(AN: Rather than coming from my usual source of challenges, this came from DancingBrain, who sent in a challenge as a review.

Challenge: Phoenix x Mia channeled through Maya

Phoenix Wright and related characters belong to Capcom…who are nice people and don't want to sue me.)

Something always seemed to be missing from the office after Mia's death. Even after the shock and sorrow over her passing had somewhat dissipated over time, there was still a sense, at least to Phoenix, of a profound absence, a wrong chord in the melody of the workday activities of Wright & Co. Law Offices. Even in the middle of a case, Phoenix would as though he misplaced something valuable, but couldn't place what. It was never really clear, but then Phoenix had never been particularly good with his emotions.

Two months after Mia's death Phoenix found himself working on his latest case at four in the morning at the office. Maya had been over helping him, but had eventually fallen asleep on the couch, with various papers and notes scattered around her. Phoenix stood up and walked over to the window, staring at the Gatewater hotel as he let his mind run over the case. These late nights had become a common occurrence since the State vs. Fey case, and Phoenix often found himself wondering if Mia had dealt with the kind of stress that he had the day before the first trail day. She'd always seemed so in control of herself that Phoenix doubted it. Shaking his head to gather his thoughts, Phoenix turned back towards the pile of papers and evidence that had accumulated on his desk over the course of the day's investigation. His notes had, as the night had gone on, gotten sloppier and he doubted he'd be able to read them come the trial.

The rustle of papers pulled Phoenix out of his thoughts and he turned to see Mia, channeled through Maya, watching him.

Phoenix found a smile forming on his lips, "Hi, Mia."

Mia didn't respond at first, instead taking in the amount of papers in disarray, and a trace of a laugh was in her voice as she spoke, "Hello Phoenix, burning the candle at both ends, I see."

Phoenix blushed slightly, "I tend to not get any sleep the night before the first trial day, so I figured I could be somewhat productive…"

Mia stood and walked towards him, the pale yellow light coming from the hotel draping her borrowed form, "Most of the things I put together during my late night sessions were rarely any help I the trial itself." She stepped closer and her tone softened, "You look tired, Nick. Even lawyers have their limits and while I know you're trying to do your best by your client, you do need to take care of yourself too."

Phoenix wasn't quite sure if it was his exhaustion that broke down his resolve or if it was something more, but every logical argument that had forbade him from acting on his emotions since he'd met Mia two years ago crumbled. In a swift motion Phoenix brought his head down and captured Mia's lips in a chaste kiss. Mia stiffened briefly, but relaxed into and deepened the kiss, forgetting for the moment that she was in a borrowed body and on borrowed time.

Phoenix finally broke the kiss and leaned his forehead on hers as the magnitude of his actions settled on his shoulders. His voice was rough as he spoke, "Mia…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have presumed…especially not the way things are now."

Mia leaned in closer, "Don't be sorry. I just wish the circumstances were different. We can't pursue this any further, "

Phoenix choked back the lump forming in his throat, "I know, but the doesn't change the fact that I love you, Mia. It took me long enough to realize it."

Mia brought her hand up to his cheek and murmured, "...Just for tonight.

Phoenix looked up, "What?"

Mia smiled at him, "just for tonight let's live a little on my borrowed time."

As small smile graced her lips as she brought his head down for another kiss.

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