A/N: This story will contain elements of abuse and self-harm. Please read with discretion.

That trial changed everything. Trucy watched its events, her eight year old brain unable to comprehend the logistics of the case and the evidence matters being thrown around. Ironically enough, coming up with a magic trick to help her daddy escape came easily. She had smiled in the courtroom lobby as she watched the magician flee beneath his red cloak. Perhaps, a small, miniscule part of her brain knew that he would never be coming back. For, she did cry once the doors shut coldly behind him. Naturally, she had composed herself once Officer Meekins started looking for her. She had played along as her happy self when Phoenix came around. He became her new daddy, and she held onto the naive thought that her biological daddy would be back for her someday.

Over time, she thought less about her biological daddy. Remembering him would hurt too much. As she grew up, she started to understand that he had abandoned her, and the courtroom had lost sight of the truth because of it. There was still a picture of Zac Gramarye in the living room, but she would deliberately ignore it. The past was in the past, after all.

Her new daddy was a lot better than her old daddy. He had been there for her when her whole world turned upside down. When her old daddy had been selfish, her new daddy had been selfless. Even though he was at his absolute worst, he still took her in and made her a part of his life. It had been easy to start calling him her daddy, and over time, she saw him as her real father, not a replaceable one.

...

"Daddy," an eight year old Trucy looked up at her father innocently, "why are you crying?"

The disbarred attorney turned, flinching as he caught her words. He quickly wiped his eyes, concealing the evidence of his tears. "I wasn't crying – I just had something in my eye."

"You had something in both eyes," Trucy observed, "sadness."

The tired man sighed, avoiding the subject. "Why did you come down here, Truce? It's half past ten."

"I had a nightmare," Trucy quivered.

Phoenix's dad mode activated. He beckoned for the little girl to sit on his lap. Trucy complied, wrapping her arms around her adopted father. Phoenix soothingly rubbed her back, keeping her close.

"Do you want to tell me what it was about?" Phoenix asked her softly.

Trucy swallowed a lump in her throat. "I…I was in the courtroom again." She had been having nightmares of that day for weeks now. "I saw my daddy disappear."

Phoenix ran his hands through his hair. "That was a hard day for you. Seeing him leave you-"

"It wasn't that daddy," Trucy cut him off, "I saw you disappear!"

Phoenix paused, his shoulders shaking slightly. For a long moment, he didn't respond and merely held her tightly. Trucy couldn't see his eyes, but she knew he must be crying.

"Trucy, I'll never disappear, I promise," Phoenix murmured, "I'll always be here for you."

Trucy pulled away, catching his gaze. Phoenix smiled at her gently, and Trucy returned the expression. Phoenix wiped her tears away.

"We're going to be okay," Phoenix told her softly, "just give it time."

...

Time. The clock in the house ticked, on the verge of striking five. She felt anxiety weaving its way through her stomach, knowing that man would be home soon. Trucy shuddered as she imagined his sickening smile, the way his eyes gleamed, his calm demeanor, it all made her squirm.

He had entered her life suddenly, invading the living room, and the family dinners of two. Her daddy's eyes sparkled whenever he came back while Trucy looked away. She had never been able to understand why he had arrived. Trucy thought her daddy and her were getting along just fine. But, daddy seemed to need something more.

...

The doorbell chimed, causing Phoenix to get up from his chair immediately. Trucy looked over at him curiously. From the smile on his face to his eagerness as he walked towards the door, this visit had been planned. There were other clues as well. Her daddy made dinner an hour earlier than usual, and he took the time to make a pasta dinner, instead of a usual frozen meal. Her daddy had always chosen to wear a nicer outfit than a baggy hoodie and sweatpants. Trucy didn't know there was a visitor coming – she was still in her magician's attire after practicing tricks for an hour.

Phoenix opened the door widely. "Thanks for coming," his voice was earnest.

"Of course, I'd come," a silky voice replied, "after all, we did plan this."

Phoenix chuckled. "Come in. Here – I'll take your coat."

The guest entered the doorway, causing Trucy's eyes to widen.

She had seen him once before. That memory had been locked away, forgotten in the sands of time. But, remnants of that fatal moment still remained, shards found in that deceptive man.

Her hand balled up into a tight fist.

But, she greeted him with a magician's smile.

"Who's this, daddy?" Trucy looked over at her father.

"You don't need to ask him," his icy blue eyes glittered teasingly, "I'm happy to disclose my identity."

"Oh, you're a lawyer," Trucy recognized the attorney's badge on his dark blue lapel.

He smiled. "Indeed, I am. My name is Kristoph Gavin."

"Daddy, did you get in trouble with the law again?"

Phoenix flinched, and Trucy winced – too soon. The man shook his head, forcing himself to smile. "No, no, Kristoph is a… friend."

Kristoph flicked his light blonde braid over his shoulder. "We haven't known each other for very long, but we have a… connection."

"Daddy and I have a connection," Trucy looked to her father, concern in her eyes.

"Oh, sweetie," Phoenix smiled, ruffling her hair lovingly, "you and I have a special connection, one that can't be taken away. Kristoph and I have a different kind of connection."

"You're friends?" Trucy looked between the two men, suspicion in her eyes.

"Best friends," Kristoph adjusted his glasses, his clear-painted nails glittering.

...

Kristoph was more than a best friend to Phoenix. He became a constant in their family, consistently invited to family dinners, consistently attending Trucy's magic shows, consistently driving Trucy to school, consistently coming home to see Phoenix, consistently holding his hand, consistently making Phoenix smile. Her daddy's eyes sparkled whenever he came back while Trucy looked away.

She wanted to say something.

But, she kept quiet.

After all, her daddy was happier with him around. He was more energized and more involved in just being a human. He started making better dinners for him and Trucy, he started shaving his stubble every morning, he started working out again, he started helping Trucy in her homework, he started waking up earlier, and he… started living again.

At least, that's how it was for a while.

Nothing good could last forever.

The door creaked open. Trucy stiffened, then forced a smile as that man entered the house.

"Good evening, Trucy," Kristoph made eye contact with her immediately.

"Good evening, Kristoph." Trucy returned.

...

"Trucy, there's… err… something I wanted to tell you," Phoenix rubbed the back of his jaw, a sheepish expression on his face. Trucy noticed that he was blushing, and she smirked, her eyes intent on the disbarred attorney.

"What is it?" Trucy asked, pulling out some ice cream. She started scooping it into a bowl, using Phoenix's flustered state as a prime opportunity to take out 3 scoops, instead of the maximum 2 that her father allowed.

"You know how Kristoph is coming over for movie night tomorrow?" Phoenix asked as Trucy put away the ice cream container.

Trucy opened the fridge, pulling out chocolate sauce. She started drizzling it over her ice cream, nodding for him to go on.

"Well… we were planning on telling you the truth tomorrow but…" Phoenix paused, taking a deep breath.

Trucy crumbled two Oreos on top of her dessert, grinning as she casually broke the rules.

"I figured it would be better to tell you now, in case you… didn't like the news," Phoenix winced.

Trucy pulled out a spoon, taking a bite of ice cream. "Okay, what is it?"

"Kristoph and I are… together," Phoenix confessed, "we're, uh, dating."

"Old news," Trucy ate more of her dessert.

"Wait, how did you-"

"I caught you two kissing," Trucy licked some chocolate sauce off her lips, "you didn't even notice that I was staring at you two."

Phoenix blushed. "So… you don't mind?"

Trucy took a long bite of ice cream. "Yeah, it's fine."

"You'd, uh, have to talk to him as well, but," Phoenix scratched the back of his jaw, "but I'd be fine if you wanted to call him da-"

"No." Trucy responded coldly. "I only have one daddy."

...

"You have a show at seven," Kristoph reminded her.

"I know," Trucy smiled genuinely.

Kristoph smiled back, the expression faltering after a moment. "You didn't do your hair."

"I put it up in a ponytail," Trucy shrugged, "I figured that was good enough."

"You never put them in tight enough," Kristoph criticized, "your hair is always a mess by the end of a show."

Trucy huffed, rolling her eyes. "It's fine."

"It's 'fine' if you want to make a fool of yourself," Kristoph pressed, approaching her. He moved a thread of her hair behind her ear, "you didn't even get all of your hair into the ponytail."

Trucy grimaced in embarrassment, but didn't respond.

Kristoph pulled out her ponytail. "Here, I'll braid it for you."

Trucy's stomach churned, but she dipped her head in compliance.

Kristoph ran his hands through her hair, combing it between his fingers. "It's still knotted, but it's 'good enough.'"

Trucy winced as his fingers untangled a knot in her hair. He started braiding her hair, his hands rough. She tensed up, squirming slightly.

"Don't squirm," Kristoph's voice was taut, "it'll make this harder."

Trucy stilled, balling her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms out of sheer frustration.

"You've been making a fine penny at your shows," Kristoph mused, "they're more popular than ever."

Trucy smiled. "The regulars love it. Especially when I–"

Kristoph suddenly yanked on her hair, causing her to flinch.

"Stay still," Kristoph commanded her, "otherwise, I'll have to start all over."

Trucy's heart sank, and she took a deep breath, composing herself.

"Phoenix made a big sacrifice when he adopted you," Kristoph's grip on her hair tightened, "he struggled to pay rent with you around."

Trucy didn't remember many of her childhood memories, aside from the trial and her first interactions with Kristoph. She would've been too young to understand Phoenix's financial struggles or why they lived the way that they did.

"Your little illusions boosted his revenue," Kristoph mused as he twisted her hair, "it's a good way to pay him back for what he did for you."

Trucy always knew about that. She split her show profits 50/50 with the man. She often used her half to buy new magic props that made her performances more magical.

"By keeping your profits high, you are supporting this family," Kristoph pulled on her hair, "but if they go down…"

"Then, I'm just a burden," Trucy muttered.

"Exactly," Trucy could tell the man was smiling as he finished the braid.

"Thanks," Trucy gave the defense attorney a sharp look.

"You're welcome," Kristoph returned smoothly.

Trucy started to make her way to the kitchen.

"Where are you going?"

Trucy shrugged. "I was going to get some dinner before the show."

"Is everything all set for your performance?" Kristoph asked her.

"Well, I have some props upst–"

"Then, why don't you take care of that first?" Kristoph cut her off. "Surely, that's more important than leftover noodles."

"Yeah, you're right," Trucy decided, heading to her room.

She checked that she had everything she needed for her performance: props, the smoke screen, the lighter, deck of cards… Her top hat was on her bed, and she threw it on, looking at herself in the mirror. She was wearing her light blue magician's outfit. She had outgrown her red one years ago, and she decided to get a blue one, instead of a red one. She had wanted to resemble her biological father before, but now, she wanted to be like her new daddy. The braid rested unnaturally under her top hat, and she fought the urge to rip it out. The person in the mirror looked almost perfect, but there were cracks and breaks, revealing her horrendous flaws.

Get your act together. Trucy told herself, taking a deep breath.

The show was over. Trucy grinned, bowing for the audience, who cheered in adoration. A few roses were thrown at the stage, and she even managed to catch one between her teeth. The curtains closed, and the show was done. She walked backstage, her boots echoing down the corridor. She opened the door to her dressing room, breathing out a sigh of relief. The lighter had gone off a moment too soon, but she managed to salvage the show and keep everything going smoothly. Trucy wondered if anyone even noticed the slipup.

"Trucy!" Apollo's loud voice made her grin. "You did great out there!"

"Thanks for coming, Polly," Trucy pulled him into a hug.

"Release," Apollo wheezed, "Trucy, you're… crushing my ribs."

Trucy squeezed him tightly for a moment longer, then freed him from the prison of her arms.

Apollo coughed. "Trucy, I swore you were going to kill me there."

Trucy rolled her eyes. "You're not going to die, Polly. That would be stupid."

Apollo merely rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.

"Wait a minute – you just had the second half of your bar exam!" Trucy's eyes lit up. "How did it go? Did you pass? Are we going to celebrate?"

"Woah, slow down," Apollo chuckled, "I don't know if I passed yet."

"How long do I have to wait?" Trucy sulked.

"Five weeks," Apollo told her, "five weeks of crushing anxiety."

"I'm sure you passed," Trucy smiled, "you've been staying up till 2am every night to study!"

Apollo rubbed sleepiness out of his eyes. "I sure hope so… That exam is really expensive."

"That means we'll have to throw you a really big party to celebrate," Trucy grinned.

"Honestly, I would rather not do that," Apollo rubbed his shoulder, "I have other plans."

"What? You have plans that don't involve me, bro bro?" Trucy punched him in the shoulder.

"I think your dad would kill me if I brought you with me…"

Trucy's eyes sparkled with interest. "Are you going to a bar for passing your bar exam?"

"What- No, alcohol is disgusting," Apollo grimaced.

"Unless you're going to a bar to kiss someone~" Trucy said in a sing-song tone.

Apollo's face flushed. "I'm not going to kiss anyone!"

"Does that mean you have a crush?" Trucy grinned.

"No, nope, not at all, no way," Apollo shook his head, "and I'm not going to a bar."

"Then, where are you going to kiss someone?"

"I'm not going to kiss someone!" Apollo insisted, still blushing.

"C'mon, Polly, you can tell me anything," Trucy grinned, "you can trust me."

"The last time I trusted you, three of my law books got burned, my cat ran away from home, and I was put on toilet duty for a month."

"That was one time-"

"Objection! Trusting a teenage girl is the worst idea in the world," Apollo pointed a finger at her accusingly.

Trucy rolled her eyes. "Without me, you'd have awful taste in movies."

"Half of your movie picks are atrocious," Apollo smirked, "I, on the other hand-"

"Polly, your idea of a 'good movie' is a 6 hour pigeon documentary."

"It was fascinating!"

"No, it wasn't, you're just a big nerd."

"And this 'big nerd' is the reason why you're not aimlessly wandering the streets of San Francisco!"

"I could have gotten an Uber!"

"Uber didn't exist yet!"

"Your mom didn't exist yet!"

"Are you two seriously arguing again?" Phoenix looked at the pair exasperated. "Sometimes, I think I'm raising a pair of 10 year olds."

"I'm 23!" Apollo said defensively.

"And, you're having an argument with a 16 year old girl who's taller than you."

"She is not taller than me," Apollo crossed his arms.

"Yes, I am," Trucy smirked, putting her chin on top of his head.

"You're wearing boots with heels," Apollo argued with a huff.

"Polly, just admit that you're short and move on with your life." Trucy smirked.

"I'm not that short—"

"Apollo, you are a 5'5 man," Phoenix looked down at him.

Apollo glowered, but the fire in his eyes died as he accepted defeat.

Trucy smiled, her eyes twinkling. She ruffled his hair, ruining the two spiky strands. "At least, be happy that you're able to open the top kitchen cabinet without a step stool."

Apollo chuckled.

Phoenix ruffled Trucy's hair, dislodging her braid in the process. "There, now you and Apollo match."

Trucy giggled, pulling her daddy into a hug. "Thanks for coming to my show."

"Of course I came, kiddo," Phoenix smiled, "I never miss one of your shows."

Trucy smiled, pulling away. She looked at Apollo and Phoenix. Although she knew they weren't related to her biologically, they felt more like family than whatever life she had before. She still carried her old heritage with her through her magical tricks, but she did what she did to make her new family proud, not her old one. This dynamic she had with them, her peace of mind, it was all so perfect.

Nothing good could last forever.

"Trucy," the sound of a familiar voice caused her to stiffen.

She turned her head, seeing him once again. A chill ran down her spine.

"Your performance was adequate," Kristoph nodded, a sharpness suppressed behind icy blue eyes and glinting glasses, "I see you've been changing up your technique."

Apollo's brilliant grin had faltered as he slung an arm around Trucy's shoulders. "She was excellent."

Kristoph nodded slightly. "Perhaps, she will be," he directed his attention back to Trucy, "I only want you to try harder."

He noticed the slip up. Trucy winced.

"We can focus on that later," Phoenix put a hand on Kristoph's shoulder, "let's just celebrate today. Apollo finished his bar exam, and Trucy had a great show. Isn't that what's important?"

"I want them to be the best that they can," Kristoph mused, "I wouldn't want to teach them to settle for less. A celebration would be premature, especially since Justice may have failed his exam."

Apollo flinched. "I tried my hardest."

"Don't take it so personally," Kristoph's voice was smooth, "you were anxious about the exam. It may be a sign that you weren't prepared."

"I hope I passed," Apollo clutched his shoulder, "otherwise it would mean I wasted your money."

Kristoph suddenly pulled the young man into a hug, the motion causing Apollo to stiffen. He halfheartedly returned the embrace, his eyes glittering with discomfort.

"You'll make me proud, I'm sure of it," Kristoph told him, patting him on the back, "after all, you used my resources every night, didn't you?"

"I-I did," Apollo stuttered, "they were really useful."

"Good," Kristoph released him. Apollo rubbed his shoulder, a confused, troubled expression on his face. He rubbed the bracelet on his arm, wincing to himself.

"It's been a long night," Phoenix pointed out, "we should go home soon."

"All the more reason to skip a celebration," Kristoph smirked, "you know that my office opens early, Phoenix."

Phoenix rubbed the back of his jaw. "Yeah… It really was a bad idea, now that I think about it."

Trucy bit her lip. It would've been fun.

A bright moon glowed outside of Trucy's window as the teenage girl got settled for bed. Her props had been tucked away neatly and she had changed into her pajamas a while ago. She laid back on her mattress, causing the springs to creak slightly. She narrowed her eyes at the clock, its digits reminding her coldly about her upcoming school day. She turned on her side, her gaze resting on something that made her smile and recall a fond memory.

...

Trucy yawned, leaning against her new daddy's side, as he finished reading her a bedtime story. The man closed the book, setting it aside on a nearby nightstand. He looked over at his daughter, a look of fondness in his eyes.

"Alright, Truce, it's time for you to get tucked in," The father pulled back the covers, and the little girl crawled under them. As Phoenix started pulling them up, he paused, a small look of panic entering his eyes.

"What's wrong, daddy?" Trucy asked him, tilting her head.

"Wait here for a second. I got you a present," Phoenix brushed a strand of Trucy's hair behind her ear.

Trucy's eyes lit up in excitement, and she nodded. Her father left the bedroom, his steps a bit quicker than usual. Trucy giggled at her daddy's forgetful antics. She squirmed around in her covers, anticipation growing inside her. A moment later, Phoenix stepped back into the room, something hidden behind his back.

"What is it?" Trucy sat up.

"I know you've been having nightmares, and I think this will help you," her daddy smiled. He placed the present in her arms.

Trucy's eyes lit up as she saw the silver lion stuffed animal. She squeezed it tightly. "Thank you, daddy!"

"Anything for you, precious," her father's voice was hushed, and he smiled softly at his daughter.

Trucy inspected the stuffed animal. Her daddy had read her a story about animals once. She knew that the boy lions had manes, and since her lion had a mane, that must mean he was a boy lion.

"What's his name?" Trucy asked him.

"Oh, I didn't name him," Phoenix told her sheepishly, "I thought you'd want to name him."

"I don't know the names of any lions," Trucy frowned, "how am I supposed to name one?"

"Fair enough," Phoenix chuckled.

"Can you name him?" Trucy asked him.

"Oh, umm, okay..." Phoenix paused, thinking to himself. "His name is Miles."

"Miles?" Trucy blinked.

"Yes," Phoenix decided, conviction entering his voice, "he'll always look after you. He'll be there for you whenever you're in trouble. You can always talk to him about how you're feeling, and he'll listen to you. He'll protect you."

"Daddy, you're putting a lot of faith in a stuffed animal," Trucy tilted her head.

Phoenix chuckled, kissing her on the forehead. "I promise you that it's all true. It's like magic - you just have to believe in him."

...

Trucy sighed, a few tears escaping her eyes, as she held the stuffed animal close to her heart.