Chapter 47

Valentine's Day

Phoenix stared at the old man and frowned. It had only been six months. Six months and yet sometimes it seemed like a lifetime ago.

Hearing the old man talk about Mia like that was refreshing, she'd only ever been his mentor. Knowing that she struggled like he did in the beginning was a bit of a relief. But it was heartbreaking too. She'd had a vision. She'd had plans.

Now they would never come to pass.

"Mister Grossberg," Phoenix said, and he leaned forward on the leather couch clasping his hands together, "What made you do it?"

"Hoom," Mister Grossberg said, "I don't know if I'm ready to get into all of that yet."

Phoenix frowned. It was hard to blame the old man. But he couldn't help thinking that if Mister Grossberg had stood up to that Blue Corp creep, none of this would ever have happened.

Phoenix stood up, "I'll let you get back to it, then sir. Thanks for the chat."

"Anytime, Mister Wright," Mister Grossberg said and he dragged the Aston Martin back out onto his desk. Phoenix nodded and left is office.

He walked toward his own office—the one he'd inherited from Mia—with his head down and his hands in his pockets, contemplative. He wasn't even sure why he was heading that way. Even if anyone called, he still wasn't accepting clients.

Phoenix picked up the paper and made his way into the building and climbed the stairs to the Wright and Co Law Offices. Only a very morose Charley greeted him and guiltily he went to fetch a pitcher and water the lonely plant.

He sat at the desk and flipped on the computer, frowning at the boot up screen.

Mia's things were still the way she'd left them—six months ago. The case files. The movie poster. Charley. He still felt like he was squatting.

But then changing everything seemed wrong. This was her legacy.

He clicked open his e-mail. It was mostly notes from the forums Maya had been following and some junk mail. There was a Nigerian Prince that needed his help, if he could just send five thousand dollars, the prince would reward him with two million.

Phoenix frowned, he didn't have five thousand dollars.

The next e-mail was from a Robert Hardy. He'd just been indicted for running over his wife's boyfriend with his Cadillac. Geez, Phoenix thought, some people's kids...

He closed his e-mail. What was the point? He'd opened the office—mostly—for the last two months and couldn't bring himself to accept a new case. He just couldn't be that kind of lawyer.

Phoenix frowned at his computer screen before opening up his web browser and logging into the district's online docket. He scrolled down the long list of trials—the recently completed, the on-going and the up-and-comings. Hardy was expected to go to trial after Valentine's Day.

"I just—I don't think so," Phoenix mumbled to himself.

As he scrolled down into the older cases he saw Edgeworth's name and frowned.

Sheinheilig had been found Not Guilty.

"Hello," Phoenix cradled the phone between his shoulder and his neck while his hands continued to press buttons on his controller. It was Larry, Phoenix sighed.

"Oh, hey," He paused his game and turned off the TV.

"No, I'm not doing anything tonight," Phoenix said.

"Well, why don't you come over here, then?" Phoenix walked to the window and looked out.

"I'm not worried about that," Phoenix shrugged.

It was warm for mid-February and the sun shone with an intensity normally reserved for summertime. Phoenix stared down at the street below while Larry came up with more and more reasons he ought to go and try to pick up a woman for tonight. Because it was Valentine's Day, and he ought to have a date for Valentine's Day.

"I don't know, Larry," he said into the phone, "I don't really feel like dealing with all that—well, you know—restaurants are going to be packed tonight. I just don't think it's worth standing in line for two hours to eat dinner with a girl I don't even know."

Phoenix let Larry cajole and beg on the other line while he moved around the kitchen making coffee. He wasn't going to fall for this again. No way.

"What if I invited Edgeworth?" Phoenix said when Larry stayed silent long enough to let him get a word in.

Aww not him, he ruins everything. Geez Larry, how do you really feel? Phoenix let Larry bash Edgeworth on the phone while he rummaged for a clean coffee mug.

"We could get him to pay for it," Phoenix added, Edgeworth would never agree to that, but it was fun to mess with Larry.

But Edgeworth doesn't even like women, Larry insisted and Phoenix laughed out loud.

"What makes you think he doesn't like—"

Larry thinks he's gay. Oh really?

Phoenix stared at the coffee pot as coffee dripped into the carafe and felt his patience waver. No, he wasn't mad—people are entitled to their own opinions. He wasn't being defensive either—not for Edgeworth's sake. Edgeworth probably wouldn't appreciate it anyway.

Well, what made Larry the expert anyway?

"Sure, I'll talk to him. I'll call you back whatever I decide," Phoenix tried hard to hide his relief when Larry hung up. He put down his phone and rinsed out a coffee mug just in time to catch the last bit of coffee dripping into the carafe.

He set his phone on the table in front of him as he sat and stared at it with no little bit of apprehension as he sipped his coffee. Why did people bother with Valentine's Day anyway? It was probably the least sacred holiday. It certainly didn't feel sacred in any respect.

His last encounter with Edgeworth had been awkward to say the least. His lip still hadn't fully healed yet. Phoenix stared at his phone and drank his coffee, he wasn't sure if he should really call Edgeworth or not.

Phoenix reached over and picked up his phone. He hesitated for a moment and then decided to bang out a text message, "Will you be my Valentine?"

He chuckled while reading it over again and then hit send.

He waited for a reply while he drank his coffee, but none ever came. Eventually, Phoenix decided to return to Commander Shepard—the universe wasn't going to save itself. Larry could handle Valentine's Day on his own.

Phoenix was just headed back toward the Citadel when his phone rang. He grabbed his phone without looking at the caller ID.

"Phoenix Wright," he said without pausing the game—it was probably just Larry again.

"No," Edgeworth said into the phone.

Phoenix dropped his controller, "Edgeworth?"

"Yes," Edgeworth said.

Oh, hey," Phoenix said, "What's up?"

"I don't want to be your Valentine," Edgeworth said.

"Oh, okay," Phoenix said only just remembering he'd sent that text, "Are you doing anything tonight?"

"No," Edgeworth said.

"Are you all right? I heard about—"

"I don't want to talk about it," Edgeworth said.

Phoenix stood up, holding his phone to his ear but Edgeworth didn't say anything else.

"Do you need something?" Phoenix said.

"I wanted to apologize for hitting you—it was very uncouth," Edgeworth said.

"Oh thank goodness," Phoenix said, "I wouldn't have been able to move on."

"I'm serious," Edgeworth said.

"Yeah, you're always serious—too serious... Do you want to come out with Larry and me?"

"No," Edgeworth said.

"We don't really have anything planned, so if there's something that you'd like to do—"

"No."

"What if," Phoenix began and had to pause to think, "We could—"

"I don't really feel like going anywhere today."

"It's—just come hang out," Phoenix started but Edgeworth interrupted him.

"No Wright," he said, "I should go."

'I should go,' Phoenix mimicked when Edgeworth hung up on him. Maybe Larry would forget and he could spend a nice quiet evening with Commander Shepard.

"You could come with us if you want," Phoenix said kicking at pebbles in their path.

Miles frowned at him, hunched under his over-stuffed backpack, "I've never been fishing before."

"It's easy," Phoenix said, "Just put your hook in the water and wait. You could read a book while you do it."

Miles brightened at the thought of that.

"If you catch something my mom can cook it for us."

"My Dad will probably say no," Miles said dejectedly.

"Is your Dad mean or something?" Phoenix said.

Miles shook his head emphatically, "No, Dad is great. But I don't think he'd like it if I went somewhere like that reservoir."

"Dude," Phoenix said, "Larry and I go all the time! There's bullfrogs and turtles and garter snakes too."

Miles frowned, "I like turtles."

The two of them looked up when Larry joined them at the curb.

"Hey," Phoenix said, "What happened to you?"

Larry made a face, "She wanted to write a note to my mom."

Larry held up a folded piece of lined paper with a staple holding it closed. He started to pick at the staple.

"Larry!" Miles said, "You shouldn't open it!"

"Why not? It's about me, isn't it?" Larry said.

"But that note's for your mom!" Miles said. He was becoming exasperated.

"Larry," Phoenix said, "Even if you pick out the staple, your mom's going to know you opened it."

"Naw man," Larry said, "'cause if it's something good, she'll be too happy to notice, and if it's something bad, I wont give it to her."

"But what about the teacher—" Miles began.

"Stop being a goody-two-shoes," Larry said. When he got the note open he put it up to his face to read it. He started frowning and then shot a glare at Miles.

"What?" Miles said.

"Is it good or bad?" Phoenix asked.

"Did you tattle on me?" Larry said turning to face Miles directly.

"No," Miles said innocently, "I never—"

"She thinks I pick on you," Larry said, and he waved the note at Miles' face.

Phoenix frowned at his friends while they argued. He didn't want to get in the middle of that—but then, he liked both of his friends.

Larry was doing most of the yelling, Miles just glared at him. When his father's car pulled up he left to get in without saying goodbye to either of them.

Phoenix frowned as the car took off with his friend. Then he rounded on Larry.

"Why'd you have to yell at him for?"

"He's a tattle-tale!" Larry said.

"You don't know that," Phoenix said, "You used to get in trouble before he even came here."

They started walking. Larry crumpled the note and shoved it in his pocket.

"I hate that Miles kid."

Phoenix only glanced at him with a frown.

Phoenix tugged a sweater on over his shirt and checked himself one last time in the mirror before heading out. This was a bad idea.

Of course Larry would wait until the last minute to call back. But the part where Phoenix agreed to meet him—what happened there? Was he really that desperate for the agony of watching Larry simper at every girl he saw on day when no one would be available?

"Hey," Phoenix said, when Larry picked him up, "When did you get a car?"

"Nick, dude!" Larry said, "Everyone drives these days!"

Phoenix rolled his eyes, "So where are we going?"

"Oh man, it's going to be epic," Larry said, "It's this club thing in this fancy hotel."

"What?"

"Yeah, it's supposed to be super nice," Larry said.

Phoenix frowned and ran a hand over his simple sweater and jeans. At least he wore his dark jeans. Still, he certainly wasn't dressed for 'super nice'.

"So, uh, Larry," Phoenix said, "Is there a cover? Because I didn't bring that much money."

Larry just shook his head and grinned.

Phoenix slumped into his seat while Larry turned up the music and took them onto the ramp and headed downtown.

The Gatewater Hotel had several cars lined up at the entrance and valets scrambling to keep up with new arrivals. Larry handed the key to his little hatchback to the valet when they pulled up.

"Take care of her," he said, "She's my baby."

The valet sniffed and ran a derisive glance over the small car. He gave the keys to a different valet.

Phoenix was feeling completely out of his element as they entered the hotel lobby. Larry was wearing an orange suit with no tie, but even he looked less out of place than Phoenix.

"Come on," Larry said, "It's upstairs."

They walked toward the elevators. The crowd they stood in was a mix of wealthy hotel patrons and partiers. Everyone was dressed up to the nines. He was starting to feel self-conscious and he cursed himself for not telling Larry no.

They boarded the crowded elevator and it jerked into motion. Dragging them up in one fluid motion before ejecting them onto a crowded floor. Music warred in the corridor. There was the heavy bass of what was probably a DJ in a Dance Hall and the tinkling of a piano.

"Which way do you think?" Larry asked.

Phoenix gave an exasperated shrug, "How should I know? This was your idea!"

"You mad bro?" Larry asked.

Phoenix ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. Larry was looking longingly toward the lights and the pulsing music at the far end of the corridor. He smiled and took Phoenix's arm and led him toward the opposite end.

Inside, Phoenix was blown away by the lights and decor in the massive ballroom. There was a bar at either end and a few tables and against the walls. All decorated for Valentine's Day. Before they continued forward they were stopped by a man in a black tuxedo. He had on a name tag that read 'Security'.

"Excuse me," he said, "Can I help you gentlemen find something?"

"Yeah," Larry said, "We're here to celebrate Val—"

"I'm sorry, sir," the security guy said, "This is a private party."

"Oh, they're with me," Phoenix turned in shock to see Edgeworth coming toward them. He was wearing black slacks and a dark red shirt and he had a heart shaped box of chocolates under his arm.

The security guy nodded at Edgeworth and took up his post at the door. Larry was already walking to meet Edgeworth.

"Edgeworth!" Phoenix said, catching Larry up, "What are you doing?"

Edgeworth looked at him quizzically, "I'm celebrating."

He didn't seem very enthusiastic.

"Would you like a drink, Wright?" Edgeworth said.

Phoenix shook his head, "I guess."

They only made it halfway toward the nearest bar when they were stopped by a group of young women. Beautiful young women.

"Miles," one, a tall blonde said, "Who are your friends?"

Edgeworth put a hand on Phoenix's shoulder, "This is Phoenix Wright, Esquire, and this is... um... other guy."

Larry was too entranced by their company to notice the slight. Phoenix started to worry that he might just explode.

"Ooh, Phoenix," the redhead said, "That's neat!"

"Uh," Phoenix said, "Thank you?"

"Excuse me, ladies," Edgeworth said with a slight bow of his head.

Phoenix stared at him. What was going on?

They continued toward the bar, abandoning Larry in the midst of the women.

"Hey, Edgeworth," Phoenix said, "What's gotten into you?"

Edgeworth stopped walking and glared at him. Then he smiled and patted Phoenix on the cheek, "I see, you don't think prosecutors should have fun."

Edgeworth turned and continued walking toward the bar. He had an index finger raised over his head pedantically, "I dare say, Prosecutors are people too."

Phoenix hesitated in his shock before picking up his pace to keep up with Edgeworth. They arrived at the bar simultaneously. Edgeworth put his box of chocolates on the bar.

"Hey," Phoenix whispered harshly into his ear, "Are you drunk?"

Edgeworth paused mid-order, "I certainly am not!"

"I thought you didn't—"

"Don't judge me," Edgeworth said.

"You're upset about the trial aren't you?" Phoenix took him by the arms and tried to look him in the eye.

Edgeworth smirked and shook his head, "Stop making assumptions about me, I find it rude and uncomfortable. What are you having, Wright?"

Phoenix sighed and looked at his friend with quiet concern.

Edgeworth ordered him a scotch and Phoenix groaned inwardly. Hard liquor too.

"I thought you were going to stay in?" Phoenix said bumping the ice cubes in his drink with a plastic stirrer.

"Obviously I've changed my mind," Edgeworth said he turned toward the ballroom leaning against the bar.

"I just didn't think you—" Phoenix said.

"And why not?" Edgeworth said without looking at him, "Perhaps we just aren't as close as you seem to imagine."

He paused to take a draught from his tumbler, Phoenix frowned.

"Do you want a chocolate?" Edgeworth said.

"Uh," Phoenix said as Edgeworth turned back to the bar and opened his box of chocolates. Most of them were already missing.

Phoenix reach out to take one but Edgeworth pulled the box away, "We're doing a fundraiser for the Police Department. That'll be a hundred dollars."

"What the hell? Who would pay a hundred dollars for one chocolate?"

Edgeworth smirked, "Rich people. I've sold the most tonight."

Phoenix rolled his eyes, "Did you buy them yourself?"

Edgeworth finished his drink and then raised an index finger for attention. Then he stepped away from the bar and stopped the first woman he saw. Phoenix shook his head and turned away from Edgeworth's little escapade. He sipped his scotch and then glared at it as if it had insulted him.

Edgeworth returned with the woman in tow and picked up a chocolate, she handed him several twenty-dollar bills. Edgeworth smiled at her as he pocketed the money and then put the chocolate between his teeth. Phoenix could feel his own eyes bugging out of his head.

He gasped audibly as Edgeworth leaned in to kiss her. And they just kept kissing. And Edgeworth leaned so far forward her hair brushed the ground. Several nearby patrons cheered. Phoenix fell off of his stool.

He was brushing himself off while he watched her walk away chewing on a chocolate. Edgeworth was standing over him putting the lid back on the box.

"We were supposed to sell the whole box for forty dollars," he said, "But I only got one box. So I started selling the chocolates for five dollars. Then things escalated."

Phoenix frowned at him and pulled himself back into his stool.

"This is for the police department?"

Edgeworth nodded and raised a hand to call the bartender, "The chocolates. Not this thing."

Phoenix swept the room again, "So what is this?"

"It's an anti-Valentine's Day mingle—for rich people."

"And you decided to come because?"

"I needed to sell my chocolates," Edgeworth smirked at him and accepted another drink from the bartender. He raised his glass.

"To us," he said.

Phoenix felt the heat rise over his face, "Um, to us?"

Edgeworth took a draught, "Yes, as no one else is likely to give a damn."

"I don't want to sound like—well, maybe we should get out of here," Phoenix said.

Edgeworth only glared at him and finished his drink.

A/N: Thanks for Reading!

LOL—Edgeworth's British Navy Toast...

Thanks a ton to everyone who's been reading this! Especially those of you who took the time to review. I get sidetracked so easily and I often disappear or put things off because I don't have time. So many times I've come close to abandoning all of my silly fan fics, but those random reviews keep me coming back. Thank you so much!

As we enter into the final act, I hope to update more frequently. I owe it to you guys!

Oh and that re-vamped, updated and edited version, all done! You're welcome! (I hope!)