"All We Are"

by KeiG

A Phoenix Wright Fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own them. Capcom does. However, I do own the original characters here, so if you don't want me to sic Franziska and her whip on you (I have her on speed dial), please ask permission first before you use them. Thanks.

I also don't own "Belief" by Gavin DeGraw and the Highlander Nessie.

Author's Notes - at the end of each chapter.

Reviewer Replies:
Alurane – Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it.

Chapter 4: Gala

January 11
6:54 PM
Lobby, Angelson Mansion

All eyes turned to look at the newly arrived pair. The man, in his jet-black tuxedo, looked positively dashing and confident. The woman, her left arm linked with his right, was absolutely stunning in a long, dark green evening gown and stiletto heels. Her hair was done up in a French twist, her makeup bringing out the fullness of her lips and eyes, her matching earrings and bracelets complimenting that unique pendant hanging around her neck. Anybody who saw them would mistake them for lovers with the way they whispered and laughed as they made their way to the hall. Some even thought they were perfect.

Of course, the two had no idea they were being watched. They were too busy catching up. "By the way, thanks for that Highlander Nessie stuffed toy," Mia smiled. "To be honest, I was expecting something like a fridge magnet or a key chain."

Alex smiled curtly at an old couple they passed by before turning to her. "Believe me, I was all for buying a hundred key chains, but I wouldn't want you to think that Gohda Corp's head honcho was cheap, would I?"

Mia smirked, remembering how ridiculous Alex looked earlier when he had shown up at her apartment dressed to the nines and holding a stuffed Scottish highlander in a kilt riding the Loch Ness Monster. "Well, you picked the perfect gift. It kind of reminds me of you, you know."

He raised an eyebrow. "I do not have a big nose," he said defensively, then suddenly smiling curtly again and acknowledging another old couple. Mia glanced at them for a moment before grinning at him.

"No, but I bet that's how you'd look like in a kilt. And with that goatee you're growing..."

"You're having too much fun tonight, aren't you?"

Giggling, she tugged at his sleeve softly. "Of course. I had no one to tease for two months."

"And I missed you too, Miss Lawyer."

Opting not to tease him further, she settled for an amused grin and then took the chance to scope her surroundings. It was like that party where they met again, with a lot of people with graying hair, but at least this time the mood was more festive, there were others within their age range, and children were running around and playing while being chased by flustered nannies. Mia realized that most of these people were probably members of Alex's extended family, and it got her thinking about her own.

Alex instantly felt the change in Mia's demeanor and looked down at her. She had wistful expression and her eyes seemed to have lost a bit of mirth that had been there since he picked her up. He wasn't sure what made her quiet all of a sudden - maybe it was the teasing but that wouldn't make any sense because he was getting the brunt of it - and was about to ask her what was wrong when he heard a familiar voice call his name from the other side of the hall.

"ALEX!"

The pair stopped, startled at the sudden outburst, and stared at a burly man waving and then weaving through the crowd towards them. "Get ready," he warned in a low whisper before smiling and waving.

"For what?" Mia, who was also smiling for appearances, tilted her head closer to her date.

"You'll see," Alex replied just as the fat man reached them. "Hello, Michael, it's been a while."

Michael Angelson reached out his hand and shook Alex's rather enthusiastically. "Cuz! Great to see ya! I was starting to think ya weren't coming, with your new position and all."

"I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the world."

"That's good to know, or else Ma and Pa are gonna kick your ass." Michael took notice of Mia, and the lawyer could almost see the transition from curiosity to desire in his eyes. It weirded her out so much, she took a small involuntary step to hide behind Alex and clutched his coat.

Alex smiled when he felt the young attorney grab the back of his tuxedo and raised a disapproving eyebrow at his cousin. "You could at least not drool in front of my date, Michael. You're scaring her."

The other man glanced at Alex before flashing Mia his most charming grin. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met." He said, extending a hand to Mia. "I'm Michael. Welcome to my humble abode."

Alex just shook his head and sighed.

"Uh, Mia. Mia Fey," she said, cautiously shaking the other man's hand. As soon as they made contact, Michael immediately brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it gently, making her skin crawl.

"Mia...what a lovely name," Michael cooed. "By the way, is your dad a terrorist? Coz you're the bom--"

"So Mikey, where is the happy couple?" Alex cut him off after being prompted by the death grip Mia suddenly had on his coat jacket. "It's been a while since I saw them."

The older man - yes, Michael was older - made a waving gesture, his eyes and smile never leaving Mia. "Oh, they're there somewhere. Why don't you find them while I take Miss Mia here on a tour of the mansion?"

She hoped the horror she was feeling at the concept of being alone with Alex's cousin wasn't showing too much on her face. Looking at Alex, she saw he wasn't even hiding his amusement at what was happening and made a mental note to have her revenge one way or another. Right now she had to get Michael to let go of her hand. "Well, I'd like to meet your parents first, if that's okay."

"B-but--"

Sounds of breaking glass were heard and everyone fell silent, turning their heads to the direction of the kitchen. Michael's face put on an annoyed expression and dropped Mia's hand much to the woman's relief. "Now what?!" he growled, and then returned his attention to Alex and Mia, looking apologetic. "I have to go see to that. I'll give you the tour later then, Miss Mia."

She smiled sickly in response, and they watched the other man make his way to the kitchen. As soon as he disappeared, Mia finally let go of Alex's coat and turned him around to straighten out the crumpled area. "You were a lot of help there, thanks a lot."

He grinned; the sarcasm in her voice was not lost on him. "I did warn you."

"'Get ready' hardly qualifies as a warning." She put her hands on her hips and frowned at him. "You didn't even tell me what to get ready for."

"Did you know you look really cute when you're cringing in fear?"

WHACK

"Wipe that smirk off your face, Parker."

"Okay, okay, I'm not smirking already," he apologized, rubbing his arm where her hand hit him. He still couldn't keep himself from smiling. "I'll make sure he stays away from you."

She seemed to accept his "offer of protection" and crossed her arms, glancing nervously at the kitchen. "No offense, Alex, but your cousin..."

"Yeah, everyone knows that," he chucked. "Don't worry about it. Now come on, I just spotted Mikey's parents. Let's go greet them."

They made their way to the center of the hall, weaving through the crowd carefully, and Mia felt hot all of a sudden. She was not quite sure if it was because of the sudden amount of people or Alex's hand gently but firmly holding hers.

January 12
9:00 PM
Main Hall, Angelson Mansion

Alex set his second glass of vodka martini down the counter with a look of impending doom. He had just finished talking to Michael and his parents, and now he was very much considering just high-tailing out of there. Frustrated that they didn't even think of informing him what they had planned, he made straight for the bar and seriously thought of getting drunk out of his wits. To hell with plans.

He noticed someone walk over and stand beside him as he gestured to the bartender for another glass. "That's some date you got there," the man said, taking a seat.

"Hey Gabe." Alex glanced at his cousin for the briefest moment before staring at his empty glass. The bartender returned with his drink and set it in front of him, which he promptly brought to his lips for a sip.

"Come on, Cuz," Gabriel raised an amused eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're still upset with that."

"Hell yes," he snapped. "I haven't been near a piano for four years! You guys could've at least told me earlier."

Gabriel shrugged. "Had I known they asked Michael to tell you, I would've called you myself. But we can't do anything about that now." He pushed his glasses up his nose and bobbed his head to Alex's left. "So what's the story with you two?"

Frowning in confusion, the CEO looked over to where his cousin was looking and saw Mia talking to a couple of other female guests at the far side of the room. A small smile tugged his lips as he told him how they met and about their weekly lunch outs. "I'm surprised you don't recognize her, seeing you're both attorneys and all."

"I'm a corporate attorney, Lex," Gabriel explained. "I don't get to mingle much with criminal lawyers. Besides, if she's about your age, then I'd have graduated long before she even started law school."

"I guess you're right." Alex sighed, and then finished his glass straight up.

The older man nodded. "She's quite the looker, isn't she?"

Alex turned his head to look at her again just as she glanced at his direction. Their eyes caught each other, and Mia broke into a smile and waved. Alex smiled and waved back, thinking that his cousin's description was a big understatement. He knew she was beautiful, but it was only now that he truly appreciated it.

"Does she know to stay away from Michael?" Gabriel's voice cut through his thoughts, and Alex looked at him quizzically.

"Yeah, why?"

"Because I think he's on his way to her now."

"Crap," Alex sighed and heaved himself off the chair. "Excuse me while I save her from your brother's clutches."

Chuckling, Gabriel patted his shoulder encouragingly. "Go. We don't want her to go through the Mikey Experience."

The younger man laughed and hurriedly made his way to his date to cut off the younger Angelson's advances, leaving Gabriel standing by the bar with a knowing smile on his face. "Go get her, cuz," he said to no one in particular, and then turned around and ordered himself a drink.

On the other side of the room, Mia was about to say something when a pair of hands were suddenly on her shoulders and Alex was there, gently pulling her away from the group. "Excuse me ladies," he said. "I hope you don't mind if I borrow her for a second."

As the other women smiled and nodded and winked knowingly, Mia let herself be guided by her friend, looking totally lost. "Wuh-what...?" was all she could say in her confusion, plus his hands on her bare shoulders made it very hard to concentrate.

"Let's dance." He glanced over his shoulder as if looking for something, and she noticed that he was a bit apprehensive.

"Dance?"

"Yeah, you know. I hold you, you hold me, and we sway to the music."

"I know what a dance is." She stopped so suddenly that Alex almost ran into her, and then rounded on him. "What is going on, Alex?"

He looked over his shoulder one more time and sighed. "Michael."

She stared at him for a few moments before setting her champagne glass down a nearby table and dragging him a little too eagerly toward the dance floor. Once there, she put Alex's arm on her waist, took his hand, and held him close all while her eyes darted here and there for the creepy Angelson.

"Relax, Mia," Alex spoke softly to her ear as they swayed to a slow Bossa Nova. "I told you I'd keep him away from you, didn't I?"

Mia pulled back a little to look at him, and it was then when she realized how close they really were and her blush came back in full force. There was no way she could hide her face as they were mere inches apart, and if Alex did notice that he was dancing with a tomato he didn't say anything. He just looked at her with a soft smile, his eyes an intense blue, and Mia had to look away before she got lost in them and do something she might regret. She racked her brain for a topic to rid the silence that made the air too thick to breathe.

"Thanks," she finally managed to say, relaxing in his grasp. She caught a whiff of his cologne and something else. "How many glasses of vodka did you down this time?"

"Uh, two," he lied, tensing a bit. "I was...upset."

"Why?"

The feel of Alex's chest rising and falling as he took a deep breath sent shivers down her spine, but still she listened intently as he explained his situation. "I'm going to make a fool of myself," he muttered afterwards. Mia had never seen the CEO look so helpless, so she thought a little encouragement was in order.

"Don't worry, I'll still clap and cheer for you even if you suck."

"Wow, thanks. I feel so much better."

Mia smiled and squeezed his hand gently. "You'll be fine, Alex. It'll all come back to you."

Their eyes locked for a moment until Alex sighed and nodded albeit hesitant. He pulled her closer until they were cheek to cheek, much to Mia's surprise, and they continued swaying to the music. Mia tensed at the sudden contact but eventually let herself lean on his shoulder and closed her eyes, finding comfort in his closeness and silently wishing that he couldn't feel how crazy her heart was beating at the moment.

She wasn't sure how long they stayed in that comfortable silence, but she was sure of how much disappointment she felt when he suddenly stopped moving. She pulled back to see what had caused his discomfort and turned to the stage, where Michael was making his way to the microphone. "I guess it's time, huh?" she faced Alex and started grooming his suit. "You'll do great, don't worry. Besides, you've played for these people before, right?"

"Yeah, but..." he trailed off, avoiding her eyes.

"But what?"

Blood seemed to rush to the CEO's face, and it was one of the very few times Mia saw him blush. "I've never played for you."

Mia's hands froze in the middle of fixing his tie and she couldn't help but stare at the blushing Parker, who suddenly found the floor interesting. She could feel her own cheeks burning as her mind slowly processed what she had just heard. He's scared of embarrassing himself in front of me? He glanced at her for a moment and then cleared his throat, snapping Mia out of her daze and she continued with his tie, choosing not keep her mouth shut. She didn't trust herself to say anything right now.

"You've never seen me play before," Alex suddenly spoke, hoping to break the awkward silence. "I'm not sure why, but that's making me nervous."

Mia pursed her lips and nodded. Maybe he was always nervous whenever there was someone new in the audience. "If that's what you're worried about, then try to think of me as family."

His eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding, right?"

"Of course not," she grinned. "You can think of me as your long lost...granddaughter."

"Where in the world do you get your ideas?"

They stopped when they heard Alex's name reverberating throughout the hall followed by a loud applause. Everyone was now looking at them with expectant faces. Mia looked at Alex and had to keep herself from laughing when she saw how sick he looked. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "Good luck."

"Thanks, but I really don't wanna do this," he said under the thunderous applause before putting on his best I'm-not-going-to-throw-up expression and walking to the stage, leaving Mia staring at his retreating back.

January 11
9:45 PM
Stage, Angelson Mansion

After what seemed like forever, it was finally time for his solo.

Alex ran his hands along the smooth, ivory surface of his uncle's grand piano, and the memories of the piano lessons and jamming sessions with his cousins came back to him. He wasn't sure why he stopped playing; he never lost his love for music, so maybe it was because he lived out of the country for a good number of years or his responsibilities as the Parker heir. Whatever it was, sitting there right now in front of his favorite musical instrument made him regret his decision to stop and resolved to do something about it.

He played a couple of notes to test the piano, his hands dancing gracefully over the blacks and whites. It was just like riding a bike; you can never really unlearn it. As he started on one of his favorite pieces, he closed his eyes and tried to shut out everything and everyone, except for one particular person. He felt a surge of emotions and strength as he thought of her in the audience, her very presence more than enough to give him the confidence he needed. His nervousness had long gone, replaced by a familiar calm which he always felt when playing the piano, and as he started singing the rest of the world started to fade and nothing else mattered but her. Only her.

Tonight, you arrested my mind
When you came to my defense
With a knife in the shape of your mouth
In the form of your body
With the wrath of a god
Oh, you stood by me
Belief

January 12
2:07 AM
Front Door, Mia Fey's Apartment

"Well what do you know," Mia smirked as they reached the door to her apartment. "I actually had a great time even with your cousin on my tail."

Alex chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "In behalf of my family, I sincerely apologize. I'll beat him up good and lock him in a dumpster tomorrow."

"But seriously, Alex. Thanks for inviting me," the smirk was replaced with a sincere smile.

"I'm glad you had fun," he replied, and then raised an eyebrow at her. "Though there were times when I thought you were having too much fun at my expense."

She laughed, holding on to his arm. "You are so fun to tease! And I got to see a whole different side of the hotshot CEO. Who would've thought you had an amazing singing voice?"

"And she's still having fun," he sighed.

Mia composed herself and then glanced at her watch. "It's getting really late," she noted. "You should get going. I'd invite you in but I'm a little tired."

"It's okay," he held a hand up. "I'm starting to feel drowsy too."

A look of concern crossed her face. "Are you awake enough to drive?"

"Yeah, I can manage."

"I'll see you at the Mile-High, then?"

"You bet."

"Goodnight, Alex," she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. She could tell he was surprised by her sudden display of affection; it was the first time she kissed him that way but she felt it was appropriate. She really did miss him in the past two months, and after tonight, she was already pretty sure of her feelings.

Alex bid her goodnight and left. They both had pleasant dreams that night.

A/N: My first fanfic for this fandom. It's also the first time I've posted any of my work, so yes, I'm nervous as hell. Comments are always welcome, but please be kind to a newbie. ;

I uploaded this story once before but after much deliberation, I found that I had a whole lot of inconsistencies so I decided to redo the plot and rewrite the story. I've also divided my plot into their corresponding chapters so at least now I have a better guide to finish this story. And I really do hope I finish this.

I've also started doing fanart for this, although it's taking me quite a while to finish, with real life getting in the way, LOL.

More notes!

Story – This part was one of the first things that I thought of when I started this story. It also gave me the chance to introduce the Angelson brothers who will both play a big part later in the story. Anyway, I apologize for the chapter's length; I didn't want to cut the party in two.

Angelsons – They are Alex's cousins from his father's side. I got their names from, well, angels.

Highlander Nessie – it's a cute little stuffed toy. Try to Google it if you want to see what it looks like.

What Happens Next (new section) – Alex finds out about Mia's abilities, and we also get a glimpse of what he "can do".