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

trial: day one

"The prosecution calls y/n, l/n to the stand," Edgeworth says and I jump to attention as the jury mumbles to each other.

The trial has hardly just begun and it's already time for me to take center stage. The introductory statements seemd all too short. As I walk up Edgeworth gives me a smile so subtle only I could tell it was there. I take a deep breath and rise to the stand.

"Witness state your name and occupation," the judge says. He looks so official from his podium.

"Y/n, l/n. I'm an employee at Alice Anderson's animal shelter," I answer calmly and professionally. I can handle this. All I have to do is tell the truth. I have no reason to lie.

"Witness, please begin your testimony about the events of Alice's murder," Edgeworth requests.

I close my eyes for a moment, picture where I was that night, then speak. The court room is dead silent as I recount the same story I told detective Gumshoe yesterday. Simply describing it isn't as hard the more I do it. I can go through the motions with relative ease now. It's the emotional toll that remains as difficult as ever.

I look around the court room as I speak, checking in with Edgeworth every so often. So far he hasn't sent me any signals. Then my gaze wanders to the defence stand. Standing next to the unassuming looking mr. Romney is a man who makes my stomach turn. It's not the long scars on his arms or his greasy mustache that sickens me, but the actions I know he committed. I grip the podium for support as I finish my testimony.

"Is that all you have to share with the court?" The judge asks me.

"As of now, this is all I can share given the advice of my legal team," I confirm, remaining professional on the outside even though inside I'm terrified. Edgeworth nods approvingly at me which helps ease my fears.

"As you can see your honor, my client's testimony is solid. With extended investigations I have no doubt in my mind we will prove the defendant guilty!" Edgeworth makes a bold claim that further cements the validity of my testimony.

"Now wait just a minute!" Mr. Romney interjects. "I want to cross examine!"

"What is there to refute? My client has said nothing but the truth," Edgeworth questions. His trust in me boosts my confidence tremendously.

"If your client was in the building that night..." Romney begins, then makes a wild accusation that shocks me and the jury, "Then it's just as likely they could have killed Alice Anderson!"

"Objection! You have no evidence to back up those outlandish claims!" Edgeworth quickly shuts him down. I notice him adjusting his watch and realize I'm wringing my hands together. I unclench them and relax. "This court is no place for illogical conjecture mr. Romney,"

"Objections sustained," the judge says, hitting his gavel to get everyone's attention. "Before you go pointing fingers at least have a good reason to do so,"

"I wish to call on this witness later, but for now I have no further questions," Edgeworth states and folds his arms.

"Does the defense have any other questions for the witness before they are asked to leave the stand?" The judge checks and I hope mr. Romney doesn't. I just want to sit down.

"I have just one question," Romney says and his tone is concerningly calm, boarding on happy. "Why do you think my client would do such a terrible thing? My client, who never even knew Mrs. Anderson, and has no connection to her shelter or anything to do with stray dogs,"

I glance over at Edgeworth who makes intense eye contact with me then taps his chin once. I turn to the judge, "I don't see how this is relevant your honor. If you would allow it I will not answer,"