Take The Happy Memories

by myfairstarlight

Summary:

Life is never meant to be predictable, or easy for that matter, Raymond Shields is quite aware of that, but fate has a fucking sick sense of humour anyway, because here he stands, barely nineteen years-old, still years away from passing the bar, having just lost his mentor and anchor in life, and seriously considering the idea of fatherhood in the midst of the chaos.

Or. AU where Raymond tries to adopt Miles following DL-6.

Notes:

hi, i needed to write more about aai2-related stuff bc goddamn that game made me fall in love with the main series again. there's no real spoilers outside of some characters being there, although maybe don't read this if you haven't finished The Inherited Turnabout.

so this came to me because as i contemplated replaying AA4-6 (i still haven't, i'm too emotionally stuck on aai2 lol), i was like... if Phoenix could adopt Trucy after being disbarred and thus jobless with no stable income, then I’m sure 19 year-old Raymond Shields would have been allowed to have custody of Miles if given the chance. Honestly you'd think they'd start to worry at the number of kids who end up orphaned in that goddamned courthouse, Kay was lucky enough to still have an extended family huh

now, let me preface this by saying, i don't know how these things go irl. i've worked in childcare for a few years and had to testify once in a case of child abuse but that's about my knowledge extent on the subject. i've ended up writing the custody battle part as if it was kind of a trial/debate cuz this is aa so expect unrealistic legal stuff... as one should with this franchise anyway lol

also for the sake of this fic let's pretend a semblance of child protection services exists in the aa universe because it sure as hell doesn't feel like it does if anyone can just pick up a kid and then go or mvk/blaise can be blatantly abusive towards their kids and no one bats an eye (also if manfred had to take an extended leave because of the gunshot how did he get custody of miles????)

also last warning, english is not my first language but i usually use british spellings (which was fitting for DGS fics, not so much here haha) so uh, i guess expect a weird mix of both spellings at times? anyway

Twitter ~ Tumblr

Good reading!

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

Life is never meant to be predictable, or easy for that matter, Raymond Shields is quite aware of that, but fate has a fucking sick sense of humour anyway because here he stands, barely nineteen-years-old, still years away from passing the bar, having just lost his mentor and anchor in life, and seriously considering the idea of fatherhood in the midst of the chaos.

“You will be okay, kiddo, I promise, do you hear me?”

His empty words echo through the cold walls of the courthouse. Raymond has never seen his nephew be so distraught before. Miles was always so polite and quiet whenever he visited, barely smiling except when he was heading out for school to be with his friends — or because he was always genuinely happy to go to school and learn. The boy is currently sobbing his eyes out, clinging to his shirt and refusing to let go, which is quite a predicament when he is supposed to go testify soon… on the first day of the trial of Gregory Edgeworth’s death.

No ten-year-old should have to go through such a thing.

“I will stay by your side, okay?”

Miles hiccups. “D-Don’t l-leave me a-alone, p-please.”

“I won’t,” Raymond promises, holding him closer and feeling his own eyes water. “Believe me, buddy, I need you right now as much as you need me.”

He already has the papers ready to submit as soon as the trial is over, he simply wishes it will be enough.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

For the first time in his life, Raymond did not care to learn the name of a woman because this one was getting on his nerves.

“What do you mean I can’t adopt him?” he asks lowly, feeling Miles tighten his hold on his pants as the boy hides behind his leg. “I’ve been taking care of him ever since the incident!”

It has been a few weeks now, and the trial is still ongoing but at least they do not need further testimony from Miles. So, the new year passed in a gloomy blur with Raymond trying to make the most of it and keep a positive attitude for Miles’ sake, with relative success. He had decided to pull Miles away from school at least until the trial is settled and told him he could still invite his friends over or visit them if he wanted to but Miles categorically refused, retreating into his room instead, with Missile, the dog the Edgeworth's had adopted only a few months ago, in tow.

Raymond figured he still needed some time to process. To be fair, he does too.

As per Gregory’s will, all his belongings went to his son, which included his law firm — for which Raymond is listed as co-owner, actually, to his own surprise — and his house so Raymond has moved in while he finalised the adoption so he can officially be recognised as Miles’ legal guardian instead of his foster guardian. Anything to avoid Miles being placed in foster care or in an adoption centre in the meantime because Raymond knows how broken the system is.

And well, he is exploiting the system to get what he wants here but he needs to keep the kid safe no matter what.

Except that apparently he wasn't quick enough and someone wants to dispute Miles' custody against him.

“I am here on behalf of Prosecutor von Karma who has expressed the desire to take in Miles Edgeworth,” the woman — secretary? Assistant? Raymond isn’t even sure what she is supposed to be in regards to von Karma, not his wife nor an attorney, that’s for sure, he would not trust anyone other than himself to deal with his legal business — says calmly.

“And he can’t be here himself?” Miles speaks up with a frown. “I don’t want to go with him!”

She huffs. “Afraid you don’t have much say in the matter, little boy.”

“Do not speak to him like that,” Raymond warns. “He absolutely has the right to choose who he wants to stay with!”

“Not under the name of the law, he is obviously distraught and in such an emotional state, he cannot make sound choices. And neither can you.”

Raymond recoils at that. She is not entirely wrong, he is emotionally invested as well but this is not an impulsive decision either.

“Only the court can appoint a legal guardian, which you currently are not.”

“Then… let us settle this… in court,” a third voice joins in, Detective Badd appearing by Raymond’s side, calming yet imposing presence making itself known. Raymond feels Miles relax though as he looks up at the detective. “Only… a judge can decide… objectively…”

The woman before them huffs but there is an underlining of fear in her eyes. Surely because she will have to report this meeting to von Karma. “Well then, see you in court.” And with that, she turns around and leaves, slamming the door behind her. Raymond lets out a relieved breath — at least the court is a somewhat familiar place, he’ll know what to do there. Hopefully.

“Uncle Ty…!” Miles says, extending a hand with a hopeful look in his eyes.

Uncle Ty? The kid still refuses to call Raymond his uncle! He still gets “Mr Shields” which makes him feel so much older than he is! Since when do these two know each other?

Detective Badd sighs and bends down to lift the kid up into his arms, propping him on his left shoulder. Miles sniffs, clearly trying to hold back tears again as he clings to the old coat of the detective. “If I could… I would adopt you but my job is too dangerous for a kid like you…” Badd sighs. “But… I promised your dad to help… and protect you… you will be in safe hands with your Uncle Ray.” A pause as the man looks at Raymond. “I will help. Financially and legally… I will do what I can…”

Raymond feels himself relax. “Thank you, Detective.”

Badd nods. “I… owe Gregory. Von Karma cannot… be trusted, let alone with another’s child… it is odd he has not been seen in a while though…”

“Yeah, from what I heard he usually never misses even one day of work and yet it’s been weeks, I’m surprised he wasn’t prosecuting this case,” Raymond replies then shakes his head because he’d rather not think of that ugly old man right now. “Say Badd, I didn’t know you even knew Miles.”

“Uncle Ty came by to drink tea with Father almost every week this past year!” Miles answers before the detective could say anything else, achieving the miracle to put some colour on the man’s usually deathly pale cheeks. “And he brought me a new book every time.”

Raymond raises an eyebrow. “So… like dates?”

“Listen…” Badd starts, eyeing Miles nervously before sighing. “We wanted… to take it slow for Miles’ sake. But… well.”

“Ah, I’m sorry,” Raymond says, now feeling sheepish. He wasn’t really one to be curious about his boss’ personal life outside of his son he had to babysit a few times.

“Don’t… It didn’t really have time to… be more.”

Somehow, Raymond feels like that is a lie but he keeps it to himself. If it didn’t have time to be more why is Miles calling you Uncle and by your first name, huh? “Well, I suppose I will have your support for the court hearing, then?”

Badd nods. “You will need more people vouching for you… von Karma has a lot of influence…”

“My friends’ parents,” Miles chimes in. “I-I’m sure they’d help.”

“Good thinking kiddo,” Raymond agrees, lifting his hand up for a high five. Miles only looks at it in confusion. Right. He takes Miles’ hand himself and slaps it against his palm so he doesn’t look like a complete fool. “And you missed them, didn’t you? Maybe it’s time to visit them again.”

Miles blushes. It is a reassuring sight after weeks of blank stares and tears. “Hmph.” Badd ruffles his hair, earning an embarrassing whine.

For the first time in what feels like years, Raymond laughs genuinely.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

The date of the hearing is set for two weeks later, although Raymond heard von Karma tried to push it back as far as the next month, with no success — and still no sight of the man anywhere in LA either, which he will count as a positive.

He is aware he could have hired an attorney to help him prepare for it but he figured he could just represent himself, he thinks that for his first official case of some sort, it might as well be something important to him, so he can prove to himself he can do it, that he can fight for Mr Edgeworth’s son, that yes, he is an ace attorney in the making and if he can’t fight for himself, then what does he stand for? There is also the fact his savings are dangerously low and he would rather not ask too much of Detective Badd or borrow from Miles’ college funds, but that is beside the point.

Speaking of, the detective has started visiting again regularly, a new book for Miles under the arm every time. Miles, on his part, seems to open up a bit more as well, Badd surely constituting some kind of old routine he used to find comfort in. And so, one day, Raymond takes the initiative to invite the Wright and Butz families for an afternoon.

As soon as he opens the door, the two little boys jump on Miles and tackle him into a hug, despite the poor boy trying his best to escape. Raymond watches as Phoenix starts profusely crying about how much he’s missed his best friend, Larry soon joins him in the frantic state, which leads to Miles being the one who has to comfort them. Missile is barking next to the pile of boys, clearly reprimanding them for crushing his favourite person.

Raymond has met them before, he had to be the babysitter during some sleepovers while Mr Edgeworth was out late investigating… or on a date with Detective Badd, as it turns out. Maybe the two overlapped, who knows anymore. But anyhow, he’s always found their little group strange, clearly not the kind of boys he ever expected Miles to get attached to considering how wildly different they are, but perhaps the kind of boys he does need, right now.

“Mrs Wright, Mr Butz, let’s talk in the kitchen and give them some alone time,” he prompts, earning a nod from both parents.

Raymond makes everyone tea because that is all the Edgeworth's had in the kitchen, it seems, but fortunately, it doesn’t appear to bother his guests who gladly accept the cups.

“I did not tell Phoenix about… Gregory’s death yet,” Mrs Wright says as she stirs her tea after adding some sugar. “Or I do not think he would want to ever leave this place and you have enough on your plate, Ray.”

Raymond chuckles slightly, chancing a glance towards the living room where he can see Phoenix wrapped around Miles and kicking Larry away when the latter tries to join in the hug. “Well, he sure doesn’t seem to want to let go right now anyway.”

“He was distraught when Miles stopped coming to school, it was a pain to explain to him why without saying too much or without getting his hopes up.”

“And Larry was getting tired of his whining,” Mr Butz butts in, not unkindly. “Not that he did not worry as well, of course, he was just less vocal about it since Phoenix was loud enough for the two of them. He asked several times that we call to make sure Miles was alright.”

“They’re good kids,” Raymond says, feeling like he’s aged years since the last time he saw them. “Miles just needed some time to process… and some reassurance. I think he was scared he’d get taken away, I don’t think he completely trusts I’ll manage to get custody of him so he prepared himself to cut ties.”

“That makes sense,” Mrs Wright agrees. “And… what about you?”

“… Me?” he repeats.

“You are pretty much still a kid as well, I can’t imagine the toll everything is taking on you too,” Mr Butz comments.

Raymond grimaces. “Please don't say that at the hearing though, that’s probably gonna be von Karma’s biggest argument.” That, and his lack of financial stability, so far they have been living off his own savings and Detective Badd’s help, trying to keep Miles’ inheritance untouched.

Mrs Wright and Mr Butz nod.

“It’s been… a lot. Miles is a pretty self-sufficient kid who is better at cooking than me, so at least life at home has been easy but yeah.”

So eloquent for a future lawyer, he thinks dryly of himself.

“I lost both my parents shortly before I began my internship under Mr Edgeworth, it’s making me wonder if the universe just wants me to be alone,” he continues. “But then I look at Miles and Detective Badd and remember, I am not alone. The kid needs me and the detective trusts me.”

And so does Jeffrey Master as well, he reckons, recalling the man’s haunting eyes as the guilty verdict was handed down, and perhaps it was presumptuous, but he had hope that someday he will make it right, solve Mr Edgeworth’s last case, and if possible, together with Miles. On top of taking care of his son, Raymond owes his mentor that.

Hopefully Mr Master won’t break while he is in prison and while I figure my shit out… I should visit him once everything settles down.

“You know,” Mr Butz starts, “My wife has been searching for a new secretary for a while. The pay is rather generous if I say so myself.”

Mrs Wright smiles behind her cup, the glint in her eyes betraying the fact she already knew the offer was on the table. Maybe she even was the one who suggested it. It makes Raymond wonder how close Mr Edgeworth was to his son’s friends’ parents.

“Mr Butz… I…”

“Will not decline such an offer, I hope!” the man laughs. “As long as you don’t eat paper on the job, of course.”

At that, Raymond flushes. “Who snitched?”

“Miles,” Mrs Wright pipes in. “He was talking to Phoenix and Larry about his weird Uncle Ray a few weeks backs and then Phoenix tried to eat paper too. I hope he’ll grow out of putting everything in his mouth…”

And Raymond forgets about being embarrassed because did he hear that right? “He calls me Uncle Ray?”

“The kid loves you to pieces, and you’re the last connection he still has with his father,” Mrs Wright rightfully points out and Raymond remembers she works as a child therapist… which he kinda forgot until now. “Outside of Detective Badd I suppose.”

“Speaking of, is he the lead detective in the case as well?” Mr Butz asks. “I’m surprised it's taking so long, seems like a pretty open-and-shut case.”

“You and me both Mr Butz, but Mr Hammond, at the defence, is… something,” Raymond sighs, the way the attorney had coldly and ruthlessly addressed Miles during his testimony still leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Miles could not get a word out without the guy interrupting him and asking him to explain more in detail something Miles was going to do anyway. Gregory had always been polite and gentle with witnesses, however infuriating they could be. On top of that, Hammond is known to do anything to get a non-guilty verdict, even if it means breaking his client’s trust and integrity, much like another prosecutor who Raymond doesn’t hold in his heart either. Attorneys like Mr Hammond give defence lawyers such a shitty reputation! But he supposes, both sides of the law have bad apples of their own.

“He wants to plead insanity for the defendant even though Yogi has testified he is perfectly healthy, with medical records to show.” And if he had been diagnosed with psychosis before, well, he wouldn’t have been allowed to be a bailiff in the first place. “That would still leave the case unsolved if he succeeds, though. I heard the police is getting desperate and seeking… unconventional methods.”

A medium, Detective Badd had told him in secrecy, with the look of a tired man who did not believe much in that profession. Or uncomfortable with the idea of ghosts coming back to life, even if just for a few moments.

“… Does Miles know any of this?” Mrs Wright inquires.

Raymond shakes his head. “He knows it’s still ongoing but I didn’t tell him any of this. He doesn’t need to know, at least for now.” And he’ll know anyway later when the trial is finally over and it’ll be in the news…

“That’s probably a wise decision,” she agrees.

They get interrupted when they hear small footsteps approach and Phoenix appears at the door frame. “Mr Shields, Miles says he’s hungry but he didn’t wanna bother so uh…”

Raymond smiles, beckoning the kid closer. “How much did you hear, kiddo?”

Phoenix’s eyes widen and he starts fumbling with his hands, surely trying to find a lie on the spot. Mrs Wright gently nudges her son and it seems to do the trick. “Um, since you mentioned I tried to eat paper too…”

“So, everything.”

Phoenix nods, looking away. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I really just wanted to ask for snacks but then I heard my name and got curious and Miles didn’t want to share anything and that’s his right of course! But I wanna help and not knowing anything makes it really difficult, you know?”

“You’re helping plenty, buddy, by just being his friend,” Raymond assures, ruffling the boy’s strangely spiky hair. “Eavesdropping is still bad though.”

“But—”

“It’s okay, you were just worried about your friend, I’ll let this one slide,” Mrs Wright says, handing her son a bag of chips. “We’ll have a proper talk later and I promise to explain everything but for now, go back to your friends and don’t make too much of a mess, okay?”

Phoenix nods, clutching the bag to his chest with such force Raymond kind of worries it will burst open right there. He then turns around and promptly yells at Larry upon realising that in his absence, the other boy had stolen his place by Miles’ side, the orange-clad boy now wrapped around him instead of Phoenix. And the most surprising part of it all, Raymond thinks, is the fact that Miles is smiling, although hiding it behind his hand, at having his two friends fight for his attention.

“The kids will be alright,” Mr Butz says and Raymond can’t help but agree.

“Yeah, I have a feeling they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

“They’ll probably want to be here at the hearing too,” Mrs Wright says.

Raymond nods. “Good. Miles will need the support.”

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

The night before the hearing, Raymond gets woken up by screams and barks at his door. There’s a voice in the back of his mind that marvels at the fact it hasn’t happened before, but he pushes it aside as he jumps out of bed and makes a beeline for Miles’ room, Missile following him diligently. Without hesitation, he walks in to find Miles has turned the light of his desk lamp on and is now curled up by the foot of his bed.

“Hey, kiddo… Miles,” he says gently, sliding on the floor next to the boy who doesn’t really move, only curling up into himself. “Come here, buddy.”

Raymond gently nudges at Miles’ arms before the boy all but just throws himself at him, burying his face in his shirt, with so much force that Raymond almost falls backwards. Unlike a few weeks back, there are no tears soaking his shirt but Miles is still trembling, small fists refusing to let go. Missile lets out a whimper, making his way to Raymond's side as well.

“It’ll be okay, I promised you, didn’t I?”

“D’you…” Miles mumbles. “I-I had a nightmare.” Raymond waits. “I-I think I killed father…”

Raymond feels his whole body go cold and Miles must have noticed how tense he suddenly got because the boy tries to pull away. He immediately tightens his hold, keeping him close. “Miles, no, it was just a bad dream.”

“B-but…”

“A nightmare. Don’t believe in it.”

Missile barks, as if to agree.

Miles looks at the dog in shock but then shakes his head. “I… I threw the gun… and I heard the g-gunshot… I…”

“Miles, ssh…” Raymond soothes, gently cradling the boy’s head. “I promise, you did nothing wrong. I had a look at the case too… and many things don’t add up…” Namely the fact the gun had fired twice that night but both Miles and Yogi testify they only heard it go off once… “but I can assure you… you shouldn’t worry your little head. You’re safe, you’re innocent, if you can’t believe in yourself, believe in me, alright?”

Miles has stopped shaking in his arms now but he is still clinging to his shirt as if his life depended on it.

“… Uncle Ray?”

For some reason, hearing that is what almost makes Raymond cry. “Yes?”

“Thank you.”

He smiles, gently ruffling the boy’s silver hair. “Anytime. Do you want me to stay with you for the night?”

He knows if it were under any other circumstance, Miles would refuse, arguing he is big enough to not need someone to hold him to sleep, but at the moment, all he does is nod and wrap his arms and legs as much as he can around Raymond’s chest.

He doesn’t get much sleep for the rest of the night, but the steady rhythm of Miles’ breathing as he peacefully sleeps against him helps settle his nerves.

“I will not fail you, Boss,” he promises, staring at the ceiling of what once was Gregory Edgeworth's bedroom. “I will protect your son and uncover the truth, someday.”

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

The sight of the courtroom is quite the dreadful one. Raymond remembers the first time he stepped into the building, in Gregory Edgeworth’s shadow as he assisted him for the first time of many others to come, at the ripe age of sixteen. Who would have thought that three years later, he would be the one leading the way, his mentor’s son’s hand firmly clasped in his hand?

“This is terrifying,” Larry says from where he stands behind his father. “I don’t like this place already.”

“You tell me,” Miles replies darkly and Raymond squeezes his hand at the same time Phoenix jumps forward and grabs the boy’s other hand.

“Everything is going to be alright ‘cause we’re here this time!” Phoenix declares with false confidence, Raymond can hear his voice waver with uncertainty and fear.

Raymond takes a deep breath as they enter, meeting Detective Badd already waiting for them inside who leads them towards their lobby. It is an unfamiliar part of the courthouse to him, too used to the big courtrooms used for murder trials. It is almost a breath of fresh air to take on a somewhat lighter case compared to the cases he had to work on with Mr Edgeworth… even if it feels bigger than the whole sky at the moment.

After all, his whole future and Miles’ may forever be changed after this hearing.

“Prosecutor von Karma... is still nowhere... to be seen,” Detective Badd tells him. “Which is... a positive on our end.”

“Then why does he want to adopt me, it does not make sense?” Miles asks.

A wild theory starts brewing in Raymond’s head, a tale of cruel revenge and petty manipulation, but he keeps it to himself. Surely no one would be cruel enough for what he just imagined…?

“That’s… a mystery… for you and me both, kid…” Detective Badd says with a sigh. “You… holding up okay?”

Miles nods, trying to reach for the detective but both Raymond and Phoenix refuse to let go. “Uh…”

Detective Badd chuckles and ruffles his hair. “I’ll be here too… the whole time. Don’t worry.”

“Surely this is only formality, right?” Mrs Wright asks. “After all, Raymond’s been taking care of Miles for weeks, I can attest to that as a childcare professional. Surely the judge should be in Raymond’s favour and this will be over quickly.”

“Ideally, yes,” Raymond replies. “But I’ve heard von Karma has… influence.”

“I thought courthouses were where justice prevailed,” Miles sniffs. “I will run away if he wins.”

“Miles…” Raymond chides. The kid only huffs and stares at him defiantly.

“Feisty one, he is,” Mr Butz laughs as Larry cheers his friend.

“I am sure I can outrun every bailiff here…” Miles continues. “Since I can outrun you easily.”

“Miles!” Raymond repeats, this time more urgently.

Detective Badd suddenly lets out a deep chuckle, startling pretty much everyone in the lobby. “If the judge… could see you… you already act like his dad…”

“It’s true,” Mrs Wright agrees, wearing a similar amused expression on her face.

“And here I always planned to live my life as everyone’s weird uncle,” Raymond jokingly laments. “Bleh. I don’t like the idea of being called dad though.”

Miles makes a face. “You’ll always be my Uncle Ray.”

“Yeah?” The kid nods and seems to attempt a smile although it looks more like a grimace than anything else. Raymond chuckles. “Yeah, I like that.”

Before long, the doors open on the woman Raymond and Detective Badd had met a few weeks earlier, the same irritated expression on her face as she walks past them, the click of her heels sounding like the ticking of a bomb. Her entourage follows her, all dressed to the nines, quite reminiscent of a certain currently missing prosecutor.

Raymond tries not to think about how foreboding it all feels.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

It probably says a lot that when they enter the room, Raymond is beyond relieved to see there are tables and chairs for them to sit on because he felt like he was about to collapse under the nerves. He still wonders why they have to stand up during the whole duration of a trial too, these things can take forever, but anyhow.

They sit down, a familiar judge takes his rightful place, a few people Raymond recognises from the adoption centre he has seen every other time while doing paperwork for Miles’ adoption following suit. Speaking of, Miles crawls into his lap almost instantly, almost defiantly even as he glares at the woman across the table. She clicks her tongue but visibly restrains herself from glaring back because it surely wouldn’t help her case.

The judge and… jury, he supposes, look over their respective files summing up the entire situation — including a brief summary of DL-6 — then at Miles before allowing them to speak and plead their case, nodding at Raymond’s side of the table first.

Here goes nothing.

He takes a deep breath. “I am listed as Miles’ next of kin after Gregory Edgeworth, hence why I have been taking care of him since the incident once I filed the necessary paper to do so. In all but blood, I am his only family left and Gregory Edgeworth trusted me with his son meanwhile von Karma hated Mr Edgeworth for tarnishing his perfect record.”

“I can vouch… for that,” Detective Badd chimes in. “Although Mr Edgeworth… and Prosecutor von Karma only just met… there was only hostility during the State vs Master case investigation…”

“This is not about what Mr Edgeworth would have wanted, but what is best for the child and his future,” the woman counters. Raymond kind of regrets not learning her name at the moment. “My employer perhaps simply wishes to honour a past rival and make up for his behaviour by raising Mr Edgeworth’s son. With his wealth and experience, Prosecutor von Karma will be able to provide Miles with the best resources.”

“Money is one thing but it doesn’t prove he’d be a good parent to him. He’s not even here right now!” At that, the panel of judges seems to start muttering to themselves. “If he really cared about adopting Miles he wouldn’t have sent whoever you are in his stead,” Raymond responds in kind.

“A kid needs support and considering the circumstances of his father’s passing, Miles needs comfort and familiarity, which Mr Shields can provide. Furthermore, Prosecutor von Karma is based in Germany most of the time from what I understand, taking Miles away from everything he knows so abruptly could not be beneficial,” Mrs Wright speaks up next. “He already has a life here, friends and family albeit not by blood, wouldn’t it be cruel to take all that away from him?”

“Quite the contrary, it could expand his horizons as well, I’d argue Europe is a much better place for a child to grow up in than this country,” their opponent counters, and Raymond recognises a slight French accent coming through. Ah. “In fact, while Prosecutor von Karma could not make it due to his busy schedule—”

“Which could already constitute as an absentee father behaviour,” Mr Butz butts in.

“— I have asked his eldest daughter to be here. She now has a thriving career of her own as a prosecutor abroad, happily married with a daughter as well.”

And right, Raymond kind of forgot the man already had children of his own and if he remembers correctly, he also has another daughter, a lot younger than Miles currently is.

The lady’s testimony is factual at best, insisting on how much her father helped her in her studies, giving her all the resources she needed to pass the bar early and have a successful career. However, when Raymond presses her to tell more about anything not academically related, she falters, ever so slightly, before reiterating that the von Karma’s pride themselves on their perfection.

“That sounds stressful,” Miles says eventually, lips trembling as he turns around and hides against Raymond’s chest. Raymond does his best to not look surprised because it really isn’t like Miles to get emotional like that. “I don’t want that…”

He chances a brief, and hopefully discreet look in the Wright’s direction, catching Phoenix giving Miles a thumbs up behind his back. Ah. A ploy to get people’s sympathy. Clever boys.

“It seems Prosecutor von Karma is one to put quite the pressure on his kids to be as perfect as him,” Raymond says then, looking at the jury again. “And perhaps it is a method that can work with certain children, but certainly not all of them, you must agree. Prosecutor von Karma does not know Miles, nor did he make the effort of getting to know him before requesting custody of him, and I can assure you, such a lifestyle would only hinder Miles’ intellectual development.”

“To me, it sounds like you underestimate greatly his potential,” his opponent counters.

“Quite the contrary,” he refutes, mocking her earlier tone, “I believe in Miles’ potential, whatever he strives to be I will help him achieve it as best as I can, but before all, I want Miles to have the opportunity of a life as normal as possible. I want him to be a kid. Not a ‘mini me’ I can parade around.”

“But you are quite young too, Mr Shields, and greatly affected by Mr Edgeworth’s death as well, how can we be certain you are making this decision with a sound mind? A kid is quite the responsibility for someone who’s not even twenty yet.”

Raymond recoils. Well, he knew that argument would come back.

“Now that’s just silly to even suggest,” Mr Butz huffs.

“Excuse you?”

“I mean, with all the complicated paperwork and preparation Raymond had to do all on his own you think he did not think this through? That he wants to adopt Miles on a whim, for fun? Come on!” Mr Butz laughs. “He’s probably more mature than I was when I became a father.”

“Dad?!” Larry exclaims.

“He’s right. About Mr Shields, not the other thing, that I have no idea,” Mrs Wright adds with a slightly weirded-out look at the man next to her. “These past few weeks, Mr Shields has prioritised Miles’ comfort and well-being. And he’s not alone either, parenthood doesn’t have to be lonely, in fact asking for help is favourable. Mr Butz’s family and mine are here to support this young man, as evidenced by our kids here who insisted on being present for their friend. And so is Detective Badd, I have to assume.”

Detective Badd nods. “It has worked… for the past month and a half… and I do not see why it would not for the foreseeable years ahead.”

“Mr Edgeworth was a very pragmatic man,” Raymond says once he regains his ground, confidence back in his eyes. “He already had set up a college fund for his son as well, and I have a stable income. So money is not an issue. I may be young but, Mrs von Karma, may I ask when you started your career and had your first child?”

“… Twenty-one.”

“I rest my case.”

“This isn’t an actual trial,” Miles mutters against him and Raymond represses a laugh.

Nevertheless, the jury seems satisfied with the arguments presented and then, everything kind of becomes a blur to Raymond.

All he remembers is somehow ending up on his knees, vision blurred by tears as Miles jumps excitedly next to him, wrapping his little arms around his neck in happiness before he is smothered by everyone else also present. Even Detective Badd rests a hand on his head, patting it with a gentle “congratulations” leaving his lips.

The rest of their life began that day.

He just has one more thing to settle.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

“I was only an assistant and have not passed the bar yet, so I can’t legally take over your case just yet but know I will keep investigating. As long as the statute of limitations is not over, we still have hope to catch who really killed Mr Dover.”

Jeffrey Master bows elegantly before him, keeping his head high despite the white in his hair and the haunting in his eyes. It has only been a year, but what an exhausting one.

“I must repeat my most sincere condolences for your loss, Mr Shields, and despite it all, you still seek to help me.”

“It is only fair, Mr Master,” Raymond insists, inclining his head in a much more timid bow as well the way he had seen Mr Edgeworth do before. “I owe it to you and to my late boss. Please hold on in the meantime.”

The smile on the once renowned baker’s lips is almost unperceived under the bleak light of the detention centre.

“Take care as well, Mr Shields. That kid of yours, he needs you more than I do for now. I will be fine.”

“Mr Master…”

“I was around your age when I adopted Katherine,” Mr Master continues, that unique fondness taking over his body whenever he talks about her. Raymond bites his lips, the man still doesn’t know that his parents had thrown Katherine out the moment he was convicted. Katherine herself had asked him to not tell her father, so as to not add up to his pile of worries. “It was… terrifying, and tiring, being responsible for another life but… she had no one else and I could not stand there and do nothing, I'm sure you understand that as well."

Flashes of a small terrified Miles, followed by the images of an ecstatic and joyful Miles jumping into his arms after the court hearing come back to him in that split second in which Mr Master pauses, the other man reminiscing his own happy memories. Oh boy does he understand.

"It was perhaps the most fulfilling I ever felt, to see her grow and thrive," Mr Master concludes at last, voice a little shaky with emotion.

Raymond smiles politely. “Well, I can only hope to feel this pride one of these days.”

Oh, who is he kidding, he’s already felt it just this morning when Miles woke him up with breakfast and a fresh mug of coffee ready, knowing what today will bring.

“Address my best regards to little Miles as well,” the renowned chef says. “And please do tell me when his birthday approaches, I wish to bake him a cake. I’ve been told I can continue baking here as long as I am heavily monitored, so maybe we can arrange something so that I can give it to you.”

Well, even the prison could not pass the opportunity of tasting the renowned Jeffrey Master’s baking goods, he supposes. Raymond chuckles. “Sure thing! He’s got quite the sweet tooth even if he doesn’t admit it.”

“If I can still bring joy to people even behind bars, I think… I think I will be alright.”

Raymond smiles and bows once again. “Until next time, Mr Master.”

“Thank you, Mr Shields.”

He pauses only for a few seconds at the door before taking his leave, the weight on his shoulders not quite gone but at least lightened. He wonders if the guilt and fear will ever ease the longer the mystery of the IS-7 incident lingers. But for now, he’ll have to put it aside.

It’s time to put someone else to rest now.

Miles is waiting for him in the lobby, reading a book with Detective Badd sitting next to him. They both lift their head when Raymond approaches.

“Come on,” he says, leaning down to adjust Miles’ bowtie before either of them could question him on how his visit went. The kid lifts his chin to make access easier. “Are you ready?”

Miles nods, closing his book. “Are you?”

Raymond huffs out a smile. “Yeah, I think so. Let’s go.”

They hop into Detective Badd’s car. Right to Gregory Edgeworth’s funeral.

The trial finally concluded a few days prior, ending with the bailiff’s acquittal, although he lost everything in the process due to Hammond’s insanity plea, so was it really a win? A scandal sparked within the police department as well about a medium being a sham. It was all over the news, overshadowing Yanni Yogi’s acquittal, and Raymond was unable to shield — hah — Miles from learning about it. The kid’s reaction was… unexpected, just a blank stare before he turned the TV off himself and called mediums con artists. Raymond did not comment.

This meant that on top of IS-7, DL-6 remains now unsolved.

The positive, however, is that they could reclaim Mr Edgeworth’s body so they could finally have a proper ceremony and lay him to rest like he deserves to be.

Miles clings to his side during all of it, head held up high. There’s no rain, quite the contrary actually, it’s a bright sunny day that burns against the black of everyone’s clothes, but it doesn’t stop others from pouring tears through the speeches delivered by Detective Badd, Mrs Wright, Raymond and, lastly, Miles himself. Namely, Miles’ friends seem far more affected, even if Raymond knows Miles is only putting up a facade of strength, it is still a jarring sight to see him so calm and impassive next to a sobbing Phoenix and Larry trying to keep it together.

But he supposes, if Miles grew up listening to his father’s cases, the idea of death is something he must be familiar with, even if not to such a personal context…

Eventually, people leave and Raymond finds himself staring at his former mentor’s grave with Miles by his side.

Loving father.

“He’d be proud of you, you know?” Miles says suddenly, as perceptive as ever.

“Miles…”

“He also would not want you to take so much on your shoulders,” the kid continues, now tugging at his sleeve. “He’d want you to be happy.”

“Miles, are you implying I am not because I have to take care of you?”

The lack of response is response enough. Ever since he won custody of Miles, Raymond had naively thought things would get easier, happily ever after or whatever, but they did not. In the past week, Miles’ nightmares had worsened, almost every night interrupted by screaming and haunted eyes. Apparently he now also gets nightmares about von Karma, despite only catching a glimpse of him a few times across a courtroom.

And every single time, Raymond could see the guilt and shame in his little body as Miles asked to be held until the shaking faded away.

“I know I must be a burden and I am delaying you becoming an attorney and—”

“Hey, no,” Raymond interrupts gently. “You’re not a burden. I didn’t fight this hard to keep you by my side for you to say that now, did I?”

“I apologise…”

“You’re my only family left too, you know that, kiddo?” Miles’ eyes grow wide. Well, he didn’t know. Raymond may have forgotten to mention it. “I’m not gonna lie to you and say I’m happy right now after everything just happened, but one day, eventually. We will move past this, and we will be happy.”

“… Together?”

“Together.”

Unshed tears shine in the grey of Miles’ eyes. “Okay.”

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

Years pass in relative comfort. Miles goes through the motion, middle and high school passing by in a blur and soon enough he is about to start his first year of law school at Ivy University — he had thought of going to Themis Academy but it would have meant moving away before high school and even with a scholarship, the money would have been too tight with Uncle Ray also finishing law school in the meantime —, with Phoenix and Larry still at his side too, somehow.

He can admit now he never expected their friendship to last this long, he always thought he’d eventually stray away from them. Larry and Phoenix are so much alike at times that Miles feels like he sticks out like a sore thumb, but he supposes he is grateful they are still there.

While Larry is still unsure what to do with his life, he decided to take a Gap Year but found a cheap apartment near the university to be close enough to them while Phoenix applied for an arts and theatre major with a minor in law, which Miles was surprised to hear about but he promised to help his friend if he ever decided to actually change major.

And eventually, Raymond Shields gets to pass the bar and has his first client a mere week later. The reputation of Edgeworth & co. Law offices is still shining bright after all these years since Miles helped his uncle recruit attorneys in the firm. After all, the firm is still under his name, he is the CEO, despite still being underage, and he will pride himself about it.

“Congratulations, Uncle Ray,” Miles says.

Uncle Ray beams at him, readjusting the fedora on his head, one strikingly similar to the one his father once owned. “Thanks, Miles, would you do me the honour?”

Miles tilts his head in question until the older man hands him his newly polished badge. Miles’ breath catches in his throat.

“Father father! Can I wear it?”

“Dear, careful, the clutch is off you might hurt yourself, come here.”

“Was that a yes?”

A deep chuckle. “Only until I need it for court, alright? So you can get a taste of your future, mm?”

“Yes, of course,” Miles replies as he takes the badge, removing the jewellery clutch behind it. Huh. His father’s had a cheap rubber clutch, guess they upgraded it. “Where do you want to display it?”

“Mm, on the collar of the shirt, I think.”

And so Miles promptly attaches the pin there, careful to not accidentally poke his uncle with it. He finds himself smiling a bit as he takes a few steps back, regarding the man who has raised him standing before him with an aura of pride and happiness he has not seen too often over the years.

And if he squints just a little, perhaps he can see the ghost of his father in the determined lines of Uncle Ray’s face.

“Huh, not bad,” the man comments as he admires himself in the mirror. “Probably will keep it in my pocket most times though, it’s so small I’m scared it’d fall off without me noticing.”

Miles huffs. Of course he would worry about that above all things today.

“Any… nervousness?” he asks eventually. “It is your first case. For a homicide no less.”

Uncle Ray shrugs. “Eh, second case, technically.”

“I doubt my adoption counts.”

“Quite the contrary, it will remain my greatest victory, I think,” his uncle refutes. It is difficult to believe seven years have passed. “And I have nothing to worry about, I trust in my client’s innocence and I’ll have you in the audience cheering me, don’t I?”

Miles fails, once again, to refrain from a smile. “Of course. Are we visiting Mr Master after?”

Uncle Ray nods. “Katherine might join us as well if her schedule allows it.” Miles hums at that, deciding to not bring up his uncle’s quite obvious crush on the young woman this time. “Well then, shall we get going?” He then throws the keys of his father’s old car Miles’ way. Miles catches them instinctively.

“… I cannot believe I got my driver’s licence before you.”

His uncle laughs, open and bright and pats him on the shoulder. “And that will probably stay like that for a while.”

Miles doesn’t question it. He has no doubt his uncle has his reasons, the same way he now refuses to ride elevators.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

Miles stubbornly stays by his uncle’s side during the trial despite the latter insisting he’ll be fine alone and he should go watch from the audience.

“I am technically your boss, you know?” Miles had been unable to not gloat in front of the judge and the prosecutor on the other side with an annoying voice and the most obvious wig on his head. “I need to make sure you do not tarnish my office’s name!”

“Where did you get that sick sense of humour?” Uncle Ray asked dryly.

“You.” Duh.

His uncle had huffed, the judge chuckled in good faith as well and then the trial began.

And they win, obviously. Miles has no time to congratulate his uncle when he finds himself tackled into a hug from behind and he would have fallen if it wasn’t for Uncle Ray catching him and his assailant.

“Congratulations you both, you were incredible!”

Oh, Phoenix. Wait, Phoenix?

“Phoenix?! What are you doing here?” Miles asks as he finds his balance again and his friend absolutely does not let go. It is a habit he has never grown out of, it seems.

“Supporting you and Mr Shields, of course!”

“You two do realise that was my case, right, Miles only objected like, twice,” Uncle Ray laughs. Miles refrains from the urge to object once again. “And since Miles wasn’t really my assistant, I still have paperwork to deal with and talk with my client about my pay. You two scatter off, I’ll meet you in front of the courthouse in an hour or so, alright?”

Uncle Ray winks at him as he ushers them outside the courtroom and Miles pointedly does not blush.

“Oh yeah, I was here to use the library too, I wanna get ahead before the year starts,” Phoenix says, now grabbing Miles’ hand. Miles lets him. Phoenix holds hands with everyone and it’s another habit that never went away despite the weird looks they’d sometimes get growing up.

“Phoenix, you’ll be an art major, I doubt your law classes will be that difficult. And if you wanted to do that you could have just asked to borrow my books at home.”

“But I want to pretend this is a study date, ssh.”

Miles blinks, unsure if Phoenix is ever actually serious whenever he says things like that, and instead of questioning it out loud, he simply lets the other boy guide him towards the library, like a coward.

He might as well start freshening up his knowledge as well, he just stood in court but it cannot hurt. Besides… he might be interested in researching what it must feel like, to be on the other side of the courtroom as well.

Perhaps.

One must be knowledgeable on both the defence and prosecutorial sides of justice for a better outcome, right?

As soon as they reach the library, Phoenix claims one of the tables by dropping his belongings in one chair before promptly leaving again to lose himself in between the shelves and dusty books. Miles, on his part, doesn’t follow him and sits down instead, taking out the notes he had taken during the trial, and highlighting the parts that could have been improved.

So engrossed in them, he doesn’t notice when someone sits down in front of him rather than next to him, and it takes that someone clearing their throat a bit too loudly to be actually natural for Miles to startle and look up.

There, across from him, is a woman, perhaps a few years older than him. Long brown hair and equally warm eyes staring back at him, or maybe through him, he’s not so sure. He scans her as well, taking on her long scarf and the odd necklace around her neck, searching for a badge but finding none. A student, then? It isn’t like the profiles of people frequenting this library are very diverse, after all. Looking at her, if he had to guess, he’d say she is studying to become a defence attorney. Something about her smile and the determination in her eyes.

“Hi,” the woman says at last, “you’re Miles Edgeworth, right?”

Miles frowns. How…? “Usually, when someone starts a conversation, they’re the one who introduces themself first.”

She laughs. “My bad! I’m studying to become a defence lawyer.” Miles hides a satisfied smile behind his hand, his deductions were right. “The name’s Mia Fey,” she introduces herself and she smiles when she sees the recognition dawn on him. Fey. Like that medium who apparently “channelled” his father only to send the whole case into chaos. Oh, what a nightmarish week that had been… literally.

Mia smiles derisively. “Yeah, that Fey.”

“I… what do you want?” Miles tries, he swears he tries to not sound bitter and angry at her, but the Fey name has plagued his nights as much as the von Karma did.

To her merit, she doesn’t raise to the hostility, that same smile on her face. “Probably the same thing as you, solve DL-6 and find out what happened to my mother and to your father,” Mia replies easily. The weird stone around her neck seems to glow ever so slightly. “What do you say?” She offers him a hand as she leans over the table, a determined look in her eyes as if even if he refused, she would continue to insist, again and again, until he gives in.

It’s a stubbornness Miles is all too familiar with.

“Well then,” Miles says, taking her hand and shaking it once, like a pact, despite the skepticism still festering inside him. It has been so long... he has an inkling of what might have happened but... It was just a dream, Miles, if you don't believe in yourself, believe in me. His uncle's words wrap around his worried heart. “Let’s find the truth, Mia Fey.”

Mia nods. “You read my mind, Miles Edgeworth. And I may have a lead, already,” she promptly informs him, sliding a file to him after quickly looking around.

Miles takes it, a fire igniting within him.

Here goes nothing.

Notes:

i like the idea that miles still does end up going the prosecutor route in this au, just on his own terms and without von karma's influence, as he'd still want to catch culprits after seeing so many cases go unsolved (also he knows it pays more and he'd want to give back to Ray after years of the man giving up so much for him, maybe). but who knows. phoenix would still go on to become a defence attorney though, this time in a desire to help Miles get to the bottom of DL-6 alongside Mia i think. how would dahlia fit in there? that's for future me to figure out maybe one of these days. i originally wanted to end this after the funeral but i couldn't really help it and needed a more open ending juuuust in case i wanna write more later :')

Twitter ~ Tumblr come say hi!

Thank you for reading, dear, may our paths meet again x