I plan to post anything that I consider too short to be posted as an individual fic in this drabble series. Expect tons of fluff. :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Ace Attorney. I never will. This disclaimer holds true for all further stories in this drabble series.
Teardrop
Phoenix stepped through the threshold of his small apartment, cringing slightly at the noise the worn-down door made. He yawned as he casually twirled his keyring around his finger before shoving it back in his pocket. It had been another long night at the Borscht Bowl Club.
Phoenix chuckled quietly to himself when he found a small figure asleep on the couch. He gently picked his daughter up, taking care not to jostle her. Trucy's face was profoundly peaceful in sleep. He carried her into her bedroom and placed her gingerly on the bed.
He smiled softly as he listened to her light breathing, and was about to turn away when a barely audible whisper stopped him. "Daddy..." For a fleeting instant, Phoenix thought that Trucy had awoken.
Another word slipped through Trucy's lips, although her eyes were still closed in sleep. "Mommy..."
The pain resting in the few syllables Trucy had uttered was subtle, but resoundingly deep. Phoenix watched as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Very gently, so as not to wake her, Phoenix brushed away the lone teardrop with his thumb. He began lightly stroking her dark brown hair, and his eyes were soft as he stared down at the face of his daughter. For once, he could see Trucy unguarded and vulnerable, and see what was hiding behind her smile.