You and your cliffhangers! Anyway, great addition. You really know how to write this sort of thing. My brother and sister stared at me as I read through that last scene. Apparently, I was panting without even realizing it. :D

---

Man, things are not going well for Nick & Maya. He better drop Franziska soon. He should fear Pearly's SPIRIT PAUNCH!!1! More than Franzy's Whip of Doom.

Lida_Rose - Wow, thanks!
It was kinda hard to writ coz no one wants this kinda stuff to happen to Maya, but im really glad that it turned out exciting! If you think that was a cliff hanger, you should be glad that i didnt go with my original plan...to end the chapter halfway through the alley scene!

Justis76- Yeah, Gumshoe is an idiot...But I might try and get some "Pearly Action!" In there somewhere, thanks for that idea!

---

Is Maya ending up with that guy who saved her?! NOOOOO!!!

Nice story, by the way!

It's so cool that you've written Franny as a good guy here too, i mean, the not "evil" one, and that she has a good side of her, and that she's just so affected by her dad and all...

One of my fics "You'll never make em cry again" was about franny, too. About her past, though. But i stopped writing since no one liked it that much, Yours is waaaaay better anyway :edgey:

Oh yes, please write more. It was awesome.

---

I found this line funny.
"Well who is the lucky guy?..Not Edgeworth I hope,..he's Gay!"

Lol
Does the whole world know it now? XD

Gumshoe seriously isn't that bright. >.<
Letting her wander those streets...
What is Nick up to I wonder?

I'm done rambling for now. Carry on with the good work! =D

---

Wow; I can't beleive Maya almost got raped! For a moment then I thought Phoenix was going to turn up and save her.

Maya can't get with anyone else sinse she loves Phoenix!

---

Thanks for the comments guys!
Here we go!
Chapter 10!..Is it? I dont know..I could go back and check, but I wont..

Chapter 10

I woke up screaming

Dreams like that arn't worth re-living the trauma of decribing them..

"Maya!" ,
Much to my surprise sitting by my bed was the boy with the beautiful blue eyes.
"Nick!"
"Against my best wishes tears came streaming down my face as I cried loud uncontrollable sobs of grief.
Nick climbed onto the bed up beside me and cradled me in his arms.
...
It was a perfect moment of clarity and understanding for us.
Communication without words.
I cried and he held me, nothing else in the world mattered more right then, than being pressed up against his chest.
It wasnt sexual, neither of us wanted it to be.
It was just the undeniable and impenatrable concept of knowing he was there for me, that i wasnt alone.
That was the scariest part of last night, knowing that Nick wasnt there, that no-one was there..
..eventually stopped crying and slipped my arms around Nick's stomach, pulling myself closer to him, he squeesed me tighter.
There we stayed in one of those hugs that last forever..or at least that you never want to end..
"Never scare me like that again" Nick finally managed.
I snuggled my head under his as a pillow and he gently stroked the outline of my face...
...
"Hey Pal! - Whoa!, didnt know I was intruding.." Gumshoe yelled as he stumbled through the door.
He then shot a 'not so subtle' wink in my direction
..Oh Gumshoe..
"So how are you feeling? - I brought you soup!" He held out a plastic cup.
"Thanks Gumshoe, but I wasnt sick or anything!" I laughed
"Hey Pal, You were in a traumatisin' situation last night - you need soup"
He sat on the bed and handed me the food, I dont know where he got soup in a plastic cup, but it was still warm and my empty stomach welcomed the nourishment.

"Everyone's been so worried about you" Gumshoe chatted away while I drank the soup..
..I noticed how Nick hadn't said anything in a while, when he looked up his eyes were heavy with thousands of questions waiting to be asked.
He obviosly wanted to speak to me in private..
"..Yeah, Edgeworth called, someone called 'Penny' from Global Studios, and the 'Head Honchos' down at Kurain Temple phoned.."
"Oh that reminds me!" Interrupted Nick "I have to pick up Pearls fromthe train station, I'll be back in half an hour..Do you want anything Maya?"
Pearly was coming?...How would I explain..?
"It'll be Ok, Maya" Nick squeesed my hand.

"That was a hug and a half!" Exclaimed Gumshoe after Nick left
"We're friends again now" I smiled
"Sure It's nothing more?"
"Sure"
I was happy to have Nick's friendship at least
"He was here all night, Y'know"
"Really?!"
"Yeah I called him as soon as you got here last night, he got here around midnight and stayed by your side until just now!"
I glanced at the clock, 10.30 am
Oh Nick
"and..I dont mean to rush you Pal..but when you're ready, I'm gonna need to get an official statement from you, ..we're gonna get this guy!"
"Thanks Gumshoe, I'm just going to the bathroom, I'll be back in a sec"
I walked over to the 'bathroom corner' and pulled across the curtain that seperated it from the rest of the room - I told you Gumshoe's apartment only had the one room!
As I went to wash my hands I caught my reflection in the mirror.
Staring back was a yound girl with sad, heavy eyes with large bags underneath them.
Her face was quite rounded and plain.
The only feature that seemed to stand out was a large black bruise streaked across her cheek.
Oh God.
Images of that night flashed before my eyes
..
...He stared at me, his eyes filled with fury
"Shut Up!" he spat into my face.
..then came the hand..the fear..the pain..

"You OK in there Pal?"
coming back to reality, I found myself leaning over the sink, crying the pain away.
I wiped my eyes. "y-Yep..I'll be out in a second"
My voice sounded shakey and broken, I blew my nose
"Lets get this over with"
...
Speaking about what happend proved to be a lot harder than expected.
We had to keep stopping because I would constantly break down into tears.
Not my strongest moment.
I just felt so wrong, dirty, different.
I know nothing actually happend, but it almost did..Eugh!, I felt Used! Violated!
I just felt wrong..
Then a thought struck me, I was so lucky.
Others weren't. Others won't be.

Gumshoe interrupted my train of thought
"So that'll do it Pal, You're account along with Lestor's should help us get him!"
Lestor?
"Who's Lestor?"
"Mark Lestor, The guy that saved you! He came back this morning to check on you..It was certainly interesting"
The kind stranger with the dirty blonde hair!
"He was here? I never got to thank him properly!"
"Well he left his card for you, said he was a psychiatrist and would help you if you had any problems"
"Thats so nice of him! I'll give him a call, Mark, was it?"
Gumshoe nodded.
"Gumshoe..thanks for everything, sorting this out and letting me stay here..I dont want to even guess where you slept!..I really appreciate it"
he blushed.
"That's a long story...but It was nothin' Pal"
the door bell rang, that must be Nick... It's time we talked...

END CH

I was thinking...coz as I was writing this i started to think of how Gumshoe spent the night, where he slept...maybe after this fic is done, I'd write a really really short story of gumshoe's exciting night...What do ya think?

---

Well it's good to see Nick & Maya are friends again, yet they seem to be avoiding the issue... And though Maya is hoping to talk to Nick, I get an ominous feeling that Nick isn't the ne at the door. Though I'm likely jst thinking negatively. Can't wait till tomorrow's update! (or whenever your next one is)

Lida_Rose - If you are there, I just started reading a series of PW events, and It is Brilliant! Funny, Quirky and Brilliant! I would comment on the actual forum...but I'm only on like story 3!
...still laughing at Nick's reaction to seeing Edgeworth in shorts!

CH 11

Nick walked around the room uncomfortably until he eventually found his way to Gumshoe’s bed.
Gumshoe had taken Pearly out for ice-cream in return for me telling him every thing that happened while he was away.
“Gumshoe’s apartment is really small!! He laughed
“I know...and in a terrible area of town..”
We both froze up again…damn!
I sat on the bed beside him, he spoke very quietly.
“I’m so sorry Maya, really I’m just-”
“Nick, It wasn’t your fault! Besides, nothing happened”
“No, It was my fault, you wouldn’t have even visited Gumshoe if it wasn’t for me!”
What did he just say?
“What?”
I swear to Mystic Ami, If Gumshoe told him anything…
“Gumshoe told me everything”
Gumshoe! You and your Big Mouth!
“W-What did he say??” I asked, playing dumb
“That you were so lonely after moving back to Kurain, you had come to see a friendly face.
“Why would that be your fault?” Keeping the dumb act up
“Does he know why you moved out?” That one was so direct it caught me off guard!
“What? em…he never asked…because… it was …obvious that I just needed to continue my training!!”
I spoke quickly with long pauses…I didn’t even convince myself!
…
“The real reason you moved out”
I had prepared myself for this one!
“I know what you’re talking about, but that’s not why I moved out…and I didn’t tell Gumshoe about it either”…I hoped to God Nick didn’t have the Magatama with him!
He smiled gently...”Whatever you say, Maya”
Nick looked down and was silent for a minute, probably deciding how to ask about last night. When he looked up he turned towards me so our faces were only inches apart.
…
“Maya, are you Ok?”
I nodded cheerfully
“No really, are you absolutely sure you’re fine?”
“Yeah Nick, seriously, nothing happened!”
“I know that…but I meant psychologically, not physically”
“Are you called me crazy?”
“No! No, I just want to know if you need …help… getting over this?”
I don’t wanna see a shrink!
“I’m ok Nick, really! Even if I want to see a psychiatrist, I can speak to Mark Lestor!”
He looked down and grimaced
“Mark Lestor, the guy that saved you?”
He swallowed hard.
“Yep, I have to thank him anyway!”
Nick’s tone lightened when he saw the confusion on my face…Could this be the jealousy Gumshoe was talking about?
“I-I didn’t mean professional help…I just wanted to know If you needed someone to talk to…”
“Oh Nick! – Of course I want to talk to you about it! – I need you!...to talk about it to…”
*awkward*
“…I just can’t talk about it right now…It’s a tender issue...and I had to issue a statement with Gumshoe this morning…It was …hard”
My hand instinctively went up to my bruised cheek, the only visible evidence of that horrible night…
Nick gently took away my hand, leaned forward and landed the softest of kisses on my cheek. Kissing away the bruise. Kissing away the pain and the memory.“I’m always here”
I ‘mmmm’d in response
“Maya? I don’t suppose you…might wanna come back? – To the office? …It’s just that I wouldn’t want feel right letting you walk the streets alone after what happened!”
He rambled on
I lifted my eyes to meet his.
I’d really appreciate that Nick, Yes, Absolutely.”
…

I left the man I loved for three days…
In that time I was bored out of my mind and then almost…abused… in a dirty alleyway…
It’s time to go back to him!

End CH

Whatcha think?

---

Yes! Now all we need is for Franziska to be out of the picture...which can be arranged...
*laughs evilly while holding a card with a familiar looking shell*
It may not have worked the first time, but 2nd time's the charm...Muahahahaha.

i lol'd

---

Very nice idea.
I found the last few lines of the chapter really funny btw.
CARRY ON!

---

Aww, chap 10 was so cute.

Nice Idea Me thinks!

But sadly, not in this story

Bring on Chapter 12!

The silhouette of the trees against the full white moon set the background for the night.
"..What beautiful contrajour.." he noted..
I nodded as if i understood what he was on about..

"I'm sorry we didnt get talking about your emotional condition...I was enjoying your company too much!"
I could feel butterflys tingling around my stomach as he said those few last words.
""I'm kinda glad we didnt, It would have spoiled the evening!"
...and the evening really was so nice..
"Well, whether It ends up being a proffesional consult or not...and hopefully not"
he laughed
"We should definitely do this again!"
I agreed and we even set a time and date for next week...
...
...What a hectic day!
In the morning I started moving all my stuff from Kurain, back to Nick's office...Nick ended up moving everything instead though...
He seems happy to have me back, working for him again - were even going to start taking cases for the first time in months!

I had to call back everyone who was kind enough to see how I was on that night.
Penny from Glabal Studios called, I had kept in touch with Penny though
'Steel-Samurai.net', a website dedicated to the Steel Samurai, where Penny and me always comment on each other's fanfics of 'SS'.

Out of all the people I called, the conversation with Edgeworth was the most interesting!
Which, Poor Nick - put a very big strain on his phone bill!

"Hello? Edgeworth?"
"Hello, Who may I say I have the pleasure of conversing with?"
Edgeworth uses Big words!
"It's Maya!"
"Oh Maya! How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, thanks for calling yesterday"
"Well I'm just glad you're Ok...um..Maya?"
"Yes?"
Is it just me...or has Edgeworth been using smaller words since he found out who was on the phone?
"Gumshoe said you might want to talk to me about something...concerning Wright"
Gumshoe and his big mouth!
"Wow...he told you about that?"
"If I were you" he replied,
"I wouldnt share deep secrets with Gumshoe...
... I wouldnt want my personal life being the talk of the town!"
I had to laugh, If only Edgeworth knew how much his personal life echoed opening through the streets of the town!
"Well in actual fact, Gumshoe didnt just mention your predicament...rather the business in whole.."
"He told you everything?"
"Indeed, But maybe I can offer you a few words of wisdom?"
Not that It mattered anymore...
"Thanks Edgeworth, But it's not a problem now"
"It's not?"
"Nope, we've forgotten the whole thing, life is back to normal"
"Hah! You forgot a kiss? How can one do that?"
...with great difficulty...
"We'll I guess we just pretend it never happend"
He laughed again
"...and I dont suppose that you are happy in this situation?"
"I'm happy to be around Nick"
...
"Are you satisfied to leave your relationship the way it is?"
...
The Million Dollar question.
I thought about it long and hard.
Edgeworth waited patiently on the other end of the phone.
...
"No"
"Well then, I suggest we adress the problem"
"and that is?"
That Nick doesnt love me...
"That Wright cannot accept his feelings for you...I suppose It probably has something to do with your sister being his mentor...that he was taught to think of you in a proffesional, detatched way... and now, because of this his feelings are supressed"
Wow...
Could that be true?
"Edgeworth, you're assuming that he does love me.."
"I know he does" He replied smugly

"Maya...During the Dahlia Hawthorne case, when you were trapped on Eagle Mountain last year.."
It was obvious he was choosing his words carefully about that awful time..
"Something happend that no-one ever told you about"
"What?!"
"Wright was so scared when he saw Dusky Bridge on fire because he knew you would be trapped on the other side...possibily even with a murderer!"
"And? What happend?" What did he do?!"
"He was so worried about you that without thinking...he decided to save you"
"But he did save me Edgeworth!"
"No no, I think you misunderstand me...
Have you ever heard the phrase:
'I would walk across burning embers for you'"
"..I really dont understand.."
"Well he took it one step further... and for you, he crossed a burning bridge!"
"WHAT? Seriously? - No!!"
But he wasnt at the other side of the bridge!?
"Well 'crossed' might not be the right word..but he certainly tried!"
"Oh Nick! He didnt- He didnt actually try to cross a burning bridge?"

"Wright, screaming your name, ran onto the glowing remains of Dusky Bridge, alight and Bright, covered with flames
... and immediatly fell into the deep darkness that Is Eagle River..."
"Did he really? Oh Nick! Was he Ok?"
"A bad cold - If even!"
...
I'm sure Edgeworth was very confused because all I remember coming out of my mouth for teh next few minutes was
"Wow..Oh Nick!
Wow -wow- wow
Nick..wow!"
Eventually he interrupted my gibberish.
"Maya? Are we agreed on the point of his loving you?"
"Oh ..Wow..Nick"
I'll take that as a reluctant 'yes' - Now, shall we work on the situation at hand?"
"hmmm?" Was the sound of me breaking out of my daydream
...Nick - The Fireman - Carrying me safely across Dusky Bridge in his strong arms..."
"I think you should be very subtle...dont come on too strong - you did kiss after all!"

"mmmm hmmm" I agreed, trying to shake wonderful images from my head such as
'Nick putting out a fire', 'Saving a kitten from a tree' and ' Drinking a glass of Milk'!

"Maybe you should 'do yourself up' one night, wear a new dress and go out! New clothes may help him see you in a new light!"
"Ok"
"and also, and much more importantly, In fact, the most important thing you could possibly do that would secure your fate forever! You should --...What?
Oh, Ok..yes, thank you...
...Forgive me Maya, I must be off on urgent business - Good Luck with Wright!"
"Thanks..." I said, utterly dissapointed that our conversation had been cut short.
"Congratulations on coming out by the way!"
"Coming out where? - To the Canaries?
um..Thanks?"

And like that, Nick's phone bill went through the roof.
...

As you might have guessed, the man I went out with tonight was Mark Lestor.
...How I came to be in that situation is a very long story...


END CH

The plot Thickens...

---

Poor Nick. He might just have a heart attack when the phone bill comes in that month.

---

that alone made me lol.

---

Oh my, I'll have two chapters up today!
Btw, I was cringing writing this chapter

Next Chapter

After the phone call with Edgeworth, I decided to put what little tips he gave me to use.
Soooo... I went out a and bought a brand new red dress!
I never buy new clothes, so It was really weird, plus - The woman in the shop was really horrible and thought I wouldnt be able to afford the dress
- Perfect Pretty Woman Moment -
Well I proved her wrong... and produced Nick's credit card!

And so, I twirled down the hall to Nick's apartment, my strapless crimson dress flowing as I strutted...It wasnt really that 'subtle' as Edgeworth had reccomended, but as the woman in the shop described
"It hugs all the right places and falls around your features with a certain grace..."
I even let my hair down and brushed my fringe to the side,
and in a way, I think I looked just a little like Mia...which might not help me, but is nice...

Feeling at looking amazing, I burst in through the door, twirling around to show off.
The best thing to do would have been to twirl back out the door way, but maybe if I did that, I would never have grasped the reality of the situation.
On the couch lay Fransizka and Nick in a passionate embrace...Fully Clothed Thank God!
...
When I say 'embrace' I mean:
Fransizka ontop of Nick, her legs either side of his, Nick pulling her into a steamy kiss.
Oh God. Oh. God. How could he??, Is the this the "love" Edgeworth was talking about?
How Could he?...Her.
...
I'm the same age as her, but she seems so much older!
She has the looks, the job and the man - Nick.
It made me feel like a little girl playing 'dress up' in my mothers clothes...

The worst part...was that he saw me. Nick, I mean.
and he just froze, stopped kissing and stared at me...maybe he knew how much he had hurt me... but he couldnt possibly - we were just 'friends' after all!
...
Fransizka didnt see me...and didnt stop.
She started kissing his neck until I broke out of what I can only guess was a hurt and disgusted expression...and teared up.
"Maya!! - Please!"
Nick called as I walked out of the room, broken and devastated.
In the distance heard Fransizka's voice.
"I thought I was pleasing you - Phoenix Wright! - And Why did you call me Maya??!?
...
I walked right out the apartment block until I hit the street, then I started to run.
I ran and ran, not knowing in which direction
but just to get away from him
...
I soon found my self, out of breath, on a park bench, panting down at Mark Lestor's card.

I had a sudden urge to call him. To get back at Nick...
You see theres just one thing I havent told you.
Nick hates Mark.
I have no idea why, I just know he hates him.

END CH

---

What is this?
I don't even----
*Explodes*


Whoa. Didn't see that coming. <.<
Not at all. Now i want to go wack Phoenix in the head. He's mental!!!!!
Franzy or Maya???
Maya.

>.<
So stupid...
But thanks for the chapter. This brings promise!

---

Btw Chess, I didnt mean for you to explode...maybe you should get that checked out...Exploding isnt healthy I hear...

Ok, this is the last chapter I've fully finished, I just wanted to get it out there, to focus on the next one...Jaysus...I think I've become obsessed with court records.net - I mean, It's the summer time, and all my friends are on holidays!
I might take a break after this fic...

Anyway

Next Chapter

Gumshoe filled me in on the detils, apparantly, when I was sleeping on 'the night that shall not be named'
Mark Lestor visited to see how I was.
By this time, Nick was already by my side.
And now I present to you, the scene as described by Gumshoe.

"Ok Pal, So this Mark Lestor guy knocks and comes into the apartment - wow, everyone was in my apartment today! It's great to feel so loved!"
I hadn't the heart to point out that everyone was in his apartment because of me.
"So anyway, he smiles a big grin when he sees you lyin' there...I think he likes you Pal!
I laughed and he continued
"Next thing, Phoenix sees him and goes all white like he's seen a ghost! Then he stands and squares up to the guy and tells Mark to 'Get the Hell out of here' and 'Never, Ever see Maya again!'"
"What? Why?? Mark saved me!"
"Thats what I told him, but Phoenix just wouldnt listen
...
I think he was jealous"
"He wasnt jealous Gumshoe!"
"But Phoenix told him not to see you again!"...

I hadnt really understood at the time, whether Gumshoe was mistaken or not...but what he said seemed a little more credible the next day when I talked to Nick.

"So Nick, What says ' Thank you for saving me from Rape':
Bath soap
or
A novelty 'Pull My Finger'
?
I was surprised at myself...that was the first time I had ever used the word ...'rape'!
He laughed that lovely familiar laugh.
"The decision is too hard, both choices are just so good!"
"Y'know what, I'll just take Mark out to dinner as a thank you...It'll be more personal!"
Nick's head snapped over to me as I saw him tense
"I dont know about that Maya...maybe you should send him the soap and leave him be..."
"Why?"
I had thought the 'Pull My Finger' more appropriate!...at least that's what I would want!
"Because" he sighed
"A lot of reasons.
No. 1 - Seeing him could trigger a lot of painful memories and emotions.."
"He's a psychiatrist Nick, he'll help me through them!"
"I'll take you to a real psychiatrist!"
"Nick, theres no need to - and he is a real psychiatrist!!"

"No.2 - It's taking it a little too far to actually see him again..a bit weird.."
"He left me his card so we could meet up - I want to thank the man who saved me!"

"No. 3 - He Smells. Really Bad.
- You have no idea - So. Bad."
"Let me be judge of that Nick"

Something is definitely up with them, I would have thought that Nick would have wanted to thank the man that had spared me so much pain!

So I decided then and there on that bench I would ask Mark out, I was already dressed for dinner after all!
...
And we went out, only now did I see how good looking he actually was!
What I previously described as 'dirty blonde hair' was styled up and to the side and in the light was revealed to be a much brighter blonde with tints of brown.
He had a soft boyish face with large brown eyes and small lips
...
and just for the record.
He smells great.

END CH

I have to say, I'm getting really excited about the next chapter that I'm writing!

---

Nice. I like Gumshoe's description.
Serves Phoenix right.
Although Timeline is confusing me a little.
Not enough to cause another explosion though.
And its ok. I explode sometimes, but i'm fine overall.

Write more. You know you want to. XD

---

Oddly, enough, I like what maya did. Serves' Nick (w)right!see wut I did thar?
Anyways, lol, I hate Franziska now.

Okay! Sorry it took me so long to comment on these excellent additions. I'm still recovering from surgery, and didn't want to read this story until I could give each chapter the attention they deserved. So...Without any further ado...Reviews!

Well, first and foremost, I'm glad you like the events you've read so far. I worked really hard on all of them. :D

Chapter 11- Hehe! Chapter 11 means bankrupt. Anyway, yay! Maya's coming back to the office. And I actually saw it coming. XD

Chapter 12-I got wonderful images. Nick putting out fires, saving a kitten from a tree, and drinking a glass of milk! I laughed really hard at that. Too bad it hurts to laugh...

Chapter 13- No wonder people consider 13 to be an unlucky number. Now excuse me as I go hit Nick over the head and scream at him for being a foolishly foolish fool. *Walks away*

Chapter 14- ...I would have preferred the novelty "pull my finger" over soap, too.
"He smells. Really bad. You don't understand. So bad."
You'll have to do better than that, Nick.

All of these were awesome, and I can't wait for the next chapter. :D

---

Lida_Rose - Omg! Was it a major surgery?? Hope you ok..^^
I'll send you Doctor Hotti to make you feel better...although he isnt a very good doctor...


I really dont even know what chapter no. this is....

Chapter 15???

Light shone through the bottom of the doorway of Nick's office..He must be here, waiting for me.
I took a deep breath to ready myself.
I wasnt really allowed to be mad at Nick, I mean I'm acting like he cheated on me!
I opened the door to see Nick sitting on the sofa, hand supporting his head, nodding off to sleep.
When I accidently let go of the door and it hit against the wall he nearly jumped off the couch!
"Maya! Oh Maya I'm so sorry! I really didnt mean for you to see that back there! I-- Oh
Nick suddenly stopped when Mark Lestor appeared behind me.
"Phoenix" Mark nodded to Nick, receiving a silent glare in responce.
Mark smiled and then turned to me.
"So next saturday then, I cant wait!.."
Neither could I actually! We were going to have dinner on his very own boat!
I'll be my first time on a boat...or anywhere near the sea for that matter!
I could sail it myself, or swim!, or sunbath or..
Oh wait, He's still talking to me - Maya - act interested!
"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say goodbye till it be morrow..."
Eugh, was he actually quoting Shakespeare on a first date??
Wow...I know Shakespeare!..Well Leonardo DiCaprio was in the movie...
"Ok Romeo, how about you leave now" Nick directed to Mark
He shot another smug smile to Nick.
Mark leant towards me and slid one hand behind my back and one behind my neck
...
I wouldnt have done it in the restaurant, the car, even in the hall coming up to the office.
Maybe it was because Nick was here, that I wanted to get back at him, make him jealous
...Show him I was a grown up...

But I let him kiss me.
I wouldnt go so far as to say I kissed him back.
But I let him kiss me all the same.

And God did It feel Wrong.
I dont remember what the kiss was actually like - I wasnt paying attention.
I just felt Nick's eyes boring into me the entire time...
Guilt.
After a few seconds I pulled away.

Actually No.
Now I remember, It wasnt a nice kiss.
Rough.
Aggressive.

"Night" he winked and left.

Eugh.

I sat on the couch beside Nick, feeling disgusted with myself.


"Maya...Oh Maya" he siged to himself.
"Why out of all the people in the world did you have to go out with him?"
I felt guilty..But Nick had no excuse to get mad!
"Nick, not that it's any of your business - But I can go out with whoever I want!"
"None of my business?
Ok, I wasnt going to say anything, but It's nessasary now!....Do you want some coffee?
"What? I'm going to bed Nick, I dont want coffee
- Besides, I'm fighting with you!"
He really doesnt understand how this 'fight' thing works!

"Well I'm not fighting with you, I'll make you that coffee because you wont be going to bed tonight.
We need to talk!"
Suddenly I couldnt get angry at him...but I tried to sound angry all the same.
"Talk about what?"
Nick sighed and looked away as if he were remembering something horrible.

"..Mark Lestor.."

END CH

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What is this?
I don't even----
*Explodes*

Another slightly confusing chapter. What goes on in Phoenix's brain is a mystery.
However..HOORAY! ANOTHER UPDATE! *dances*
Now then Phoenix...Say something intelligent, or I'll break Gant out of jail and set him on you. >.<
EXPLAIN YOURSELF!
XD
Hopefully that part comes soon? ^^;

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Hmm...wonder what'll hapen next.

Mark Lestor. At last! The truth about why Phoenix hates him so much! Can't wait for the next chapter.

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Hey Chess, What way am I confusing you? I know hat you were talking about with the time line in the one before last though, I just want to fix it for the next chapter!

I do have the next chapter written, but as you might guess, It's pretty important *plot wise*, so I just want to make sure that it's written well

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Send it to me. I'll check it out? XD

It's just confusing cause i can't understand what goes on in that head of Nick. He does things that completely suprise me.
I can't seem to get where he is coming from.

"Why out of all the people in the world did you have to go out with him?"
^Btw whats the deal with that.
I just can't seem to get
a: Why he's going out with franzy, and yet so jealous of maya going out
B: Hating Maya's date oh so much.

XD

Nothing much. Sorry if i gave you problems. Carry on.

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Chess- Aha, Most of the confusion will be explained in this chapter, both a. and b.
and that is why Im am officially naming it the 'De-Confusion Chapter!'

But we have to all agree that Nick has been acting pretty stupid the whole fic
and even stupider in this chapter
And all of that jazz is yet to be explained...but it will be!

Chapter 16 - The De-Confusion Chapter!

"I know Mark Lestor" Nick said as he handed me my coffee,
"From about 6 years ago, just when I started my apprenticeship with Mia"
"Were you defending him?"
"Well It was the first case I ever agreed to take...It was very complicated and disturbing"
"What was his crime?" I asked, now unsure tht I wanted the man I just kissed to be accused of anything!
"I dont really know how to put this...there are some people who ..rape..."
"WHAT?!?"
"...and some people who pay to watch rape... Lestor was accused of the latter"
What??? How can you pay to watch rape anyway?!?!?
"Nick, I've never heard of that!?"
"Lestor stalked his victims for weeks, he then hired a thug to sexually abuse the young girl in a dark alley, where he could 'get off' on watching the disturbing ordeal..."
No Way! Just No! That couldnt be Mark! He saved me!!
"It happends" he continued "only with the sickest minds in the country...It happend back then.."
"Nick, He saved me from rape!"
"Dont you think it awfully conveniant that he was there Maya? - That a person convicted of conspiracy to commit rape would be in an alleyway at the exact time of an attempted rape??"
"an attempted rape - He stopped it!"
"Oh I have no doubt he would stop it, saving you was the only way to get close to you..."
"I don't get it"
"You see, I found out he was actually guilty and that he had lied to me!
When I realised when he really had- ..what he had done...I dropped his case.
It was a week before trial and he was able to find another lawyer...
Maybe I shouldnt have dropped it what with little time left for the next attorney to prepare
...
But I just couldnt defend him..."
"Who did defend him?"
"A woman named Linda Reilly"
"Did she know he was guilty?"
"Yep, Everyone knew he was guilty!"
"Well what happend??"
"As you would expect, he lost the trial!
..but he only went down for 5 years hard time"
"Why only 5?"
"Well he was tried for being a 'conspirator' but If it wasnt for him..those girls wouldnt have been raped.."
Could we actually be talking about the same man? The charming Mark Lestor that took me out for Dinner and made me laugh and smile?
Nick did recognise him...and he did change around Nick!
"The real nail in his coffin for his trial was the prosecution's star witness"
"A victim?"
"They had plenty of those...No, the ace up the sleeve of the prosecution was..The Rapist
..Who testified against Lestor for a lessor sentance
"I cant believe that any prosecutor would want to give a rapist a lessor sentance!"
"Well Lestor was the real mastermind, but It was only 6 months less anyway
...But the real drama started 5 years later..."
"When he was released?"
"You see, he blamed 4 people for his conviction.

1. The Rapist
2. Reilly, his attorney
3. The prosecutor
4. Me

"Not the judge?"
"The judge gave him 5 years for rape! He was thankful to the judge!"
"Why did he blame you anyway?"
"I dropped his case a week before trial, his new attorney kept telling him that she needed more time...Time that I stole..."
"Nick you did the right thing!"
"Ive never doubted my decision...but sometimes I.."
"What? Sometimes you what?"
"5 years later, just when Lestor gets out, That rapist who testified against him gets a call to come out to Lestor's boat to 'Make up', 'Sort things out' ...and 'Start a new agreement'"
"Nick, shouldnt this rapist still be in jail??"
"Thats the thing! The Rapist only got 5 years as well, they split the setance for rape when the should have doubled it!"
"Nick...I dont know when, or by who...But our justice system needs to be changed!"
"I agree Maya, but thats an adventure for another day.
Anyway, The rapist comes to Lestor's boat under the pretext of working for him again
...
and two days later is discovered floating near the harbour...a victim of drowning..."
My Heart Stopped.
Invited to His Boat - Drowned?

"You dont think..."
"The official police report documents it as 'suicide' "
Phew..
"Oh, Then It wasnt.."
"Murder?...
A month later Linda Reilly is contacted by Lestor with some 'Legal Matters' to discuss"
"She wasnt..?"
"Drowned."
"How did the police document that?"
"An Accident"
"oh."
"There was mountains of of circumstantial evidence against him...just nothing decisive.."

"What happend to the prosecuting attorney?"
"Almost untouchable - He was the one who warned me against Lestor's killing spree"
"So he's Ok?"
"Not from Lack of trying on Lestors part!"
"Any You?"
"He's taking revenge on me now"
"How?"
This Is really confusing.
I dont know if you understand whats going on, because I dont!
"If he can't get me..and he cant..The next best way to hurt me is to get the person closest to me!"
I half pointed to myself in an insecure, confused kind of way..
"Yes, you. I'll bet he planned this for quite a while.."
"Wouldnt the revenge be 'Me getting raped' though??"
"Not if he could make it hurt more...If he could invite you to his boat..."
I twitched as he said 'boat' and Nick understood immediatly

"Maya..He invited you on his boat?!"
My silence answered his question.
"Jesus Maya, Please, Please Promise me you will never see him again!!!"
"Ofcourse I wont Nick!..No need to say that twice!...
Why didnt you tell me earlier?!?"
"I shouldnt even be telling you now! It's all to do with breaking the client confidentiality rule...but If I saved you then it's worth a disbarrment..."

...

"...I kissed that?"
I just couldnt get over it!
"I have no idea why you even went out with him!"
"Well I have no idea why you're going out with Von Karma!"
Oops.
Did I just say that?
Yes I did.
Crap!

His smile dropped..
"..actually..I'm not. She dumped me after you left..."
"Why? Seemed like you were getting on just fine when I visited!"
"Because I went to the office to wait for you instead of staying with her"
He left her for me?

"Oh Nick.."
I leant forward and gazed deep into his eyes. I puckered my lips slightly to kiss him...
"Maya, What are you doing?"
Yknow I've just about had enough of the whole 'playing dumb' thing.
"Trying to Kiss you Nick - Duh"
"WHAT?!? - Why?!"
" 'Why?' - Are you serious?!? - 'Why?'"
He looked genuinly puzzled and shocked
...How could he be this oblivious?!?
"I'm starting to think you might 'like' me" he joked with an uncomfertable laugh.
...
a little piece of dignity and self control inside of me snapped...

"I Love You Nick!!! I. Love. You.
I love your smile, I love how blue your eyes are and how whenever I look into them I simply get lost! I love everything about your..*ahem*..body...I love your personality, how funny you are, how honest you are, friendly, genuine, trusting and gentle.
I love the way you look after me and protect me, how you would risk your life to save mine.
I love how I get to talk to you everyday, to laugh with you and to feel so proud to stand next to you in court!
...
The only way I could possibly love you more is if I didnt just have to long for those lips, but feel them and meet them with my own.
To spend every night snuggled up in your arms...
...and every morning...Waking Up With You..."
...
...
...
...
...
I cannot describe the awkwardness of the next few seconds with words...It felt like minutes...
...

Nick's expression was like that on the night we kissed. Eyes Glazed over.
Vacent. Only this time it was worse!
More distant - detatched.
i dont even think he was looking at me anymore..looking through me..
Lost in his own thoughts trying to digest what I had just said.

I just sat and waited...my eyes filled with hopeful sadness...
...


END CH

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"Not the judge?"
"The judge gave him 5 years for rape! He was thankful to the judge!"
^Rofl. Of course he was...

"Nick...I dont know when, or by who...But our justice system needs to be changed!"
"I agree Maya, but thats an adventure for another day.
^Another adventure? HOORAY! lol

"Well I have no idea why you're going out with Von Karma!"
AMEN!


Nick's expression was like that on the night we kissed. Eyes Glazed over.
Vacent. Only this time it was worse!
More distant - detatched.
i dont even think he was looking at me anymore..looking through me..
Lost in his own thoughts trying to digest what I had just said.
^Nick. I'm fricking going to kill you. YOU IDIOT. If you don't make Maya happy, bad things will happen to you. BAD THINGS.

Good chapter. Cleared up a lot, but Nick i still want to kill. STOP BEING STUPID NICK, YOU INSENSITIVE JERK!

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I can't help but wonder where the story will go from here.
Mark Lestor= Molester?

Mark Lestor...Who knew? Someone really should arrest him for murder.

And, Phoenix...Quit being an idiot and confess your love for Maya already! *Whips*

Great chapter. Now I'm curious...What will those crazy guys (Phoenix and Mark) do next?

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I've only been able to read chapter 1-6, because I've got some homework to do for school and you've already written so much! I have to force myself to stop reading, otherwise I would read everything at once and unfortunately, I don't have time for that.
But it's actually a good thing, because it means you're a good writer!

Only one thing: it'd be nice if you didn't use '...' so much.


Edit: I've read the other chapters! And I still haven't done my homework.
Pleeeeease write a next chapter because I'm dying of curiousity.

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I love these two....

Seems a bit strange Mark Lestor was still hanging round the same district or Phoenix didn't warn her earlier, but whatever.

---

Ooooohh, I love this fic!
I'm already dying to read the next chapter!!

The comments are so nice guys, It really wants to make me get writing!
Thanks Tessa,
I know, I overdose on the whole "..." thing, but i just use it for dramatic effect...Well not really, but just to slow everything down a little and to show the silence in conversation because sometimes that can mean a little more than words...Oh crap I just did the "..." again

Anyways Ill try not to do that in the chapter after this, because It wont need it anyway, It'll be quite fast paced!

*Oh Btw, Just to clarify before hand - Maya had nick install a small kitchen in the office so she could make herself food*

Oh and also this chapter has minor cursing, well just the b-word once, I try not to curse in these storys because I dont know If it would annoy anyone, but It just felt nessasary.

Next Chapter


This was unbearable.
Of course I knew the responce that was sure to come..But No, I can't accept that now, not after I've put myself out on the line like this!
Not when he hasnt answered yet, not when I have the tiniest chance of pure happiness left in this horrible silence.

He finally spoke.
"Maya...I had no idea..."
Really? He had no clue?
"Even when I kissed you Nick?"
It was actually refreshing to speak so openly!
"hmmm...I guess this is why you reacted like that to me and Fransi-"
"Yeah" I interrupted, not wanted to be reminded of her
He sighed again.

"I just- I mean- You see..."

Eugh...Pure Hell..

"Maya...I love you..as a friend..."
Oh

Ohh..

Those 6 words.
I. Love. You. As. A. Friend.
The first 3 together sound so promising..Only to be crushed by the last 3..
The last 3 crush Me..

Tears welled up in my eyes and I tried to wipe them away subtly..
..I failed.

"Maya, It's not that I don't like you, It's just that your friendship means more to me than anything else and I really don't want to lose it!"
Doesnt he understand that he's losing my friendship now?
How will I ever be able to speak to him again after all this pain and embarrassment.

The tears flowed down my cheeks
"C-Can you leave now Nick?" I choked through the sobs
"Not until I know you'll be ok"
"Nick It's you thats making me cry, Please leave"
He reluctantly picked up his briefcase and walked out the door.
...
How could he? I poured my heart out to him, I told him I loved him
...He rejected me...
Arn't I good enough? - Fransizka is more 'pleasing' than me?
More Bearable?!
Worst of all, the person I trusted most to help and protect me...hurt me the most..

..A soft tap on the door..
"Go away Nick!" I yelled
Instead the door opened slowly
"Nick I told you to go Away!"
"Haha, don't worry I'm not him!"
The very familiar voice made me worry even more
"...Mark?..."
"Whats wrong? You sound scared!"
Mark stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
Oh Holy Crap.
"W-Why are you here?"
"Well Phoenix looked really angry when I dropped you home, so I waited to see if you were Ok"
...He waited in the hall for 2 hours until Nick left and I was on my own...This Can't be good!

"Well I'm Fine, So you can Go"
"Since I'm here, are you not going to invite me in?
"Look I'm really tired.." I pleaded
Mark walked over to the couch and sat down beside me.
"It's rude to show guests away when they come to the door"
No More Ms. Nice Maya
"Get out of my apartment Now!"
...
"See Maya, thats not going to happen...But yknow what might cheer you up?"
He leant onto me and grabbed my wrists as i tried to push him away.
"..A nice Sail on my Boat"
I screamed and struggled and thankfully, my foot somehow made it's way to Marks crotch!
"Owh! You little Bitch! I'm gonna freakin' Kill You!"
I twisted off the sofa as he cupped himself in pain.
Grabbing the phone, I ran to the bathroom and locked the door.

"Gumshoe!!? GUMSHOE!?" I called frantically down the line
"Woh Pal, Theres no need to shout!"
"Theres every need! Mark Lestor is in my apartment!!"
"Hey, Way to play it cool Maya..wasnt it a first date?- You must be smooth!"
"NO No NO! He's trying to KILL Me!!!!"
"Haha, What ever game you're playing, count me out...Speaking of games, When I was a little girl.."
"Gumshoe, Please Help Me!!"
"Hey Pal, Did you hear that Edgeworth is coming back? I can't wait, I've been baking cakes since I heard the news!"
This was no use, he wasnt listening!!
I quickly hung up and dialed Nick's number.

There was a loud bang on the door.
"Maya come out! I think I gave you the wrong idea!"
The phone kept ringing through.
Another crash caused splinters to fly from the door.
"Nick!?!"
"...What foolish fool foolishly calls me by that fool's foolish name?"
"Fransizka, Where's Nick?!...And why did you pick up his mobile?!"
"I am taking my possesions back from his apartment, he foolishly left his phone here"
Eugh, I still don't get what Nick saw in her!
Another smash against the door, leaving a hole big enough to see Lestor laughing, holding a fire extinguisher.
"Fine, can I just leave a message for Nick?!"
"Hah! You want me to wait here for him to return to leave a message?"
"Please! Just write it down - Please!!
The fire extinguisher knocked through the door for the last time.
The large whole created, was filled by Mark's arm as he tried to unlock the door from the inside.
"Just 2 words - Lestor. Boat."
"What kind of foolish message is that?"
"WRITE IT!!!!! I screamed as the door flew open, revealing Lestor, playing with the tip of a large and very sharp kitchen knife.
"How fortunate that you have a little kitchen in the office...knives make everything more fun!"
Oh Crap.
Oh Mystic Ami.
Crap.

END CH.

Btw, just so you know, the story is going to start wrapping up now...And how Useless is gumshoe??

---

Ah, Gumshoe. When will you learn the difference between sex games and actual life-threatening situations?

SHIKEYS! Maya!!!

Get the next chapter up soon, please. I have to know what happens next!

---

Oooohh, more more!
I want to know what happens !

Aahh I hate you Nick! No I don't, but I do when he says he loves Maya 'as a friend'. =P

But since it's already the next day... New chapter please!

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cool chappie! :D

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