Title: The Perfect Gift
Rating: T
Pairings/Characters: some brief Wrightworth, Trucy
Disclaimer: I don't own anything Ace Attorney, characters, etc., all belong to their respective creators.
Warnings: fluff, angst, feels, references to depression
Summary: "He feared if what he'd gotten was enough, if he should've asked Edgeworth for money to do more, if he was good enough to make her feel loved and wanted like the father he was striving to be for a daughter who wasn't his."

Phoenix wants nothing more than to make his first Christmas with Trucy special. Figuring out how to do that, however, is proving stressful.

A/N: Completed for the tumblr 2020 Ace Attorney Secret Santa event for TayaSigerson! Prompt provided: "Something with Phoenix and Trucy, maybe he's helping her practice magic?"

It was a bad habit, he knew that. He wasn't even sure how he picked it up. Maybe it was influenced by the patrons at the bar. He hated the way it smelled, but something about the burn in his lungs and the relaxation of the action made him keep coming back to it. Even then, it wasn't something he did often and never around her. It was his own little secret, his own little way of dealing with the upheaval in his life – his own time to be alone and shove aside the convoluted emotions that now plagued him every day.

The flame from the lighter warmed Phoenix's chilled fingers as he lit the cigarette pursed between his lips. He'd put Trucy to bed thirty minutes ago, and now was his quiet time to unwind. Leaning back against the building, he exhaled a long stream of smoke and smiled as he watched the large snowflakes continue to blanket the ground around him. It was hard to believe it was already December, considering the amount of change that'd occurred within such a short time. The two of them decorated his small apartment and what was once his law office, which had since been converted into a storage place for Trucy's magic props. He was never one to do much for the holidays; however, she was more than willing to help him go all out this year. Since money was tight and would continue to be for the foreseeable future, they visited various thrift shops and discount stores to find cheap decorations. Luckily, they were able to find a tree in decent shape, a few boxes worth of garland and lights that took nearly an hour to untangle, and other random knick-knacks to sprinkle around. While it was more than he would've liked to have spent, the sheer delight he witnessed from her wrapping herself up in garland as if it were a beauty accessory and hanging ornaments on the tree was worth every penny.

With this being her first Christmas without her father, he had to ensure it was special, had to make her happy and keep her spirits up. Granted, she'd already shown herself to be quite resilient to being orphaned, but the instances when she'd let her guard down and cried in his arms, it was one of the worst feelings he'd ever known. She was the sole reason he was still breathing. He'd do anything for her, and he longed to give her something spectacular, yet his meager budget was against him this year, as usual.

The stress of thinking of the perfect gift was enough to see him outside every night to have a cigarette, to quiet his restless thoughts. He vowed to kick the habit for the new year, but right now, the craving to be calm was too much.

He wrapped an arm around himself to quell the intensifying shivering his body was doing and took another long drag. There were only two weeks left before Christmas day.

"What am I gonna do?" he mumbled to himself.

While he'd been feeling that he was in way over his head from taking on the care of a child ever since that fated trial, it somehow felt even more extreme now.

Once the cigarette was a tiny stub, he thoroughly extinguished the tip in the snow and discarded the butt in a trashcan on his way back up to his apartment. Amid the stillness of the winter night, the sound of his phone ringing was enough to startle him. He unlocked the door and stepped inside before retrieving his phone from his pocket. The sight of Edgeworth's name on the screen caused him to grin happily, and he suddenly didn't feel as tired as when he'd stepped outside initially.

"Good morning, Miles," he said pleasantly.

"And good evening to you, Phoenix," was the smooth reply, a hint of amusement laced in the prosecutor's voice. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No no, I was just…." He caught himself before answering honestly, not wanting to reveal his unhealthy habit at the risk of being chastised. "I was just getting ready to lie down." True to his word, he settled himself on the couch that had become his bed. With only one bedroom and not enough space for another mattress, he sacrificed his comfort for Trucy. Adjusting the pillows and the blankets atop himself, he continued, "Busy day ahead?"

"Nothing more than expected. How are you?"

Heaving a sigh, Phoenix replied with a smirk, "You want the truth?"

"Of course. I expect nothing less from you."

"I'm having a rough time. On top of everything else that's wrong with my life, Christmas is coming up, and I have no idea what to get Trucy. I don't know what little girls want, let alone have the money to get it for her. She hasn't mentioned a Christmas list or dropped any present hints….I have to make this special for her, Miles. It's her first Christmas with me, and I don't want to mess it up. I don't want her to think I don't care or that I forgot to get her something. I didn't think I'd be saying this, but….I want to be a good dad. I don't want to have her wishing for Zak to be here instead of me because she doesn't think I love her as much."

The line was quiet for a moment, during which Phoenix curled up on his side to face the back of the couch.

"Phoenix."

"Yeah?"

"You are doing a wonderful job with her."

Phoenix could feel himself blush and his anxiety lessen from the statement.

"I have been quite impressed with how you've handled this whole situation and how loving you've been. There is no doubt in my mind that she recognizes it and appreciates you stepping into the role of being a father to her. You know I'll gladly provide you with whatever you need to make the holiday special for her, as well as alleviate your financial burdens."

"You know I can't accept that-"

"And yet I will always offer. You know you don't have to handle this alone. I may be an ocean away, but I will offer my support in any way that I can. Regardless if you accept, I know you will find just the thing to give her. You may question your capabilities, but you've proven to me many times that you will always succeed."

The reddish tint to Phoenix's cheeks intensified in response to the last statement. "I never pictured you to be such a softie, but you really have turned into one," he said with an amused smile.

"An unexpected consequence from being with you, I suppose." The words were spoken in a manner that highly suggested Edgeworth was smiling as well.

"I wouldn't be opposed to it being a regular thing. Though, I do still enjoy your demon prosecutor side shining through most nights," he ended with a deviant tone.

"Yes, I am well aware of that fact and look forward to living up to my title when I return."

"Are you able to make it back for Christmas?"

"Unfortunately, no."

Phoenix could feel his heart sink a little and his glimpse of happiness for the moment fade.

"It'll be a few more months before I can get away for a visit."

Letting out a sigh, Phoenix said quietly, "I figured."

"I know you two will be alright."

"We have to be. I have to be. For her."

"And you will. I'll let you get some rest. Do consider what I said. I'd be more than willing to send you whatever you need."

"I know. I will."

"Might I also suggest that you have two young ladies in your life who may be of assistance for finding a gift."

Phoenix giggled. "Oh yeah. How could I forget? I'll give them a call tomorrow. Good thinking."

"Get some sleep, Phoenix. We can chat again soon."

"Thanks. Hope your day goes well. Maybe I can have a nice dream of you tonight."

"Mm. If so, I require details."

"Expect nothing less from me."

"But of course. Good night, Phoenix."

"Good day, Miles."

After ending the call, he reached his arm out behind him and dropped his phone onto the floor. He pulled the blanket up farther to clutch under his chin, closed his eyes, and sighed heavily.

"It'll be okay," he whispered, never knowing he wasn't the only one to hear the forced assurance.

Despite the many days he had to wake up early when he was a defense attorney, Phoenix found that getting out of "bed" was becoming more and more of a chore. He may be jobless, but he still had to be responsible for his un-official daughter. He had to provide her a sense of normalcy, even though it was far beyond his normal. If he let himself linger on the thought for too long, he realized his new normal was denying depression and finding the strength to live for her.

Engrossed in his task of making sure the eggs didn't burn, he jumped slightly when he felt small arms wrap around his leg. Glancing down, he saw Trucy beaming up at him, eliciting a cheerful grin from him in return.

"Hey kiddo!" he said warmly, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I didn't hear you get up."

She giggled and asked, "Did I scare you, daddy?!"

"You did. It's those magician skills of yours! Disappearing and reappearing without a sound."

"I'm going to be the best, you'll see!"

"I don't doubt that. And nothing better than a good breakfast to make sure your skills stay sharp, right?"

"Yeah!"

"Coming right up! Just a few more minutes. Go wash your hands and have a seat."

"I already did!"

"Ah, silly me. I should've known you were prepared!"

"A good magician is always prepared!"

"Okay little magician Trucy – why don't you disappear from the kitchen and reappear at the table."

"On it!"

As she scurried to the table, he turned off the oven burner and fetched dishes and silverware to make them each a plate of eggs, toast, and bacon.

Setting hers down first and then taking a seat across from her, he asked, "Sleep okay, kiddo?"

"Mmhm!"

"Good. Any homework for this weekend?"

"Uh uh."

They spent a few minutes eating, Phoenix gazing uninterestedly at the newspaper resting not far away, before Trucy at last broke the silence.

"Hey daddy?"

"Hm?"

"You don't have to get me anything for Christmas."

Phoenix's eyebrows shot up, his heart skipping a beat. Oh god, he thought to himself frantically. Did she overhear me last night?! "What makes you say that, Truce?"

"Well…." Her demeanor became quite gloomy, and he felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach; he hated the moments he had to see her so sad and couldn't do anything to ease it. "You've already given me everything. And I know you don't like asking uncle Miles for help, so I don't want anything."

Shit….God, I'm a horrible father….I didn't even think to just ask her what she wanted, and now here she is, telling me she doesn't want anything for my sake. She had to hear me talking to him last night. Or maybe I just hide my financial stress super poorly….

"Trucy…." he began, unsure of what, really, to say. "Just because I don't like asking him for help doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for anything for Christmas."

"But I know you don't like spending a lot since you stopped being an attorney."

"That's true, but it's the holidays. It's the time of year to splurge a bit. Especially since you've been such a good girl. You deserve some great presents."

"But…."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know what to get you, daddy."

"You don't have to get me anything, kiddo."

"But you've been good too!"

He smiled, and an idea suddenly hit him. "Hey, I tell you what. How about we make a deal, okay?"

Her melancholy distress started dissipating, and she perked up at this proposal.

"How about we each get one gift for the other. It can be whatever you want. Just one thing. How does that sound?"

Her eyes were sparkling now with excitement. "Yeah!" she agreed animatedly. "I'll start thinking right away!"

Before he had a chance to say another word, she scampered off to the bedroom, leaving him to chuckle at the reaction.

"Okay," he sighed. "One thing. I can think of one thing, right?"

Fresh from a shower and dressed in an outfit that didn't resemble pajamas for a change, Phoenix stepped into his old bedroom to have some privacy for his impending chat. While Trucy was presently watching Saturday morning television programs for children, he followed through on the lead Edgeworth had provided him.

"Hey Nick! What's up?!" Maya answered in her usual chipper tone.

He smiled and said, "Hey Maya. Not much. I actually need your help on something."

"Oooo! Sounds important!"

He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled, "Well, I guess so. I wanted to see if you were free to come visit for a day soon. I don't have anything for Trucy yet for Christmas, and-"

"Say no more! Little Pearls and I are on it!"

"Wait, Maya-"

"We're on our way now as a matter of fact!"

"What?! You are?!"

"Yep! Let's just say you aren't the only one in need of our assistance!"

"Wait, who-"

"We'll see you soon, Nick! Bye!"

"Maya-"

Before he could get another word in, she'd hung up. Pulling the phone away from his ear, he stared at the screen for a moment, dumbfounded.

"How….?"

Strolling out into the living room, he casually announced, "I guess Maya and Pearl are going to pay us a visit today."

Trucy clapped her hands together, grinning elatedly. "Ah yay! I've missed them! They can help me find a gift for you, daddy!"

He cocked his head curiously. "Did you….You called Maya when I was in the shower, didn't you?" he questioned, unable to hide a smile.

Amid a fit of giggles, she replied in a teasing tone, "Maaaybe."

"And here I thought I was the one being resourceful." He laughed lightly and said, "Hats off to you, my little magician."

"Tada!"

"They'll be here in about an hour or so. Want to help me pick up a bit before they get here?"

"Okay!"

The reunion did not go at all according to Phoenix's expectations. Apparently among the three of them, the girls had worked out a very particular plan. Pearl was tasked with accompanying him on his search, and Maya was sticking with Trucy.

Currently, Phoenix and Pearl were strolling along one of the older parts of the city where boutiques and variety shops galore adorned several blocks. Items that caught her eye, he didn't feel as if Trucy would take to them as enthusiastically. Of course, Pearl was from an isolated village, so it made sense that every possible thing could have her alight with excitement.

It'd already been a few hours when they reached the last block. By now, he'd lost faith that they would find anything, while Pearl remained the eager optimist, bound and determined to not return empty handed.

I wonder if Trucy's having this hard of time finding something for me, he pondered. I can't imagine I'd be super hard to shop for….

An overzealous gasp all at once shook him from his thoughts, not to mention the hand that latched onto his arm.

"Mr. Nick!" Pearl exclaimed and pointed at the window they were in front of. "Look! What about something like that?!"

Phoenix contemplated this option. "Hmm….Those are pretty cute. She only has a few right now, and she really loves them."

"And it's even more special because you get to help make it!"

"Do you think they'd have a bun-"

"Come on, Mr. Nick!"

He wasn't able to get the rest of his sentence verbalized, for he was being dragged inside the store, practically stumbling through the door and onto his face.

For several days after Maya and Pearl's visit, Trucy would spend the majority of the evenings confined to the bedroom with the door closed. There was one night she scolded Phoenix when he entered too quickly after knocking, and he promised he wouldn't do it again as he simultaneously tried hiding his amusement at her huffy reaction.

What in the world did she and Maya come up with for me?

His wrapped gift for her remained alone under the tree for quite some time until just two days before Christmas. He stared at it quizzically when she at last set it beside his. With how much time she'd dedicated to what he thought was his present, he certainly didn't expect something so small.

"All done, daddy!" she said proudly. "I hope you like it!"

Smiling sweetly, he replied, "I know I will, kiddo."

It was a rough night for Trucy on Christmas Eve. He had a hunch it would be, his heart breaking from her melancholy demeanor the entire day and then almost crying himself when she got out of bed around midnight to come ask him if he could sleep beside her, tears streaming down her cheeks as she choked out the words. Settling under the covers with her snuggled up beside him, head on his chest, he petted her hair soothingly while she wept. She didn't ever explain the reason for her deep sadness, and she didn't have to; he knew all too well the pain she still felt from being abandoned and how much she missed her actual father. It had him fearing if what he'd gotten was enough, if he should've asked Edgeworth for money to do more, if he was good enough to make her feel loved and wanted like the father he was striving to be for a daughter who wasn't his.

Once she was sound asleep for a bit, he cautiously slipped out from under her arm to go fill their stockings. She'd told him she didn't believe in Santa, but he grew up with the tradition of goodies stashed inside stockings by "Santa" aka his parents and wanted to pass that along to her. Additionally, it was a way to give her a few extra items, albeit not expensive or extravagant ones, while still adhering to the deal they'd made since he was putting stuff in his too under the guise of Santa visiting them. He'd found several pairs of socks for her with designs all relating somehow to her magician background: white doves, top hats and wands, and playing cards. For himself, he got some nice wool socks and another pair to wear with his suit should he ever find reason to put it on again (the first occasion that came to mind was his funeral, a morbid thought that made him snicker). An assortment of candy, of course, took up most of the space in their stockings.

He was able to slide back into bed without waking her, and as he lay there staring at the ceiling, he again hoped he'd done enough to make it special for her and ease the grief, if only a little.

Maybe I should've asked Miles for help….I could've paid him back somehow…..Too late now, I guess….I hope Pearl was right….

"Daddy….Daddy…."

Phoenix groggily opened his eyes, the whispering and light shaking of his shoulder rousing him.

"What you need, Truce?" he replied sleepily.

She giggled and clapped her hands together. "It's Christmas! Wake up! Come on!"

He glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was eight in the morning.

It doesn't even feel like I was asleep that long….

"Come on!" she insisted, tugging at his shirt sleeve.

Smiling and sitting up, he said, "Okay, okay. Can I at least make some coffee first?"

"Already did! Let's go!"

She knows me so well….

She dashed into the living room as he tiredly shuffled out of the bedroom behind her. He poured himself a cup from the kitchen and sat down on the couch to watch her empty the contents of her stocking.

"Look at these!" she exclaimed, holding up the socks. "They're so cute!"

She couldn't resist donning a pair right then and there, choosing the ones with the playing cards on them to put on.

"You got some too!"

"Yeah! Santa knew we needed some help with keeping our feet warm, huh?"

She nodded. "Mmhm!" Hurriedly, she grabbed her gift for him and handed it to him. "Now it's time to open this!"

"How about you open yours first, kiddo?"

"Okay!"

She took the present and eagerly tore into the wrapping paper. When she pulled apart the box flaps, her eyes lit up with awe and sheer joy. If there was any lingering doubt in Phoenix's mind, it was erased entirely. Her reaction had him feeling the happiest he'd been in a long time. To know he had done something to elicit this response was a powerful moment for him, and he felt a twinge of pride towards himself.

The bunny was about half her size, extremely soft, and wore a top hat and light pink cape that resembled her own.

"I helped put it together," he said, almost chuckling at her stunned expression at this statement. "There was a shop we found where you can pick out an animal and then you get to put the stuffing in it yourself – however much you want – and choose an outfit if you want too. There's also something special I put in it if you squeeze its right paw."

She gasped and found the button inside. A quiet lullaby began to play, and she squealed ecstatically, hugging her new friend to her tightly.

"I love it, daddy!" she declared gleefully. "You picked the best one! What should I call her?!"

"That's up to you!"

"Hmm….How about Usagi? Like the girl with bunny ears from that one show!"

"I think that fits her perfectly."

Still holding the stuffed animal to her snugly, she instructed, "Now you open yours!"

"Okay, okay."

The present was incredibly lightweight, causing him to wonder if she'd perhaps forgotten to put the actual gift inside. He took off the paper in a much more subdued manner than she had with hers, and the instant he opened the box lid, a surge of emotion washed over him to the point he was speechless, mouth agape, breath caught somewhere in his throat, and his eyes welled with tears.

"Do you not like it?"

Trucy's concerned voice caught his attention after a brief moment, and he found the ability to swallow, blinked to let the droplets fall from his eyes, and offered a heartwarming smile.

"It's absolutely perfect, Trucy," he complimented sincerely. "I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Her expression immediately switched to one of elation. "Really?! You mean it?!"

He nodded affirmatively, removing the bright blue knitted beanie with the word "Papa" written across the side of it in vibrant pink letters to put on over his messy hair. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Maya helped me!" she explained, moving to sit beside him on the couch. "She helped me get better and gave me some smaller things to practice making and picked out a design she thought I could handle. She thought 'papa' would be better than 'daddy' – take up less room." She observed him for a few seconds before asking honestly, "Why are you crying? Are you sure you like it?"

Wrapping an arm around her to pull her in for a hug, he kissed the top of her head and answered, "I'm sure. I'm crying because I'm really happy. You made me so happy with this. It's something that is truly unique and special because you made it. No one else has one."

"Just like you making Usagi for me!"

He laughed. "Yeah, I guess so. Great minds think alike, huh?"

She nodded energetically. "Mm-hm!" A beat passed before she went on. "Daddy?"

"What is it, kiddo?"

"You made me really happy too. Not just with Usagi, but….being my new daddy. I couldn't ask for a better one."

God, she really knows how to pull all the right heartstrings, he thought as another batch of tears overcame him. There was no describing the immense thankfulness and contentment he felt in this moment, had always known she was an extraordinary child that brought about tremendous joy and brightness to his life – it was a beautiful feeling to have such sound reassurance that he provided the same for her.

"Thank you, sweetie," he murmured. "I'm very lucky and honored to be in your life. Love you, Truce."

"Love you too!"

They remained in their embrace for several minutes longer before he suggested they do some cleaning ahead of the arrival of Maya and Pearl joining them for board and card games to celebrate the holiday together. As a family.

No matter how horrible the year had been with his disbarment and the consequences from it, he knew he needed to remember he wasn't alone. There were people who cared about him as much as he did them. Perhaps it had all been a blessing in disguise.

Tucking Trucy into bed that night with her cuddling her bunny, he couldn't imagine a life without her now, nor did he want to go back to the one he had if it meant losing her.

"Merry Christmas, Trucy," he whispered and kissed her forehead.

"Merry Christmas, daddy," she answered just as softly.