[ic] cerevice inbox

[unionjackoff]

[there is a pause that has been recorded, unintentionally, followed by the sound of someone clearing his throat]

Uh. Hullo. This is Arthur Kirkland. Please leave a message. Or text. Or whatever...

[beep]

Comments

[prosecutory]

Yes.

...That's why I called.

[unionjackoff]

[England pinches the bridge of his nose, more frustrated with himself for not anticipating this turn of events. that was why Edgeworth said that CERES had played a game. with both of them, and who knew how many others!]

Right. Got it. [and then he realizes, that must also be how Edgeworth discovered his identity] ...So you said it had America in it. We have a rather lengthy history. I suppose.

[prosecutory]

The history of America and England as I know it is quite the yarn to begin with, in any case.

[unionjackoff]

[he finally runs his hand down his face. there is over 200 years worth of history between himself and America, and so many of those memories could either be awful or embarrassing. England fears that anyone with access to his full profile may... think less of him. normally, he would not care what a human thinks of him, but he respects Edgeworth.

after a brief moment of paranoia] What did you see?

[prosecutory]

[A brief pause.]

You didn't like being in Europe, but your demeanor changed when you were with America. You were...happier, and more relaxed. You left, and he couldn't bear to be parted from you...

[Almost like how I couldn't bear to be parted from my father...for good.]

But when you returned, he was older, and seemed more independent.

[unionjackoff]

[oh. that memory]

He grew up while I was away. The rugged terrain had made him stronger, and his people thrived even though they were ruled by a King from across the sea. It was... actually quite impressive, really, though I didn't think so at the time.

[prosecutory]

["He grew up while I was away."

That described how Edgeworth grew up, too. Accurately, even. He grew up, made bad choices, made better choices, shaped up, and got into his own share of trouble. And then, while at Death City, Gregory arrived and it was truly as if the younger Edgeworth had grown up while Gregory was simply away for a long time. Except that Gregory did not age past the day he died.

What could he say about that? England had every right to be proud of how far America has come...America may be, well, America, but he had come a long way from the little boy he was in England's memory.]

...Indeed. It is impressive, to see him grow and find his place in the world. [Almost literally, since he's a country. You know. Ha ha ha.]

[unionjackoff]

[sometimes England wished that America hadn't grown up so fast. alas, what was done, was done. and now the world was stuck with him the way he was. the realization causes England to scoff lightly]

Yes, well. He could stand to be a little more worldly. But I suppose that, too, will come in time. Did you see anything else?

[prosecutory]

[Most things do come in time. But anyway...what else...]

...You and America were talking about food. What defines "delicious" food, I suppose.

[unionjackoff]

Ah, yes. He grew up with the finest cuisine! I used to cook for him myself. [so proud........]

[prosecutory]

[Yes, England - or rather, Edgeworth, while he was in England's shoes - was so proud.]

I believe that's the gist of it.

[unionjackoff]

[he sits back, letting a large sigh escape through his nose. bringing up these memories were hard, on both accounts. England feels drained from their discussion]

I see... Thank you. For telling me. Out of all the people who could have swapped memories with me, I'm grateful I was given someone with tact.

[prosecutory]

You're welcome. I feel the same way; this sort of glitch can invite all sorts of trouble with certain people.

[Edgeworth wholeheartedly agrees. At least he could trust England to keep his mouth shut about the grittier details of the memory, and Edgeworth will extend the same courtesy to England.]

[unionjackoff]

It still shouldn't have happened. But. Could've been worse. [he crosses his arms, considering. stupid CERES, really. what if Edgeworth had been given a more private memory?!]

[prosecutory]

...Indeed. It could have been worse.

[Can't argue with that. England could have seen the actual incident that left Edgeworth fatherless. Or...one of Edgeworth's moments as the erstwhile Demon Prosecutor.]

[unionjackoff]

[a short pause. England is considering something else]

...Was there anything else you wished to discuss?

[prosecutory]

No, I believe this is all for now. I'll contact you should anything else come to mind.

[unionjackoff]

[a stiff nod, and he rubs his eyes. he's a bit tired again... perhaps because this discussion was so exhausting. all right, he's going to bite the bullet and ask what he was debating]

Sounds good to me... Though, before you go, I wanted to ask you if you would like to get together sometime this week... For tea?

[HOLDING HIS BREATH]

[prosecutory]

For tea?

[A pause.]

I would be honored.

[unionjackoff]

[OH BOY A REAL FRIENDSHIP OUTING. England lets out a sigh before a small smile tugs at his lips]

Wonderful. Are there any days in particular when you are available?

[prosecutory]

[FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC!!!]

Weekends would be preferred.

[unionjackoff]

All right. Then. See you this weekend. [FRIENDSHIP AND TEA. he's so happy!]

[prosecutory]

Likewise. [It would be an honor to have tea with you, good sir.]

[unionjackoff]

[wonderful] Goodbye for now. [when England hangs up, he sighs again, loudly this time. that was... difficult. awkward. but also intensely gratifying.

he feels they're a bit closer now. CR LEVEL UP]