Sorry for the long overdue update. I have begun another year of my post-grad studies, and free time to write has become a luxury, literally (no pun intended). I thank you very much for still following my story up until now.
Note: Events, places, and people are fictional (except major cities or countries) and any likeness to real life is coincidental. Capcom owns the Ace Attorney series and all its characters. Brands, artists, or song lyrics or titles mentioned are not mine unless stated otherwise. In regards to events, some may not be exact but I strove to match and estimate according to my research. The seven years from T&T and AJ were pretty much blank after all. Corrections and suggestions are welcome.
Content is rated M and may contain mild profanity and moderately graphic sexual scenes. If you are uncomfortable with either, you may skip those parts (and miss some dialogue), or find other reading material. Thank you.
Standard Disclaimer Applies.
-Wright Anything Agency Offices, LA-
August 4 11:00 AM
"Now this is hilarious. You're the second person I least expected to see today." Phoenix Wright opened the door to his guest with an amused expression rather than his once bright-eyed, dimple-popping smile.
"Don't make me pull out my whip, Phoenix Wright. You'd best hold that smart tongue of yours." That sorry excuse for a smile was not the only one Franziska noticed about this man. Rather than his usual dark blue suit and red tie, he was wearing grey sweatpants, a blue beanie hat with an odd-looking pin button on it, and a pink frilly apron.
"I can tell something is wrong with you, Franziska. You only threatened to use your whip. You normally don't warn any of us."
"You've changed Phoenix Wright." She crossed her arms and looked him in the eyes.
"I can say the same about you, Prosecutor von Karma... Or, Mrs. Edgeworth." He motioned for her to take her seat on the sofa and handed her a cup of tea.
"What brings you here today? Sorry about the mess. Trucy, my daughter, and I are working on lunch. Do join us if you can." Phoenix cleared the coffee table of Trucy's playing cards.
"I understand Miles Edgeworth is in town as well. And when you mentioned second, I would figure he came here just before I did." Franziska sipped her jasmine tea.
"Yes. He looked almost sorrier than Detective Gumshoe ever did." Phoenix commented.
"I will not mince words with you. I'm... I'm thinking of leaving for Germany." The way she looked at an empty space through the office window spoke of a heavy amount of confusion and distance.
"How long are we talking about?"
She did not answer. He guessed indefinitely.
"Is that what you came here for? To tell me that you'll be away for some time? I'm guessing your husband does not know of your plans yet."
"He doesn't. He doesn't even know I'm here." She bit her lip.
"Is there something else you want to tell me?" he spoke slowly. She looked at him, desperately trying to keep herself together.
"Phoenix Wright..." her voice was noticeably breaking.
"Sorry." He said.
"What?"
"I knew you both didn't marry for normal reasons."
"Of course you would figure that out." She took a deep breath.
"You've got it bad. I know that look you look at him with." He smiled. She couldn't help but blush.
"Don't tell him." She pouted.
"Of course I won't. But you have to tell him. What's stopping you?"
"He might not return my feelings, and then I would scare him away. He might keep his distance."
"In case you haven't noticed, it already seems he is trying to keep distance from you"
"I know that. I meant- I might lose him."
"You know, Edgeworth isn't like that. He made a vow to be your husband. He would keep that."
"That's why we would be miserable for the rest of our lives. I've seen loveless marriages. They're not pleasant." She spoke with venom. She remembered her parents. She loved them both, but they never really loved each other. There was some loyalty, but seldom any affection nor regard for each others' feelings.
"I'm sorry, Franziska."
"There is nothing to forgive." *slash*
How does Edgeworth survive this harpy?
"So, what do you plan to do when you get there, if you wouldn't mind me asking." He poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Get the properties from Grandmother's will sorted out. I shall have to check Heiterkeit, the lands, and how the stewards are managing."
"Do you have enough help? I know a few guys who happen to be good at that."
"Thank you Phoenix Wright, but I have enough people."
"Sounds like it's going to be a busy trip."
"I will take a little vacation too, and maybe resume my German law practice in the meantime, or take a painting class."
Distractions, but good nevertheless. They both thought, smiling knowingly at each other.
"I guess you're not so bad, Phoenix Wright. You are easy to talk to. Perhaps that is why Miles Edgeworth thinks highly of you."
"Whoa. I'm flattered. I could never imagine Edgeworth admitting to that." He laughed.
"He may not say it, but I believe he thinks that way. I just know." She spoke with confidence.
"Thanks. And Franziska..."
"Yes?" she raised an eyebrow.
"He may not say it, but I believe you're special to him. I just know." He nodded.
"I'll... I'll think about your words." She blushed and looked the other way.
"Daaadddyy! How much basil should I put in?" Trucy's adorable voice echoed from the kitchen.
"Not yet sweetie, the sauce needs to heat up a bit before we add the other spices. Don't stay near the pot, you'll get hurt." He called out to her.
"I'll go help her." Franziska blushed and said in her haughty voice.
She stepped into the kitchen and slipped on a spare apron with a cat-shaped patch sewn on the front pocket. Phoenix knew better to pocket his smile. He would not want Trucy to see her father whipped around like a sorry lout.
Trucy was wearing her pink top hat and magician cape with a matching pink frilly apron just like her father's. She was humming a little tune.
"Daddy, I think the pasta's okay now." She beamed.
"Really? Okay, let's get you down there and I'll take a look at the pasta." Phoenix carried Trucy from the stool and lowered her down.
"Dad, you don't have to carry me! Don't you think I'm too old for that? Haha." Trucy was almost ten, but to Phoenix she still seemed like the seven-year old he adopted two years ago.
"Is that pretty frilly lady going to be my new mommy?" She winked at Phoenix.
"Oh, you mean Aunt Franziska? Oh God no. She's a good friend." He hoped she didn't hear his exasperated groan.
"It's alright Phoenix Wright, I shall take Trucy. You go finish cooking." Phoenix set her down in front of Franziska. Phoenix sheepishly smiled.
"Yaay! Pretty frilly lady!" Trucy took Franziska's hand and led her to the living room.
"Yes, yes. Frilly. But you shall call me Aunt Franziska." She gently chided.
"Okay, Aunt Franzee-kah." She laughed. Trucy didn't have a hard time pronouncing 'Franziska', but she just wanted to pull on her leg.
"No! Fran-zis-ka."
"Franzeekah."
"Never mind. Aunt Fran will do." Franziska realized Trucy wanted to cheer her up, at the expense of murdering her given name. But she didn't care much now.
"Aunt Franzeekah!" Trucy laughed with so much glee and hugged her. Franziska couldn't help but just let her be.
Phoenix looked at them both with gentleness. Franziska was awkward, but he could tell she liked Trucy. He wished Miles was here to see this.
-Prosecutors' Offices- LA-
August 4 2:00 PM
"It seems the offices here are quite busy lately." Miles Edgeworth skimmed through some reports that were turned into him for evaluation.
"Definitely. But work is a lot easier, especially questioning witnesses because of Prosecutor Blackquill." Klavier Gavin was one of the prosecutors assigned currently in the district. He is a German genius prosecutor, much like Franziska. He started to practice law at 17 years old, and he was that prosecutor in Phoenix Wright's case which caused his disbarment.
Of course he could not blame the young blonde- he was doing his job. It was only the unfortunate circumstances that surrounded his friend and his inability to help him that made him upset.
"You were right about him Herr Edgeworth. Even if he has such odd samurai mannerisms, he is good at his job. It is only fitting you continue to give him work even if he is behind bars." Klavier expressed.
"I have the reports you requested, and Mr. Blackquill here to explain them, Mr. Gavin!" Someone lightly knocked on the office door, but his bright cheery voice was much louder.
"Achtung. Speak of the devil. Come in both of you!"
A young man, around 20, or 21, stepped in with reports in hand. He had short, slightly wavy, black hair and wore a dark suit with a black traditional Japanese long vest for samurai. He was accompanied by a detective in a white suit, blonde hair, and fashionable aviator sunglasses. That man must be Detective Bobby Fullbright.
"Bobby Fullbright at your service gentlemen! Here is everything you need, and Mr. Blackquill here can give you a short briefing on the new breakthroughs of the case." The man pushed up his sunglasses in confidence. Miles nodded and shook his hand.
"You must be Prosecutor Simon Blackquill. I certainly did not make a mistake in consulting you with the prosecutor office cases in the past year. We finally get to meet in person. I am Miles Edgeworth." Miles stood up and stretched out his hand, which Simon took for a handshake
"The pleasure is mine, Prosecutor Edgeworth." Simon bowed his head politely as he shook Miles's hand. Miles noticed Simon's refined Japanese manners and a slightly British accent, but he did not fail to notice the shackles that plague his wrists- another bitter reminder that the dark days of law were just beginning.
"Thank you for accommodating another case, Blackquill. Your expertise will be quite helpful indeed." Miles leafed through Simon's reports on the case at hand.
"It is an honor to work with you sir, although I can say I still have yet to improve my abilities." The young prosecutor humbly said in a soft but respectful tone.
"Nevertheless, with the work you've done, we have some new leads on the Chantilly massacre." Miles pushed up his glasses.
"Now that is messy business. Fraulein Skye and I have found no trace of a murder weapon on the scene until Fraulein Faraday came to assist us."Klavier handed Miles another envelope.
"We did not exactly find a murder weapon, but we found the killer's diary. I analyzed its contents and obtained a psych profile on our culprit, but I have yet to find a matching suspect. The one in our custody does not seem to be consistent with our findings." Simon tapped his temple in thought.
"Let's examine our on-hand evidence and try to piece what we have together then." Miles began to put his logical genius to work.
After hours of work, the four men adjourned their meeting and decided to have dinner at a local French bistro.
"You've been quiet the past few courses, Herr Edgeworth. Is something the matter?" Klavier politely inquired. Simon gave Miles a meaningful look. He knew Miles would dislike being read so easily like the nutrition facts at the back of a Snickers wrapper, so he kept his silence.
"It is not of importance. Please do not concern yourself with me, gentlemen." He dabbed his lips lightly with a napkin.
"My apologies. I do not mean to pry." Klavier cleared his throat.
"I know you mean well Gavin. I just..." He looked into the blood red wine in his glass.
"Forgive my being bold Edgeworth-dono, but you seem to be uncomfortable with your left hand. Is it hurt?" Simon broke his silence.
"What? Oh..." Miles looked at his empty ring finger. The tan line was unmistakably there.
"Look, I'm not good at giving advice, but I'm a good listener." Klavier chuckled.
"I... I think I need to make a call." Miles stood up from their table and stepped outside.
"..." Both men were silent as they watched their superior up and leave with an uneasy expression on his face.
"It was probably best I not have said anything." Simon sighed.
"I'm not so sure about that Herr Blackquill. Maybe he really needed that push. It's better to talk things out than keep them bottled up inside." Klavier looked into the distance sorrowfully.
Miles stared at his phone screen for sometime.
'I'm on my way back to the hotel. Have you eaten dinner?'
He shook his head and altered his message.
'Review labor law for your case, but remember to take a rest. Don't overwork yourself.'
He is no longer her brother. He should stop acting like it. Before deleting and composing another message, his phone suddenly rang. Before he could think about it, he answered the call.
"... Hello?" Miles began to walk towards the parking lot.
"Yes, I have eaten dinner. Now, why don't you call instead of sending one single foolish message after months of foolishly avoiding my messages and voice mails?"
Miles you idiot. Did you hit 'send' after all? He started the engine of his magenta Alfa Romeo.
"You're right. I'm sorry." He didn't want to pick a fight. He was getting too old for this shit.
"I suppose you did not send me a message just to merely inquire about my supper."
"No, I did not."
There was a long pause at the other end of the line.
"Drive back to the hotel. Call me back when you get there." She hung up.
He could not understand what he was feeling. It was easier piecing their evidence to come up with breakthroughs on the Chantilly Massacre, but Franziska right now seems impossible. He would sooner lose a battle of wits with a goldfish.
He admitted to himself. He missed her. It was only a few days of separation, but God he missed her. Hearing her voice on the phone earlier made his palms shake and become sweaty. He could barely grip his steering wheel.
He missed waking up to mornings with the scent of her hair on his pillow, missed the way she cooked blueberry chocolate chip pancakes wearing a statement apron, even missed the way she played those blasted Dvorak pieces on maximum volume in her study.
Sure, he grew up with her, but he never really knew what all-grown up Franziska did at home anymore. He longed to see her, hold her, and tell her that everything will be okay.
-Gatewater Hotel, Azalea Suite-
August 4 9:30 PM
He inserted the key card to his hotel room. He stepped inside and switched on the lights, and saw Franziska perched on the settee at the edge of the king sized bed.
"I... I thought... What are you doing here?" He gulped when she stood up and pulled out her whip.
"You fool!" *whip* "I fly across bloody states to see you, and that is what you have to say first to my face? What about, 'good evening', or 'it's nice to see you, Franziska'?" *slash* *whip*
"What the..." She gasped when Miles caught the end of her whip. He has never done that before.
"Enough." He pulled her towards him and enveloped her in his arms.
"Let go of me." She squealed. She thought he would never dare defy her whip.
"No. Stay like this for a while." He whispered to her ear, his breath hot on her neck.
"How dare you. You leave and avoid me, and then now this? Make me understand you Miles Edgeworth!" She cried.
"I don't even understand myself, Franziska!" He raised his voice. She froze in tension.
"I wish I could... I really wish I could. But I can't, and I only know that I can't hurt you, and I can't pretend anymore." His tone softened as he pulled away and cupped her cheeks.
"Then stop pretending, fool."
She pulled on his magenta lapels and harshly kissed his lips. Miles was powerless. He kissed her back hungrily. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her even closer, if that were possible. He slid his fingers up her neck and expertly began to undo her chignon. He always observed how she did her hair, so he would obviously know how to undo it.
He pushed her, back against the wall, his lips not leaving hers. They tore at each others' cravats, stopping for breath, fogging up Miles's eyeglasses. Franziska smirked, slipping them off and tossing them into her open Coach handbag next to the settee. Miles bit on her lip as he slipped off his magenta coat and began to undo the buttons of his black waistcoat.
"... Miles." She sighed into his neck. He was panting. He wanted her so badly, all else did not matter tonight. Not now. Her white button shirt was open, exposing a black Chantilly lace bra. How brutally ironic, and maybe twistedly erotic to him that he was working on a massacre case of a similar name.
"It's too late." He spoke and undid the buttons of his white shirt, exposing his toned chest.
"I know, but please..." She nipped an ear lightly.
"I can't make any promises." He kissed a strand of her silvery-blue hair.
"I know. Just..." They shared that connection.
"Of course." They would have tonight. She would have this to remember at least.
Deep down he knew. This marriage led to physical attraction and fondness. But silly as it seemed even for him- he didn't want a two-year thing anymore. He wanted love. And he would not likely get that from Franziska- not like this. He didn't want it like this. -And mostly because she deserves more than this.
She felt his erection pressing along between her thighs.
"You're even wet down here." He pumped between the small gap between her thighs and unhooked her bra, freeing her breasts.
"Uhhhnnn... Oh..." She became weaker at the knees and she dropped her whip as he slipped his fingers into her panties from behind.
"Stop playing around... Just please..." She begged, blushing madly.
"We have all night. We don't have to hurry." He gently whispered and gave her a soft peck on her swollen lips. His fingers were probing, yet rhythmical. They teased the sensitive nerve endings then and the occasional shudder rose up against her spine. Her moans were an addictive symphony to him and made devouring her body even more fulfilling.
"You've become even tighter. It seems you like being touched here."
"... You!" She groaned in pleasure.
"Your body is making such sounds with just my fingers."
"Stop teasing me." She unintentionally squeezed tighter when a finger brushed her clitoris.
"I understand. My apologies." He picked her up and placed her on the bed where he slipped off the rest of her clothes. He spread her thighs and kissed her knee, dragging his lips higher, closer.
"Ahh... That feels so..." She sighed as he probed two fingers in and out of her slit. He sucked gently on that sensitive nub, and while she moaned and tensed with her climax, he took it all.
"It's my turn. Let me." Still half-dazed, with the look of desire in her blue eyes, She rolled over his body and undid his belt. She kissed him on the lips, tasting herself, then proceeded to kiss lower.
"Franziska..." He groaned when she freed his member of his boxers and held him in her hand.
"We have all night." She quoted him. "We don't have to hurry." She gave the top a little lick, then circled her delicate fingers around him and rubbed down, then up, then down, in that similar rhythm he fingered her. Her other hand cupped one sac.
"You're increasing in size." She spoke against his thick shaft. He exhaled sharply as she continued her handjob. "I wish I could feel you get bigger inside me."
"Damn." He felt so good. She suddenly became such an expert. She was indeed too quick a learner. He growled in pleasure when she slowly licked the entire length of his underside. She opened her mouth a little then took in half of him. She felt so hot, and the way her breasts cradled his balls was making him hotter as well. She gathered her long blue hair and held it behind her neck with one hand while she used the other to support herself as her lips enclosed on his shaft, bobbing her head up and down. He continued to finger her.
"You're making me go deep, Oh..." He moaned and he tried to control his quivering thrusts.
She picked up the pace. He could feel everything- the fine strands of her escaped hair tickling his groin, her arms touching his thighs as she bobbed up and down, the hot, the wet, slick folds of her womanhood, her nipples growing more erect against his skin, her tongue playing around inside her hot suction of a mouth, and the sounds made by their unconventional but pleasurable union. It was growing more and more intense. His breaths were growing more erratic, and she knew he would not last long now.
"Franziska... I won't be able to... control... not for long..." He was stammering in between gasps. She met his eyes, giving him approval. In that moment he decided to let go.
She closed her eyes as she accepted him. She had some difficulty breathing, and some of it spilled down her breasts. She licked her lips, not losing eye contact with him.
"I'm not through with you yet." He growled and turned her over on her belly. He settled his hard manhood between her butt cheeks.
"I've always imagined taking you this way." He whispered into her ear from behind while he began to palm and knead her breasts.
"Then what are you waiting for?" She taunted and screamed in pleasure when he squeezed her nipples while rubbing his tip onto her wet entrance. He continued to grind on her like that- thrusting forward and back, in circular motions while he suckled and bit on her neck, behind, down her back and continued to play with her swelling breasts.
"Please... Miles... Please." She begged as she couldn't help but match his thrusting, grinding her ass against him. They both groaned into a kiss as they continued to rub against each other.
"Do it now." She commanded huskily, and he complied. He tilted her ass slightly to expose her opening from behind. He ripped open a small packet and slipped on some protection.
"Ohhh..." She heard that wet, slush sound as his huge member penetrated her tight, hot cavern.
"Your body is the best. This feels even better than just your hand." He entered deeper, maybe even deeper than the first time. Was it because of the position they were in now? She didn't care. She only wanted to feel him so badly.
She felt his hands on her hips.
"I'm going to move now." He said in a hushed tone.
*squish* *squelch*
"Franziska... Your body is amazing." He began thrusting moderately slow, enjoying the sight of her hair falling down her shoulders, her face pink and showing such an erotic expression, her large breasts jiggling per strong thrust.
"You... too..." She shyly spoke. "You are making me feel... so good..."
"I couldn't stay away." *squelch* "Not from you." He gasped as he continued to thrust.
"I thought of you every night."
"Were you lonely?"
"Fool."
"Exercising your right to remain silent, I see." He thrusted deeper and quicker.
"Ahh... No! Ahh..." She cried in pleasure as he fingered her clitoris, intensifying his thrusts. She held on tightly on the bed railings.
"I didn't know what I'd do if I saw you here." He spoke.
"Didn't figure out we'd have angry sex?" She panted but spat out her dark humor.
"Maybe I imagined it." He turned a light shade of pink. He pulled out slightly then pumped back in.
"I imagined it too, while I waited for you." She smirked.
*thrust*
"I'm... I'm so close..." She leaned her forehead on the sheets. Her grip was tightening on the railings while she felt his pelvis slap against her butt cheeks, his hot sighs against the back of her neck, and his thick rod inside her intermittently.
"I think I am too. Strange, but I'm not complaining. Together?" He took her hand and laced their fingers together.
"Together." She closed her eyes into a calm smile.
O-o-O-o-O
"So, how did you find me? Wait, that's a stupid question." He shook his head. He assumed it was GPS.
"It doesn't matter. I... I came to have a serious talk with you Miles Edgeworth." She leaned further into him.
"Look where that led us." They were cuddled together on his bed, where he didn't care that his arm was slowly growing numb from being used as a pillow.
"..."
'But you have to tell him. What's stopping you?'
She got up and began to put on her clothes.
"What were you going to say, Franziska?" He had a confused look on his face as he sat upright and put on some clothes.
"I can't do it after all, Miles Edgeworth." She didn't care to put on her stockings.
"Do what? What is this about? And where are you going at this hour?"
"I can't stay here, or I..." Her eyes were brimming with tears.
"I'll listen to whatever you have to say, so please, stay." He took her wrist.
She looked him in the eyes. That wretched brow of his furrowed even further in his apprehension.
"I love you." With that she slipped on her black trenchcoat, picked up her handbag, slipped on her heels and walked out that door.
She was afraid of what he had to say in return, and even if that meant she was being a coward, then so be it.
She just left him there speechless,
And with the sound of his own heart breaking.
-High Prosecutor's Office, LA-
December 10 12:00 PM
"What brings you here today, Wright?" Miles was promoted to high prosecutor last November. He was just getting used to his hectic schedule and for the first time in weeks, he had an afternoon without too much work to do.
"Trucy 's going to have a show tonight, and she asked me to bring you these muffins." He handed Miles a pink box.
"Thank you. I still have no idea what ten-year olds want for a Christmas present." Miles opened the box and the smell of butter and banana wafted through the air. The muffins were freshly baked. He poured some tea into two Follie bone china tea cups.
"How are you holding up?" Phoenix drank some of his tea- darjeeling without milk.
"The marriage contract is still intact." He poured a dollop of full cream milk into his tea.
"When did you guys last talk to each other?"
"We haven't."
"Do you even know where she is?" Phoenix sighed.
"She does not wish to be found." Miles bitterly spat.
"Still, you should-"
"What is there to say, Wright?" Miles stopped stirring his tea.
"It has been months. You can't run forever."
"I'm not running. She left." Phoenix would recognize a broken heart anywhere.
"Then... Don't just let her go. I did, and look where it got me." He spoke quietly while looking away.
"Sister Iris." Miles barely worded.
"This isn't about me. I'm sorry." Phoenix apologized. "I just don't want you to hurt like I do."
"I won't. I'll see this contract to the end."
"You can keep lying to yourself, but you can't damn lie to me. This isn't just a contract to you anymore." Phoenix could swear he heard some psychelocks breaking.
"I love her." He heard Miles say.
"I love her, Phoenix Wright. But I don't know how to make it right." Phoenix nodded.
"I hurt her. I was too scared to admit it to myself. I thought I couldn't love anyone truly. I longed for something my father had. But over the years, I knew deep down I'm not like him. I might as well be like Manf-"
"You are nothing like that man, and staying by her side will not let you become that man, if that is what you are truly afraid of. Don't make me spell it out for you Edgeworth. You're better at thinking things through than I do."
"Thank you. I may be not like my father... But I can be myself around her." His tea was cooling.
"Go after her."
"..."
"Yes I think you can. It's not too late yet."
Edgeworth did not say anything, but Phoenix seems to be able to read his thoughts. Friends. How the hell do they do that?
Miles drank his tea in one gulp and began to work on his computer.
"What are you doing?" Phoenix inquired.
"Chartering a jet. What else?"
"But I haven't even told you where she is!" Phoenix laughed.
"You just said it yourself Wright. I'm better at thinking things through than you are. Logic." He smirked while pushing up his eyeglasses.
"You scumbag." Phoenix laughed but gave Miles two harsh pats on his back, cheering him on.
To be continued...