite.]

[Chilton paused, turning his head to three quarters a profile, his eyes still on Edgeworth. He had anticipated success, of course, but how Edgeworth crumbled so precisely was remarkable to witness.]

Do you think that would begin to provide closure for you? An unofficial investigation?

[He remains silent for a moment, furrowing his brow as he thinks carefully over his answer]

...only if something can be done with my work. The issue with an unofficial investigation is that anything I find may be ignored, it not outright thrown out. It would be useless. If my investigation goes nowhere, then it's just another failure.

And what is that something you hope for? Is this to be a communal effort, Miles? [A beat.] How personal would you like to make this?

Because he kept you for some time.

[He remembers the conversation he had with Will, and how he had confessed that he wanted to see him pay. He wanted him crushed. He wanted him to suffer. However, it had been a fantasy, borne out of rage and helplessness. He has no desire to repeat it here. Edgeworth straightens up and opens his eyes, composing himself as he looks back at Chilton]

I want Jonathon Crane to face justice for what he's done to all of us. Nothing more, and nothing less.

A sentiment shared by many. But the individuals who form that majority opinion haven't all been submerged into Crane's... Treatment. Like you have.

As much as this is bait for me to implore that you "put me in my place", I'm curious to know your legitimate answer.

[Edgeworth glances away for a moment, and when he addresses Chilton, his voice takes a quieter tone]

No, I suppose not.

[But this softness lasts only for a moment, and he looks back at the doctor again. When he speaks, his voice is louder. Firmer.]

However, I had an interest in RISE long before Crane's treatment. It simply reminded me that I could no longer afford to simply stand by and observe. If I can do anything to protect the public from men like that, anything at all, then it's my obligation to do so.

You have committed firmly to redirecting conversation away from your traumatic experience.

[Commentary on both Edgeworth's tone and his contribution.]

Why the investment now? Not merely to RISE, but to Crane. Because you had seen what Crane was willing to do, on a mass scale? Or because you can no longer deny how his actions have impacted your life?

He is still on the lam, after all.

Edited 2015-09-12 05:48 (UTC)

Look, I am certainly with you on the Crane conversation. He has grown as trite as his usual monologues.

But you know as well as I do that guilt would latch onto your every waking thought, if something went wrong. And it only takes a second, doesn't it? Only a rogue moment.

I dunno. I guess I consider to a quippy, sassy friend, sure. I also consider you annoying, an asshole and a high class troll.

[He stiffens, drawing his lips tight, and he forces himself to take a deep breath. It would do no good to lose his composure now]

Are you asking why I wasn't invested in Crane prior to the swear-in, or why I didn't leap to join your organization as soon as I was released from the hospital?

No -- why did you succumb to that flicker of guilt just now? When I made mention of those scores of others who Crane put in the same position. His other patients.

[Because if reaction was anything to go by, that was highly significant. Chilton offered a tightly lipped smile -- the sort that keeps tension active.

And anticipatory facial expression.]

I am going to include that as testimony for prospective clients from now on.

I've already provided you with one winning testimony to your ad. You really do demand too much, Chilts. High maintenance. That's another one.

As if having standards and rational expectations is something of a negative? I think not.

[Chilton grinned once Toby chose the sedan. His spine straightened, and he leaned forward in his desk -- all the better to seem like that pervasive authoritarian force, wasn't it? All the better to seem involved.]

There isn't a precise formula, Toby, especially not for a preliminary. We will begin with you illustrating any specific concerns you have -- and, if nothing comes to mind, I'll question you. It's inquiry guidance, really, it is only foundational. That is when the real work begins.

[He offered an anesthetized smile, typically soothing when coupled with that soft voice of his. Deceptively gentle a tone, given how sharp his tongue could be.]

What is on your mind? You had reason for coming here.

Your expectations can go way beyond rational.

You say the sweetest things.

Here's something sweet for you: You're going to Balls Deep, loser, or I'll kick your ass.

[Tobias is normally particular about how people address him. Yet, he doesn't catch Chilton or make anything of it when the doctor calls him 'Toby', even though he once had corrected Abduxel to put distance between them. There's something about the atmosphere, the ambiance, that seems paradoxically calming and oppressive, but he can't quite grasp exactly what it is or why he feels this way. Still, he nods at Chilton's response and tries to push aside his anxiety.]

I did. Or, I do have reasons, still.

[A beat.]

I know I've mentioned the nightmares since this past swear-in, but it's more than that, and sometimes I don't know where to start, really. Except... that most of this is tied to my being a vampire, I think.

[Though he tries to school his expression, his self-loathing is writ clear on his face, and disgust and bitterness make his voice harsh and angry.]

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