stand up for it. (Miles Edgeworth x gender neutral Reader)

pre-trial: day one

On a hot summer day, the court room is stuffy and humid. The fans can't quite keep up with sweltering heat that tries to seep inside. That, on top of my nerves are making my suit very uncomfortable. I tug at the collar as I try to alleviate myself of the invisible force that seems determined to choke me. I don't want to be afraid. I have to be strong for Alice. But despite my determination, my hands are still clammy and my mind is racing.

"Y/n!" A sharp voice calls, and I snap to attention. It's Edgeworth. "I trust you're ready to testify?"

"Good morning Mr. Edgeworth. Yes, I am ready," I rise to my feet but he motions for me to sit back down so I do.

"We have a few minutes before we go into the main room and begin the trial. So naturally I thought it wise to use that time to talk with you," he informs me and sits down on the bench. Close, but not too close.

I wait for Edgeworth to continue his sentence and say what he wanted to talk to me about, but instead he watches me expectantly. It suddenly crosses my mind that he may not be here to go over details of the case, but to make small talk to help me relax. The only issue is he doesn't seem to know where to start.

I guess I can start, "Um, I'm sure you'll do a great job today. I've heard amazing things about you from Detective Gumshoe,"

Edgeworth looks away for a split second before brushing off the complement, "I've dedicated my life to this profession, it's only natural, expected even, that I excell,"

We sit in silence for a moment. Something about his phrasing struck me. Maybe that's why I start speaking without thinking, "I dont know if i agree with that! Not that I know anything about being a lawyer, but I do know there are much older lawyers who haven't won half as many cases as you have. So that has to mean something! You've got passion! Or something, right?" By the time im done speaking I wish I'd never started. I'm sure I just embarrassed myself.

Edgeworth casts his gaze away from me again. He looks as if he's trying very hard to appear annoyed. His blush betrays him. "I'm glad you have faith in me... On that note we should discuss the case one more time," Edgeworth not so smoothly transitions to a new topic. Maybe we can talk more later.

"I was wondering who the defense attorney would be," I decide to ask a question about the case instead of his personal life.

"He's no one to worry about. I've bested mr. Romney in court many times," Edgeworth answers. It's odd how confident he is in himself, yet when I complement him he seems to shut down. "I wanted to remind you to be as thorough as possible and obviously honest when giving your testimony. Romney may not be the best but that doesn't mean he won't use cheap tactics to make you slip up or look unreliable,"

I suppose it's good to learn this now, but it's not doing much to ease my stress. "I'll do my very best and follow your lead," I tug at my collar again.

All of a sudden, Edgeworth grabs my hand and pulls it away from my shirt. I'm about to question him when he knits his brows, leans very close, and begins to fix my shirt and tie. Now it's my turn to blush. "The first step to being perceived as credible is looking the part. Don't fidget, it'll look like lying. Stand straight, speak clearly," Edgeworth is so close I can feel his breath on my neck. His fingers ghost over my skin as he undoes my tie and puts it in a fancier knot. The touches are faint but electric.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind!" I dont know why it's so hard to get the words out. It's not like he means anything by this, he just wants to win the case!

"And keep your hair out of your eyes, hiding your expressions looks suspicious," he adds and brushes my hair back behind my ear. His hand lingers for a moment. Only now do I realize how much I've missed touch. I've felt so lonely since... the incident.

There's a knock on the door and Edgeworth quickly retracts his hand. A moment later Detective Gumshoe pokes his head into our small meeting room. "Are you two ready for the trial? Day one is about to begin," Gumshoe offers us both a cup of green tea.

"We're ready, right y/n?" Edgeworth turns to me and takes a long sip of his tea.

"Ready as I'll ever be. And looking the part now thanks to you," I add since I never got the chance to thank him.

"Well I know you'll both do great out there! We've got a rock solid case and the best lawyer out there!" Gumshoe claps us both on the back. Edgeworth doesn't seem to appreciate it as much as I do, or at all for that matter.

"Thanks detective, for everything," I smile at him.

"I'll see you two in there," Gumshoe waves as he leaves the room again.

"We should go. Is there anything else you need before we begin?" Edgeworth asks as he walks to the door.

"How about a signal we can give each other?" The idea comes to me moments before he opens the door. He pauses so I continue, "like if you want me to come talk to you, or not answer a question,"

"Excelent idea. If I tap my chin I don't want you to answer a question so long as the judge will allow it. And I'll adjust my watch if you're fidgeting too much," Edgeworth decides and I commit the signals to memory. He holds the door open for me and we walk through the lobby to the court room. As we reach the prosecution stand, Edgeworth leans down and whispers to me, "Be brave. We'll get justice,"

A/n: I really enjoyed writing the second chapter of this story so I hope you liked it as well! Shout out to my three readers, this ones for you lmao