Chapter 4 - Talking

Apollo couldn't help but notice or believe that both married women in the Wright Anything Agency were pregnant. In hindsight, he realised he probably shouldn't have been that surprised but there's a big difference when someone tells you they're pregnant and when you can see that they're pregnant. About a month or so after Mr Wright's phone call to Edgeworth, Athena arrived at the office one Monday morning with a small but distinct baby bump. Naturally Trucy and Pearl swooned over it but Apollo almost couldn't believe what he was seeing.

One of his best friends really was pregnant.

Of course he was happy, but he also felt something else that he couldn't describe. After letting Trucy and Pearl ask question after question, Athena finally sat at her desk beside his. Apollo wanted to say something but somehow, couldn't find the words. He didn't need to worry – Athena had something to say.

'Simon is going to tell Edgeworth today.' She said in a quiet voice, staring at her desk.

'R-Really?' Apollo stammered.

'Um… yeah. It's a bit sudden but since I've… popped… I guess it's a little harder for it to be a secret. Mr. Edgeworth really needs to know since he is Simon's boss.'

'Well Mr. Edgeworth's reaction can't be very different to how he reacted to Phoenix's call.'

'Only this one is face to face, so I can't be there to hear the conversation or see Edgeworth's reaction for myself.' She gave a small smile.

'Is something wrong? You don't seem as happy as you were when you walked in.' Athena gave a big smile.

'I'm fine – it's just that… well… this is all so… real. Like I'm actually going to be a mother.'

'You mean a great mother.' Said Apollo, putting his hand on her shoulder. Athena gave him a big hug – Apollo couldn't help but notice her belly pressing against him as she did.

'For the record,' he said, 'Apollo is a great name.'

Athena whacked him on the arm.

It was surreal, placing a hand on your own small but growing stomach. There was life there, growing inside you. The first time she did, it brought tears to Maya's eyes – and Phoenix's too when he felt her stomach.

After so long. She had all but given up while Phoenix had been his stubborn self and kept trying. He always believed in her and she loved him for that.

Maya's morning routine consisted of waking up and dashing to the bathroom to vomit and waking up Phoenix in the process. Every morning he groggily walked to the bathroom, sat beside her and held her hair back as she vomited. Then they would clean up and he would kiss her before they got on with the day.

On this particular morning as she was emptying the contents of her stomach into the toilet, she was mentally planning her trip to Kurain Village. They had told everyone at the Agency and Edgeworth but Phoenix still hadn't told Larry and Maya hadn't yet told the Village. As Leader of Kurain Village, it was her duty to inform them herself. She wasn't sure yet exactly what she'd say but she knew everyone would rejoice at the prospect of a new heir to the Fey family. Phoenix offered to go with her, but she knew he wouldn't be as warmly received, even if he was her husband. Besides, he was busy. It didn't stop him from worrying though.

'Make sure you call me on the village phone once you get there. I want to know that you get there safe.' He said after they had cleaned up Maya, his worried eyes fixed on hers.

'Nick, it's a two hour train trip that I've done many times for at least the past 12 years. I'll be fine – the baby will be fine.' She looked up at him and held his hand. Phoenix breathed out.

'I know. I just… wow. Never thought I'd be the overprotective father type.' He scratched his head sheepishly. 'I know you'll be fine.' He said and kissed her on the head. Maya smiled as she walked out of their apartment.

'I still expect a phone call when you arrive though!' He called.

Maya just rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her.

Phoenix's phone then rang with a familiar tune.

'This is Phoenix.'

'NICK! I got your message! It's been foreeeeeever!' The man on the phone shouted.

'Larry, can you speak a little quieter please? My ears don't like your loud voice.'

'SORRY!' Phoenix just facepalmed. 'Anyway, where do you want to meet up? I know this really great place – my new girlfriend Janie and I went there just the other day, and she was telling me-'

'Larry, stop. Just the usual place is fine – you can never resist good noodles.'

'So boring Nick, but alright. See you there in half and hour?'

'See you then Larry. And don't forget your wallet, I'm not paying for you this time.'

'But Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick…' And Phoenix hung up before Larry could complain anymore.

Edgeworth sat back in his comfortable office chair, sipping tea from his fine china teacup. He checked his watch and tapped his finger on the cup. It was unlike Prosecutor Blackquill to be late for a meeting, especially when it was Blackquill himself who had arranged it. Edgeworth sipped again before looking up at his doorway to find Simon Blackquill standing there, silently and waiting permission to enter.

'Come in, Prosecutor. Please, have a seat.' Edgeworth always found Blackquill hard to read. While Edgeworth knew that people didn't think he had the capability to smile, he knew that he could if he wanted to in his free time. Edgeworth wasn't sure the same could be said for Blackquill. Edgeworth put his cup down gently on his desk and looked at the man who was now sitting in front of him, grey eyes meeting grey.

'What is it you wanted to discuss, Mr. Blackquill?'

Simon coughed. He was nervous, but he kept a neutral expression on his face as he breathed. Edgeworth needed to know sooner or later.

'I have some news that I need to inform you of.'

'Good or bad?' Edgeworth wasn't sure where this was going.

'Definitely good news. I believe Wright-dono shared some exciting news with you about a month ago?' Now Edgeworth knew where this was going.

'That is correct. Can I assume…?' Blackquill nodded.

'Athena and I are expecting.' For the first time, Edgeworth saw Blackquill smile of his own free will.

'I happened to pass by her this morning – I thought she looked different. I have to admit that I was surprised when I saw her.' Edgeworth commented.

Blackquill's smile disappeared quickly. 'Why? Did you think I wouldn't have children? That I was incapable because I was behind bars for seven years?' There was a steely edge to Blackquill's voice and Edgeworth calmly shook his head.

'Not at all, Prosecutor – I meant no offence. I just was not aware that you were planning a family at this time.' Simon just huffed and stood up. Edgeworth also stood and looked Simon in the eye.

'Congratulations, Simon. I wish you and Athena all the best.' Edgeworth held out his hand and Simon took it, a firm handshake.

'Thank you, Edgeworth-dono. I-'

There was a knock on the open door. Blackquill turned around to find Klavier Gavin standing in the doorway, looking unsure of himself.

'Achtung, Herr Edgeworth and Herr Blackquill. Am I interrupting something?' Edgeworth and Blackquill released hands.

'Not at all, Mr. Gavin. I believe Mr. Blackquill and I were finished?' Blackquill nodded and went to walk out of the office before he was stopped by Klavier.

'Herr Blackquill, before you go – I've been meaning to give you my congratulations.' Blackquill raised an eyebrow. 'Ema tells me that Athena is pregnant as well. So, congratulations from the both of us.' Blackquill nodded his thanks.

'Wait… as well?' Edgeworth couldn't believe this but kept his surprise to himself this time. 'Well then my congratulations to you and Ema, Mr. Gavin. So soon after your wedding?' Edgeworth had a wry smile on his face. Klavier looked somewhat sheepish and coughed.

'Ah yes… Ema isn't showing just yet so it's not obvious. I want this to be kept a secret for as long as possible. The less the press knows, the better.' Edgeworth and Blackquill nodded.

'You have my confidence, Mr. Gavin – and Mr. Blackquill's, I'm sure. Remind me not to book any murders in the next 6-8 months – we'll be missing some of the best legal people in court.' Edgeworth smiled. 'Well, if that's all from both of you?' Both men nodded in thanks and walked out together. Edgeworth turned to face the massive window in his office, looking out across the city.

When did everyone suddenly decide to start a family? Miles reflected. I'm past the age of my father when he died and I was 11 then. He sat back at his desk. Somehow the people around him who were seemingly moving on with their personal lives had made him consider his in more detail. Edgeworth had never considered starting a family – the law had been his life since he began as a prosecutor. Though he would not admit it out loud, some part of the reason why was his father's death. If he ever died, he could never leave any children behind to grow up like himself. As for a love life… it was a touchy subject. Edgeworth was well aware that most of the prosecutors thought he was either gay or asexual. If he was honest – he didn't really have a particular preference, there just wasn't anyone he had loved. Except one energetic woman.

He stared at his teacup, the tea inside cooling slowly. Would she give me a second chance? He shook his head.

What am I thinking? He then looked at his phone sitting to the side on his desk, quiet for once today. It's been so long… is it worth a shot?

The last time he talked to her had been bitter – she had told him she loved him and even though he wanted to tell her that she was the first person that he had wholeheartedly loved, he could not let himself restrain her free spirit to his professional, logical life. He had disappointed her and they parted ways, never speaking again. It was one of the many things Edgeworth wished he could change. Maybe it's time for a change.

Hesitantly, Edgeworth opened his phone and dialled a number he had not touched in at least 5 years. The dial tone ended and a female voice answer tentatively.

'Kay? It's me… Miles.'

A/N: Yeah… I added a lil Edgeworth side story there ? May turn into something, may not. Anyway, hope you enjoyed! There is another chapter coming! Comment and review as always – I really appreciate it!