[SCENE] [In between] The End
Iris: *It's late autumn of the year 2021, and the display of brilliant colours on the trees of Hazakura shrine are coming to an end. Iris rakes at the fallen leaves with a serene sort of diligence as the sun shines on her, making a slow descent down towards the horizon. The days are growing shorter, the tree branches are becoming bare, and winter is calmly approaching*
Wright: *trekking up the long path up to the mountain shrine is Phoenix Wright, looking as laid back and at ease as he usually appears to be these days. His eyes, however, drift across the beautiful autumn scenery without lingering on anything in particular; he isn't carrying a backpack or duffle bag, and his cell phone sits in his pocket, unused--he hadn't called in advance. He walks past the gates to the temple, heading towards the main doors*
Iris: *she doesn't hear him approach, but she spots him in the corner of her vision. She looks surprised -- he didn't say anything about coming here, after all -- and she simply stands there in her spot watching him, rake handle in hands*
Wright: *he spots her as well and comes to a short halt halfway across the path. He watches her quietly for a moment before continuing forward... and perhaps the first sign of something unusual is the absence of a smile on his face as he stops in front of her. There's no goofy, sappy grin--though that'd been missing from his features for a while now. There's also no relaxed, easy smile present, the new normal look for him... though when he speaks his voice is still warm and calm* Iris.
Iris: *puzzled, but pleased to see him* Hello... *smiles* What are you doing here...? I wasn't aware you were coming to visit.
Wright: I know-- I didn't call in advance. *glances off, adjusting the knitted hat on his head with a hand before looking back to her* I won't be staying long. I've got to report in at the Borscht by this evening, actually.
Iris: *senses something odd about all this, but he has been somewhat of a mystery in recent times -- harder and harder to read, even for her. She tilts her head* That isn't very long at all. Would you like to come in for some tea? If you'll go on ahead, I'll finish this up quickly...
Wright: *shakes his head* No, no. I'll just take a seat out here and wait for you to wrap up. *without waiting for an objection he starts heading off, towards a large stone bench nearby, located underneath the shade of a large maple tree. Crimson-colored leaves float down tranquilly as he takes a seat--his eyes drift from them, over to her*
Iris: *her gaze following him as he walks off* All right, Feenie... I won't take long. *resumes raking some of the remaining leaves into a pile. When she's gathered enough, she grabs them and begins to stuff them into a large, clear bag* I was just thinking about visiting you next weekend, actually.
Wright: Were you...? *smiles slightly, slouching forward to rest his elbows on his legs and his chin on his folded hands* It has been a while since you've come down to the city... Though I haven't been here in quite some time, too.
Iris: *puts the last handfuls of leaves in the bag and takes the ends to tie them* It has, hasn't it? Sister Bikini told me we're about due for another date. *looks towards him, smiling* She'll be very happy with you to know you came.
Wright: Mm. *reaches out to grab a falling leaf--surprisingly, his hand moves swiftly enough for him to be able to do so without any trouble* Our last date... Hmm. *twirls the stem in his fingers, seeming contemplative* It's been a while since we could just talk together like this. Or perhaps it's just me.
Iris: *after tying the bag, she dusts off her hands and moves towards the stone bench. She sits next to Phoenix, looking at the leaf in his hand* No, you're right... *looks up at him* I'll come down to the city as often as I can before snowfall.
Wright: *gives the leaf another twirl* Would you come if I wasn't there? ...Would you go to the city for other reasons, I mean.
Iris: If you weren't there? There is the occasional charity work, but...asides from those? No, I don't imagine I would. *still smiling* I would go wherever you are.
Wright: *lowers down his hand and looks to her--he seems solemn, again*
Iris: Feenie? *looking a bit concerned* Is something the matter...? *gently placing her hand on his*
Wright: *studies her features, a corner of his mouth finally tugging into another small smile. He turns his hand over and strokes the back of hers, his voice quiet* ...I don't think I've ever seen you this beautiful before, you know. With the sun in your hair like this, and the leaves all red and gold around you... you fit right in, here.
Iris: Thank you, Feenie... *resting her hand on his thigh as she flushes lightly, teasing* ...but you aren't answering my question.
Wright: Mm. You're right. *sits back, tilting his head back--his eyes fall half closed* I guess it's because I'm too comfortable here, like this... I don't want it to come to an end.
Iris: ...What do you mean? *studying his features, worried* Are you going somewhere...?
Wright: *shakes his head, meeting her eyes* I've been so comfortable that I've been putting it off... I've put it off for too long, Iris. Sorry. But I've thought for a while now that we shouldn't continue seeing each other.
Iris: *hesitates for a beat before responding, keeping composure but dismayed -- she's never been very good at hiding her feelings* Oh. ...Why?
Wright: *simply* It's not working out. *chuckles quietly* My fault, not yours..
Iris: *keeping her voice steady* ...Feenie, I know you haven't been feeling at ease with your situation. You've been so strong, never one to complain... But please, let me help. It's...the least I can do.
Wright: *takes her hand from his thigh, holding them lightly in his* It's not about helping, Iris. Rissie. I've changed, and... it hasn't been fair to you. *places her hand back in her own lap* Do you understand?
Iris: *lowers her head, looking at her hands as they clasp together nervously* You have changed. But my feelings for you haven't.
Wright: I know. *smiles a slight, pained smile, glancing off* ...but mine have.
Iris: I-I see. *glancing off as well, growing quiet* There's no helping that, I suppose...
Wright: You move on from this, alright? *takes her shoulders gently* You're too wonderful a person to be alone, or wasted on a guy like me.
Iris: *faces him again, tears beginning to form in her eyes* Please don't speak of yourself like that. You aren't ever a waste.
Wright: Hey. *gives her shoulders a light squeeze* Don't cry. Especially not for my sake.
Iris: *brings a hand to her face, wiping her eyes* Sorry. *the tears won't stop flowing, however, and she shamefully looks down to hide them* Ah...I'm so sorry.
Wright: *wipes at just underneath both her eyes with a finger--his voice sounds slightly strained, but he doesn't look or sound distraught aside from that* You don't have anything to apologise for. You never have... remember?
Iris: *nods slowly, keeping a hand to her face* It was a valuable lesson you taught me. But I can be so forgetful... *gives a small laugh*
Wright: *shifts and places an arm around her--but it's a light, brief hold, and no more than that* You'll have to remind yourself. ...And don't forget what I said about finding someone else. Someone good, who'll take care of you.
Iris: *leans into him, closing her eyes and being calmed by the touch. She's quiet for a moment* ...May I still visit sometimes?
Wright: Sure. Any time you want. *lets his eyes fall shut, giving her arm a gentle stroke before releasing her*
Iris: *opens her eyes and draws back, wiping her tears away again* I'm glad. You and Trucy are welcome here any time. ...I don't want to stop building memories with you.
Wright: *grins slightly* Right. I'll still call... we'll still be in touch. I still want to know how you're doing.
Iris: *smiles at him* I will, too. *pause* And...you'll move on, too.
Wright: Heh... well, I'm going to give it some time, I think. *shifts again, rubbing the back of his neck* I'll need a breather.
Iris: So do I. *her smile falters a bit* It...won't be a priority.
Wright: *leans back* You should make it one, eventually. I know how lonely it can get, up here on these mountains... *grins slightly* You should see if Armando is up for getting some coffee.
Iris: *looks out at the scenery, watching the leaves gently falling* I've grown up with only Bikini by my side for...most of my life. I never felt alone with her here. And...thanks to you, Feenie, I've met many new people I can talk to. *with resolve* You don't need to worry about me.
Wright: Heh... You're right. Alright. *is quiet for a moment, glancing off to look off into the distance as well*
Iris: ...What about you?
Wright: *distantly* Hmm? You know I'll be fine. I run into a lot more people on an everyday basis compared to you, after all.
Iris: But... *turns to face him again, concern in her voice* ...as you said, you've...changed.
Wright: *glances down, his grin unfaltering* ...If there's one thing that's changed about me, Iris, it's that I can take care of myself better than before. Don't worry about it.
Iris: *looking serious* Do you remember the talk we had last year? After the lunch with Mr. Gavin...
Wright: Yes. *turns to look at her* ...What about it?
Iris: I was wondering if you did. That was... the first time I voiced my concerns, wasn't it? *a bit sadly* I still stand by my words.
Wright: Believe me, I haven't forgotten. *compared to how relaxed he'd been a moment before, there's an alarmingly bitter--or perhaps remorseful?-- tone in his voice, and in his grave expression*
Iris: *brings a closed fist to her lips as she breaks eye contact -- the tears are threatening to show again* I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't dig up the past like that...especially when we should be thinking forward.
Wright: *a touch curtly, glancing towards the temple's gates* It's alright. I've thought about that day plenty of times, myself.
Iris: *says nothing in return, facing forwards and idly adjusting her gauntlet* ....
Wright: *finally, he tugs his cell phone out of his pocket, glancing at the rather dirty, scratched screen on it* ...I should get going.
Iris: ...All right. *turns to him solemnly* It was very nice of you to come.
Wright: *smiles slightly at that* I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer. *and... as hard as it is to tell with him... the way he meets her eyes, his words seem genuine*
Iris: *managing a smile* The fact that you came all the way up here says a lot about you, Feenie. That part of you won't ever change...I hope.
Wright: ...I'll try not to let it. *places his hands on the bench and pushes himself up, still looking to her*
Iris: *stands up as well* To tell the truth... I had a feeling this was coming. *glances down, ashamed* How negative of me, I know.
Wright: Did you...? *glances off, chuckling humorlessly* Since when?
Iris: I first felt it some months ago. *pause* I could sense a growing distance between us.
Wright: *straightens up, adjusting his hat* Maybe you realized before I did. *turns slightly--then glances back at her*
Iris: *folds her hands in front of her and looks at him with a soft, earnest expression* Please have a safe trip home.
Wright: Thanks. *places his hands back into his pockets* You take care too, alright?
Iris: *doesn't move from her spot* I will. Give my regards to Trucy.
Wright: *nods, stands there for a moment, then heads towards the front gates of the temple, hands still in his hoodie. Halfway across the grounds, he takes one hand out and, still walking on, glances at the small crimson leaf he'd slipped into his pocket. Studying it carefully, he leaves the shrine*
Iris: *watches him leave before she turns to pick up the rake to resume raking up the last pile of leaves, tears falling silently as she tries her best to focus on the task*
Wright: *trekking up the long path up to the mountain shrine is Phoenix Wright, looking as laid back and at ease as he usually appears to be these days. His eyes, however, drift across the beautiful autumn scenery without lingering on anything in particular; he isn't carrying a backpack or duffle bag, and his cell phone sits in his pocket, unused--he hadn't called in advance. He walks past the gates to the temple, heading towards the main doors*
Iris: *she doesn't hear him approach, but she spots him in the corner of her vision. She looks surprised -- he didn't say anything about coming here, after all -- and she simply stands there in her spot watching him, rake handle in hands*
Wright: *he spots her as well and comes to a short halt halfway across the path. He watches her quietly for a moment before continuing forward... and perhaps the first sign of something unusual is the absence of a smile on his face as he stops in front of her. There's no goofy, sappy grin--though that'd been missing from his features for a while now. There's also no relaxed, easy smile present, the new normal look for him... though when he speaks his voice is still warm and calm* Iris.
Iris: *puzzled, but pleased to see him* Hello... *smiles* What are you doing here...? I wasn't aware you were coming to visit.
Wright: I know-- I didn't call in advance. *glances off, adjusting the knitted hat on his head with a hand before looking back to her* I won't be staying long. I've got to report in at the Borscht by this evening, actually.
Iris: *senses something odd about all this, but he has been somewhat of a mystery in recent times -- harder and harder to read, even for her. She tilts her head* That isn't very long at all. Would you like to come in for some tea? If you'll go on ahead, I'll finish this up quickly...
Wright: *shakes his head* No, no. I'll just take a seat out here and wait for you to wrap up. *without waiting for an objection he starts heading off, towards a large stone bench nearby, located underneath the shade of a large maple tree. Crimson-colored leaves float down tranquilly as he takes a seat--his eyes drift from them, over to her*
Iris: *her gaze following him as he walks off* All right, Feenie... I won't take long. *resumes raking some of the remaining leaves into a pile. When she's gathered enough, she grabs them and begins to stuff them into a large, clear bag* I was just thinking about visiting you next weekend, actually.
Wright: Were you...? *smiles slightly, slouching forward to rest his elbows on his legs and his chin on his folded hands* It has been a while since you've come down to the city... Though I haven't been here in quite some time, too.
Iris: *puts the last handfuls of leaves in the bag and takes the ends to tie them* It has, hasn't it? Sister Bikini told me we're about due for another date. *looks towards him, smiling* She'll be very happy with you to know you came.
Wright: Mm. *reaches out to grab a falling leaf--surprisingly, his hand moves swiftly enough for him to be able to do so without any trouble* Our last date... Hmm. *twirls the stem in his fingers, seeming contemplative* It's been a while since we could just talk together like this. Or perhaps it's just me.
Iris: *after tying the bag, she dusts off her hands and moves towards the stone bench. She sits next to Phoenix, looking at the leaf in his hand* No, you're right... *looks up at him* I'll come down to the city as often as I can before snowfall.
Wright: *gives the leaf another twirl* Would you come if I wasn't there? ...Would you go to the city for other reasons, I mean.
Iris: If you weren't there? There is the occasional charity work, but...asides from those? No, I don't imagine I would. *still smiling* I would go wherever you are.
Wright: *lowers down his hand and looks to her--he seems solemn, again*
Iris: Feenie? *looking a bit concerned* Is something the matter...? *gently placing her hand on his*
Wright: *studies her features, a corner of his mouth finally tugging into another small smile. He turns his hand over and strokes the back of hers, his voice quiet* ...I don't think I've ever seen you this beautiful before, you know. With the sun in your hair like this, and the leaves all red and gold around you... you fit right in, here.
Iris: Thank you, Feenie... *resting her hand on his thigh as she flushes lightly, teasing* ...but you aren't answering my question.
Wright: Mm. You're right. *sits back, tilting his head back--his eyes fall half closed* I guess it's because I'm too comfortable here, like this... I don't want it to come to an end.
Iris: ...What do you mean? *studying his features, worried* Are you going somewhere...?
Wright: *shakes his head, meeting her eyes* I've been so comfortable that I've been putting it off... I've put it off for too long, Iris. Sorry. But I've thought for a while now that we shouldn't continue seeing each other.
Iris: *hesitates for a beat before responding, keeping composure but dismayed -- she's never been very good at hiding her feelings* Oh. ...Why?
Wright: *simply* It's not working out. *chuckles quietly* My fault, not yours..
Iris: *keeping her voice steady* ...Feenie, I know you haven't been feeling at ease with your situation. You've been so strong, never one to complain... But please, let me help. It's...the least I can do.
Wright: *takes her hand from his thigh, holding them lightly in his* It's not about helping, Iris. Rissie. I've changed, and... it hasn't been fair to you. *places her hand back in her own lap* Do you understand?
Iris: *lowers her head, looking at her hands as they clasp together nervously* You have changed. But my feelings for you haven't.
Wright: I know. *smiles a slight, pained smile, glancing off* ...but mine have.
Iris: I-I see. *glancing off as well, growing quiet* There's no helping that, I suppose...
Wright: You move on from this, alright? *takes her shoulders gently* You're too wonderful a person to be alone, or wasted on a guy like me.
Iris: *faces him again, tears beginning to form in her eyes* Please don't speak of yourself like that. You aren't ever a waste.
Wright: Hey. *gives her shoulders a light squeeze* Don't cry. Especially not for my sake.
Iris: *brings a hand to her face, wiping her eyes* Sorry. *the tears won't stop flowing, however, and she shamefully looks down to hide them* Ah...I'm so sorry.
Wright: *wipes at just underneath both her eyes with a finger--his voice sounds slightly strained, but he doesn't look or sound distraught aside from that* You don't have anything to apologise for. You never have... remember?
Iris: *nods slowly, keeping a hand to her face* It was a valuable lesson you taught me. But I can be so forgetful... *gives a small laugh*
Wright: *shifts and places an arm around her--but it's a light, brief hold, and no more than that* You'll have to remind yourself. ...And don't forget what I said about finding someone else. Someone good, who'll take care of you.
Iris: *leans into him, closing her eyes and being calmed by the touch. She's quiet for a moment* ...May I still visit sometimes?
Wright: Sure. Any time you want. *lets his eyes fall shut, giving her arm a gentle stroke before releasing her*
Iris: *opens her eyes and draws back, wiping her tears away again* I'm glad. You and Trucy are welcome here any time. ...I don't want to stop building memories with you.
Wright: *grins slightly* Right. I'll still call... we'll still be in touch. I still want to know how you're doing.
Iris: *smiles at him* I will, too. *pause* And...you'll move on, too.
Wright: Heh... well, I'm going to give it some time, I think. *shifts again, rubbing the back of his neck* I'll need a breather.
Iris: So do I. *her smile falters a bit* It...won't be a priority.
Wright: *leans back* You should make it one, eventually. I know how lonely it can get, up here on these mountains... *grins slightly* You should see if Armando is up for getting some coffee.
Iris: *looks out at the scenery, watching the leaves gently falling* I've grown up with only Bikini by my side for...most of my life. I never felt alone with her here. And...thanks to you, Feenie, I've met many new people I can talk to. *with resolve* You don't need to worry about me.
Wright: Heh... You're right. Alright. *is quiet for a moment, glancing off to look off into the distance as well*
Iris: ...What about you?
Wright: *distantly* Hmm? You know I'll be fine. I run into a lot more people on an everyday basis compared to you, after all.
Iris: But... *turns to face him again, concern in her voice* ...as you said, you've...changed.
Wright: *glances down, his grin unfaltering* ...If there's one thing that's changed about me, Iris, it's that I can take care of myself better than before. Don't worry about it.
Iris: *looking serious* Do you remember the talk we had last year? After the lunch with Mr. Gavin...
Wright: Yes. *turns to look at her* ...What about it?
Iris: I was wondering if you did. That was... the first time I voiced my concerns, wasn't it? *a bit sadly* I still stand by my words.
Wright: Believe me, I haven't forgotten. *compared to how relaxed he'd been a moment before, there's an alarmingly bitter--or perhaps remorseful?-- tone in his voice, and in his grave expression*
Iris: *brings a closed fist to her lips as she breaks eye contact -- the tears are threatening to show again* I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't dig up the past like that...especially when we should be thinking forward.
Wright: *a touch curtly, glancing towards the temple's gates* It's alright. I've thought about that day plenty of times, myself.
Iris: *says nothing in return, facing forwards and idly adjusting her gauntlet* ....
Wright: *finally, he tugs his cell phone out of his pocket, glancing at the rather dirty, scratched screen on it* ...I should get going.
Iris: ...All right. *turns to him solemnly* It was very nice of you to come.
Wright: *smiles slightly at that* I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer. *and... as hard as it is to tell with him... the way he meets her eyes, his words seem genuine*
Iris: *managing a smile* The fact that you came all the way up here says a lot about you, Feenie. That part of you won't ever change...I hope.
Wright: ...I'll try not to let it. *places his hands on the bench and pushes himself up, still looking to her*
Iris: *stands up as well* To tell the truth... I had a feeling this was coming. *glances down, ashamed* How negative of me, I know.
Wright: Did you...? *glances off, chuckling humorlessly* Since when?
Iris: I first felt it some months ago. *pause* I could sense a growing distance between us.
Wright: *straightens up, adjusting his hat* Maybe you realized before I did. *turns slightly--then glances back at her*
Iris: *folds her hands in front of her and looks at him with a soft, earnest expression* Please have a safe trip home.
Wright: Thanks. *places his hands back into his pockets* You take care too, alright?
Iris: *doesn't move from her spot* I will. Give my regards to Trucy.
Wright: *nods, stands there for a moment, then heads towards the front gates of the temple, hands still in his hoodie. Halfway across the grounds, he takes one hand out and, still walking on, glances at the small crimson leaf he'd slipped into his pocket. Studying it carefully, he leaves the shrine*
Iris: *watches him leave before she turns to pick up the rake to resume raking up the last pile of leaves, tears falling silently as she tries her best to focus on the task*