I don't know why I haven't read this before. I guess I didn't want to read a sad fic, since I saw a review first and read that he never gave it to her. But now I understand. Anyway, this was amazing. :D

It appears that I only commented on this on Ao3 as well. Take my review and love, once more, because you are amazing and so are your Phoenix/Maya fics (which includes this one)!

Sorry it's taken me so long to read this. I got so caught up in Labor Day, work, and then I didn't see this pop up in my inbox. Then I realized why. Only TE is set to my alerts, not you, which is something I fully intend to change.

And now onto the review. It was a super sweet story, even if Phoenix didn't get the chance to give Maya her gift. I really enjoyed reading this little tale about their trip to the park, even if it probably didn't go the way Phoenix had hoped it would. Of course, it wasn't even his idea. I had to laugh at his experience on the roller coaster. My first thought was, "good thing he didn't ride one of mine; I design my rides to be gut-busting." I also enjoyed the Tunnel of Love scene, and I also laughed again on the bird's going after him.

The food sounded really interesting, so I'd say that's a testament to your writing. You even make food interesting, although I did turn green along with Phoenix at the bug-laced items, but that was your intention.

All in all, I really enjoyed this little read, every last word.

Whoops, forgot to mention, thanks so much for the dedication! It means the world!

Honestly, Nick. Never tell a girl ANYTHING if you don't actuallyean ANYTHING. Especially not Pearl. She'll slap your shit straight into next week!
Now for the meat of the story. God, so much of that food sounds amazing! I could go for a Philleclair.
Shhhhh... I cyou listen closely, you can hear the sound of a thousand fangirls screaming at the idea of Phoenix Wright in assless chaps!
All in all, this was another fantastic story from the queen of AA fanfiction!

Oh my God! A prequel to the prequel! Such an Inception-style plot you have going on here! But, the story was super enjoyable. Made me go back and read Not a Girl a second time.

Thanks for giving me something to do whilst I lay here in the hospital. Love your writing JP! :)

And a good tribute to our beloved characters, really. There is a saying that says that from the moment we begin to love someone, we are doomed to suffering in a bittersweet way or condemn the person we love, whenever we want or not. Poor Phoenix him just live it on his skin with your graceful and beautiful story, torn between wanting to please Maya and that has been drawn precisely to do everything he does not like!...

Phoenix, you absolute CLOWN! God, this one had me in stitches at points. Also, GO MAYA! That one has got a niiiice throw on her. Although that ending kinda broke me, it was healed knowing the brilliance of Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman happened. A beautiful story!

Oh, Trite. I know how you feel. Everything you try to do fails. Usually due to no fault of your own. Something always just gets in the way. If it's not a Magpie then it's falling into the water.
Little Pearl is adorable. She definitely knows how to get what she wants. Even people who don't know her are scared of the rolled up sleeve. Like night and day with that child. Don't make her angry. You wouldn't like her when she's angry.
I do feel somewhat bad that you couldn't win the girls a prize. But I do have to say...Go Maya! You really got some talent.
Maya has a good point Trite. Why do you always wear that suit? Is it because the only other clothing you have is that horrible pink sweater? The one that should have been burned long ago?
Animals really don't like you, do they Trite?
I'm truly dismayed that everything went belly up as it were. You do have another chance on her birthday. I do wish you luck.
If only the two of you knew the truth about your feelings. Little Pearl knows as well as everyone else. You're both just too blind to see it.

Mr Coffee.

This was a nice one-off that does a good job referencing the "Kidnapped Turnabout".
Well, we now know what drove Phoenix to get so toned during those seven years that he was disbarred: the shame of knowing that Maya, of all people, is stronger than him. But then again, it probably comes from her Fey genes. Heck, if Pearl was to do that Test of Strength game, she would probably break the machine with a single slap with her herculean strength, no hammer needed.
Though too bad Phoenix didn't get that large Blue Badger plushy, otherwise he could have had it delivered to Edgeworth's home or office and gave the poor prosecutor a panic attack.
Anyways, great fanfic that was a fun read.