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[Ace Attorney] First Steps and Second Chances
Title: First Steps and Second Chances
Genre: Gen/friendship
Characters: Mia and Phoenix
Rating: PG
Summary: Mia Fey never expected to hear from her acquitted client again, but when she got a surprise phone call about his future, she had to investigate. Takes place post case 3-1; various spoilers for the flashback portions of Trials & Tribulations.
Thanks to incandescens for giving it a look-see!
---
One thing Mia had learned from the Dahlia Hawthorne cases was that things from the past didn't always stay there. Criminals struck again, but opportunities repeated, too; you never knew what tomorrow might bring. So she tried to keep an open mind. It didn't really make her an optimist, she figured. It was just that closing your eyes to possibilities only limited you in the end.
Still, she hadn't expected to hear from Phoenix Wright again after his trial. She especially hadn't expected to get a call from an Ivy University admissions officer who was checking on a reference a few months later.
"Excuse me?" Mia blinked in surprise, not sure she'd heard the voice on the other end of the line correctly. She'd expected a call from Mr. Grossberg about faxing over some old client files, not from some chirpy woman wanting to know if Mia could vouch for Phoenix Wright as a potential student in Ivy's law school. "Could you repeat that?"
"I said my name is Elizabeth Connor and I'm calling about Mr. Phoenix Wright's application," the voice repeated patiently. "He listed you as a reference. The only one, actually."
"Phoenix Wright listed me as a reference," Mia repeated, already feeling the beginnings of a headache forming behind her eyes.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as Ms. Connor processed the surprise in Mia's voice. "I'm sorry. I expected you to be aware of it," she said. "I won't take up any more of your time-"
"No, it's all right," Mia interrupted. "I can give the reference." She might have said no if Wright had asked--which could be why he hadn't--but now that she was on the spot, she didn't want to be responsible for wrecking the kid's future. Dahlia had nearly done that already, and Mia didn't want to be anything like Dahlia. "Um, let me think."
What did she really know about Wright? That he was sweet, gullible, and loyal to a fault? That he'd nearly been unlucky enough to take the fall for Dahlia-and help her get away with murder? With Diego's poisoning? Her heart clenched at the memory. But he hadn't meant to do any of it, and in the end, he'd helped them nail her, even if he hadn't meant to do that either. She couldn't be angry at him. Besides, he was still her client, even if he didn't need her services right now (and hopefully never would again.) A lawyer had to believe in her client.
"Phoenix is smart," she said, crossing her fingers and hoping this was true. Gullible didn't equal dumb, and he had to be smart to have gotten into Ivy as an undergrad, right? Right. "And he's very passionate about what he believes in." Boy, was that true. He'd certainly believed in his girlfriend. "I think he'd be very dedicated to his profession. He'd make a good lawyer." Okay, that was an out-and-out lie, or at least a shot in the dark-she didn't know for sure he wouldn't make a good lawyer. But it wasn't bad for an improvised recommendation.
"Oh. Well, I'm glad to hear that, Ms. Fey," the admissions officer said, sounding reassured. "Mr. Wright has been an exemplary student in Ivy's art department, but of course Ivy's law program is another matter, and he's applied to the accelerated track. But we'll certainly take your reference into account as we process his application." In the background, Mia heard papers rustling. "Mr. Wright listed you as a professional contact, and it says here you're a defense attorney yourself; Did he intern at your firm?"
"Something like that," Mia said weakly. Did this woman really not know he'd been accused of murder? Well, she wasn't going to break the news. Even though she had proved his innocence, it couldn't help his chances.
"Wonderful. We like to see that sort of initiative here at Ivy Law. Thank you for your time, Ms. Fey."
"No problem." She hung up the phone, then sagged back in her chair, staring at the blank walls of her new office. What in the world are you up to now, Phoenix Wright?
---
It didn't take long for Mia to decide to stop wondering and go find out the truth for herself. A good lawyer didn't blunder around waiting for the facts to be revealed; she would go get them herself. Besides, it wasn't like she had much else to do. She was confident in her decision to start her own law firm, even if she was nervous about some of the details, but right now she had no active cases. Solving this mystery was a better way to spend the afternoon than decorating the office to make it less sterile-looking.
Phoenix had provided a cell phone number when she'd first taken on his case, but it went straight to voicemail when she called. She didn't want to wait around for a return call, so instead of leaving a message, she hopped into her car and drove down to Ivy University. She'd never actually set foot on the campus before, but it wasn't a huge school, and it was easy to get directions to the art department. A crowd of students began pouring from one building as she arrived-a class must have just let out. On a hunch, she hovered near the double-doors, feeling distinctly out of place in her business suit. Most of the college students were dressed in shorts, t-shirts and other casual clothing suitable for the summer sun. Good lord, was I ever that young? Wait, am I really that old?
A glimpse of spiky hair caught her attention and she shoved through the crowd to make sure it was him. Yep, that was him. "Phoenix!" she called, winding her way toward him. "Phoenix Wright!"
Surprise registered on his face when he turned around, followed by recognition. "Ms. Fey! What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you, clearly." The path in front of the building began to empty as the other students made their way to their next class or elsewhere for more entertaining pursuits. "I got a phone call from the admissions office a little while ago. They wanted a reference on you."
"They did?" he cried, face splitting into a huge grin. "That's great! I was worried they'd just toss my application in the trash!"
He had that little confidence in himself, but he wanted to be a lawyer? "They didn't guarantee anything over the phone, but I think you've got a good shot," she said. "But I have a question. Why did you list me as a reference?"
He scratched his head, frowning as if the question were confusing. "I don't know any other lawyers, Ms. Fey."
"That's not really the point," she said. "I think most people attach letters of recommendation to applications, anyway."
"Oh. I didn't think of that."
"Well, what's done is done," she said, and paused. That was her answer, wasn't it, and a simple one at that? He'd picked her because he didn't have anyone else. You could've figured that out on your own, Mia. Why are you really here?
"Look, do you want to get a cup of-of juice or something?" she asked. Not coffee. Never coffee. "We could sit down and talk about this."
"Sure! There's this really nice stand over by the science department." He brightened up, only to look crestfallen a second later. "Um...my meal plan's getting really tight, though. I don't think there's enough on my card for both of us."
She patted him on the shoulder, trying not to chuckle. "Tell you what-it's on me."
---
Ten minutes later, they'd settled down at a small table in the shade, near the drink stand where thirsty students lined up; Mia with OJ, Phoenix with a big cup of grape juice.
"So tell me, Phoenix," she said. "What made you decide to go to law school now? I heard you were doing very well as an art student."
"Ye-eah, kind of," he hedged. "I like art, I really do! But I keep thinking there's more I can do. Remember at my trial, when I said I was thinking of being a lawyer?"
She nodded. "I remember." She'd forgotten about it until the surprise phone call. At the time, she'd chalked it up to a passing fancy on his part. He just hadn't seemed like the lawyer type.
"Well, I always wanted to be a lawyer someday," he said. "But it was always a future thing. Except after my trial, I realized it would stay a future thing if I didn't do something to make it happen." He shrugged. "So I applied. If I get in, I'll start in the fall term. That's why I'm taking summer classes, to finish up my art curriculum. Even if I become a lawyer and not an artist, I think it's better to finish things."
She nodded. "That's very responsible of you."
"Thanks." He took a sip of juice. "I guess a lot changed that day."
Mia recalled the hurt, confused expression on his face when his girlfriend had revealed her true contempt for him, and the cold anger on hers when she'd been carted off to the detention center. She remembered Diego's sleeping face when she'd visited him at the hospital to tell him that it was done, that she'd gotten Dahlia Hawthorne. "I guess a lot did."
"Yeah." He fiddled with his cup, suddenly looking nervous. "Do you know what happened to Dollie-to Dahlia?" he asked. "I read in the paper that she was convicted."
"On all charges," she replied. She knew what article Phoenix was talking about. She'd considered framing a copy before deciding that she didn't want to hang onto anger that tightly. "She's on death row now, and she'll most likely stay there for quite a while. Appeals are automatic in capital cases, but there's no wiggling out of her crimes this time."
"Oh." He looked faintly sad, but not as upset as he'd been that day in court. "Thanks for being honest with me. I have a lot to learn about the law."
"They'll have plenty to teach you," she said. "The admissions officer said you applied to the accelerated program. May I ask why?"
"I feel like I've taken enough time to figure out what I really want to do," he said. "I don't want to waste any more time. I've got things I need to accomplish. And the program's really good-I know it'll be harder, but I'm ready to put in the time. I want to be a defense attorney." This solemn declaration would have had more dramatic impact if he'd wiped away his grape juice mustache first.
Yet Mia felt touched all the same. It had been a long time since she'd glimpsed such steadfast sincerity in someone else's eyes. It reminded her of Diego, a little. And it reminded her of how she'd tried to carry on with everything he'd taught her. "Here." She pulled her business card holder out of her purse and handed him a card, the first one from the stack. "You've already got my cell phone number, but this is my new office number-recently, I started my own firm. I want you to call me when you get your acceptance letter, and to keep in touch after that. Law school is tough, but I might be able to help you. Maybe we can even work out some sort of internship between terms."
His jaw dropped. "Really? You mean it? Thank you, Ms. Fey!"
"I mean it. And Phoenix-call me Mia, okay?" She smiled. "If we're going to be colleagues someday, you should use my first name."
"Okay...Mia," he said, a little awkwardly. Just then, the bell on the nearby clock tower rang and he jumped to his feet. "Oh, no-I've got to get to my next class," he exclaimed. "Thank you for the juice. And the recommendation."
"You're welcome," she said, slinging her bag back over her shoulder. "Go ahead. Don't forget to call me, all right?"
"I won't! I promise!" He waved behind him as he jogged back towards the art department.
Mia took the long way around to the parking lot, enjoying the warmth of the sunlight on her hair. She'd have to finish getting the office set up if she wanted to set a good example for her unexpected protege, but so what? She'd manage, even if she didn't know what she'd just gotten herself into. It would work out. She'd make it happen.
It might even be the beginning of a beautiful partnership, kitten, a familiar voice echoed in her mind. She smiled and shook her head. Maybe, maybe not. But she was looking forward to finding out.
Genre: Gen/friendship
Characters: Mia and Phoenix
Rating: PG
Summary: Mia Fey never expected to hear from her acquitted client again, but when she got a surprise phone call about his future, she had to investigate. Takes place post case 3-1; various spoilers for the flashback portions of Trials & Tribulations.
Thanks to incandescens for giving it a look-see!
---
One thing Mia had learned from the Dahlia Hawthorne cases was that things from the past didn't always stay there. Criminals struck again, but opportunities repeated, too; you never knew what tomorrow might bring. So she tried to keep an open mind. It didn't really make her an optimist, she figured. It was just that closing your eyes to possibilities only limited you in the end.
Still, she hadn't expected to hear from Phoenix Wright again after his trial. She especially hadn't expected to get a call from an Ivy University admissions officer who was checking on a reference a few months later.
"Excuse me?" Mia blinked in surprise, not sure she'd heard the voice on the other end of the line correctly. She'd expected a call from Mr. Grossberg about faxing over some old client files, not from some chirpy woman wanting to know if Mia could vouch for Phoenix Wright as a potential student in Ivy's law school. "Could you repeat that?"
"I said my name is Elizabeth Connor and I'm calling about Mr. Phoenix Wright's application," the voice repeated patiently. "He listed you as a reference. The only one, actually."
"Phoenix Wright listed me as a reference," Mia repeated, already feeling the beginnings of a headache forming behind her eyes.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as Ms. Connor processed the surprise in Mia's voice. "I'm sorry. I expected you to be aware of it," she said. "I won't take up any more of your time-"
"No, it's all right," Mia interrupted. "I can give the reference." She might have said no if Wright had asked--which could be why he hadn't--but now that she was on the spot, she didn't want to be responsible for wrecking the kid's future. Dahlia had nearly done that already, and Mia didn't want to be anything like Dahlia. "Um, let me think."
What did she really know about Wright? That he was sweet, gullible, and loyal to a fault? That he'd nearly been unlucky enough to take the fall for Dahlia-and help her get away with murder? With Diego's poisoning? Her heart clenched at the memory. But he hadn't meant to do any of it, and in the end, he'd helped them nail her, even if he hadn't meant to do that either. She couldn't be angry at him. Besides, he was still her client, even if he didn't need her services right now (and hopefully never would again.) A lawyer had to believe in her client.
"Phoenix is smart," she said, crossing her fingers and hoping this was true. Gullible didn't equal dumb, and he had to be smart to have gotten into Ivy as an undergrad, right? Right. "And he's very passionate about what he believes in." Boy, was that true. He'd certainly believed in his girlfriend. "I think he'd be very dedicated to his profession. He'd make a good lawyer." Okay, that was an out-and-out lie, or at least a shot in the dark-she didn't know for sure he wouldn't make a good lawyer. But it wasn't bad for an improvised recommendation.
"Oh. Well, I'm glad to hear that, Ms. Fey," the admissions officer said, sounding reassured. "Mr. Wright has been an exemplary student in Ivy's art department, but of course Ivy's law program is another matter, and he's applied to the accelerated track. But we'll certainly take your reference into account as we process his application." In the background, Mia heard papers rustling. "Mr. Wright listed you as a professional contact, and it says here you're a defense attorney yourself; Did he intern at your firm?"
"Something like that," Mia said weakly. Did this woman really not know he'd been accused of murder? Well, she wasn't going to break the news. Even though she had proved his innocence, it couldn't help his chances.
"Wonderful. We like to see that sort of initiative here at Ivy Law. Thank you for your time, Ms. Fey."
"No problem." She hung up the phone, then sagged back in her chair, staring at the blank walls of her new office. What in the world are you up to now, Phoenix Wright?
---
It didn't take long for Mia to decide to stop wondering and go find out the truth for herself. A good lawyer didn't blunder around waiting for the facts to be revealed; she would go get them herself. Besides, it wasn't like she had much else to do. She was confident in her decision to start her own law firm, even if she was nervous about some of the details, but right now she had no active cases. Solving this mystery was a better way to spend the afternoon than decorating the office to make it less sterile-looking.
Phoenix had provided a cell phone number when she'd first taken on his case, but it went straight to voicemail when she called. She didn't want to wait around for a return call, so instead of leaving a message, she hopped into her car and drove down to Ivy University. She'd never actually set foot on the campus before, but it wasn't a huge school, and it was easy to get directions to the art department. A crowd of students began pouring from one building as she arrived-a class must have just let out. On a hunch, she hovered near the double-doors, feeling distinctly out of place in her business suit. Most of the college students were dressed in shorts, t-shirts and other casual clothing suitable for the summer sun. Good lord, was I ever that young? Wait, am I really that old?
A glimpse of spiky hair caught her attention and she shoved through the crowd to make sure it was him. Yep, that was him. "Phoenix!" she called, winding her way toward him. "Phoenix Wright!"
Surprise registered on his face when he turned around, followed by recognition. "Ms. Fey! What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you, clearly." The path in front of the building began to empty as the other students made their way to their next class or elsewhere for more entertaining pursuits. "I got a phone call from the admissions office a little while ago. They wanted a reference on you."
"They did?" he cried, face splitting into a huge grin. "That's great! I was worried they'd just toss my application in the trash!"
He had that little confidence in himself, but he wanted to be a lawyer? "They didn't guarantee anything over the phone, but I think you've got a good shot," she said. "But I have a question. Why did you list me as a reference?"
He scratched his head, frowning as if the question were confusing. "I don't know any other lawyers, Ms. Fey."
"That's not really the point," she said. "I think most people attach letters of recommendation to applications, anyway."
"Oh. I didn't think of that."
"Well, what's done is done," she said, and paused. That was her answer, wasn't it, and a simple one at that? He'd picked her because he didn't have anyone else. You could've figured that out on your own, Mia. Why are you really here?
"Look, do you want to get a cup of-of juice or something?" she asked. Not coffee. Never coffee. "We could sit down and talk about this."
"Sure! There's this really nice stand over by the science department." He brightened up, only to look crestfallen a second later. "Um...my meal plan's getting really tight, though. I don't think there's enough on my card for both of us."
She patted him on the shoulder, trying not to chuckle. "Tell you what-it's on me."
---
Ten minutes later, they'd settled down at a small table in the shade, near the drink stand where thirsty students lined up; Mia with OJ, Phoenix with a big cup of grape juice.
"So tell me, Phoenix," she said. "What made you decide to go to law school now? I heard you were doing very well as an art student."
"Ye-eah, kind of," he hedged. "I like art, I really do! But I keep thinking there's more I can do. Remember at my trial, when I said I was thinking of being a lawyer?"
She nodded. "I remember." She'd forgotten about it until the surprise phone call. At the time, she'd chalked it up to a passing fancy on his part. He just hadn't seemed like the lawyer type.
"Well, I always wanted to be a lawyer someday," he said. "But it was always a future thing. Except after my trial, I realized it would stay a future thing if I didn't do something to make it happen." He shrugged. "So I applied. If I get in, I'll start in the fall term. That's why I'm taking summer classes, to finish up my art curriculum. Even if I become a lawyer and not an artist, I think it's better to finish things."
She nodded. "That's very responsible of you."
"Thanks." He took a sip of juice. "I guess a lot changed that day."
Mia recalled the hurt, confused expression on his face when his girlfriend had revealed her true contempt for him, and the cold anger on hers when she'd been carted off to the detention center. She remembered Diego's sleeping face when she'd visited him at the hospital to tell him that it was done, that she'd gotten Dahlia Hawthorne. "I guess a lot did."
"Yeah." He fiddled with his cup, suddenly looking nervous. "Do you know what happened to Dollie-to Dahlia?" he asked. "I read in the paper that she was convicted."
"On all charges," she replied. She knew what article Phoenix was talking about. She'd considered framing a copy before deciding that she didn't want to hang onto anger that tightly. "She's on death row now, and she'll most likely stay there for quite a while. Appeals are automatic in capital cases, but there's no wiggling out of her crimes this time."
"Oh." He looked faintly sad, but not as upset as he'd been that day in court. "Thanks for being honest with me. I have a lot to learn about the law."
"They'll have plenty to teach you," she said. "The admissions officer said you applied to the accelerated program. May I ask why?"
"I feel like I've taken enough time to figure out what I really want to do," he said. "I don't want to waste any more time. I've got things I need to accomplish. And the program's really good-I know it'll be harder, but I'm ready to put in the time. I want to be a defense attorney." This solemn declaration would have had more dramatic impact if he'd wiped away his grape juice mustache first.
Yet Mia felt touched all the same. It had been a long time since she'd glimpsed such steadfast sincerity in someone else's eyes. It reminded her of Diego, a little. And it reminded her of how she'd tried to carry on with everything he'd taught her. "Here." She pulled her business card holder out of her purse and handed him a card, the first one from the stack. "You've already got my cell phone number, but this is my new office number-recently, I started my own firm. I want you to call me when you get your acceptance letter, and to keep in touch after that. Law school is tough, but I might be able to help you. Maybe we can even work out some sort of internship between terms."
His jaw dropped. "Really? You mean it? Thank you, Ms. Fey!"
"I mean it. And Phoenix-call me Mia, okay?" She smiled. "If we're going to be colleagues someday, you should use my first name."
"Okay...Mia," he said, a little awkwardly. Just then, the bell on the nearby clock tower rang and he jumped to his feet. "Oh, no-I've got to get to my next class," he exclaimed. "Thank you for the juice. And the recommendation."
"You're welcome," she said, slinging her bag back over her shoulder. "Go ahead. Don't forget to call me, all right?"
"I won't! I promise!" He waved behind him as he jogged back towards the art department.
Mia took the long way around to the parking lot, enjoying the warmth of the sunlight on her hair. She'd have to finish getting the office set up if she wanted to set a good example for her unexpected protege, but so what? She'd manage, even if she didn't know what she'd just gotten herself into. It would work out. She'd make it happen.
It might even be the beginning of a beautiful partnership, kitten, a familiar voice echoed in her mind. She smiled and shook her head. Maybe, maybe not. But she was looking forward to finding out.