AN: Hello! I decided to attempt to write a happy ending ^~^ I hope this makes up for last chapter; I spent about 3 days internally screaming at myself after I published it for killing my favourite character. Sorry if Edgeworth is a bit OOC, I tried my best, but it was a desperate situation and even Edgeworth acts unpredictably for his friends ((cough, cough, Bridge to Turnabout, cough cough))

This chapter was written for reviewer Apollo Justice. I hope that you enjoy it

Disclaimer: If I owned Ace Attorney, I would have been tortured by fans for the last chapter as it probably would be taken as canon.

This is continuing on from just before Apollo goes to the Wright Anything Agency to say goodbye.

Apollo woke up that morning, with mixed feelings of regret and despair. He put all his effort into getting ready, making sure his spikes were extra-spikey. Everything else was done in super-speed. He just wanted to get this over with as soon as he could. Waiting too long would make this harder for him. Double-checking to make sure he had everything he needed, he made his way out of the front door and headed towards the Wright Anything Agency.

He tried not to think of anything as he walked; which, for now, was actually working. His pace kept on increasing, and before long, he was full-on running towards the agency. He didn't notice a flashy red sports car going past him to the same destination.

In less than 5 minutes, Apollo had arrived at the door to the agency. He tried the door, finding it unlocked, and stumbled through, completely puffed. Two very surprised faces turned to look at him in concern.

"I'm alright." Apollo wheezed out, holding a hand up in a 'stop' sign.

"…" The two people just stared at him, obviously not believing him. Apollo quickly made his way over to the couch, where he 'elegantly' collapsed. He would let his eyes rest for a while.

Apollo was very fit. He rode his bike almost everywhere, he just despised running. Running seemed to despise him too. Phoenix had heard from Apollo of his many disasters during cross country, but he had never truly believed it until now. He excused himself from the company of his old friend, and went to grab a glass of water for Apollo when he woke up.

Apollo awoke from his little rest to see Miles Edgeworth talking with Mr Wright at the dining room table. Their whispering ceased as soon as they realised he was awake again, which was almost as soon as he opened his eyes. Mr Wright was right by his side, asking if he was alright before Apollo could even blink.

"I…."

Seeming to sense that Apollo needed some time to gather himself, Miles Edgeworth grabbed Phoenix's arm.

"Wright. Give him some space. He only just woke up." Edgeworth spoke calmly and with authority. Even Mr Wright seemed to give in to his commands, despite being worried about Apollo.

The odd pair moved back to their place at the dining room table, shooting worried glances at Apollo from time to time. Mr Wright's more noticeable than Edgeworth's, of course. After an unknown amount of time, no-one had bothered keeping track; Apollo finally felt he was able to attempt getting up. Like a truck suddenly slamming into a concrete wall, everything that had happened came rushing into his mind. He let out a small yelp and tried to bury himself in the couch. Alarmed, Edgeworth and Phoenix leapt up and raced to see what had happened to the attorney.

"Apollo!" Phoenix's concerned voice fell on deaf ears. Apollo did decided to turn around on his own, however.

"Mr Wright."

"…" Edgeworth and Phoenix were shocked with Apollo's serious tone. Something was critically wrong. They stood frozen, unsure what to do.

"Mr Edgeworth." Apollo turned to glance at Edgeworth also.

"I'm very sorry, but I have to go somewhere. Is Trucy around? I would like to say goodbye before I leave." His tone was dead serious, and had an underlying coldness to it that scared both Phoenix and Edgeworth, but for different reasons. Phoenix felt like something terrible was about to happen, that was out of his control. For Edgeworth, it reminded him of a particular time in his past, when the voice in side of him spoke in the same way. And it terrified him.

"No, she had to go to school early today to prepare for a magic show…. Are you alright, Apollo?"

…..

5 Black psyche-locks came into Phoenix's view. The sinking feeling in his heart became a reality in under two seconds. He felt sadness overcome him. 'Apollo…. What happened to you?'

"I'm fine, Mr Wright." Apollo replied just as coolly and harshly as before.

…..

Miles Edgeworth knew that look, that attitude, and that voice. He knew exactly what Apollo was trying to do. He was distancing himself, trying to make it so that the pain would be less for his loved ones when he leaves. He had almost done the same thing. He knew he had to do something before it was too late. Phoenix wouldn't be able to do anything; he wouldn't be able to tell exactly what was wrong. It was all up to him.

"Mr Justice." The cold room fell into stillness.

"…"

"Mr Edgeworth," Apollo lowered his head, "what do you want?"

The atmosphere was tense, and it was chocking Phoenix. He retreated into his office, knowing that he could do nothing for Apollo. It was in Miles' hands now.

Apollo was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. This wasn't a part of his plan. He wanted to be in and out quickly. The longer he waited, the harder it would be. Across from him, sitting in his office chair, was none other than Miles Edgeworth, someone who he had admired and gotten to become friends with as of late. Apollo wasn't sure why he was here. He refused to give in. Miles would have to be the one to speak first.

"…"

"…"

"….."

Silence reigned in Miles' office for a long time. No-one could interrupt; the door was locked and the only key was in Miles' hand. They were waiting, seeing who would dare break the silence first.

"…. Apollo." At the sudden uttering of his name, Apollo jolted like he had been electrocuted and looked up.

"Yes, Mr Edgeworth." Miles cringed at the use of his name. Apollo was going back to formalities, and it was hurting inside. Apollo was one of the few people he let in fully; even Phoenix wasn't as close to Miles as Apollo was.

"Please, it's Miles."

"…"

Too quick for Apollo to protest, Miles had crossed the room and pulled Apollo into a hug. Not those 'bro hugs', or even a 'friendly hug', but a comforting hug, that was a completely platonic hug, one that made Apollo feel safe and loved, no matter how much he tried to struggle against it.

"Apollo…. You can't so this on your own. You don't have to tell me anything, but don't shut everyone out and do something stupid. I am here if you need."

Apollo and Miles stayed like that for a while, Apollo wrapped up in a hug from Miles. Neither really minded; not that they would ever admit that if confronted about it later. Apollo had gradually hugged Miles back, but was still yet to say a word. Miles stayed right beside him, lending his comfort and support, something which he had craved during his own previous experience.

~Time passes~

A while later, Apollo let go of Miles, slowly making his way over to the couch, looking up to Miles like a lost puppy.

"Miles….. Thank you." Apollo was holding the flood at bay rather well at the moment, but speaking had made it difficult, so he turned away from Miles' gaze.

Miles shuffled awkwardly to sit beside him on the couch.

"You're a… friend, and I wouldn't want to lose you to a demon that I had already faced myself." Miles' voice was clear but hesitant, the strength he had felt when Apollo was most in need had almost completely gone, and he was returning to his normal form of an unsocial turtle.

Apollo smiled a small smile, but at least it was something. He turned his head towards Miles, confident that he could hold back his tears.

"I'm not fine, but I will be, eventually. I think… that it will take a lot of time, and a lot of hope and reassurance… but I will be fine sometime. After all, even stars have to collapse first before they shine bright."

Apollo and Miles just sat chatting while drinking their English Breakfast tea and Apollo finally felt that; maybe, he really might just be fine eventually. As long as he had someone who knew what it was like, who would support and understand him, he felt that just maybe it was worth trying again.

3 months on, Apollo visited Clay's grave alone for the first time in a week. Leading up to today, Apollo wasn't sure he would be able to hold himself together. It was Clay's birthday today, and Apollo had brought him a present. It was a sample of moon rock that Starbuck had brought back for Clay. They had been given permission to place it by Clay's grave.

"Clay…." Apollo ran his hand slowly along the top of the tombstone, then traced the words engraved.

Clay Terran,

Aspiring astronaut and beacon of hope to

all who met him. A loving friend and son.

May he rest in peace.

"I brought you a present, since today's your birthday. It's a piece of moon rock… Mr Starbuck brought it back from space for you. I… also made you a card. I hope you like it, Clay." Apollo placed said moon rock and card on the grave.

"I still miss you. I don't think I will ever fully overcome your death. But I am almost fine now. Sometimes I still wonder if there was anything I could have done to save you. I even wish that I had died in your place. You had so many more people who care about you and who miss you then what I would have. You still have family. I don't. Know-one was as enthusiastic as you at your job, and Mr Starbuck really needed you're there for moral support. I'm afraid I wasn't much of a substitute. If I had died, Athena and Mr Wright still would have been there to defend clients. Apart from you, your father and Miles, I don't think anyone would truly miss me." Apollo heaved a large sigh, almost enough to rival the ones that Starbuck used to do.

"It doesn't matter now. I promise that I will live for you too, Clay. I will always treasure our memories in my heart and never forget. You saved me for a reason, didn't you? It would be a shame to waste my life when you told me to live. Just don't have too much fun without me, Clay. And maybe tell me what it is like, up there in space, if you can. I miss you."

Apollo just stared at Clay's grave preparing himself for what he would say next.

"I don't think that I will be visiting you as often now Clay. I have been getting more clients lately, and I've been making an effort to talk with Miles more often. We are even closer friends now. I will always remember you, and you will always be my best friend and brother…. And, I guess that now I can finally say it." Apollo looked at the grave with a determined fire in his eyes.

"Goodbye, Clay Terran." Apollo's voice was a determined whisper, almost as if he still didn't want to believe the words he was saying. He scrunched his eyes shut, before opening them with a renewed vigour, striding away purposefully. He wouldn't let Clay down.

Two eyes silently watched their friend and brother walk away, feeling very relieved and happy indeed.

"Good luck, Apollo Justice."

AN: Yay! Finally done! Sorry this took ages; it was harder to write than I thought it would be. Feedback would be much appreciated; I would love to know your thoughts.

Questions for the review: which was your favourite ending? Why? Or if you can't choose/both, what did you like/hate about each?