fic: The Last Of The Bad Luck Blues
Dec. 22nd, 2019 07:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bonnefoisTitle: The Last Of The Bad Luck Blues
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Gumshoe/Maggey
Rating: PG at most
Word count: 4,089
Summary: Gumshoe and Maggey go out on a date of sorts. Amazingly, considering Maggey's luck, rocks do not fall and everyone does not die.
Author's note:
I imagine that dating Maggey would be like the VN Save The Date. (For those who haven't played, it's about a guy who goes on a date with a girl he likes, and incredibly horribly things keep happening on his date. And I'm not talking about "I spilled wine on my white shirt." Think "Ninjas suddenly attacked and we were brutally murdered.")
Except somehow, Gumshoe's luck canceled hers out, I guess.
kink meme: I would love for Gumshoe/Maggey (or Kay or Maya) cuteness that involves holding hands. The cute quotient is key, folks.
Also, yes, bi Gumshoe.
I finished this fill in honor of Samuraiter's holiday season o/
Dick Gumshoe stood on the doorstep of the apartment Maggey was about to be evicted from, with a scraggly bouquet of flowers which looked like they'd been picked from the front of the precinct. He gave her a big, nervous smile. Her heart both fluttered and warmed at the sight of him. He was big and beefy, and radiated a sort of awkward, get it done charm that never failed to make her days better.
"Oh, how sweet of you!"
She smelled the flowers, which were slightly wilted, and almost spent. She wondered if they looked a little more wilted as she touched them, or was that just her imagining things?
"Come on in, I'll go put them in some water."
He had to duck his massive frame to even get in her door. Instead of following after her, he stayed near the door and shifted from foot to foot, as he glanced around the small, one-room apartment. She made her way to the kitchen--which was really just a few steps from the 'living room' which also doubled as a bedroom.
As Maggey walked, she heard a creak, and nearly fell forward. The heel on her shoes had broken off completely. She kicked off her shoes and put the flowers in a glass, which was only slightly broken. If she turned it around, she usually wouldn't be cut.
"Are you okay over there?" Concern filled his voice.
"Oh, it's just shoe trouble. I didn't even face plant this time."
At this rate, she was running out of shoes. All her mugs were chipped, and most of her glasses were broken. As she filled the glass with water, she noticed that the flowers definitely were more wilted.
Just that old Maggey charm, she thought with a sigh.
Gumshoe rubbed at his neck awkwardly as he looked around. "Wow, it's pretty bare. I guess you're one of those 'minimalists' huh?"
"Oh, I had to sell most of my furniture off to make my last paycheck," Maggey said flippantly.
Gumshoe let out a choked noise at the back of his throat. "R-Really?"
She nodded sadly. "Yeah, it's been pretty lean. But, um, thanks for making time. I know you're real busy, working with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth."
Gumshoe smiled wide. "Aw, shucks. I'd always make time for you, Maggey!"
She smoothed her black floral dress. Honestly, it'd been hard to find an outfit that didn't have bad memories. She'd gone to several past boyfriends' funerals in this dress, and gotten glares for it being too cheery, even though the material was black. And she'd worn this dress on the exact moment her last two ex-boyfriends suddenly died. Plus, the time that she went to talk to her landlord and he died right after she opened the door. Technically, the diagnosis had been a sudden heart attack, but Maggey knew it was just her bad luck again. She ruined everything she touched.
And all those bad memories had this dress in common, like a curse. But she didn't have a lot of other dresses to choose from. And she couldn't exactly afford to splurge on another one, not with her last paycheck wearing thin. She grabbed a pair of flip-flops instead, given that she'd stepped on a nail in her last set of shoes and ruined them as well.
She tried to stay positive, but sometimes, when everything in her apartment was broken and every job lost and multiple deaths connected straight to the moment they met her, it all got her down.
But, she promised herself, no sad thoughts on her date with Gumshoe. She'd waited so long, and it was all finally happening. Something good had to come in her life eventually, right?
Maggey cleared her throat. "So, tell me about your job--how everyone is doing back at the precinct? I feel like I have too much time on my hands, considering I'm between jobs again."
Gumshoe gave her a comically adorable confused look. "Again? Wait, I thought you got a job at a restaurant...."
"I kept breaking plates," Maggey said sadly.
Gumshoe flinched. But, then, he clenched his fist like he was filled with untold passion. "That's--y-you're destined for better things! Like working in the force again! Still, they're a fool to lose you because I'm sure you were a great waitress--even with the broken plates! I wanted to visit you there, but it was beyond my price level."
She gave him a sad smile. He always believed in her, even when nobody else did. And he had so much passion and spirit--especially for someone who survived on dollar ramen cups. "Thanks, boss."
"I'm not really your boss anymore, but I wish I was. I'd go petition Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth to hire you in a second! In fact, I already tried."
"Really?"
His expression looked like a kicked puppy. "He said no."
"Ah.....but it's the thought that counts! Thanks for believing in me, boss."
Gumshoe's chest puffed out. "That's right! We'll never give up! Even if our salaries get cut again and again!"
"That seems awful specific, boss. Did you get a paycheck cut again?"
Gumshoe gave her a sad look. "Maybe I missed a little thing. Like a spot of blood. Or the murder weapon."
Maggey gave him a sympathetic smile. "I know how that feels," Maggey said.
"Hmm, I'll tell you when I get there. Except, I don't exactly know where 'there' is. Anyways, you wanna head out? It's gonna get dark soon."
He held his big hand out.
Really, she'd wanted them entwined in hers for a long time, but...
Maggey smiled sadly. "Are you sure about this? Last time I held hands with someone, he died. Just the ol' Maggey Bird bad luck curse, I guess," Maggey said.
"Don't be silly. My salary can't be cut anymore. It's at the lowest possible number! If any bad luck comes, I'll just arrest it." He made finger guns with his large hands. "Pow, pow, you're under arrest!"
She giggled, despite the storm clouds foreboding a bad day. Because with Maggey Byrd, it was always a bad day. But she wouldn't give up just because her last five boyfriends had suffered horrible fates. Sixth time was the charm! And she really liked Gumshoe, too.
So, she took a chance and took his hand. Her hands were dwarfed by his, and his skin was so warm--even a little sweaty, but she didn't mind. Yet, somehow, she felt so safe. Like her bad luck couldn't even touch her when he was this close. His face reddened, but unlike the cartoon girls with cute flushed cheeks, his neck and ears turned ruddy.
Maggey smiled. "How cute, boss! You're as red as a cardinal, or maybe a tomato--"
Gumshoe rubbed at his cheek. Even his ears were red now. "Aw, shucks."
Without even thinking of the potential consequences, she leaned up to kiss his cheek and he got even more red. She didn't even let go of his hand to do it.
She almost apologized, but instead cleared her throat. Maybe her bad luck could take the day off? Maybe nothing bad would happen? It wasn't likely, but it could happen. Logically, one day one of her dates would have to not end with a dead body somewhere.
She locked the door behind them. She didn't have anything worth stealing anymore, but she wasn't about to take any chances. With her luck, the burglar would die in her apartment and then she'd have to go to trial again.
"So, uh, you remember where we're heading?" Gumshoe's thick eyebrows furrowed. "Oh yeah, a walk in the park! That's what we said, right? Or was it a walk to the Perk--that coffee shop?"
"I'm not sure parks are a good idea," Maggey said. She looked down sadly. She'd lost an old boyfriend in a park, and almost got tried for the crime because of it.
Gumshoe scrunched up his nose. "You got a point there, pal. I've picked up a whole lot of bodies there. Maybe a walk by the sea?"
Maggey had visions of sharks washing up, rogue waves, or sea glass stuck in her shoes. She shook her head. "Let's just keep walking! I'm sure we'll find somewhere to go."
She kept ahold of his hand and led the way, to where, she couldn't say. His thumb caressed over hers in a gentle, halting and slightly awkward gesture. Like a stuttered confession without words. They crossed at the white lines, and passed by countless stores and apartment buildings.The traffic went on by, but none of them swerved and ran into them. Maybe it was too soon to tell or she was being too optimistic again, but it almost felt like being a normal person. And not Maggey Byrd, she of the 5 dead ex-boyfriends and countless lost jobs--to say nothing of the dead landlord, and even more if she counted down all the bad coincidences that happened to people who got to know her.
A fast food joint came up near, with prices so low that even they could afford.
"Hey, I got an idea. You hungry? We could stop in there for a date. It isn't fancy, but it'd be a nice change from ramen."
"Yeah! I haven't eaten since last Friday. Couldn't afford it."
Gumshoe made a strangled noise in the back of his throat. "Th-That's! You should've told me, I would've treated you to ramen."
"But then you wouldn't get to have any meal, boss," Maggey said sadly.
"We could split one!"
"Thanks for thinking of me, boss."
Gumshoe gave one last glance to the fast food place. "Wait--before we head in, you got any bad memories here?"
Maggey thoughtfully rubbed at her chin, much like Gumshoe did. Maybe she was already picking up his habits? Here was hoping he didn't pick up her bad luck.
"Other than the time I worked there after high school? Nope. Actually, I got a lot of free fries. So it wasn't that bad. No one died, though I was only making minimum wage. I got burned by the fryer several times, but none so bad I had to go to the hospital, so I guess it was okay.."
"I guess working food is its own kind of horror story," Gumshoe said.
She nodded. "Yeah..."
The door handle was shaped like a spatula. Gumshoe let go of her hand, and held it open for her. He tried to stealthily wipe his palms on his coat, but little was stealthy at his size. Inside was neon and formica, with pictures plastered all across the walls of happy, smiling people. The scent of the cooking burgers alone made her feel dizzy.
Gumshoe looked a little abashed. "I wish I could buy you a big fancy combo five, but I'm more a dollar menu kind of guy."
He looked so sad, like a big sad puppy. Maggey clasped her hands together. "I'll help too! Though I don't have much to add."
"I hate to ask you to help pay for dinner, but I got my pay docked again."
"It's okay. It's a modern world. Paying for meals together is kind of romantic. Working together, that kind of thing... It's really--inspiring, you know?"
He let out a sigh of relief. "Glad you think that way."
They counted out their pennies. Together, they could just afford two dollar menu hamburgers, and small fries to split.
The first taste of that greasy burger was heavenly. A pickle slipped down onto her dress. She wetted a napkin and began to rub away the oil, except she was pretty sure it'd stain. She certainly couldn't afford a fancy dry-cleaner.
Maybe it was for the best. This dress had too many bad memories associated with it. Except now, for the first time, it finally had a good memory there.
"I should've known everything was going too well," Maggey said sadly as she looked down at her dress.
"That doesn't mean it's bad luck. That happens to everyone," Gumshoe said. He took a wad of napkins and offered them.
"I always get extra napkins, just in case."
No cars came veering out to crash into the building, the meat wasn't somehow bad, neither of them choked. Even as Maggey waited pensively, nothing else bad happened. As hopeful as she was, it felt almost suspicious. She waited for the other shoe to drop. Or a sever to drop dead. And maybe he was right. This was run of the mill bad luck and not 'last time I was on a date, my boyfriend was murdered' certified Maggey Byrd bad luck.
"Oh, right. You wanted to hear more about work," Gumshoe said.
His voice had a comforting, warm cadence. She began to forget about all her troubles--and looming potential of homelessness if she didn't make her rent. Gumshoe related a story, about how he'd helped Prosecutor Edgeworth pick out his tea leaves. His chest puffed out with pride.
"And then, I said--'Are these the Organic White Tea leaves you wanted? And he said 'yes, thank you. That will be all. He thanked me!"
She smiled. Gumshoe always had such adoration and pride in his face when he spoke about Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth. Sure, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth was a good prosecutor, but the way Gumshoe described him was made him sound like a god of a man who could singlehandedly fix every wrong and look extremely elegant while doing so.
Every so often while he talked, he would look at his wrists. At first, she thought that maybe he spilled a bit of lettuce, there. But, that wouldn't take more than one look, right? Maybe it went up his sleeves.
He suddenly stopped and stared at her.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" She took a napkin and rubbed at her cheeks. It would be just like her luck to have a Glasgow smile made of ketchup all across her cheeks and scare him away.
"Naw, it's just--you looked cute, that's all."
Maggey blushed. "Really? Thanks...."
"All right, it's definitely time. Yeah, Gumshoe, you can do this..."
He leaned down to kiss her, but the height difference meant he ended up kissing the bridge of her nose instead. Her glasses slid down, and he grew a little blurry until she righted them.
"Oops, let's just try that again--"
She expected someone to accidentally elbow each other, the chair to fall from between all of them. Or maybe a tower to fall suddenly, killing several people.
Except, none of that happened. He leaned in, and suddenly kissed her cheek instead and drew back, face as red as the ketchup that covered their fries. Maggey touched to her cheek where his lips had been seconds ago.
It was like he was immune to all her bad luck. Maybe Dick Gumshoe nullified it. Or maybe bad luck just took a look at them both, so broke that they could barely buy a noodle cup and shook its head and gave them some mercy.
"Aww, boss, you're a sweetie..."
Gumshoe cleared his throat. "Yeah, well...."
They finished their meal slowly, with more stories. He really had a great time with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth. Every time he spoke about him, his face lit up with pride and affection. When the last fry was gone, he grabbed the tray and tossed it in the trash. It was only then that Maggey realized how dark it'd gotten. Already the streetlights had come on.
"I can't believe it's getting dark so early!"
"That's winter for you. Except, in L.A. it still feels nice and warm. It still gets dark so fast, though. Wait, you cold? Here--"
Gumshoe pulled off his big coat, which always filled Maggey with a certain comfort. She'd always wanted to wear it, even though the sleeves would flop way past her hands. So here was another dream come true. A date with Gumshoe (that didn't end in abject terror and disaster) and his coat about her shoulders. It smelled vaguely smokey, with a mishmash of scents, like he'd gotten various free samples from magazines and rubbed them all over the coat, just in case.
His coat was just as warm and comfy as she imagined. She pulled it tight about her.
"I might rip it, though," she said.
"Oh, then I'll just put another patch on it. I already got a ton," he said casually.
He walked her home, his hand in hers and Maggey had never felt more safe. For once, she felt just like a normal girl. One who didn't have multiple dead boyfriends and ruin everything that she touched. She felt disappointment as she came to her apartment. Did the night really have to be over?
She lingered at the door. This was where the kissing started, right? Except Gumshoe hadn't leaned in. Instead he kept looking at his--wrists. Was he checking his watch?
Maybe he wanted to wait until another date to kiss like that. She wouldn't blame him; the last guy she kissed got murdered.
"Thank for the good time, boss. Nobody even died! Honestly, around you, I feel like the luckiest girl around!"
Gumshoe beamed at her words. "And I feel like a million bucks, just being here with you! Actually-- Maggey, I--" He cleared his throat and rubbed awkwardly at his neck. "I didn't realize you were so hard off. If you lose your apartment, you could always stay with me--forever, maybe!"
Maggey blushed deep red and clutched her cheeks. "Wh-what?"
Gumshoe rubbed at his stubble-covered cheek. "Wait, did I skip a step?" He pulled up his shirt sleeve and glanced at his wrist again.
Now she could see that on his arm was a bunch of smudged notes. "Dang, it's gotten all smeared down. Let's see, what did Prosecutor Gavin say again?"
"You talked with Prosecutor Gavin?" Maggey said.
"I asked Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth first what I should do when asking you out, just some tips, because he's real popular with the ladies, but he just got flustered. Then I tried to ask Prosecutor von Karma and she really laid into me... I still have bruises. So on the way I ran into Prosecutor Gavin--who is even more popular with the ladies. Well, the ones that aren't Detective Skye, that is. He gave me all these great pointers! Even though he used to be a rock star, he's really nice. I don't see why Detective Skye hates him so much."
He squinted as he turned his arm this way and that to try and read the now indecipherable notes.
"Wait, I think I was supposed to wait on proposals until many dates down the line in case I scared you off. Dang. Er, I'm not sure if I should tell you to ignore that or not. Because I really mean it. My apartment could be yours. Y-You wouldn't even have to do anything...spicy if you didn't want to. Unless you wanna make curry. Curry is always good." He flushed that tomato red that went all the way to his ears. Honestly, he was so flustered that he practically had steam coming out of his ears. "I just don't wanna see you cold and hungry ever again. Even if we can only get enough money for noodles and have to sleep with the windows open because we can't afford air conditioning, it'd still be good, right?"
And it was so cute.
She rested her hands on his big, beefy arm and for once, was too touched to worry about bad luck or curses. "Boss, that's so sweet of you! I'd be a great roommate, I promise! I'd help keep the apartment tidy and cook and clean and--you might even survive me being there! And here I thought I'd have have to pick out an refrigerator box and live in the alley!"
"No refrigerator box for you! And uh, I'll take the couch. Though I'll have to scrunch down to make it fit. All I could afford was a 25$ loveseat from Goodwill," Gumshoe said.
She laughed. "I think I'll fit a lot better. Besides, you have to go to work. You can't be tired, or Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth will be docking your pay again."
"You'll be working soon enough, just you wait! I'll tell everyone at the precinct how good you are and they'll want you back. Maybe Prosecutor Gavin would like to hire you! Except..."
He scratched at his stubble. "I hope he won't steal you away. He's pretty charming."
"Oh, boss! Nobody's as charming or handsome as you. Sure, I'm grateful for Prosecutor Gavin's help, and he is kind of cute, but you're the only one for me!"
"Phew! I mean, who wouldn't want someone as handsome and charming as Prosecutor Gavin or Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth."
Maggey laughed. "Boss, it sounds like you have a bit of a crush on them, too."
Gumshoe blushed deep red. "W-What! That's--"
"Aw, it's sweet. No wonder you're always talking about Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth like that..."
Gumshoe scratched at his stubble, his face now beet red. He could barely even form words.
"I--I um, you'll always be my favorite girl?" he finally managed.
"I'm glad you can trust me with this. And I am really happy about the thought of sharing an apartment with you. Though..." Maggey said.
"Though?"
"As your roommate--and girlfriend--I might break dishes. Among other things. Make that everything," she warned.
"Oh, phew--you had me worried there. No worries; everyone does that. I just broke one today."
He kept taking surreptitious, awkward looks at his wrists, even if the words were all blurred. He didn't quite trust his own skills when it came to her, and his awkwardness was filled with an intense gentleness. Honestly, it only made him more adorable.
Except, even though the date was almost over, he didn't seem to get it. Did he miss the part in the notes where there was supposed to be a kiss?
She nibbled on her lower lip. "Is it okay if you stay a little longer?"
"Sure, just..." He counted on his fingers and consulted the notes.
"Oh! I almost forgot! I can't believe I forgot how important the goodnight kiss is. He even took down a guitar and preformed a song on the spot to make a point how important it was. And it was great, at least until we had some heat seeking Snackoo missiles sent our way."
He pulled her into his arms gently, awkwardly and she was wrapped up in all his strength. "I'm not hurting you, am I?" He said suddenly. "My mom always said I didn't know my own strength."
"No, it's perfect. You're perfect." She got on tip-toe, and her flip-flop came apart--but that could happen to anyone, and she didn't let it ruin the moment.
His lips covered hers in perfect warmth for only a moment before he pulled back. "I wasn't too hard? I didn't hurt you, did I? Just making sure."
"Of course you didn't, silly," Maggey said. She rested her head against his chest for a moment. "It was great. You're great. Thank you for giving me such a date. Nobody even died this time."
"Next time, maybe we can even afford something off the dollar menu," Gumshoe said.
And what an unlucky lucky pair they made. There in the flickering light on her front stoop. The sky didn't fall in, the building didn't collapse and for once, Maggey thought maybe her luck was starting to turn around.
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Gumshoe/Maggey
Rating: PG at most
Word count: 4,089
Summary: Gumshoe and Maggey go out on a date of sorts. Amazingly, considering Maggey's luck, rocks do not fall and everyone does not die.
Author's note:
I imagine that dating Maggey would be like the VN Save The Date. (For those who haven't played, it's about a guy who goes on a date with a girl he likes, and incredibly horribly things keep happening on his date. And I'm not talking about "I spilled wine on my white shirt." Think "Ninjas suddenly attacked and we were brutally murdered.")
Except somehow, Gumshoe's luck canceled hers out, I guess.
kink meme: I would love for Gumshoe/Maggey (or Kay or Maya) cuteness that involves holding hands. The cute quotient is key, folks.
Also, yes, bi Gumshoe.
I finished this fill in honor of Samuraiter's holiday season o/
Dick Gumshoe stood on the doorstep of the apartment Maggey was about to be evicted from, with a scraggly bouquet of flowers which looked like they'd been picked from the front of the precinct. He gave her a big, nervous smile. Her heart both fluttered and warmed at the sight of him. He was big and beefy, and radiated a sort of awkward, get it done charm that never failed to make her days better.
"Oh, how sweet of you!"
She smelled the flowers, which were slightly wilted, and almost spent. She wondered if they looked a little more wilted as she touched them, or was that just her imagining things?
"Come on in, I'll go put them in some water."
He had to duck his massive frame to even get in her door. Instead of following after her, he stayed near the door and shifted from foot to foot, as he glanced around the small, one-room apartment. She made her way to the kitchen--which was really just a few steps from the 'living room' which also doubled as a bedroom.
As Maggey walked, she heard a creak, and nearly fell forward. The heel on her shoes had broken off completely. She kicked off her shoes and put the flowers in a glass, which was only slightly broken. If she turned it around, she usually wouldn't be cut.
"Are you okay over there?" Concern filled his voice.
"Oh, it's just shoe trouble. I didn't even face plant this time."
At this rate, she was running out of shoes. All her mugs were chipped, and most of her glasses were broken. As she filled the glass with water, she noticed that the flowers definitely were more wilted.
Just that old Maggey charm, she thought with a sigh.
Gumshoe rubbed at his neck awkwardly as he looked around. "Wow, it's pretty bare. I guess you're one of those 'minimalists' huh?"
"Oh, I had to sell most of my furniture off to make my last paycheck," Maggey said flippantly.
Gumshoe let out a choked noise at the back of his throat. "R-Really?"
She nodded sadly. "Yeah, it's been pretty lean. But, um, thanks for making time. I know you're real busy, working with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth."
Gumshoe smiled wide. "Aw, shucks. I'd always make time for you, Maggey!"
She smoothed her black floral dress. Honestly, it'd been hard to find an outfit that didn't have bad memories. She'd gone to several past boyfriends' funerals in this dress, and gotten glares for it being too cheery, even though the material was black. And she'd worn this dress on the exact moment her last two ex-boyfriends suddenly died. Plus, the time that she went to talk to her landlord and he died right after she opened the door. Technically, the diagnosis had been a sudden heart attack, but Maggey knew it was just her bad luck again. She ruined everything she touched.
And all those bad memories had this dress in common, like a curse. But she didn't have a lot of other dresses to choose from. And she couldn't exactly afford to splurge on another one, not with her last paycheck wearing thin. She grabbed a pair of flip-flops instead, given that she'd stepped on a nail in her last set of shoes and ruined them as well.
She tried to stay positive, but sometimes, when everything in her apartment was broken and every job lost and multiple deaths connected straight to the moment they met her, it all got her down.
But, she promised herself, no sad thoughts on her date with Gumshoe. She'd waited so long, and it was all finally happening. Something good had to come in her life eventually, right?
Maggey cleared her throat. "So, tell me about your job--how everyone is doing back at the precinct? I feel like I have too much time on my hands, considering I'm between jobs again."
Gumshoe gave her a comically adorable confused look. "Again? Wait, I thought you got a job at a restaurant...."
"I kept breaking plates," Maggey said sadly.
Gumshoe flinched. But, then, he clenched his fist like he was filled with untold passion. "That's--y-you're destined for better things! Like working in the force again! Still, they're a fool to lose you because I'm sure you were a great waitress--even with the broken plates! I wanted to visit you there, but it was beyond my price level."
She gave him a sad smile. He always believed in her, even when nobody else did. And he had so much passion and spirit--especially for someone who survived on dollar ramen cups. "Thanks, boss."
"I'm not really your boss anymore, but I wish I was. I'd go petition Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth to hire you in a second! In fact, I already tried."
"Really?"
His expression looked like a kicked puppy. "He said no."
"Ah.....but it's the thought that counts! Thanks for believing in me, boss."
Gumshoe's chest puffed out. "That's right! We'll never give up! Even if our salaries get cut again and again!"
"That seems awful specific, boss. Did you get a paycheck cut again?"
Gumshoe gave her a sad look. "Maybe I missed a little thing. Like a spot of blood. Or the murder weapon."
Maggey gave him a sympathetic smile. "I know how that feels," Maggey said.
"Hmm, I'll tell you when I get there. Except, I don't exactly know where 'there' is. Anyways, you wanna head out? It's gonna get dark soon."
He held his big hand out.
Really, she'd wanted them entwined in hers for a long time, but...
Maggey smiled sadly. "Are you sure about this? Last time I held hands with someone, he died. Just the ol' Maggey Bird bad luck curse, I guess," Maggey said.
"Don't be silly. My salary can't be cut anymore. It's at the lowest possible number! If any bad luck comes, I'll just arrest it." He made finger guns with his large hands. "Pow, pow, you're under arrest!"
She giggled, despite the storm clouds foreboding a bad day. Because with Maggey Byrd, it was always a bad day. But she wouldn't give up just because her last five boyfriends had suffered horrible fates. Sixth time was the charm! And she really liked Gumshoe, too.
So, she took a chance and took his hand. Her hands were dwarfed by his, and his skin was so warm--even a little sweaty, but she didn't mind. Yet, somehow, she felt so safe. Like her bad luck couldn't even touch her when he was this close. His face reddened, but unlike the cartoon girls with cute flushed cheeks, his neck and ears turned ruddy.
Maggey smiled. "How cute, boss! You're as red as a cardinal, or maybe a tomato--"
Gumshoe rubbed at his cheek. Even his ears were red now. "Aw, shucks."
Without even thinking of the potential consequences, she leaned up to kiss his cheek and he got even more red. She didn't even let go of his hand to do it.
She almost apologized, but instead cleared her throat. Maybe her bad luck could take the day off? Maybe nothing bad would happen? It wasn't likely, but it could happen. Logically, one day one of her dates would have to not end with a dead body somewhere.
She locked the door behind them. She didn't have anything worth stealing anymore, but she wasn't about to take any chances. With her luck, the burglar would die in her apartment and then she'd have to go to trial again.
"So, uh, you remember where we're heading?" Gumshoe's thick eyebrows furrowed. "Oh yeah, a walk in the park! That's what we said, right? Or was it a walk to the Perk--that coffee shop?"
"I'm not sure parks are a good idea," Maggey said. She looked down sadly. She'd lost an old boyfriend in a park, and almost got tried for the crime because of it.
Gumshoe scrunched up his nose. "You got a point there, pal. I've picked up a whole lot of bodies there. Maybe a walk by the sea?"
Maggey had visions of sharks washing up, rogue waves, or sea glass stuck in her shoes. She shook her head. "Let's just keep walking! I'm sure we'll find somewhere to go."
She kept ahold of his hand and led the way, to where, she couldn't say. His thumb caressed over hers in a gentle, halting and slightly awkward gesture. Like a stuttered confession without words. They crossed at the white lines, and passed by countless stores and apartment buildings.The traffic went on by, but none of them swerved and ran into them. Maybe it was too soon to tell or she was being too optimistic again, but it almost felt like being a normal person. And not Maggey Byrd, she of the 5 dead ex-boyfriends and countless lost jobs--to say nothing of the dead landlord, and even more if she counted down all the bad coincidences that happened to people who got to know her.
A fast food joint came up near, with prices so low that even they could afford.
"Hey, I got an idea. You hungry? We could stop in there for a date. It isn't fancy, but it'd be a nice change from ramen."
"Yeah! I haven't eaten since last Friday. Couldn't afford it."
Gumshoe made a strangled noise in the back of his throat. "Th-That's! You should've told me, I would've treated you to ramen."
"But then you wouldn't get to have any meal, boss," Maggey said sadly.
"We could split one!"
"Thanks for thinking of me, boss."
Gumshoe gave one last glance to the fast food place. "Wait--before we head in, you got any bad memories here?"
Maggey thoughtfully rubbed at her chin, much like Gumshoe did. Maybe she was already picking up his habits? Here was hoping he didn't pick up her bad luck.
"Other than the time I worked there after high school? Nope. Actually, I got a lot of free fries. So it wasn't that bad. No one died, though I was only making minimum wage. I got burned by the fryer several times, but none so bad I had to go to the hospital, so I guess it was okay.."
"I guess working food is its own kind of horror story," Gumshoe said.
She nodded. "Yeah..."
The door handle was shaped like a spatula. Gumshoe let go of her hand, and held it open for her. He tried to stealthily wipe his palms on his coat, but little was stealthy at his size. Inside was neon and formica, with pictures plastered all across the walls of happy, smiling people. The scent of the cooking burgers alone made her feel dizzy.
Gumshoe looked a little abashed. "I wish I could buy you a big fancy combo five, but I'm more a dollar menu kind of guy."
He looked so sad, like a big sad puppy. Maggey clasped her hands together. "I'll help too! Though I don't have much to add."
"I hate to ask you to help pay for dinner, but I got my pay docked again."
"It's okay. It's a modern world. Paying for meals together is kind of romantic. Working together, that kind of thing... It's really--inspiring, you know?"
He let out a sigh of relief. "Glad you think that way."
They counted out their pennies. Together, they could just afford two dollar menu hamburgers, and small fries to split.
The first taste of that greasy burger was heavenly. A pickle slipped down onto her dress. She wetted a napkin and began to rub away the oil, except she was pretty sure it'd stain. She certainly couldn't afford a fancy dry-cleaner.
Maybe it was for the best. This dress had too many bad memories associated with it. Except now, for the first time, it finally had a good memory there.
"I should've known everything was going too well," Maggey said sadly as she looked down at her dress.
"That doesn't mean it's bad luck. That happens to everyone," Gumshoe said. He took a wad of napkins and offered them.
"I always get extra napkins, just in case."
No cars came veering out to crash into the building, the meat wasn't somehow bad, neither of them choked. Even as Maggey waited pensively, nothing else bad happened. As hopeful as she was, it felt almost suspicious. She waited for the other shoe to drop. Or a sever to drop dead. And maybe he was right. This was run of the mill bad luck and not 'last time I was on a date, my boyfriend was murdered' certified Maggey Byrd bad luck.
"Oh, right. You wanted to hear more about work," Gumshoe said.
His voice had a comforting, warm cadence. She began to forget about all her troubles--and looming potential of homelessness if she didn't make her rent. Gumshoe related a story, about how he'd helped Prosecutor Edgeworth pick out his tea leaves. His chest puffed out with pride.
"And then, I said--'Are these the Organic White Tea leaves you wanted? And he said 'yes, thank you. That will be all. He thanked me!"
She smiled. Gumshoe always had such adoration and pride in his face when he spoke about Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth. Sure, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth was a good prosecutor, but the way Gumshoe described him was made him sound like a god of a man who could singlehandedly fix every wrong and look extremely elegant while doing so.
Every so often while he talked, he would look at his wrists. At first, she thought that maybe he spilled a bit of lettuce, there. But, that wouldn't take more than one look, right? Maybe it went up his sleeves.
He suddenly stopped and stared at her.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" She took a napkin and rubbed at her cheeks. It would be just like her luck to have a Glasgow smile made of ketchup all across her cheeks and scare him away.
"Naw, it's just--you looked cute, that's all."
Maggey blushed. "Really? Thanks...."
"All right, it's definitely time. Yeah, Gumshoe, you can do this..."
He leaned down to kiss her, but the height difference meant he ended up kissing the bridge of her nose instead. Her glasses slid down, and he grew a little blurry until she righted them.
"Oops, let's just try that again--"
She expected someone to accidentally elbow each other, the chair to fall from between all of them. Or maybe a tower to fall suddenly, killing several people.
Except, none of that happened. He leaned in, and suddenly kissed her cheek instead and drew back, face as red as the ketchup that covered their fries. Maggey touched to her cheek where his lips had been seconds ago.
It was like he was immune to all her bad luck. Maybe Dick Gumshoe nullified it. Or maybe bad luck just took a look at them both, so broke that they could barely buy a noodle cup and shook its head and gave them some mercy.
"Aww, boss, you're a sweetie..."
Gumshoe cleared his throat. "Yeah, well...."
They finished their meal slowly, with more stories. He really had a great time with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth. Every time he spoke about him, his face lit up with pride and affection. When the last fry was gone, he grabbed the tray and tossed it in the trash. It was only then that Maggey realized how dark it'd gotten. Already the streetlights had come on.
"I can't believe it's getting dark so early!"
"That's winter for you. Except, in L.A. it still feels nice and warm. It still gets dark so fast, though. Wait, you cold? Here--"
Gumshoe pulled off his big coat, which always filled Maggey with a certain comfort. She'd always wanted to wear it, even though the sleeves would flop way past her hands. So here was another dream come true. A date with Gumshoe (that didn't end in abject terror and disaster) and his coat about her shoulders. It smelled vaguely smokey, with a mishmash of scents, like he'd gotten various free samples from magazines and rubbed them all over the coat, just in case.
His coat was just as warm and comfy as she imagined. She pulled it tight about her.
"I might rip it, though," she said.
"Oh, then I'll just put another patch on it. I already got a ton," he said casually.
He walked her home, his hand in hers and Maggey had never felt more safe. For once, she felt just like a normal girl. One who didn't have multiple dead boyfriends and ruin everything that she touched. She felt disappointment as she came to her apartment. Did the night really have to be over?
She lingered at the door. This was where the kissing started, right? Except Gumshoe hadn't leaned in. Instead he kept looking at his--wrists. Was he checking his watch?
Maybe he wanted to wait until another date to kiss like that. She wouldn't blame him; the last guy she kissed got murdered.
"Thank for the good time, boss. Nobody even died! Honestly, around you, I feel like the luckiest girl around!"
Gumshoe beamed at her words. "And I feel like a million bucks, just being here with you! Actually-- Maggey, I--" He cleared his throat and rubbed awkwardly at his neck. "I didn't realize you were so hard off. If you lose your apartment, you could always stay with me--forever, maybe!"
Maggey blushed deep red and clutched her cheeks. "Wh-what?"
Gumshoe rubbed at his stubble-covered cheek. "Wait, did I skip a step?" He pulled up his shirt sleeve and glanced at his wrist again.
Now she could see that on his arm was a bunch of smudged notes. "Dang, it's gotten all smeared down. Let's see, what did Prosecutor Gavin say again?"
"You talked with Prosecutor Gavin?" Maggey said.
"I asked Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth first what I should do when asking you out, just some tips, because he's real popular with the ladies, but he just got flustered. Then I tried to ask Prosecutor von Karma and she really laid into me... I still have bruises. So on the way I ran into Prosecutor Gavin--who is even more popular with the ladies. Well, the ones that aren't Detective Skye, that is. He gave me all these great pointers! Even though he used to be a rock star, he's really nice. I don't see why Detective Skye hates him so much."
He squinted as he turned his arm this way and that to try and read the now indecipherable notes.
"Wait, I think I was supposed to wait on proposals until many dates down the line in case I scared you off. Dang. Er, I'm not sure if I should tell you to ignore that or not. Because I really mean it. My apartment could be yours. Y-You wouldn't even have to do anything...spicy if you didn't want to. Unless you wanna make curry. Curry is always good." He flushed that tomato red that went all the way to his ears. Honestly, he was so flustered that he practically had steam coming out of his ears. "I just don't wanna see you cold and hungry ever again. Even if we can only get enough money for noodles and have to sleep with the windows open because we can't afford air conditioning, it'd still be good, right?"
And it was so cute.
She rested her hands on his big, beefy arm and for once, was too touched to worry about bad luck or curses. "Boss, that's so sweet of you! I'd be a great roommate, I promise! I'd help keep the apartment tidy and cook and clean and--you might even survive me being there! And here I thought I'd have have to pick out an refrigerator box and live in the alley!"
"No refrigerator box for you! And uh, I'll take the couch. Though I'll have to scrunch down to make it fit. All I could afford was a 25$ loveseat from Goodwill," Gumshoe said.
She laughed. "I think I'll fit a lot better. Besides, you have to go to work. You can't be tired, or Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth will be docking your pay again."
"You'll be working soon enough, just you wait! I'll tell everyone at the precinct how good you are and they'll want you back. Maybe Prosecutor Gavin would like to hire you! Except..."
He scratched at his stubble. "I hope he won't steal you away. He's pretty charming."
"Oh, boss! Nobody's as charming or handsome as you. Sure, I'm grateful for Prosecutor Gavin's help, and he is kind of cute, but you're the only one for me!"
"Phew! I mean, who wouldn't want someone as handsome and charming as Prosecutor Gavin or Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth."
Maggey laughed. "Boss, it sounds like you have a bit of a crush on them, too."
Gumshoe blushed deep red. "W-What! That's--"
"Aw, it's sweet. No wonder you're always talking about Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth like that..."
Gumshoe scratched at his stubble, his face now beet red. He could barely even form words.
"I--I um, you'll always be my favorite girl?" he finally managed.
"I'm glad you can trust me with this. And I am really happy about the thought of sharing an apartment with you. Though..." Maggey said.
"Though?"
"As your roommate--and girlfriend--I might break dishes. Among other things. Make that everything," she warned.
"Oh, phew--you had me worried there. No worries; everyone does that. I just broke one today."
He kept taking surreptitious, awkward looks at his wrists, even if the words were all blurred. He didn't quite trust his own skills when it came to her, and his awkwardness was filled with an intense gentleness. Honestly, it only made him more adorable.
Except, even though the date was almost over, he didn't seem to get it. Did he miss the part in the notes where there was supposed to be a kiss?
She nibbled on her lower lip. "Is it okay if you stay a little longer?"
"Sure, just..." He counted on his fingers and consulted the notes.
"Oh! I almost forgot! I can't believe I forgot how important the goodnight kiss is. He even took down a guitar and preformed a song on the spot to make a point how important it was. And it was great, at least until we had some heat seeking Snackoo missiles sent our way."
He pulled her into his arms gently, awkwardly and she was wrapped up in all his strength. "I'm not hurting you, am I?" He said suddenly. "My mom always said I didn't know my own strength."
"No, it's perfect. You're perfect." She got on tip-toe, and her flip-flop came apart--but that could happen to anyone, and she didn't let it ruin the moment.
His lips covered hers in perfect warmth for only a moment before he pulled back. "I wasn't too hard? I didn't hurt you, did I? Just making sure."
"Of course you didn't, silly," Maggey said. She rested her head against his chest for a moment. "It was great. You're great. Thank you for giving me such a date. Nobody even died this time."
"Next time, maybe we can even afford something off the dollar menu," Gumshoe said.
And what an unlucky lucky pair they made. There in the flickering light on her front stoop. The sky didn't fall in, the building didn't collapse and for once, Maggey thought maybe her luck was starting to turn around.
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Date: 2019-12-27 06:46 pm (UTC)