Summary: It's getting close to Christmas and Edgeworth is already seeing Kay and Gumshoe preparing his office for the Holidays. Unfortunately, due to certain unfortunate circumstances and that day being the anniversary of his father's death, Edgeworth is uncertain if this will be a good Christmas for him this year. One visitor says otherwise.

Edgeworth walked into his office with his briefcase. It was going to be busy this month, especially with his latest case. As soon as he entered into his office, his eyes widened at what he witnessed, until he saw who was inside his office. He quietly sighed as Kay, who was on the ladder by the bookshelf, pinned the last paper snowflake on the top of the bookshelf. She grinned excitedly.

"Hey, Mr. Edgeworth! You like what I did?" Kay asked proudly.

"It's...creative," Edgeworth replied plainly, noticing all the snowflakes taped along the top bookshelves, the Christmas Tree lit up with colorful lights and garlands wrapped around it and green fake flowers in a vase with gold glitter on his desk.

"Oh co'mon, you can at least act excited," Kay pouted.

"Um... whooooooooop?"

"Agh, you seriously need to work on your people skills. That sounded more like a fart than someone excited for the Holidays."

"My apologies. I did get you and the Detective something."

"Yeeeeee! You can put them under the tree. I haven't put any ornaments yet, but it's still good to put some presents there."

"Hm... I suppose some decoration wouldn't hurt. Perhaps some lights along the windowsill will do some good."

"See, there's the Christmas Spirit! I can bring the chicken when Christmas rolls around."

"No. No. I'll bring it. You've already worked so hard decorating my office. I should at least participate in the festivities," Edgeworth offered, showing a rare smile.

"Okay then, Mr. Rich Man," Kay smirked teasingly. Detective Gumshoe appeared from behind Edgeworth. "Hey Gummy!"

"Wow, you decked this place up really well, Kay. If I'd known you were going to do this, I would've brought my popcorn garland," Gumshoe said, looking all around.

"That won't be necessary, Detective. Pess ate it the last time you brought it and almost choked on the string, remember?" Edgeworth reminded his detective.

"Oh yeah! Geez."

"Pess?" Kay asked.

"My dog. I bring him to work on Christmas, so my housekeeper can spend time with her family," Edgeworth explained.

"That's nice of you and you have a dog!? Why don't you ever bring him along? Gummy brings his!"

"Missile is a certified, trained police dog, whereas Pess is a pampered Golden Retriever. He'd get himself hurt, if I brought him to my Investigations."

"Aww pooy."

"Mr. Edgeworth, I was looking through the Thrift Store and I found this," Gumshoe grinned, showing what looked to be like a dog's green and red ugly sweater. "You think Pess will like this?"

"He'd love it. Thank you, Detective," Edgeworth replied, taking the dog's ugly sweater, smiling fondly, before placing it on his desk.

"Are you planning to do anything this Christmas, Gummy?" Kay asked.

"Actually, I'm planning on spending my day off with Maggey. She says she's baking a Christmas cake. Just the thought of it is making me hungry," Gumshoe replied excitedly.

"I'm sure you will enjoy that with your Holiday Bonus," Edgeworth said.

"Yep. Thanks a lot, Mr. Edgeworth sir!"

"Of course, Detective. You've always been helpful in all my cases. It's the least I can do."

"My family isn't doing much. My Aunt and Uncle want to spend their Holiday on a cruise, so I'll be having the house to myself. Of course, I also want to spend it with Mr. Edgeworth, so he doesn't feel so lonely."

"I-I'm not lonely," Edgeworth muttered pridefully with folded arms. "I'll have Pess."

"Nah! Wrong answer," Kay smirked teasingly as Edgeworth signed. "Seriously, when I asked you what you were doing for Christmas yesterday, you said in your own words, 'oh, nothing much. Just work.' Really? You expect me to leave you alone on Christmas when you don't even have a girlfriend to go out with?"

"Wh-Ah I don't need a girlfriend! Besides, aren't you single too!?"

"Beside the point. Most people take Christmas off. You keep taking it off for people that work for you and not yourself. Hee hee, I'd be looking for a Jammin' Ninja Christmas Special to watch or find a bunch of friends to hang out with," Kay grinned as Edgeworth shook his head.

"That's Mr. Edgeworth for ya. He's always thinking about other people more than himself," Gumshoe agreed.

"I don't need your comment from the peanut gallery Detective and... I suppose it wouldn't hurt spending the holidays with someone other than Pess," Edgeworth reluctantly agreed.

"That's the spirit," Kay grinned.

"Speaking of Christmas, aren't ya gonna put ornaments on the tree?" Gumshoe asked.

"Actually, I was just about to do that. You want to help me, Gummy? You can help too, Mr. Edgeworth," Kay offered.

"No. No. You two have your fun. I've got work to do," Edgeworth politely refused.

"Pfft, typical Edgeworth," Kay grinned.

"You can help us anytime you change your mind," Gumshoe said.

"I'll make note of that, Detective," Edgeworth said.

"Alrighty then."

Edgeworth sat at his desk, then began working on paperwork on a case. Gumshoe and Kay were decorating the Christmas Tree with ornaments of all kinds to get ready for the Holiday. That made Edgeworth smile a little bit. It was always difficult for him to celebrate Christmas, being this was also the anniversary of his father's murder. It was the reason why he never bothered calling Raymond about what he wanted to do for Christmas. Edgeworth didn't want to come out as insensitive, especially when their relationship was only now beginning to heal.

Kay was different, though. She was always full of spirit during every holiday like Easter, Halloween and now Christmas. Edgeworth didn't want to ruin the Holiday for her, just because it happened to be a sour day for him. At the very least, Edgeworth wanted to make Christmas as wonderful as possible for her. She didn't need to share Edgeworth's misery for the season.

Once work was done, Edgeworth made his way to his car in the garage. Gumshoe had agreed to take Kay home. Edgeworth needed to pay a visit to someone before the due date. This Christmas would perhaps become more depressing than usual. Christmas was the day he lost his father and it seems someone else would be added to the list. It was expected, but for Edgeworth, it seemed almost too soon. It almost made him sigh.

Entering the Detention Center, which was being run by another warden since Patricka Roland was found Guilty for murder and colluding to an assassination. While she did wonderfully in introducing Animal Therapy, she wasn't very good with organization of the prisoners. One particular man had warned Edgeworth that Ms. Roland was purposely confining him, because he was exposing her black-marketing inside the prison. After finding out he was right, Edgeworth no longer found it in himself to completely trust the legal system anymore.

Edgeworth waited inside the Visitor's Room of the Detention Center, waiting for that man to arrive. The guard finally brought the man out, who took himself a seat. This man would be executed in only a few days, specifically three days after Christmas.

"You wanted to see me?" The man asked, his arms crossed.

"I wanted an update of the inside of the prison," Edgeworth stated as this man smirked devilishly.

"Ha, so I take that you finally realize that I was right about my warning. It is as I have stated, Miles. I am always right."

"My apologies, Mr. Von Karma," Edgeworth humbly apologized. "I should have had the Detective investigate as soon as you gave me the warning. I never considered."

"Hmph, actually, it's probably best you didn't. Roland confined me for exposing her dirty little secret to the High Prosecutor in the district. She was expecting a thorough search. Honestly, I'm surprised she shot herself in the foot as quickly as she did. I expected her to continue her schemes for another year at least. At least you took care of her and Debeste. That man was an embarrassment to the Prosecution and the P.I.C."

"... your execution will be in five days."

"Indeed. Yet, there is so much yet to be done."

"Like what?"

"The P.I.C. for one. That Debeste is out of a job, so now the P.I.C. is going to need to reevaluate themselves, especially from that embarrassment of having an illegal Auction inside the confines of the P.I.C. Meeting Room and their head being the Conductor. Heh. Also, the Bar Association is no different. I heard about that situation with that man that beat my 40 year Guilty win record and I'd like to get my hands on the one responsible for that... personally."

"Actually, there's another former prosecutor inmate that wants the same thing. I personally find him better and more suitable for the job."

"Heh, you wound me, Miles," Manfred smirked devilishly.

"It can't be helped, your execution is only in a few days, whereas Godot was only given a life sentence."

"You also don't trust me. If you had, you would've had this prison investigated right when I told you about the black market."

Edgeworth couldn't argue with that. He just said, "again, my apologies."

"You still don't trust me. Though, it's expected, considering my failure with you."

"... I don't consider my actions a failure."

"I know, that's not what I meant. Well... I suppose you disposing yourself of your badge could be debated. At least you didn't leave Death Notes."

"Then, what about me do you consider a failure," Edgeworth asked, showing a glare.

"... nothing of your concern, Miles."

"Hmph," Edgeworth humphed, looking away, upset.

"It will be Christmas soon. You should use this time to spend with friends and family. I hear you're on good terms with Mr. Shields now. I'm certain he feels lonely."

"Why do you care? As far as you're concerned, Mr. Shields is just another one of my foolish father's followers."

"Perhaps, but he is still family to you, Miles. I'm also not going to be with you for Christmas gatherings."

"..."

"I may not be able to finish everything that needs to be done before my due date, but I want to know that you're not going to be spending every Christmas skulking over the dead like you always do."

"I do not-"

"Miles, are you going to argue with the man that has paid for your Psychiatrist visits?"

"..."

"It might be a chore, but it will not kill you to listen to me once in a while."

"You want me to spend my Christmas not skulking over the dead when you...?"

"... I suppose that can't be helped. I have no one to blame, but myself, for this. At least it's only three days after Christmas. You're allowed to skulk then."

"..."

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Von Karma."

"Remember what I said."

"..."

"Your time is up, sir!" The guard called as Edgeworth nodded, then left the Visitor's Room.

Looking back, Edgeworth couldn't hold back a sorrowful look at his former mentor before leaving. He knew Manfred meant it when he suggested spending Christmas with Raymond Shields. Edgeworth couldn't see any other logic other than the fact Manfred was worried. At this point, Edgeworth no longer doubted Manfred loved him like a son. It's the reason why Edgeworth still wears the cravat. It's not to say that he follows everything taught to him by Manfred Von Karma to a T. He's just not throwing the baby in the bath water.

It was a good thing Edgeworth's car had tinted windows. As soon as he got inside the driver's seat, he began pouring bitter tears. It hurt. It hurt that he was going to lose yet another father on Christmas. It may've not been on the day of Christmas, but it might as well have been. This was just more salt in the wound. Manfred Von Karma wasn't perfect, he was a monster, but he was still a father to Edgeworth. This was going to be another nightmarish Christmas.

Edgeworth couldn't be certain how long he'd been crying, but he noticed Franziska coming out of the limo before staring at his car. He quickly turned it on, then began backing out of the parking lot. He didn't want to face Franziska like this. He drove to his apartment. He didn't want to see anyone, except one. He was the only one Edgeworth could talk and be open to.

Composing himself before getting out of the car, Edgeworth made his way to his apartment, then unlocked the door. He was greeted by a bark and a golden retriever hopping his front paws on his chest before licking his cheek. Edgeworth smiled brightly, picking up the big dog in his arms, while closing the door with his leg and back. He nuzzled his face in the back of the dog's fur, not feeling even the least bit embarrassed by it. He never had to worry about dogs blabbing about Edgeworth being affectionate to them.

"Hello Pess. I missed you, chap," Edgeworth greeted lovingly, lifting his face and facing the dog, who licked his face. He laughed. "Oh you!" He placed Pess down, then remembered something. "Oh, look what the Detective got you." He revealed the ugly sweater and began to place it on Pess, who allowed his master to put whatever clothes on him. It looked brilliant with the cravat that the dog was already wearing."You look absolutely stunning, don't you?" He pet the dog's head, then got up and went to the couch.

Pess ran to and jumped on the couch, placing his head on Edgeworth's lap as Edgeworth turned on the television to watch Steel Samurai. He smiled at Pess, then pet the soft golden fur on the back of the dog's neck. This is exactly what he needed, a sort of peace and distraction from the hurt and pain. He smiled fondly at Pess, then turned back the television.

After an episode or two, Edgeworth heard a knock at his door. Furrowing his eyebrows, he turned his head and stared at the door, while Pess started barking at it. Who would be visiting him at this hour? It wasn't past bedtime or anything, but it was still late in the day. Sighing, Edgeworth got up to answer the door as soon as he heard a second knocking.

Edgeworth opened the door, then raised both his eyebrows when he saw who was behind the door. He responded, "Mr. Shields?"

"Is that how you respond to your Uncle Ray, especially with the Holidays coming?" Raymond asked in a voice that Edgeworth could tell was teasy.

"... I just didn't expect you to be here this late in the day. Nothing more," Edgeworth replied as his excuse as Pess walked from beside his legs, then started sniffing Raymond's legs.

"A dog? Hee hee so, that's where that barking was coming from. What's his name?" Raymond asked, petting the dog. "I like his sweater. Cute."

"Pess and yes, he barks at the sound of knocking. He's a good dog. The detective gave that to him as a present."

"Aww, how cute. So, are you going to make me stand here or am I welcome to come in?"

"Oh, of course. Come in," Edgeworth replied, leaving to make some tea. "I'll go make some tea."

"No Christmas Tree?" Raymond asked, looking around the luxurious apartment.

"I have one at my office," Edgeworth replied, though he wasn't going to say Kay and Gumshoe were the ones that set it up and decorated it.

"I can see why Katy Dear is worried about you. She tells me you're not in the Christmas spirit."

"I work on Christmas. It can't be helped. I bought presents and I'll be buying chicken for everyone."

"... Miles, be honest, is this about you know who?" Raymond asked as soon as he entered into the kitchen.

Edgeworth looked up, after turning on the kettle, then saw the look in Raymond's eyes. He seemed genuinely concerned and serious. He turned back to the kettle.

"I suppose that's partly it," Edgeworth admitted. "It seems I develop nothing, but bad memories on Christmas. First, my father, then the Gourd Lake incident and now...."

"Now what?"

"... Manfred Von Karma is going to be executed three days after Christmas. I... know you hate him and have every reason to, but..."

"He's still your mentor and perhaps a father figure of sorts, right? Heh, I get it. You don't want to see him go."

"..."

"Listen Miles, I don't think your father would want to see you skulking on Christmas and something tells me Von Cranky Pants doesn't want you to either. At least I hope he doesn't."

Edgeworth sighed. Of course Manfred doesn't. He even told him, of all things, to try and spend Christmas with Mr. Shields. Well, it does seem like he celebrates Christmas and enjoys the festivities. He supposed he could at least grant his former mentor his dying wish.

"Are you planning anything this Christmas? Kay is planning a small Christmas Party in my office on Christmas Day and I'll be bringing the chicken," Edgeworth invited.

"Sure, Miles. I can bring the Christmas Cake, if you don't have one," Raymond offered.

"O-Oh, of course. That would be lovely. I'm also bringing Pess, since my housekeeper will be having Christmas Eve and Day off."

"You have a housekeeper? That's nice of you! You seem to be full of surprises," Raymond said as Pess came sniffing around his legs. He chuckled, petting the dog. "How long have you had him?"

"He was given tome as a president from... Von Karma. He has a she-dog named Belle, who gave birth to several pups when I first started working under him. At the time, my main job was caring for the pups. He let me choose one I can keep when they were weaned. I was 13 at the time, if you must know."

"Wow, that means Pess must be..."

"14. He's an old chap," Edgeworth finished, petting Pess fondly.

"Heh I'm learning new things everyday. I didn't know Von Karma owned dogs, or any animals for that matter."

"His entire household took some of the pups too. I named all of them, being I cared for them. Don't tell that man though, he doesn't know I named one of the dogs after him and if he knew, I will never hear the end of it."

"You mean that lawyer in the blue suit that saved your life that one time? I never knew you loved him that much," Raymond teased before being rewarded with a cold, hard glare from the Prosecutor himself. "I meant phonically, honest! ... and, I won't tell him either!"

"Good. Anyways, here's your tea," Edgeworth said, giving Raymond the newly brewed tea he just poured before pouring a cup for himself.

Raymond lightly sipped the tea, then said, "seems like you still took some things from your old man. He used to have freshly brewed tea every morning at the office."

"I remember," Edgeworth responded fondly, taking his tea he just poured and sipping it. "We'd have tea time before I went to school."

"That must be a very nice memory."

"Yes... he used to take a candy cane off the tree and stir it in his tea when Christmas came around. I copied him."

"I remember. Because of IS-7, he was worried about not spending enough time with you. He decided to hold Christmas a little earlier than usual."

"... I remember. It was the last Christmas I ever enjoyed before..."

"Has Christmas not been good for you since his death?"

"... it wasn't the same. Of course, my Aunt was never any help. All she cared about was reputation and looking good. During Christmas, she'd invite all her friends and I'd be suck with the other children, who didn't like me."

"Oh... I'm sorry. I probably should have checked on you."

"It wasn't your fault. You didn't know how abusive my Aunt was."

"How did you get out of it?"

".... she sent me to a special school for the gifted and that's where I met Franziska. I volunteered as her tutor, so I wouldn't have to stay with my Aunt. Once Von Karma started picking up that I was being neglected and abused by my Aunt, he offered me a place to stay and I've lived with him during a majority of my teenage years and paid for all my therapy, until I started getting paid and rented my own place. I'm surprised he didn't adopt me or... at least I was during the time. Now, knowing he murdered my father..."

"Manfred Von Karma allowed you to live with him and paid for your therapy visits? Are you sure you're talking about the same guy?"

Edgeworth turned his face away sorrowfully. He asked in a mutter, "why do you think I was so defensive about him when you spoke about what he... did?"

"Still, this is the same guy that killed your father. I could never see him as the kind of person to care for you out of the kindness of his heart, but I suppose there's a lot more to him I still don't know."

"He probably did it out of guilt. I was dealing with a lot of issues in my life. Regardless, even after knowing what he did, he still takes the time to help Franziska and me. He knows everything that goes on behind the iron bars. I don't know if I can fully forgive him for what he did to my father, but I do appreciate his help."

"Honestly, I'm just glad he at least cares about your well being. I can't say the same for Blaise."

"Hm, Sebastian is still young like I once was. From the moment I met him, I saw quite a bit of myself in him. I do try to help him the best of my abilities, but... I know I can never do what Von Karma did for me. I can't completely heal Sebastian or help him pave a different path."

"You don't give yourself enough credit, Miles. You already have. The moment you found him in that trunk, you paved a path for him to take and helped him face his father by his side. I dare even say that you did much better than Von Karma ever did for you. You have your father to thank. Unlike Von Karma, your father taught you to always seek the truth and now you're teaching this to Sebastian. I see a bright future for that young prosecutor."

"Hm... perhaps," Edgeworth replied, smiling thankfully.

"Now, where is that smile coming from? I rarely see you smile anymore."

"It's... nice having company over."

"I get the feeling you're going to have a more cheerful Christmas this year."

"I hope so."

"If you want, I can accompany you when you watch the execution. I promise to be nice."

"You don't have to. I know you hate-"

"Na, I don't hate the man. I don't like him, but IS-7 is all water under the bridge at this point and I don't see any point in holding any grudge against a murderer that's going to be executed in a few days. I don't think Gregory would've wanted that either."

Edgeworth showed a small smirk, replying, "I couldn't agree more. I'm not mad at him about that anymore as well. I can't forgive him, but I'm not mad at him. No point to it."

"Then, it's official, I'll stick with you when watching the execution. I can't stand you and Franzy having to face this alone. I might not like the man, but I know how much he means to the both of you."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it, Miles," Raymond said, then gave Edgeworth a hug. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too, Mr. Shields," Edgeworth replied, showing a few small genuine tears rolling down his cheeks.

A/N: I always read fan fictions where Edgeworth doesn't like Christmas because Daddy Issues and not try to understand it or expand on that. I thought I'd be a little creative with the idea. Who knows? Maybe next year I can do A Christmas Carol story with the idea. Certainly not a bad idea.