Disclaimer: I do not own Ace Attorney/Gyakuten Saiban.

Turnabout Twelve
Road Trip

"I've got all my stuff packed up, Uncle Edgey!" Trucy's anxious squeal reached the defense attorney's ears from across the hall, rising over the gentle hum of an idle car engine. Edgeworth carefully folded the last of his clothes and placed them gently in the suitcase on his bed, closing the lid and locking it with an audible click.

"I can't wait to visit Uncle Valant for the weekend," Trucy said, poking her head past the open door of his room. The girl wriggled with excitement, hardly able to contain herself. "You and Daddy will have fun on your vacation, too!"

"We're only going out of town for a while," Edgeworth replied tersely, taking the suitcase in his hands. "And it isn't exactly a vacation for the two of us. Your father just wants to visit some old friends of his."

She tilted her head to the side, thoughtfully tapping her chin. "But I thought Daddy said it was a road trip so the two of you could get away and relax for a while..."

Edgeworth sighed. 'Thanks a lot, Wright.'

"Trucy! Edgey! Got everything?" Phoenix peeked around the corner, a wide smile crossing his lips. "We've got to get going!"

"I've got all my stuff!" Trucy announced, holding up a blue bag bursting with luggage. "I'm set to go!"

"Just give me a minute, Wright," Edgeworth replied unenthusiastically, clearly irritated.

Phoenix frowned, placing a hand on Trucy's back. "Go on ahead and put your stuff in the car, okay? We'll be out in a second."

She smiled and nodded vigorously, giving her adoptive father a salute with a white-gloved hand. "Yes, Daddy! But hurry!" she said before running back down the hall.

Phoenix waited until his daughter was out of earshot before he shut the door, folding his arms over his chest. "What's wrong with you lately, Edgeworth? You've been...edgier than normal." His tone was more concerned than annoyed.

"I'm just tired, Wright."

He felt a hand on his shoulder; the grip was firm, but reassuring. "I've known you since we were kids in elementary school, Edgeworth. There's no use lying."

Edgeworth gave another small sigh. "Why are you letting her think that we're...?"

"We're what?"

"Don't play dumb. You know."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly "Ohh, that... What's the harm?"

"She wouldn't be embarrassed by that kind of thing?"

"Of course not. She absolutely adores you, Edgeworth. She'd never be ashamed."

Edgeworth bit the corner of his lip, his arms hanging limp at his sides. "I don't know what kind of effect a relationship would have on my reputation as a defense attorney. You know how quickly rumors travel."

Phoenix chuckled, and Edgeworth was suddenly aware that the man's hand was still resting lightly on his shoulder. "I think you're more embarrassed than anyone else. But really, don't worry—I told her it was a vacation, but we're just going to visit Maya and Pearls, right? There's no shame in that."

"But isn't it sort of like a vacation...?"

"You worry too much, Edgey. Calm down for a bit, okay? Just relax. You really need to take a break every once in a while or you'll get tons of gray hair."

Edgeworth pulled away and sat on the edge of the mattress. "I haven't had a chance to relax in years. Is it really all right leaving the firm for a few days? What if something happens while I'm gone?"

"Lighten up, will you?" Phoenix laughed a bit, perching himself beside Edgeworth. "Things will be just fine. Besides, Trucy's excited about staying with Valant and I'll bet Maya and Pearls are bursting at the seams waiting for us to get there. I wonder if Iris is going to be hanging around, too..."

Edgeworth's breath hitched in his throat; he was surprised to feel a faint twinge of jealousy.

Phoenix smirked, catching on almost immediately. "No need to be greedy again, Edgey. You already know that no one else compares to you."

Edgeworth rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up, Wright."

Phoenix laughed again, taking Edgeworth's hand and pulling him up. "That's enough joking around for now. If we don't hurry, Trucy might die of a heart attack out there. We shouldn't make her wait too long."

Edgeworth shook his head and gathered his suitcase in his arms, following Phoenix out into the hallway. He paused suddenly, his hand resting on the doorknob before he pulled it shut.

"Wright?"

Phoenix stopped in mid-step and turned. "Yeah?"

Edgeworth hesitated for a moment, his hand tensing. "Thank you."

A small smile crossed Phoenix's lips and he held out his hand again. "No problem. Come on, let's get going."