AN: Another brand new chapter! I always felt I rushed this part. I did want to have some more Simon and Edgeworth being the know it all he is. That and I enjoy making things more difficult for Lyn.

January 22nd, 7:08 AM

Monolith Hotel

"And why are we going again?" I asked as I poked my eggs on the plate in front of me. They were probably cold by now.

"Because it's something that could benefit you," Miles said, setting the morning newspaper down on our table. The restaurant downstairs only had a few other customers right now, considering how early it was. "You haven't watched too many other less experienced prosecutors- I figure it would be good to watch someone more inexperienced for a change."

This was way too early to be up. I was sure that this was another attempt of revenge, but I didn't voice it out loud. It was one of those rare days when he wasn't avoiding me since New Year's. I vowed I would never get that drunk again.

With an unsteady hand, I shoveled some eggs and sausage onto my fork and forced it into my mouth. This shouldn't be a total waste. "Why? Can't I just watch you or some more pros?"

He took a sip of his tea before answering. "You should be exposed to other styles, other strengths and weaknesses. It would be a good exercise in viewing the strength of a performance, reviewing what you've already learned."

"...And here I thought you were going to say because you have already mastered the art," I teased.

"Hmph. There is no such thing as mastery," he remarked cooly. "There is always something to learn."

I yawned. I couldn't remember the last time I got a good night's sleep. I was unable to calm myself before bed because I was thinking too much. Thinking about..."Says the genius. If you're saying that, my work is cut out for me."

"What's the matter with you?" Miles asked in an abrupt fashion, staring me down from across the small table.

"Huh?"

"You've barely touched any of your food," he pointed. We'd been here for some time and he had long since finished his meal. "You'd usually clear off your plate and probably ask for seconds."

"Oh. I'm fine. I just...don't feel really hungry right now," I replied, glancing out of the window next to me to avoid his probing gaze. Another gray looking day out there, a bit darker than the color of his eyes... Anyway. It was true. I hadn't had much of an appetite in the past week or so.

Miles raised a brow. "Are you sure you're not sick?"

"I'm alright, mom. I just don't feel up to it," I was sick, but... not like how he was thinking, I was certain. It was a different, more annoying problem all together.

"...Alright," he said, still suspicious of me. I heard the clink of the tea cup meeting the saucer. "Just don't make it so I'd have to force feed you."

At this, I cranked my head back around to look at him and blushed. "W-what? Please spare me that horror."

Miles was smirking. "You are aware that I'm joking, right?"

"R-right," I stammered as that heat from my face seemed to course throughout my whole body. Right. Of course. Why would I even imagine that to be serious for even one second? He wasn't what I would call...caring ? Well, he did care, but not like that. ...I tried to delete that image from my mind at once.

I averted any eye contact, and went back to poking with my food on my plate. Ugh. Stupid Miles.

Dammit.

I needed to get it together. This was going to be a long day if I kept feeling like this. I stood up from my seat, shoving the chair under the table so it wouldn't be a problem for anyone to slip by. "I'll be right back."

If Miles had said anything in response, I hadn't caught it. And even so, it didn't matter as I maneuvered my way to the bathroom.

I pushed the swinging door open and headed straight to the sink. I placed my hands under the facet, waiting for the automatic spurts of water to come out.

Focused, I had to stay focused. The cool water pooled up in my hands. I wasn't going to think of how nice it would be for him to take care of me...no, that would be impossible. It's stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid... I splashed the liquid in my face and took a breath.

I at least felt less warm now.

But it seems, I couldn't stop myself from dreaming unfortunately. Could I really deny I didn't have an interest ?

(I mean, yes, I could. But...this is one lie I can't convince myself of.)

And yet, even if I did have it. I didn't have a chance in hell. It was impossible since New Year's.

(Who am I kidding? It was impossible before that.)

He'd run hot and cold after I refused to reveal the actual truth of how I knew everything about the bridge to turnabout. It hadn't happened yet, but I could tell he had grown wary of me on some level. I was bummed- after all, I had felt closer to him before that slip up. Some days he'd avoid me, other days he'd demand to go study. My confusion was an understatement… This two steps forward and then two steps back thing, sucked. I wished he would just tell me to buzz off or something.

I looked up in the mirror, my hands pressed into the flat surface around the sink.

But staying away from him in general was hard for me since...

I sighed.

(Lyn, you're here to think about something else. Anything else.)

But the bags under my eyes said otherwise. I did this far too much. When did this even happen? The rink? New Year's? The mansion? When did I start feeling like this? I couldn't say exactly when, but I knew I hated this hell I had trapped myself in.

I couldn't say anything. I couldn't get his trust until I told him the whole truth...that I was an imposter from another reality. Yeah, right...he'd think I was nuts for sure. Until then, I'd just have to bury these unnecessary feelings.

(That's right. There's nothing happening here. I... am just a friend.)

I forced a smile, that quickly turned into a frown at the thought. It was true, after all...it was just me who wished for something more.

(Ugh. I haven't felt this badly since high school. I'll turn into a poet, at this rate.)

The water I had splashed over my face had dried, and I felt less warm, so I figured it was time to return. Fortunately or unfortunately, was anyone's guess.

After leaving the bathroom, I returned to our table. Miles was standing up and presumably had already paid the bill. I would usually fight him on it, but with me out of the way he had an easier time of it today.

"Are you alright?" he asked, with this annoyed tone. He had been there waiting for me for...I'm not even sure how long, but long enough for him to take issue. "You've been acting strangely as of late. If something's bothering you, you can tell me."

(No, I most certainly cannot tell you about it, Miles! Especially you.)

"I'm fine, really," I brushed aside. His words made my hair stand up on end. He'd plumb no confessions out of me today whether they be on Bridge or...other unwanted topics. Ignoring him as best as I could, I reached for the bill left on the table. A fast hand, swatted mine away.

"Miles-" I started to complain.

"It's already paid for. There's nothing for you to do," he said folding his arms. Seeing that, I figured I'd drop it today. It was one of our regular arguments, but he already seemed defensive enough...

I groaned. "Can I at least contribute to the tip, Mr. Moneybags?"

"I've handled that already, but go ahead if you wish," he shrugged.

Opening my wallet, a laid my share on the table under my plate. "I appreciate you paying, but you seriously don't need to do it for me all the time."

"It's not a problem for me."

"You-" I placed my hand on my forehead, sighing. Leave to Miles to not get the point. It was the principle of the matter. "That's not the issue! Like, at least let me pay for you sometimes."

Miles said nothing for a moment, strumming his fingers against his arms. "...No."

"Are you serious-"

"You're going to make us late," he remarked checking his watch. "You're paying me with your time. Think of it that way."

"Argh..." I was gonna have to force stuff into his hands. Or maybe steal his cards. It had been a miracle he accepted any Christmas presents. Why was he so stupid about this stuff? What was more annoying to me was how he acted like a jerk about being nice!

Without me noticing, he had already moved to the archway about to leave. "Let's go."

Quick on my feet, I jogged over to catch up with him.

January 22nd, 12:09 PM

Courthouse, Courtroom No. 12

"Now, tell me, the strengths of his performance," Miles instructed, as he looked at me with his usual steely eyed glance. Though, this time I could see some anticipation or curiosity in my answer. We were standing in the gallery watching a trial from above. There weren't too many people here today unlike our usual packed galleries at home. I mean, it was a courtroom, but like more fancier than ours. Somehow, the architecture he was more regal, more fancy. It took me by surprise. If I wasn't being shoehorned into observing the cases so intently, I'd probably make some poor attempts to sketch the inside of this place.

I tapped the pencil against my face before speaking. We'd watched a few cases and throughout the entirety of the time here, the demon prosecutor was drilling me. The trials had been really intriguing to watch. Though honestly, I had only wanted to come to see Simon in action just for fun. But Miles wouldn't allow it. For these "remedial" lessons in law application, he made sure I was having the least amount of fun as possible. Or as best as he possibly could.

"I'd say, his counters to his opponents arguments were really strong. He did well at predicting the defense's next move and focusing his rebuttals around those. Also, he defended his witness- if he didn't do a good job of this, of trusting in them and believing in them, I'm sure his case would have fallen apart."

Miles snorted. "Protecting your witness is not nearly as sentimental sounding as you paint it to be. It sounds as though you've been listening to Wright's melodramatic dribble about the defense of his clients."

I found myself flushing in response. He could be so damn rude.

Satisfied with that potshot at me and Phoenix, he continued with a slight hint of amusement in his eyes. "Regardless of your sappy choice of words, you are quite correct. Mr. Blackquill was quite adept at keeping that defense attorney on the offense throughout the length of the proceeding. In a similar manner akin to an attorney, we do have an obligation to protect our witnesses for the many cases that don't fully rely on solid evidence, but rather testimonies."

"Have you ever convicted someone without solid evidence?" I asked, remembering how the Ace Attorney universe was built on Kristoph's idea that "evidence is everything" in court.

"Technically, I have, seeing as some evidence I've had in particular cases have been circumstantial," he took a moment to fold his arms and strum his index finger on one. His eyes shut. "If you mean to ask, have I ever convicted someone without any evidence whatsoever, and just testimony alone, the answer is no. There would be no case- if we were indeed focused on homicide cases."

I nodded. I guessed some things were still somewhat logical here after all.

"Right, cause it's different for claims court," I pointed out. "You could technically draw up your complaints and sue someone without evidence."

"But it would be impudent and foolhardy to do so," he countered. "A judge wouldn't be so bothered dealing in a case where the plaintiff couldn't provide a single shred of proof. It would simply be hearsay and just as quickly dismissed."

"Have you ever dealt with a case like that? One that wasn't a murder?"

"Absolutely not," he said, a touch offended. "You should find I don't care for the trivialities that most people deem necessary to take to court."

"Not even an assault?"

"You're asking about small claims, Lyn. A case in a small claims court is about as interesting as Larry attempting to sue an ex girlfriend for 300 dollars."

He was deadly serious. "...Did he ask you to be his lawyer?"

"Naturally, I refused to be involved in whatever petty nonsense he had going on. He should be more concerned about his financial prospects instead of women without a lawsuit."

I chuckled. Miles was as biting as ever, but he usually was worse whenever Larry was involved.

"We're getting off track," he remarked. "What were the weaknesses of his performance?"

"Um…" I flipped a few pages back in my notes. I had taken a lot down on general observations of the flow and rhythm of the court here. This trial seemed to move slower than back home, but it was most likely because they allotted slightly more time for investigations.

"Ms. Head in the clouds," he snapped. "Flaws. Now."

His crankiness drew me out of my thoughts. I had half a mind to think of mimicking him in his stuck up tone, but I thought better of it. "Yes...from what I noticed Mr. Blackquill's opening statement wasn't all that strong. He didn't exactly explain why the defendant should be convicted. On top of that, he had a bad habit of badgering the defense and defendant. With that type of demeanor I wouldn't be surprised if well, with the right judge, they might hold him in contempt of court."

Miles glossed over me, still waiting for something. I began sweating. I had done it, hadn't I? Those were the main flaws weren't they? I couldn't see where I had missed anything else crucial.

His face fell flat, lips turning downward. "While you are right, you are missing a large piece to the puzzle."

I pushed my glasses up on my face, as I searched for an answer. "Um...his pet bird attacking people?"

The demon prosecutor, sighed. "I don't approve of it, but it hasn't stopped prosecutors from doing an elect number of impossibly strange things in court. Remember when you came to court utterly unprepared on the first day of the trial against Mr. Shields?"

I groaned from the awful memory of my first real court case here. "How could I forget?"

"As I recall, your opening statement or lack thereof, caused you to stumble aimlessly through the beginning of trial. Beyond the foundation of a case, your opening statement gives you control of the direction of a trial. To not have a well prepared statement oftentimes allows the defense to take the lead. As prosecutor you have the advantage of setting the flow and tone of the trial. While Mr. Blackquill did well in rebutting his opponent, I doubt he would have to do as much work if he had indeed established a strong opening statement. I would not neglect it, as it forces the defense to take a stance early on."

"But didn't you say it wasn't about winning? You took me through hell and high water to learn that."

He gave me an annoyed grunt. "This has nothing to do about 'winning'. It is a strategy. We are responsible for providing the strongest case for the defendant's guilt as we possibly can."

"Why? What if the defendant is innocent?" I challenged him on the point.

"Because it is our duty," Miles said with conviction. "And the only thing we can do. In an ideal situation, the defense will provide its best for the client and prosecution will do its best for a conviction, to have both sides of innocence and guilt thoroughly examined. It maximizes our best chance of finding the truth-whether the innocent or guilty. The only thing we can do is give everything we got."

I shouldn't have expected to hear anything less.

"And that's why it's more valuable to aim to win. It's not important. Chasing after a win is losing sight of the truth."

"Yes, you've said it a hundred billion times already. I get it now. Really," I said, trying to delete any flashbacks to that awful case I had against Phoenix.

Putting my attention back on the trial, it was clear it was just about done. Both sides had just presented their final arguments. After some moments of deliberating, the judge declared his verdict as guilty, slamming the gavel down.

(Phew! Glad that's over with. I was actually starting to get an appetite again.)

Everyone was steadily clearing out of the room. Not wanting to wait, since the more waiting we did, the more hungry I'd get, I poked Miles in the arm.

"Hey, don't stand there reflecting and trying to look cool! Let's meet Simon."

"...Right," he replied softly, walking out of our row.

"Something on your mind?" I asked following behind him.

"It's nothing."

I frowned as we walked down the stairs and found our way through the ornate halls. He was doing that thing again. When something was clearly on his mind, but for one reason or another didn't want to tell me about it. This happened sometimes at these legal practices. I had no idea why he'd go from lecturing me to suddenly clamming up. There was no way to tell what he was thinking or what was bothering him, so I had to let it go.

It wasn't too long before we entered the prosecutor's lobby. A woman had just walked out as we were entering. Once she passed, I saw Simon headed in our direction.

I waved. "That was pretty cool, Simon!"

"Ah, thank you, Lyn san," he greeted. "Hello, Edgeworth sama. I had no idea you'd be watching today."

Miles nodded. Earlier, his posture was relaxed, now he was almost erect as a statue, barely moving. "Yes, we've observed the proceedings of day for educational purposes."

"Oh, is that, right?" Simon smirked at me, as scratched under Taka's chin. "Since Edgeworth sama has already critiqued me plenty of times, what did you think of my performance today, Lyn san?"

"I thought it was fine. Though, your opening statement kinda sucked. And if I were judge I probably would have thrown you out for all the times you yelled 'SILENCE'!" I mimicked, though saying this made me a little nervous. Simon was the type that could dish it and take it.

But he only laughed that harsh laugh of his. "I can work on the first part. The second part...is just who I am, unless you have a problem with it, Lyn san?"

"N-no! Not at all!" Gah. From the time we had spent around him, he would always manage to flip something around like that for shits and giggles.

Taka squawked loudly.

"What's that boy? You think she does have a problem?" he asked his animal friend, in a playful tone.

"No! Bad Taka! Bad!" I had seen that bird attack people in all sorts of scenarios, and he wasn't going to get me next!

Finished messing with me for the time being, Simon chuckled. "Seeing how that was the last day of trial, would you like to join me for lunch? There's nothing more for me to do besides file and that can wait."

"Oh, we'd love to-"

"While Lyn might be able to accompany you, I'm afraid I must humbly decline. There is some research I must catch up on," Miles said in a pointed manner, as he turned his back on the two of us before leaving the room. "Have a good day."

(What?)

That wasn't true. He had said nothing about doing any work today. In fact, I remembered Miles said he was going to take some time off to revisit some museums he had not seen in some time. The two of us watched as he briskly walked off.

"What is the issue with Edgeworth sama?" Simon asked with a slight frown. For all of his mischief making, it was clear he really respected Miles. I felt a little bad about how coldly he was turned down.

"I don't know," I sighed. He had been mostly normal today, so it baffled me. Then again, he kinda got quiet when came down. I didn't know why.

Simon said nothing for a moment or so until he started looking at me with a quizzical glance. "Lyn san, how often does Edgeworth sama go out for things unrelated to work?"

"If you mean recreational, not very often. When we ran into you at the skate rink, that was a present for me."

"I see," he said thoughtfully scratching Taka under the chin. "He turns down my offers a fair bit, unless it's under the guise of an inquiry."

"I wouldn't take it personally," I said, sweating. Miles could be a real piece of work even to people who did like him. "Getting him to do something fun is usually a struggle. If it wasn't a struggle, I'd have to assume the real Mr. Edgeworth was kidnapped by aliens."

"Hmm. Do you often spend time with him?" It was an innocent question.

But for an innocuous question, I had no idea why it felt like yet another splash of cold water to my face. I hadn't thought much about it before. Did I hang out with him a lot? For the most part, he was the only one here I really hung out with. Sure, I saw Ema here and there but it was a bit bland with her studying so much. I would see some people for these sessions, but they were acquaintances, and we did nothing more than chat here.

After the stuff at the mansion, and I had to be in his room daily for 2 weeks, I think that's when I saw him in far more frequency than the extent of my time in London. Again, it had all kinda gone sideways after my stupidity…

"...I guess I do," I said, folding my arms.

Simon's eyes lit up before he grinned. "I see. I see..."

"Huh? What?" The cheshire cat grins never boded well. Especially with Simon, who despite the seemingly gentle appearance, was a full-fledged sadist. If I was a terrible troll, I was certain Simon was exponentially worse.

"We can talk about it over lunch," he said. "The offer is still on the table, otherwise Taka and I will have a good time without you."

I had wanted to go before Miles' weird mood whiplash anyway. Now, I was curious to see what Simon was planning. And not like I would want to go back to my room so early in the day after all this legal stuff. I did want to enjoy myself. Plus, even if I tried to check on Miles, he would provide no entertainment in one of his sour moods.

"Alright, count me in," I said having nothing better to do.

January 22nd, 1:39 PM

Moliarni's Restaurant

"Oh My God. Why are the restaurants here so much better than the ones back home?" I asked, happily full. I got a beautiful mozzarella pizza. Seriously. It was like the quality of food never ceased to amaze me here.

"Probably because here we try not to kill our citizens with over processed crap," he said amused. "The better question is how many pizza places have you found abroad?"

I flushed. "Shut up. I've had your British food too...but I mean, you have a sit down Pizza Hut! I've never seen one at home before! It's not fair!"

"You're so American, it physically pains me."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Take your afternoon tea and shove it."

"Not without a biscuit, m'dear."

The restaurant was packed. At the moment, we were just waiting for the waiter to return with the tab- which this time I would pay for a change, since I wasn't with Miles.

"So, about before," I started. "It looked like you figured something out in the courthouse."

"Maybe I did," Simon said placing a hand under his chin. "Maybe I didn't."

"Don't be like that," I said leaning in. "Seriously, what do you know?"

"Hehe, well it's all speculation...but it's fairly obvious what's happening," he began, sticking a feather in his mouth. "Edgeworth sama is jealous of me."

I choked on my own spit. That was not the answer I was expecting. "W-what? Jealous? Of you? Why do you think that?"

The younger man, slammed his hand on the table. Some of the patrons around us, turned their attention to us.

"Hey, can you not do your theatrics here?"

"I will appreciate you not questioning my apparent charms, Lyn san," he chided. Taka squawked out his annoyance towards me also.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Just explain."

"Domo arigatou," he bowed his head slightly. "As I was saying, he's jealous of me. Clearly not because of my courtroom skills, since I am still considered a greenhorn but...he does not like when we speak to each other."

"What?" I asked. "That's silly. He doesn't even talk much when the three of us are together-"

"And that's it. Why does he go quiet in the presence of both of us?" Simon questioned. "When I speak to him on those rare moments I get his attention, there is no problem. Does he act like that when you're together?"

"Not really..." I agreed. It was rather strange how he said little and then abruptly left today.

"Wait," I put both my hands up. "Are you seriously suggesting he..."

No way. There was no way.

"You've finally reached the same conclusion. Without a doubt, Edgeworth sama is interested in you."

I shook my head. "That's crazy. I mean, he hates my guts." I mean, it couldn't be since...well I was hiding secrets and stuff for starters. He gave me a hard time for work stuff, but other than that he was (mostly) nice to me. I thought little of it.

Simon barked with laughter. He had the sort of laugh, that made you think of a hyena despite his seemingly gentle appearance. It was jarring honestly.

"Wh-what? What's funny?"

"Hates you? You've seen how Edgeworth sama is deliberate in his approaches. He wouldn't spend time with someone unworthy of it."

Okay. That was true, but... "I can't see how. I mean, trying to understand him is like trying to break down the Great Wall with a plastic spoon."

"Lyn san, do you think he's the type to proclaim his feelings on the rooftops?"

"No way in hell..." that was a peculiar visual...it sounded like something Larry would do for sure.

"Edgeworth sama is action oriented. We must look at his actions...and based on some of the other things you've mentioned I'm sure of it."

I wanted to believe it, but it seemed to good to be true. I folded my arms.

"To test it..I propose we press a few buttons," Simon smirked.

Oh boy. "Do you like playing with fire?" I asked feeling beads of sweat forming on my forehead.

"Don't you?"

"Touche." He was right, but it still didn't make me feel any less concerned for what he had in mind. "What are you proposing...?"

"If my theory is correct, Edgeworth sama is unhappy we're together right now. I'd push it further by telling him we spent the whole day and evening together...and to rub salt in the wound, slip in you visited my place," he said all too cheekily. "Of course, we don't have to do any of it, but if you say it to him...I'm fairly certain it'll set him off. And if I'm wrong, nothing will happen."

"It's surprisingly not as crazy as I thought."

"So, you'll do it?"

"Eh..." I remembered when I took Klavier's advice and where that had got me. I wasn't sure if this was the best idea...

"Well, I mean, you could take the reasonable course of action and ask him like a mature adult-"

"No! No! I'm very UNreasonable."

"Then why not? You have nothing to lose by pressing a few buttons," he pressed. "I'll even wager 20 pounds. If you're so certain, and it turns out you're correct, I'll pay you 20 pounds. But if I'm right, you'll pay me."

"Are you sure you just don't want to see things go up in smoke?"

"Who? Me?" he smirked. "It would be entertaining on some degree, I won't lie. But- instead of having another sleepless night, why not test my theory?"

I raised my brows. I hadn't mentioned anything about my endless rumination on it that lead into the night. Then again, he was sharp. and probably noticed the bags under my eyes.

Why not? I doubted anything would happen and I'd get some money out of this, so what the hell?

"Fine," I said.

"Then it's a 'date'," he grinned mischievously.

January 22nd, 9:58 PM

Monolith Hotel

I couldn't focus.

Frustrated, I threw my book aside, and stretched out in my chair.

For the rest of the day I had went for a walk outside and visited a small cafe before returning to my room. It wasn't my initial plan- it irritated me when Simon had invited the two of us out. I didn't know why exactly. But feeling that way, I knew I wouldn't enjoy the museums as much as I should. I had thought of inviting Lyn, still being unaware of the great number of historical sights, but she had decided to stay with the Simon.

I caught myself frowning.

It was foolish of me to feel slighted by it. Of course, she had a life and spent time with others. Sometimes I would discuss a degree of topics with Simon myself...

But it always bothered me, when Lyn and Simon were interacting. Again it didn't make sense as to why...I didn't mind when she spent time with Ema. But it would grate on me, when Lyn and Simon were happily chatting away with their inside jokes and strange references I didn't get. There were moments when I felt out of the loop and closed off to them, like a lone survivor on a stranded island. Perhaps that was it? It seemed like sometimes they'd be in their own little world, while I was excluded. It wasn't with malicious intent, they always did their best to include me and explain things I was woefully unaware of but…

(It feels like she prefers Simon's company over mine...)

….and why wouldn't she?

I considered myself to be always cordial, but lacking the charm Simon had. Simon for lack of a better word was open. He was agreeable and pleasant to be around. While polite, I supposed I was more brusque in my manner, more distant. . . probably more cold. Once one moved past the perceived level of distance, I would warm up, but I preferred to limit my circle of friends and acquaintances. My time was valuable and I only wanted connections I found to enrich my life after all.

I ran a hand through my hair...How bothersome. Very bothersome.

They were probably out having a good time, while I was sitting around ruminating agonizingly over it like a fool.

(I should be glad. It gave me some space and she's expanding her connections…)

While this sounded good in my mind, the rest of me failed to agree with the assessment.

It shouldn't have bothered me. We were all friends. I should be happy for them...and concerned for their well being.

Perhaps, that was the main problem? Simon seemed mild, but having spoken to him on more than one occasion, he could be quite devilish...

The time passed. Usually, I would have heard from Lyn by now. She tended to at least text me about her daily adventures. But hours passed and nothing.

I returned to reading, but my mind was too full of confusing thoughts. My eyes wandered from word to word, not fully absorbing any material, making the endeavor pointless.

Imagine my surprise when I heard the knock on his door around 10pm.

I sprang to my feet and set the book down. Was it her?

I unlocked the door and pulled it open.

"Hey, what's up?" Lyn said, sounding pleased for some reason.

"Just catching up on some reading," I said, trying to act as calmly as I possibly could. "And where have you been? It's awfully late for you to be here knocking on my door."

"Oh. Sorry," she said, smiling fading. "I didn't mean to bother you. I'll just tell you about it later."

She started to turn on her heels.

I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth. There I was again, not expressing myself properly. "My apologies, that wasn't meant to come off as rude...you can come in."

"Okay," she nodded turning back, to walk inside.

I closed the door behind her and offered her the seat by the desk. I took a seat on the edge of my bed.

"So, what did your outing with Mr. Blackquill entail?" I asked her, holding a steady gaze.

"It was fun," she started, eyes bright. "We got lunch at this place called Moliarni's and then we went to St. James Park. He showed me all the different types of birds there!"

"Lovely," I said, as politely as I could muster despite the whole situation grating on me. "But surely, you didn't do this for the whole day?" There was only so much you could do at the park until night and the weather was cold and raw.

"Oh, yeah. After that he showed me his place. It was pretty nice."

"What?" My stomach dropped. The pace of my heartbeat quickened. "You went to his place?"

"Huh?" her eyes widened for a moment, as she partially covered her mouth with her hand. "Yeah, I did. Why?"

"You idiot," I growled. I couldn't believe this. "What were you thinking?"

"What's the problem?"

"You barely know him," I remarked, folding his arms. "It's impudent to visit someone's residence, especially a man's until this hour."

"What are you my dad?" she asked furrowing her brows at me. "Simon's cool. Sure we're sorta only getting to know each other but-"

"If you are going to say you trust him despite knowing little about his background or intentions, you're more foolish and naive than I thought," I huffed. "Be more wary in the future. The kindest seeming people can have the bad intentions at worst or hidden agendas at best."

"There's no need to be jealous," she said.

"Jealous?" I asked incredulously. My feet and torso were turned directly towards her now. "I'm not sure what strange fantasies you're conjuring now, but, I am only concerned over your well being."

"I can take care of myself in that respect just fine," she blushed, folding her arms.

"Yes, of course, especially since you proved it so expertly staggering back into my room drunk New Year's Eve."

"Oh here we go," she sighed. "So I had a few drinks too many. You know, half your complaints wouldn't even be present, if you just, actually decided to come outside and enjoy yourself a change for like a regular person. I offered you to come out New Year's, you turned it down. Then you were invited today, and you turned that down."

"Why would me being there make any sort of difference to your actions?" Odd.

"I doubt I would have drank that much with you there, being around to either judge or nag me, and not inconvenience you. And today if you came, I doubt I'd stay the whole time since you were supposed to go to the museum. Why did you say you were going to work instead?"

"I changed my mind," I said.

"You changed your mind?" she asked raising a brow. "You, Miles Edgeworth, who complains on a regular basis about my inability to choose, changed his mind out of the blue?"

"Yes."

"...Okay. Why?"

"It's not your concern."

"Of course," she stood up, shaking her head. "Of course, it's not. Not any of my concern when you start acting worse than usual."

"Worse?"

"You treat me like a kid, but you act like a kid too, you know. Spending time cooped up inside, brooding instead of going on."

"Just what do you know about me?" I stood up.

"That you're temperamental and moody...and nosy. You pry into my life, but I can barely get a word out of you on yours."

"I am not any of those things," I folded my arms. "And I wouldn't ask you anything if I didn't care."

"Then what is your freaking problem?" she slammed a hand on my table. "One second, we don't speak for days and then the next you're dragging me out to do research. One day you're keeping your distance and then you're asking me for lunch. This come here, go away thing is pissing me off!"

All of it was her fault to begin with. She drove me crazy in a way that I couldn't fully articulate.

"...It should be obvious," I said, taking a step towards her.

"Are you serious?" she asked, scowling. "I don't get you, Miles. If you want me to leave you alone and not bother you anymore, that would make more sense."

"I don't want that." What I wanted was quite different.

Lyn inhaled.

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?" she scowled taking a step closer to me, pointing. "So just what do you want-"

In her attempt to be menacing she tripped over her own feet. The result being she lost her balance about to fall in the direction of the desk, but my arms pulled her into my chest.

It was reactionary, I hadn't even thought once to grab her. "You clumsy idiot…"

"Sh-shut up, you jerk," she stammered out.

I realized how I was holding her waist, as my other hand was tightly wrapped up around her upper back. Her hands were pressed against my chest. I could feel her heart pounding. My heart was pounding.

She was soft, she smelled sweet, something like a vanilla scent.

How long we lingered there like that I wasn't sure, but it was probably too long. After all, I was certain she wasn't interested in me-she had kissed me while drunk and liked to spend her time with Simon...yet, she hadn't moved. Why hadn't she moved away yet?

More importantly, I should have let her go, but I couldn't find it within myself to do so. I recalled the last time she had hugged me and how nice it felt. It was something that hadn't happened to me in eons. And I admitted to myself that I enjoyed the sensation...it was something I didn't want to let go of so easily...despite these uncomfortable circumstances.

...I wanted to get closer.

And when had that really happened? When had I ever wanted to get close to someone? People often were trying to get close to me. Yet, here I wanted to know her. To know everything. Everything she hiding...all of her secrets. It angered me to know I had started to let her in and she was hiding something so relevant. For if she knew something I kept a secret, what else could she know about me? There quite easily could have been plenty more things she knew, but didn't mention.

I was getting in too deep. And I didn't want to put all of my cards on the table if she wasn't willing to do the same. It wasn't a fair match.

But this damned woman hadn't once moved from being buried into me. It was tempting, but, no. I couldn't trust her. It wouldn't be right...not until I knew everything.

I would apply the pressure, until I found the truth. "How can I trust you?"

At these words, she began to pull away, refusing to look at me, but rather the door as she drew closer to it. "I..."

She wouldn't escape that easily. I strode over without hesitation, as she now was leaning against the back of the door.

"Tell me, how can I trust you, knowing something about me I never disclosed to anyone?" I asked.

For this, her only response was to reach for the metal door handle.

"It is unsettling," I said, as I placed my hand over hers on the handle. "For you to know something you have no business knowing."

Her sight remained fixated on the ground. Once again, I'm met with silence. No words, no excuses, no protests...not a single explanation. This reticence was unfitting of her. I couldn't stand it. How could we be close and yet so far away at the same time?

"Just be honest," I insisted. "I want to believe the best. I want to trust you."

Her breath hitched, as she slowly raised her head to meet my gaze. She parted her lips, as though she wished to speak, but stopped. Her brown eyes were pleading with me. I hated this.

My hand stroked her right cheek. It was smooth.

It's as though, there's an invisible barrier between us now. I couldn't break until she conceded.

"I...I'm sorry."

What...what was I doing? I pulled my hand away.

Her face was flushed- she was clearly confused, trying to make sense of what just happened.

...I shouldn't have done that. I already regretted it. But I couldn't help it, not when she looked at me like that. My fingers had a mind of their own.

Annoyed with myself, I withdrew.

"Get out."

"Wha-"

"Get out," I growled.

In resignation, still keeping her eyes on me as she dragged her feet to the door. She gave me one last glance before stepping out, in an expression I couldn't fully read.

I slammed the door behind her, locking myself in yet again.

To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure of what just happened or why I did that. It wasn't like me so...why?

Why did this bother me so much?

Sighing, I sat on my bed.

I had never felt jealousy. I was above that. It was petty. Unbecoming. Foolish. But after, that I was finding it more difficult to deny.

Here I was jealous of a younger colleague, one who often remarked how impressed he was with my talents as a prosecutor.

It was impossible.

That I should feel such...a disgraceful thing.

Absurd.

On top of her secret of how she knows things about me she clearly shouldn't...I was at a loss on how to proceed. If I should proceed.

For now, it was best for me to observe closely and try to get a grip on these...feelings I have no desire of feeling.

And when I did that, I'd win. I'd crack her open and figure out whatever she was hiding, for better or for worse.