Work Text:
It was raining. It had been raining ever since Phoenix lost his badge. His badge, his rock, his sun, his treasure, his tool for saving people by finding the truth. It was like waking up from a dream you were emotionally invested in and not being able to fall back asleep as much as you may want to. After his final trial he simply laid down, curled up on one of the couches in the Wright and Co. Law Offices and cried. He lost his sense of time first, then his space, and then himself. Sobbing felt like he wasn't even in his own body, like he wasn't even a person, Phoenix Wright. Who even was he without his badge?
A frantic knock sounded from the office door, bringing Phoenix down ever-so-slightly back to earth. He was sure he flipped the sign to closed; they'd go away eventually. Thirty seconds later again they knocked. And again, and again and again. He put his hands over his ears and hoped they'd leave him alone. The door made a jingle noise, and then it bursted open.
"Wright!" the familiar voice of Miles Edgeworth shouted.
Swift, heavy footsteps found him. Phoenix hid his face in his hands.
"Tell me what happened," Miles said, taking a seat next to him.
"Why, so you can laugh at me, tell me how terrible of a lawyer I was? How my disbarment was a blessing?" Phoenix growled, "Or are you just trying to gather evidence against me? Are you trying to get me jail time, or blackmail me? That's what all you prosecutors are; why did I think you were an exception?"
"I know you don't mean that," Miles said calmly, "I'm here because I'm worried about you."
"Yeah, well, I don't need your pity!" Phoenix shouted.
"I remember how I shut everyone out after the Skye trial. How ashamed I felt, and how upset I made you when I left without truly communicating. I still regret it to this day. I just don't want you to have a similar regret. Who's next? Will you shut out Maya and Pearl as well?" a stale silence fell upon the room, "Or will you get up and let the people who care about you in?"
Phoenix sat up, still looking away from Miles.
"You care about me?"
"Of course. You've saved me more times than I can count. Badge or no badge you still shine brilliantly in my eyes. You're an honest, hardworking man who got caught up in something sinister."
"You don't know that. It's all my fault, really. I knew I shouldn't have presented that evidence but I did it anyway."
"You made an honest mistake. A mistake, yes, but one that doesn't warrant what happened to you," Miles said.
"How can you be so sure I'm a good person?" Phoenix cried.
"Because I-" Miles started, "because as a prosecutor it is drilled into my skull to doubt. To doubt every piece of evidence, every witness, every testimony, but no matter how much I doubted you you always exceeded my expectations and earned your place in the courtroom, and in life. Phoenix, please return the trust I have in you, even though I don't deserve it."
"I trust you. Even when I didn't deep down I always believed in you," Phoenix said, wiping away his tears.
"Thank you, old friend. Are you ready to tell me what happened or do you need a little more time?" Miles asked.
"Maybe just another minute or two. Hey, maybe you could tell me about your day?" Phoenix requested.
"I suppose I could do that. I'm not sure how entertaining it will be."
"That doesn't matter, it'll just be a little distraction," Phoenix said as he turned to Miles.
Miles was soaking wet. His suit was most likely ruined and his cravat laid completely flat against his chest, the ruffles long gone. His hair as well was dripping, losing all its volume. He looked like a mess if Phoenix ever saw one.
"Whaaa?" Phoenix started.
"It was raining. Your door has no overhang, therefore I am wet. Simple logic," Miles said plainly, "I assume you won't mind me getting this couch wet, given it already has its fair share of stains."
"You'd never risk ruining one of your suits!" Phoenix said.
"Hmph. About my day. I woke up at six fifteen, brushed my teeth and took a cold shower. After that I got dressed and made myself a cup of jasmine tea. Originally I wanted chamomile but I was out. I added chamomile to my grocery list while I waited for the water to warm up. I read the paper while I had some toast and my tea. I decided to cut out the sudoku and the crossword to do while on my lunch break. Hm? Quit smiling at me, Wright! On my drive to work someone cut me off, which was mildly infuriating. However, a mile or two later they got pulled over, and I'm sure you could imagine how satisfying it felt to see the law in action. What are you laughing at?! My work for the day consisted mainly of paperwork, however I did help mediate a small conflict between two rookie prosecutors. I enjoyed solving the problem more than I thought I would, and I appreciated the gratitude they both offered me. After lunch I organized my desk, and then I… heard the news. I drove over here and I knew you were in, due to your bicycle being parked outside. I knocked for a while, as you heard, but then I realized the door was unlocked, and that's about it."
"Thank you," Phoenix said, "I'm ready now."
"You have my full attention," Miles said.
A day later, Phoenix was asked to attend a meeting regarding Trucy, the little girl who was left without a parent after the fateful trial. No one was sure when Zak Gramarye would return, but everyone guessed it wouldn't be soon. All of Trucy's relatives were unable to take care of her for various reasons, and there were no family friends to speak of either. Finally two choices were presented: hand Trucy over to the foster care system, or have Phoenix Wright become her legal guardian.
While the idea of taking care of a little girl seemed crazy to him, Phoenix knew it was the right thing to do. It was his fault she was left without a father, and if Miles's theory was correct about a dangerous third party, she could be in danger. He wasn't completely in the dark about childcare, he had looked after Pearl by himself for somewhat extended periods of time and it was never a complete disaster.
Before he signed the first paper, Phoenix squatted down to Trucy's level and asked, "Is it alright if I take care of you until your real dad comes back?"
"Sounds great!" she chirped.
"Really, are you sure?" Phoenix asked, stunned by her eagerness.
"I'm sure! You did a great job protecting Daddy, so I know you can protect me too! Even though I don't really need it…"
Phoenix paused, "Ok, I'm going to sign the papers now."
"Ok!"
Phoenix smiled as he uncapped the pen. After signing what seemed like a million papers, he turned back to Trucy. She was fiddling with her gloves with a worried expression on her face. Noticing him looking at her, her face lit up again.
"Ready to go to our apartment?" Phoenix asked.
Trucy nodded, "Yep!"
Phoenix realized that since he had brought his bike with him, he would either have to find a car that could carry it, or just walk it home.
"Are you ok with walking? I'd say it'll take maybe thirty minutes or so to get there," Phoenix said.
"That's fine! I don't mind walking!" Trucy said.
They walked along the sidewalk, with Trucy kicking the occasional pebble or jumping in the occasional puddle.
"Um, it's nice that the weather's cleared up," Phoenix said.
Trucy giggled, "My daddy told me that people talk about the weather when they don't know what to talk about."
Phoenix stammered, "Uh, well, that's… Most of the time that's true, yes. I'm not really sure what to talk about. I guess I just want to make sure you're feeling alright. I know this is a lot of change so-"
"I'm totally fine! I've always been a super healthy kid! I think I've only ever gotten sick once when I was six, and I think that's only because the word sick sounds like six ," Trucy said.
Phoenix laughed for a bit and Trucy smiled up at him. He paused for a second and realized physical wellness wasn't what he meant.
"I'm glad you're really healthy, but are you feeling sad at all?" Phoenix asked.
"Hm, no, not really," Trucy looked at the ground, "At least the Easter Bunny'll come soon, right?"
"...Yeah. He'll come this Sunday just like every other year," Phoenix said.
"Well, you can't be sad when the Easter Bunny comes, so I'm doing just fine!"
"Good to hear," Phoenix said, "This is our building."
Given Phoenix's apartment had only one bedroom, they had to get creative. Phoenix came up with the idea of making a large blanket fort in the living room for her. Trucy jumped at the idea and the two began moving furniture around and getting extra sheets from the linen closet. Phoenix made a mental note to get her an air mattress and some sheets of her own the next time he went shopping. The entire fort turned out to be six by six feet, mostly taken up by an old air mattress. Not amazing, but not terrible for a girl her size. While Phoenix was tucking a blanket underneath a couch cushion, Trucy presented two law textbooks to him.
"Can we use these to weigh down a few of the sheets?" Trucy asked.
He didn't need them. He didn't even need them when he was a practicing lawyer. Their use stopped as soon as he passed the bar exam, yet the sight of them hurt him. It hurt seeing Lady Justice on the cover and the sticky notes peeking out from the pages. It hurt seeing the coffee stain still there and the peeling sticker he had used to cover it up. He didn't need them, he just had to keep telling himself that. He didn't need them, he didn't need them.
"Go ahead," he choked out, "I have to go to the bathroom."
"Ok!"
He went to his room instead, and closed the door. His full body mirror was placed facing the entryway, naturally causing Phoenix to see himself. At first glance he seemed normal. He was wearing his blue suit and pink tie, just like always. His hair was the same, and of course his eyes were the same. But, were they really? Sure they were the same color and in the same place, but he was almost caught off guard by the empty sadness that invaded them. And of course, the shiny gold badge on his left lapel was gone. The empty ache in his chest swelled into a climax. That was it. He tried not to cry; Trucy could barge in at any time if she wanted. He closed his eyes for a minute then picked up his phone.
"Miles Edgeworth speaking."
"Hey, it's Phoenix."
"Oh, do you need my assistance with anything?"
"Eh, no, not really. I guess I kind of just… wanted to hear your voice."
Phoenix tugged at his collar as he gave the strange admission.
"I could imagine in this situation if I asked for something like that you would speak in some strange kind of voice and say something along the lines of, 'You mean this voice?'"
Phoenix laughed, "Yeah, probably."
"It's nice hearing you laugh," Miles said in a strangely soft voice for the man's usual tone of speaking.
"Huh, really? I thought you always said it was unprofessional," Phoenix said.
"Well, that's- It all depends on the environment, Wright. If someone constantly opened up party poppers in the office or even in the courtroom as a witness was recounting a gruesome murder, everyone would think it unprofessional and uncouth. However, if the person finally popped one in the appropriate environment, say a child's birthday party for instance, everyone would rejoice in the fact it was finally in the right setting. That is all."
"Ok, ok, even though I don't think I ever laughed while anyone was talking about dying, I get what you're saying," Phoenix said, "And here I thought you were actually starting to like me."
"Hmph. Think what you will. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Well, yeah, actually. You see, I sorta ended up becoming Trucy's legal guardian. You know, the daughter of Zak Gramarye, the defendant?"
"What? Are you sure you're fit for childcare?" Miles asked.
"I'll be fine, don't worry. It's just that she mentioned being really excited for Easter and I know it would break her heart if nothing happened. Normally I'd ask Maya about something about this, but since she's out of town I thought maybe you could help me out? Just like help me go shopping and figure out some kind of Easter dinner," Phoenix said.
"I suppose I can do that. Perhaps you should bring her along with us. She should be involved with the planning as I assume you aren't even sure what her family usually eats for the holiday?" Miles said.
"Yeah, it'll also be a good chance for the two of you to meet. We'll have to get the eggs and the candy and stuff without her being there, though."
"It seems I should take care of those particular items on my own, as I don't think it would be prudent to leave her without you so early on," Miles said.
"Wait, you're telling me you want to buy candy and cute, brightly-colored, plastic eggs by yourself?" Phoenix said.
"What's wrong with that?" Miles challenged.
"Uh, nothing," Phoenix said, "Text me what time'll work for you, ok?"
"Alright."
"Bye Edgeworth, thanks again!"
"Goodbye, Wright."
Phoenix enjoyed the stillness a little while longer, and then came back out to the living room. He couldn't see her at first, but once he pulled one of the sheets back he saw her fast asleep. He noticed dried tear-streaks down her face as well. It seemed they had the same idea. He sat down on the remainder of his couch that wasn't taken up by the blanket fort.
Obviously Trucy was going to have trouble adjusting to losing her father. Phoenix could even understand to some extent her not wanting to cry in front of him, especially on the first day. He did hope that she could get to that point of opening up soon, though. Maybe the Easter celebration could help with gaining her trust. It was decided, then. This Easter was going to be the best Easter she had ever had.
Phoenix's phone buzzed.
Miles's text read, "Are these acceptable? I was about to go grocery shopping for myself anyways."
Attached was a picture of a big bag of plastic eggs and an Easter-themed variety bag of candy. It even had both chocolate and non-chocolate candy. The basket was a powder pink with beautiful flowers painted on the side of it. It also had a small bunny plushie tied to the handle.
"Looks great!" Phoenix typed, "Can you also get a box of Peeps and one of those big chocolate bunnies? I know this isn't Easter stuff, but I was thinking of getting her a box of fairy lights and some new sheets and a comforter and giving those to her on the same day."
Soon after Phoenix sent his last text, Miles responded, "I can do that. I'm assuming the bed is twin sized?"
"Yeah, and it's not a big deal if they aren't, but could they maybe be magic themed? And don't forget to hold on to the receipt."
"Consider it done."
"Thank you! :)"
Phoenix was making dinner when Trucy woke up from her nap.
"Mornin', kiddo! Is spaghetti ok for dinner?" Phoenix asked.
"Yeah, that's fine," Trucy said.
"Great, because it's almost ready. Can you set the table for us please?" Phoenix said.
"Sure, I'm on it!" Trucy said.
"Oh, wait. I guess I never showed you where everything is, did I?"
"Nope!" she giggled.
Phoenix got out two plates and two forks and then handed them to Trucy to put on the table. After she was finished she came back into the kitchen just in time to see the garlic bread coming out of the oven.
"Woah… Garlic bread?! We get to have garlic bread!?"
"Uh, yeah? We'll probably have some leftovers since this is such a big loaf," Phoenix said.
He put two potholders down on the table and set down the foil-wrapped loaf. The spaghetti was finished after that, and the water was carefully drained into the sink. After all the food was put onto the table, Phoenix sat down.
"Check this out!" Trucy said.
She stood around the other side of the table and pulled the cheap vinyl tablecloth out from underneath everything perfectly.
"Cool! I know how you did that," Phoenix said, causing Trucy's face to droop, "Magic?"
Her face reanimated, "Yep! Everything else beyond that is the Gramaryes' secret!"
Phoenix sighed in relief. She sat down and then Phoenix put the pasta on her plate for her.
"So, what do you usually eat for Easter dinner?" Phoenix asked.
"We like ham," Trucy said, "My favorite has to be the rolls, but I also like the homemade mac and cheese with crushed-up crackers on top."
"That sounds pretty tasty," Phoenix said.
"It is! I always get too stuffed and Daddy scolds me for eating too much."
Phoenix laughed, "Well, how'd you like to go shopping with me and my friend tomorrow so we can get all that stuff?"
"I'd like that a lot! We can also pick out my Easter dress while we're out!" Trucy said, "Um, if that isn't too much to ask. Sorry I said anything."
"Don't worry about it! We can get you a dress."
"Yay! Thank you so much!"
"Don't worry about it," Phoenix said, getting back to eating.
At Miles's request, everyone got up early and met outside the grocery store on the ritzy side of town.
"Hello, Ms. Trucy, Mr. Wright has told me a lot about you. My name is Miles Edgeworth."
Miles shook hands with her.
"It's probably best if you call him Mr. Edgeworth. Otherwise he'd pop an artery," Phoenix said.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Edgeworth said, "Although I would prefer to be called Mr. Edgeworth."
Trucy smiled at the comfortable banter.
"Let's head inside," Phoenix said.
When they picked out which ham to get, Phoenix challenged Trucy to hold it, which she had failed at as soon as she got it. Miles swooped in and picked it back up, scolding Phoenix for letting her hold it.
"What kind of vegetables do you prefer, Ms. Trucy?" Miles asked.
"I don't really like vegetables, but corn and asparagus are ok, I guess," Trucy said.
"Oh, come on! Do we really have to get vegetables?" Phoenix groaned.
"Yes, Wright. Set a good example, why don't you," Miles said, "You're lucky, really. Corn is a starch, not a vegetable, so asparagus is the only vegetable you'll be eating."
"Ugh, not the corn classification argument again… Can the asparagus be at least bacon-wrapped?"
"I suppose I can arrange that. It is a special holiday, right Ms. Trucy?" Miles said.
"Right!" Trucy said, with a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon.
At checkout, Miles asked a question he probably should've asked earlier, "Are you sure you can cook all of this, Wright?"
"Oh! Um…"
"I can take on the responsibility of cooking the dinner. I'd hate for all this food to go to waste just because you make a dumb mistake. I can leave you two after everything is prepared," Miles said.
"First off, I'm not that bad of a cook, and second, thanks for offering to cook, it'll probably be better if you did it and I just helped when you needed it, and third, of course we want you to sit down and eat with us!" Phoenix said.
"Yeah! Food always tastes better with more people around," Trucy said.
"Very well," Miles said, "I suppose it would be best if we ate at my apartment?"
"Yeah, that's fine," Phoenix said.
Miles had actually brought a cooler with him to keep the cold items cool while they went shopping for a dress, much to Phoenix's bewilderment, "Wait, you can just put groceries inside a cooler and go do other stuff?"
"Ugh, yes, Wright."
Miles had chosen a fancy boutique to find a dress for Trucy. Trucy and Phoenix weren't really sure where to start, but Miles had picked out a pink and white striped dress with lace at the hem. It had a button-up collar and included a big pink bow.
"I'll try it on," Trucy said, a little unsure as she went into the dressing room.
"Hey, can I see the receipts for everything? I need to pay you back for everything," Phoenix said.
"There's no need. I'm fine paying for everything," Miles said.
"Yeah, I'm sure you can afford it, but she's my responsibility. I don't want to leech off you."
"You aren't. Really, I insist. This is a special occasion."
"I don't need your handouts," Phoenix snapped.
"Wright," Miles said, lowering his tone.
"Sorry, Edgeworth. I guess it's just kind of embarrassing," Phoenix said.
"I suppose I can understand that. Say, how about a compromise? I've already paid for the groceries, so why don't you pay for the dress?" Miles proposed.
"Alright, deal."
They sat waiting for Trucy for a few minutes longer.
"Should it really take that long to put on a dress?" Phoenix asked.
"No, it shouldn't," Miles said, "How about you check on her?"
"I'd love to, but I'm a little worried she's trying to hide her feelings from me for my sake. Maybe she'd open up more to you?" Phoenix said.
"I… I'm not good at feelings, Wright," Miles said.
"I know, but you can at least be a shoulder to cry on, right? And I don't think you're as bad at feelings as you think you are," Phoenix said, "Who knows, maybe she's just not sure how to put it on?"
"Fine, I'll go check."
Miles knocked on the door. No response.
"Ms. Trucy? Is everything alright?" Miles asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" she said, her voice wavering a little bit.
"It's just you and me. Mr. Wright can't hear us if that is a concern to you," Miles said, "If you'd rather not talk about certain things with him, now would be a good opportunity."
"Promise you won't tell him?" Trucy asked.
"Yes, I promise."
Trucy opened the door for him. She was wearing the dress and her eyes were red and puffy and her nose was running a little. Miles closed the door behind them. They then sat down on the small bench. He offered her the handkerchief from his breast pocket.
"Thank you," she sniffled.
"No problem," Miles said, "Would you like to tell me why you're crying?"
"I miss my Daddy," Trucy said.
"I see. I'm sure it's very hard for you. I lost my father when I was around your age as well."
"And I know everyone's saying he'll come back, and maybe he will, but I don't think it'll be soon."
"Maybe not, but in the meantime you have Mr. Wright, and to an extent me as well, and all of his other friends."
"That's what I'm worried about! I don't know everything, but Mr. Wright lost his job, and I think it's hurting him more than he'll want to tell me. I don't want to be a burden on him. I shouldn't have even asked to celebrate Easter."
"You're not a burden on anyone, Ms. Trucy, and nothing is your fault. Mr. Wright cares about you a whole lot, and we both wanted to have a great Easter with you," Miles said, "Furthermore, Mr. Wright will get his job back very soon, I'm sure of it."
"You are?"
"Definitely. I'd stake my entire reputation on him," Miles said.
"Hm, you must care about him a lot," Trucy said.
"I guess. Don't feel the need to share everything with him, but consider opening up slowly?" Miles requested.
"Ok, I'll think about it."
"Good."
"But can you pinky promise to not tell him anything about what I told you?" Trucy said, holding out her pinky.
Miles sighed, then took her pinky into his. Trucy giggled and wiped her eyes.
"Are you ready to show your dress to Mr. Wright? You look very beautiful," Miles said.
"Yep! I'm ready!"
Miles held the door open for her and out they came. Miles even made sure to follow out from a distance so she would have all the spotlight when Phoenix could see.
"I like it a lot!" Phoenix said, "What do you think?"
"I like it too. Um, can we get it?" Trucy asked.
"Sure! Good choice, Edgeworth! The first one's a winner!" Phoenix said.
"Um, thank you. I suppose I thought it was a dress Franziska might've liked when she was younger, but slightly more simplistic," Miles said.
"Aw, that's sweet!" Phoenix said, "You love her!"
"Of course I do! She's my sister after all!" Miles shouted as he blushed and crossed his arms.
Phoenix and Trucy chuckled as they walked over to the register.
"Are you sure you're ok with hiding the eggs and everything at my office yourself?" Phoenix asked on the phone with Miles.
"I can manage, I'm doing it as we speak. I actually did a secret egg hunt in Franziska's bedroom one year. She was taught not to believe in the Easter Bunny, and even though I never believed in it myself, I thought I'd do something nice for her. Of course the next year she didn't believe in it at all, but I still think she remembers it fondly," Miles said.
"Wait, that's really really sweet! Since when were you such a good brother?" Phoenix gushed.
"I don't know, stop saying such peculiar things! I'm still just a ruthless, cold-hearted man who's bad at feelings!" Miles said.
"No you're not, and you know it. But, if it makes you feel better about breaking into my office and hiding cute tiny eggs everywhere you bought with your own money for a sweet little girl, be my guest. You're an evil, evil man, Miles Edgeworth, and I'm disgusted to know you," Phoenix joked.
"You're an idiot, Phoenix Wright."
"I love you too!" Phoenix said sarcastically.
"NGHOOOOH!" Miles shouted before he had a coughing fit.
"Edgeworth, you ok?" Phoenix asked.
"Ah, yes. Terrible case of both my tea being too hot, and it going down the wrong pipe. Dinner at twelve, great, goodbye."
Miles hung up.
"That was weird," Phoenix said.
He put his phone on the charger and prepared himself to be woken up early by Trucy.
Morning came, as well as brisk knocking on Phoenix's door. He rolled out of bed and answered it.
"What time is it?" Phoenix mumbled.
"Seven-thirty!" Trucy said.
"Alright, let me go pee and get dressed. Do you want to wear your dress now or wait until dinner?" Phoenix asked.
"Now, please!" she said.
He walked over to his closet and got it off the hanger for her.
"Here ya go."
"Thank you!" she said, zooming off to her blanket fort to get changed.
Phoenix didn't even get to shave before they left. If he had chosen to, she would've taken off by herself. He didn't blame her, everyone acted that way when they were a kid, and Trucy deserved to be just a normal kid.
They got to the office, with Phoenix out of breath from jogging. Getting up from bending over with his hands on his knees, he saw something he'd never forget. The building had dried streaks of egg yolk along the wall and the door, with cracked egg shells on the ground. The word FRAUD was spray-painted along the side in red. His eyes widened and his mouth went dry. He looked down at Trucy, who had her arms crossed.
"Gee, someone must really hate the Easter Bunny! I mean, they broke some of his eggs and said he wasn't real! Can you believe that?!" she said.
"No…" Phoenix said quietly.
"Well I hope they didn't break any of the eggs inside," Trucy said.
"I'm sure-" Phoenix started, "I'm sure the eggs inside are just fine, so… why don't we go in?"
"Okay!" Trucy said.
She started to run towards the door, but Phoenix grabbed her by the shoulder.
"Stay close to me, ok?"
"Um, ok."
He cautiously unlocked the door, and Trucy pointed to the Easter basket that greeted her, "Woah! Look at all this!"
"Yeah, that's great," Phoenix said, looking around the rest of the office.
Everything seemed to be ok.
"Fairy lights! I can hang these up in my fort!" Trucy said.
"Yeah," Phoenix said, half-heartedly.
He decided to make himself some coffee. Something simple, something familiar, something he didn't get to make already that morning thanks to a certain someone. He took a sip, and then another, and then another. Stepping out of the kitchen, Phoenix saw Trucy searching all around: underneath couch cushions, in between important legal documents, and inside every drawer one could think of. After a while of filling up her basket, she retired to a spot on the couch next to Phoenix.
"Nice haul?" Phoenix said.
"Totally!" she replied, "Wait, there's an envelope inside my basket, too!"
"Open it up and read it."
"'Dear Trucy, I'm sure you've already figured out that the one who wrote you this letter is I, the Easter Bunny. I want to tell you that there is a secret message I've hidden in the twenty eggs I left for you. Think you can crack it?'"
"Sounds interesting, do you have all twenty?" Phoenix asked.
Trucy counted, and she did indeed have all twenty. She opened one up, and found not only a piece of candy inside, but also a small scrap of paper. One side had a letter, and the other had a number. She ate the candy, and then moved on to the next egg, which had the same two items. She kept going, and Phoenix had to tell her stop eating the candy and just take out the paper. After she had gotten all twenty pieces of paper, she laid them out on the coffee table. She quickly pieced together that she should put the numbers in order, and then flip each paper over to the letter or punctuation side.
"Have you figured out the message?" Phoenix asked.
"Yep, it says, 'You're amazing, Trucy!'" Trucy said.
"Aw, how nice of the Easter Bunny!" Phoenix said, with a big smile on his face.
"Yeah, he really is a great guy!" Trucy said, "I still can't believe someone called him a fraud!"
The smile fell, "Hm."
"Let's review what I got. I got the bunny plushie, a chocolate bunny, Peeps, fairy lights, magic sheets, AND a blanket, a bunny ear headband, twenty eggs, and a secret message!" Trucy cheered.
"That's nice," Phoenix said.
"Um, can we go home now so I can put up my lights and put on my new bedding?"
"Fine," Phoenix said, "Let's go."
A few minutes after noon, Trucy buzzed up to Miles's apartment and he let them in.
"Hello, you two. Dinner will be ready very shortly, and as I'm sure Wright will ask: I'm not in need of any assistance, thank you," Miles said.
"I didn't think to offer," Phoenix thought, with a twinge of guilt.
"Hey, Mr. Edgeworth! The Easter Bunny gave me bunny ears of my own, see!" Trucy said, pointing to them on her head.
"Those are very nice, Ms. Trucy," Miles said.
Phoenix sat down on the overstuffed leather sofa and kind of just… was there while Trucy was explaining the egg hunt to Miles while he cooked and set the table.
"Everything's ready over here, Wright!" Miles called.
"Got it," Phoenix said.
Miles pulled out Trucy's chair for her before him and Phoenix sat down. An awkward silence fell upon the room.
"Um, Ms. Trucy, does your family say a prayer or something before the meal?" Miles asked awkwardly.
"Huh? No, we go around the table and say what we're thankful for," Trucy said.
"Oh, so like what some families do before Thanksgiving dinner," Miles said.
"What's Thanksgiving?" Trucy asked.
The awkward silence returned.
"Um, why don't I just tell you later?" Miles suggested.
"Ok! Mr. Edgeworth, I think you should start us off since you're the host!"
"Very well. I'm grateful for many things, one of the most important ones being…"
Miles started saying something about the law and the truth and stuff; Phoenix wasn't really paying attention. What could he say he was thankful for? Obviously lots of people had worse lives than him, but that doesn't mean he was almost completely miserable. People stopped believing in him. He was a joke, a failure. He decided he'd just say something about having a roof over his head and food to eat since they're the building blocks for other things. Mazlov's Hierarchy of Needs, right? He thought that was that guy's name.
"Can I go next?" Trucy asked.
"Certainly."
"First off I'm thankful for the Easter Bunny for bringing me all the candy and especially the secret message! Next I'm thankful for Mr. Edgeworth and my new Daddy!"
"Huh?!" Phoenix said, "You're- I'm-?"
"Daddy's doing his very best to make me feel at home, and Mr. Edgeworth was really nice, making dinner for us and all!"
"It's no problem, Trucy. It didn't take long at all, really. Wright, I think it's your turn," Miles said.
"I… have a lot to be thankful for. Most importantly, though, I'm thankful for Trucy. She's made me and Edgeworth really happy and I'm so glad I get to take care of her," Phoenix said.
Miles gave a knowing smile to Trucy, and she gave one in return.
"That's a great thing to be thankful for, Wright," Miles said.
"Can we eat now?" Trucy asked.
"Yes, let's eat," Miles said.
The food was delicious. The ham was cooked perfectly, and the mac and cheese was ooey gooey and nice and crunchy on top. Phoenix had peeled the bacon off of his asparagus and just eaten that.
"Wright, you will eat the rest of that," Edgeworth commanded.
"You know I was just joking, geez," Phoenix said, stabbing one with his fork.
The corn and the rolls were nowhere close to being the stars of the meal, but they were still amazing as well. By the end of dinner everyone was happily stuffed.
"Urgh, I've got the stuffed sleepies," Trucy said.
"Why don't you take a nap in the guest room while me and… your father take care of the dishes and the leftovers," Miles said.
"Ok!"
"Let me show you where it is," Miles said, leading her to it.
Phoenix had already started filling up the sink with water by the time Miles got back. He got all the tupperware out and started to put away all the food as he handed the dishes they were on to Phoenix. Working together, the job was done in no time. They sat down together on the sofa while Phoenix flipped through all the channels.
"Wright, when Trucy was talking to me about the Easter egg hunt before dinner she mentioned something concerning to me," Miles started.
"What, she ate too much candy?" Phoenix asked.
"No, you idiot, the vandalism! Your office got egged and spray-painted!" Miles said.
"So?"
"So, we must find the culprit and bring them to justice! They'll rue the day they crossed you and did something so horrible and unwarranted!" Miles said, "It took a lot to hold my tongue while Trucy was still within earshot."
"Can we please not worry about this today?" Phoenix asked.
"But it'll only become more difficult to find them the more time passes!" Miles said.
"It's not a big deal, I probably deserved it anyway," Phoenix said.
Miles swiftly cupped the side of Phoenix's face.
"You're the most perfect man I've ever known, Phoenix. You better not say anything like that again," Miles said, staring right into his eyes, making his face heat up.
"Alright, we'll look into it, but please, can we just have today?" Phoenix asked.
Miles put his hand down, "Alright, as you wish."
Phoenix giggled, "Ok, Wesley from The Princess Bride."
"Hmph, is the Steel Samurai Easter special on?" Miles asked.
"See for yourself," Phoenix said, handing him the remote.
He flipped to it and the two got settled in. Phoenix yawned and then rested his head on Miles's shoulder.
"This alright?" Phoenix asked.
"No objections," Miles said with a little smile.
Phoenix drifted off to sleep, heart and belly full.
Miles tried. He really tried not to wake Phoenix up. He looked so peaceful resting on his shoulder, and Miles couldn't help but glance down at him perhaps a little more than necessary. When he felt a sneeze coming on he tried desperately to remember what Kay had said to do if you didn't want your sneeze to be heard, but it was all for naught. A big ACHOO! came out, causing Phoenix to wake up.
"I apologize for waking you," Miles said.
"Don't worry about it," Phoenix said, "What time is it?"
"Ten. Trucy was up for a little bit, but I think she fell back asleep," Miles said, "There's also a pretty nasty thunderstorm outside."
"Sorry to intrude, but I'm guessing we'll be spending the night?" Phoenix said.
"It's only natural, no need for apologies. I'm not sure if you're still tired, but you're more than welcome to take my room and I can sleep on the sofa," Miles said.
"What?! No way would I let you sleep on your own couch! I can take it," Phoenix said.
"Nonsense, Wright, you're my guest," Miles argued.
"This is probably a dumb idea, but is your bed big enough to share? I'm actually still really sleepy," Phoenix said.
"I guess I'm alright with that arrangement," Miles said.
"Wait, really?!"
"I don't really feel like arguing."
They made their way to Miles's room and Miles even let Phoenix borrow a pair of his pajamas. He laughed for a solid five minutes at both the pink color, and the fact that Miles wore a nightcap. Eventually they both climbed into bed, said their goodnights, and turned off the lamp.
Miles was just about to drift into sleep when he heard a quiet sob come from the other side of his bed. Another came, then another, then another. Miles shifted over and awkwardly wrapped his arms around Phoenix.
"I'm sorry," Phoenix said weakly.
"Sh, it's alright," Miles whispered.
Phoenix rolled over and buried his face into Miles's chest and continued to cry.
He held him tighter, "I will always be here."
With Miles gently stroking the back of Phoenix's head, with his spiky hair springing back each time, he quieted down and fell asleep.
"I will always be here," Miles promised himself.