Camping Is Not His Strong Suit

[objectionattorney]

Who: Phoenix Wright (objectionattorney) & Miles Edgeworth (milesedgelord)
What: In helping out the newest group of refugees Phoenix and Miles simply try to survive the trip.
When: 4/9
Where: Along the Roads near the South Outpost
Warning(s): All Sweet SOL Here!



Continued from here!

... EH. Is that what the problem is?

[Phoenix could not help but drop the flint immediately with the realization. Slumping back onto his rear before sighing out and rubbing at his sinuses with exasperation.]

I just picked it up from the last wooded area we passed. Since the sun would be setting soon and all that. Wouldn't that mean any wood we find at this point would be drenched? What do we do?

[Obviously he was lacking in camping experience.]

Think we should ask around at other camps and see what they have?

Comments

[milesedgelord]

[Miles moved down to a crouch to inspect the wood more closely, his fingers brushing against it.]

Yes, its damp still. I don't know if it would be drenched, per se, but I'm afraid a lot of it would be damp at least. Hm...

[His brows furrowed together as he tried to logic it out. It was still light enough to make a try to find some dry brush in time, but it would still take a while to start the fire and it was best to do that before dark. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the brooch that he was given for being a hostage. He led it up to Phoenix.]

Perhaps this would have some clout in our requests. I noticed people seem to treat me differently if I wear it. Do you have any loaves of bread that you had made? We may need to barter for something if we decide to ask someone for kindling.

Or we can see if we can try and find some ourselves, either way it will get cold soon, so we have to make a decision now.

[objectionattorney]

I should still have a bit left. I think I over-packed a little actually. Didn't expect there would be so many people around offering supplies and goods to people openly around these parts.

[But alas, there certainly were quite a few groups of people out here traveling with the new refugee's weren't there? People with tents and stalls and stages to advertise with. It felt more like they were at a festival than simply showing up to pick up some newly awakened comrades.]

I guess you're kind of regarded as a hero now huh?

How does it feel?

[milesedgelord]

Perfect, we can see what we can barter in that case. Yes, it is certainly a change from the last time.

[He dusted off the dirt from his jeans as he stood up, pinning the brooch to his shirt.]

Honestly? Strange. I didn't do anything to deserve this trinket other than to survive. It feels a bit like a trophy I hadn't earned. You know I hate being in the limelight. The attention is absolutely foolish.

The ones who rescued us were the true heroes.

[objectionattorney]

Yeah, I can understand that. It's sort of like a "feel better soon" present than anything else. No one wants to be recognized for being a victim.

[He sighed. Gathering his supplies up again but leaving the useless wood he gathered on the ground. Instead pulling his bag up with a heavy groan before reaching down to pick up his bike.]

Which is why I say we start leaving some real tracks on this new home of ours. I don't know about you, but I've been feeling pretty useless these days just being dragged through the motions of everything happening around us. I want to actually try doing something to change it.

[A new positive mindset right? It's why the both of them have decided to come out here after all.]

[milesedgelord]

Basically. It is as if we gave all the victims in LA a medal for facing violence.

[Miles did what he could do to help, gather supplies. Pess seemed comfortable in his backpack and was sleeping currently.]

I feel the same way. I want to do everything in my power to make certain no one else suffers what we did in there again. I want to start making changes, both in society and see if I can become physically stronger as well. A friend of mine from back there is starting some sort of close combat training program. I'm taking him up on his offer.

[He looked at Phoenix, with an intense stare.]

I refuse to be victimized again.

[objectionattorney]

Combat training really?

[He did his best to imagine Miles taking up some sort of professional form of fighting. And, surprisingly, he could picture it. Perhaps it was because of that intense look he was giving?]

Well, if you say so, just promise me you won't end up landing yourself in more trouble , all right?

[Should he try taking up such a thing himself? With how he was physically he doubted he'd accomplish much.]

So, what do you say? Should we check out the people who are setting up the stables over there?

[milesedgelord]

Really. It's mainly underground among Refugees, but I don't know Phoenix. I feel like I have this burning rage in me after what happened, over everything and I just need to let it out.

A few hours with a punching bag sounds like a good solution. And I promise I'll do my best to keep my nose clean.

[He shook his head, giving his friend a small smile.]

Alright. They already look like they have a decent fire going. Let's flash this medal like you flash your attorney's badge.

[objectionattorney]

Well, in the end, that's what matters I think. You have to do what's good for you. And if that means you getting all aggressive with your fists I'm okay with it.

Although, be sure to let me see your first match if you ever decide to go against someone, all right? I can't not watch that.

[With that he smirked a bit. He was not really much for using violence to achieve any means, but if it was what Miles needed to overcome this, he simply could not deny the will of his best friend.

And so he continued to walk up to the stall, doing his best to put on his friendly face as he waved to the woman who seemed to be setting up her wares.]

Hi there! We were just close behind and I couldn't help but notice you guys have quite a bit of supplies stored! Unfortunately, the wood we collected is still damp from the weird weather we've been having and I was wondering if there were any possible way you would be willing to lend us a log or two?

[He seemed to have a bit of a swagger in his step as he walked up, smirking confidently as he leaned onto the counter.

The woman though simply stared at him blankly. An emotionless expression overcoming her as her gaze first went from Phoenix, to Miles, and back to Phoenix again.]

... Oh? What's in it for me?

[milesedgelord]

[He shook his head, smiling slightly. It was mostly an outlet after all, in his line of work he mainly knew of self defensive procedures but with his most recent experiences, he wanted to be better prepared. Moving forward in one direction was far better than not moving at all.]

Meaning that you wish to watch me get my ass handed to me, is that correct? Supportive as always.

[When the woman questioned them, he leaned forward a bit against the counter. Unknowingly he has turned on his charm stat.]

We can offer you some of Phoenix's homemade loaves of bread in exchange for the logs. He has a knack for it. Or we can offer some assistance in heavy labor as well.

Won't you help us?

[objectionattorney]

[Almost immediately as Miles approached the stall did the woman's disposition change. Her eyes widening a little and a small blush coming to her cheeks upon hearing the offer to help.]

Oh!

[She stalled, seeing to take a second to eye them both up and down before continuing.]

Is his bread really that good?

[Meanwhile, Phoenix is standing there on the sidelines, an eyebrow perked as he watched the whole conversation dubiously.]

Oh boy...

[milesedgelord]

He has a knack for making it, and I for one really do love it, It goes really good with some soft cheese and tea. However, if you feel that it isn't a fair trade, we are open to negotiating any other services we may provide.

[Unintentionally, he leaned forward slightly, raising his head up to meet the shopkeep's eye through thick eyelashes.]

It'll get dark soon and My friend and I wish to be ready for the new refugees before then.

Please?

[objectionattorney]

Food and services...

[She was still blushing, seeming a little dazed as she thought it over.

And then, upon realizing how enamored with the thought she was, immediately shook herself out of her daze, only to clear her thoughts and put on a stern demeanor.]

Very well. I shall take your offer into consideration.

Although, if you help us finish up with this stall I will top off your offer with a serving of dried meats that our family had prepared before our travels.

[Meanwhile Phoenix continues to stare. First at him, and then at her, and then back at him again.

Just... Just what was going on between them right now?]

[milesedgelord]

Thank you so much for your help. We are both grateful and would be happy to assist you in setting up your shop.

[And with that he set his backpack gently on the floor and took off his coat, rolling up his sleeves to reveal well-muscled forearms. He gave a small nod towards Phoenix and motioned him to come over.]

Where should we start?

[objectionattorney]

[Miles... Enough. If you do this any more she's going to end up swooning over on the spot.

No wonder you had a Fan-club back home.]

O-Oh... Um. I suppose if you could perhaps help with unpacking the supplies? We have a few boxes around back.

[Yep, she was smitten. Her cheeks red and her eyes fixated on the powerful girth of Miles's arms as he rolled up his sleeves.

Phoenix, on the other hand, had never felt so intimidated by his masculinity. His expression blank as he continued to deadpan stare this whole thing out.]

[milesedgelord]

Alright.

[He allowed himself and his friend to be led to where’re the stack of wooden boxes were, He took stock of them momentarily before speaking up. With a small grunt he lifted up the first one, it had been some time since he had to do anything too labor intensive but he managed. They were certainly heavier than they looked.]

Phoenix, Your back is still bad correct? I can carry them and if you wish to unpack them, we can make short time of it that way without hurting you too much.

[objectionattorney]

[Jeez Miles, you beast. How could you just go around catering to this woman's wants so easily? They didn't need wood that badly, did they? Or was it perhaps that Miles was just that oblivious to how much of a deal she was getting out of this?

Regardless, Phoenix continued to carry that same unamused expression upon his face as Miles offered to take the brunt of the task onto himself.]

You really don't need to push yourself like that for my sake. You really sure you're going to be okay with taking on all the lifting like this?

[Please don't strain your back in hopes to save him. Getting hurt at his expanse really wasn't worth it.]

[milesedgelord]

It should be fine as long as I take short breaks in between. Besides, you have pushed yourself fairly hard cycling all the way here. I can certainly carry a few boxes without too much difficulty.

[Miles carefully moved the box to the front shop area and set it down. It felt good to exercise again after so long. Especially with how useless he had been feeling lately. He moved onto the second box. By the fifth, his shirt clung to his chest, drenched in a sheen of sweat. He sat down against one of them, catching his breath. With a grunt he pulled off his shirt, to keep from overheating and took a sip from his water flask.

He was blissfully unaware of his effect on others and sat in his shirtless, muscled glory. He had finally begun to fill out again after his ordeal, and thanks to the training he had been undertaking, he certainly looked better than he did.]

[objectionattorney]

I mean... I'm fine with biking usually...

[Although he has been doing it a lot more than usual these days. And this trip was a little more grueling than most as he was literally doing a cross-country bike-a-thon.

Why did he think that was a good idea again?

Despite his complaints though, Phoenix pulled his weight. Casually going over to the counter to request a crowbar from the girl and slowly beginning to take apart a few of the boxes Miles set over. At least, that was until Miles took an unexpected break and, in turn, removed his shirt.]

Oh wow...

[Phoenix was moderately startled to hear the other voice speak up from behind him. Turning only to see the young shop-girl staring on with a playful smirk a slight blush.

Not that he could blame her... Miles like this was a sight that even took him by surprise. But still... Did she have to stare at him that hungrily?]

U-um Miles! Do you want a glass of water of... um... something?

[Don't let it bother you Phoenix. Don't let it bother you.]

[milesedgelord]

[His silver bangs stuck to his face, and his water flask was empty soon enough. He had certainly worked up a sweat, hadn't he? He was probably going to have to find a stream or something to wash down in soon.]

Hmmm? Yes, please. Water would be very much appreciated. I haven't realized how dehydrated I was.

[He fanned himself with a hand in an effort to cool himself down.]

[objectionattorney]

A-ahum! H-here!

[Reaching out Phoenix gave his own water bottle over to Miles. His eyes closed and his cheeks slightly red as he looked down at his own feet. He couldn't quite understand why but he felt kind of embarrassed looking at Miles.]

You shouldn't overwork yourself for something like firewood. I mean, I know you're the type of person to put your all into something you set your mind to, but please at least remember to take breaks.

[Meanwhile the young girl who remained some distance behind Phoenix seemed a little peeved. Visually huffing out a little and rolling her eyes at the whole ordeal.]

I'm also supplying both of you with food and more water you know...