fic: Feeding The Rumor Mill
Nov. 3rd, 2022 12:37 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bonnefoisTitle: Feeding The Rumor Mill
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2100
Summary: Nahyuta and Ema eat some noodles together after a case.
Author's note: inspired by springfest: Ace Attorney, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi/Ema Skye: gossip - I hear them whisper / you won't believe it / They think we're lovers kept under cover.
Forsuzume. I'm starting off this Holiday season early with all I have to do. :)
Books on the history of ramen, and Rakugo were all spread about his desk. He had to be one hell of a speed reader to have finished them all in such a small amount of time.
Ema didn't know how he did it. She got severe eyestrain and headaches just studying for her exams for hours on end, let alone late nights. A Mocha Latte was on his desk, and that was completely her doing. Burgers weren't the only thing she'd gotten him into. She didn't know how he managed to stay so calm on that much coffee. Maybe the Khura'inese really had found some secret to life with all their prayer and meditation.
"I finished up all the evidence bagging and paperwork. That trial went really fast."
"Yes, thank you."
She saw the faint hint of a smile as he spoke. "Did you eat any of it?"
Ema puffed out her cheeks. "No. It's was flour and raw dough!"
"There were noodles in the refrigerator. Surely, I will check after this. I am not sure I believe you."
"Oh come on! What did Prosecutor Gavin tell you? That was one time. Okay, maybe twice. Make that three times--" She broke off as she saw just a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. There he was, teasing her again. The people of Khura'in revered him. Most of the Wright Anything Agency seemed between baffled and wary of him. All except for Apollo, who looked at him with an edge of sadness.
People over here didn't really believe when she talked about his gentle smile, or how he managed to pull off these trickster half truths on her.
"You have flour on your nose," he said.
"I probably have flour in a lot of other places, too," Ema said.
She wondered for a moment if he'd brush it off like he had before. But he rose up, and offered her his handkerchief. Such an old fashioned gesture, even chivalrous, without a hint of chauvinism.
"Thanks," she said. She brushed off the flour, only to realize she'd accidentally left a bit of lipstick. She could offer to clean it, or let him discover himself.
She handed it back to him.
"I've learned some troubling things. They don't provide a stipend here?" Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"What, the food, you mean? Oh no, we have to get that ourselves. Well, there's a vending machine and coffee in the break room, but they're so bad, I usually just bring my own stuff. And they sure as hell aren't free."
"And they make you pay for your own lodgings as well? How incomprehensible."
"Yeah, we're kind of left to fend for our own here. If I was going with any other prosecutor, I'd probably had to pay my own way with air travel."
She glanced his way. She couldn't read his expression. Reserved? Had his jaw just tensed?
"I mean, you're the only one who ever asked me." And most everyone she'd talked to were completely shocked. It was damn rare for a prosecutor to take a detective along. The only one anyone could think of were Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth and Detective Gumshoe, and Prosecutor Byrne and Detective Badd."
Though that wasn't just what they talked about. Everybody kept talking about how fond he seemed of her, how he'd taken a liking to her. The entire Wright Anything Agency, Gabby and the other labbies, and now the other detectives.
It wasn't the first time she'd been the subject of gossip, but it was the first time she'd actually found some pleasure in it.
"So, if I went back to Khura'in, I really would get to keep that 'stipend' part?"
He nodded. "Of course. It is the natural way of order."
"Geez, sounds great," Ema said.
Except with the whole constant worrying about execution thing. And lack of decent WiFi. Though Ema had to admit, outside of the whole extreme monarchy thing, the prosecution staff were treated like royalty. When he wasn't paying her way due to old religious doctrines, she was getting huge discounts and freebies from everyone in the market and beyond.
Ema just wished it didn't come with the stark reality of constant executions.
"I must admit, I understand why you keep your 'Snackoos' around. This case keeps making me hungry."
"Have you had any dinner yet? If you haven't, I've got a suggestion: Eldoon's stays open pretty late, and you shouldn't leave back for Khura'in without a taste," Ema said.
"Are they considered the best noodles in L.A.?"
"Well, they're certainly the saltiest around," Ema said.
"Salty? As in..." He closed his eyes like he was making an okay emoji. "You're just salty I beat you fair and square." She had no idea what he'd gotten into this time, but the quote sounded like he'd absorbed some pop culture quirk. Though where, she couldn't guess. He was always working, after all.
She couldn't help but laugh. "No, regular salty. Like--full of salt." He picked up idioms and slang, and used them in the strangest ways, often with hilarious results.
"It's pretty close; we won't even have to take a cab."
He nodded. "You needn't worry. Should anybody try to hurt you, I shall show them a Divine Punishment, and cast them down into a thousand hells."
"I'm pretty sure they'd be too busy trying to rob you with all that gold you've got, but thanks," Ema said.
As they walked out together, one of the cops gave them a knowing smile. There was even a lilting teasing tone to his voice as he waved. "Good night Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, Detective Ema."
Instead of rolling her eyes at the obvious implication in his tone, like the grown up version of Prosecutor Sahdmadhi and Detective Ema, sitting in a tree... Ema just smiled. She'd already heard it from almost every lawyer in the Wright Anything Agency, and Gabby too. Even the Khura'inese detectives and Ahlbi had made some comments to the same effect. Nobody, even across the sea, could stop talking about Prosecutor Sahdmadhi.
Or to be more accurate, the rumor going around that Prosecutor Sahdmadhi and her were an item. Ema was no stranger to rumors. There'd been some about her and Prosecutor Gavin as well, laughably enough. As if he'd even given her a second glance with how busy he was flirting with the defense.
The streetlights had just flickered on as she approached the noodle stand. His harmonica cut through the hum of the city.
The noodle stand had gotten a little bit of a makeover since she last had visited. It now with a striped outcropping and few stools right across from the bar. A few packets of chopsticks were laid at the side.
They both took a seat.
Eldoon peered up at Prosecutor Sahdmadhi. "Haven't seen you about these parts before."
"He's a new traveling prosecutor from Khura'in," Ema said.
"You look a lot happier," Eldoon said. He glanced from her to to Prosecutor Sahdmadhi. "Usually she complaining about 'fop this' and 'fop that' and talking about quitting her job. I told her she should go down the street--they serve Sake there. She could drink her troubles away. But she just said 'don't tempt me.' So I gave her noodles as salty as her tears and a harmonica solo."
Ema grinned wide. "I don't have that job anymore, so I don't have to quit. I got a better one. Besides he's overseas and I'm working with new prosecutors."
"Well, someone's life is looking up. I guess you don't need to hear my sad song today," Eldoon said.
"I would like to hear," Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"Play us a song, Mr. Noodle Man," Ema said.
He pulled out his harmonica and played a blusey tune as Prosecutor Sahdmadhi looked over the menu written in chalk on a chalkboard hung from the ceiling.
What'll it be?" Eldoon said.
Prosecutor Sahdmadhi pointed up the the green chalkboard of specials.
"The original, please," he said.
"Good choice," Ema said. "Soba for me. Working this case just leaves me hungry for some good soba."
Eldoon hummed to himself as he readied their bowls. Steam rose up, leaving an intense scent of the cooking broth.
"Are you having a harder time adjusting with all the noise after dark out here? I couldn't believe how quiet and dark Khura'in was at night," Ema said.
"The hotel I'm staying is thankfully rather quiet. It's not quite as bright as when I worked in Paris."
Ema's green eyes widened. "Paris, really?" Ema said. She'd studied in Germany, sure, but she'd never made it to France, though she'd always wanted to. "How was the Eiffel tower?"
"I should have pictures in my belongings. However, they may still be in Khura'in. Once we return there, I will show you."
She looked questioningly at him.
"--If you wish to return, that is," he said.
"Of course I'd want to go next. I still haven't even worked my way through that fruit stand."
Maybe Khura'in wasn't on the top of places she'd want to work. She tended to prefer to work in places with a lower execution rate, and a higher technology rate. Or at least ones that didn't threaten to execute the legal staff at every opportunity. But anywhere working with Prosecutor Sahdmadhi was exciting. Even if it was down the street in another precinct in L.A.
Prosecutor Sahdmadhi took a bite, and drew back so sharply that she thought he'd coughed. He held his throat, with an undreadable expression.
"Did you burn yourself?" Ema said.
"No. The stark saltiness of these noodles tasted like a thousand tears. It took a moment to process that strong a feeling."
Eldoon nodded, and pulled out his harmonica. "Finally, somebody gets it."
"You said a place nearby served Sake?" Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"Yeah, just two streets down. I finish each day with a little."
"Perhaps there will be enough time for me as well. The fragrance of sake is such a peaceful way to end a day."
"I'm going to have to pass. I really shouldn't drink while I'm doing a case," Ema said. A few years ago on New Year's Eve, she'd drank too much and made a complete fool of herself reciting science facts deep into the night. Trucy had even gotten it on camera.
"Your work ethic is admirable, Detective Skye."
"Heheh--I try," Ema said.
Ema was just hoping that Prosecutor Gavin or Apollo didn't snitch about her messy desks of days past.
The street was surprisingly quiet. The streetlights gave it such a beautiful glow. Headlights illuminated his face, as a passing car turned down.
To think, she might be able to do cases in Paris. Or Zheng Fa, or even Borginia. God, just the thought of processing cases in all those romantic places with him made her pulse rise. Even better if she wasn't paying the food and air fare bill.
And maybe, they'd have to stay in a hotel, and the receptionist would think they were an item, and suggest the honeymoon suite. Maybe he wouldn't even correct that receptionist. For all his serenity, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi loved a good joke.
Hell, she wouldn't even have to go to Paris for that. She'd had it happen when she had to deliver some papers to his hotel room from Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth.
Ema couldn't help but smirk. This would certainly give them something to talk about.
He pushed aside the bowl. "Truly, this has been an experience I am grateful to have had. Your noodles are unforgettable, like the tears spilled for a first love."
He held out a shiny silver coin, and handed it to her. "A quarter for your thoughts?"
"The term is a 'penny for your thoughts,'" Ema said.
"Surely your thoughts are worth more."
Ema glanced down and rubbed at her cheek.
"I was thinking about Paris," she said. Which was true, more or less.
"If you wish, I'll take you there someday."
Ema lifted her gaze. "Really?"
"Of course."
"Actually, I want to see the catacombs," she said. "The Eiffel tower can wait for a second...da....y."
What had she almost said? A date? Ema quickly glanced away to hide her blush.
She really hoped the rumor mill was right this time.
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2100
Summary: Nahyuta and Ema eat some noodles together after a case.
Author's note: inspired by springfest: Ace Attorney, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi/Ema Skye: gossip - I hear them whisper / you won't believe it / They think we're lovers kept under cover.
For
suzume. I'm starting off this Holiday season early with all I have to do. :)Books on the history of ramen, and Rakugo were all spread about his desk. He had to be one hell of a speed reader to have finished them all in such a small amount of time.
Ema didn't know how he did it. She got severe eyestrain and headaches just studying for her exams for hours on end, let alone late nights. A Mocha Latte was on his desk, and that was completely her doing. Burgers weren't the only thing she'd gotten him into. She didn't know how he managed to stay so calm on that much coffee. Maybe the Khura'inese really had found some secret to life with all their prayer and meditation.
"I finished up all the evidence bagging and paperwork. That trial went really fast."
"Yes, thank you."
She saw the faint hint of a smile as he spoke. "Did you eat any of it?"
Ema puffed out her cheeks. "No. It's was flour and raw dough!"
"There were noodles in the refrigerator. Surely, I will check after this. I am not sure I believe you."
"Oh come on! What did Prosecutor Gavin tell you? That was one time. Okay, maybe twice. Make that three times--" She broke off as she saw just a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. There he was, teasing her again. The people of Khura'in revered him. Most of the Wright Anything Agency seemed between baffled and wary of him. All except for Apollo, who looked at him with an edge of sadness.
People over here didn't really believe when she talked about his gentle smile, or how he managed to pull off these trickster half truths on her.
"You have flour on your nose," he said.
"I probably have flour in a lot of other places, too," Ema said.
She wondered for a moment if he'd brush it off like he had before. But he rose up, and offered her his handkerchief. Such an old fashioned gesture, even chivalrous, without a hint of chauvinism.
"Thanks," she said. She brushed off the flour, only to realize she'd accidentally left a bit of lipstick. She could offer to clean it, or let him discover himself.
She handed it back to him.
"I've learned some troubling things. They don't provide a stipend here?" Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"What, the food, you mean? Oh no, we have to get that ourselves. Well, there's a vending machine and coffee in the break room, but they're so bad, I usually just bring my own stuff. And they sure as hell aren't free."
"And they make you pay for your own lodgings as well? How incomprehensible."
"Yeah, we're kind of left to fend for our own here. If I was going with any other prosecutor, I'd probably had to pay my own way with air travel."
She glanced his way. She couldn't read his expression. Reserved? Had his jaw just tensed?
"I mean, you're the only one who ever asked me." And most everyone she'd talked to were completely shocked. It was damn rare for a prosecutor to take a detective along. The only one anyone could think of were Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth and Detective Gumshoe, and Prosecutor Byrne and Detective Badd."
Though that wasn't just what they talked about. Everybody kept talking about how fond he seemed of her, how he'd taken a liking to her. The entire Wright Anything Agency, Gabby and the other labbies, and now the other detectives.
It wasn't the first time she'd been the subject of gossip, but it was the first time she'd actually found some pleasure in it.
"So, if I went back to Khura'in, I really would get to keep that 'stipend' part?"
He nodded. "Of course. It is the natural way of order."
"Geez, sounds great," Ema said.
Except with the whole constant worrying about execution thing. And lack of decent WiFi. Though Ema had to admit, outside of the whole extreme monarchy thing, the prosecution staff were treated like royalty. When he wasn't paying her way due to old religious doctrines, she was getting huge discounts and freebies from everyone in the market and beyond.
Ema just wished it didn't come with the stark reality of constant executions.
"I must admit, I understand why you keep your 'Snackoos' around. This case keeps making me hungry."
"Have you had any dinner yet? If you haven't, I've got a suggestion: Eldoon's stays open pretty late, and you shouldn't leave back for Khura'in without a taste," Ema said.
"Are they considered the best noodles in L.A.?"
"Well, they're certainly the saltiest around," Ema said.
"Salty? As in..." He closed his eyes like he was making an okay emoji. "You're just salty I beat you fair and square." She had no idea what he'd gotten into this time, but the quote sounded like he'd absorbed some pop culture quirk. Though where, she couldn't guess. He was always working, after all.
She couldn't help but laugh. "No, regular salty. Like--full of salt." He picked up idioms and slang, and used them in the strangest ways, often with hilarious results.
"It's pretty close; we won't even have to take a cab."
He nodded. "You needn't worry. Should anybody try to hurt you, I shall show them a Divine Punishment, and cast them down into a thousand hells."
"I'm pretty sure they'd be too busy trying to rob you with all that gold you've got, but thanks," Ema said.
As they walked out together, one of the cops gave them a knowing smile. There was even a lilting teasing tone to his voice as he waved. "Good night Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, Detective Ema."
Instead of rolling her eyes at the obvious implication in his tone, like the grown up version of Prosecutor Sahdmadhi and Detective Ema, sitting in a tree... Ema just smiled. She'd already heard it from almost every lawyer in the Wright Anything Agency, and Gabby too. Even the Khura'inese detectives and Ahlbi had made some comments to the same effect. Nobody, even across the sea, could stop talking about Prosecutor Sahdmadhi.
Or to be more accurate, the rumor going around that Prosecutor Sahdmadhi and her were an item. Ema was no stranger to rumors. There'd been some about her and Prosecutor Gavin as well, laughably enough. As if he'd even given her a second glance with how busy he was flirting with the defense.
The streetlights had just flickered on as she approached the noodle stand. His harmonica cut through the hum of the city.
The noodle stand had gotten a little bit of a makeover since she last had visited. It now with a striped outcropping and few stools right across from the bar. A few packets of chopsticks were laid at the side.
They both took a seat.
Eldoon peered up at Prosecutor Sahdmadhi. "Haven't seen you about these parts before."
"He's a new traveling prosecutor from Khura'in," Ema said.
"You look a lot happier," Eldoon said. He glanced from her to to Prosecutor Sahdmadhi. "Usually she complaining about 'fop this' and 'fop that' and talking about quitting her job. I told her she should go down the street--they serve Sake there. She could drink her troubles away. But she just said 'don't tempt me.' So I gave her noodles as salty as her tears and a harmonica solo."
Ema grinned wide. "I don't have that job anymore, so I don't have to quit. I got a better one. Besides he's overseas and I'm working with new prosecutors."
"Well, someone's life is looking up. I guess you don't need to hear my sad song today," Eldoon said.
"I would like to hear," Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"Play us a song, Mr. Noodle Man," Ema said.
He pulled out his harmonica and played a blusey tune as Prosecutor Sahdmadhi looked over the menu written in chalk on a chalkboard hung from the ceiling.
What'll it be?" Eldoon said.
Prosecutor Sahdmadhi pointed up the the green chalkboard of specials.
"The original, please," he said.
"Good choice," Ema said. "Soba for me. Working this case just leaves me hungry for some good soba."
Eldoon hummed to himself as he readied their bowls. Steam rose up, leaving an intense scent of the cooking broth.
"Are you having a harder time adjusting with all the noise after dark out here? I couldn't believe how quiet and dark Khura'in was at night," Ema said.
"The hotel I'm staying is thankfully rather quiet. It's not quite as bright as when I worked in Paris."
Ema's green eyes widened. "Paris, really?" Ema said. She'd studied in Germany, sure, but she'd never made it to France, though she'd always wanted to. "How was the Eiffel tower?"
"I should have pictures in my belongings. However, they may still be in Khura'in. Once we return there, I will show you."
She looked questioningly at him.
"--If you wish to return, that is," he said.
"Of course I'd want to go next. I still haven't even worked my way through that fruit stand."
Maybe Khura'in wasn't on the top of places she'd want to work. She tended to prefer to work in places with a lower execution rate, and a higher technology rate. Or at least ones that didn't threaten to execute the legal staff at every opportunity. But anywhere working with Prosecutor Sahdmadhi was exciting. Even if it was down the street in another precinct in L.A.
Prosecutor Sahdmadhi took a bite, and drew back so sharply that she thought he'd coughed. He held his throat, with an undreadable expression.
"Did you burn yourself?" Ema said.
"No. The stark saltiness of these noodles tasted like a thousand tears. It took a moment to process that strong a feeling."
Eldoon nodded, and pulled out his harmonica. "Finally, somebody gets it."
"You said a place nearby served Sake?" Prosecutor Sahdmadhi said.
"Yeah, just two streets down. I finish each day with a little."
"Perhaps there will be enough time for me as well. The fragrance of sake is such a peaceful way to end a day."
"I'm going to have to pass. I really shouldn't drink while I'm doing a case," Ema said. A few years ago on New Year's Eve, she'd drank too much and made a complete fool of herself reciting science facts deep into the night. Trucy had even gotten it on camera.
"Your work ethic is admirable, Detective Skye."
"Heheh--I try," Ema said.
Ema was just hoping that Prosecutor Gavin or Apollo didn't snitch about her messy desks of days past.
The street was surprisingly quiet. The streetlights gave it such a beautiful glow. Headlights illuminated his face, as a passing car turned down.
To think, she might be able to do cases in Paris. Or Zheng Fa, or even Borginia. God, just the thought of processing cases in all those romantic places with him made her pulse rise. Even better if she wasn't paying the food and air fare bill.
And maybe, they'd have to stay in a hotel, and the receptionist would think they were an item, and suggest the honeymoon suite. Maybe he wouldn't even correct that receptionist. For all his serenity, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi loved a good joke.
Hell, she wouldn't even have to go to Paris for that. She'd had it happen when she had to deliver some papers to his hotel room from Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth.
Ema couldn't help but smirk. This would certainly give them something to talk about.
He pushed aside the bowl. "Truly, this has been an experience I am grateful to have had. Your noodles are unforgettable, like the tears spilled for a first love."
He held out a shiny silver coin, and handed it to her. "A quarter for your thoughts?"
"The term is a 'penny for your thoughts,'" Ema said.
"Surely your thoughts are worth more."
Ema glanced down and rubbed at her cheek.
"I was thinking about Paris," she said. Which was true, more or less.
"If you wish, I'll take you there someday."
Ema lifted her gaze. "Really?"
"Of course."
"Actually, I want to see the catacombs," she said. "The Eiffel tower can wait for a second...da....y."
What had she almost said? A date? Ema quickly glanced away to hide her blush.
She really hoped the rumor mill was right this time.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-03 08:30 pm (UTC)