The time was 11:25am on the fifth of September. Nick was standing at the end of the aisle near the judge. He looked down the aisle, excited that his wife-to-be would be walking down there beautiful as ever. Then, she was at the other end of the aisle, arm-in-arm with Gumshoe. Nick smiled. Maya saw Nick smiling at her. It was that smile which made her heart melt. She smiled back. She made her way down the aisle with Gumshoe. Edgeworth was next to Nick. Mia was standing on the side where Maya would soon be. It seemed like forever to her, walking down that aisle. Then, she finally made it next to her sister. She put both hands into Nick’s hands.

“Good morning!” the judge bellowed, “We are gathered here today to celebrate the uniting of two young companions!”

Then, Maya and Nick tuned out what the judge was saying. They only wanted to get to the part where they say ‘I do’. It seemed to just drag out. Finally, the moment they’ve waited for was about to magically present itself.

“Do you, Maya, take Phoenix as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“Do you, Phoenix, take Maya as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

“If there is anyone who thinks these two should not be wed, please speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDIN’, PAL!” Gumshoe shouted from his seat, “THESE TWO WERE BORN FOR EACH OTHER!”

Some people snickered. Maggey, on the other hand, elbowed her boyfriend.

“Okay then,” the judge uttered, “The rings, if you please.”

Nick put the ring on Maya. She put his ring on his finger.

“I now pronounce…”

The judge was cut off by an usher.

“Your Honor, sir!”

“If you need to interrupt me, please keep it very brief!”

“Marsha Fey is dead!”

“WHAT?!”

“Apparently, she was strangled by Morgan Fey!”

“Does anyone know why?!”

“The guard said Marsha Fey disagreed with Morgan Fey on her views about Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey! He said Marsha was starting to approve of the couple!”

Silence infiltrated the wedding. Maya and Nick couldn’t believe it. Marsha was actually starting to approve. Finally, after that moment of silence, the judge spoke.

“To move onto a much happier tone, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Nick put his arms around Maya. She wrapped her arms around his neck… her favorite position. Then, they moved in for another everlasting kiss. Applause broke out. They finally broke. Then, they made their way down the aisle. Gumshoe threw confetti. They went to the reception, which was held at the Gatewater Hotel. Nick and Maya sat at their table. Then, Mario Martini ran into the Viola Hall.

“Your wedding cake has arrived!”

Two workers from the shop brought the cake in. Mario wouldn’t allow Dario and Ricky to carry the cake again. The cake looked beautiful.

“Oh my goodness!” she shouted, “It’s stunning! Thank you so much!”

Nick was beaming.

“I love it! Thank you!”

“It’s my pleasure. Congratulations to both of you!”

“Thank you!” Nick and Maya thanked together.

The bakers walked out of the reception hall. There was much chatter. The band sounded wonderful. Then, Brock from Manumit spoke.

“It’s time for the best man to give his toast!”

Everyone applauded. Edgeworth walked up onto the stage.

“Thank you. In my years of prosecuting, I’ve learned many things. About myself, about life, about others… one of the things I learned is that passion can wield you to do crazy things. Wright tried to cross a burning bridge for Maya one time.”

The crowd laughed.

“In our most desperate moments, we’re human. Wright told me something Mr. Godot said to him. He said, “Humans are not robots, you know. They live, they die, they love, they hate… and yes… they even make mistakes”. We don’t always make the smartest decisions in those desperate moments, but we are often noble during those times. Mr. Godot said we love… think about that. Maya and Wright love each other so much. That’s why he crossed that bridge. That’s why Maya drew this.”

He pulled a card out of his pocket. It was the card of Shelly de Killer which Maya drew Nick on. Maya blushed. She didn’t know Edgeworth had that in his possession.

“While Maya was held captive, she drew on this card to take her mind off of her situation. She drew Wright on this card. That’s how she took her mind off of the situation. All she had to do was think about Wright. This is an undying love, indeed. Their passion is an eternal flame. So, here’s to Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey. You two are the very definition of passion.”

Edgeworth raised his glass. Everyone else did as well. Then, they applauded. Edgeworth walked off the stage, and Nick shook his hand.

“That was a wonderful speech.”

“Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth.”

“No. Thank YOU… for giving us all hope for a better, more loving future.”

Brock announced the special event which was about to take place.

“Ladies and gentlemen… it is that time. Phoenix and Maya will dance for the first time as husband and wife.”

Nick held out his hand to Maya.

“Shall we?”

Maya nodded and took his hand. They went in the middle of the room. The song started.

“How do I say everything I feel,
When it all seems to be more than real,
So, please stand by my side every day,
I’ll always love you in every way.”

The song had a slower tempo. Nick and Maya were enjoying every minute of that dance. Once everyone joined in, they stuck with a slow dance in which they basically just swayed back and forth. Maya leaned her head on Nick’s shoulder. Then, she muttered something.

“I love you…”

* * *

The newlyweds were in the limo which was going to transport them to the airport. They would be on their way to Hawaii. Their bags were already packed on Edgeworth’s private jet.

“It’s exciting, isn’t it, Nick?”

“It’s beyond exciting. We’re going to Hawaii! Beaches, hula, and you… what else is needed?”

“Hula?”

“You didn’t think we’d be going to Hawaii, and I wouldn’t be getting you in a hula skirt, did you?”

Maya blushed.

“W-well…. I guess it didn’t occur to me.”

Nick laughed.

“It’ll be fun.”

She kissed his cheek.

“I know.”

"Hey, I've got a game."

"What is it?"

"Three Truths and a Contradiction."

"Oh, that again?"

"Yeah. Are you in?"

"... Sure. You go first."

"Okay... Um... I've kissed Mia before, I think you're beautiful, I considered "The Gavinners" as our band, and... well... t-the first time we played this game... I almost divulged my true feelings about you..."

"... Statement one is a lie. I read Mia's diary. There was nothing in there about you two kissing. My sis would have written it down."

"You're right."

"Tell me, though... y-you almost revealed your feelings about me?"

"Yeah... when I stopped myself before saying 'I like the color blue', I was going to say 'I really like you'... because I fell in love with you, and it was too hard to hide when I wasn't sure of it myself. I wasn't sure if it was more of a best friend love or a romantic love."

"Nick... I felt the same way. I just didn't know if you liked me back."

"May I kiss the bride?"

"You may."

Nick and Maya kissed. Then, they held hands. Maya leaned her head on Nick’s shoulder. She knew he would never leave her side. They were destined to be together for all eternity.

The time was 11:25am on the fifth of September. Nick was standing at the end of the aisle near the judge. He looked down the aisle, excited that his wife-to-be would be walking down there beautiful as ever. Then, she was at the other end of the aisle, arm-in-arm with Gumshoe. Nick smiled. Maya saw Nick smiling at her. It was that smile which made her heart melt. She smiled back. She made her way down the aisle with Gumshoe. Edgeworth was next to Nick. Mia was standing on the side where Maya would soon be. It seemed like forever to her, walking down that aisle. Then, she finally made it next to her sister. She put both hands into Nick’s hands.

“Good morning!” the judge bellowed, “We are gathered here today to celebrate the uniting of two young companions!”

Then, Maya and Nick tuned out what the judge was saying. They only wanted to get to the part where they say ‘I do’. It seemed to just drag out. Finally, the moment they’ve waited for was about to magically present itself.

“Do you, Maya, take Phoenix as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“Do you, Phoenix, take Maya as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

“If there is anyone who thinks these two should not be wed, please speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDIN’, PAL!” Gumshoe shouted from his seat, “THESE TWO WERE BORN FOR EACH OTHER!”

Some people snickered. Maggey, on the other hand, elbowed her boyfriend.

“Okay then,” the judge uttered, “The rings, if you please.”

Nick put the ring on Maya. She put his ring on his finger.

“I now pronounce…”

The judge was cut off by an usher.

“Your Honor, sir!”

“If you need to interrupt me, please keep it very brief!”

“Marsha Fey is dead!”

“WHAT?!”

“Apparently, she was strangled by Morgan Fey!”

“Does anyone know why?!”

“The guard said Marsha Fey disagreed with Morgan Fey on her views about Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey! He said Marsha was starting to approve of the couple!”

Silence infiltrated the wedding. Maya and Nick couldn’t believe it. Marsha was actually starting to approve. Finally, after that moment of silence, the judge spoke.

“To move onto a much happier tone, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Nick put his arms around Maya. She wrapped her arms around his neck… her favorite position. Then, they moved in for another everlasting kiss. Applause broke out. They finally broke. Then, they made their way down the aisle. Gumshoe threw confetti. They went to the reception, which was held at the Gatewater Hotel. Nick and Maya sat at their table. Then, Mario Martini ran into the Viola Hall.

“Your wedding cake has arrived!”

Two workers from the shop brought the cake in. Mario wouldn’t allow Dario and Ricky to carry the cake again. The cake looked beautiful.

“Oh my goodness!” she shouted, “It’s stunning! Thank you so much!”

Nick was beaming.

“I love it! Thank you!”

“It’s my pleasure. Congratulations to both of you!”

“Thank you!” Nick and Maya thanked together.

The bakers walked out of the reception hall. There was much chatter. The band sounded wonderful. Then, Brock from Manumit spoke.

“It’s time for the best man to give his toast!”

Everyone applauded. Edgeworth walked up onto the stage.

“Thank you. In my years of prosecuting, I’ve learned many things. About myself, about life, about others… one of the things I learned is that passion can wield you to do crazy things. Wright tried to cross a burning bridge for Maya one time.”

The crowd laughed.

“In our most desperate moments, we’re human. Wright told me something Mr. Godot said to him. He said, “Humans are not robots, you know. They live, they die, they love, they hate… and yes… they even make mistakes”. We don’t always make the smartest decisions in those desperate moments, but we are often noble during those times. Mr. Godot said we love… think about that. Maya and Wright love each other so much. That’s why he crossed that bridge. That’s why Maya drew this.”

He pulled a card out of his pocket. It was the card of Shelly de Killer which Maya drew Nick on. Maya blushed. She didn’t know Edgeworth had that in his possession.

“While Maya was held captive, she drew on this card to take her mind off of her situation. She drew Wright on this card. That’s how she took her mind off of the situation. All she had to do was think about Wright. This is an undying love, indeed. Their passion is an eternal flame. So, here’s to Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey. You two are the very definition of passion.”

Edgeworth raised his glass. Everyone else did as well. Then, they applauded. Edgeworth walked off the stage, and Nick shook his hand.

“That was a wonderful speech.”

“Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth.”

“No. Thank YOU… for giving us all hope for a better, more loving future.”

Brock announced the special event which was about to take place.

“Ladies and gentlemen… it is that time. Phoenix and Maya will dance for the first time as husband and wife.”

Nick held out his hand to Maya.

“Shall we?”

Maya nodded and took his hand. They went in the middle of the room. The song started.

“How do I say everything I feel,
When it all seems to be more than real,
So, please stand by my side every day,
I’ll always love you in every way.”

The song had a slower tempo. Nick and Maya were enjoying every minute of that dance. Once everyone joined in, they stuck with a slow dance in which they basically just swayed back and forth. Maya leaned her head on Nick’s shoulder. Then, she muttered something.

“I love you…”

* * *

The newlyweds were in the limo which was going to transport them to the airport. They would be on their way to Hawaii. Their bags were already packed on Edgeworth’s private jet.

“It’s exciting, isn’t it, Nick?”

“It’s beyond exciting. We’re going to Hawaii! Beaches, hula, and you… what else is needed?”

“Hula?”

“You didn’t think we’d be going to Hawaii, and I wouldn’t be getting you in a hula skirt, did you?”

Maya blushed.

“W-well…. I guess it didn’t occur to me.”

Nick laughed.

“It’ll be fun.”

She kissed his cheek.

“I know.”

"Three Truths and a Contradiction."

"Oh, that again?"

"Yeah. Are you in?"

"... Sure. You go first."

"Okay... Um... I've kissed Mia before, I think you're beautiful, I considered "The Gavinners" as our band, and... well... t-the first time we played this game... I almost divulged my true feelings about you..."

"... Statement one is a lie. I read Mia's diary. There was nothing in there about you two kissing. My sis would have written it down."

"You're right."

"Tell me, though... y-you almost revealed your feelings about me?"

"Yeah... when I stopped myself before saying 'I like the color blue', I was going to say 'I really like you'... because I fell in love with you, and it was too hard to hide when I wasn't sure of it myself. I wasn't sure if it was more of a best friend love or a romantic love."

"Nick... I felt the same way. I just didn't know if you liked me back."

"May I kiss the bride?"

"You may."

They held hands. Maya leaned her head on Nick’s shoulder. She knew he would never leave her side. They were destined to be together for all eternity.

Mia Fey was very flustered on her first day at Grossberg Law Offices. She took a few deep breaths before walking in. The receptionist was busily working when she finally entered the office. He was an athletic looking man with short blond hair and blue eyes. He raised his eyebrows when he saw her. He put his right elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand. Mia gave him a confused look. Was he checking her out?

“May I… help you, ma’am?”

“Y-yes… I’m here to see Mr. Grossberg. My name is Mia Fey. Today’s my first day.”

“Mmm… so it is. Well, first and foremost, I would like to say this law office is very happy to have you here… well, at least I am…”

Perv alert.

“Thank you…”

“I’m Rodney. Rodney Ardor.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ardor.”

“Oh, you can call me Rodney. We’re coworkers now.”

“Thank you. May I see Mr. Grossberg now?”

“Yes, you may. Down the hall, last door on the left.”

“Thanks.”

Mia strutted off. Rodney seemed to be a bit of a womanizer to her. He kind of creeped her out. She knocked on Grossberg’s door.

“Ah yes! Come in, come in.”

Mia did as he ordered.

“Ah, Mia! Sit down!”

She did as he said again. The first thing she noticed was a giant, obnoxious painting on the wall. It was of a man in a straw hat.

“So, I see you noticed my prized painting!”

“Yes… it’s, erm, lovely.”

“It’s not for sale though! I won’t sell it!”

“I wasn’t thinking of…”

“The answer is no! I won’t even sell it to Mr. Armando!”

“Mister who?”

“Armando. Diego Armando. He is one of my finest litigators.”

“Oh, I see. I haven’t met him yet.”

“Ah, yes. You will meet him soon enough.”

“It would be an honor, sir.”

“I would like to start you out with some of this paperwork.”

Grossberg picked up a huge stack of files and placed them on his desk. Mia’s eyes widened when she saw them.

“N-no problem…”

“Just fill out what you need to, file it, and get the correct files to the correct attorneys. Maybe you’ll meet Mr. Armando sooner than you thought. I’m pretty sure there are a few of his files in here.”

“It’s my pleasure, sir.”

“I’ll show you to your office and help you carry some of these files.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them carried the files, took a turn to go down another hall, and went into Mia’s office. It was a little bigger than she expected. The room wasn’t too small, but it wasn’t too big either. They placed the files onto Mia’s new desk.

“This is where I leave you, Mia. Good luck!”

He shut the door behind him. Mia immediately started her work. She didn’t know why, but she smelled a distant scent of coffee.

It’s an office, Mia. There’s bound to be coffee.

She then had the sudden urge to have some coffee. So, she pulled out her thermos, and opened the lid. All of a sudden, a strange man came barging into her office. She jumped. The man in the striped vest and red shirt smelled the scent of the room. He sighed with his eyes closed. Then, he opened his eyes, looking at the still shocked Mia.

“I smelled coffee,” he explained.

“W-what? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly call that a warm greeting, newbie.”

He made his way out of the door frame and walked towards Mia. He extended his hand out to her, indicating a handshake.

“Diego Armando.”

“Mia Fey… oh, so YOU’RE Mr. Armando!”

“That’s me, Kitten.”

“K-kitten?”

“You’re cute and seemingly timid… y’know, like a kitten.”

Mia blushed a little. It seemed Mr. Armando had more of an effect on her than Rodney Ardor did.

“Why, thank you, Mr. Armando.”

“You’re very welcome, Kitten. I should probably head back to my office… which is actually next door to this office.”

“Well, I guess that makes you my office neighbor.”

Office neighbor? That was all you could come up with, Mia?! That’s so cheesy!

Diego gave a laugh.

“Indeed it does.”

“Hey, is that why I smelled coffee here?”

“Darker than a moonless night… hotter and more bitter than the depths of Hell itself… that is coffee.”

“Okaaay? That doesn’t answer my question, though.”

“Then, the answer is yes. I take mine black. Is it fair to assume you take yours with cream and sugar? Kittens like their dairy products.”

“How’d you…?! Yes…”

“Ha…! I thought so.”

“Hmph.”

“Well, I should go back to work. See you later.”

“Bye…”

He walked out. Diego Armando… what an interesting man. Mia sighed and took the packets of cream and sugar out of her bag.

By the end of the day, Mia didn’t know how many files she’d gone through. It was time for her to deliver them to the correct attorneys. She decided to deliver Diego’s files last since his room is next to hers. If she did it that way, she could go straight into her office, grab her belongings, and leave. The first attorney she visited was Robert Hammond. She knocked on his door, and he told her to come in.

“Hello, Mr. Hammond. I’m here to deliver some files to you. My name is Mia Fey.”

The only greeting he gave her was a slight nod of the head. She nervously placed the files on his desk.

“Have a good day, sir.”

He didn’t respond. Mia found him to be very cold. She went to the next couple of attorneys. They seemed to be friendlier than Mr. Hammond. Finally, she got down to the last files, which were Diego’s. The scent of coffee once again invaded her nose. She knocked on the door. He told her to come in. She did as he said.

“Ah, Kitten! Files?”

“Right here, Mr. Armando.”

“Please, call me Diego.”

Why is everyone telling me to call them by their first name here?

“Okay. Diego, here are your files.”

“Thank you. How was your first day?”

“It was okay, I guess.”

“Ha…! You don’t have a case to cut your teeth on, so it naturally could be tedious.”

Mia groaned. She didn’t like being in dull situations.

“Ah, just have a cup of coffee and you’ll be fine.”

What is with this guy and coffee?!

“Well, I have to go. My sister is visiting.”

“So you have a sister! What’s her name?”

“Maya.”

“Interesting. I take it you aren’t going to the party tonight.”

“Party?”

“Yes, there’s an office party. If you want, you and your sister could stop by. The majority of the office workers will be there, including me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Good bye, Mr. Armando– I mean Diego.”

Diego laughed.

“Good bye.”

Mia walked out of Diego’s office. He seemed a little smug at times, but he didn’t seem like TOO bad of a guy. Mia grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Unfortunately for her, she had to pass by Rodney the receptionist in order to leave the office.

“Hello, Ms. Fey… or should I say Mia.”

“Good evening, Rodney…”

Well, this is awkward…

“Are you coming to the office party tonight?”

“I doubt it. My sister is in town.”

“That’s a shame.”

“What’s a shame? The fact my sister is in town?”

“The fact that you won’t be attending the party. I was hoping to get a jumpstart on our friendship. Maybe we could have even danced…”

Eww… he’s worse than I thought…

“Erm, well it’s really important that I spend the night with my sister tonight. I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Oh, okay. Good night, Ms. Fey.”

“Good night.”

Mia walked out, rolling her eyes when he couldn’t see her face. She’d been hit on by guys before, but they never oozed their interest as much as Rodney did. She drove up to the train station. Maya was there. She smiled and threw her belongings into Mia’s car. Then, she entered in the passenger’s side.

“Hey, Sis!”

“Hey, Maya! Have you been here long?”

“Nah, I just arrived a minute or two ago. You were really on time today. How was your first day?! Was it fun?! Exciting?!”

“Whoa! Slow down there, Maya. It wasn’t too bad. The receptionist is annoying, though…”

“How so?”

“He keeps hitting on me…”

Mia continued to tell her sister about Rodney. Maya laughed.

“Well, what did he look like?”

“Athletic, short blond hair, and blue eyes.”

“Spiked hair?”

“No…”

“Eh, then I’ve lost interest.”

“Spiky hair does it for you? You never told me this.”

“Mmm… I thought you’d think I was weird…”

“Nope. Anyway, the pervert asked me to the party tonight.”

“What party?”

“There’s an office party tonight.”

“Let’s go, then!”

“What? You want to go?”

“Well, duh! I want to see where you work! I would like to see what place took you away from the village!”

“Oh fine. Be on your best behavior though.”

“I will!”

“Ugh, but Rodney will be there.”

“Just avoid him! I’m sure there are other guys there!”

“Well, now that you mention it…”

“Miiiia! Who is it?!”

“His name is Diego. I don’t have a crush on him or anything, but he’s the most decent one I’ve met there so far... even if he is a bit smug.”

“Hmm… I want to meet him. Does he have spiky hair?”

* * *

Mia and Maya walked into the law office. It was dark and there were lights installed. A few couples were dancing while other people talked. Mia spotted Rodney and walked in the other direction. She was in no mood to deal with him. Maya started giggling.

“You made it, Kitten!” a voice shouted from behind. Mia spun around to see Diego Armando standing there, holding a wine glass… except the glass was filled with black coffee. Maya grinned.

“Hello again!”

“Is this your sister?”

“Yes. Diego, this is Maya. Maya, this is Diego Armando.”

Maya winked at her sister.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Armando!”

“A pleasure to meet you as well, Maya.”

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the DJ announced, “It is that time of the night! Will the gentlemen please ask a lovely lady to dance with him?”

Maya coughed and nudged her sister towards Diego in a sly manner. The two of them were standing close to each other. Mia shot her sister a dirty look.

“Mia, would you like to dance?”

She looked up into his eyes.

“… Sure.”

The two of them started dancing to a slower song.

“Consider this your welcome to the office.”

“I see. Do you dance with all new associates?”

“Only the kittens.”

No, Mia and Diego are not together. The point was to show at least a TINY bit of interest. This was not to be overly romantic. Yes, there is a hint of Phoenix and Maya... not TOO drastic, though.

Mia and Maya went to their usual burger joint. Maya was digging in while Mia was just staring down at her almost filled plate. She was playing with the french fries. Maya looked quizzically at her sister. She folded her hands on the top of the table and stared at Mia. It took Mia about a minute to notice her sister was staring at her. She jumped when she saw Maya burning holes into her. Mia uttered a small shriek. She put her hand over her heart.

“Don’t scare me like that again!”

Maya laughed.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

“Oh come now, Mia. The staring at your food… plus, your face is as red as a tomato right now.”

Mia could feel herself blushing. She wished she could hide her emotions better.

“Nngh… it’s hard hiding things from you.”

“Well, I’m just special like that.”

Maya winked.

“Ha… oh fine… I’m just letting my mind wander.”

“Let me guess… it’s Mr. Armando!”

Mia sighed. She was caught.

“You’re sharp…”

“Spill, Mia.”

“I don’t know… I guess I’m developing a childish crush on him… just a LITTLE, though. It’s nothing major… I don’t think.”

“But, that possibility is on your mind.”

Mia nodded.

“MIA AND DIEGO SITTIN’ IN A TREE! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

“Shh! Not so loud, Maya!”

“Heh heh heh!”

Mia was so embarrassed. She buried her face in her hands.

“Oh, I was only teasing, Sis.”

“Come on! Let’s just finish and go home, okay?”

The two of them finished their meals and headed back to Mia’s apartment. When they walked in, Mia tossed her car keys onto the dining table. Maya yawned as she moved her suitcase into the room she would sleep in.

“I’m going to change, Mia.”

“Okay. Me too.”

Mia walked into her bedroom and closed the door. She sighed. She had a long first day. It was a good thing Maya was visiting though… despite the fact Mia could have done without the Diego jokes. Diego… why could she get him off her mind? She just met him, but he left a big impression on her. Maybe it was because he seemed larger than life… maybe it was because she never met anyone like him before. Mia didn’t think she loved him. She decided to let it go at the moment and just change into her pajamas. Afterwards, she knocked on Maya’s door. Maya told her to come in. She realized she knocked on a lot of doors today… mainly at the office. Maya was sitting on her bed with her knees raised up to her face. She seemed to be a little bit down. This confused Mia, seeing as Maya was so chipper earlier. She walked over to her seemingly saddened sister and put an arm around her shoulder.

“What’s wrong?”

“Mia… do you think we’ll ever find out what happened to mother?”

Mia paused and bit her lip. This must have been on poor Maya’s mind for quite a long time. This probably especially bothered her since Mia left the village and Maya was the last in line to become Master of Kurain.

“I think so. I’ll tell you what. I’ll try to find out what happened at work.”

“Okay… thanks… Mia?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think I’ll make a good Master?”

“I have no doubt you’ll be a great Master.”

Maya smiled a bit, feeling reassured.

“Thanks, Sis…”

“You’re welcome.”

“You know, I don’t always take the time to think about our relationship.”

“Our relationship?”

“Yeah… I feel like I can tell you anything. You’re always there to support me. I love you, Sis.”

“I love you, too, Maya.”

The two sisters hugged.

“So… you and Diego…”

“Oh, give it a rest, Maya!”

Mia laughed a little when she said that. Maya grinned.

“I just find it so cute. I mean, you two would be an adorable couple.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely!”

Mia smiled at the thought.

“That Rodney guy seems like a creep, though! I saw him at that party! His hair isn’t spiky at all and he keeps hitting on you! I don’t like him!”

“Eww, neither do I.”

“Good! At least Diego’s hair is slightly spiked.”

Mia laughed.

“Want to watch a movie?”

“Sure! It’ll have to be… The Copper Samurai!”

“Fine, fine.”

So, they watched The Copper Samurai on Mia’s futon. They fell asleep sitting next to each other, Maya’s head leaning on Mia’s shoulder.

* * *

Mia went to work the next morning. She decided to take Maya with her. When they walked into the office, they passed by Rodney’s reception desk.

“Good morning, Ms. Fey!”

“Good morning and good bye!” Maya shouted back in response as the two just kept moving onto Mia’s office. Mia gave her sister a shocked expression.

“A little bit more on the good behavior side, Maya,” Mia whispered. The two finally made it to the office. Once again, Mia had to sort through files. Maya was looking at some as well.

“Eww! Murder by stabbing! That’s horrible!”

Maya’s occasional comments made the day go faster. Then, Mia heard a sob. She quickly turned her head towards Maya. Her sister sat with her face buried in her knees. She was crying.

“Maya…! What’s wrong?!”

Mia looked down at the file which was at Maya’s feet. It read “DL-6”.

Mia didn’t go through the DL-6 file until that moment. She picked it up and read the contents. Her heart sank when she read the details. She saw a certain name: Misty Fey. Her hands were shaking more and more with each word she read. She then understood why Maya was so upset. Mia sat next to her sister and hugged her. Maya hugged back. The sobs slightly subsided. Mia rubbed Maya’s back, hoping to calm her.

“Maya…” Mia finally breathed. Maya moaned.

“S-S-Sis…”

“It’s okay…”

“No, it’s not.”

Maya started to sound slightly angry.

“Everything will be okay.”

“That’s easy for you to say… I want my mother, Mia!”

“I want her, too. I think about her every day… I wonder how much things would have changed if she was still around. I guess… how do I explain this without sounding horrible?”

“Explain what?”

“In a way, I guess I’m slightly happy she isn’t around now… only because I’m not sure our relationship would be the same if she was here.”

“Good point… I love her, but I don’t want things to ever change between us… I love you too much to change this relationship.”

“Same here. Feeling a little better?”

“Mhm… thanks, Mia.”

“Anytime.”

There was a knock on her door.

“Come in!” Mia shouted.

It seemed as if a coffee brewery opened its shop right into Mia’s office when the door opened. Diego came strutting in with his white mug in his hand. It was, of course, filled to the brim with the hot, black beverage. Maya’s head perked up as Diego walked into the room.

“Is everything alright in here? I heard crying, Kitten.”

“Kitten, eh?” Maya asked poking at the now standing Mia’s ankle. Mia looked down at her sister with a dirty look.

“No, we’re fine now, Diego.”

“You weren’t fine before?”

“We had a… erm… family problem to sort out.”

“Okay.”

Mia felt herself blushing. Maya giggled.

“Anything else, Diego?”

“Ah, yes. Mr. Grossberg wished to see you in his office.”

“Okay, thank you. Would you mind watching my baby sister for me, please?”

“My pleasure.”

Mia walked to the door. She mouthed ‘best behavior’ to Maya. Her sister winked back in response. Mia walked down to Grossberg’s office. She knocked on his door.

“Ah, Mia! Come in, m’dear!”

She did as he ordered.

“You wished to see me, Mr. Grossberg?”

“Oh, you’re not in trouble. I’m just curious about your happiness here. Are you content thus far?”

“Yes, I am. Thank you.”

“No, thank YOU. All of the other employees have been pleased with your job performance here… especially Mr. Armando.”

“R-really?!”

“Yes. You seem excited.”

“Erm, I’m just glad I’m doing well here.”

“Mr. Ardor seems to have a certain fondness for you as well.”

Great…

“Haven’t noticed…”

Grossberg apparently didn’t detect the sarcasm in her voice… either that or he ignored it.

“Anyway, I commend you for your hard work. Keep it up.”

“Thank you, sir.”

* * *

Maya was still sitting on the floor of her sister’s office. Diego sat in Mia’s chair.

“So, Maya, you and Mia seem very close.”

“We are. I feel like I can tell Sis anything.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. Do you like the offices so far?”

“Oh, yes very much. Only…”

“Only what?”

“That reception man creeps me out…”

“You mean Mr. Ardor?”

“Yeah. He keeps hitting on my sister!”

Diego threw back his head and laughed.

“That sounds like something he would do. He’s just looking to get into a relationship.”

“Do you have a girlfriend, Mr. Armando?”

“Me? No. Why do you ask?”

“You just seem like the most decent man here.”

“Why, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Ever had coffee before?”

“Nope.”

“It’s a great way to bond, y’know.”

“Coffee, hmm?”

* * *

Mia finished her work. She then went home with Maya.

“So, did you have fun with Diego while I was running around with files?”

“Yes, I did. He’s a very nice man. Oh yeah, that reminds me…”

“What?”

“You are having coffee with him at your lunch break.”

“What?! Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“Before when? You were running around with files!”

“Before we left! How did this happen?!”

“Relax! He just said coffee was a great way to bond with people. I told him you’re still getting used to living in the city like this.”

“Well, at least you didn’t lie…”

“Anyway, he offered to have coffee with you at this nearby diner.”

“Wow… tomorrow sounds like it’ll be great.”

Maya grinned. She was so happy for her sister. She felt kind of bad for Mia since she didn’t have too many friends in the city. There was Lana, but she was busy. Maya thought Diego would be the perfect boyfriend for Mia.

Despite Lana’s busy schedule, she agreed to babysit Maya during Mia’s coffee date.

“Thanks again for doing this.”

“She won’t be any trouble at all, Mia.”

“Even so, I thank you.”

“You’re welcome. So, who’s the lucky guy?”

Lana winked. Mia blushed a little as a result.

“Oh, enough, Lana. It’s only so I can get to know more people where I work.”

“Suuure it is…”

“No, really! He seems like a nice guy, and the receptionist is creepy, so I don’t want to get to know him.”

“Another pervert on top of the others that have been chasing you?”

“Yeeeaaah… this guy doesn’t even make an attempt to hide his interest, though.”

Maya couldn’t contain her laughter.

“Shush, Maya.”

“Sorry, Sis, but it’s adorable!”

“A-anyway, I’ve got to get to work. I’ll pick Maya up after the coffee date.”

“Okay, Mia.”

“Thanks again, Lana!”

* * *

“So, Kitten, why did you become an attorney?”

“Well, my mother… she went away after a certain case, it seems. I wanted to become an attorney to find out the truth.”

She didn’t think of telling him about her family of spirit mediums… not yet, at least. He might’ve thought she was crazy. That certainly would be a bad move on her part. If she told him about how she didn’t want to compete with Maya for the role of Master of Kurain, then he would have definitely thought she lost her mind. What if he told Grossberg? What if Grossberg fired her as a result?

Oh, this is so mind boggling…

“I’m very sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay. What about you?”

“Well, I became a lawyer as a result of a certain case as a result. My father was innocent of a certain crime the police accused him for. The defense attorney betrayed him in the end, and he got the death sentence. I never want to betray anyone. I want to make sure the criminal justice system is ultimately fair.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t fret over it, Kitten. I’m okay now.”

There was a pause.

“So, your sister and you seem very close.”

“We are. I love her so much. She’s all I really have.”

“I understand.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

“I have one brother and one sister. Daniel and Dora Armando.”

“That’s nice.”

“How many boyfriends have you had?”

“Getting personal, are we?”

“Is there something wrong with that, Kitten?”

“Well, I barely know you…”

“Oh, come now. We’re sharing who we are right now, including our pasts.”

“Must it get this personal?”

“Yes. This is special bonding time.”

“Special bonding time?”

“Well, yeah. You want to be friends, don’t you, Kitten?”

“Of course I do!”

“So, spill it. How many boyfriends?”

“Four!”

Mia shouted it without thinking.

“Not bad, not bad.”

Mia put her hand over her mouth. After a few seconds, she removed it.

“Happy now?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

There was a short pause.

“How many of them have you kissed?”

“Oh my goodness… conversation about my love life is over…”

Diego laughed.

“Yeah, very funny. How many have YOU had?”

“Seven girlfriends.”

“Seven?! How many have you kissed?!”

“All seven.”

Mia looked at him deadpanned.

“Did you love any of them?”

“At the time, I probably thought I did… thinking back on it now, though, I didn’t love any of them truly.”

Mia nodded her head. He was smug, but honest. Maya was right. Mia was starting to crush on Diego Armando… and in her eyes, the thought of them together pleased her mind.

* * *

“You wished to see me, Mr. Grossberg?”

“Ah, yes, come in, Mr. Ardor.”

Rodney took his seat in Grossberg’s office.

“There have been a few women complaining about certain romantic advances on them.”

“Oh really? But, Mr. Grossberg, I am only interested in one.”

“Well, the women who work here seem to think you have an interest in more than one.”

“I may ooze sometimes, but I assure you, I am only interested in one.”

“Who might that be, m’boy?”

“Mia Fey. She is a goddess amongst all other women.”

“I see.”

“Speaking of which, where is she?”

“Oh, she and Mr. Armando went on a coffee date. It’s their break.”

“A coffee date?!”

“That’s right.”

Diego… you cannot take her away from me.