"I'm kind of curious where you found hawk bed sheets..." Phoenix said out loud as he watched Trucy fix up the guest bed. He wondered why she was never as willing to make up her own bed in the morning.
"You can find anything online daddy." Trucy smiled, putting on the matching pillow case before tossing it on the bed. "There, it's all ready for Mr. Blackquill. Isn't Athena coming by today?"
"She's across the hall at the agency with Apollo I think."
It was decided early on that Sunday would be move in day. It fit everyone's schedule perfectly, including Klavier Gavin who was generous enough to offer up his car to help Blackquill move his things from Athena's apartment to the Wright's.
"Ding Dong, I'm here boss!" Athena called out, closing the door to the apartment.
"I'm in the guest room Athena."
"Wow, hawk sheets? You really go all out for your houseguest's boss. An ace attorney and an ace landlord!" She beamed, flopping down on the bed.
"It was Trucy who decided on the sheets. How's thing at the office?"
Athena shrugged a bit. "Slow day so I made Apollo clean the toilet, just like you would."
"I'm sure someone will come along soon, but since you're not busy I was hoping I could ask you about some stuff about Prosecutor Blackquill."
Athena was what Phoenix liked to call the Blackquill whisperer. She was the only person the guy gave straight answers to and even those answers were sometimes drowned in vagueness and sarcasm but she always seemed to understand him regardless.
"You've got Simon questions, I've got Athena answers! Lay em on me."
Phoenix rubbed the back of his head. "Well, is there anything specific I should know about him?"
She thought for a moment before answering. "Not that I can think of. He's a pretty simple tenant. He'll buy his own food. He use to know how to cook when he was younger, he use to make me the best Japanese dishes. But it's been seven years. He didn't cook at my place but I don't know if it's because he doesn't remember how or because I insisted on making all his meals for him. He's still a bit of an insomniac and kind of blends in when it's dark so don't turn any corners too fast."
Hmmm, a pale, 6'2, long haired prosecutor creeping around my apartment in the dark? Hall light is definitely staying on.
"So that's it? No special diets, samurai rules or anything?"
She laughed. "Boss! He's just a regular guy. Well...maybe not regular but he's no trouble at all, I promise. It'll be no different than if Mr. Edgeworth were staying here...only you know, he's less picky and judgmental."
"And what about that bird?"
"Taka? He's really sweet when he's not trying to claw your eyes out. Simon's BFF! He's excellently trained so he won't attack, unless Simon tells him to. Only exception is Apollo, he's got a real problem with Apollo."
"Who's got a problem with Apollo?" Apollo asked, as his head peeked inside of the room.
"Oh no one. What are you doing here! You're supposed to be scrubbing the toilet and waiting for clients." Athena frowned putting her hands on her hips.
"The toilet is clean, calm down. And the second part is why I came over. We've got a client Mr. Wright. Do you want to come over and speak to him?"
"Actually, why don't the two of you take this one? I'll get the next one."
Apollo raised an eyebrow. "Really? Are you sure Mr. Wright?"
"Yup. You haven't led a case since Ms. Blackquill's right? I think you're overdue for it."
"Don't worry boss, we'll rack up another win for the Wright Anything Agency. Vamanos Apollo." She grinned as she pushed him out the door.
Phoenix sighed as he walked out to the living room, taking a seat on the couch. Getting his badge back had really been a bittersweet affair. He loved being back in the courtroom again but sometimes it felt like too much time had passed and things wouldn't ever be like they were. Days of investigating with Maya, channeling Mia and facing Edgeworth in court were over. Even Gumshoe had moved on and became Chief of Police. It was weird to be considered someone's boss now, when his own career hadn't seemed long enough itself.
"No matter how good it feels to be back, it doesn't erase the seven years I lost."
Before he knew it, Sunday had arrived and it was officially move in day. Athena and Klavier had already headed back to Athena's apartment to get Blackquill's stuff. That left himself, Apollo and Trucy waiting back at his tiny apartment. Pearls had also dropped by to ensure the place was clean.
"I don't understand how you manage to clean your apartment but not your office Mr. Nick." Pearls sighed biting her thumb.
"Well...there are twice as many people in the office as there is here. And certain partners have desks as messy as mine. And a certain magician with her magic props."
Trucy pouted. "It's not my fault. We just don't have enough space to keep all of my stuff. We'd have more if we just got rid of Polly's desk."
"I like my desk, thank you! So how long do you think this will take?"
Phoenix shrugged setting down his glass of water. "Probably not that long. He's only been out of prison a few weeks so he more likely doesn't have that much stuff. The room isn't all that big either. When did Gavin get a car anyway?"
Apollo blushed turning his head away. "A little while ago. He probably got tired of me refusing to ride on the back of his motorcycle."
Trucy gave him a very sly grin while Pearl giggled into her hands. "Isn't true love wonderful Mr. Nick? When will you stop being so stubborn and find your own special someone?"
Geez Pearls, you always find a way to bring the conversation back to my non-existent love life don't you? "I...don't know Pearls but when it happens, I promise you'll be one of the first people I tell, along with Trucy."
Pearl smiled. "Okay Mr. Nick. But remember, if you don't find anyone Master Maya will take you before you get too old."
That's not really how it works. "Thanks for looking out for me Pearls." Phoenix smiled before he quickly switched to another subject. "So Apollo, do you know who the prosecutor for that case you got Friday is going to be?"
He groaned slightly. "One of the Payne's, I didn't even bother paying attention to which one, they're both awful."
"Oh does that mean that Mr. Blackquill doesn't have a case either? Maybe he can help out at the agency. Or I can stay home from school and he can be my magician's assistant." Trucy beamed.
Phoenix laughed and gently patted Trucy on the head."First, you're not staying home from school. And second, prosecutors are normally busier than defense attorneys. So even if he's not facing Apollo, I'm sure Blackquill has his own cases that will keep him busy."
Apollo turned and pulled him off to the side. "Uhh, didn't Athena tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"Prosecutor Blackquill is on temporary leave from the prosecutor's office. Because the trial that you and the Chief Prosecutor held wasn't official, there's still some paperwork that needs to be filed regarding his overturned conviction that. Klavier said Mr. Edgeworth is handling it but it'll probably be a little while before he's able to start prosecuting again."
It took Phoenix a few moments to fully digest all the information Apollo had just explained to him. Prosecutor Blackquill wasn't allowed to work at the moment, which meant he'd be home all day. Phoenix himself didn't have a case at the moment which meant that he'd also be home or at the agency for a good portion of the day. Athena was currently working on a case with Apollo which meant she WOULDN'T be there for most of the day.
We're...going to be left alone?
With great timing, Athena opened the door to the apartment. "We're home!" She teased, tugging in Simon by the arm of his coat. Klavier huffed and puffed behind them as he carried the boxes inside.
"Something the matter Gavin-dono? Was it not you who said my luggage did not appear to weigh much and could easily be moved single handedly?" Simon smirked looking at his fellow co-worker who was now slumped against the door.
"Ja, but I thought I would get a little help carrying them up the stairs."
The first thing Phoenix noticed was that the hawk was absent from Blackquill's shoulder. Hopefully it would remain that way for at least tonight. He couldn't worry about that hawk and the potential awkwardness of him having to entertain his house guest over the next few weeks.
"I'll help you now Mr. Gavin!" Trucy smiled and motioned over to Pearl to help her move the boxes into the guest room. When they returned both girls blushed when rewarded with a kiss on the cheek from the rock star.
"Since we are all here, why don't we rock this apartment tonight? As a little housewarming party for Herr Blackquill. Mein Forehead, Fraulein Cykes, shall we go pick up some food and drinks for the occasion?"
"Great idea Prosecutor Gavin. Let's go Apollo." Athena grinned as Phoenix watched them drag Apollo away. Poor kid, seems like he never gets a say in anything.
Trucy and Pearl soon disappeared into Trucy's room leaving Simon and Phoenix on their own in the living room.
Don't freak out; he's no different than anyone else. We're not in court right now and he's living in my house. He's not going to cut me down here.
"Prosecutor Blackquill I..."
"Wright-dono." Simon interrupted. "Seeing as I am now an inhabitant of your residence, you do not have to use my professional title when addressing me."
Phoenix nodded. "Well...do you want me to call you Simon?"
He hesitated before responding. "...you may call me Blackquill. And I will call you...Wright-dono."
Well, This is progress, I think "Blackquill, I know my apartment isn't that big but you're free to make yourself at home anyway you choose."
Simon turned his upper body to look directly at Phoenix now. "After spending seven years locked away in the clink with a cell, I am not one to rush to judgment so quickly. I...appreciate the extended offer." He said with a rather stiff nod.
He seems to be just as uncomfortable with this as me. Phoenix noted. "Um, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
He smirked this time, much like he did during trials. "I have never been able to stop you in court, I expect nothing different from you."
Phoenix laughed awkwardly before continuing. "Well, I'm just curious as to why you accepted the offer. Not that I have a problem with it or anything just uhh...I was a little surprised you would rather be here than at Athena's."
Simon sat back against the back of the couch with his arms crossed. "Hmph, I could ask you a similar question. Why would you open your home to an ex-convict you don't know personally? The answer is rather simple. While we may have strong will for battle when standing in the courtroom, our defenses are weakened when up against big eyes and innocent yet devious smiles of certain teenage girls."
So in other words, you couldn't say not to Athena. At least I don't feel like the only sucker now.
"As for your other question." He continued. "I am already forever indebted to Athena for her sacrifice for my well-being and I do not wish to take more of her life from her. She deserves some peace and privacy after what she had to endure. I also owe you for my and Athena's defense and this seems like the best solution. Consider the rent financial compensation for representing us."
Phoenix nodded. "That's fair, though you really don't need to repay me because..."
He got cut off when the others returned with the food and drinks. The kitchen wasn't big enough for them all to eat in so Athena suggested they all sit on the floor and eat as if they were in a Japanese restaurant. Everyone approved of the plan, especially Simon who gave Athena a very soft and genuine smile. The night ended with a drink for the guys as none of the girls were old enough to drink.
Soon, Klavier and Apollo headed home but dropped Pearl off at the train station on their way. Athena hung around a little longer to help Simon get situated. Trucy attempted to eavesdrop through the closed door but Phoenix quickly tugged her away. Athena emerged from the room about an hour later.
"Alright boss, I'm gonna go. Simon wants me to get home before it gets too dark outside. He treats me like such a little kid." She sighed. "I'll see you at the office tomorrow."
Phoenix laughed. "You sound like Trucy when you complain like that. Athena, why didn't you tell me Simon couldn't work right now?"
She bit her lip as she tugged on her ponytail. "It sorta slipped my mind. He's a bit cranky that he can't work. He doesn't like sitting around doing nothing. I think it reminds him of prison. That...doesn't change anything does it?"
"No not at all, I was just curious."
She smiled. "Oh okay. Don't worry boss, I think you and Simon will get along great. Have a good night!"
"Goodnight Athena." He saw her to the door and then made sure Trucy was in bed before walking to his room. He stopped momentarily in front of Simon's door as he considered being a good host and saying good night to him as well but decided against bothering the man and went to bed.
Tomorrow is going to be interesting.