24 (forward dated slightly)

[takethat]

[In the early morning hours of Sunday, there are some smudged words appearing in the journals, written in blue ink and a sloppy hand. For once, he's heeding the possibility that most of the castle residents are likely still sleeping--and he's trying to be quiet.]

It's November 11.

I've been here for a year today.

[He pauses, considering how far he's come in that past year, contemplating what he does and doesn't want to list out for the whole castle to see. In the end, he settles on a very brief little written list, more for the benefit of his own memory than anything else.]


In November, I got here.
In December, I kissed Maya Fey and Geoffrey Chaucer, and I went to Paris.
January brought Miles.
In February, I gained my voice back again.
March saw some really amazing birthday gifts.
In April, Sunflower found me.
In May, I was a mermaid, a phoenix, and a father.
In June everything started to make a lot more sense.
July took away my closest friend in this place, and also gave me something more.
In August, I tried to lead artists.
In September, I met my daughter.
And in October, I broke my leg, lost my arm, became a pony, and existed in others' nightmares.

Let's see what you've got to throw at me for this next year, castle.


[And then, because it's been far too long coming, he scribbles in a filter.]


[ Maya Fey ]

Maya. I need to tell you something.

Comments

[takethat]

You... mean that?

[He dissolves into all the nervous laughter. Watching her sitting there in silence for those few moments was more than a little agonizing...]

That's a relief. I've been so worried about telling you...!

[optimystic]

What? You were worried?

[ahaha, she puffs her cheeks. It's a bit of a show, mostly to help poor Nick loosen up :')]

Next time something big and important happens in your life, you tell me right away! That's an order!

[takethat]

[Maybe he'll just quietly never mention how long this has been going on before he told her...]

Right, right... next time, you'll be the first to know...

...you do know about Trucy being here, right?

[optimystic]

Of course I know! We've been talking, mostly about you.

[although that question does make her wonder...]

But... before we talk about more stuff, why were you worried about telling me?

[takethat]

[Mostly about him? Yeah that point isn't going to be forgotten. He clears his throat.]

Well... because you didn't know I felt that way about Edgeworth. Or anyone. Or guys.

[optimystic]

Well... yeah, I didn't know. But being surprised by something doesn't mean I'd be upset.

You're my best friend! Don't be scared to tell me stuff like this... okay? [she sets the teasing aside for a second, and a serious feeling is slipping out]

[takethat]

[He, in turn, smiles warmly back at her.]

You're right--I should've known you'd be happy for me. ...thanks.

1/2

[optimystic]

[mm, that smile really makes her feel relieved. She smiles back]

Good.

2/2

[optimystic]

[aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that grin is back]

But your punishment for this time is that you don't get to hear what I've told Trucy about you!

[takethat]

Oh, great... no telling what kind of ideas you're putting in her head about me!

[optimystic]

Only your most embarrassing moments, you know, no big deal. [not... really... haha, DETAILS]

[takethat]

[So much for looking awesome to his future daughter!]

So... this means, then, that in the interest of fairness, I can tell her anything I want to about you?

[optimystic]

Well of course! I'm the cutest assistant anyone could have, you probably only have good stories to tell about me.

[takethat]

Sure.


...nothing embarrassing at all.

[Oh the sarcasm.]

[optimystic]

O-Of course! I'm one-hundred percent adorable all the time!

[takethat]

You think so, huh? Interesting...

[Have an innocent whistle.]

[optimystic]

[haha, she nudges him in protest, but she's grinning]

Anyway, getting back on topic, how did this get started? You have to tell me everything!

[takethat]

You know how it got started!

[He can't help but smile, though he's trying hard to act serious...]

...you know, nine years old, classroom trial...

[optimystic]

[hnnnng, FALSE INDIGNANT REACTION IS A GOOOO]

Hey, you know what I mean!

[takethat]

[He bubbles out a laugh.]

Well, I'm partly serious! But--I--I don't know.

[This next part is mumbled quickly.]

He wrote me a love letter.

[optimystic]

[yep, brb clasping her hands and making the best 'awwww' face]

So then what did you do?

[takethat]

[This is getting... painful.]

I... kissed... him?

[optimystic]

Nick! I didn't know you could be such a lover-boy. [aw, she's proud of you, Nick!]

[takethat]

I... didn't either.

...saying it out loud makes me sound ridiculous, doesn't it?

[optimystic]

No it's not ridiculous. [okay, maybe a liiiiittle, but whatever she wants to pump Nick up]

It's very bold and dashing of you! Ten points!