A/N: Early update because I'm going to have no chance to be at a computer at all tomorrow.

Characters: Edgeworth – Franziska

Prompt: Birthday – have a few more birthday related fics lined up as well

Disclaimer: WOMP. I don't think anyone on here owns even a little bit of PW.

Birthday Wish

The large grandfather clock ticked away the seconds noisily.

Miles sat with Franziska on opposite sides of a grand table, both taking small sips from china tea cups. Miles was doing his best to concentrate, but his mind wandered as he thought fondly of the small celebration his class had had at school on his birthday, his two friends not leaving his side for the whole day. He slurped his tea loudly and then coughed to cover his choking as he remembered the crude cake his teacher had made, last minutes notice.

He apologised to Franziska and the two resumed silence.

Perhaps instead of the past, he should be thinking about today, about right now. He thought about how neither of them would say anything in regards to their birthdays, even on their birthdays. Neither of them needed to.

Occasionally, since adulthood, he'd wished he'd be surrounded by friends on his birthday. Not that he wished Franziska wasn't here, every year on each of their birthdays – no matter what country they were in, together or separate – they would always make the journey and be present. An act of solidarity. An unspoken pact from childhood that neither wanted the other to be alone on their birthday.

But this year, more than ever, he felt guilty that she wasn't enough.

He wanted more.

He wished he was surrounded by friends.

He wished he had friends.

He wished that all the time, actually.

He'd actively alienated anyone who had fancied themselves close to him at one point, and he regretted it now as he sneakily checked his cell more than he usually would.

Still no messages.

If he had a birthday cake, he thought wildly, he could make that wish properly.

His smile widened as he imagined what Franziska might say had she the ability to read minds and know what he was thinking.

He placed his teacup back in its saucer and noticed the slight, angry arch of her left eyebrow as she checked her watch.

The door bell rang.

I like to think that behind the door there's everyone Miles reckons he's alienated, and Larry and Gumshoe are competing about who got him the best gift/ throws the most confetti, etc.

See you guys Friday!