ThePudz: And now the final chapter is in the hands of I, the mighty ThePudz! I seriously hope I can do these past two absolutely BRILLIANT chapters some justice. Working on the story with these two that I consider inspirations is really something that is indescribable of how amazing it is. I really hope you all enjoy this!

Yanmegaman: Well here it is guy's thepudz first chapter and which no one is severely injured. Unless you count Phoenix's legs. Rest in peace legs. Rest in peace. But in all seriousness, I think he's capped off this story beautifully, and I hope you enjoy this final chapter!

JP: This is the finale of our 3-shot guys! My mate from down under has really brought it home! Drop a line and let him know how amazeballs he was!

Chapter Three: Can't Help Falling In Love

The Gatewater Hotel Ballroom – September 5, 2027

As those three words floated around in their minds, Phoenix and Maya stared at one another, both of them getting lost in each other's eyes. His right hand and her left hand were not only joined by cuffs, but interlocked at the fingers. Their free arms were holding each other tightly in a one-armed embrace, refusing to let go of one another. This was the closest they had been to each other in the last eight years; the first time they had touched in eight years, the first they had spoken in eight years.

But there was one thing they hadn't lost in those long eight years… that unbreakable golden rope, the one which had kept their souls locked and their hearts united.

No matter how far away they'd been from each other, no matter how much Phoenix had hated ignoring Maya, no matter how much Maya tried to remove that man from her head, no matter distance they were away from each other, no matter what… That otherworldly golden rope would always remain tightly knotted together, and would never allow their love to ever be fully broken.

Everyone in the ballroom, drunk, sober or completely mental, was watching the couple in the middle of the room, who remained with their hands linked, half embracing, and gazing into each other's eyes.

This was what everyone had been waiting for.

This was what Pearl and Trucy had so desperately wanted for so long.

This... was the absolute definition of beautiful.

Suddenly, the two came back down to earth, as though belatedly realizing they were holding hands and practically bear-hugging. They unlocked their fingers and unwrapped from each other as they realized the song was over, much to the disappointment of the swooning crowd.

Suddenly, the duo started blushing, but Phoenix wasn't done just yet. He knew at that moment, everything that was meant to happen was going to happen… After eight long years… tonight was going to be the night he got Maya Fey back.

And he knew exactly how to do it.

There was a piano on the main stage, and Phoenix was already thinking of his plan as he eyed it, and looked over at Edgeworth. As if they had some sort of invisible communication, the best friends stared at each other, and the blue attorney slightly nodded. The Chief Prosecutor clenched his jaw as if he were deep in thought before he came to the right conclusion. He slightly pointed at Phoenix and spoke to Gumshoe.

"Detective, get those handcuffs of Wright and Miss Fey," the magenta-clad man ordered. Gumshoe looked at the prosecutor with confusion, scratching the back of his head.

"But, sir, they still haven't-"

"Trust me on this, detective. I know what stunt Wright is about to pull." Edgeworth crossed his arms, his judgmental stare at the defense attorney unwavering. "And I hope, for his sake, he doesn't screw this up."

Franziska was also a bit confused. In fact, everyone was, but her husband was the Chief Prosecutor. He knew what he was doing, and hopefully what he was doing was right.

Otherwise, Pearl would be joining Franziska in dishing out his punishment!

The detective grabbed the small keys out of his pocket, locking them into the small hole of the handcuffs and turning it in the lock. The cuffs broke free from Phoenix and Maya's wrists, and the first thing they did once free was rub the area where the tight cuffs had been, finally feeling the skin again. Maya glanced up at Phoenix, but he didn't return it, as he was already going over to the main stage. Edgeworth crossed his arms again, and the spirit medium clutched her wrist in anticipation.

Phoenix approached the piano, sitting down on the seat in front of the row of the black and white keys. The silence was new, having previously been broken by the live music or the annoying sounds of Meekin's goddamn megaphone. Everyone watched as he placed his fingers on the piano and familiarized himself with all the keys before he finally looked up at Maya. And she knew then, that whatever he was about to play… It was dedicated to her.

Then Phoenix started to play… By playing the wrong notes and setting off a cringe-worthy, ear-splitting screech!

Franziska immediately went for her whip to punish the fool, but Edgeworth raised a hand.

"Give him one more chance, Franziska. He better redeem himself."

Phoenix swallowed the lump in his throat, knowing it was either getting this perfect or certain death. He stared longingly at the ebony-haired beauty. Those luminous eyes and glorious dark hair, that gorgeous face and body… Her everything. It motivated him, driving through the determination to get this right. Phoenix set his hands at the right notes this time, and finally, he started properly.

The first few notes were a rhythm of high then low, over and over, and Maya and a few others immediately recognized the song, "The Scientist" by Coldplay.

The Kurain Master held both hands over her heart, her eyes widening as the man played. His eyes were partially closed and he was swaying back and forth, going in time with the music.

Finally, after the first couple of bars, he started singing with that beautiful voice he had. It was the same deep, but soothing voice that Maya had sometimes caught when Phoenix had sung quietly to himself back at the Law Office. She'd never had the courage to say it, but he sounded like an angel… God, she could fall asleep with a smile to that voice, it was that perfect.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are

The people who hadn't previously heard Phoenix sing were extremely surprised. Even the drunk Athena stopped her chugging of a white wine bottle to stare, wide-eyed at her boss. Maya was completely paralyzed, clasping her hands over her heart as if it were some sort of shield to stop this man's love from getting to her.

A shield that would soon break.

I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Edgeworth noticed Franziska leaning her head on his shoulder, and he soon realized Phoenix's song was setting off all the romantics in the room; all the couples, the normal and… the...not so normal!

The prosecutor placed an arm over Franziska's shoulder, holding her close. Maya remained standing completely frozen on that floor, her hands still placed over her heart, even as that surrounding fortress grew weaker and weaker…

Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Oh, let's go back to the start

Phoenix shot a quick glance to the Spirit Medium, wishing he could read her mind as he remained simply rooted in place, her expression unreadable. There were no tears in her eyes, no lip wobbling, no smile… Just widened eyes, and lips slightly parted, hands tightly clenched and covering her heart. Phoenix looked back down to the keys, keeping them in the right place.

Running in circles
Coming up tails
Heads on a science apart

Trucy and Pearl happily grinned at each other, realizing that ever so slowly, their plan was working. When this song was over, whatever Maya did sealed the deal, or broke everything. It all came down to one question… How strong was that shield covering Maya's defensive heart?

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard

Maya honestly didn't what to feel right now. Those love armies attacking at that shield in her heart were getting stronger, and she knew her shields would soon break and she'd finally, openly having to admit what she could no longer deny: that she was hopelessly in love with Phoenix Wright.

Oh, take me back to the start...

No one had noticed Klavier at the seat next to the piano, an acoustic guitar in his hand. He knew the song and knew just what he had to do. He commenced playing the chords and strumming along with Phoenix's piano, making those determined claws ripping at the shields around Maya's heart even stronger.

She was still standing there, doing nothing… But on the inside, there was a Phoenix clawing at her defenses. And the flaming bird was stronger than anything Maya had ever felt in her whole life…

I was just guessing
At numbers and figures
Pulling the puzzles apart

Gumshoe knew he had made the right choice when he took those handcuffs off now. The detective was actually getting a bit teary-eyed at this… However, thus far, Maya was not.

Nevertheless, those safeguards were getting weaker and weaker…

Questions of science
Science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Never had anyone seen this version of Phoenix Wright. This loving, angel-voiced, romantic Phoenix Wright. Despite losing his badge, his reputation, and gaining it all back, along with a superman curl of hair… Maya, and everyone else knew… The old Phoenix Wright from eight years ago was still there. In fact, it was all there. He hadn't changed one bit… And that made Maya all the more elated. The man she'd loved for so long – yet still had never really left.

Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh, and I rush to the start

The Phoenix had clawed its final razor-sharp attack at Maya's defenses, and at last, twin pools welled up in her eyes. She swallowed the lump in her throat, yet the last remains of her fortifications stubbornly remained intact.

Phoenix was equally determined going to break them down. He just had to!

Running in circles
Chasing our tails
Coming back as we are

Weaker and weaker, Maya's defenses were getting vanquishing… Those memories were clawing their way through the talon marks the Phoenix had made to her heart shield. Her lips wobbled and everyone watched as ever so slowly, Maya Fey slowly began to break down.

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard

Phoenix had one last attack, and it would be the final attack that would break Maya Fey's barricades. The inner battle Phoenix was readying itself, and the memories prepared themselves for breaching. Maya swallowed another lump in her throat, and her nose started tickling as she knew she was about to let the last eight years all out…

I'm going back to the start.

Smash!

Maya's resistances were completely obliterated. She fell to her knees, eyes squeezed tightly shut as the memories started swarming back. She kept her lips closed, but they were quivering. The first tear streaked down her cheek at the first memory…

Their first meeting, soon after the death of her sister… Maya remembered it all. The bitterness, the emptiness, the feeling of complete and utter heartbreak… All soothed by one, spiky-haired lawyer.

"Excuse me but, who are you?"

"…"

"It's okay. I work here."

"Maya… Maya Fey."

That time in the detention center… Maya's second arrest. Phoenix refused to believe the one he loved was a murderer, even going as far as to scream at them so they could stop making him terrified… He cared about her from the very beginning. Everyone watched as Maya completely broke down.

"Are you sure? I mean, I'm guilty! I'm a murderer!"

"No one's decided that yet, Maya."

"But I did! I killed that person… With these… Two hands…"

"That's enough, Maya."

"It's hopeless! If you defend me, you'll lose, I'm sure…"

"STOP IT!"

"… Help me… Nick, help me… I'm scared…"

"Don't worry. I will."

The time she got kidnapped and Phoenix offered everything, or what remained, of his valuables, just to get her back… The desperation he had, the complete and utter desire to hold her in his arms again… He needed her more than anything. Money, badge, no matter… He needed her.

"Maya! Where are you?! Are you hurt?!"

"Come now. Don't fall apart on me just yet. Now that I have your attention, Mr. Attorney, I have a modest proposal for you. If you do what I require, then I will return to you your valuable item unharmed. What is this called in your fancy lawyer terms again?"

"Kidnapping… For ransom."

"Yes, that's it. This is a kidnapping."

"… How much?! HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT?!"

The time she came back after Phoenix had rescued her… He held her tighter than he had ever held anyone. He had gotten the person he loved most back… and Maya remembered those tears of joy.

"Nick!"

"M-M-M… MAYA!"

Everyone was keeping their eyes on the Spirit Medium as she broke down, with those same tears of joy, now currently falling down her cheeks in unending streams as the vivid recollections invaded her mind.

Phoenix Wright ran across a burning bridge for her. Phoenix Wright, the man who was scared of heights, crossed that damn bridge for her and nearly got himself killed. His only thought? 'I have to get across and make sure Maya is safe.'

"Larry, hurry up and call the police! I'm going to the Inner Temple!"

"D-don't be stupid! The bridge is nothing but a burning wreck right now!"

"Listen to me! There's been a murder! Here! At Hazakura Temple! The murderer might have fled across the bridge! I have to make sure Maya is safe!"

"B-B-But…"

"Please! Call the police! I've got to go! Get out of my way, Larry!"

The time in Labyrinthia when Phoenix had thought Maya had died… Phoenix had never felt such guilt, such depression, such anger, such sadness in his entire life. When he thought he had lost the one he loved for the rest of his life, he was broken. Shattered, never to be restored fully until she came back…

"Hey, Nick! Niiiiiick!"

"M-Maya?! Am I dreaming? Is it really you?!"

"Yup, yup! The professor and I are as real as can be!"

"You have no idea how relieved I am. Really. I've never been more happy to see you!"

"I, uh… I'm really sorry, Nick. You must've been worried sick. It's just… I wanted to do something to help Espella, you know?"

"No, no! It's not your fault, Maya. It's mine. If only I'd helped sooner… Then none of this would've happened… And you wouldn't… Have been dropped into that pit of fire!"

"I… I thought I'd never see you again, Nick… I… I'm really sorry."

All those bittersweet, inescapable memories came flooding back as Phoenix finished the song. Maya remained on her knees, in a weeping mess as eight long years of bottling everything up was now it was all being let out at last.

The sobbing woman looked up to see Phoenix getting up from the piano, rushing off stage to comfort her.

No… I don't need him to come to me . I've been waiting for this for too damn long!

Without a moment's hesitation, Maya got up and started sprinting towards Phoenix. He reached the bottom step to see the spirit medium charging right at him, and nothing could prepare him for what came next.

Maya leaped at Phoenix, one of her thong sandals coming off as she jumped, and she wrapped both arms around the attorney's neck, before she started began blubbering loud, joyful tears. She wrapped her legs around the blue attorney's waist and she clung to him like a drowning sailor on a life raft. She had a great big smile on her face, even as the tears continued streaking down her cheeks, but she hugged Phoenix tighter than she ever had in her entire life. Phoenix soon realized the woman wasn't attacking him, and he returned the embrace almost immediately, wrapping both arms around her tightly.

Even he had tears in their eyes, although not as much as Maya. Everyone watched as eight years apart all blew up into one massive, emotional reunion. The couple hugged each other so hard, Phoenix thought his ribs would crush under the weight.

"Oh, Nick! Nick!" Maya happily cried, burying her head into his shoulder, letting the tears soak into his fancy blue suit. "Nick, I love you! I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you! I love you to the moon and back! I love you more than life itself! I love you more than anything on this entire planet! I love you more than absolutely anything!"

Those words… Phoenix felt as if the weight that had been burdened on his shoulders and stomach had been ripped off him, and he felt light, he felt less de-stressed, he felt loved. No matter how much support he had gotten these last eight years, he's still always been empty, with this unfillable void within him.

For Maya it had been the exact same thing, carrying that black hole of emptiness... that gaping chasm which could only be filled by the true love of one another.

They both felt that hole finally become filled as Phoenix returned the words.

"Maya… I love you, too! You are the air that I breathe, you are the support that I lean on, you are my life, you are my love, you are my everything. And… I'm so sorry it has taken me so goddamn long to confess the undying love I have for you. I will never leave you again like I did, Maya… I swear it."

Phoenix felt the Maya unwrap her legs around his waist, and she finally stood. Her arms lowered to his shoulder, and he held both hands behind her back. The two stared into each other's eyes again, feeling every emotion.

They knew what they had to do.

It had only taken them eight years to do it.

Maya wrapped both arms around Phoenix's neck, and the lawyer placed his index finger under her chin, brushing her cheek with his thumb.

"I promise to never leave you again, Maya Fey," he whispered their faces just inches apart.

"And I promise to always love you to the end of time, Nick," she whispered back.

Then, for the first time ever, they softly laid their lips together.

Maya's lips were indescribable – the most beautiful lips he'd ever experienced. The sweet softness, like a feather. The warmth, like he was in the warmest island in the world. The taste, finer than anything he'd ever savored. The love, more powerful than anything on earth. These lips were perfection, they were brilliance… they were the very definition of love.

Trucy and Pearl squealed, and Edgeworth gave an approving smile. Everyone else applauded, some drunken ones whooped, but what was most important was that everyone knew the efforts to bring these two star-crossed lovers back together had finally paid off.

Phoenix kissed Maya even deeper, and she wrapped her arms tighter around him, pulling him even closer. She kissed him harder, more forcefully than Phoenix would've ever imagined, as though trying to pour nearly of decade of love and longing into that one passionate embrace.

Finally, Maya drew back. It was sudden, but Phoenix soon realized it was so she could catch her breath. She gasped in a few breaths of air, before grinning at Phoenix and grabbing his suit, pulling him in for another powerful kiss that lasted for ages. After all, they had been waiting to do this for a long time, even longer than those eight years!

It was the Master who finally pulled away, and Phoenix had a look in his eyes that begged for mercy. She smirked back in response. Maya might have finally stopped, but she certainly wasn't done for the night.

Everyone in the audience loudly clapped for the new couple, and Phoenix realized only then that Maya had just become his girlfriend, something he'd wanted for so long, but never had the courage to say. But now, it was known that Maya had a crush on him too for the same amount of time, and Phoenix kicked himself for not asking all those years ago.

Better late than never, I suppose…

"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!"

A high-pitched squeal echoed across the ballroom, coming in sync from both Pearl and Trucy. They both had the same expression; eyes closed, mouths stretched into toothy, ear-to-ear grins as they both jumped in sync, pumping their fists. They high-fived each other, simultaneously chanting 'We did it!' over and over again.

They were absolutely adorable.

"So, when you are you getting the ring, Daddy?"

"Oh, can I help you shop, Mr. Nick? I know the perfect place..."

"No, no, I'll help Daddy!"

"We'll help! Mr. Nick, don't you worry! You and Mystic Maya's wedding is fully planned!"

Phoenix couldn't help but slightly chuckle at the girls' excitement. Phoenix looked over to Edgeworth, who was somehow keeping a straight face. Finally, he broke into a shit-eating grin at the man.

"As always, Wright, I have to drag you out of your life problems… Thank me later, please."

Phoenix had to thank everyone, really. Without their planning, he never would've been reunited with Maya, and he probably never would've been fully happy again. Maya tugged at his shirt, pulling him in for another kiss. It was quick this time, since Maya had something to say.

"Why don't you take me to the Law Office?" She suggested, a glint in her eye. "I haven't seen it in years."

Phoenix was about to agree, but then he saw that look in Maya's eyes. Along with that impish grin. He glanced over at Gumshoe and winked.

"Hey, Gumshoe, I'm gonna need those handcuffs again..."

Wright Anything Agency – September 5, 2027

Phoenix opened the door to the Wright Anything Agency, and Maya looked around immediately.

"Messy! How much mess is in here?!" She spun around, taking it all in. "Geez, Nick! Eight years without me in this office really did a number on this place!"

"Blame Trucy." Phoenix watched as Maya ran over to his desk, which had once belonged to Mia. "This is all her props and things. The only thing of mine in here is that beanie over there and that hoodie hanging up."

Maya looked at the beanie he'd pointed to, and her eyes widened in shock. She grabbed the wool beanie, running it through her hands, feeling it. Then, she scrunched it up, and threw it at him.

"Why the hell would you wear that, you tart?!" Maya complained. "It looks about as ugly as Armstrong!"

Phoenix recoiled as the beanie hit him, but he decided to tease Maya by putting it on. She ran at the lawyer, leaping at him to take that damn beanie off, laughing breathlessly as he did everything in his power to keep that stupid beanie on. Phoenix wrestled with Maya as she yanked at that beanie, backing her up into the arm of the sofa, toppling her back onto it with the force of the playful struggle, while he simultaneously also lost his footing and tumbled forward right on top of her onto the cushions, grateful that the impact hadn't hurt her.

Maya grinned triumphantly as she gripped the offending beanie in her hands, finally taking it off Phoenix's head and throwing it across the room. Then she suddenly realized she was pinned under Phoenix's body on the sofa, her knees on the side of his hips. The two of them stared at each other's eyes.

"Maya…" Phoenix whispered.

He kissed her and the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest.

She raked her fingers through his hair as his lips blazed a fiery trail down to her neck to her collarbone Phoenix's hair as he went for her collarbone. She gritted her teeth, driving her head back into the sofa arm as he teased her with merciless nips until her impatience took over, and she started tugging his suit jacket, as though in a silent plea. He obliged without hesitation and cast aside his blue lawyer jacket, before taking off his white shirt, revealing an extremely ripped chest.

Maya almost wanted to hit Phoenix for hiding that incredibly ripped body for so long! He was beautiful – a finely sculpted chest, muscled arms, and a ripped six-pack to support the lower half. She felt the heat coursing through her. God, he looked hot.

Phoenix came back over to her, his hands on either side of her head, staring down at her hungrily. Biting her bottom lip, she removed her shirt, revealing a lacy purple bra underneath. He claimed her lips again as his hands roamed over her body.

"Nick!" She gasped as he reached behind her to cup her bottom, lifting her against him as he ground against her arching form, putting up no resistance as he removed the rest of her clothing. She writhed beneath him as he undid his own belt buckle with what seemed like painstaking slowness, until at last, he lay above her, skin to skin, his tongue invading her mouth the entire time.

Maya was panting and clawed at Phoenix's back as their heated mouths fused together, until they separated briefly, needing to catch their breaths. His chest was heaving as he drew back, staring down at her with hungry eyes.

"Maya… Are you sure you want this?" he whispered.

She clenched her jaw, staring up at his finely-toned chest in a final moment of contemplation before meeting his level gaze. Her first time was meant to be with this man and no other. And it would be tonight if she had to use those handcuffs on him herself!

"You are my world, my universe, my absolute everything, Nick, and right now, I want your weight on top of me more than anything in the world. I want your lips against mine, I want your body against me… mind, heart, body, and soul…I want every single part of you, Phoenix Wright."

Phoenix lowered his head down to hers, touching his forehead against hers. She lifted her hand and ran it over his cheek as their ardent gazes locked in a final moment before his lips claimed hers.

After their bitter, then sweet, reunion, only one thing was on Maya's mind. It was official – they were together now. He was hers, she was his. They were all, they were everything.

Her last words moaned into his ear before they shared the most fiery, passionate night of their lives were the sweetest sound he'd ever heard.

"Nick. Tonight, I want you."

Wright Anything Agency – September 6, 2027

Phoenix's eyes slowly rose as the light came into the agency. He blinked rapidly, looking around the room, the sunlight beaming through the window and being the only light in the messy room. Everything was still there, the floating spaghetti, the magic props, his desk, all of it was still there, but he also noticed his clothes on the floor as well, before realizing he was naked on the sofa, and his legs felt completely numb.

"Mmph… Morning, Nick."

Phoenix first had a mini heart attack at the voice, but he then remembered that the voice belonged to the raven-haired beauty, Maya Fey. He looked down to see she had one arm around his strong chest, and she looked up at him with drowsy eyes but a smile on her face, her, her bare form pressed up against his own.

That was when his tired mind recalled everything from the previous evening – reuniting with Maya for the first time in eight years, hating her, loving her, confessing to her, then making frantic love to her the entire night. Even now, with her sleepy eyes and satiny hair tousled from their romp fest, she still looked absolutely beautiful, finer than any of the angels that guarded the gate to heaven.

"Last night…" Phoenix began, but Maya finished for him, running her finger tenderly over his jaw.

"It was the best night of my life, Nick."

Phoenix smiled tenderly, running the tips of his knuckles over her cheek, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

"Same here, Maya… I'm still sorry for leaving you for all those years…"

Maya moved up to softly plant a kiss on Phoenix's lips, and she rested her chin on his collarbone, smiling at him.

"We're here now, Nick. It was later than expected, but we're finally together and we'll love each other for the rest of time until our love can go no longer. Even then, it'll keep going. It's infinite, Nick."

The wolves that had been clawing at Phoenix's heart and making that gap for eight years had been called away into a moonless night, and now an angel had come and filled that hole with the love of Maya Fey. It had been what Phoenix had so desperately needed for so long. The emptiness had been what the wolves hungered for, as they feasted on in Phoenix's soul, and now it was filled, and the wolves were no longer.

"I will always love you" he whispered. "After all this time, I still love you the same way I did when I rescued you from a kidnapping, ran across a burning bridge for you, and defended you those countless times. That love never died, it simply hid itself deep in the darkest pits of my soul. Now, it's finally free."

Maya buried her head into his chest, snuggling into the strong muscles, and giggled.

"We could make for really good poets."

"Totally."

Phoenix wrapped an arm around her bare back, hugging her close. He never wanted to leave, he wanted to be here, in contact with Maya, sharing kisses until the end of eternity. But, he knew he couldn't do that. Maya would have to go again, back to Kurain, and away from him yet again. But the lawyer now knew about that golden rope. It stretched for miles, and it bonded the two of them forever, no matter the distance.

As though reading his mind, she shifted and looked down at him with loving regret.

"Nick, I'm sorry," Maya whimpered, her eyes now filled tears. "But…I was only supposed to be in L.A for last night. My train arrives at around noon. I'll have to go back."

The spirit medium stared up at Phoenix with saddened eyes before she buried her head in his chest again.

"I'm so sorry…"

Phoenix shushed Maya, rubbing circles around her back.

"It's not like we're leaving each other forever, Maya. That eight-year absence is something we need to forget now and move on from. You have my number, and I'll take your calls. We are together now, so no matter the hour, or whether it's night or day, when you call, I'll answer. I never want to miss you as bad as I did during those years, Maya."

"Promise you'll always answer?" Maya moved up so that she was on top of Phoenix, her forehead resting against his.

"I promise." He ran a hand lightly over her cheek, smiling lovingly her.

Just as Maya laid her lips on his again, Phoenix heard footsteps from outside the agency. Before either of them had time to react, a jiggling of keys was heard on the front door, before it opened up to reveal a red-suited man with two horns for hair. Apollo was announcing something as he entered the room

"Mr. Wright, take it easy on the toilet cleaning today because I am so not in the mood for…" His words died as his eyes met with the naked Maya and Phoenix on the couch. Apollo's eyes completely widened and everyone in the room was silent until Phoenix eventually spoke in his boss tone.

"Apollo let Maya and I get dressed. And you will never speak of what you have just seen. Understood?"

Apollo was frozen, his hand on the doorknob, his jaw completely unhinged and his eyes wider than golf balls. Eventually, he nodded, slowly closing the door as just then, a female voice sounded from outside, coming from Athena.

"Apollo, how – "

"Athena, let's go somewhere else today, why don't we?" Apollo announced as he closed the door. Phoenix could hear the voices outside.

"But, Apollo, we have work –"

"That can be ignored for the time being! How about going to see a movie or something?"

"Can I just go in –"

"NO! I mean… No, let's not go in. Let's just… Go anywhere but the agency, OK?"

Phoenix and Maya remained completely frozen, but eventually, their eyes met with one another's, and they started laughing uproariously. God, he loved her laugh. It was so perfect, he could hear the rays of joy bursting into the air around them, lighting up everything that was in the area.

Maya finally calmed herself down, and she smirked down at Phoenix. She laid a quick kiss on his lips, before getting up and walking over to get her clothes on, and he followed. His legs wobbled, but eventually, he arose and got his own lawyer suit on.

"Hurry up, old man! Thetrain's gonna be here in two hours, and you know how far away that station is!"

Train Station – September 6, 2027

"I don't want to leave."

Phoenix held Maya in his arms tightly. She was sobbing into his jacket, gripping the back of his blue suit tightly. The train was arriving in one minute, but Maya wanted to stay with Phoenix forever. She wanted to be in his arms for eternity, never ever leaving.

"You'll be okay, Maya. I'm sure of it." Phoenix soothingly rocked Maya in his arms. He rubbed circles around her back, but her sobbing didn't ever seem to stop. Every single sob felt like a slight stab at his heart. He hated seeing her this way now.

"I… I have a lot of training to do, Nick. It might take months, and… I might not see you for some time…" Maya sniffled. Phoenix was fully aware of this, he knew she had to take long breaks.

"I promised, Maya, and I meant it," Phoenix whispered. "From now on, I'll answer every call, every text, and every letter - anything you send my way, I'll answer, and remind you that I still love you."

The train rolled up on the tracks, slowing down at the station before coming to a full stop. The doors opened, and some people stepped off, others getting on. Maya at last unwrapped herself from Phoenix, saying one last goodbye before walking to the doors. She stopped at the open doors and turned around, running at the defense attorney, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down for one more kiss. It was quick, but she still closed her eyes, fully embracing it. He raised a hand to Maya's neck, and she soon broke the kiss, whispering her last few words to the lawyer.

"Thanks…. Nick… Remember. I'll always love you."

That's when Maya sprinted to the train doors, entering the train before the doors closed. Finally, they did close, and Phoenix watched as she waved goodbye to him as the train sped off, and eventually, Phoenix lost sight of the love of his life. He placed a hand in his pocket, sighing with melancholy as he frowned at the ground, was already missing her.

God, I'm a wreck already!

He looked up at the beaming sun. Maya was the sun to him, she was the moon, the stars. She was Phoenix's assistant, friend, "valuable item," lover. She was everything to him.

He swallowed the painful lump in his throat.

You're a wreck right now, but you can live, Phoenix. Because this time, you know she'll be back.

For the first time, he understood Whitney Houston's number hit single, which was now quietly playing over the station intercom, all too painfully well.

If I should stay, I'll only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know I'll
Think of you every step of the way

And I will always love you
I will always love you
You, my darling you, hmmm,

Bittersweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me
So, goodbye
Please, don't cry
We both know I'm not what you, you need

And I will always love you
I will always love you

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of
And I wish to you, joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love

And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I, I will always love you

Although that train would be far away, and Maya would be in Kurain training while he took cases in L.A, Phoenix Wright knew one thing for certain now.

You, darling, I love you
Oh, I'll always, I'll always love you

A smile tugged at his lips as he realized it.

That golden rope connecting their hearts would never break.

THE END

- Keith Anderson – I Still Miss You
Smashmouth – I'm a Believer-

A/N: Want more Phaya? Check out JP's 9/5 one-shot My Life Would Suck Without You