Ace Attorney Group Chat

Maya makes a group chat. Hilarity ensues (maybe.) About for mobile

[aceattorneygroupchat]

Bonus:

PerfectKarma: All right, all right, here. What’s your *middle* name?

BlueBadgerUnofficial: why do you wsk?

PerfectKarma: Just tell me!

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Uh, ok, it’s Shamus

PerfectKarma is looking this up before saying anything this time:

PerfectKarma: *Oh you have got to be kidding me.*

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Franziska Learns Something New

Phoenix: ...Man, old noir movies are a weird experience when you know a guy named Gumshoe.

Phoenix: I fell asleep on the couch and woke up to one playing and spent a good couple seconds trying to figure out why our Gumshoe was on TV

PerfectKarma: ...Why?

Phoenix: I thought they were talking about him at first.

PerfectKarma: Do you just... mistake every detective for Scruffy or something? Your foolishness baffles me, Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix: ...No? I just hear “gumshoe” and think of the guy.

PerfectKarma: ...Bravo. You understand the general purpose of names.

PerfectKarma: If not their proper capitalization.

Phoenix: ...I mean the *word* gumshoe.

M.Edgeworth: Franziska, Gumshoe’s name means ‘detective.’

PerfectKarma: .....You’re not serious.

Phoenix: I guess it does make sense you wouldn’t know that, your first language is probably German right?

PerfectKarma: Don’t say that so condescendingly! I’ll have you know I was already bilingual at two years old. I don’t see *you* able to claim that achievement even *today,* Phoenix Wright.

PerfectKarma: Explain to me why I’ve spent years working with detectives *in this country* and yet I’ve never heard this foolish term outside of this one man’s name.

M.Edgeworth: I don’t think Wright‘s intent is to doubt your fluency. It’s rather old-fashioned slang for the profession... there really isn’t any context where you would have come across it, I suppose.

PerfectKarma: ...So you mean to tell me everyone has essentially been addressing this man as "*Detective Detective*" this entire time.

PerfectKarma: *Everyone* other than me was aware of this fact, and *no one thought it worth mentioning?!*

PerfectKarma: @SpiritSamurai. You?

SpiritSamurai: Oh yeah! I kinda forget it’s not just his name sometimes tbh

PerfectKarma: .....

Phoenix: Come to think of it, isn’t ‘dick’ a word for detective too?

SpiritSamurai: Wait, is it??

PerfectKarma: ...I *know* what ‘dick’ means, Phoenix Wright.

PerfectKarma: Don’t go thinking my not having heard *one* foolish outdated word somehow means I have such a perfunctory grasp on the English language that you can just make up definitions and expect me to believe you.

PerfectKarma: Just because *you* are a gullible fool doesn’t mean we *all* are.

M.Edgeworth: ...Franziska, might I suggest you look into this yourself before digging yourself even deeper into this hole?

PerfectKarma: ...If I search for this I‘m going to see a lot of things that I most definitely do not want to see.

M.Edgeworth: You own a dictionary, don’t you?

PerfectKarma: I swear, if the two of you are playing some kind of joke, you are *going* to regret it.

PerfectKarma: ...

PerfectKarma: @BlueBadgerUnofficial *Your name is Detective Detective Detective?!?*

BlueBadgerUnofficial: ...That’s Detective Dick Gumshoe actually sir!

PerfectKarma: *Apparently it’s the same thing!*

[aceattorneygroupchat]

Hello again

I know I keep saying this but I really want to get this blog active again soon! I have quite a few ideas lined up, I just keep procrastinating on actually writing them ><

[aceattorneygroupchat]

We passed 50 followers!!!

Yay, tonight seemed to bring in several more people and now we’re at 51! ...I don’t know who ‘we’ is, I’m the only one running the blog ^^’ 

Anyway, hi and welcome to the silliness and sometimes emotion that is this thing I decided to do on a whim a year ago.

Every single one of you means the world to me >w<

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which We've Come Pretty Far

SpiritSamurai: Happy Lawyerday, Nick!

Phoenix: Heh, thanks, Maya.

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Lawysrday? No one told me it was lawyerday... I didn’t get you guys anythhng, I’m sorry pals!!

SpiritSamurai: Huh? No, it's been three years since Nick's first day in court!

SpiritSamurai: Wait, is Lawyerday a thing?

BlueBadgerUnofficial: well I assumed it was like secretary’s day but for lawyers and I’d just never heard of it...

Phoenix: No, just an anniversary that Maya apparently decided to name. Sorry about that ^^'

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Oh phew I thought I missed somethjng important!

SpiritSamurai: The very first day our dear friend Phoenix "Nick" Wright took the stand as a defense attorney isn't important???

BlueBadgerUnofficial: That’s not what I... don’t go twisting my wirds like that, pal!

Phoenix: Easy, Maya...

PerfectKarma: "Wirds."

SpiritSamurai: Easy, Franziska.

Phoenix: *Now* you stand up for the guy.

BlueBadgerUnofficial: I got big fingers, okay!!

SpiritSamurai: *Anyway...*

SpiritSamurai: What about you guys? Franziska, @M.Edgeworth? When are your lawyerdays?

M.Edgeworth: ...This really doesn't need to be made into a thing.

M.Edgeworth: Congrats on the milestone, though, Wright.

SpiritSamurai: You're no fun 😟

SpiritSamurai: Franziska?

PerfectKarma: March 2, 2013. Feel *free* to make it into a "thing."

SpiritSamurai: I'm on it!

Phoenix: ...Wow, this means it hasn't even quite been three years since I met you, Maya. Or reconnected with you, Edgeworth.

SpiritSamurai: ...Whoa, you're right, *weird...*

SpiritSamurai: It feels like way longer

BlueBadgerUnofficial: And you Meg me right around when you met her, right?

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Met. I dunno who Meg is

Phoenix: Yeah, the same day, I think.

Phoenix: A lot can happen in three years, huh?

M.Edgeworth: ...It certainly can.

Phoenix: Not to get too sappy... I say, despite the fact that I *always* do... but, it's been a lot of ups and downs so far for sure, but I'm glad that you're the ones who've been by my side for it.

M.Edgeworth: ...As am I.

SpiritSamurai: Awww, Nick, we love you

PerfectKarma: I tolerate you in small doses for her sake.

Phoenix: I'll take what I can get.

M.Edgeworth: That's downright affectionate, for you, Franziska.

PerfectKarma: You're one to talk!

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Here’s to a bright futuye and more years of lawyerin’! ...or detectiveing in my case

ilikebigButz is online:

ilikebigButz: Hey, Nick, it's your anniversary right?

ilikebigButz: ...

ilikebigButz: Why do I always gotta miss everything??? ;n;

[aceattorneygroupchat]

Happy 1-year anniversary of Ace Attorney Groupchat!!!

...six days late. D: I’m so upset I missed the first-ever anniversary tbh... I’ve just been super busy because I’m moving in a few days and actually it’s mostly because I forgot to check my email for quite some time and thus didn’t see the email I got telling me this but shhh. I’d like to post something special for it or at least a chat post acknowledging it, but I’m honestly not sure if that’s going to end up happening or not with the move. I want to say it’ll just be belated, but I can’t guarantee tbh... Ugh. I’m sorry guys :( Either way, it’ll take a bit for things to settle down but after that something big is coming IC ! (which I also meant to have done by now aaaaa)

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Franziska Faces Off... Against Fireworks

M.Edgeworth: Ah yes... July 4th.

M.Edgeworth: The day of my annual pondering of how my sister’s downstairs neighbors haven’t filed a noise complaint yet.

SpiritSamurai: ???

SpiritSamurai: Do you set off your own fireworks or something, @PerfectKarma?

PerfectKarma: No. Why would I do a thing like that?

PerfectKarma: I'm not even American. I don't see what there is to be celebrating, and they're noisy and irritating besides.

M.Edgeworth: I agree with you on the 'noisy and irritating' point, Franziska, but I fail to see how your... 'solution' in *any* way fixes that problem.

Phoenix: ...I've gotta know what she does now.

PerfectKarma: I am *right here,* Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix: Okay, then, I've gotta know what *you* do now.

M.Edgeworth: She *challenges* them.

Phoenix: What?

M.Edgeworth: She opens her window and tries to outdo the fireworks with the sound of her whip.

Phoenix: Oh my god.

PerfectKarma: What?!

PerfectKarma: *They want to be loud, I'll be louder.*

Phoenix: ...You're irritated by the noise. So you make more noise.

PerfectKarma: Yes, *until* they admit defeat.

Phoenix: ...The fireworks.

PerfectKarma: Phoenix Wright, if I want your opinion, I will... I will never want your opinion.

SpiritSamurai: I believe you can do it!

PerfectKarma: Well, at least *someone* here has faith in me.

PerfectKarma: Ach, I'm starting to hear them already... Can't these fools see it's not even dark yet? If you'll excuse me.

SpiritSamurai: Good luck!

PerfectKarma: I am *skilled.* I don't need luck.

PerfectKarma: ...But thank you.

PerfectKarma is offline:

Phoenix: Couldn't she have planned to spend this week in Germany?

M.Edgeworth: And *surrender?* Not Franziska von Karma.

Phoenix: ...Maya, you've found yourself an interesting girlfriend.

SpiritSamurai: I know~

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Summer is Here

SpiritSamurai: Wow, it's summer again already, huh?

SpiritSamurai: I feel like it was just *last* summer

Phoenix: Time flies more and more as you get older.

SpiritSamurai: You sound like a grandpa, Nick.

SpiritSamurai: You want me to start calling you ojiichan?

Phoenix: Hey, you're the one who pointed the time thing out first.

SpiritSamurai: Still, this is my favorite time of year

Phoenix: Didn't you say that around Halloween?

PerfectKarma: I recall you saying something similar at Christmas.

M.Edgeworth: Last spring, too, I believe.

SpiritSamurai: Don't get all bitter just because I can have fun whenever!

ilikebigButz: Hey, I'm with you, Maya!

M.Edgeworth: Ah, yes. Your suffering is finally over, isn't it, Larry?

PerfectKarma: What exactly are you on about? If he's suffering, I want to be there to see it.

ilikebigButz: Wow, harsh, Franzy... ;n;

PerfectKarma: I can and will be much harsher if you continue calling me that.

ilikebigButz: ...Is Fran better?

PerfectKarma: No.

ilikebigButz: Frankie?

PerfectKarma: *Absolutely* not.

ilikebigButz: ...'Ziska?

PerfectKarma: Enough with the foolish nicknames! You've just lost the right to call me anything other than 'Ms. von Karma.'

PerfectKarma: I *do* know where to find you should you continue to disrespect me.

SpiritSamurai: Okay, I think he gets the point.

PerfectKarma: ...Very well.

M.Edgeworth: ...Maya.

M.Edgeworth: You have somehow obtained a power that I did not think could exist on this Earth...

M.Edgeworth: *Calling off Franziska von Karma.*

Phoenix: ...Wow.

PerfectKarma: Hush, you! *Both* of you. I was already done, *for the record.*

ilikebigButz: Well, anyway, yeah, swimsuit season's here again, man!

M.Edgeworth: And you have been so brave holding out for so long.

ilikebigButz: Hey, guys wear swimsuits too, y'know. Aren't you excited, too, Edgey?

M.Edgeworth: *Enough,* Larry.

Phoenix: This conversation is a trainwreck.

M.Edgeworth: Isn't it always, with the company we keep?

SpiritSamurai: Hey though, this reminds me, we should all go to the beach!!

ilikebigButz: Why do trainwrecks remind you of the beach???

PerfectKarma: You're all fools.

SpiritSamurai: Even me? :

PerfectKarma: Yes.

Private message from PerfectKarma to SpiritSamurai: You're my fool, but you're still a fool.

Private message from SpiritSamurai to PerfectKarma: I'll take it.

[aceattorneygroupchat]

Happy summer!

Hey! I’m sorry for how dead this blog has continued to be... >< But! I’m starting to feel inspired for it again, so there’s quite a bit coming very soon- I might have a bit of a mini content dump today, with one conversation taking place a bit earlier than I post it and the other actually today. And after that... well, let’s just say there’s something I hope to get started before this week is over >:3

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Franziska Fails to Turn the Tables on Larry

PerfectKarma: Mr. Harry "@ilikebigbutz" Butz.

Phoenix: Tagging *and* using his full name. Must be serious.

PerfectKarma: I am always serious, Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix: ...Well, *kind of* his full name anyway.

ilikebigButz: What's up? ^u^

PerfectKarma: How is your love life going?

ilikebigButz: Oh, I'm glad you asked!! I'm seeing this girl Jenna and it's going great!! She's real sweet, gorgeous, she's into movies- we're going to see one tonight actually!

PerfectKarma: ...

PerfectKarma: Oh.

ilikebigButz: What?

M.Edgeworth: I think she was hoping to rub it in your face that she has a girlfriend.

PerfectKarma: Let me speak for myself, Miles Edgeworth!

M.Edgeworth: Very well; sorry.

PerfectKarma: ...I was hoping to rub it in your face that I have a girlfriend.

Phoenix: You know, at least you're honest.

PerfectKarma: I did not ask your opinion.

SpiritSamurai: Y'know, Franziska, you are gonna have to start being nicer to Nick, cuz one way or another, he's gonna be your brother someday.

Phoenix: As flattered as I am to be called your brother, aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself, Maya? You've been dating what, two months?

SpiritSamurai: I'm not necessarily talking about me and Franziska. :3

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which A Date Proves... Interesting, part 2

SpiritSamurai is online:

SpiritSamurai: ...I think we're the only ones still left in the mall. Every time we leave a store there's been less and less people walking around

SpiritSamurai: I mean, we have it all to ourselves now I guess.

SpiritSamurai is offline:

----

SpiritSamurai is online:

SpiritSamurai: Just got back

Phoenix: Sheesh. Sounds like quite a day.

SpiritSamurai: It was!

M.Edgeworth: Well? Are you inclined to believe me now?

SpiritSamurai: I mean, I see what you meant, yeah...

Phoenix: Sorry it didn't go well, Maya.

PerfectKarma is online:

Phoenix: ...Oh jeez I thought we were still in PMs right now

PerfectKarma: Maya Fey?

PerfectKarma: Did you not... enjoy yourself?

SpiritSamurai: Are you kidding?

SpiritSamurai: I've never had this much fun shopping in my life!

PerfectKarma: ...As I expected, of course.

PerfectKarma: Shall we do this again sometime?

SpiritSamurai: Totally! Next weekend?

PerfectKarma: Let's say Saturday at 1:00.

SpiritSamurai: Sweet!! 😄

SpiritSamurai is offline:

PerfectKarma: ...And you doubted me, Miles Edgeworth.

PerfectKarma is offline:

M.Edgeworth: ...What on Earth just happened?

Phoenix: ...*Huh.*

Phoenix: I guess you. Really can't predict love...

M.Edgeworth: At the very least, one can't predict *Maya.*

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which a Date Proves... Interesting, part 1

SpiritSamurai is online:

SpiritSamurai: Oh my god.

SpiritSamurai: We were getting smoothies and now the manager is here I don't know what is happening

SpiritSamurai: I didn't even know smoothie stands had managers??

Phoenix: Wait are you with Franziska? You never mentioned what happened with that

SpiritSamurai: Oh yeah she said yes!

SpiritSamurai: Gtg

SpiritSamurai is away:

M.Edgeworth: I did warn her.

Phoenix: What's even worth calling the manager for during a quick stop at a smoothie stand? I've been there, it's just one counter and it takes two seconds

-----

SpiritSamurai is online:

SpiritSamurai: I thought this one shirt was my size but it was actually on the wrong hanger and every single store clerk has been individually informed of this

SpiritSamurai is away:

Phoenix: ...She *does* sound like a nightmare.

M.Edgeworth: It'll get worse. Wait and see.

------

SpiritSamurai is online:

SpiritSamurai: She's used at least two languages I don't understand in this exchange with the bath and body works cashier and none of it sounds friendly

SpiritSamurai: ...okay I can at least tell that's german this time. and the cashier speaks it too i guess?

SpiritSamurai: Does she know this lady?? because they're just flat out arguing in german now and i have no idea what's going on I'm just going to go smell the lotions until they work this out

SpiritSamurai is away:

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Maya Asks Advice

Group message started between SpiritSamurai, Phoenix, and M.Edgeworth:

SpiritSamurai: Guys. I need help. So you remember Christmas?

Phoenix: What about it?

SpiritSamurai: Me and Franziska. How we kissed.

M.Edgeworth: I feel the need to say both that I support you and that I feel *very* strange about that having happened.

Phoenix: Oh. Yeah, I remember that. How's that going, anyway? We haven't all been talking as much lately, it feels like.

SpiritSamurai: Well, that's just it. There's no "that" to be going right now.

SpiritSamurai: That happened, and it was nice, and then we didn't bring it up again.

SpiritSamurai: But valentine's is coming up super soon... so I was thinking if I want there to be a follow-up it's the perfect time to get on that.

M.Edgeworth: So you intend to ask her on a date?

SpiritSamurai: I think so???

SpiritSamurai: I mean that's why I'm talking to you now. Nick cuz I tell you everything and you had a girlfriend one time, and Miles cuz she's your sister and you know her.

Phoenix: ...Maya, you can talk to me and all, but I wouldn't take the one relationship I've had as any kind of example.

SpiritSamurai: No, yeah, I know.

SpiritSamurai: But if I do ask her... Should I do it in a PM, or in person, or...?

Phoenix: I don't know. Either?

SpiritSamurai: Wow, helpful. :P

M.Edgeworth: I'm afraid I don't have much experience with this sort of thing either.

SpiritSamurai: ...does she?

M.Edgeworth: Does she what?

SpiritSamurai: Have experience. Like has she ever had a girlfriend or something like that before? Is she gonna be able to tell I don't know what I'm doing?

M.Edgeworth: ...Not as far as I know. There is the question of whether she'd have told me if she had, but...

M.Edgeworth: Can I just reiteriate that it is completely bizarre to me that you want to romantically pursue my sister and are asking me advice on this?

SpiritSamurai: I mean you can't not know she's gorgeous.

M.Edgeworth: May I stress "sister" first and "woman" second.

M.Edgeworth: I would not have noticed.

Phoenix: Also *scary.* Also nineteen.

M.Edgeworth: Good points also.

SpiritSamurai: Well anyway

SpiritSamurai: ...I guess I'll message her. Cuz I don't have plans to see her and it'd be weird to make plans to see her just to ask if we can make plans to see each other and then I'd have to work up my courage twice and... yeah.

Phoenix: Seems solid enough to me.

SpiritSamurai: Okay. So... so that's a plan I guess. I'm so freaking nervous.

SpiritSamurai: And then what should I actually ask her to *do...?*

SpiritSamurai: I'm thinking maybe we could go to the mall or something? That way we could get lunch or tea or pretzels and then also wander around and go shopping. Like, a bunch of things built into one

M.Edgeworth: *No.*

Phoenix: You don't have to shoot her down so hard, Edgeworth.

M.Edgeworth: No, what I mean is... you do *not* want to take Franziska von Karma shopping.

SpiritSamurai: Does she have expensive tastes or something? Cuz I don't mind buying her stuff, I'm gonna be using Nick's card anyway

Phoenix: Hey, wait!

Phoenix: First off, no you are not doing that.

M.Edgeworth: Before you ask, I am not paying for this either.

SpiritSamurai: Darn it. ☹️

M.Edgeworth: And no, she is typically inclined to pay for herself. But she is still a complete *nightmare* to accompany to any kind of store.

M.Edgeworth: *Trust me on this, Maya.*

SpiritSamurai: Are you sure she's not just a nightmare to *you* because you're her brother?

SpiritSamurai: Because I think the mall is a good idea...

M.Edgeworth: You asked my advice. I gave it. But if you're set on this, I won't stop you. Tell me how much you enjoy yourself standing next to the checkout counter for over an hour waiting for her to finish arguing with the clerk over a single scarf.

SpiritSamurai: You could try to boost my confidence instead of just telling me it's going to be terrible.

☹️☹️☹️

Phoenix: Well, I for one believe in you, Maya.

M.Edgeworth: Must you both make me into the villain? I'm trying to help, here.

SpiritSamurai: ...Okay. I'm gonna do it. Tomorrow... Tomorrow I'll ask her.

SpiritSamurai is offline:

M.Edgeworth: I don't think she was even listening to me.

Phoenix: Well, we'll see how it goes, I guess.

M.Edgeworth: Content to sit back and watch the chaos? Now who's the villain, Wright.

Group conversation ended:

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Gumshoe Sees a Dog

BlueBadgerUnofficial: YOURE NOT GONNA BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TODAU PALS

BlueBadgerUnofficial: TODAY

BlueBadgerUnofficial: This years gonna be great, I can just feel it!! This is an omen I'll bet you anything

BlueBadgerUnofficial: well uh. Forget the betting part but this is still the best thing that's happened in weeks at least!

Phoenix: Wow, okay, that's great. What happened?

SpiritSamurai: Tell us already!!!

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Alright so

BlueBadgerUnofficial: I'm heading to the bus stop near the precinct right? To catch a bus home. And I get there and I'm just standing there waiting when this woman walks bt

BlueBadgerUnofficial: and she's got this dog, one of those big fluffy white ones with the smilinf faces

M.Edgeworth: A Samoyed?

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Yeahyeah that's the one I think

BlueBadgerUnofficial: and the dog comes over and he's sniffing me and would you believe. Would you beliefve this lady APOLOGIZES

BlueBadgerUnofficial: she APOLOGIZES that this beautiful cresture decided to pay attention to me

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Lady this is a BLESSING

BlueBadgerUnofficial: so I say it's ok of course and i ask her if I can pet the dog and she says yes

BlueBadgerUnofficial: this dog. This dog is the softest thing on the planet I'm telling you

BlueBadgerUnofficial: and he licks my hand and I swear I never felt luckier

BlueBadgerUnofficial: unflrtunately that's when the bus pulls up so I have to catch it but before I do she lets me take a picture

BlueBadgerUnofficial has sent a photo:

[The picture itself is of poor quality, but the dog is one High-Quality Pup. It's indeed a (blurry) Samoyed, with a big doggie grin on its face.]

SpiritSamurai: Awwwww!!!!!!

Phoenix: ...That's it?

SpiritSamurai: Nick! What do you mean 'that's it?'

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Yeah what do you mean by that pal?! This absoluet gift of an animal not good enough for you?

Phoenix: No, no-- it's a cute dog and all, I just thought you were leading up to something bigger with this story.

M.Edgeworth: ...Detective Gumshoe.

M.Edgeworth: If you see this dog again. Contact me immediately.

BlueBadgerUnofficial: Uh, yes sir! Will do

...

M.Edgeworth: ...What?

M.Edgeworth: Dogs are a rare bright spot of sincerity in this corrupted world. Unconditional love that we, as a species, frankly do not deserve.

Phoenix: ...I didn't know it was possible to make "I like dogs" sound so bleak.

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Maya Shares True Art

SpiritSamurai: Hey guys SpiritSamurai sent a link.

SpiritSamurai: Listen to this it's really good

Phoenix: ...I thought that was a legitimate cover for a second there.

(approx. 20 minutes later)

M.Edgeworth: ...What on earth was that?

SpiritSamurai: You actually listened to the whole thing before asking me that???

[aceattorneygroupchat]

A Picture of A Christmas

So seasonal fic may be too time-sensitive to be within my abilities right now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still have an idea of what goes on outside the chat.

Maya cooking, kind of making a mess and being extremely indecisive about what to make because she wants to make everything. Miles being a bit withdrawn but trying, doing much better than he would’ve been had he been alone. Phoenix staying by his side specifically, taking extra care to make sure he’s having as good a time as he can be. Larry having brought enough of the absolute worst Christmas shirts for everyone. Maya, Gumshoe and strangely, Pearl are the only ones who put them on right away. Phoenix ends up in one by the end of the night... Miles does too, eventually, but only because it’s a sweater and he's cold.

It’s not supposed to be a potluck, but half of them bring food anyway and it ends up just the weirdest fucking array of dishes. Gumshoe brings egg rolls because he genuinely wanted some. Larry pretends he brought a fruitcake because it’s kind of an inside joke at this point, but it’s actually store-bought pound cake, along with some red-and-green corn chips. Maya makes burgers as well as ramen, and onigiri that she’s attempted to make look like little presents. Phoenix makes a pie because surprisingly, he can actually bake.

Franziska, showing up halfway through the night with an entire goose and a few half-formed excuses about having too much food, or needing to keep her brother in line, or something, but Miles can see in her face that she was just lonely. He doesn’t say a word.

Maya makes a point of hanging mistletoe in several of the doorways before everyone arrives... now, with Franziska’s unexpected presence, she realizes an opportunity has presented itself. Some time into the night, when insecurities are calmed by food and companionship, suddenly, they both take the opportunity.

It’s the best Christmas any of them have had in a long time. Maybe that’s only due to low standards in a few of their cases, but still, everyone leaves feeling just a little more loved than they would’ve otherwise.

[aceattorneygroupchat]

In Which Emotionally-Repressed Siblings Awkwardly Bond

Private conversation started between M.Edgeworth and PerfectKarma:

M.Edgeworth: Are you returning to Germany for Christmas this year?

PerfectKarma: Why would I? I have no one to visit.

M.Edgeworth: I don't know; I just know you went last year...

PerfectKarma: I was already there last year. I don't see the point of catching a plane just to eat Christmas Eve supper in an empty estate. It’s a waste of money.

PerfectKarma: ...*You* are not planning on going, are you?

M.Edgeworth: No, I’d… rather not.

PerfectKarma: That's what I figured.

PerfectKarma: I assume you'll be keeping to yourself as always?

M.Edgeworth: Well...

M.Edgeworth: Actually, I’m not sure.

PerfectKarma: ...Miles Edgeworth. *You* are thinking of doing something on Christmas?

M.Edgeworth: Well, I never would have suggested it myself, but… I don’t know. I feel like perhaps I ought to try harder to keep myself occupied.

M.Edgeworth: Wright offered that I might join his celebration, and that’s actually why I asked you this just now. He asked me to tell you that invitation extended to you, as well.

PerfectKarma: ...*Phoenix Wright* said this.

M.Edgeworth: Yes, I’m not on close terms with any other Wrights.

PerfectKarma: Why?

PerfectKarma: Why on Earth would Phoenix Wright want to have me over for Christmas.

M.Edgeworth: You don’t *have* to come. I just figured I would tell you.

PerfectKarma: Inviting one’s enemy for a holiday… foolish. Suspicious, even.

M.Edgeworth: As I said, come or don’t, whatever you’d rather. But there’s no need to assume an ulterior motive from his trying to be kind.

PerfectKarma: ...You really are fond of that man, aren’t you.

M.Edgeworth: ...We have been friends for a long time, yes.

M.Edgeworth: Maya will be there as well.

PerfectKarma: And?

M.Edgeworth: And, the two of you seemed to get along rather well back at Halloween. I know you don’t hold any sort of attachment to Wright as I do, so I thought you might be more interested in seeing her.

PerfectKarma: Well, I am not. Tell Phoenix Wright I decline.

M.Edgeworth: All right, then.

PerfectKarma: ...It's good, though. That you are going. You should.

M.Edgeworth: ...Franziska?

PerfectKarma: Don't give me so little credit, saying 'Franziska?' like you're shocked.

PerfectKarma: I have seen you withdraw every year without fail. Did you think I didn't notice, or that I didn't care?

M.Edgeworth: Well... it's the smallest of steps. It's not like you to celebrate anything before it's perfect.

PerfectKarma: Perfection takes *work.* You know that and you know I know that.

PerfectKarma: You are trying and I am trying to see that.

PerfectKarma: That's all I have to say.

M.Edgeworth: ...Thank you.

PerfectKarma: ...Enjoy yourself, if you can. I have case files to read. Corruption and crime do not take vacations.

M.Edgeworth: I'm well aware.

PerfectKarma: ...But I have it covered for now.

M.Edgeworth: ...Have a merry Christmas, Franziska.

PerfectKarma: You as well, Miles Edgeworth.