Notes: Hello guys! First of all, Merry Christmas everyone! It's true I've been as slow as always but today I'll post two episodes instead of one! Yes! Take it as a Christmas gift :)
However, these two chapters weren't reviewed. I couldn't get a corrected version yet, so it may have lots of little mistakes, (maybe some big ones too xD), although I tried my best to correct what I could. So please, be a little patient with these, okay?
Thanks to everyone who had been reading this during 2014 and helping me improve! I'll keep trying to learn more and more during next year, I hope you guys read my stories in 2015 too!
Happy New Year! See ya!
Between Wines and Grape Juices
Chapter 10
Phoenix could already hear the sound of the television on when turning the key and entering the apartment late at night. No surprise to see Maya sleeping on the couch next to a popcorn bucket almost empty on the ground and the brand new 'Platinum Princess' series on. But he couldn't care less for the action scenes on the television. He walked quietly through the whole living room and reached the window in front of the street trying to don't wake her up.
Just as he thought the red car was still there in front of his building with the headlights on. He waved to the man standing next to it and watched him took leave, standing still at that window until he couldn't see him anymore. With a sigh, he closed the curtains and looked back. Maya's feet were still laying out the couch and he couldn't resist the idea of preparing a prank.
"Gahahah! I'm the Evil Magistrate!" He shouted faking the scaring voice of the character and grabbed one of her feet with strength, startling her and making her scream.
"Nick! You idiot! You're trying to kill me?"
Wow, those words were quite similar to Edgeworth's when almost being choked.
"…That's to remember you to sleep on bed."
"You're so mean! I almost had a heart attack!"
"You'll get over it. Now, let's clean this mess you made and sleep, okay?"
"Wait…"
He looked back at her already with the popcorn bucket on his hands.
"What's this silly smile you can't hide no matter how serious you pretend you are…?" "…I wonder too…" He played the fool, but was incapable of completely hiding the curving of his lips to her.
"Hughn, Nick! You'll tell me everything right now! Every little thing!" She held his arm tightly, desperate for information.
"Okay, Okay! I will tell you! Hey! Let me go, you'll drop this popcorn on the floor! Maya! You're gaining weight, you know? Stop eating all this crap!"
"WHAT? No way!"
But they only got quiet when they heard the down neighbor hitting with something from below and ordering them to shut up.
"See? That's because you scared me!"
"You're the one who was shouting you wanted to know about everything."
"Of course!" She stated with determination, "Don't you think Kay is doing the same right now?"
"Not really, I think he hasn't got home yet."
"Hmm, so he drove you here first, uh? What a gentleman! Why don't you learn with him and stop saying beautiful girls like me are fat?" She poked him numerous times while grinning at him, making him roll his eyes and walk his way to the kitchen.
Maya looked happily at Phoenix cleaning her own mess. He didn't even complain about that! Good thing to know, that when his head is in the clouds, he ends up doing everything without even noticing. She could take advantage of that some other day.
"I'm glad you're happy now, Nick! You don't even look like the same person who walked with me this morning to the office."
"Yeah… I think you're right. And that's because of your help too."
"Heh, I know I'm awesome. Now c'mon! Tell me, I'm dying of curiosity here!"
Phoenix had a smile full of passion when remembering it.
"You know, I have this… funny feeling. A few days ago I hadn't even imagined this would be happening, that I would be dating another guy and now… Huh, this sounds crazy, doesn't it? But I know this isn't just an adventure… the truth is that I never thought it would be this good."
She never saw his eyes shining that much.
"First we talked about lots of things… about us…and then," he slid his eyes aside from Maya's eager eyes, "And then we kissed…"
"You kissed?! For real? As in the movies?!" Maya snapped with a louder voice with the surprise.
"You want to know if it was for real or as if in the movies?"
"Shut up, just continue!"
"And then… I almost choked him because I pulled his cravat instead of his suit… hah, that was so funny. He got a little mad with me, but even he laughed and we just let it like that. And finally, we went to a dinner together. I even made him leave his paperwork behind! I should win an award for that!"
"Aww Nick! I'm so proud! You think you'll end up as boyfriends?"
"B…Boyfriends…?" His cheeks got all colored again. "Hmm… we didn't talk about that specific word, but honestly… I don't think it will take much time until we assume a relationship."
"Nick, Nick. It was just a question, don't worry! Just seize every moment! Ask him when you feel it's the right time to do it."
Phoenix nodded to her. Okay, it didn't sound that bad to think they could enjoy their time together and later settle everything down, he could do as she suggested. And just as he was thinking about that hypothesis he heard the sound of a message on his phone. Quickly he dried his hands and reached for it, reading the best words he could wish to see.
"I'm home. I had a pleasant night today. I hope we can meet in a near future."
Soon his fingers were quickly answering that phrase.
"I'll be looking forward for that too. Are you being questioned by Kay now?"
"Yes. She's making a fuss about this. Hopefully my house won't crumble."
Maya walked closer with some of the junks she would dispose of and saw his eager face when writing in that phone.
"Nick, I know you two probably want to talk until dawn, but Edgeworth has to work tomorrow! Let him sleep!"
"I know… H…Hey! I have to work too!"
She giggled in response to his outburst.
"Cut it off, I know you'll be lazing off as always! I bet you'll just keep dreaming about Edgeworth and Edgeworth the whole day!"
"Hmm… I wonder if he would think about me during his work. I know he's busy, but I would be glad even if it's just a little."
"… So you can be sure he will." Maya answered with a sweet smile.
The following days were exactly as Maya predicted. Although Phoenix was at least trying to focus on his daily errands she spotted the attorney with his mind somewhere else, no, with someone else. And because of that he smiled and smiled at every corner of that office. It felt relieving to know the thoughts she and Kay had about them were right. Oh how good it was seeing him accepting those feelings and experiencing being in love after spending a long time alone. Now she could leave with no worries in mind - Edgeworth would be there for him, as the prosecutor himself had assured her.
… She was about to leave. Time was running so fast. At least that fidgeting feeling about the training wasn't there anymore and now she was just looking forward to pass through it. Maya looked around, breathed deeply and wondered how much she would miss that office and the attorney washing the bathroom. She would miss watching him into this new phase of his life, maybe that's why she was so attentive to every little detail she could notice.
She was so emerged in those thoughts she barely noticed Wright's discreet eye looks throughout those days. As much as Edgeworth was all the time in his mind, the attorney hadn't forgotten about his promise to take Maya around to distract before the hardest training she was about to face. It felt almost as a debt, something he had to do in return.
"Hey, Maya, have you thought about something to do at weekend? You remember I promised you I would take you somewhere nice before your travel, right?"
Maya looked blankly at him, but soon beamed sweetly.
"Thank you, Nick. But don't mind me, seriously. You should worry about going out with Edgeworth now that you two are dating."
"Still, I have only two more days with you here. So please, I insist."
"Huh… well… I don't really mind about a place or about what we'll do; I think I just want to spend more time with you guys since it'll take a while till I can see everybody again. "
Phoenix was expecting a more concrete suggestion about a place or what she would like to do. At least in that way he wouldn't have to choose between his best friend and his beloved one. Maybe that's exactly why Maya only requested being with everyone?
"I'll think about something…"
Maya came back to her errands, organizing the documents while slowly humming the Steel Samurai Theme Song. He laid over his desk, looking at every inch of it while trying to think about somewhere good to take her in that cold weather. Soon his eyes met his phone.
Maybe he would have an idea?
So he took it, made that phone call and in a short span of time there he was waiting at a cafeteria close to his office to spend a little time of that afternoon with Miles.
Edgeworth having an idea about what to do on free times? Am I idiot? What was I thinking? He barely has any leisure time. He won't be better than I am at this issue.
… But he's already coming and… I want to see him.
Wright kept waiting until his eyes spotted through the glass the red car parking outside. Okay, it was Edgeworth, he himself had called him and had been waiting for him all that time, but what was that fluttery he was feeling inside? It's not as if he wasn't expecting him! But… he knew it was a good thing to feel. Somehow, it shook off those thoughts of barely believing he was dating him for real.
Now… how should he compliment him? He was so gorgeous as always… Phoenix got so tense with this doubt his shoulders were almost covering his neck. Would it be with just a good afternoon? … It would be too informal after what they had. So, a kiss? He really wanted to kiss him again. But… looking around it was so crowded Edgeworth would get mad with him. A handshake? Nah. An embrace? Just, what?
Phoenix got so uptight he ended up saying anything, but a little bit loud.
"Hey, Miles!"
"…"
"…What…?"
"… I see you've been as energetic as always… Phoenix."
That seemed a little idiotic, didn't it? Gladly the prosecutor didn't seem to care, or at least was already used to those slips from his part. Miles put his overcoat on the back of the chair next to Phoenix and sat on it, getting closer to him.
What a relief… they were seeing each other again.
"I recall you had something troubling you." Edgeworth stated after taking a sip of his coffee.
"Yes… you see… Maya is leaving on Sunday and I said I'd take her somewhere. But all she said she'd want to do is to hang out with everybody once again. It's not the part about going with everyone, it's just I'm not sure where to take her, I can't take her anywhere where she can get hurt or it'll endanger her training. At the same time I wanted something she would truly like."
It was a bit curious… he thought Edgeworth would be mad for being called for such a simple reason, but he seemed as collected as he got in. And now, Phoenix was freely sharing his worries and asking him some council. He was used with Maya or even Mia being the ones listening to him, but Miles was different. He would pay attention to every single detail, even if his eyes were directed at something else, and then would give his advices calmly. And from then on… that scene of hearing his opinion would be more and more common.
Edgeworth put his cup on the table and reached for a pamphlet on his pocket, "have a look at this."
"'Gourd Winter Festival'? This weekend at Gourd Park? Huh… but I don't think this is a place you have much good memories."
"I don't." He frowned.
Phoenix looked at him with an effort of trying to get what was passing in his mind. Why he himself gave him that pamphlet if it was about such a terrible memory? … It was kind of crumpled wasn't it? Understandable, since It must be painful to come back to a place where so many unfortunate experiences took place in past. So why did he even keep it? Phoenix read it again, noticing lots of stales, a boat race being announced, fireworks at the end of the night and…?
"A live action of Platinum Princess vs Steel Samurai? This is why you want to go there?"
"Who said that's the reason?" He snapped.
"It's written here and I don't see anything else that would get your attention! This is the most concrete evidence ever to prove you're a freak for Steel Samurai, no matter how much you deny it!"
"It's not… just that…" there was a bit of seriousness on his voice and inside his eyes. "It's just… that case is buried long ago now, yet I never returned to any of those places related to it. But it's over now. I shouldn't have any real reason to don't go to this festival. "
"…You want to see the live action, but you felt afraid of coming back there… so you want to face this?"
"If I don't I'll always have this feeling I won't be able to keep moving on."
"I… I see…"
…He's bothered because he still refrains to do some stuff because of that case…
Maybe I can help him?
"You know, I think it will be perfect. It's great it has something like this going on, something you and Maya like so much. And as we won't see her around for some months now, it came in a good time."
The prosecutor's eyes drifted to the window outside, right by their side. The idea of not seeing her around remembered him of some events he shared with the two girls. About how they encouraged him and gave him strength to move forward and win Phoenix's affections. About stupid simulations with Little Thief, pressures concerning the letter he wrote, insistences on making they sit by each other's side and in the end trusting Phoenix to him…
… they owed a lot to the two of them.
"Actually… Kay will also leave in about two or three weeks to spend the holidays with her familiars in their country town. I'm not aware of when she'll visit again. So this will be good to her as well."
"I see… geez, I hadn't even thought she would go too... Kay is a person that seems that will always stay around."
It got quieter between them. Only the usual sounds of the ambient stood. It was when it occurred to Phoenix, that maybe Edgeworth also kept that pamphlet because he was thinking about Kay's departure and maybe even Maya's.
"It's kind of sad, isn't? Having our two assistants leaving us behind…"
"… Indeed."
"So! That's decided. We all should go to this festival and have a lot of fun there! So much you won't even remember that place as somewhere bad, okay? The girls will have a lot of fun too. Also… would you like to have dinner with me on Sunday? My threat."
He felt awesome when seeing Edgeworth surprised and tripping on his words.
"… O…only if you can still pay your rent later."
"You don't have to worry. I've won my last case after all! Heh! C'mon it's the least I can do! You're always driving me everywhere!"
"…The part of driving you won't ever change for sure." Miles smirked.
There was no answer for some seconds. Phoenix just gawked back and then laughed embarrassed, "Talking about that… what about you drive me home later? Pretty please?"
"I… object to your shamelessness…"
"Please, baby?"
"Don't even start calling me like that!" Edgeworth immediately cut in.
"Edgey-baby…?"
"Wright, you…!" He frowned even more.
Phoenix couldn't refrain from bursting into laughter when seeing his clearly uncomfortable behavior. It was also notable how he still called him by 'Wright' when mad with him and how his eyes gazed around the place hoping no one had heard a grown-up man like him being called 'Edgey-baby'.
"… I didn't say I wasn't going to drive you there."
"Yes! Thanks, sweetheart."
Edgeworth rolled his eyes wondering how he could even tolerate those jokes.
"WHERE'S THE LIVE ACTION!?" Maya stated in despair before feeling a heavy hand on her head.
"Behave yourself future master, we just got out of the car!"
"Hghnn Nick! You don't get it! It's the ultimate battle! A duel deciding the future of the whole world!"
"Yeah, Mr. Wright!" Kay intervened, " We have to get good seats to watch such a revolutionary fight!"
Revolutionary...? As if my life would change after this.
"Gummy! Over here!"
"Stop calling him, what if he wants a time alone with Maggey?"
"Oh! You're right! That's why they're taking so much to walk over here! Heh, I wonder which phrase of my script he read to her?"
Edgeworth sighed, feeling sorry for the poor detective.
They entered the festival first to find good seats and buy some food since Maya was already starving. That place seemed different from what they remembered, all those stalls and the crowd under rustic illumination almost made them forget it was there where the investigations related to Edgeworth's trial and DL-6 case occurred successively. Phoenix focused at him wondering if he was feeling all right and all he could see was his dark eyes scanning around. He didn't seem much happy, but at least he didn't seem sad nor had one of those panicking attacks about being there.
Would that festival be fun for him?
They walked straight to the open stage where the show would be before the girls and the detective, who were buying food first. Phoenix could sense a bitter atmosphere in the air. Probably he was being too optimistic when thinking Edgeworth would be fine? He was about to ask him how was he doing when he realized his frown and heard a known voice.
"Edgeeyy! Nick!"
Uh oh… if the night wasn't the most amazing one, now it was getting even worse.
"Hey… Larry…" Wright answered, although reluctant if they should run or pretend they didn't know him.
"Man what a great surprise! I would never mistake your spiky hair not even if I was 4262737129841626416419 miles away from the Earth!"
"Why don't you try being more distant, then?" Edgeworth was harsh. It had been a while since last time he acted as a jerk. Sadly, Larry didn't even care.
"You look so good, Edgey! You didn't have to dress that well just to meet me!"
"So! What are you doing here?" Phoenix interrupted to avoid him picking on Miles, "Came to watch the show?"
"Of course, Nick! How could I lose it? Besides, I work just at the other part of the park anyway."
"Uh? At the other part of the park? You're still selling hot dogs?"
"No man! Now I'm renting Samurai Boats!"
Samurai boats? What now? Is there the face of the samurai on the front of it?
"…What?" Edgeworth asked, almost regretful he did it.
"Yeah, at these commemorative dates I rent those boats there. It was all abandoned so I decided to run the place!"
"You just went there and took it for you?"
"Yeah, man! That's the most usual thing in the world!"
He does remember he witnessed a murder there, doesn't he?
"Hey it has been a long time since the three of us met! I've been kind of busy lately running my fried potato snack and renting boats on weekends! I'm getting money to visit my girlfriend Amber on Hawaii!"
"… Good for you."
Phoenix looked completely unmotivated at the situation. That was when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to face Kay's green eyes shining brightly with the lights. She called him to take a quick walk while watching Maya having trouble to start a conversation with Butz and not upset Miles. Those girls were fast to arrange things.
"Why is Mr. Edgeworth strange? Did something happen?" She did have raven eyes about what interested her.
"Huh, ah… is just this is no common place to him. It's full of memories, not very good ones. See, this is where a murder happened, a case in which he was the defendant. And it had a connection to the case in which his father died."
"So this is it… Gummy thought the same as you're saying and he and Maggey seemed sad about this. Everyone is kind of worried, it's visible he's bothered by something. But why didn't he tell sooner? We didn't have to come here…!"
"But he's the one who came up with this festival, he showed the pamphlet to me. I think he's tired of running away from certain things."
"I… see… looks he got decided about lots of things in his life then." Her expression told him she was worried and uncertain about what to do.
"Don't worry; I'm keeping an eye on him. I'll find out something to make him feel better. Just have fun tonight, okay?"
"Okay, I trust you." She smiled kindly, "But, Mr. Wright? Do you think we can make this night special for him? In a way he would remember this place with a smile later? I feel terrible I'm having fun and he's not."
To make him leave with a smile?
"…Actually…"
I believe I…
"There's something I've been thinking about."
And it didn't leave his mind later. During all that show, while those freaky fans were getting excited with the fighting scenes, he still had that idea on his mind and barely paid attention to the rest. He constantly took a peek on Edgeworth, who seemed entertained by the show as he stared at it without even blinking. He seemed so pure like that… hard to believe he could be jerky sometimes. So Phoenix slowly reached his hand and that move surprised him. His eyes quickly gazed at the man at his side as their fingers slowly interlaced in a moment meant only for the two of them.
It was the first time on that night that Edgeworth smiled, even if in a clumsy way, and Phoenix realized how relieved he was for seeing it. Time flew like that. It always did when they were by themselves.
"That was such an amazing show!"
"I took thousands of photographs for you little Maya!" Larry grinned happily for that. But when Maya wanted to see them… they were all blurry and she almost dropped dead. Luckily Kay had taken some as well.
They still had some time left on the festival until the fireworks began.
"Hey, hey! I want to ride a boat! We could see the fireworks from there! Larry, can you give us a discount?"
"Sure, Maya-sweetie!"
Maya seemed to be having as much fun as ever. How nice it was noticing everything was according to the expectations.
But huh… riding a boat…?
Phoenix looked aside. Edgeworth didn't seem much well… but everyone was so excited, talking about how watching the fireworks would be as if they were spending New Year together, even if it was a little earlier…
If he wants to face his past we can't run from this… I'll be with him there, c'mon.
Kay was a little more collected than Maya and was also worried for Edgeworth. She could see that being with Phoenix was making him look better and the glances she exchanged with Wright made her perceive he wanted to be alone with him. That's why she quickly intervened when Larry asked to go on a boat with the two of them to chat about old times. Of course she wouldn't interrupt the chemistry between Gumshoe and Maggey as well, so she and Maya could intercede for them and tolerate being with Butz, asking if he could ride the boat for them.
… All the sacrifices a matchmaker has to do…
Soon three more boats were floating on the dark and thick water with points of lights reflected on it. Maya was so happy she was even taking photos with Kay already. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, everyone but one person.
"If you want to come back to the riverside you just have to tell me, okay?"
"Stop acting as my mother, Wright."
He frowned, but breathed deeply and tried to be patient regardless that jerkiness.
"It's just you're paler than usual."
"So why did you insist on this? Are you going to pretend you're shooting me and dive as well?"
"Great idea!"
The icy glance he received made the already cold temperature low to less than 0.
"If we didn't get into this boat, you would be running away from the motive you decided to come here. To face the ghost of that case."
"… Yes…"
"You know, just enjoy yourself. You don't have to compare everything with the past. You're here with all of us on a festival to have fun. Try to relax."
"It's more difficult than I thought it would be..."
The sound of the water entered their ears. That smoothly, cold breeze moved his hair as he slowly tried to do as Phoenix said and calm down.
"I believe I still had fun." His smooth voice echoed calmly along the water sound. "In fact, fighting it wasn't the only reason I wanted to come."
"Of course, there were the girls, and you wanted to see the Steel Samurai."
"Yes, but that's not all… I've been here before, as you have. Both were troublesome situations. But we didn't come here together. I thought if we did, it… It would be a more pleasant situation than before."
Soon those thoughts that were still inside Phoenix's mind appeared again. He couldn't stop watching at Miles. So he hung over the paddles at the side of the boat and stared directly at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
But he felt awkward for being stared that much.
Suddenly, the fireworks started. All those bright and colorful explosions in the sky got reflected on the water. They turned a while to see it, as everybody in the other boats was doing enthusiastically and celebrating their earlier New Year together. But when Miles looked back at him, he was still staring irritatingly at his face.
"What is it, idiot?" The loud sounds covered their voices in a way they had to speak louder to talk to each other.
"I already said it's nothing."
"Then s… stop it!" He was slowly getting more and more embarrassed as realizing Phoenix didn't move an inch, so he came closer to scold him and show how irritated he was, but at that quick second he was the one who got cornered.
"I love you." Phoenix said, still without moving and in a volume he heard only when standing close to him.
At the background, fireworks were shining on the darkness of the night. But even with all those lights, Phoenix could see the red face Miles had as he got incapable of moving in consequence of those words.
"I love you, Miles!" Phoenix said it louder, since the noises of fireworks were loud enough to no one hear it besides them, "C'mon do it too! You won't regret this! Just shout what's on your mind!"
"But I…" He was so embarrassed he turned his head aside, to the other boats where their friends embraced each other and watched the spectacle in the sky.
"Before it's over! C'mon!"
"… I… I love you!" He shouted and the grave tone of his voice called Kay's attention at the other boat. She turned to see them right when Phoenix shouted it once again.
He… He did it! Mr. Edgeworth is so... so… realized now!
… Thank you, Wright.
Her eyes ignored the colors in the sky to watch that single boat with two stupid guys talking loudly at each other. She poked Maya and pointed to them, and she as well seemed amused by the scene, more than at the colorful explosions up there.
"Wright you're… crazy."
"I guess so… hey, can I do yet another craziness?"
His eyes shined so much… was it a reflex from the sky or was that bright coming from his own eyes?
"You will do it no matter what I say."
"Miles…? Remember I asked you if we could stay together from now on?"
"Yes, I recall it."
"Yeah, but you know, I already am at your side, but… it's just that someday, I… It's just… I would like to call you my boyfriend! Officially! Because… we didn't talk about this before and… and I…" His voice ended up trailing off in the end in a bit contradictory way for someone who was just saying those words loud enough to be heard from afar.
"Yeess!" Edgeworth shouted once again.
"Yikes! Don't scare me like that!"
"It was you who told me to shout what I had in my mind...!"
"… Really? You really want it too? It isn't early is it? Because we first kissed the other day and I'm always jumping to conclusions and..." His voice trailed off once again.
Edgeworth narrowed his eyes with a little impatience.
"Why wouldn't I be serious? Weren't you when you asked? "
Phoenix stared at him, breathing with a clear smile on his face, "Of course… I'm serious…" and leaned over to kiss him, holding his hand firmly.
Only the noises of the fireworks, the strength of those hands holding each other and the flavor of that kiss could be felt then. Miles's pale skin and those lips were cold from the chilling air, but the kiss was so warm and so, so sheltering. They didn't even notice when the fireworks stopped. Their hearts still beat loud. It didn't even seem it was that cold, their proximity and the strength of that feeling made their chest burn inside. But… they did hear Larry's voice shouting something, the girls' screams following it and later a loud sound of something or someone falling on the water. They could hear Gumshoe's voice saying 'Hey, pal, what happened!' and later a desperate 'HEY PAL!' causing laughs from Maya and Kay and Maggey's desperate exclaim to 'Take Mr. Butz out of the water! He'll freeze!".
Surely they were being watched. But… if they were already spotted, why stop it anyway?
"See, Gummy? Learn with your boss!" Kay murmured to him when all of them were giving the boats back and getting ready to leave.
"HEY!" Larry rushed to face them, still soaked and sometimes sneezing. "WHAT'S GOING ON, MAN?"
"What? You didn't see clearly enough?" Edgeworth answered annoyed.
"But… But… Hey! Hey, I… I never imagined you two were… since when, man?" Were you planning to do the same with me?"
"No, thanks!" Phoenix immediately dismissed the idea.
"Looks you're the third wheel of the group, Larry." Kay rested her elbow on his shoulder.
"I'm out of words too, pal…! So! That love letter was to…"
"… More or less." Edgeworth answered refraining from discussing if it was a love letter or not.
"I would have never guessed… You!" The detective rushed to Phoenix, "you better be careful to don't upset Mr. Edgeworth or I'll arrest you, pal!"
"Fine… fine…" He answered, noticing Edgeworth smirking arrogantly at him.
"Now, now… let's take a picture everyone?" Maggey suggested, taking out a camera of her purse. "I'll ask someone to take it."
"That's perfect… I want so much a photo with everyone!" Maya nodded happily.
All of them got a copy of that photograph. Kay and Maya appeared at the center, followed by Gumshoe holding the hand of a surprised Maggey at one side, Larry sneezing behind them and Miles and Phoenix at the other side.
Ah, how many times would they end up seeing that photo in future? It was a good memento in fact, about a night when yes, all of them ended up smiling in the end. How could it be different after all?
Even if their ways were about to part… Even so, surely all of them would meet again. And until then, those two would have each other. Both supporting and being supported by the other.