#also marvel verse phoenix is a mutant w the ability of empathy; insight; and lie detection BUT ALSO

[natorika]

' mister howlett -- '

though far from the first mutant to be administered the grace of phoenix's exemplary defense skills, wright quickly gleans he's the last that irritating will earn resolution from. his temper is as testy as his stature is dense and short, and though phoenix is not defenseless, he's frankly disinterested in testing the limitations of his patience. for now, a light hand and careful navigation of his repertoire would have to suffice; his foot would only come down if logan demanded it of him as the result of his own cooperation, or lack thereof.

phoenix's hand grazes the sheaf of evidence, paperwork and photos and lab results. though he cannot scent aroma on the air the way the wolverine can, he can innately feel the presence of half-truths, an empathetic draw that went beyond the tenure of an attorney.

his power of insight told him logan wasn't being wholeheartedly honest with him. that impeded his ability to defend.

' i need you to be upfront with me, sir. ' he meets howlett's gaze, seemingly undaunted by the animal glare he held just behind his sturdy look. ' i'm your lawyer, not your enemy. i want to prove your innocence.. but i can't do that if you aren't working with me. i'm not gonna sit here and feed you legal jargon or sugar-coated half truths. it's a very real possibility that this crime sticks if we can't walk through it together. right? your DNA was at the scene. so lets start over. i believe you when you say you weren't at the crime scene at the time of the murder. but i don't believe you when you say you don't know the victim. why lie? '

@snkts