Merry Christmas everyone! (and happy Saturday to those of you who don't celebrate it). Here's a little Christmasy themed story for you set between DD and SoJ :)

"That has got to be the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen"

Edgeworth turned around to see Phoenix standing behind him, staring at the Christmas tree in the corner. Every year prosecutors, attorneys, and detectives (usually plus a few others as well) gathered for a Christmas party. This year was Edgeworth's year to host and- being Chief Prosecutor- he had decided to leave no expense spared. A large spread of food and drink covered the long dining table, decorations hung from the ceiling and walls, music played from the speakers in every room, and Edgeworth's tree stood proudly in the corner of the living room.

"As I recall, your 'Christmas tree' last year was a rather pathetic looking stick with about 3 baubles on it" Edgeworth joked as he stepped next to his friend.

"Hey! I was very proud of that tree, thank you very much" Phoenix gasped in mock offence, causing Edgeworth to chuckle at his ridiculous expression.

"Well, this is certainly more impressive that what I put together last year" Phoenix vaguely gestured around them, remembering the slight disaster the previous year's party had been. To say it was done on a very small budget would be an understatement. But not everyone could afford huge trees, mountains of food, and lavish decorations, right? The evening rolled on peacefully as more guests arrived.

"Polly! Look at that tree, it's massive" Phoenix smiled as he heard the voice of his daughter from the door. She had her arm linked with Apollo's and both of them were completely captivated by the decorations around the room. Well, until Trucy was suddenly swept off the floor by Larry who walked in the door behind them.

"Uncle Larry!" Trucy giggled as Larry spun her round in his arms. Eventually he put her back down on her feet, ruffled her hair slightly and then walked over towards Edgeworth and Phoenix.

"Merry Christmas!" he exclaimed, throwing his arm around Phoenix's shoulders.

"Merry Christmas" Phoenix and Edgeworth simultaneously replied.

"The old team, back together at last" Maya said, appearing behind the three men and handing them each a glass of champagne.

"I'll drink to that" Phoenix quietly laughed, before gently knocking his glass against Maya's, Edgeworth's, and Larry's. He found himself smiling as he looked at the scene around him; Simon in complete hysterics (which was quite an odd sight in itself) along with Ema at a joke Athena had told them, Trucy and Pearl dancing together, Klavier and Apollo bickering over something or other, and his three closest friends laughing and talking by his sides.

"This Christmas will be a good one" Phoenix muttered mostly to himself, sipping at his drink.

"Unlike so many others..." Edgeworth sighed.

"You don't have to worry about any of that now, you've got all of us" Phoenix smiled sympathetically, knowing exactly what Edgeworth was thinking about. For many years, Christmas had meant nothing but loss and longing for him. But now, things were different for all of them.

"Plus, you know your dad would want you to enjoy Christmas" Larry pointed out, nudging his shoulder against Edgeworth's.

"Hey, boss! You have got to see this" Athena called over before pointing towards a combination of things that were bound to be hilarious- Klavier, Apollo, lots of alcohol, and a karaoke machine. Phoenix shrugged helplessly towards his friends as they all walked over to the growing crowd around the karaoke machine.

"Daddy!" Trucy giggled as she appeared by Phoenix's side. She was holding out her phone, ready to take photos of Apollo which would probably be used to blackmail him at one point or another. Phoenix rolled his eyes but picked her up so she could get a better view nonetheless and looked over to see Maya doing the same for Pearl. Phoenix allowed himself to look across the crowd of his friends as they gathered together in the magic of Christmas (and terrible 90's karaoke songs). Then he turned back to Klavier and Apollo who had now ended up standing on the table as they sang. A smile made its way to his lips and stayed there for the rest of the night.