A/N: Wow! 10 months to update, that's CRAZY! Anyway here is the much anticipated next installment of Imperfect Love. Please bear with me on this one, I've been out of my writing groove for a long time so it may not be up to the quality of the others but I am FULLY planning to improve the quality for the next chapters! Anyway, Enjoy and of course R&R!


Chapter 5

Again Adrian caught herself staring at the clock in the hospital waiting room. The anxiety was eating away at her from the inside as she pulled her gaze away from the clock, instead looking out of a nearby window and watching an orange glow develop in the sky as the sun started to rise.

Sunrise…..we've been here over 4 hours…..

In those four hours, relatively little had happened. Miles, now sitting silently with his head in his hands, had, only an hour earlier, engaged in a rather heated discussion with a member of staff as to why he was not being kept up to date with Franziska's condition.

Franziska…..

Adrian hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. As much as it pained her, Adrian new that if Franziska didn't pull through this, her world would come crashing down around her. Ever since THAT case Adrian's dependence on Franziska had steadily grown. It was only 6 months ago that Adrian had become completely dependent on Franziska.


"Ms Andrews, how many times do you deem it necessary to ask? I gave you my word that I'd come to the fireworks display at the Gatewater just as soon as I've finished going over this case." Franziska's voice was tinged with annoyance.

"I'm sorry Franziska….It's just that they start in an hour and I don't want you to miss them!"

"I am well aware of the timings Ms Andrews and I will be there in ample time."

A small smile graced Franziska's lips as Adrian began to stutter. Ever since her break up with Miles Edgeworth, Franziska had developed somewhat of a soft spot for Adrian. She was Franziska's first true friend and, not that she would ever show it, but Adrian was Franziska's best friend. Every week they would make time to have lunch together, touring the cities many restaurants. Occasionally Franziska would take Adrian shopping. This always embarrassed Adrian as she could never afford to buy any of the wonderful, luxury, items that she saw. This often ended up with Franziska footing the bill and Adrian, despite protests by Franziska, doing everything she could to work off the debt.

"I-i…..I'll wait for you at the entrance to the hotel!"

"Very well Ms Andrews, I shall meet you there in precisely 35 minutes."

"Ok! See you then Franziska! Oh, and how many times do I have to tell you to call me Adrian!"

*beep*

Franziska sighed and sat back. The last time she had called Adrian by just her forename was just after Miles broke up with her. It had not been a pleasant experience for either of them and Franziska had decided that a more informal approach was best. Franziska closed her eyes for a momentary respite before committing herself to reading the rest of the case in front of her.

Adrian had started to get cold waiting for Franziska and contemplated heading into the foyer, but before she could make the decision a familiar blue haired prosecutor walked round the corner towards her.

"Franziska!"

"Ms Andrews. Shall we head inside to warm up before the display starts?"

Adrian stepped aside allowing Franziska to lead the way into the warmth.

After a quick drink the two women went out to watch the display. As far as Adrian was concerned it was truly magnificent. As the display built up to the finale, it happened, the moment that would seal Adrian's dependence on Franziska forever.

Franziska, who up until that point had been rather enjoying the fireworks, was approached by this slightly scruffy and very annoying looking man.

"Franzy!"

Franziska sighed as a very inebriated Larry Butz staggered over to her.

"Mr Butz, you are in no fit state to be here around dangerous explosives. Go home."

Contrary to her advice Larry kept advancing until eventually he tripped, falling face first into the prosecutors chest.

*CRACK*

Franziska's whip bit into Larry's back with a crisp snap, as she stepped back, rage filling her face.

"How DARE you? You are a Disgrace!"

Adrian, who had watched the event unfold with a trace of amusement on her face, stepped in to prevent Franziska doing something she might regret.

"It's ok Franziska; I'll take him inside and get security to keep an eye on him."

"Hmph."

Adrian couldn't help but giggle as she escorted Mr Butz inside.

As the finale came to an end, Franziska headed inside to find her friend, but to no avail. Franziska went out to the front of the building to see if Adrian had popped outside for some fresh air, but again she couldn't find her. As she headed back inside she heard a muffled scream coming from an alleyway nearby.

Without any hesitation Franziska started running in the direction of the scream. As she turned the corner she was horrified to be confronted by a man holding a knife to Adrian's neck.

"Give me everything you have, and I won't hurt you…..scream again, and I'll cut you. You understand?"

Tears streaming down her face, Adrian nodded. Franziska couldn't believe her eyes.

*CRACK*

Her whip cracked through the air making contact with the man's face.

"Argh!"

"Unhand her this instance!"

Raising her whip, Franziska cast another lash. This time however, much to Franziska's dismay, the man caught her whip and yanked it, causing it to jerk out of her hands. Normally Franziska would have known better than to approach an armed man, but the sight of Adrian in such distress spurred Franziska to step forward.

"I said unhand her."

"Or what? You haven't got your toy to protect you now little girl."

What could only be described as a snarl ripped across Franziska's face as she made a move to slap the man. In response to this sudden movement the man drew the knife away from Adrian and slashed at Franziska as her hand came into contact with his face. As the man stood there dazed momentarily, Franziska grabbed Adrian by the hand and pulled her to safety, standing in front of her, oblivious to the blood running down her arm.

"Now you've done it!" The man growled at Franziska, diving towards her with the knife.

In a moment of clarity, Franziska merely stepped aside allowing the man to collide with the wall behind her and Adrian causing him to render himself unconscious. Pulling a pair of handcuffs from her jacket pocket, Franziska restrained the man and called in the appropriate authorities only just becoming aware of the ache in her arm.

"Adrian, are you ok?"

Concern flowed through every word as Franziska turned to her friend examining her for any injuries.

"I-i…t-thank…" Adrian stopped abruptly, inhaling sharply at the sight of the young prosecutor's injury. "Franziska!...y-your arm!"

Franziska dismissed her injury with a wave of a hand. "It is merely a scratch Adrian, I am far more concerned about your welfare."


A tear rolled down Adrian's cheek as the memory of that evening came to light. Franziska had shown such bravery, she had commanded respect and her strength was unrivalled by the armed man. It had been incredibly. Ever since that day Adrian idolised Franziska, finding the lines of love becoming fuzzier each day. Of course Adrian was well aware that her feelings were unrequited but it didn't matter to her. She just needed Franziska in her life, and as long as she had that, she would get through anything.

She looked over to Miles who had now began pacing again, his eyes red raw from silent tears, and his cravat undone merely draped around his neck. Adrian wondered what could have driven Franziska to have done this. It wasn't for attention else she wouldn't be on the verge of death. It obviously had something to do with her feelings for Miles, but Adrian didn't realise they were that strong. Besides, she knew Franziska had incredible control over her emotions and that it would take something considerable to make her lose control.

Adrian sifted through her memories trying to pick out a particular event that might of caused this. However, her train of thought was disturbed by Miles muttering something over and over again.

"This is all my fault, I should have seen the truth, why oh why did I have to let this happen?"

"Miles?"

Adrian got up and walked over to the now slightly frantic man, placing a hand on his shoulder to stop him from pacing.

"This isn't your fault."

"It is! I was stupid, careless…I caused this…"

"Tell me what happened. Tell me why you think this is your fault."


A/N: One final note, to all of you who also follow Forsaken, I WILL be updating that soon too. These fic's WILL be finished :P!