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“And then,” Phoenix said, “it turns out that victim had a dog allergy that he’d been keeping secret from our client!”
“So it was the dog?” Maya asked.
“It was the dog.” Phoenix confirmed. Though Maya couldn’t see his face over the phone, she just knew that Phoenix was wearing the expression he always had when something ludicrous appeared to save his client in the nick of time—a mix of disbelief, relief, and smug delight.
Maya laughed. “God, isn’t that just like the cat case we had years ago? The one with the not-really-dead-mom and the buckwheat allergy?”
“Oh my god.” Phoenix let out a sound that was half-way between a chuckle and a groan. “I’d almost forgotten about that.”
Maya smiled as their laughter died down. “Man, sometimes I miss those weird cases.”
Phoenix had been reinstated for almost a year and a half now, but Maya still hadn’t helped him in a case yet. She’d visited, of course. But she never seemed to have enough time off to join him on a trial, like the good old days. And on the rare occasions where she did, Phoenix didn"t have a case for her to help with.
“You know you’re always welcome over here, Maya.” Phoenix said, his voice gentle. “Trucy loves seeing you.” His tone turned joking again, “And the kids would probably enjoy someone new to take along their investigations. I think they’re getting annoyed with me hovering over them all the time. Ungrateful little snots.”
“Aww,” Maya tsked. “Are the hardships of fatherhood getting you down? I know it’s gotta be tough, having twelve kids and all.”
“Har har.” Phoenix deadpanned.
“Seriously, how many do you guys have by now?” Maya asked. “Did you adopt another orphan since I last visited?”
Phoenix took much too long to answer that.
“Oh my god. Tell me you didn’t.” Maya said. “You only just got Athena!”
“I’m pretty sure it doesn’t count.” Phoenix replied, though he sounded uncertain. “I don’t think it’s possible to adopt a twenty eight year old and his bird. Right?”
Maya knew Phoenix couldn’t see her rub her forehead, but she hoped he could sense it. “Okay, Nick, I’m starting to think you and Edgeworth have a serious problem.”
“They just keep…coming.” Phoenix laughed. Maya thought she could hear an edge of nervousness to it. “I think we’re done but then I turn around and Miles has found another one. It’s like the parents in LA keep dropping off like flies.”
“Or leaving to become a children’s book artist.” Maya added wryly.
There was a sound over the line then, like Phoenix had stumbled into a table. “Shit, sorry.” He said, sheepish.
“It’s fine.” Maya waved him off. She hadn’t been offended, not really. It wasn’t Phoenix’s fault that Misty had left.
She had conflicted feelings about her mother, especially considering the woman had gotten herself murdered for Maya’s sake. But that didn’t change the fact that Misty had abandoned her and Mia for reasons that Maya still wasn’t completely clear about. For a long time, Maya had felt bad for feeling bitter about that. Especially since Misty had obviously cared about her and Mia, to some extent. Enough to carry their baby pictures with her, and enough to die for Maya. Just not enough to stay.
It was a resentment that time had made Maya more comfortable in having, though it was still considerably mild.
“Really though,” Maya made her tone purposefully lighter and more playful, “you should probably watch your back if that’s the case. Don’t want to leave poor Mr. Edgeworth alone with your eighteen collective children. Though I have to admit, you seem pretty invincible so far.”
Phoenix snorted. “You fall off a burning bridge once and everyone starts thinking you’re immortal.”
“Oh please.” Maya replied. “It’s more than the burning bridge and you know that.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Phoenix said. “But really,” he changed the subject, “when are you coming to visit next? We miss you.”
Maya tried not to sigh over the phone. Being the Master of Kurain was busy work. Not only did she have to basically run a whole town, but there were rituals and training she had to consistently go through in order to stay in top spiritual strength.
It wasn’t as bad as it’d been the first year she became Master. That had been especially rough. There hadn’t been any time to grieve for her mother’s death. Suddenly she was being forced through ceremonies she didn’t fully understand, and everyone was either looking to her for answers or waiting for her to fail.
And then Phoenix had been disbarred. It took her ages to find out, since he’d refused to call her up and tell her himself. He ‘didn’t want to bother her’, the idiot, so she only found out five months after the fact—when she’d surprised him with a visit.
She had tried to make more time in her schedule to see him and Trucy after that, but it was still rough on all of them.
Thankfully, things had gotten better over the years. The elders who once looked at her with disdain now had to admit that she made a respectable Master. Spirit Channeling was taken more seriously than ever, and Maya knew she had a lot to do with that. While the involvement of spirit channeling in cases like Iris’s trial had been a factor, Maya knew that Kurain’s new popularity had a lot to do with her work in making the town more accessible.
While Maya worked hard to keep their traditions protected, she also knew there was value in letting the outside world and its benefits inside. She strongly believed that there was a way for their two worlds to mix without losing anything on either side, and it was a stance she’d spent the last eight years working hard to prove.
The result was that Kurain was much less isolated than before, with the number of their acolytes being higher than ever. And those who’d been born and raised in Kurain were now more connected to the outside world, with the ability to come and leave whenever they wanted. The newly added presence of house-held phones and TVs in Kurain also meant that the acolytes weren"t so shocked when they did venture outside the town.
Maya was proud of the work she did. But it also meant that she didn’t have a lot of free time. Which sucked.
“I don’t know, Nick…” Maya trailed off. “I’ve got a bunch of important meetings this month, and meditation training I’ve been holding off on. I’m not sure if I can make it.” This time she did sigh. “I really want to, though.”
“Come on, Maya,” Phoenix urged gently, “you need to take a break. Oh!” He said, suddenly excited. “I almost forgot to mention. We’re having a party in a couple of weeks—Franziska’s officially moving over here.”
“Franziska?” Maya replied, surprised. The image of Franziska, black whip in hand and a haughty scowl on her face, appeared in her head. “I haven’t seen her in ages.” Then she paused. “We never really talked much after the whole, um, kidnapping thing.”
“Which one?”
“I can’t believe my life requires you to ask that question.” Maya snorted. “The first one, mostly. I mean, I know she helped out with the whole Dahlia fiasco. But, we never really spoke then.”
“Well, even more reason to come to her welcoming party, then.” Phoenix said, grabbing onto any excuse to have Maya come visit him. “You two could catch up.”
“Don’t think I can’t see right through you.” Maya scolded. But she thought about it. It would be nice to see Franziska, she supposed. It was true that they hadn’t talked much, but Maya did want to get to know her better. She"d always admired how strong Franziska appeared, especially with how much she’d been through. And it might be nice to talk to someone her age.
Not to mention, she did really want to see Phoenix, Trucy, and everyone else again. A welcome party was as good as an excuse as any.
“You know what?” Maya said. “Screw the meditation. I’ll be there.”
Maya smiled as Phoenix whooped victoriously over the phone.
~
The phone rang a total of two times before it was picked up. Franziska wasted no time in beginning her interrogation.
“A party, Miles Edgeworth?” She asked, incredulous.
“Good morning to you too, Franziska.” Edgeworth answered as if he’d been expecting a call from her. He should, if he was trying to rope her into silly endeavors like a welcoming party.
“What is the meaning of this?” Though Franziska knew her brother couldn’t see her, she pointed to the offending e-mail invite anyway. There, overtaking her laptop screen, was a flashing e-invite that proclaimed a so-called welcome/homecoming party in her honor, held at Edgeworth"s apartment.
“I suspect its meaning is fairly clear, Franziska.” Edgeworth replied dryly. “It’s a party invitation.”
Franziska growled. She hated when her brother was purposely obtuse. Ignorance in itself was annoying enough, willful ignorance was only doubly so.
“I never agreed to this.” Franziska said. Her decision to move her base of operations to the States wasn’t based on anything so sentimental as social niceties, like the party’s existence implied. It was true that a large percentage of her social circle was located in the Los Angeles area, especially since Kay Faraday began working there as a prosecutor, but that wasn’t why she had decided to move. It was simply because Interpol required an agent of her qualifications posted in this area.
That she had strong legal connections in LA was simply another reason for why she was the best person suited to the job. That was all.
Franziska could hear Edgeworth sigh over the line. “It was Trucy’s idea.” He admitted. “She’s very excited about you moving here.”
Franziska cursed inwardly. She could already feel herself involuntarily soften. Trucy Wright was one of the few tolerable things that came with seeing that fool Phoenix Wright, and Franziska had a soft spot for the young girl that she considered her niece. Edgeworth, damn him, had probably been counting on that.
Edgeworth, correctly interpreting her silence as weakness, continued. “It would be a very small party. We’ve only invited people you know and tolerate.”
“Will Scruffy and his brats be present?” Franziska asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
There was a hesitant pause, followed by, “I can neither confirm nor deny that at this point in time.”
“Useless.” Franziska huffed. “Fine. I suppose I’ll make an appearance.”
She hung up without waiting for Edgeworth’s reply.
~
Detective Gumshoe, of course, was present. It had been foolish for Franziska to expect anything different. The scruffy man, as always, looked happy to see her.
“Sir!” He saluted cheerfully. It admittedly made a funny, if not endearing, image—seeing as one of his children was still hanging off of his arms as he saluted her.
“Scruffy.” Franziska acknowledged him with a nod. “Scruffy Jr.” She motioned to the small six year old boy still hanging in the air. She received a toothy grin in reply.
“Where’s the rest of your spawn?” She asked casually. “I assume they’re here as well.”
The party was larger than she had been promised, as was par the course. There were about a dozen people walking around Edgeworth’s apartment, but thankfully most of them were people she recognized. Though she did notice Wright’s work associates, who she was very much not familiar with. Even from afar she could see that they had the same ridiculously earnest aura that surrounded Wright. At least that fool Butz didn’t seem to be present.
“Yup! Gregg and Maria are around here somewhere.” Gumshoe laughed, placing his son down from the air. Franziska had a hard time remembering names, but she thought that the one in front of her was named Ricky or something like that.
“Is that one of them trying to jump onto Justice’s back?” Franziska observed dryly.
Gumshoe’s eyes widened as he turned to the direction Franziska had pointed. Indeed, there was a toddler standing on the couch armchair, preparing to leap onto a poor unsuspecting Justice. Franziska could only imaging the sort of mess that would result, seeing as the red attorney had a dark red drink in his hand.
“Gregg! No, stop!” Gumshoe yelled, running over quickly in an attempt to stop the disaster. Scruffy Jr. followed closely in excitement. But they didn’t arrive fast enough to stop the toddler from nearly tearing out Justice’s hair in an attempt to use them as handles. Franziska chuckled darkly into her drink as the ridiculous scene unfolded.
It was with mild disappointment that she noticed her cup was starting to empty. Now, that wouldn’t do. If she was being forced to socialize with these fools, she might as well have a drink to make up for it.
It was with that thought that she headed over into her little brother’s kitchen. Perhaps she’d be able to find where he hid his best wine. It would kill some time, at least. Trucy had informed her very seriously that she wasn’t allowed to leave the party until they had served the cake. Why there was cake at welcoming party, she had no idea. But her niece was very adamant—a trait that Franziska tried to encourage in the girl.
So, if she had to stay a while longer, she’d need another drink.
Unfortunately, Franziska noticed as she walked into the kitchen, Wright had a similar idea.
“Hey Franziska!” He greeted. Nearly a decade later and the man still looked a bit nervous around her, like she could whip him at any moment. It was, admittedly, entertaining. It probably didn’t help that she would lightly touch her whip whenever she saw him, though nowadays she rarely used it on anyone who wasn’t a criminal.
“Wright.” Franziska replied. It was then she saw that they weren’t the only two people in the kitchen. “Miss Fey.” Franziska automatically said, surprised at the woman’s presence.
Maya Fey was easily recognizable, though her appearance had changed slightly over the years. Her dark hair had grown even longer, with a larger and more elaborate topknot bun decorating the top of her head. She was also clearly identifiable as the Master of Kurain, with the flowing elaborate robes and the red necklace which corresponded with that role. However, her smile and bright eyes were the same, familiar despite the fact that Franziska hadn’t spent a considerable amount of time with the woman.
Maya Fey smiled at her, genuinely, as far as Franziska could tell.
Franziska blinked. She was suddenly reminded of why she was here—she needed a drink.
Since she had an audience, she chose to simply refill her cup with the wine Edgeworth had left out in the open for the party.
“Wright.” Franziska stated, taking a sip of her now-full cup. She tried not to take too much joy in how the attorney jumped to attention at her voice. “I feel I should inform you that your associate has just spilt red wine onto my brother’s white carpet.”
Franziska watched in amusement as Wright swore and quickly ran off, presumably to make an attempt at damage control before Edgeworth found the mess.
This, however, left the strange side effect of Franziska being alone in a room with Maya Fey. That had never happened before, as far as Franziska could remember.
“So,” Maya began conversationally, “I heard you’ve officially moved here.”
Franziska nodded, taking another sip from her drink. “Yes, for the time being.”
“You cut your hair.” Maya said, gesturing at her own head. “It looks good.”
“Thank you.” Franziska pulled lightly at her hair, which she had styled into a pixie cut a few years ago. “I see you’ve continued growning yours out.”
“Yup!” Maya chuckled. “Pearly’s been coming up with different ways I can style it. She likes doing things like that.”
Ah, that was right. Pearl Fey was Maya’s cousin, the small child who had yelled at Franziska all those years ago. Franziska had managed to see her earlier at the party, the young girl having grown up into an elegant teenager. She seemed to be particularly close to Trucy.
Franziska hadn’t spoken to her, partially by design. She could still remember the eight year old’s angry words—how she had accused Franziska of pursuing the conviction of the innocent Maya with a brutal and borderline unethical zeal. Franziska hadn’t been able to protest, since every word had been true.
She had never apologized for that, had she? Being a von Karma meant that Franziska had been raised to believe admitting fault was the same as admitting weakness, something that was to be avoided at all costs.
But she was older now, and knew there was strength in admitting your mistakes and improving on them. Her father had never been able to admit he was in the wrong, and that had been his downfall. That was not a fate that Franziska would submit herself to.
Franziska glanced at Maya Fey, who was now staring into the dark liquid of her own cup, having presumably run out of things to say.
“I’d like to apologize,” Franziska said, pausing to take a brief breathe to collect herself, “personally, for how I treated you when we first met.”
Maya looked at her like that was the last thing she had expected Franziska to say. For a moment, it even seemed like the woman had no idea what Franziska was talking about. Then understanding bloomed in her eyes, and Maya started to automatically move her hands in a placating manner.
“It’s fine!” She said cheerfully. “Heck, it’s almost tradition now. It’s like—watch out, I’m being accused of murder!” A bit of her drink fell onto the floor as Maya waved her hands into the air, and she glanced at Franziska sheepishly.
“It wasn’t right of me.” Franziska insisted. “I was…I was still convinced that justice had to be served a specific way.” She shook her head and took another sip of her wine. “You didn’t deserve to bear the brunt of my own foolishness.”
Maya placed her cup on the kitchen counter, tilting her head as she considered Franziska’s words.
“Really, it’s okay.” She said after a moment, her voice gentle. “You helped save my hide when De Killer had me. And I know how much you tried to help Pearly and me, back in Harazuka.” Then she smiled, small and as bright as her previous ones had been. “I know you’ve changed.”
Franziska frowned. “You’re too forgiving.” She said. “I’m not sure I deserve it, but…I thank you anyways.” She held out her hand, the one not currently holding an alcoholic beverage, for a handshake.
Maya giggled. “You’re so stuffy.” But she completed the handshake. Then she paused, still grasping Franziska’s hand. Her skin was very soft, Franziska noted absentmindedly.
“There is maybe one way you can make it up to me though.” Maya said, just a touch of mischievousness in her tone.
“Of course.” Franziska said. She tried not to feel disappointed when Maya let go of her hand.
“I was hoping…Do you think we could maybe be friends?” Maya asked, suddenly shy.
Franziska, stood there, staring in surprise.
Maya didn’t give her much time to respond before she started waving her hands around nervously. “It’s just, that, with you staying here now, we could hang out a bit more?” Was Franziska really that intimidating to her? Or was it just the aspect of starting a friendship with her that made Maya Fey so seemingly anxious? She was still rambling. “I mean, we’ll probably see each other around because of Nick and Edgeworth, and if you want to keep it like that, that’s totally fine. I’m actually really busy most of the time, but—“
“Yes.” Franziska interrupted her.
“Huh?”
“I will—we can be friends.” Franziska nodded. “I will ensure it.”
Maya hid a smile behind her hand. “I’d like that.” The thing was, Franziska noticed, was that she seemed genuinely happy about the prospect. Someone looking forward to her company wasn’t necessarily something Franziska was used to.
“Aunt Maya, Aunt Franziska!” Trucy suddenly came into the kitchen, hands on her hips. “There you are! Want to help me bring out the cake?”
“’Course Truce.” Maya immediately replied. “As long as it’s chocolate!”
“I believe it is.” Franziska answered for her niece, who had asked Franziska specifically what sort of cake she’d want for her party. “Black Forest cake, if I remember correctly.”
Maya Fey gave Franziska a wide grin, the kind that those who share an amusing secret exchange. Franziska felt herself smile faintly in response.
If this was how Maya wanted her to make up for the wrongs she had done, Franziska would do it. She’d be the best friend Maya had ever had.
~
Franziska waited a few days before gathering the information she needed.
“Miles Edgeworth.” As usual, Franziska was the first one to speak.
“Yes?” He sounded tired. He should really rest more. It wouldn’t do for the Chief Prosecutor to be too exhausted to do his job. She would make sure he was maintaining a proper sleep schedule at a later time.
For now, she had other things to focus on.
“What sort of things does Maya Fey enjoy?” Franziska asked.
“…” Edgeworth didn’t speak for a few moments. Franziska tapped her foot impatiently. “I’m surprised that this isn’t about work.” He finally said.
“I can do my work adequately by myself, thank you.” Franziska quipped. “Now, answer my question.”
A soft sigh came over the line. “She enjoys eating, from what I gather.”
“And?”
There was a pause, presumably her brother thinking, before Edgeworth answered, “The Steel Samurai.” His response had an edge of caution to it. No doubt he thought that mentioning the TV show would lead to the usual derision Franziska expressed whenever it was brought up.
Franziska resisted the urge to scoff. This was about Maya Fey’s tastes, not her own. She could criticize her hobbies later, once their friendship had a stronger foundation.
“And?” She prompted.
“Franziska, I’m not sure.” Edgeworth said. “Those are what I know about her personal hobbies. Why don’t you ask Phoenix? Or Maya herself?”
This time Franziska did scoff. What a ridiculous notion.
This would have to be enough intel, for now at least.
~
When Maya answered the phone, she’d been expecting Phoenix, or maybe even one of her spirit channeling clients calling up to reschedule.
She definitely hadn’t been expecting Franziska von Karma.
“Maya Fey, when are you next available?” Franziska asked in lieu of a greeting.
“Franziska? Is that you?” Maya said, surprised, but not unpleasantly so. “Hi!”
It had only been three days since they’d talked at the party. They’d exchanged numbers, sure, but Maya had figured that she’d be the first one to make contact. Not Franziska.
“Hello.” Franziska replied. “Would you like to go out to eat when your schedule next allows for it?”
“Oh, um, sure!” Maya was always up for going out to eat. It was a tragedy that Kurain village had yet to attract any good restaurants.
“Excellent.” Franziska said. “Email me your schedule and I’ll make the reservation.”
Franziska hung up before Maya could confirm anything. Maya spent what felt like five minutes staring at her phone in mild shock. That had happened quickly.
It matched Franziska’s personality though, from what Maya had seen of her. She was the type who moved fast, always amazingly efficient. It’d come in handy in dangerous situations, when Franziska was on their side instead of against it, at least. But it was a little strange seeing Franziska carry out that same policy in a casual setting.
Strange, but not necessarily bad. Though Maya frowned when she realized that Franziska hadn’t even mentioned what sort of restaurant they’d go to. She’d been so taken off guard by the call that she hadn’t thought to ask. Oh well, Maya figured that it wouldn’t be the type of dump that Phoenix would take her to in an attempt to save his wallet. Even if Franziska wasn’t crazy rich, Maya couldn’t see her ‘lowering’ herself to eat anything that didn’t reach a certain standard.
And well, Maya thought as she sent the requested email, she definitely wasn’t the picky type. There wasn’t much that Maya would say ‘no’ to.
It only took them an hour of emails to pick out a day to meet. Because they both had busy schedules, they had to plan the dinner in two weeks’ time, when they were both free.
It was sort of nice, in a way. Maya was more used to Phoenix’s way of scheduling—which was non-existent. The man never really knew when his next case would be. It was exciting, sure, but it also made planning with him a little difficult.
The dinner was something to look forward to, while she was busy doing work. Just a small and pleasant thought to pass the time. Maya didn’t have a lot of expectations for the evening, but it was always nice to go out for a while. She loved Kurain, but she needed to leave every once in a while. And hadn’t she wanted to know Franziska better for years?
Maya remembered thinking, back when she had first met Franziska, that they might get along. If they had met under different circumstances, that is. She wondered if her estimation would hold any water, all of these years later.
It was something that kept her thinking even as she spotted Franziska waiting for her at the station. Maya waved excitedly and headed over.
“Hey Franziska! Hope you weren’t waiting too long or anything.” Maya said once she reached her.
“Of course not.” Franziska pointed to her watch. “I made sure to come here five minutes before the train’s scheduled arrival.”
“Oh, how exact.” Maya teased. She watched Franziska’s face for any sign that she found the comment annoying. Maya relaxed slightly when Franziska simply raised a sardonic eyebrow in response.
Maya usually wasn’t too careful about how she spoke to people, but with Franziska she found herself making an effort. Maybe it was because she associated Franziska with Edgeworth, who could get weirdly offended or withdrawn at certain things. Though, then again, that had never stopped Maya from mocking him.
“Are you ready to go?” Franziska asked, sweeping her arm towards where her car was parked. Maya wasn’t familiar with car types or whatever, but it looked nice—all small, sleek, and silver.
“Sweet!” Maya responded as she raced to claim shotgun. She turned as Franziska placed herself into the driver’s seat. “What kind of food are we eating, anyways?”
“French.” Franziska replied. She then gave Maya a questioning look when she saw her shiver.
“It wouldn’t happen to be, uh, Trés Bien, would it?” Maya asked. She could still remember the awful stomach she’d gotten the last time she’d eaten at that place.
“No. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that restaurant.” Franziska still looked a bit confused, though she didn’t question Maya any further, even as the other woman sighed in relief. “I reserved us a spot as Le Matisse. I’ve eaten there before. Both the service and the food is adequate, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Maya gave a thumbs up. “Sounds good to me! Now let’s hurry, I’m starving.” She rubbed her stomach for emphasis and resisted the urge to giggle when Franziska rolled her eyes.
Still, Franziska started the car obediently.
~
“I feel a little out of place.” Maya admitted quietly as they entered the restaurant. “Everyone here is dressed so fancy.”
Franziska gazed at her curiously. She waited until they’d been seated at their table before responding.
“Your robes could be considered rather ‘fancy’ themselves.” Franziska replied. It didn’t sound like an insult—merely that she was stating a fact.
Maya looked at her clothes, which identified her as the Master of Kurain. She supposed they did look a bit grand, all flowy and traditional. They stood out a bit because of their cultural origin, but Maya had to admit that her clothes could never be considered shabby.
“Oh, yeah. I guess.” Maya shrugged. “I’m just so used to wearing these by now, you know?”
Franziska nodded in understanding. “Either way, it doesn’t matter.” She waved her hand dismissively. “You’re here as my guest. It makes no difference what you wear. Any guest of mine automatically deserves respect.”
Franziska opened the menu and then gazed at it intently, her cheeks slightly red. Maya couldn’t help but think that blushing suited Franziska well, especially within the candlelight. It made her look softer, even cute.
Maya looked at her own menu, and pouted when she realized everything was in French. Still, she might as well try. She gasped in excitement when she saw something familiar.
“Soufflé au Fromage! They got Soufflé!” She whispered happily.
Franziska put down her menu. “You mean the cheese Soufflé?”
Maya whipped her head up and looked at Franziska eagerly. “It’s cheese? That’s even better! It’s Soufflé, Franziska! We gotta try it!”
“You’ve never had Soufflé before?” Franziska asked.
Maya shook her head. “No, I’ve always heard about it though.”
Franziska smirked. “Then we’ll order it. What else would you like to try?”
Maya hummed thoughtfully. “Good question, good question.” She sighed. “I just wish they had translations or something. It’s hard to pick when I can’t even read it.”
“I’ll help you then.” Franziska offered. “French is somewhat familiar to me, after all.”
“You speak French?”
“Yes.” Franziska smiled smugly. “And German, natürlich, as well as Latin and, of course, English.”
“Woah,” Maya whistled, impressed. “That’s really cool, Franziska!” Maya could swear that Franziska nearly preened at the compliment.
“Do you know any languages?” Franziska asked.
“Mostly Japanese.” Maya replied. “Though—that reminds me—I should probably work on my calligraphy. The elders always give me nasty looks when my kanji comes out crooked on the scrolls.” Maya waved her hand around dismissively. “Anyways, you should help me order!”
And Franziska did. In the end they decided they’d share the Soufflé, as well as the Coquilles Saint-Jacques (apparently some sort of scallop thing) as appetizers. Franziska chose a duck entrée for herself, and eventually Maya settled on a soup and this thing called a Hachis Parmentier. Franziska thankfully didn’t even bat an eye at Maya ordering more than one meal. She suspected that her reputation preceded her.
She felt absolutely no guilt in making Franziska pay for all the extra food. After all, Franziska seemed pretty serious about apologizing to Maya. And if she wanted to do that by buying Maya a bunch of expensive French food then, well, Maya wasn’t going to complain!
She had no shame in riding the ‘you-almost-had-me-executed-for-murder’ train for all it was worth if it meant she got good food out of it.
“So,” Maya began, since they had a bit of time before their food was ready, “what exactly do you do nowadays? You’re still a prosecutor, right?”
“Yes, I still prosecute cases.” Franziska answered. “Though a considerable amount of my work is with Interpol now.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” Maya replied. “Isn’t that, like, something similar to the United Nations or whatever?”
Franziska frowned and opened her mouth, as if to protest. Then she stopped, her head tilting slightly as she thought about it. “Actually,” she said slowly, “that’s not entirely inaccurate. They’re both organizations concentrated on international cooperation. Though, of course, Interpol focuses more on the legal and law enforcement aspect.” She hummed thoughtfully. “I suppose I’ve never thought of it like that.”
Maya grinned, happy that her wild guess had actually hit the mark. “So, international huh? I bet your language skills come in handy in then”
Franziska nodded, looking pleased that the conversation was back on her achievements. Maya wondered if Franziska was conscious of how visually she preened when praised.
“My familiarity with European legal procedures is also an asset.” Franziska added. “Though I’m mainly well-versed in the German and American systems, I do try to keep up with other country’s procedures.”
“Man,” Maya sighed wistfully, “I wish I could travel like you and Edgeworth do. I mean, I went to London once, but…”
Her trial of thought was interrupted by the arrival of their appetizers. Maya didn’t hesitate to start digging in, but Franziska held back.
“Perhaps…” Franziska began saying, making Maya pause her eating. “If you’re free the next time I need to travel, I’ll see if you could accompany me.”
Maya dropped one of her scallops mid-bite. “Are you serious?”
Franziska scowled. “I’m always serious.” Then she sniffed haughtily. “As long as that Wright doesn’t tag along, I don’t see a problem.”
“That’s…wow, Franziska.” Maya said, almost not believing what she was hearing. “That’s really generous of you.”
“It’s not a big deal.” Franziska protested. “Lord only knows how often my brother shipped Wright and his daughter overseas, whenever the mood suited him.”
Maya was tempted to mention how that was a little different, considering Nick was a lawyer (or, well, ex-lawyer at that time) and all. Not to mention the nature of those two"s relationship. But Franziska was starting to look a little embarrassed about the offer, like she’d snap if it was pried into any further.
“Sounds good, Frannie.” Maya replied, turning back to their food with a small smile. She wasn’t the type to look a gift horse in the mouth.
“It’s Franziska.” Franziska corrected.
There was a solid ten minutes where neither of them said anything, enjoying the food.
“What about you, then?” Franziska said, her mouth moving strangely around the words. Like she wasn’t used to making small talk. “How has your work been for you?”
“You mean being the Master?” Maya asked. She sighed thoughtfully. “It’s good I guess. A little weird, maybe.”
Franziska hummed, nodding her head as if encouraging Maya to continue.
“I don’t know…” Maya looked down at her empty plate. “It’s like I still can’t believe it’s happening, you know? After Mia told me she wanted to be a lawyer, I always knew, in the back of mind, that I’d be the Master someday.” She tapped her fork against the ceramic. “And then it actually happened and…It’s been almost eight years now. And I know I’ve done a good job. But, it still feels a little unreal, I guess?”
It didn’t feel weird to be talking to Franziska about this stuff. While they’d never really been close, they had known each other for years. But it also wasn’t the same as if, for example, Maya was telling Phoenix or Pearl this stuff. With those two, Maya almost felt like she was burdening them. That’d they’d just worry about her if she told them what she was thinking. Which wasn’t the point. Maya liked being the Master—really, she did. But she also wanted to be able to talk about the issues she had with it as well. It was easy to do that with Franziska.
She didn’t know how to describe it. If pressed, maybe it was that she felt like she was on equal footing with the other woman. Like Maya was a fellow adult, someone who didn’t need to be looked up to or taken care of.
Their entrees arrived. Maya stared at her soup and the beef/mashed potato thing she ordered. She heard a clink as Franziska picked up her fork.
“I’m not sure I can understand.” Franziska said, piercing a piece of meat. “I suppose my career was also chosen for me, in a way. My father raised both Miles and I to be prosecutors. There was no question about whether or not we’d be anything else.” She paused, waiting until after she’d taken a bite and swallowed to talk again. “But to me, it’s life as anything but a prosecutor that seems strange. My work is where I feel the most comfortable.”
Maya nodded, trying some of her soup. It was pretty good, actually.
“Do you think you’d still be a prosecutor if it weren’t for your Dad?” Maya found herself asking.
“I’ve thought about it, I have to admit.” Franziska said. “And the answer is—I’m not sure. In the end, I suppose it doesn’t matter. My Father helped to create me into the prosecutor I am, but I’m the one who decided to continue prosecuting. I’ve created my own path. One I’m sure my Father would have never chosen for me.” Franziska smiled then, one that was small and a touch wistful. It was an expression that rooted Maya straight to her seat. “But it’s mine.” Franziska added.
Franziska’s words struck a chord in her. Maya had often wondered about the type of Master Mia, or even Aunt Morgan, would’ve been—if they would’ve been better or worse than Maya.
It didn’t really matter though, did it? Neither of them was the Master of Kurain; Maya was. Good or bad, the type of Master she choose to be was her own decision. And she was happy with the choices she’d made.
“I get what you mean.” Maya replied, smiling softly.
~
Though they continued to text and call each other after the dinner, it took two more weeks for them to plan another meeting.
“Frannie!” Maya’s voice cheered out of the phone as soon as Franziska answered it. “Let’s go to the county fair!”
“It’s Franziska.” She replied automatically. And then Maya’s actual sentence registered. “A fair?”
Franziska frowned as she saw Kay, who she’d been talking to in her office previously before the call, perk up in excitement.
“I’m taking Pearl and Trucy out to the county fair on Friday!” Maya explained. “Pearly has been dying to go. And I thought I’d give the lawyer dads a day to themselves. If you know what I mean.” The last sentence was said with a low, innuendo-laden tone.
Franziska’s lip curled in disgust instantly. “I understand, unfortunately.” She did not like to dwell on that aspect of her little brother’s personal life, thank you very much. Still, she looked at her schedule to see if she had time to go.
“I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I can make it.” Franziska said. Strangely enough, she did feel a spark of remorse. “There’s a case that needs to be started on Friday.”
“Oh.” Maya replied, disappointed.
A wave of movement caught Franziska’s eye, and she turned to see Kay frantically waving.
Once Kay saw that she had Franziska’s attention, she slowly and deliberately mouthed out: ‘I’ll do it.’
Franziska looked at Kay, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Kay just continued to grin widely at her, holding up her hands in an enthusiastic thumbs up.
“As it happens, however.” Franziska said after a moment, “I think I may be able to make it.”
“Awesome!” Maya cheered. “I’ll see you then!” She finished, hanging up the phone.
Franziska moved a hand through her hair, giving Kay a considering glance. “Thank you.” She said.
Franziska felt a bit embarrassed for the impulsive decision. If it had been anyone else but Kay, she would have refused the offer. But she knew the thief-turned-prosecutor well enough to know she wouldn’t use the favor as blackmail, or anything similar. Probably.
“It’s no problem!” Kay replied. “I know Ema’s working that case. She could use some cheering up, especially with how stressed she’s been with her forensic exams coming up.”
Ah, that helped to explain it. Those two did enjoy working together. A little too much, perhaps.
Franziska would complain about the blatant fraternization, but nothing officially incriminating had happened yet. And they got results. Better than when Skye was partnered with that Gavin fellow. Franziska could only sit through the detective’s complaints for so long when that happened.
“Plus.” Kay smirked knowingly. “Wouldn’t want you to miss out on your hot date.”
“Shut up and get out.” Franziska snapped, hating how her entire body had blushed in response. Curse her pale skin.
She could hear Kay laugh all the way out of her office.
~
Trucy wasted no time in dragging Pearl to all the most exciting fair rides. They were off like a shot, Trucy in the lead. Franziska wondered if she should attempt to keep up and watch over them, but Maya seemed content to let them run off on their own.
She ate her purple cotton candy, seemingly unbothered now that it was just Franziska and her. Then again, both Trucy and Pearl were teenagers. They could take care of themselves. Franziska had, after all, back when she"d been even younger than those two.
Maya, for her part, seemed determined to make Franziska go on as many rides as possible. They had to stop after a while, when the Tilt-a-Whirl came dangerously close to making Franziska hurl.
It was entirely Maya’s fault, Franziska insisted. She would have been fine if Maya hadn’t changed their direction so often. Maya ignored her and continued to laugh, the absolute sadist.
Eventually they found their way to the carnival games. Franziska felt much more at home there. Shooting the little paper clowns, in particular, brought her glee.
“You can do it, Frannie!” Maya cheered her on. Just a few more hits and Franziska could collect one of the larger prizes.
Franziska didn’t stop herself from letting out a victory yell when her last shoot hit its mark.
“Which one are you going to choose?” Maya asked, pointing to the large stuffed animal prizes hanging in the back. Franziska looked at her options before quickly deciding that none of them appealed to her. Playing the game had never been about the prizes anyway. Franziska simply enjoyed winning.
“You choose one. It’s yours.” Franziska offered. A large stuffed animal seemed like a hassle to have anyways. Something like that suited Maya infinitely more than it did Franziska.
“Awesome!” Maya shouted, immediately pointing to one of the large black and white pandas. “I want that one!”
The game vendor, whose tired expression hadn’t budged the entire time they"d been there, handed Maya the stuffed animal without a word.
Maya threw the Panda over her shoulder, the stuffed animal almost completely overtaken the short woman. Franziska had to resist the urge to chuckle at the silly image the two made.
Maya remained unfazed, grinning as enthusiastically as ever.
They both walked over to and sat at one of the tables laid out by the fair. Maya laid her newly-won Panda on the seat next to her. The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in pink and orange hues.
“Man, where are those kids? It’s getting late.” Maya pulled out her cellphone. “I’ll text Trucy and Pearly, let them know where we are.”
Franziska put her chin in her hand, looking at their surroundings as Maya texted Trucy. They weren’t the only ones who saw it was getting late. Franziska watched as several families passed by their table, all headed towards the exit. It wasn’t like the fair was closing yet—that didn’t happen until midnight. There were still people entering, mostly teenagers. But Franziska found herself looking back at the leaving families, again and again.
There was a particular group she kept staring at. It was a family of three, made up of an older woman and two children: a teenage boy and a little girl. The woman could’ve been their grandmother or mother. Neither seemed out of the question. The little girl, who couldn’t be older than seven, was riding on her brother’s back, half-asleep. The brother walked carefully, as if trying not to disturb the girl.
The teenager reminded her of Edgeworth, somehow. Not that he had ever given Franziska a piggy back ride. And they’d never gone to a fair either. Most of their time had been spent studying.
It took Franziska a few minutes to realize that Maya was watching her, her cellphone put aside.
“You ever think about having kids?” Maya asked.
Franziska was sure that her eyebrows nearly raised into her hairline. “Where in the world did that come from?”
Maya shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about it myself, I guess.”
“I see.” Franziska said, though she still didn’t understand where the sudden topic change had come from. “And do you? Want children, that is?”
Maya sighed, placing her elbows on the table so she could support her face in both hands. “I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’ll ever want kids.” Maya eyes lowered down to the table. “I don’t have to worry about the succession line or anything. Pearl is probably going to be the next master, and I know she wants kids. She always has.” Maya blew up a piece of her hair into the air. “Me? I’ve never really cared enough to think about it, back when I was kid.”
Franziska hummed understandingly. “I think you’d be a good mother.” She offered. “I understand you’ve taken excellent care of Pearl.”
“You think so?” Maya asked, smiling slightly. “That’s mostly her. Pearly’s a smart kid.”
“She is.” Franziska agreed.
“But it’s like,” Maya continued, “part of me wonders if it’s because of my mom, you know? Would I want kids if she hadn’t been such a deadbeat?” Maya frowned, tilting her head to the side. “But, Mia took pretty good care of me. So I don’t know.”
“I…I understand what you mean.” Franziska sighed. “My father…was not a good man.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Frankly, he was terrible. Both morally and as a parent.”
Maya didn’t say anything, which Franziska was grateful for. It helped her to continue.
“Is my reluctance for children my own feelings, or is it just an extension of what he’s taught me?” Franziska admitted. “The sort of patience needed for being a parent…I don’t know if I could do that. Or if it’s something I even want for myself.”
Maya nodded. “And, it’s not just that. Not for me at least. There’s so many kids running around already. Everyone I know is starting to…to ‘procreate’ or whatever.” Maya waved a hand through the air. “And they’re all a few years older than me, so I start thinking—maybe I’ll get that feeling in a few years. But right now?” Maya pulled on one of her front hair strands. “I don’t have any sort of desire for it. And, I don’t know, I feel like that’s not going to change.”
Maya frowned, looking morosely at their table. Franziska didn’t know how to comfort her. Not when she couldn’t provide any sort of clear answer. Those types of thoughts bothered her as well, and she hadn’t yet come up with a solution for them.
Franziska just wanted her to smile again.
“Well, Wright and my brother certainly have enough children for the both of us.” Franziska said eventually, trying to lighten the mood.
Maya chuckled softly. Having made progress, Franziska tried to go a little farther.
“And,” She said, smirking, “if we’re feeling particularly motherly, I’m sure Scruffy will be willing to lend us one of his brats for a few minutes.”
This time Maya outright laughed. “You’re horrible, Frannie!”
“Franziska.” She corrected. But her own reprimand wasn’t as harsh as it could’ve once been.
Despite the scolding, Maya was undeniably more cheerful than before. Franziska would consider it a victory.
~
It was late by the time Maya and Pearl got home. They’d all gone out to eat once Trucy and Pearl had met up with Maya and Franziska, so it was dark when the train pulled into Kurain village.
So dark that Maya had to enlist Pearl’s help in getting her new stuffed-Panda inside. It had been rainy in Kurain this week, so it was pretty muddy. Maya didn’t want to risk getting mud on Frankie (and Maya couldn’t wait to tell Franziska that the Panda’s name was inspired by her, she’d probably make that little offended scowl that Maya found hilarious).
Anyways, Maya needed Pearl to use the light from her phone to help Maya get inside the house without dragging her Panda through the mud. Pearl, bless her little soul, did so without complaining. Even when Maya needed help getting inside her room, since the giant stuffed animal kept knocking furniture over.
“There you go, Miss Maya!” Pearl said, once they’d finally finished pushing the giant Panda up against the corner of Maya’s room.
Maya groaned in exhaustion. “Thanks, kiddo. Man, who knew stuffed animals could be so much work?” She flopped onto her bed.
Pearl nodded in agreement before biting her thumb. Maya waited patiently, since the gesture usually meant that Pearl had something on her mind.
Maya didn’t have to wait for long. “Miss Maya? Can I ask you something?” Pearl said, standing beside her bed. She sat down once Maya patted her side of the mattress encouragingly.
“Sure. You know you can tell me anything, Pearly.” Maya replied.
“Are you and Miss Franziska dating?” Pearl asked. There was no judgement in the question, just a simply inquiry. It still caught Maya off guard.
“What?” Maya caught herself squeaking. She was briefly reminded of the time period when Pearl had been convinced that Maya and Phoenix would get married, before Pearl realized that Nick wasn’t going to leave them any time soon—that he didn’t need to marry her to stay a part of their family.
This was clearly different though. Pearl didn’t have the same starry eyed hope in her eyes. She looked normal, like it was simply a question that had entered her mind, the answer of which wouldn’t affect her emotional state. Maya had no idea where it had come from.
“What made you think that, Pearly?” Maya asked, still feeling slightly off-balanced.
Pearl frowned slightly. “I’m sorry. It’s just, you two have been seeing a lot of each other lately. And you talk about her a lot.” Maya hadn’t noticed herself talking about Franziska, but Pearl had never been a liar. “Also,” Pearl said, pointing to the giant panda they’d dragged in, “you said that she won you a prize.”
“I mean, that’s all…” Maya muttered. She didn’t know how to respond.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, Miss Maya.” Pearl replied, still calmer than her cousin. “I just thought you might like her, that’s all.”
The thing was, Maya did like Franziska. She was actually a kind person, which most people didn’t realize. Franziska didn’t always understand people at first, so she could be cruel at times. But, if you called her out on it, she worked hard to make up for her mistakes. She worked harder than probably anyone Maya had ever known. Not to mention she was funny! Even on purpose, sometimes! More than Maya had been expecting, actually. And, well…Maya liked how Franziska treated her. Like an equal, like someone who was deserving of her time and attention. An attention which the utter ferocity of, when it was all directed on Maya, made her lose her breath.
“Oh my god.” Maya uttered, the realization hitting her all at once. She had a crush on Franziska von Karma. A giant gay crush. On Franziska.
(von Karma.)
Well, that was definitely something.
“I thought so.” Maya heard Pearl say to herself quietly. Then, slightly louder—“I think I’ll fetch us some tea.”
~
“So…Nick.” Maya said, sitting on the couch of the Wright Anything Agency. “Franziska.”
“Yeah? What about her?” Phoenix asked. He was currently working on organizing the office while the kids were all out. Maya was over on a visit and had volunteered to help. She hadn’t done much helping so far, but she figured her presence acted as a good work motivator.
“She’s gay, right?” Maya asked, trying to sound casual.
“I think so.” Phoenix frowned. “Why are you—” Phoenix’s eyes widened comically. Two files fell out of his hand and onto the office floor.
Maya smiled sheepishly. She was pretty sure he’d figure it out.
“No.” Phoenix said. He put his head in his hands. “No! Why her?”
Maya frowned, crossing her arms defensively. “What? What’s wrong with her?”
But Phoenix was already in a state. “No—no—no.” He moaned. “I don’t think I can survive having her as a sister-in-law twice.” He shivered. “I can’t make it through that many whippings.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “She doesn’t even whip people that much anymore!” Then she paused, remembering the story Franziska had told her about the perp who’d tried to escape last week. “Mostly.” Maya added.
“Also,” Maya continued before Phoenix could continue to be melodramatic, “I don’t think that’s how it works—wait!” Maya stopped. “Twice? Is Edgeworth finally making an honest man out of you?”
Phoenix pointed a finger at her accusingly. “Don’t change the subject! We’re talking about you right now.” Maya pouted but stayed quiet.
“When did this happen?” Phoenix asked. “How did this happen?”
Maya shrugged. “I don’t know.” Maya said. “She asked me out to dinner, then we started texting and hanging out…” Maya couldn’t resist smiling. “Did you know she actually tells pretty good jokes? They’re horrible, and mostly sarcastic, but she gets this little satisfied look on her face when she makes you laugh. Like she just knew that’s what would get you. Because she’s the best at everything, ‘which includes jokes, Maya, so don’t act so surprised’.” Maya finished, doing her best impression of Franziska and her accent.
“Oh my god.” Phoenix had an expression on his face that was a mix of fascinated and horrified. “You’re completely smitten.”
“Shut up!” Maya pouted. She threw a couch pillow at him for good measure. “And you have no room to talk! Do you know how long I had to hear you pine after Edgeworth? I’ve lost years off my life. Years!”
Phoenix grumbled as the pillow hit him square in the face.
“So you can shut up and let me talk about how cute Franziska looks when she thinks something’s disgusting!”
“You’re disgusting.” Maya heard Phoenix mutter. But he shut his mouth and listened attentively after she shot him an angry glare. Eventually it all culminated in them each going into their own separate, but similar, rants about cravats and how they managed to look both ridiculous and yet strangely appealing.
~
If you had told Franziska eight years ago that she’d be in Kurain village, drinking tea alone with Maya Fey and laughing then…well, she wouldn’t have disbelieved you. But she would’ve been very confused.
Now? Now, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to be friends with Maya. Because they were friends, Franziska was sure of that. Spending time with Maya Fey no longer felt like a goal she had to accomplish in order to make up for her mistakes. It was just something she wanted to do.
Franziska was still getting used to that feeling.
Having friends, even after all these years, felt strange to Franziska. She’d always had Edgeworth, but she’d made it into her twenties before truly having a friend. Adrian Andrews, Kay, Ema, and even Scruffy were friends that she had never expected to have. And now Maya was part of that list.
“My friend Adrian is getting married.” Franziska said, drinking the tea Maya had made for her. It was green tea, which Franziska wasn’t as familiar with. It was good, leaving a not-unpleasantly bitter after taste. Maya was sitting beside her, leaning comfortable against the wall.
“Oh, Adrian? I haven’t seen her in ages!” Maya replied. “Good for her. When’s the wedding?”
“The beginning of spring.” Franziska answered. “They’re having it over on the east coast—to make it easier for Olivia’s mother to be there. She’s too ill to travel.”
“Aw.” Maya sounded slightly disappointed. “I was hoping maybe I’d get to see her again.” Then she shrugged. “Oh well. I guess she can’t help it that her fiancée’s mom is sick.”
It was on the tip of Franziska’s tongue to invite Maya to come with her. She bit her lip and stopped herself before she could. Franziska wasn’t even sure if she’d be able to go to the wedding herself. But hearing Maya wanted to go made her want to offer anyways.
This was quickly becoming a problem for Franziska. She’d been doing this lately, trying to resist the urge to give Maya anything she wanted. Franziska had the money for it, but even she knew that some things were too excessive. She didn’t want to scare Maya away, or make her uncomfortable.
Franziska brought up a different, but slightly related topic, in order to stop herself from asking Maya to be her date to the wedding. “Did you know Adrian and I nearly dated?”
Franziska smirked when Maya nearly spat out her tea in response.
“What? Seriously?” Maya asked, eyes wide.
Franziska nodded. “Back when we first knew each other. I asked her out to dinner.” Franziska took another sip of tea. “She turned me down.”
Maya’s face drooped sympathetically. “I’m sorry.”
Franziska shook her head. “Don’t be. It was years ago, and Adrian still needed time to let go of Celeste. Not to mention the age difference. I was still nineteen. I felt older, but it wasn’t something Adrian was fully comfortable with. I think I understand, now that I’m older myself.” Franziska hummed slightly to herself. “Back then, Adrian was only two years younger than I am now—and I can’t even picture dating a nineteen year old. Can you?”
Maya’s face scrunched up in discomfort, which was answer enough in itself. Franziska chuckled at the expression.
“Still,” Maya said, voice sympathetic. “Did it hurt?”
Franziska thought over her answer, knowing that Maya was serious. “No, not really.” Franziska said eventually. “It was embarrassing, almost unbearably so. But at the same time…” she smiled at the memory, “I was proud of her. It was very hard for Adrian to say no to people at the time, as I’m sure you remember.” Franziska placed her empty cup to the side, then added, “And she made it clear that she still wanted to stay in contact. Which I’m grateful for.”
Maya watched her quietly, taking a drink from her own cup. “I think I get what you mean.” She said softly.
Franziska tilted her head inquisitively.
Maya looked down into her tea. “It’s not really the same situation, I guess. But…I used to feel so young compared to everyone else. Nick, Edgeworth, my sis, Gumshoe…everyone was always older than me.” Maya sighed wistfully. “I hated it sometimes. I wanted them to treat me like an equal. Even though, looking back on all of it, I was a kid still.” Maya rubbed the back of her head, laughing a bit. “I guess it really is something you don’t understand till you’re older.”
Maya placed her cup on a nearby table, then turned more fully towards Franziska. “That’s one of my favorite things about you, you know. Even back then, you always looked at me seriously.” Her smile was gentle and warm. Franziska couldn’t bear to look away. “I’m really happy you agreed to become my friend.” Maya added softly.
“I’m…I’m happy too.” Franziska admitted. There were a thousand things she wanted to say, about how Maya made her feel like the child she never got to be, like it was okay to be herself, how she inspired Franziska to be her best, and not in the terrifying way her father had, but in way that felt warm and safe—but it all caught in her throat.
The only thing she could think of to say was…
“Would you say I’m the best at friendship?” Franziska flinched awkwardly at her wording. But she remembered the promise she had given to herself, back when this had first started. She’d be the best friend Maya had ever had.
“Like, best friends?” Maya asked, her eyebrows wrinkling her forehead.
“Yes.” Franziska nodded, cursing internally for not using the right term.
“Well, Nick’s my best friend.” Maya said automatically. “Not! Not that you’re not a really good friend as well. It’s just, you see, it’s…different. You’re different.”
“I see.” Franziska looked down at her lap.
“That’s not a bad thing!” Maya insisted. Shyly she grasped Franziska’s hands. “You’re…different.” She emphasized.
Franziska looked down at their hands, clasped together. Maya’s face was now growing an increasingly interesting shade of red.
Franziska could feel her own face warm as well.
“Franziska.” Maya was still blushing fiercely, but she looked determined. “I’m not the type to dance around these things. I like you. Would you, um, be interested in…” She trailed off, the confession apparently having stolen much of her steam.
“Seeing each other?” Franziska finished.
“Yes.” Maya nodded, gazing back at her. “Romantically.”
“I see.” Franizksa replied. They were still holding hands. “I, too, prefer to be direct.” Franziska had to swallow a few times before she was able to get out an, “I accept.”
“Accept?” Maya smiled, biting her lip in attempt to hide some of her glee. It didn’t work. “You make it sound like a contract.” Maya snickered. “You’re so stuffy.”
Franziska sniffed. “You’ve told me that before. What? Are you backing out?”
Maya giggled again, pulling her hands away from Franziska’s. “No, silly.” She gently cupped Franziska’s face. “I think it’s cute.”
“Well, I, um, try to maintain a certain level of, let’s say, attractiveness I suppose—“ Maya was nudging at her cheek. Franziska felt like she was ascending to a different plane of existence. It almost felt like someone else was moving Franziska"s hand for her as she gently cupped the back of Maya"s head. It was the soft feeling of Maya"s hair threading through her fingers which finally convinced Franziska that this was real, instead of some lovely fever dream.
“Frannie?” Maya"s breathe tickled against her cheek, smelling slightly of the tea they"d been drinking earlier.
“Yes?” Franziska"s heart seemed to be beating out of her chest, even as her eyelids drooped.
Maya’s smile was lightly pressed against the very corner of Franziska’s mouth.
“Shut up.” Maya whispered, voice unbearably fond. And Franziska did.