Just Like the Good Ol' Days

Like Old Times

It was impossible to say no to Larry Butz. If the matter were serious enough, then sure, but it was a rare exception. Larry just had a way about him that guilted you into doing whatever he asked. Which was why Edgeworth found himself stuck in the middle of the couch, sandwiched between his friends as a cheap horror movie played on tv.

Larry had been nagging both himself and Wright about "getting the gang back together" and having a sleepover like they used to. At first he thought it was a joke. What were three grown men supposed to even do at a sleepover? Apparently watch movies he'd never bothered to see and eat more junk food than God intended. He couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun.

They ended up lost in conversation, reminiscing on days of old when things were more simple and life felt easy.

Or at least, that's how it all had started. Miles was currently trying his hardest to pay attention to the movie and ignore the tickle fight happening right next to him.

Larry was always a stubborn one. As soon as Phoenix stood to go to the bathroom, Larry stretched his legs out in his previous seat. When the lawyer returned, he'd refused to move, claiming there was "enough room" on the edge of the cushion. There decidedly was not enough room.

Phoenix sat down on his outstretched legs, immediately scribbling his fingers over the trapped soles. Larry thrashed about and screamed in laughter, all to no avail.

Edgeworth sat on the other end of the couch, stiff as a board as he tried his hardest to ignore the playful tussle happening next to him. He stared intently at the screen, silently wishing they made horse blinders for people.

"E-Edgehehehey! Hehehelp a guy out!" Larry cried, breaking him out of his trance. He flinched and glanced over. Phoenix had his legs in a headlock, scribbling relentlessly over his socked soles. He met Edgeworth's gaze and smiled brightly.

"Yeah, help me make him move!"

"NO DON'T!"

Edgeworth was frozen like a deer caught in headlights.

"If it's all the same to you, I'd like to watch the movie."

Phoenix stilled his hand, a small frown tugging his lips downward. Miles was back to staring at the screen as Phoenix and Larry shared a look. Maybe if he hadn't been so focused on tuning them out, he would've noticed the shift in targets.

As it was, he didn't notice until it was too late and his back met the couch cushions.

"What are-" he tried to speak but clamped his mouth shut before an embarrassingly high pitched giggle slipped out. His friends had wasted no time as their hands sought out his most sensitive spots. Their memories seemed to serve them well.

"Oh c'mon Edgey! I know you wanna laugh!"
Larry called out, scribbling against the backs of his knees. Miles snorted and kicked out futilely.

"You know we know all your worst spots!" Phoenix added, wrestling his arms above his head and digging in his exposed pit with his free hand. The damn was now cracked, and a flood of laughter poured out.

It was stupid and childish, and completely unbearable, but on the other hand, it felt good to laugh with them again. Just like old times.