Chapter Text
Phoenix was feeling… nervous. Anxious. Stressed. Lots of things, really.
Larry liked to call moments like this, "Nick's little fires," a cheeky nod to his namesake.
Phoenix thought that was understating it.
He really did feel like he was on fire.
His body was heating up, he was itchy all over he couldn't breathe, he couldn't breathe-
Breathe.
The word cut through Phoenix's mind like a knife.
When he'd been diagnosed with panic attacks, he was explained a variety of methods that could help him.
Phoenix found the most effective solution was a breathing exercise.
(In through the nose, 1-2-3-4, Out through the mouth, 1-2-3-4, In, 1-2-3-4, Out, 1-2-3-4.)
He repeated this until his heart had slowed down and he had calmed down.
When he did, Phoenix opened his eyes.
The grey building didn't seem to be as looming as before. And now that Phoenix was looking at it with a clear head, the law office really wasn't all that threatening.
…
He knocked on the door.
"Fey Law Offices" was written on the frosted glass in bold letters.
(Alright, Phoenix you got this.)
The door opened, and…
This might be the most intimidated Phoenix has felt in a long time.
The woman that had opened the door looked down at him with a stern expression. Her eyes were glaring at him, as if she was staring right into his heart, into his soul.
"h-hi." Phoenix squeaked out. Then, desperate to save face, cleared his throat and said, "I mean, Hi. I'm Phoenix Wright. And you, uh, must be Mia Fey."
(Well, I only slightly stuttered.)
Phoenix was looking for any slight change in her expression, but instead she nodded, turned, and said, "Come in."
He gulped and followed Ms. Fey in.
"So," she took a seat, "Why did you come here?" She gestured at the seat opposite. Phoenix got the signal and sat down.
"Well, it's about the open job position that you have. I want to work for you as a lawyer."
"And I assume you're qualified, Mr. Wright?"
"Yes, fresh out of law school, actually. I might not have much experience, but…" Phoenix trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence.
"So why do you want to work here? I'm sure you could find dozens of other law offices that would be willing to take in a new hire."
"Oh. Well I was… recommended this place by my friend."
Ms. Fey raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? Who is this friend?"
"Uh, well, his name… his name is…" Phoenix really hadn't wanted to mention him. He wanted to be able to get on his own, not be handed it as a favour to a powerful prosecutor. "M-miles Edgeworth."
Ms. Fey made a sound.
(Was that… a snort? Maybe I'm just imagining things.)
After she started to laugh, Phoenix knew he was evidently not imagining things.
"Oh yeah? What'd he say about me?"
"Well, y'know, he said stuff like, 'Ms. Fey is an excellent lawyer. She is trustworthy and dedicated in her pursuit to get her clients cleared. Her office is a reputable one and she has my respect.'"
"Are we thinking of the same Miles Edgeworth? The prosecutor that wears a cravat all the time?"
"Y-yes, that's the one."
"I wonder what possessed him to say those things. Last time I saw him, he'd hate that he'd have to acknowledge a defense attorney's existence."
"Well, I know you two met a long time ago. And not under the best of circumstances, considering how evasive he was about it." Ms. Fey's face quickly changed to a sorrowful expression. "But I can assure you he's changed since then. Sure, he can be a little stuck up and cagey sometimes, and he can get pretty cocky, but he's certainly more understanding of the other side of the courtroom."
"Well, I'll take your word for it. But back to you. Why did you become a lawyer, Mr. Wright?"
Phoenix took a deep breath. This was what he was prepared for. "I want to help people."
Ms. Fey seemed intrigued.
"I want to be able to protect the people with no one in their corner. I want to give hope to anyone that feels like the whole world has turned against them. And I want to save innocent people from being punished for a crime they didn't commit!"
Ms. Fey didn't say anything for a while.
And then, she smiled.
Phoenix might have been scared of her earlier, but right now she exuded a comforting warmth. Phoenix supposed that both were necessary to be a great defense attorney.
"It's nice to see someone so passionate about this job. I think we'll get along great. Welcome to the team… Phoenix."
She stood, and Phoenix stood too. "R-really? Thank you so much, Ms. Fey!" He paused for a moment. "Wait, should I call you boss now?"
"Please don't call me boss. It makes me sound old. Call me Mia."
"Mia. …Hm. I don't know. That sounds weird. What about… 'Chief?'"
"Sure, Phoenix. You can call me Chief."
"Great!"
And on that day, the "Fey Law Offices" became the "Fey & Co."
And of course, Phoenix was responsible for changing the signs.
"Where's the fun in being a Chief if I can't haze my new employee? Get to work, Phoenix."
"Yes ma'am!"