Iris sat down on her bed, mulling the day over in her head. It was truly a wonderful day. She had seen so many things she had never seen before. Not only that, but since she had moved into the Wright Anything Agency, Phoenix had been kind, but also very distant. For the first time since she had been there, Phoenix actually seemed like he was genuinely enjoying himself. Of course she had no idea as to why he was so happy, but it brought her so much joy.

She flopped back on her bed. Why was Phoenix the way he is? He refused to tell her anything. No matter what she thought of though, none of it made any sense to her. She couldn't imagine him quitting his law career, so what must have happened to bring so much pain to the man she once loved? The thought tormented her but she knew she couldn't ask.

His eyes though. For the first time since she had been there, she saw his eyes devoid of pain, and he was just living in the moment. It was a truly beautiful thing. She wished that he could always be that way.

She rolled over to her side. Then there was Apollo. The boy didn't trust her that was for certain. Although, how could she blame him? Half the time she didn't even trust herself. Not after everything she had done in the past. She still had no idea how Phoenix managed to forgive her. She couldn't forgive herself. What would she do if Apollo learned of her past, of her secrets? Could she ever face the young man again? Would he accept her the way Phoenix did? He seemed kind and understanding, but what if it was just too much?

And Trucy, what if she learned of the truth? Could she still care about Iris the way she did now? She was already so lucky to have the girl's complete trust. Her kindness knew no bounds. She must be a great light in Phoenix's life.

Iris sighed. She was thinking too much again. She simply had to take things one day at a time. Tomorrow… Tomorrow was the day of Stevens's trial. She wondered how Apollo would do, and who he would go up against.

"If he's anything like Phoenix, he'll be fine…" She thought.

With that Iris turned off the lights and went to sleep.

Phoenix removed his beanie and set it on his nightstand. After Iris had comforted him about Garrett, the two managed to have a good time. A true good time, not something a fake smile could cover up. He didn't know what it was. He had been to the places a million times before, but this time it felt different this time… she was with him.

Was it truly her that caused him that sort of joy though? He couldn't imagine it. It wasn't like he was in love with her anymore, but even so, it was that smile of hers. That smile of pure joy that could light up an entire room. Yes, that had to have been it. He had never seen somebody so happy to just travel between stores before. What was he expecting though, she hadn't had that kind of experience before. Everything was new to her. Of course she would be excited. That didn't change the way it warmed his heart though. Not everyone could have such a genuine expression of joy. Something about it just… it just made him feel joy too. Of course that wasn't all. It was also the fact that she was different… she wasn't involved in this pathetic state he called his life. No, she was someone from the outside. Even though a part of him wondered how he wasn't shackled by the pain of their past, he truly had forgiven her that day. Also, right now, he felt lucky to have any part of his past at all.

The next morning Phoenix walked into the main room and saw Iris doing her morning sweep.

"Good morning." He greeted in a tired voice.

"Good morning!" Iris said happily.

Phoenix smiled at the happy woman, and went to go get himself some grape juice.

"Yesterday was a lot of fun, wasn't it?" Iris said merrily.

"Yeah. I enjoyed it too." Phoenix said honesty in his voice.

"I'm so glad!" Iris replied.

Phoenix sat down on the couch, and Iris sat down next to him.

"Hm?" Phoenix asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, do you not want me next to you?" Iris asked.

"No, it's fine." Phoenix answered.

The two sat in silence for few moments when Iris spoke up again.

"So… yesterday was a lot of fun."

Phoenix chuckled. "I know, you already told me."

"Oh." Iris looked down at her feet. "Sorry."

"It's fine."

Phoenix stood up to get something for breakfast. Iris had cooked it and left everything out on the counter as a free for all. He scratched his beanie and headed off.

Iris thought about how he hadn't told her about how he got this way, and felt opportunity strike. She stood up quickly, and felt her legs go weak underneath her.

"Um… Ph-Phoenix?" She began.

He turned to face her.

"Yes?" He replied.

"Umm…" This was it, the moment of truth. Could she do it or not? She took a deep breath in and…

"So, today is the big day? Steven's trial?"

Apparently not.

Phoenix looked up and scratched his chin. "Huh, I guess your right." He said. "I'll have to wish Apollo luck."

"Y-yes, me to." Iris said a slight sulk in her posture.

"You all right?" Phoenix asked.

"Y-yes, I'm fine." Iris said.

She perked up slightly.

"Oh, Phoenix?" She began.

"Yes?"

"How about we…" She paused. "Come on Iris, just say it!" "How about we go to the trial together today?" She asked.

Phoenix stopped for a moment.

"Sure." He said. "I've got time."

Iris smiled. "Wonderful! I'm glad we can be there to support them."

Phoenix smiled and nodded in agreement. He then left the room.

Iris flopped back down on the couch. Was she finally starting to truly befriend Phoenix again? She certainly hoped so.