#aass2016

“It’s an emergency Datz I wouldn’t force you if I had any other options but I have to go. Besides they’re only children I’m sure you can handle it.” Dhurke was using his leader voice which meant that no was no longer an option.

“Fine I’ll watch them. But I won’t like it.” Datz said in a resigned tone.

Dhurke laughed and smiled. “That’s what I wanted to hear.” Which is how Datz found himself deep in the mountains in the dead of winter babysitting.

“Sooo…. Do you kids like… sewer lizards?”

Apollo and Nahyuta both turned to each other and stared silently for long enough that it became mildly concerning. After coming to some kind of conclusion through their silent interaction Apollo turned to Datz and spoke. “Not really.”

“Oh.” The night went on in that fashion. It wasn’t bad per say, the kids did listen to him, and there weren’t any big fusses. But he and the kids just weren’t connecting. It was almost disheartening, how could he expect to topple the Ga’ran regime if he couldn’t even get on the good side of a couple of toddlers.

“When is father coming home?” Nahyuta asked after getting frustrated with a set of blocks that weren’t stacking.

Datz smiled apologetically. “It’s still gonna be a little while Yuty.”

“I’m hungry!” Apollo piped in at an impressive volume from his spot on the floor with a ball.

“Well I can whip up something if I put my mind to it.” Datz said.

The boys were both on their feet before he could finish his sentence. “No lizards!” they yelled in unison.

“No lizards I promise, cross my heart.” And as he was saying that an idea came to him that would finally give him the in he was looking for with the kids. “But… if you wanna keep an eye on me to make sure I keep my promise, I could use some assistants.”

Just like that he had them hook line and sinker they’re eyes lit up like firecrackers at the word assistants and they were waiting for him in the kitchen before he even had a chance to move.

“Come on Datz.” Apollo called balance precariously on top of a stool so he could reach the counter top. And right behind him Nahyuta was pushing a second stool into place.

Datz grinned and walked over to join them. “Alright let’s get to work.”

So as it turns out making a respectable dinner is pretty easy, and watching two kids is still not that difficult. But watching two kids make a respectable dinner sat firmly on the wrong side of impossible. “Gently Apollo you have to mix it gently, we want it to stay in the bowl don’t we? And Nahyuta please just wait for me to come over there and do the cutting you’ll hurt yourself.”

The kitchen had quickly become a disaster zone, as it turned out Dhurke had never let the children into the kitchen before and perhaps it was for good reason. Apollo was all over the place and Nahyuta seemed to be eternally two steps ahead of what he was supposed to be doing. If they got out of this with something edible let alone good it would be a miracle.

But with a little quick thinking on Datz parts and some fairly innovative ideas from the boys they were able to pull together a meal after all. What had started out as fish filets and a rice based side dish had turned into more of a stew situation. But any chef worth their salt knew that all the best dishes started out as mistakes.

“Are you a dragon like father is?” Nahyuta asked.

Datz was slightly taken aback by the question but it seemed innocent enough. “Uh, yeah I guess so.”

“Have you ever hunted wild boar before?” Apollo asked.

“Once or twice.” Another simple if random question, which immediately set of rapid fire inquiries.

“Do you know how to fish?”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever seen a bear?”

“Once or twice.”

“Do you have any kids?”

“Well, no.”

“Are you married?”

“No.”

“Do you-“

Before the boys could get another volley of questions out at him Datz interrupted. “Whoa whoa what’s with the interrogation?”

“Well…. You’re the only defiant dragon father ever lets us meet.” Nahyuta said.

“Yeah.” Apollo chimed in. “Other than you and dad no one else really comes up here.”

“Wait really.” Datz was surprised to say the least. “No one else ever comes up here? Not even any other kids?”

“Nope.” Apollo stated mater of factly. “It’s just me and Nahyuta, and Dhurke… and you sometimes.”

“Well sorry but I don’t know anyone I could bring up here with me.” Datz had never really considered what the rebel life might be like for the kids. Letting them play with any of the children from town wasn’t really an option not when Ga’ran had eyes everywhere.

“That’s okay, we’re not lonely.” Apollo said. “But it’s kinda boring sometimes.”

“Yeah and father is really busy too.” Nahyuta added.

“If that’s all it is then I know a thing or two about combating boredom.” Datz smirked and did a kitchen table friendly version of one of his signature poses. “I could come up here a little more often and play with you.”

“Really, you can?” Apollo grinned and stuck out his pinky. “You have to promise okay, pinky swear.”

“Alright alright, I promise I’ll come see you as often as I can.” Datz reached out and briefly linked his pinky with the young boy.

“You promised so you have to okay.” Apollo said.

Apollo doesn’t hide that he misses the Wright Anything Agency, but he doesn’t know how much he does until he is back in the states for two weeks for the holidays.

The office is still the same as always in its organized mess. There are new magic props lying by the bookshelf. Charley remains healthy and green – and he never is certain just how old this potted plant is, but he happily waters it when he first drops by. Trucy had put up the usual decorations for the season: Christmas lights hung across the ceiling, and garland and stockings draped on the front desk. As tradition goes, she and Phoenix brings out the lackluster, garish blue aluminum tree. Ornaments from over the years, most of them handcrafted by Trucy in school and by the members during their free time, decorated it.

And for once, December is a peaceful month, free of affairs for the agency. He knows because Mr. Wright is calm and in a good mood. Apollo even checks the calendar and sees that it is remarkably light. Athena walks in from the kitchenette.

“Wow, Apollo, you’re looking at it and your eyes are bugging like this is something foreign to you.”

“In a way, yeah,” he says, laughing. “Things have been busy non-stop ever since I agreed to stay in Khura’in and work with Nahyuta. I just about forgot what it’s like to barely have any clients or cases to work on over here.”

“It has been boring, I have to admit.”

“Wanna trade places?”

“No thanks.” She grimaces. “Doing my part to revolutionize the court system here is enough on my plate. Besides, it’s nice to be free from assisting Trucy in her magic shows.”

“I still have nightmares!” Widget blurts.

Behind the front desk, Phoenix chuckles. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ve talked to her about taming down her assistant tricks.”

“About time, Boss.”

Poor Athena. She may have the best endurance out of them all, but she had been less equipped than Apollo to endure all the dare-defying stunts and tricks Trucy demands in her assistant. (“All for extra cash :( :( :(,” Athena had explained in an email to Apollo).

Trucy arrives at the office then. She drops her schoolbag and yawns loudly, rubbing her eyes. However, as soon as she spots Apollo, she perks up and runs over to tackle him into her famous bear hugs.

“Polly! Welcome back!”

“Hey Trucy,” he greets back cheerfully. “How’s it going?”

“Finally done with finals. Thank god it’s winter break.”

“Congrats! I remember first semester of senior year was gruesome.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Trucy plops down on the couch and pulls a pillow under her head. “I was already waiting for it to be over when I had to do college applications.”

“And you know it was wise for you to take a break from show biz to focus on them,” Phoenix says.

“Daddy, Polly, enough talk about this. My break has officially started.”

She rolls over onto her stomach and picks up the remote, turning on the TV. “I wonder what movie is on.”

“Ooooh, a holiday movie sounds like a good idea,” Athena says. She beelines to the couch, and helps herself to move Trucy upright so she is no longer hogging all the space to herself. “Apollo, bring out the usual thick blanket.”

“Really?” He sorts through the ever-growing pile of things they keep around for use in the office for the times they wind down. “I did not realize it was that cold here.”

“Course it is,” Athena whines. “Anything below mid 60s is freezing.”

“I’ll have you know we can manage to keep the heater running,” Phoenix deadpans.

Apollo shakes his head. “Man, it’s so nice and toasty coming back here, compared to the frosty winds from the mountains back in the kingdom.”

The three settle down on the couch while Phoenix brings over his office chair to watch with them. Trucy eventually settles on a channel that is about to air the Moozilla Christmas special movie. The new protagonist along with the loyal Moozilla must save the day – and Christmas – along with the guidance of the previous hero, played by 22 years old actor and series veteran John Marsh.

“Almost ten years later and Global Studios is still milking out money on this franchise?”

“Daddy, don’t act surprised. You know they still put out Steel Samurai and Pink Princess series. It’s all smart business moves.”

Phoenix sighs in exaggeration. “Yes, I know, Miss Future Business Major. And to think that Edgeworth got involved in a case where the first movie’s film location happened to be a scene of the crime…”

“Ay dios mios, how does murder get tied up with everything in LA?”

“Oh Athena, it just is the way the city has been since the 2010’s,” Phoenix says.

“Less talk of real life crimes, more focus on movie or other fun-filled topics.” While Trucy is sandwiched between Apollo and Athena in their bundled state, with her mocked-stern tone, she may as well have her hands on her hips and giving her disapproved glare.

“Even when it’s a lazy day at the agency,” Apollo starts.

“We still passionately talk about criminal law,” Athena finishes. “But sure, let’s cut it down.”

Trucy sticks out her tongue, but nevertheless, she pulls in Apollo and Athena for a tighter group hug.

For most of the movie, they watch in silence. Well, as much as they can, since Phoenix is the type of person who just cannot shut up whenever he is watching something on TV, pointing out something that seems absurd. He, as always, chalk it up to his inner-acting side, given that drama was his hobby back when he was in school.

Two hours later, after the movie finishes, Trucy and Athena call for a stretch break. As it is now past five, Phoenix decides to call it a day, and suggest they go out to dinner. With Apollo’s back in the area since mid-May, he is given the choice to decide where they will go.

Athena sighed. Her boss had never been a holiday sort of guy, which baffled her. At least Apollo had an excuse, growing up in a foreign country.

Someone started knocking on the door. “Is that a client?!” Athena exclaimed. She swung open the door.

Blackquill shielded his eyes. “Incorrect, Cykes-dono.”

Athena groaned. “All right, Scrooge. Go ahead and come in. You’re in good company; the grinch is right over there.”

Phoenix waved.

“Are you trying to blind your clients?”

“No! We’re just a beacon of light for those who need a Christmas miracle!”

“I’d advise leaving a pair of sunglasses at the door,” Blackquill grumbled.

“Oh, bah humbug. What are you here for, if you aren’t a client?”

“I came to ask Wright-dono for a bit of advice.”

“Advice?” Phoenix asked, standing up from the couch. “What kind?”

“We’re doing a gift exchange at the Prosecutor’s Office, and I drew Edgeworth-dono’s name.”

“Good luck with that one,” Phoenix chuckled. “I never know what to get him.”

“But boss! You’re dating,” Athena pointed out.

“I know, that makes it even harder. I can’t even buy him a bottle of wine and call it a day anymore,” he complained.

“So have I come to the wrong place?” Blackquill asked.

“No. I’m your best bet for an Edgeworth research database. And I won’t whip you like other Edgeworth scholars I know.” He winced.

“Then what would you suggest?” Blackquill fiddled with the feather in his mouth.

He thought for a moment. “Tea is always a safe bet with him. So is anything he can spoil Pess with.”

“Pess?”

“His dog. Oh, and he loves the Steel Samurai too-”

“That kid’s show Maya likes?” Athena’s jaw dropped.

“Yeah, that’s the one. Everyone likes to feel like a kid sometimes, though he’ll tell you he watches it for the intricate relationships between the characters and the beautifully laid-out plot.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t recommend buying anything that suggests you know he likes the Steel Samurai, though. They’re coming out with a new movie, so you could get him a gift card for a movie theater.”

“This has been quite informative.” Simon nodded. “I suppose I’ll be taking my leave, then. Thank you for your assistance, Wright-dono.”

“Already?”

“I don’t have time for idle chatter. I’m only allotted one lunch break.”

“Aww, fine. Merry Christmas!” Athena considered hugging him, but she figured she would stop while she was ahead.

“Merry Christmas to you, too.” Blackquill closed the door.

“He actually wished me a Merry Christmas!” Athena whispered, eyes glittering.

Phoenix snickered. “Well, I guess it’s back to work, then.”

“Wait! Boss, what are you getting him?” Athena pried. This was too interesting to pass up, especially when toilet cleaning was probably the alternative.

Phoenix grinned. “You have to keep a secret.”

“Boss, you know I can keep a secret!” Athena pouted.

“Oh, just like you kept Trucy’s birthday present a secret?” Phoenix crossed his arms.

“She was about to buy it for herself! I couldn’t let her do that!” Athena protested.

“Do you swear to secrecy under lawyer-client confidentiality?”

“Aww, you can’t legally bind me to this!” Athena frowned.

“Then you’ll have to be left in the mystery-”

“Fine,” Athena said. “Just tell me.”

“So back in the day, I defended Will Powers, the actor who plays the Steel Samurai, in a murder trial. So he agreed to put on a live-action play that hasn’t been performed since before I got disbarred. The entire thing’s a surprise, of course.”

“That is adorable,” Athena said with a small sigh. “Maybe you’ve got some Christmas spirit after all.”

“Oh, neither Edgeworth or I ever really liked Christmas… That was around the time when his dad died and I never saw him again.”

“Is that why you don’t like Christmas? Because of Edgeworth?” Athena asked.

Phoenix laughed. “You know, I’ve figured out by now that Edgeworth was my motive for a lot of things.” His eyebrows furrowed. “But no, I never disliked Christmas… It just wasn’t magical for me like it was for everyone else. I knew bad things happened on Christmas, just like they do every other day.”

“Oh… That’s so sad. I always loved the idea of Christmas miracles.”

“Here’s something my old boss told me, Athena: Miracles do exist. But you have to make those miracles happen.”

“Your old boss was really profound.”

“She was.” Phoenix smiled, and Athena noted he didn’t sound all that sad. “Christmas was the day I took on Edgeworth’s defense, you know. It split us apart and brought us back together again.”

“So Christmas is the day where you made the miracle happen.”

“Yeah.” Phoenix smiled. “You can come, if you want to. To the Steel Samurai show.”

“Really?”

“Sure. You could sit with Trucy so she doesn’t have to sit with her dad.” He smiled.

“Oh, you want to sit alone with him?”

“Yeah, exactly. But I’d need a good excuse not to sit with my kid.”

“Well, you’ve got the right girl for the job!” Athena clapped her hand to her fist. “You can count on me!”

###

“Hey, Trucy. You can tie a bowtie, can’t you?”

“Daddy, you look ridiculous in bowties.”

“I don’t want to dress up in the same way I do in court, though!”

“Wear your navy blue suit, then! It looks better anyway.”

Phoenix put on his navy blue blazer and frowned. “It doesn’t feel like me, though.”

“I’m not asking you to gel your hair down or anything,” Trucy said with a smile. “I just don’t want you to look like a penguin on such an important day.”

“But what if I want to look like a penguin? It’s winter, they’re festive.”

“Well, it’s too bad you can’t tie a bowtie, then.” She smirked.

Phoenix groaned. “Fine, I’ll put on the other suit.”

“There we go!” Trucy smiled.

Phoenix stepped into his closet and stepped out looking a bit less gaudy than before.

“That looks so good,” Trucy said with a smile.

“You’re okay with this, right?”

“I just said the suit looks good.”

“No, I mean… Tonight.”

Trucy smiled. “Of course. You know I’ve been waiting for this for forever.”

“Yeah, but… I just want to be sure.”

“You are not allowed to be stressed about this.” She put her hand on her hip. “You’re also not allowed to be late. I just called the taxi; it’ll be here in five minutes. Are you ready?”

“I think so,” he said nervously.

Trucy pulled a box out of the blue jacket he’d left on his bed and handed it to him. “Are you sure you aren’t forgetting anything?”

“Oh. Thanks.” He took the box and put it in his pocket. “I… I think I’m okay.”

“Good. Do you want the magatama back?”

“No,” he said. “I trust him.”

Trucy hugged her dad with enough power to crack a walnut. “I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m happy for me, too.”

###

Edgeworth straightened his jacket and popped a mint in his mouth. He doubted Phoenix would be on time, but it was good to be ready before 6:30 anyway.

To his surprise, Phoenix actually rang the doorbell at 6:28. It wasn’t all that cold, but Edgeworth put on an overcoat anyway, knowing a “surprise date” with Phoenix could involve just about anything.

“Hey,” Phoenix said when Edgeworth opened the door. “You ready?” Pess bounded up to the door to greet Phoenix, who rubbed the dog’s head with a smile.

“The prosecution has been ready for a while now.” He smirked.

“Of course, I should’ve known.” Phoenix’s eyes glittered as he smiled. “Come on, before Pess gets his hopes up.”

Edgeworth locked the door behind him after saying a quick goodbye to his dog. Phoenix led him out to a taxi, and Edgeworth was surprised to find Trucy inside.

“Ah, that’s why you were on time,” he said, pointing to her.

“What, like I can’t stay on time without her?” Phoenix acted as if he were hurt.

“That’s precisely what I was implying.”

Trucy was chatting enthusiastically with the taxi driver, who seemed to be rather sociable herself. Once their seatbelts were buckled, Phoenix decided to strike up a conversation.

“So, I heard the Prosecutor’s office had a Secret Santa gift exchange. Was that your doing?”

“No, that was entirely Prosecutor Gavin’s idea. I was surprised so many people signed up.”

“I was surprised you signed up,” Phoenix said.

“I didn’t sign myself up. I suspect Kay did.” He rolled his eyes. “But I was responsible for buying Prosecutor Debeste’s gift, so I couldn’t simply drop out.”

They discussed this for a while, and Phoenix seemed to take a particular interest in what he had received from Blackquill; apparently he’d gone to Phoenix for advice. Blackquill had always been good at doing his research, and Edgeworth had enjoyed the tea he’d received. 

They arrived at a theater Edgeworth hadn’t been to before, which was strange. He knew almost all of the local venues. It was as if Phoenix were taking him to see some college students put on an improv comedy show.

“What, exactly, are we seeing?” Edgeworth asked.

“I love this theater. The shows are usually either brilliant or so badly done it’s funny,” the taxi driver said.

“We’re hoping for the former,” Phoenix joked.

When even Phoenix was prepared to be surprised by his own date, Edgeworth knew to brace himself for an adventure.

Phoenix paid the taxi driver and the three of them walked inside of the theater. It was much more beautiful than Edgeworth had anticipated– burgundy and gold lined the inside, and sculptures stood by the entrance.

“Tickets, please,” someone said, and Phoenix handed him three. “Please enjoy the show.”

Phoenix had reserved the best seats in the house, to his credit. They were seated a few rows from the front so they could see the expressions of everyone onstage comfortably.

“They didn’t hand out a program,” Edgeworth said.

“Weird,” Phoenix said, grinning. He was obviously hiding something.

“Don’t I have to deal with enough mystery at work?” Edgeworth asked.

“I promise you’ll like this,” Phoenix said. He pulled off his overcoat to reveal a navy blue suit underneath and placed it on his chair.

“You’re wearing your nice suit.” Edgeworth touched his sleeve gently.

Phoenix smiled. “I’m a poker player. I always know which suit I need.”

Edgeworth glared at him and he laughed.

“Deal out any more puns like that and your opponent might forfeit,” Trucy laughed.

“Hey, Trucy! I didn’t know you were here,” someone said.

“Good evening, Miss Cykes. And… Jupiter, was it?” Edgeworth asked.

“Juniper,” she replied shyly.

“Do you want to sit with us?” Athena asked.

“I dunno, I have a pretty good seat,” Trucy said.

“Do you really want to sit with your dad, though?” Athena asked, grinning.

“Huh… You have a point,” Trucy said with a laugh.

“My daughter… Taken from me by my co-worker. I never thought this day would come,” Phoenix said in mock grief.

She laughed. “Whatever, Daddy. You have your boyfriend to keep you company.”

“True,” Phoenix said, wrapping an arm around Edgeworth, who raised his eyebrows.

After a while, the lights dimmed and a girl walked out with a sword. “Any phone that goes off during this stage production will face capital punishment at my hand. Silence it now, before I do it for you.”

“She looks like Cassara,” Edgeworth said absentmindedly, turning off his phone. An orchestra began to play sharp notes, and Edgeworth’s eyes widened. He turned to Phoenix, who smiled.

“When the moon is bright with a pale blue light and trouble is nearby….”

“That was Cassara.”

Phoenix kissed Edgeworth on the nose. “Love you.”

Edgeworth wouldn’t have stopped watching the show if there was an earthquake. The Pink Princess pulled no punches, a character just as real as the Steel Samurai himself. The Pink Princess and the Steel Samurai worked in perfect sync with one another, the Pink Princess taking down herds of lackeys as the Steel Samurai fought the Evil Magistrate. Phoenix had to duck out at one point, but Edgeworth hardly noticed, deeply engaged in the play.

When the play ended and the characters bowed onstage, Edgeworth couldn’t believe it hadn’t been real. There wasn’t a single death that hadn’t looked authentic, but no dead bodies lay onstage.

He looked next to him to find that Phoenix was gone. He looked around, eventually processing that Phoenix had gone to the bathroom a few minutes ago. Had he really been paying that little attention to his surroundings?

The Steel Samurai and the Pink Princess stepped onstage and the theater filled with applause, none louder than Edgeworth’s. The cast all bowed at once, only to split in half to let someone walk down the middle. Everything grew quiet as the spotlight focused on him.

“It was this show,” he began, “that taught me the love of my life wasn’t a complete asshole.” A roar of laughter went through the crowd as Edgeworth slowly realized it was Phoenix onstage, and he was talking about him.

“It was this day,” he continued, “that we were split apart by tragedy and, fifteen years later, brought back together by tragedy. And it was this day I realized he kinda meant everything to me. So I thought… That at this show, on this day… It would make sense that I ask him something.”

He got down on one knee and pulled a box out of his pocket. “Miles Edgeworth… Will you marry me?”

Edgeworth walked down to the stage, hardly comprehending what he was doing. Standing right next to the stage, he met Phoenix’s eye level. “I don’t think I could get you out of my life if I tried.”

“Is that a yes?” Phoenix asked, a smile forming.

“Yes,” he said with a small laugh, holding up his hand.

Phoenix smiled brilliantly, slid the ring down his finger, and kissed him passionately. Edgeworth’s head was swimming– lips, applause, spotlight, laughter– his own laughter. Phoenix started laughing too, bumping Edgeworth’s glasses into the bridge of his nose. Pain, more laughter.

“Sorry,” Phoenix said, pulling Edgeworth’s glasses off and setting them beside him. They kissed again, but they couldn’t stop laughing.

“What is so funny?” Edgeworth asked.

“I don’t know,” Phoenix replied. “It’s just… My entire life has been about me trying to figure you out. And I’ve actually figured some stuff out. Like, other people come to me when they want to know about you.” Phoenix laughed. “That doesn’t sound funny when I say it out loud. Why were you laughing?”

“Because I thought I’d never be happy. And I thought the only way to feel happy was to get away from you.” He laughed. “Now I’m happy because I’m with you.”

Edgeworth put his glasses back on so he could see Phoenix’s eyes, which glimmered with delight. “So you aren’t going to leave again?”

“We’re getting married, Phoenix.”

“I know!” He laughed. “You’ll never be able to get rid of me!”

“I never could anyway.” Edgeworth smiled. “Now get off the stage and kiss me normally before you hurt your back again.”

“It’s so nice to know you care.” Phoenix got down to Edgeworth’s eye level and took his glasses off. “See? I’ve got you figured out.”