A/N: Thanks for reading! I would like to take this opportunity to plug my previous story, "From Phoenix Wright to Miles Edgeworth." This chapter will make a lot more sense if you've read it already.
I wonder what Iris's favorite foods are?
Phoenix was sitting on his bed, browsing a cookbook website on his laptop. After another worthless day at the office, he had come up with the brilliant idea of cooking dinner for his houseguest.
It'll be a real date... just like we use to have in college...
If she still feels that way about me, that is.
Phoenix slammed his laptop shut in frustration.
Oh yeah. I forgot that I can't cook worth a damn.
Phoenix rubbed his eye with the palm of his hand and considered his options.
I suppose we could go out to eat together...
Immediately deciding that his newest plan was completely brilliant, Phoenix rushed off to find Iris. He knocked on the door of the guest room.
Iris opened it. "Yes, Phoenix?" she greeted him. She was wearing a channeling robe that could only belong to Maya Fey.
"Hey, I'm sorry I left you alone all day. It's not like I even got anything done at work..."
"Oh no, it's fine. I was reading a fascinating book," she said.
"So... would you like to go out for dinner tonight?" he asked nervously.
Iris blushed. "Yes... I would like that very much. Um... where would you like to go?"
"Um..."
Shit. I didn't think that far ahead.
Gaaah... I don't know any restaurants... I only ever go out for burgers with Maya!
What was the name of that restaurant I went to with Edgeworth? 'Bells'? I think I remember liking it...
"I know a place," he said, putting on an air of confidence. "It's called 'Bells.' They have really good pasta."
"That sounds lovely."
"All right, let's go. We should hurry, though- the bus leaves at 6:00."
After narrowly making the bus, the pair finally arrived at the familiar restaurant.
"Hey there," the hostess greeted. "Just the two of you?"
"Yes," Phoenix confirmed. "I was wondering... are there any seats available upstairs?"
I want to show Iris the view... even if I don't like it, I'm sure she'll think it's beautiful.
The hostess nodded. "If you'll just follow me..." she led them up the stairs. To Phoenix's pleasant surprise, she led them to a familiar table in the corner at which he had once sat with Edgeworth... had it really been a year since then?
"The view... it's so beautiful!" she gushed.
Eugh... I guess I'm still a little squeamish of heights.
"Yes, it's gorgeous," said Phoenix.
Ahhh... so what now?
I think I exhausted all my small talk on the bus ride here...
"Hey, my name's Jamie, and I'll be your waitress for today," interrupted a chipper female voice. Phoenix quickly ordered the same pasta dish he had ordered the last time he had come.
"I'll have the same thing he's having," said Iris. "I trust your judgment, Phoenix." She smiled at him sweetly. Phoenix returned a nervous grin.
A few minutes passed in awkward silence. Phoenix desperately reached for something to say to the girl.
This doesn't feel right.
The thought suddenly struck his mind. He quickly dispelled it; surely the two of them just needed to readjust to each other's company... yes, that was definitely the case. But they didn't seem to be making any progress towards this goal as four more minutes passed in silence. Iris seemed transfixed by the view of the city.
"All right!" A voice from behind Phoenix startled him. Jamie had returned, and she set their plates of pasta down in front of them.
Phoenix lifted his water glass towards Iris. "To you, Iris. May you get to remain free after next week." Iris forced a smile and lifted her glass in response.
Oh God, I'm such an idiot. Why did I bring that up?
"Eh... I'm sorry," he said. "Let's dig in!"
His pasta was somewhat bland at first, but it had a spicy kick that Phoenix wasn't sure he liked.
"How's your pasta?" he asked his date.
"Oh, it's lovely," she said sweetly.
I wonder if she's being honest.
Mine tastes sort of like a bad smell. Does that even make sense?
And why do we have nothing to say to each other?
"So... how was your day?" he asked desperately
"It was nice and relaxing," she replied. "I read a novel."
Oh yeah, she told me that already, didn't she?
Eugh, I don't think I can eat any more of this pasta.
Phoenix set his fork down, having finished about half of his dish. The pair occupied the next several minutes with awkward small talk. Iris began to give a small lecture on the last book she read, and Phoenix had to resort to feigning interest.
"It's getting late. We should get going soon if we want to make the next bus," Phoenix noted as Iris's speech drew to a close. Phoenix left some cash on the table, and the two made their way back to the bus stop, hand in hand.
It's strange... I remember enjoying myself at that restaurant a lot more than I just did.
He let out a sigh.
Iris... we only have one week left together. I have to find a way to make the most of it.
