Summary: Following an almost year-long absence Miles Edgeworth returns to Tokyo. Yet, his intended reconciliation with his sister takes an unexpected turn when he discovers Franziska in the midst of a trial despite being seriously ill.
Genres: Drama, Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Spoilers: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney & PWAA - Justice for All (including/up to "Turnabout Big Top")
Warnings: Deals with illness.
Author's Notes: ... Probably not the kind of story any of my FF followers expected, or hoped for, but I honestly have been really into this fandom as of late. That being said though, I'm still gonna continue my other stories! I'm just branching out into more stuff, with this being just one story I've got in the works for AA!
Anyways, enjoy reading! :)

Someone Who Cares

As was usually the case during the better part of the week, Franziska von Karma had spent her morning in court. The trial currently at hand had been going just as she had intended - expected, and there was no doubt in her mind that she would get the desired guilty verdict shortly. Yet, to her considerable annoyance, once noon arrived that foolish judge seriously had the actual audacity to announce a one hour recess. Which, quite frankly, seemed utterly redundant to her; the trial was just about over with anyways... All that was really left to do was for her to present her final piece of evidence and for the judge to subsequently announce the verdict. So, taking an hour-long break just in order to have lunch and then reconvene the trial afterwards to finish things up just amounted to a huge waste of time! As far as Franziska was concerned at any rate... After all, were these foolish fools truly such gluttons they couldn't wait just a little while longer with their lunch?

Needless to say, as she was waiting in one of the prosecutor's lounges for the recess to finally be over, her mood could hardly be described as good, or anything even remotely akin to that. It certainly also didn't help one bit that she had been plagued by an all but vicious headache all morning. So, considering her already rather sour mood, it probably was rather unsurprising that, upon finding herself pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of the door being opened, she immediately tensed in anger, brows setting into a deep, displeased scowl-like frown, and before she even turned to see who it was she already scoffed, "I thought I told you not to bother me until court reconvenes!" simply assuming it was one of the bailiffs.

However, upon turning towards the door and seeing who was actually now approaching her, she all but froze, eyes widening with surprise, if not in fact the slightest bit of shock. "M- Miles..." she all but muttered, her gaze not leaving him, almost as if perhaps not quite believing her own eyes. Still, after just a brief moment she regained her composure, forcing the initial surprise aside, and her brows setting into a deep frown she went on to ask, her voice now more even, firm, laced with the slightest hint of irritation, "What are you doing here?"

At her greeting, or rather her reaction upon seeing him, Miles frowned the slightest bit, holding back a sigh that all but involuntarily rose within him. He supposed, he probably shouldn't be surprised by her thorny, if not outright hostile, welcome...

"Isn't it obvious? I came to speak to you," he eventually told her, all but matter-of-fact, frowning more deeply, admittedly feeling a sense of wariness as he watched her walking towards him. Still he went on to point out, "All things considered, I believed that, now that I have returned, you deserve an explanation... an apol-" yet before he could quite finish speaking, he found himself cut off as, upon reaching him, Franziska's hand shot up, delivering a sharp slap across his cheek.

"How dare you!?" she scoffed furiously, her steely blue eyes all but glaring up at Miles. Not giving him even time to actually respond to her she just went on to fume, "After- ... After everything!? After you just..." however, she abruptly trailed off, briefly squeezing her eyes shut, suddenly seeming to almost sway the slightest bit on her feet.

Not missing the abrupt change in her demeanor, in her posture, Miles instinctively reached out toward her in order to steady her. "Franziska!? Are you alright?" he questioned worriedly, eyes having widened just the slightest bit with concern as he was looking at her. Yet, just as soon as he took hold of her arm the frown still lingering on his face deepened, although now not so much with wariness, or even concern, but with actual alarm, feeling the heat radiating from her, and he couldn't help but mutter, "Good Heavens ... you're all but burning up..."

Lifting his free hand to her face, gently tucking a stray strand of hair away, he spoke again as he was looking her over more carefully, "Why are you even-" He had been about to question why she was actually working today - in a state like this - instead of getting some rest, but cut himself off mid-speaking. After all, it was a foolish, and even outright redundant question... He knew the answer even without asking. He knew Franziska, after all, her overly strict, ambitious work ethic. Of course, she wasn't just going to simply call in sick. It, quite frankly, wasn't as if he himself was much different than her in that regard, or in any case he hadn't been much different prior to leaving Tokyo so unceremoniously...

So, holding back that question - and in fact any further remark on that matter, he instead simply went on to tell her, "Come on, I'll drive you home."

Yet, he had barely finished speaking when Franziska already gave a sharp, vehement shake of her head and, lips pursing with annoyance, she started pulling away from him - or tried to at any rate, despite how unsteady she clearly was on her feet, as she argued, "No, Miles, I have a trial to wrap up!"

At her attempts to pull away - her usual insistence to argue rather than just accept even the slightest amount of help, Miles once again frowned, holding back a sigh, resisting the impulse to shake his head at her sheer stubborness. "Franziska," he said, voice slightly more stern than previously as he pointed out, "You have a serious fever, not to mention you can barely even stand on your own. You are in no state to work right now; you ought to be at home, resting, instead of being here at court." Seeing Franziska tense further as he was speaking, her brows setting into an even deeper, all but dismayed frown, Miles now in fact breathed a low sigh, reaching once more up to her face as he all but implored her, "Please, just this once; be reasonable and listen to me..."

In spite of how insistently Miles tried to persuade her though, it clearly didn't seem as if Franziska was in any way inclined to accept his advice. Quite the opposite in fact, if the way her eyes narrowed into an equally impatient as irritated scowl was any indication. And just from the tension in her posture it very much looked like she was about to launch into one of her outbursts of indignation, if not actual fury. Yet, before she even managed to get a single word out she once more swayed visibly on her feet, her legs now in fact starting to give way beneath her.

Immediately Miles caught her in his arms, frowning deeply as he looked at her. His gaze still set on her he then told her decidedly, voice completely matter-of-fact now, "That's it, Franziska; I'm taking you home." When it seemed as if she was still about to try and argue regardless he gave a stern shake of his head, pointing out, "It's not up for debate; you're ill and need to rest. Besides, insisting on staying right now, just to finish the trial, will not only be detrimental to your own wellbeing, but it also won't do the case any favors."

Franziska, however, apparently still wasn't quite ready to give up, even though she surely was aware there was no actual winning this argument for her, and pursing her lips once more, brows again setting into a frown she started, "But I-" only for a wave of coughs to cut her off. All but involuntarily she squeezed her eyes shut, leaning the slightest bit closer into Miles's arms for support, as everything around her seemed to spin for a moment, her vision blurring.

Watching her with obvious concern Miles wrapped his arm a bit more around her, while he lifted his free hand, lightly trailing circles over her back in hopes of perhaps comforting her. "Please, Franziska," he gently sought to reason with her as her coughing slowly eased up, "let me drive you home. You know it's what is best right now, for both you and the trial."

Slowly, Franziska looked up, brows still set into a frown above eyes that glistened with tears from the sheer severity of her coughing fit. For a moment she just looked at Miles, silently contemplating her options. Finally, though, her shoulders merely wordlessly dropped in defeat and she lightly bit her lip, averting her gaze. Quite truthfully she had never been good at this sort of thing; allowing herself to show any sign of weakness, let alone accepting anyone's help, or even just the mere offer of help or comfort. Especially in more recent years, since she had moved to Germany... It most certainly also didn't help that it was Miles of all people seeing her like this. Granted, there had been a time, back when she had been a child, when she probably wouldn't have minded all that much - in fact, there had been a time when Miles had been the one person she would allow to see past her facade of unaffectedness, the one person she would allow to comfort her. However, things had changed over the interceding years... For one, she had become increasingly more guarded, more self-reliant. Not to mention, and frankly far more important; she still was furious at Miles for how he had just left - disappeared the way he had, without a word; without explanation or even a goodbye, and still worse having left that horrid note behind...

However, despite her considerable anger towards Miles, despite all her reluctance to actually admit defeat in anything, Franziska couldn't deny that she just didn't have the energy to argue any further about the matter. Not right now. And eventually she just gave the faintest, briefest hint of a nod.

Miles had remained silent in the meantime, still lightly running his hand over Franziska's back as he watched her mulling things over. Even once Franziska nodded that slightest bit, he still remained silent. He knew better than to comment on, or even just directly acknowledge, the fact that she had actually accepted his advice. After all, it would only backfire on him if he did, causing Franziska's guard to go right back up again and prompting her to revert to arguing about the entire situation once more, just out of sheer stubborn pride. So, instead Miles merely gave a nod of his own in acknowledgement, before taking a swift, purposeful glance around the room for Franziska's coat and briefcase as he suggested, "Well, let's get your things and get you home, alright?"

At what he said Franziska's brows puckered into a hint of a frown while her lips twitched slightly, almost as if she was about to pout or perhaps in fact protest. However, eventually she merely sighed and gave another little nod, watching all but indifferently as Miles proceeded to pick up her things from where she had all but carelessly set them aside when she herself had walked into the room earlier.

Once he had retrieved her things, Miles returned to Franziska, helping her put on her coat, before lightly putting his free arm around her shoulders, leading her toward the door.

As they walked out into the hallway Miles soon caught sight of one of the many bailiffs working at the courthouse. Making his way over to the other man he spoke, "Bailiff!" and as the man turned his attention toward them he went on to instruct, "Please, talk to the judge presiding over the Ishikawa case and have him postpone the remainder of the trial. Prosecutor von Karma has fallen ill."

Under normal circumstances, Franziska surely would have wondered - and probably in fact asked - how Miles actually knew which case she was working on, considering his lengthy absence. However, right about now the thought didn't even really occur to her, at least not on a conscious level. Instead she merely wordlessly watched as Miles was speaking to the bailiff and how the uniformed man acknowledged the instructions given with a curt nod and a "Yes, Sir," before turning and going to do as told.

While they made their way through the hallways of the court building towards the main entrance hall Miles kept a close, careful eye on Franziska, one arm remaining loosely draped around her. Eventually, not missing how unsteady she still seemed on her feet, he found himself asking, "Are you sure you can walk?" Yet even as he was still speaking he already regretted ever daring to voice that question, feeling Franziska tensing at his side.

And, just as expected, he had barely finished speaking when Franziska already protested, brows narrowing into a deep scowl, "How dare you!? I'm not some foolish, helpless little child!" while immediately trying to pull away from him.

Holding back a sigh Miles frowned the slightest bit as he looked at the younger prosecutor. "No, of course, you're not..." he sought to pacify her, going on to point out, "and it wasn't my intention to imply as much. However you, clearly, are quite ill right now. I merely don't wish for you to overexert yourself."

Still clearly far from feeling even remotely forgiving, the displeased frown continuing to linger upon her face, Franziska merely scoffed, "It's just a pesky cold, so stop patronizing me," although, admittedly, what had been supposed to be a dismayed rebuke failed to quite have the desired effect as her voice cracked halfway through, a new wave of coughs rising within her.

Miles, too, was still frowning. At Franziska's response to what he had said, a hint of resignation fleeted across his face. However, ultimately he chose to just let the matter go rather than replying back, knowing there would be little point. If anything, Franziska would only get more angry, more agitated, which - given the circumstances - wouldn't be good. Besides, right about now his main priority, his main focus, was to get Franziska home so she could lie down and get some rest. And so, rather than replying to her new accusation, he simply continued leading the way through the courthouse to the nearest exit and, subsequently, out to where he had parked his car.

Upon reaching the car, Miles stopped at the passenger side, swiftly retrieving his keys to unlock the car, to then open the door and helping Franziska get in. As he stepped back once that was done, he paused for the briefest moment, casting a worried glance towards Franziska, before he walked around the car and got in as well, starting up the engine.

For a good while they were driving in complete silence, Franziska having closed her eyes, her head resting against the window beside her, while he himself focused on the road. ... Although, admittedly, he did occasionally look over at Franziska, checking how she was holding up.

Yet, after some time, Franziska lifted her head, just as he was about to take the required turn to get to the von Karma estate outside of the city.

"No, stay in this lane," she all but muttered, casting a brief, all but tired seeming, glance towards Miles, "I'm living in Moto-Azabu now, not at the manor," and after only the briefest of a pause she proceeded to tell him the address, before leaning her head back against the window.

At what Franziska was saying, Miles frowned the slightest bit, casting a brief glance towards her. However, rather than commenting on, or asking about, the subject any further, he merely switched off the turning signal. After all, he could inquire about it at a later point. Right now the important thing was to ensure that Franziska would get the rest she needed to recover from her illness. Anything else could no doubt wait until then.

Once they arrived Miles helped Franziska out of the car, keeping one arm supportingly around her as he guided her towards the front door. As they went Miles couldn't quite help acknowledging how the fact she actually even allowed this - letting him lead and support her without even any attempt at protesting, caused him to get even more worried about her. After all, he knew his sister; how stubbornly self-reliant she typically was. All her prior arguing back at the courthouse freshly reinforced that knowledge. Therefor, her silent compliance now was highly uncharacteristic and, in consequence, troubling as this indicated just how unwell she actually was.

As they reached the door he found Franziska holding out her keys for him, and he couldn't help but notice how her hand seemed to tremble just the faintest bit as if she were shivering. ... Which, given the state she was in, wasn't all that surprising, Miles supposed. However, rather than commenting - he knew better, after all - he instead simply accepted the keys and unlocked the door.

Upon opening the door and stepping inside they were greeted by the steady beep of the alarm system, prompting Franziska to momentarily turn her attention to the control panel, typing in the security code, silencing the alarm. She then carelessly shrugged off her coat, not even bothering to hang it up and instead just tossing it on a sideboard near the door. He was still taking off his own coat when Franziska already started heading towards the staircase, her steps still seeming unsteady. Quickly shrugging off his coat and setting it aside on the sideboard as well, he went to follow after her, intent on ensuring she wouldn't collapse. Especially not while going up the stairs.

However, he knew better than actually pushing his luck by daring to outright just put his arm back around her again to support her. Instead, keeping a close eye on her, he walked by her side, ready to immediately reach out and steady her, if there was any sign she might lose her footing.

They ended up making their way upstairs in perfect silence with him walking next to her, all the while watching her closely from the corner of his eye.

And, as it turned out, it seemed his concern had been warranted as, just as they had walked into the bedroom, Franziska stopped in her tracks, seeming to sway on her feet again. All but instantly Miles reached out to steady her, his brows setting into a frown. as he helped her over to the bed, keeping his arm around her until she had sat down.

Once she was sitting on the edge of the bed, Franziska slowly lifted her head to look at him, prompting the frown on Miles' face to deepen noticeably. It certainly was all but plain to see at this point just how unwell she was... Her gaze was unfocused, eyes glinting with a feverish gleam, and her usually pale skin seemed just the slightest bit flushed, no doubt due to the fever. In fact, there was something almost lethargic to the way she moved as she looked up, and even more evident as she slowly leaned forward, reaching to one of her ankle boots.

Not missing how she struggled with the zipper, Miles wordlessly moved to help her, his concern only still deepening further as Franziska once again simply allowed him to do so, rather than protesting and claiming she didn't need any help.

Once he had helped her take off her shoes, Miles watched as Franziska proceeded to simply get into bed, still not saying anything. After all, he was perfectly well aware of his sister's volatile temper, the fact that, even with how ill she clearly was, her demeanor could drastically change from one moment to the next, with just one wrong move or wrong word from him. If anything - if their interaction back at the courthouse was any indication, the fact she wasn't feeling well probably just served to increase the risk of her having some sudden outburst of anger, if he wasn't careful.

Eventually, though, he inquired, "Do you have any cold medicine, or perhaps paracetamol on hand?"

At his question Franziska actually looked up, brows setting into a scowl-like frown as she muttered in all but a scoff, "Why would I? I never get sick."

Quite honestly, Miles had expected just as much. After all, it was true... Franziska hardly ever became ill. In fact, over the course of the years he'd known her, there had only been one time she had been sick. Yet, that circumstance was of no help right about now. Now that she actually was ill and would in fact benefit from medicine.

And so Miles merely nodded in acknowledgement to what she had said, replying, "In that case I will call a pharmacy to bring over some medicine as soon as possible." He remained silent for a moment or two, gently tucking a strand of hair out of her face, before he went on to tell her, "For now try to get some sleep, alright? I'll go and make you some tea."

Still frowning Franziska just looked at Miles for a long moment or two, before releasing a low, all but dismayed sigh, her shoulders slumping. However, rather than saying anything in response she merely gave a weary nod. After another moment or two she eventually laid back, pulling the covers closer to herself.

For a moment or two Miles remained standing where he was, simply looking at Franziska with an expression of concern upon his face, wondering whether, perhaps, it would be best to in fact call a doctor given the considerable fever she had. However, knowing his sister the way he did, he was perfectly aware that doing any such thing certainly wouldn't go over well with her. Therefor, despite his considerable worry. Miles ultimately resolved himself to wait and see for the time being. After all, perhaps just allowing herself to actually get some rest might already help her feel better, and if not - or if she actually got any worse - he could still call a doctor later.

With that decision made, he finally turned and went to leave, so Franziska could get the rest she clearly needed, and also so he could make sure to get some medicine for her.

At the door Miles halted momentarily, briefly looking back towards Franziska, who seemed to have pulled the blankets still tighter around her and having curled up beneath them. Yet even so, even from this distance, he could tell she was still visibly shivering. It caused another concerned frown to appear on his face. He really ought to make that call as soon as possible, to get some medicine for her...

After another moment he eventually turned around and stepped out into the hallway, leaving the door slightly ajar in case Franziska might call for him, needing something, then he made his way downstairs.

As he headed down the stairs he couldn't help contemplating how this was hardly how he had expected his return to Tokyo - and, more specifically, coming face to face with his sister again - to play out.