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Franziska hated thunderstorms.

It was stormy when it happened, when her entire life had forever changed for the worse. It was stormy when her mother died, waiting in that defendant lobby on that afternoon. The storm raged on as her mother and Igor argued, and lightning struck just as her mother and Igor argued, the image of their angry silhouettes forever burned into Franziska’s mind. She could still feel the throbbing pain as Igor had hit her, and even now she could still vividly remember the scream that her father had made when he had shouted. Franziska didn’t even know that it was her father who had screamed, and that knowledge made it no better.

The experience of the shouting, the fear, anxiety and anger in their voices was enough to give Franziska a phobia of thunder, lightning and blinking lights for the rest of her life. Whenever there was a stormy night in her lonely bedroom in the lonely von Karma Estate, Franziska could do little to stop the fear coursing through her veins as she tried to sing to herself to calm herself down. She would sing about sunshine, the same song that her dear Maya Fey sang to her in the classroom while they wrote letters for each other as a project.

Even now as an adult, as the Chief Prosecutor of the district, Franziska still couldn’t get over her fear of lightning. Hell, even just blinking lights scared her, though it wasn’t as bad as it was in her younger years. When Franziska was just about 20, just the flickering of the lights was enough to send her into the floor in a sobbing ball. It was better now, though she couldn’t stop the dread that she felt whenever she saw any blinking or flashing lights. She had her therapist to thank for that, for being better. Though the only reason Franziska even got a therapist in the first place was because Maya insisted, and well…Maya promised that she would go to a therapist too. And Franziska knew, that after her disbarment that Maya was never quite the same.

The rain drummed on the roof of her house, on the windows next to her bed. The rain never really bothered her, in fact Franziska found rain strangely…comforting. It was the lightning, the loud rumbling thunder that warned the coming of the terrifying bright light. Franziska shuddered as she heard the thunder, and almost jumped out of her skin when lightning struck a few beats later. No matter how many years had passed since the fateful afternoon, Franziska felt no less powerless. She snuggled into her covers more, wrapping the blanket tighter around her. Her eyes made its way through her bed, spotting the small stuffed bunny toy sat primly on her bed. Franziska faintly smiled, it was a gift from Maya. She picked up the stuffed toy and hugged it to her chest, feeling a small sense of comfort.

Maya Fey…

The woman that Franziska was lucky enough to call her girlfriend, the woman that she loved dearly. They knew each other as children, and though they spent many years apart, Franziska was confident in calling Maya Fey the closest person in her life. No matter the obstacle, no matter their past or whatever happened to them, Maya stayed by Franziska’s side, and she by hers in turn. Maya was there to comfort Franziska whenever the nightmares got too much for her, Franziska was there to offer a shoulder to cry on when the depression got too much. Even when Franziska was the most depressed, when life got too much for her to bear, Maya Fey was there. A smiling, a silly joke, that laugh of hers that Franziska fell in love with the more she heard it.

Maya Fey was there for her.

No, she still is there for her.

No matter what happened, no matter what they’ve been through, they ended up together. Even when Franziska was at her lowest, Maya Fey was still there for her. She believed in her, even when Franziska herself didn’t. And something about that was…comforting, to know that someone would always believe in her. And when Franziska was alone, Maya was there. A guiding light, her shining sun that shone after the rainstorm went away. And she was as bright as a rainstorm, a comforting presence whenever she felt alone, knowing that with Maya Fey, she never truly was by herself.

Because Maya Fey was by her side.

She didn’t want to be alone, and she didn’t have to be. Not anymore.

Franziska reached for her phone, and contacted the one person she knew that she could always rely on.

[Franziska von Karma]
Maya Fey.

[Maya Fey]
Oh, hi Franzy!

[Maya Fey]
What’s up?

[Franziska von Karma]
There is a thunderstorm.

[Maya Fey]
Yeah, it’s pretty bad

[Maya Fey]
Thank god Trucy isn’t scared of lightning

Franziska smiled softly at her phone as she thought of the smiling young girl. Trucy Fey, Maya’s adopted daughter, and one of the most optimistic people Franziska had ever met in her life. She was always laughing, always smiling, always performing her foolish magic tricks. Franziska was skeptical when Maya first adopted her, the idea of a recently unemployed and depressed Maya Fey adopting a young girl sounded like a disaster. But…Maya had proved herself to be a capable and caring mother, and Franziska loved Trucy the moment she ran over to her and hugged her legs, delightedly calling Franziska her other mommy. She truly was a friendly smiling face, and it was always a treat seeing her.

Though, some part of Franziska knew that Trucy hid a deep sadness inside of her. Franziska just knew. Maybe it was because they both loved people they loved, maybe it was because Franziska knew what it was like to be alone at such a young age, or maybe Franziska was just that observant. Franziska suspected that it was a mixture of all three. She just knew, on a deep level, that Trucy was hurting deep inside. But despite it all, she had a wide grin on her face. Despite all that happened in her life, she giggled, she laughed, and she teased. She kept up that bright and happy façade, to be a light in the dark that was Maya Fey’s life.

Maya knew, too. It was a sort of agreement between the two that Trucy was hiding how she truly felt. They understood Trucy in a way that others didn’t. Phoenix was close to her, the closest thing Trucy had as a father figure. He knew that something was…off about Trucy, but whenever he asked her about it, she just smiled and said she was fine. Phoenix never questioned her whenever she said that she was fine. After all, why would she ever lie? Edgeworth, though fond of Trucy, didn’t really spend much time with her, as he was too busy with Interpol. Though that didn’t stop Trucy from being delighted whenever Edgeworth visited her, where he would bring her European chocolates or Japanese candies. Gumshoe didn’t notice anything off about her, describing her as a “little ray of sunshine”. All her friends said that she was just fine.

Trucy had fooled everyone…except Maya and Franziska. They knew better.

Maya had once commented to Franziska that Trucy was brave, but that she wished that her daughter would talk to her about her problems.

Trucy was brave.

Franziska still thought about it to this day.

Yes, Trucy was brave, especially for someone her age. To be able to bear all that has happened to her and still somehow smile through the pain. Franziska was sure that just the flickering of a light didn’t turn her into a sobbing mess, like how Franziska was when she was Trucy’s age.

[Franziska von Karma]
…I wish I was the same as your daughter.

[Franziska von Karma]
You know how I feel about…lightning, Maya Fey.

[Maya Fey]
Oh yeah, right

[Maya Fey]
You’re scared of lightning

[Franziska von Karma]
Yes, Maya Fey. I am.

[Maya Fey]
…And there’s a thunderstorm

[Maya Fey]
Shit

Franziska couldn’t help but laugh a little at that, the air in the room already feeling lighter. Maya always did that, made any room she was in feel lighter, made Franziska’s mood brighten no matter how crappy her day was only minutes ago. Maya’s presence was calming, friendly, put a smile on Franziska’s face no matter what. Even though her jokes grew less silly and more sardonic, even though she no longer danced for joy like she used to do, she was still the same person. And Franziska was willing to stay by her side no matter what, and she knew Maya would do the same. God, she wasn’t exactly subtle about that.

She hesitated for a moment, before typing out another message.

[Franziska von Karma]
Would you be alright with coming to my house to…accompany me?

[Franziska von Karma]
Just until the storm clears up.

[Maya Fey]
Franzy…

[Maya Fey]
Of course I’d be fine with that

[Maya Fey]
Is it ok if Trucy comes too? I can’t just leave her alone in the apartment

[Franziska von Karma]
That would be acceptable.

[Franziska von Karma]
I enjoy Trucy Fey’s company.

[Maya Fey]
Great! I’ll be on my way with Trucy

[Maya Fey]
See you in a bit, Franzy!

[Franziska von Karma]
I’ll be waiting with bated breath, Maya Fey.

[Maya Fey]
You’re so dramatic sometimes

[Maya Fey]
I’ll be there, don’t worry!

Franziska smiled down at her phone, it was always comforting to see Maya’s eagerness to help her out. She was like that, willing to help anyone and everyone she came across. Franziska remembered Maya when she was still a defense attorney, and how she’d take any chance to help anyone who came to her offices. Even when she herself needed help, she still happily lent a helping hand to anyone who asked her for even the smallest favor. Kind, caring, selfless to a fault, that was the woman that Franziska was in love with. Really, how could she not fall in love with her? When everything about her was so beautifully and marvelously wonderful?

Even though the storm raged on, no indications of stopping for anyone ever, Franziska…she was less afraid. With the knowledge that Maya Fey and Trucy Fey were on their way, to spend their time with her and to help her with anything she needed in life, Franziska felt like she could take on the world.

━━━━❰･❉･❱━━━━

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for Maya Fey and Trucy Fey to arrive. Franziska was in the living room waiting for her, watching the TV to pass the time. It was helping distract her from the rain, though she still jumped and screamed in fright whenever lightning struck, though thankfully it became less frequent. The TV show she was watching was some trashy soap opera about two rich women and drama that Franziska could barely care about. It was better than nothing though, even if she found the women absolutely irritating. Franziska snuggled the blanket that she wrapped around herself, wondering where Maya Fey was. However, as if on cue, the doorbell rang the moment Franziska thought about her.

Franziska walked up to the door, opening it and smiling when she was met with Maya and Trucy.

“Maya Fey, Trucy Fey.” Franziska greeted them.

“Auntie Franzy!” Trucy greeted with a giggle.

“Hi Franzy!” Maya greeted as she walked into the room, putting her umbrella on the rack. “Sorry for taking so long, not many taxis are willing to drive in the middle of the pouring rain.”

“Yeah! Mommy had to scream like a lunatic to get the taxi’s attention!” Trucy said with a  giggle.

Franziska chuckled. “I’m sure that was a sight.”

“Oh! It was, I felt like an idiot.” Maya said with a snicker. “But hey, I’m here now aren’t I?”

“Yes…” Franziska slowly smiled. “You are.”

“Mhmm!” Maya walked into the living room with Trucy, turning to Franziska with a raised brow. “The Mossflower? Are you watching that?”

“…It just came on.” Franziska grumbled. “I’d never watch something foolishly dramatic for my own enjoyment.”

“Yeah, I was about to ask. Doesn’t seem like the kind of shows you’d watch.” Maya said.

“Oh! Is that the show you banned me from watching, Mommy?” Trucy asked.

“Yeah, and I’m doing you a favor. Your brain is gonna rot watching that show.” Maya replied.

“Aw man!” Trucy said with a pout.

“You’ll be thanking me when you get older, Trucy.” Maya said. She hummed in thought, then smiling. “Hey! I know what we can watch! Steel Samurai!”

“Yay!” Trucy cheered, then calling out as she ran to the kitchen. “I’ll get the snacks!”

Franziska watched as Trucy rummaged through the cupboards, turning to Maya. “Do I get a choice in this?”

“With Trucy? Nah.” Maya said.

Franziska cursed to herself, and Maya giggled.

Soon, the three had settled into the couch, watching Steel Samurai reruns as Trucy loudly ate the chips that she had laid out on the coffee table. Franziska remembered being a child, and absolutely not getting the Steel Samurai or why anyone liked it. It was childish, foolishly dramatic, and way too hammy to ever be enjoyable. But, as she spent more time with her friends watching the series…she grew to like it. Like she grew to like her life, and how it settled into a happy time for her, when back then it was difficult to even look forward to tomorrow. Back then, she had nobody. People she cared about, but kept at an arm’s length, terrified of getting close to anyone. But now, she had many friends, many people who she held near and dear to her heart, now letting down the bricks of the walls she built around herself, one by one.

Franziska glanced at Maya, who was intently watching the TV. She always looked beautiful, in the sunlight or the moonlight, afternoon or evening, illuminated by a sunset or sunrise, Franziska was enamored by her every single time. And she was beautiful now, the light of the TV illuminating her pretty soft features. Maya’s eyes flickered to Franziska, and their eyes met. Her eyes were such a beautiful shade of dark blue, Maya used to say that she had gotten it from her father. But they were so uniquely Maya that Franziska had fallen in love with them more and more whenever she looked at them. Just like she fell further for Maya the more time they spent together.

Franziska reached out and laid her hand on Maya’s, giving it a gentle loving squeeze.

“Maya Fey, I’m glad you’re in my life.” Franziska whispered.

“I’m glad you’re in mine too, Franzy.” Maya whispered back.

The two leaned in, sharing a gentle kiss. Maya tasted like the soda that she drank, but Franziska couldn’t care less. Not when her embrace was so soft and warm, not when she held her like letting go would mean losing her forever, not when she wanted nothing more than to stay with Maya Fey for eternity. She’d do anything just to spend a moment longer, in Maya’s embrace, in Maya’s presence, in Maya’s love. And she loved her back just as much, a love that they felt for each other ever since they were kids. A deep love that was sure to last their entire lifetime, and Franziska liked the sound of that-

“Mommy and Auntie Franzy are kissing! Mommy and Auntie Franzy are kissing!” Trucy cried out delightedly in a sing song voice. “Wait right here! I need to get my phone and picture this!”

Franziska went red as a tomato. “Trucy Fey!”

Maya laughed, shaking her head. “Trucy dear, we’ve kissed plenty of times. You don’t need to picture it.”

Trucy pouted. “You never kiss around me!”

“…Are we supposed to?” Maya questioned.

“Yeah! You are! So I know you two love each other!”

“Trucy, we don’t need to kiss so you know we love each other.” Maya said with a sigh, though she was smiling. “And besides, kissing just so you can see us is weird.”

“C’mon Mommy! I’m 14! I see people kissing in my school all the time!” Trucy said, placing her hands on her hips. “I’ve even seen sex on TV!”

Maya gasped in horror.

Franziska looked at Maya, then at Trucy, then back at again at Maya. “Do you allow Trucy Fey to watch movies with sex in it?”

“No, I do not!” Maya burst out. “When did you see those kinds of movies, Trucy?”

“It was when I was with my friends! We watched an R rated movie! Rated R for language, violence, and sexual content! Which the movie had a lot of, by the way!”

Maya gasped in horror again. “This is the first time I’m hearing about this!”

“Err, uh…whoops?” Trucy smiled sheepishly.

“Oh dear.” Franziska muttered to herself, rubbing her forehead.

“Trucy Fey!” Maya scolded.

“Is it gonna be Trucy Fey-von Karma soon? Like, in a few days soon?” Trucy said, a pleased smirk on her face.

“No!”

“Aw.” Trucy pouted. “I thought that would’ve worked.”

Maya groaned, rubbing her forehead. “You’re going to give me a heart attack at some point, Trucy.”

“And Auntie Franzy can kiss you awake! Like it’s a fairytale!” Trucy sighed dreamily. “That’s true love right there, people!”

“Go to the guest room, Trucy.” Maya ordered.

“So you can continue kissing?” Trucy teased.

Maya frowned, pointing at the stairs that led to the second floor. “Go.”

“Alright!” Trucy said, racing to the stairs in a hurry, though not before she called out. “AS LONG AS YOU TWO GET MARRIED!”

“Trucy!” Maya said, her expression bewildered as Trucy disappeared off to the second floor.

Franziska watched all of that happen with a stunned silence.

Maya shook her head, exasperated. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into that girl. I’m pretty sure she got the idea of us getting married from Mary’s parents.”

“Yes, the Stones. They got married, correct?” Franziska asked, saying when Maya had nodded. “Did we not go to their wedding?”

“Yeah, we did. Barry and Cherry, Mary’s parents, remember them?” Maya said, then adding thoughtfully. “You know, it was kinda fun going to their wedding. Maybe we should have one of our own.”

Franziska grinned at the idea of it. Her in a beautiful wedding dress, Maya Fey in a dashing purple suit. All of their friends and family gathered together, to watch the two’s love be forever etched into the book of the universe. She just imagined how great Maya would look in a suit, her flowing black hair and that contagious wide smile, the joy that would fill them both as they said their vows, vocalizing the deep love that they felt for each other. And then years after they’d laugh about some foolish thing Larry had done at the wedding reception, looking through their wedding album that Phoenix would make, a time capsule of Franziska’s happiest day.

Wouldn’t that be marvelous?

Though…Franziska felt it a little too soon.

“M-Maybe we should, Maya Fey!” Franziska stammered, reddening slightly. “It…It would be nice.”

“Yeah, it’d be nice for me. You? Not so much.” Maya said, casually.

It confused Franziska. “What do you mean, Maya Fey?”

“Well, you’re the Chief Prosecutor, do you really wanna marry someone like me?” Maya said with a sigh.

Franziska raised a brow. “What do you mean by that, Maya Fey?”

“Franzy, look at me. I’m a guitar player and singer at the Borscht Bowl, I play poker for a living for god’s sake. And not to mention that I got disbarred, my life is a mess Franzy. Do you really wanna marry someone like me?”

“Maya Fey.”

“I mean, why would you wanna marry me? I mean, me from years ago sure. But now? God, I’m a clusterfuck.”

“Maya Fey.”

“Seriously, you’d be better marrying another woman. Maybe she’d be better for you-”

“Maya Fey.” Franziska interrupted, her tone sharp.

Maya shut up, her eyes wide and expectant, the only sound in the room the TV blaring. Franziska was silent for a moment, gazing into Maya’s eyes, trying to search for the right words to say. She never found them, but she was trying her best, and that’s what mattered, wasn’t it?

“Maya Fey…I don’t care. About your disbarment, about your life being a…as you say, a “clusterfuck”. I fell in love with you. Everything about you, and that includes the hard times and the obstacles.” Franziska sighed. “I will admit, Maya Fey, the past few years have not been easy for either of us. But…” She took Maya’s hands into her own. “We stayed by each other’s side, did we not? So why should marriage be any different? Maya Fey, you may have changed…but I’ve stayed in love with you throughout it all, and I don’t ever foresee that changing.”

“Franzy…” Maya trailed off, a wide smile on her face. “I love you too, but…” Her gaze softened sadly. “…I’m not ready to get married yet.”

“…I’m not ready, either.” Franziska admitted.

“And that’s fine, we don’t have to get married now.” Maya placed her hand on top of Franziska’s, smiling. “We can take things slow. I really do wanna marry you one day, though…Someday, we’ll get married.”

Franziska smiled back. “Yes, someday. But not right now.”

Maya nodded. “Yeah, not right now.”

“Aw man!” A voice from upstairs cried out.

It was definitely Trucy.

Franziska paused, and then reddened when she had processed what had just happened. “Did…did she hear all of that?”

“…I think she did.” Maya said.

Franziska cursed under her breath, looking away in embarrassment.

“TRUCY! Have you been eavesdropping on our conversation?!” Maya yelled out.

There was a pause, and then an answer. “NO!”

“My god…” Franziska murmured.

“No more eavesdropping, Trucy!” Maya shouted.

“You’re fucking lame!” Trucy shouted out, before they heard the sound of footsteps running back into the bedroom.

“Close the door!” Maya yelled.

They heard the sound of the door closing, but not all the way.

“All the way!”

An audible curse, and then the door finally closing.

“If we do get married…I feel as though Trucy Fey would have a heart attack.” Franziska teased, smiling.

Maya grinned. “Oh yeah, she definitely would.”

Maya laughed, and Franziska laughed. As they laughed, Franziska knew they’d turn out okay.

As long as they had each other, and with each other, they could handle through every thunderstorm that life threw at them.