*gasp* Another story? Yeah, this has been sitting in my idea list for a while... Just two words... M. Fey. And I was like: What about her? An idea finally got to me last night, so I went with it! :D Enjoy!

Prologue

-Maya-

I unlocked the front door and just saw Nick sitting there on the couch… again. I sighed. He's been doing this for a while now. Ever since he lost his badge… He just… hasn't been the same.

I flipped on the lights. It was too dark in here. The only source of light had been coming from the TV, which was playing some crappy soap opera- even I didn't like it- on a low volume. I don't think Nick was even watching it.

"Nick," I said to him. His head turned slightly, acknowledging that I was there, but turned back to the television. I called his name again, this time taking the remote from beside him and pressing the power button. There was silence as he stared at the black screen. Finally, he turned to me, his blue eyes dull. The spark was missing from them.

"Yes?" he asked. His voice sounded dry and alien-like.

"You need to get out and do something productive," I said, putting my hands on my hips.

"Nah, I'm okay…" he turned back to face the TV. I glared at him. Oh, if looks could kill…

"C'mon, Nick!" I whined, losing any adult qualities that I had possessed. If acting like a little kid was going to get Nick to get off of his lazy ass, then I would do it!

He sighed. "Maya-"

"No! I'm not even giving you a choice now! Get ready because we're going to meet Larry and Gumshoe downtown." I stalked away and slammed the front door.

-Phoenix-

I flinched as Maya slammed the door shut. I could tell she was really mad at me. Can't blame her really. I mean, I've practically cut off all contact with everyone- her and Pearls especially. I was embarrassed… Why did I have to present that evidence? Doing that was such a rookie mistake…

I'll have to clean up my act eventually. When the adoption papers for Trucy finally go through, she'll be living here, and I can't be acting depressed all the time.

Might as well start practicing for that, right?

I got off the couch and stretched. Then I picked up a pile of takeout food that I ordered and put it in the trash. I walked to my room and looked through the dresser, sifting through the professional clothing I had so I could find some casual ones… I should get rid of most of these clothes. I don't really have a use for them anymore. I finally found a pair of black pants, a white shirt, and a grey hoodie. After finding a pair of flip flips under my bed, I grabbed the key to the front door and walked to where Maya was waiting.