Hey Guys! Thank you much for reading! I'm quite fond of Phaya, and there are some GREAT writers that are fellow fans, which brings us to the donee: Boo2020 is awesome. Pretty much enough said. Seeing as I'm a big fan of B2020's work, I wanted to dedicate this multi-chapter narumayo fic as thanks for all of the support on my own writing, and all incredible fics posted! Thank you!
He waited. And waited, and waited, and waited some more. It's not like he could do much else, anyways.
"Are you okay, Nick?" Maya comforted, reaching over to gently pat his back. "You're looking a little pale." Despite her cordial grin, she appeared to be genuinely concerned, an expression which was rare for the normally cheery spirit medium. Phoenix attempted to give her a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I guess," was his vague response. "I just don't know what I'm gonna say yet."
"Wright, please. That much should be obvious." Miles Edgeworth crossed the detention center lobby smoothly, tapping a finger on his folded arm as he faced his seated friend, before summarizing, "Sister Iris has expressed her love for you, as well as her interest to be in a romantic relationship. Either you graciously accept or politely decline. That is all."
Phoenix wished it were that simple. However… He glanced over at Maya, who had taken to staring at the floor. There were other complications.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, the room's fourth occupant jolted to her feet. "Mister Nick!" Pearl screeched, tears in her eyes, "How can you do this to us!? You can't just abandon your special someone Mystic Maya, it's ridiculous!"
A horrified Maya rose, scolding, "Pearly! Control yourself!" Frantically apologetic, she turned to Nick. "I'm so sorry, please ignore her, she's just a kid…"
"Perhaps I should take the young Miss Fey for a stroll?" Edgeworth suggested. Maya nodded gratefully, to which the cravat-wearing prosecutor took a knee, facing the bawling girl head-on. "Come," he soothed, "I'll buy you some ice cream."
"…Really?" Pearl sniffled, wiping her eyes. After receiving a nod of approval from Maya, the mini medium took Edgeworth's hand and was escorted from the lobby.
With a lengthy sigh, Maya took a seat once more. Now, she was alone with Phoenix. Heavy silence followed suit. The weighted moment stretched on, until she found herself calling out to him:
"Nick?"
He faced her, and she tried her best to smile.
"I just wanted to say… Don't mind about Pearly's chiding. I know she was attached to the idea of us being, well, you know, but she'll get over it. I mean, Iris is a nice girl, and she's lucky to have you."
She doesn't have me yet, he wanted to say, but he held his tongue. "Thanks," he offered instead, "I wasn't sweating it."
"I probably shouldn't have brought her here. Come to think of it, I probably shouldn't be here!"
Phoenix vigorously shook his head. "No, I want you to be here, Maya. You're my best friend, and I want you to approve of my decision."
Her eyes widened. "Decision!? You mean, you've considered saying no?" Hesitantly, he nodded, to which she pressed, "Why?"
"Because," he blushed, "There might be… someone else."
Maya stared at him blankly for only a second before demanding, "Who!?"
Phoenix looked away, unable to meet her intense gaze, but grinning at her enthusiasm. "That's still a secret, for now." He rubbed the back of his neck, adding, "Besides, I don't think she feels the same way about me."
"Aw, c'mon, who wouldn't like you?" Maya slugged his arm playfully. "The spikes, the attitude, what's not to love?"
Phoenix rolled his eyes. "Get serious, Maya."
"I am serious," she pleaded. The sudden sincerity in her tone caught him off-guard, and their eyes met once more. Nervously gazing into him, Maya breathed, "Nick, you're honestly a great guy. You're super sweet, good-looking, and the best lawyer in town. Any girl would be lucky to have you."
The room temperature seemed to drop, as Phoenix leaned in closer, his face deadpan, eyes searching. "Even you, Maya?"
She nodded gently. "Especially me. I'd love to be your girlfriend, Nick, I-" She faltered. "I lo-"
"Mr. Phoenix Wright!" the bailiff interjected, barging into the lobby. "Sister Iris is ready for you."
"Great, thanks," he acknowledged, standing up to follow him into the detention center. Pausing, he turned back to his companion. "We'll finish this later, okay, Maya?"
"A-Alright," she managed.
"Oh, and thanks for the pep talk," Phoenix added, "I feel much more confident now."
Maya smiled shakily. "Great. Well, good luck in there!"
The bailiff lead him off through the door, leaving Maya alone. The young woman buried her head in her hands, finally letting all the pent-up tears fall and sobbing to herself. One chance. She'd had one chance to confess her feelings to Nick, to try to stop him from saying yes, but she'd blown it. It was all over, now.
Maya Fey had never felt so useless in her entire life.
So, in case you didn't notice, this chapter is short. Like, only about 700 words. This'll more or less be what the chapters are like for this fic; I hope that isn't too unsatisfying! Anyway, I'll try my best to post one short chapter every weekend from now on. Thanks for reading!
