Archive of Our Own ^beta

Miles Edgeworth, in most cases, wouldn’t think himself to be full of cowardice. It simply isn’t like him. There have been moments where he had been threatened, held at gunpoint, even kidnapped, but he always tries to use logic and reasoning before letting alarm and panic set it. He isn’t the one to run away, even in the most dangerous circumstances, and he isn’t the one to become afraid too easily. 

Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule. Miles, even at thirty-four years old, still cannot take the elevator and becomes paralyzed with fear when an earthquake happens. However, after years and years of therapy, he’s come to understand that these traits do not make him who he is, and that he’s more than his fears, nightmares, and panic attacks. 

The point being, besides those specific situations, Miles has looked fear in the eyes and smirked. He has bested ruthless killers and has remained triumphant in the end. He should know no fear.

Yet ruthless killers and kidnappings come short in comparison to one thing and one thing only: a chaotic Trucy Wright.

“Polly!” She scolds the short man, “I told you the banners go over there. It’s really important to match the color scheme!”

“Uh, does it really make such a difference?” Apollo asks, lifting a brow. “I don’t really think Mr. Wright—”

Trucy does an angry sort of pout at him. “It has to be perfect for Daddy!”

They seem to have a bit of a stare off for a moment until Apollo rolls his eyes. “...Fine.”

Trucy smiles, sugary-sweet. “Thank you, Polly!”

“I don’t get why we couldn’t just do this at the office…” Apollo grumbles, despite doing exactly what Trucy asked of him.

Since Phoenix passed the bar yet again, Miles decided to rent out a space for a celebration on his behalf. Trucy originally wanted it to be in the office, but when Miles mentioned the banquet hall, her eyes lit up. And really, how could he have ever said no to her? After all, it’s nothing less than what Phoenix deserves. The man had suffered for seven whole years. Paying for a celebration in honor of him was the very least he could do. 

“Uncle Miles!” Miles snaps out of his thoughts and sees Trucy coming his way, bouncing along excitedly. 

“Hello, Trucy.” He smiles at her and doesn’t even tense when she wraps her arms around him in a hug. Years ago he did, but he’s adjusted more and more to physical affection, especially when it comes to those he cares about. It’s only natural that both Wrights would fit into that category.

“Thank you for helping with this entire thing! Daddy’s going to love it.” Her eyes sparkle with barely-contained-excitement. “He might cry though. Maybe have an extra cravat on hand so he could blow his nose into it.”

The edge of Miles’s mouth twitches in amusement. “If your father knows what’s best for him, he will refrain from doing so.” Trucy giggles at him and continues to help set the banquet hall up. He decides to assist her with setting up the tablecloths, making small talk about things going on in her own life.

“So,” Trucy eventually starts, changing the subject, “You’re picking Daddy up soon, right?” Miles hums in affirmation as he continues setting up the table, placing plates down one by one. “What did you end up telling him?”

“Well,” Miles begins, “I simply stated that we’d be going to an upscale restaurant, so that he should wear his new suit. I figured he should look the part.”

It was quiet for a moment, and he looks up to see Trucy with a slight quirk to her lips, as if she’s fighting a smile. 

“What is it?” 

“Oh, nothing!” Trucy says innocently, which definitely means there is something. “I just remembered that you haven’t seen Daddy in his new suit, is all.”

Which is true. While Miles had gotten Phoenix in contact with a tailor he trusts, he was unfortunately too busy to see the final product. Truth be told, he couldn’t wait to see what his tailor did. That old blue suit was atrocious. 

“No, but I have the utmost faith in Joaquin. He’s an extraordinary tailor.” Miles walks over to the pile of nearby plates and grabs a few to continue setting them down. “That being said, are there any problems you have with the suit?”

Trucy smiles in delight. “Nope!”

Miles quirks a brow and his lips twitch into a slight smile. Even after seven years of knowing Trucy, he can’t help but still feel incredibly fond of her antics.

They continue to set up the tables in a comfortable silence, Miles lost in his thoughts until Trucy speaks up once more. “Uncle Miles?” She asks, sounding more serious than she did minutes prior.

“Yes, Trucy?” 

“I wanted to ask you something,” Trucy trails off, biting her lip out of nervousness. Miles frowns.

“Is everything alright?” He slows down with placing the plates but doesn’t stop completely.

“When are you going to confess your feelings to Daddy?”

The plate Miles had been holding drops and shatters into pieces.

“Woah—”

His entire body goes rigid, frozen as if he were a deer in headlights. It takes him a moment to realize that there’s pieces of glass scattered across the floor, and that he cannot in fact walk away from the situation at a brisk pace. 

“Trucy, stay right there until we clean this up,” he says automatically, ignoring the heat he feels on his cheeks. They wait there for a few moments until he sees Athena run over with a broom in hand. 

“Wow, Mr. Edgeworth!” Athena exclaims, “You should be more careful!”

“It was kinda my fault,” Trucy said, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I caught him off guard.”

“Ohhh,” Athena nods knowingly while she sweeps up the mess. “It’s about the Boss then.”

Miles sputters, opening and closing his mouth. Trucy giggles.

Must he work with human lie detectors!?

“Alright! It’s all cleaned up. Maybe wait until the fine chinaware is out of his hands before you ask anything important.” Athena says with a smile, before going back to the other side of the room.

There’s a beat of silence. 

“I believe it’s about time I collect your father,” Miles begins, starting to turn away. I cannot have this discussion. Pretend she isn’t here. Maybe if I walk fast enough I—

“Uncle Miles!” Trucy whines, and he feels himself stop in his tracks before hesitantly turning around. She pouts at him. “You never answered my question.”

Miles swallows. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.” He starts to turn away again, avoiding her peering eyes. “Now, Trucy, I really must—”

“I just want him to be happy.” Trucy blurts out, a pleading look on her face.

He sighs. “Trucy…”

Trucy sets down a plate and stops, looking at Miles with a serious expression. “It’s important to me that this is perfect for Daddy.” She stops, looking thoughtful. “I know how hard it’s been for him these past years, no matter what he said or did to convince everyone else that he was fine. He wasn’t.” Her face turns into something more heavy-hearted. “But now he’s a lawyer again, and I want him to be happy.”

His heart aches for both of them. “And how does that involve me, exactly?”

She levels him with a look. “I think you know the answer to that.”

“Trucy—”

“He was always so happy when we visited you during those summers. Happier than what he usually was, I mean. You mean a lot to him.” Miles stares at her, not sure what to say. 

What if she’s wrong? What if he doesn’t feel the same? Even if he somehow does, I have caused him pain numerous times throughout the years. What if he isn’t happy with me? What if I hurt him again? These thoughts run in his mind, the endless stream a stark contrast to the heavy silence in the outside world. Would this really be the time to confess?

At the last thought, Miles feels guilt swell within him. Phoenix had just been through the worst seven years of his life. He’s finally able to put his life back on track, to be happy as a lawyer once more. How could Miles ruin that for his dearest friend? Even if he wants to confess, it surely isn’t the correct time for it. He needs to let Phoenix find himself, and Miles confessing his feelings is the last thing Phoenix needs.

At the same time, he feels as though he’s hiding a heavy secret that weighs him down day after day. He would like to tell Phoenix the truth, at least someday.

“Just…can you at least think about it? Please?” Trucy begs, something so earnest in her expression that Miles’s resolve starts to crack. “It doesn’t have to be now, but at least…someday soon maybe?”

There are a few moments of silence.

“...I’m not going to promise any course of action,” Miles begins, avoiding eye contact, “But I will surely think about it.”

Trucy beams at him. “Thank you, Uncle Miles.” Miles gives her a small smile. “Now, finish setting that table and then pick up Daddy!” She says, voice firm, pointing at him.

She really loves to take charge. Miles smiles softly as he picks up another plate. 

Trucy starts to walk away before calling behind her shoulder. “Thanks again, Papa!”

His fingers fumble at the term, but he catches the plate at the last second. He breathes a sigh of relief before shaking his head.

She and her father will be the death of me.

When Miles arrives at the Wright apartment (As opposed to the wrong apartment, Phoenix would say) he sends a text to Phoenix announcing his arrival. He waits a few minutes before he gets a reply.

Wright [5:56 P.M.]: oh hey edgeworth! im still trying to get into this monkey suit so u can just let yourself in.

Miles sighs, knowing that this meant they would be running a few minutes behind schedule. Trucy will not be pleased. He gets out of the car and walks to the apartment door, taking out the key Phoenix had given him a few years back.

“...What’s this?” Miles asked, a lump in his throat. He held the metallic object in his hand, staring at the glint it reflected from the light in the room. What was Phoenix saying?

“Well…” Phoenix started, rubbing the back of his neck in a slightly nervous manner, “I just figured that it might be useful if…” He sighed before he looked Miles right in the eyes. “I…might not always be here when Trucy needs me. Especially since we’ve been going after Kristoph—” Something inside Miles darkened at the mention of that name. “—things might get a little dicey. Hopefully they won’t but…”

“You want me to have access to your apartment in case anything happens to you,” Miles summarized, the very thought spreading dread throughout his body. 

Phoenix nodded. “Yeah.” He sighed again. “I know you’re living in Europe right now, so it’s kinda weird that I’m even doing this but…” Heterochromatic eyes searched into grey ones. “I trust you, Miles. And it makes me feel better to know you even have it.”

Miles was speechless as he stared at Phoenix, and then at the key in his hand.

“...Or we could just, totally forget about this.” Phoenix rambled quickly, hand outstretched, “I know it’s a lot to spring on you, especially right now when you’re so busy with everything—and man, what would other people think? I don’t want your reputation to be—”

“Phoenix,” Miles said, reaching a hand over Phoenix’s, and his babbling stopped. In other circumstances Miles wouldn’t dare to be so bold, but he was incredibly touched and taken aback by the other man’s earnestness. 

“Thank you,” Miles said sincerely, his eyes looking at Phoenix’s mildly surprised ones, “for trusting me after all this time.” He stroked his thumb over Phoenix’s hand, trying to comfort him.

Phoenix stared at him, his eyes searching Miles until he gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Of course I trust you, Miles.” He said softly, and Miles had to suppress the need to shiver at the sound of his name. “Do you know how much of a mess I’d be without you during this whole damn thing?”

There was an electric charge in the air. Their hands were still intertwined, and Miles suddenly had the urge to bring Phoenix’s hand to his lips. It’s as though his heart demanded that he showed the man how much he felt—how much trust and affection he felt for Phoenix. How much Miles wanted to wrap his arms around him and Trucy and shield them from every danger that had been firing at them from the start. How much Miles wanted to reach out for him every time he was hurting. How much Phoenix truly meant to him.

How much Miles loved him.

Miles stared at their hands joined together, and his heart clenched. 

It wasn’t the time. Phoenix didn’t need this right now. They had to work together, and Miles’s feelings couldn’t distract the both of them from their mission.

With a great aching in his heart, Miles gave one gentle squeeze to Phoenix’s hand before letting go.

“I’ll be with you for every step of this journey.” He gave a decisive nod, pocketing the key Phoenix had given him and gave the man a reassuring, gentle, smile. “For better, or for worse.” 

I will tell him after we clear his name, Miles promised himself at that moment, that will be the right time.

Except, it never was. There was never a perfect opportunity for him to confess, and thus, he still hasn’t. 

Maybe after his first case, Miles reasons, ignoring the creeping feelings he always gets when he thinks about this particular topic, everything would have surely calmed down by then.

Shaking his thoughts off, Miles finally unlocks the door to the apartment and walks in. 

“Wright?” He calls out, “I’m here.” He takes a moment to look around the living room, seeing numerous scattered objects Trucy uses for her magic shows. He also sees a pile of books that Phoenix used to study for the bar exam.

“One sec, Edgeworth! Just trying to finish getting changed into this damn thing,” Miles hears, “I’m almost done!”

Miles rolls his eyes affectionately, a fond smile on his face. “Only you would take twenty minutes to get changed into a simple suit,” he drawls, investigating Trucy’s props in the meantime.

He hears a scoff from the other room. “Simple!? You think this is a simple suit!?” Miles is about to interject before he hears Phoenix again, “Oh wait, I forgot that you’re like, from the Victorian Era, so the suits of modern times are simple to you. Pardon me, sir.” Phoenix says, in a mock-elegant voice.

“Modern times?” Miles asks, also while seeing that Phoenix somehow allows Trucy to have fireworks stored with her props, “Says the man who possessed a flip phone until a year ago.” He wonders distantly if he should talk to Phoenix about letting Trucy do her shows with any sort of explosive equipment.

“Hey! I would still have Morris if it wasn’t for you, Maya, and Trucy all bullying me.” Miles hears a door opening and closing, and then footsteps in the hall. 

“Which is exactly my point.” He sees Phoenix in his peripheral vision, still focused on the objects scattered around. He picks up an opened box of some sort of popping sparklers for further inspection.  “If anyone here is from the Victorian Era, it would be—”

He turns his head towards Phoenix, and Miles realizes three different things at once.

One: Joaquin is an excellent tailor. Of course, Miles already knew this to some extent. But if that man somehow got Phoenix Wright to wear a waistcoat, then he might as well be a saint.

Two: Joaquin must also be some sort of devil at the exact same time, because now Phoenix Wright is here, in front of him, wearing a well-fitted blue suit with a sky-blue waist coat, and it’s as torturous as it is mouth-watering. 

And finally, three: Fireworks and sparklers really should not be inside of an apartment.

Miles’s mouth goes extremely dry at the sight of this version of Phoenix Wright before him, a shy smile on his handsome face. 

“Well?” Phoenix asks, gesturing to himself. His hair is back to his easily recognizable spikes, with a tuft of hair sticking out in front of his forehead. His face is shaven, the stubble long gone, and while a part of Miles may miss it, he must admit that he’s always had a…thing for suits, so it makes up for it.

At his silence, Phoenix’s face drops. “What? Oh God, do you not like it? Do I need to retur—”

“No.” Miles says, a little too quickly, forgetting that he’s holding a box of poppers and drops it, causing some to land on the magazine with a POP.

“Oh geez, did Truce leave those out again?” Phoenix comes closer with a concerned look on his face. “I told her to put it in the lockbox. Are you okay?”

Words seem to be quite difficult at the moment. “Y-Yes,” Miles says, looking away from Phoenix and ignoring the ever-growing heat he feels on his cheeks. “You should really consider how dangerous these materials could be.”

“Hey! It’s not my fault she doesn’t listen to me.”

Miles levels him with a look.

“...Point taken.” Phoenix gives a sort of playful smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He rubs the back of his neck. “If I knew that the suit was this bad—”

“It’s not.”

Phoenix stops his movements and looks at Miles. “It’s not?” Phoenix repeats.

“It, erm. It looks…quite stunning on you, actually.” Miles says, cursing himself internally for his lack of control with his words. He risks it to look at Phoenix, his mismatched eyes looking at him with some sort of awe.

“Oh,” Phoenix simply says, still staring at Miles. “Thank you.” He says quietly, a soft smile on his face, which Miles returns in earnest. 

The moment stays for a minute until—

“Edgeworth?” Phoenix sniffs the air, eyebrows furrowed, “Do you smell—

Both of their heads whip towards the magazine to see it engulfed in flames.

Miles stumbles back in shock as Phoenix yelps out a curse. Miles loses his balance and he’s falling, closing his eyes and preparing himself for the impact, but it never comes.

He slowly opens his eyes to see blue-brown ones staring down at him, and oh. Phoenix is close. Phoenix is holding him in his arms. Phoenix is very, very close and his face is close and—

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

“Fuck, the fire!” Is all Miles hears until the impact finally does come, letting out an oof when Phoenix drops him. “Shit, sorry!” Phoenix exclaims, hovering over him, still frantic.

“Don’t you think there are more important things at the moment!?” Miles yells, making shooing movements at him.

“Right! Right.” And then Phoenix bursts into action again, running to the kitchen area and grabbing a cup of water, and then running towards the fire once more. He throws the water toward the flames, taking it out instantly. 

They both stare at the burned magazine, and Miles realizes he’s still on the floor.

“So, uh,” Phoenix begins, a sheepish smile on his face, “ready for dinner?”

I’m in love with an idiot.

They arrive at the venue, only about twenty minutes late from the time Miles had aimed for, no thanks to that small incident at the apartment.

“So,” Phoenix begins, getting out of the car and shutting the door, Miles following close behind, “What’s the occasion? You didn’t really give me a reason for this dinner.”

Miles walks beside him on the way to the banquet hall, which looks like any other elegant building from the outside. “Do I necessarily need a reason to have dinner with my oldest friend?”

Phoenix makes some sort of scoffing noise, and their shoulders brush, making Miles extremely aware of it. “You’ve known Larry as long as you’ve known me. Do you take him out on fancy dinners like this for no reason?”

“Would you?”

Phoenix huffs out a laugh. “I guess not.” They both stop outside of the building doors. “All of this still doesn’t explain why we’re here though. Not that I don’t appreciate it, but…”

“Wright,” Miles says, tilting his head upward slightly, “Why do you think we’re here? Come now, use that brain that I know is up there somewhere,” he teases, with a slight smile on his lips.

“Chief Prosecutor,” Phoenix gasps out, mockingly scandalized and clutching at his chest, “Was that a compliment?”

“Consider yourself lucky,” Miles's smile grows, “as those will stop once we get into the courtroom once more.”

There’s a flicker of something across Phoenix’s face. “Ah. So that’s what this is about. We’re celebrating my return.”

Miles frowns slightly. “Is there something wrong?” 

“No, no.” Phoenix assures quickly, which proves to Miles that something is wrong. “I just…” Phoenix sighs, running a hand through his hair. 

Miles looks at him worryingly, waiting for him to continue.

“I guess I’m just scared.” Phoenix blurts out quickly, taking Miles by surprise. “I mean, the scariest part should be over, I’m here after all, aren’t I? Yet my brain can’t get that stupid message across.” Phoenix turns his gaze to him, and the nervousness written on his face makes Miles’s heart ache.

“I’m terrified, Miles.” Phoenix confesses. “What if I’m not good enough? What if all those skills I had ages ago are long gone by now? What if I can’t help people the way I used—”

“Phoenix.” Miles says sternly, causing Phoenix’s downward spiral to halt. “I am only going to say this once, so I implore you to pay attention.”

Miles takes a steadying breath. “Phoenix Wright. You are a fantastic defense attorney. Even when you lost your badge, you did everything you could to help those around you, including Trucy, Mr. Justice, Miss Cykes, and many more.” Blue-brown eyes stare back at him, searching. “As far as I am aware, that badge does not make you who you are. You have always been this way, ever since I met you. Ridiculous, stubborn, over-emotional at times—” He ignores Phoenix’s Hey! “—and most of all, good.”

Phoenix stares at him in awe, and Miles continues, voice getting softer. “You’d still be the most amazing man I’ve ever met, either with or without the badge.”

He sees Phoenix swallow, and when he talks, he sounds a little choked up. “You may have had a point with the over-emotional part.”

Miles huffs a laugh, smiling. “Phoenix. I have faith in you, we all do. Now, may we please go inside?”

He watches Phoenix wipe at his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’m okay, I’m okay.” He smiles softly at Miles. “Thank you, by the way.”

“As I said,” Miles walks to the door, opening it for Phoenix, “Don’t get too used to that.”

Phoenix laughs in response with a twinkle in his eye as he walks through the door. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” 

They both walk in together, and Phoenix's face scrunches up in confusion. “Edgeworth? Why is it so dark in—”

The lights flick on with a huge yell of “SURPRISE!”

“Wh—I don’t—” Phoenix sputters, looking between Miles and everyone else, “What’s going on?”

“It’s a surprise party, Daddy!” They both turn their heads to see Trucy running towards Phoenix and tackling him with a hug. “Congratulations!” 

Apollo and Athena aren’t far behind, approaching them with smiles on their faces. 

“Congrats, Boss!”

“Congratulations, Mr. Wright!”

“Guys,” Phoenix says, even more choked up than before. “You did all of this for me? This is—” He shakes his head, unshed tears in his eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“A ‘thank you’ would be fine,” Apollo says, before Athena elbows him in the side. “Ow! What, it was an honest answer!”

“How did you guys even get this place?” And at the question, Miles starts to back away slowly, thinking that Phoenix is distracted enough. “It’s so nice.”

“That was all Uncle Miles!” Trucy says, a huge grin on her face, and Miles feels heads turn towards him.

“Miles?” Phoenix asks softly.

“Ah. Well.” Miles stumbles upon his words, feeling heat creep up upon his cheeks. He looks away. “It was a trifle, really. After everything you’ve ever done for me, it was the very least I could—”

Miles is interrupted as Phoenix pulls him into a crushing hug, freezing his entire world for a moment. He feels Phoenix’s soft hair against his cheeks, the scent of his cologne filling his lungs. 

“Thank you, Miles.” Phoenix whispers to him, full of emotion. Miles finally wraps his arms around the other man in return, embracing him. He closes his eyes. 

“Of course, dear friend.” 

The two of them stay like that until one of the kids clears their throat. 

“Can we…start eating now?” Athena asks, rolling her eyes when she gets certain looks aimed back at her. “Look, this is adorable and all, but we were in the dark for thirty minutes—” She squints at the two of them. “What took you guys so long, anyways?”

They pull apart, Phoenix rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, uh…About that…”

As the party truly begins to start, Miles tries to stay in the background as Phoenix mingles with numerous guests. Truth be told, if this party wasn’t for Phoenix, he most likely would not be here right now. Parties have never been something that Miles was interested in, especially if he didn’t know all of the people there. 

Trucy had been in charge of the guest list, meaning that there are many faces that Miles doesn’t recognize. However, there are a few familiar ones as well, as he sees Will Powers approach Phoenix. 

While he knows the man to be extremely kind-hearted, Miles admits to still being wary of Will Powers to this day. After all, Miles tried to prosecute him at a lower point in his own life and wasn’t the man he currently is today. Phoenix had told him numerous times that Powers doesn’t hold any sort of grudge (and that he’s even flattered that Miles is a fan of his), but that doesn’t stop the guilt that flows within Miles every time he sees him.

He watches from the table he’s sitting at as Will Powers and Phoenix share an embrace, swirling the wine in his glass.

“With all this watching from afar, you’re giving some major Edward Cullen vibes, dude.”

At the sound of a familiar voice, Miles turns to see Maya standing by his table with a grin on her face. He gets to his feet and smiles in return. 

“Contrary to popular belief, I am not a vampire.” He nods once at her. “It’s good to see you, Miss Fey.”

Maya scoffs and rolls her eyes. “I’m literally dating your sister. Would it kill you to call me ‘Maya?’” She stops for a second as his words process in her mind. “Woah, did you actually get that reference? When did you see the Twilight movies?!”

He winces at the memory. “Trucy can become incredibly convincing at times.”

Maya nods sagely, “She’s too powerful for this world.” She opens her arms up towards him. “Now, come on, it’s been ages since I’ve gotten one of your awkward hugs.”

Miles sputters. “Wh—I don’t—My hugs aren’t awkward.”

“Maybe not when they’re with Nick,” Maya says, which causes him to sputter even more, “but with everyone else it seems like you never know what to do! Now get in here.”

They hug, and then Maya takes a seat next to him. “So,” She begins, “Enjoying the view?”

Will Powers and Phoenix are still talking, and Miles watches Phoenix throw his head back laughing, clutching at Will’s shoulder. Will looks at Phoenix with a sheepish-but-pleased smile on his face, leaning in closer to whisper something to Phoenix. The man giggles at whatever Will said.

“They certainly seem to be…getting along quite well,” Miles muses aloud. “Have they always been this close?” He asks, out of one-hundred percent pure curiosity and nothing else whatsoever.

Maya’s head turns to him, and her face scrunches up with something like confusion, until it turns into something more…mischievous. “Oh my gosh, you’re jealous,” She sing-songs, and Miles stiffens. 

“Of course not,” He snaps mildly, “I am…just curious, is all.” He takes a sip of his wine.

“Jealous.” Maya corrects, before her face turns thoughtful. “Although honestly…not sure which one you’re jealous of.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Maya rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. You have a major crush on the Steel Samurai, and I know you have thought about it at least once.”

Miles avoids her eyes, his face flushing from heat. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

“Besides,” She continues, “It’s not like you don’t have a reason to be jealous.” She says, voice full of innocence. Too much innocence.

Miles puts his glass down and narrows his eyes at her. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” She looks away from Miles.

“Miss Fey—”

Maya gives him a pointed look.

Miles inhales a long breath. 

“Maya. What do you mean?”

Maya’s lips twitch as if she’s holding back a smile. “Oh, y’know. Just the fact that after Will’s trial, he and Nick banged.”

Miles’s eyes pop wide open. “What!?”

“Shh!” Maya shushes him. “It’s all on the down-low. But it happened.”

His mouth goes extremely dry as images flash into his head without permission, Will Powers and Phoenix kissing—touching each other’s bodies—moans and pants echoing through the room—

Maya clears her throat. “You okay, dude?”

Miles’s face feels like an inferno. “Y-Yes, erm. Well.” He clears his own throat and tries to ground himself. “It’s none of my business who Wright…involves himself with.” He says, trying to convince Maya as well as himself.

It’s none of my business. It’s none of my business. He can sleep with whomever he wants. 

Miles feels a certain cold feeling flood within him.

We are not together. I have no right to feel this way. 

“Right…” Maya says, raising an eyebrow. There’s an awkward silence. “Well, I saw a bunch of pigs in a blanket over there with my name on them, so I’ll catch you later.” She pats him on the shoulder. “Good luck, Champ.”

Maya leaves him at the table, and Miles has a feeling it’s going to be a very long night. He stares at his empty wine glass. 

I’m going to need some more wine.

After getting a couple more glasses of wine to try to distract himself from the news he had just received, Miles decides to go to the long food table to grab something to eat. Of course, wine can only do so much to distract his thoughts.

I need to get a handle on this. It’s none of my business. Why would it matter if he sleeps with other people? It shouldn’t. 

Except it does.

Miles is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice the number of appetizers he’s piled onto his plate.

“Hungry?” 

He turns to see a woman in a red leather jacket with long brown hair, along with a man in a green and gold outfit with light brown hair in a peculiar style. The man looks slightly nervous while the woman is giving him a dazzling smile. 

“Erm.” Miles looks down to see an outrageous amount of food on his plate, knowing full well he wouldn’t be able to eat it all. Maybe he’d give some to Maya. “Yes. I’m quite hungry,” he lies through his teeth.

The woman just laughs and then reaches her hand out for a handshake. “Desirée DeLite.” He shakes her hand firmly, vaguely recognizing the last name. Desirée gestures to the man with her. “This is my husband, Ronnie.”

The man speaks up. “Well, actually, my name is Ron, but Dessie calls me Ronnie as a nickname of sorts, and, oh—Dessie is a nickname for Desirée, my wife, but you already figured that out by now haven’t you…” Ron trails off midway through the sentence until he’s so quiet Miles can barely hear him.

He blinks at the response before he remembers it would be polite to introduce himself as well. “Miles Edgeworth.”

Desirée’s eyes light up at his name. “You’re Miles Edgeworth? Nicky Boy has told us so much about you!”

Nicky Boy?

The last names finally click into place. “Ah, you were both a part of the Mask DeMasque case, were you not? I’m afraid I was overseas during that time.”

“Um, actually, it’s Mask☆DeMasque…”

How on Earth did he say that outloud?

Desirée smiles knowingly at him. “Yes, Nicky told us all about you.” Her smile turns a little slyer, and Miles isn’t sure how he feels about it. “I’m so glad that he finally got his act together to ask you out!”

Miles jerks his head back. “Erm, actually—we’re not—”

Desirée leans over to him in a quieter voice, “How are you holding up in the bedroom? His stamina is crazy.”

The insinuation hits him like a ton of bricks. Did he sleep with a married woman!?

Miles is about to voice his outrage until she continues. “Ronnie and I could barely keep up with him!”

The wheels start to turn in his foggy brain.

He must have had a certain look on his face because Desirée rushes to assure him. “Oh! No, don’t worry! We were both involved.” She smiles at him as though she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

Oh.

Miles isn’t quite sure it makes him feel much better.

Ron nods alongside her and Desirée continues once more, “Also, it was a one-time thing, so you don’t have to worry!” She pats him reassuringly.

“Um, actually, what she means is that it was a one-night thing, because, well, during that night we did multiple things multiple times and—”

“Yes, thank you.” Miles croaks, cuts him off, unwilling to hear anymore lest his brain starts to combust internally. He takes a steadying breath. “It was a…pleasure to meet both of you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to step out for some fresh air.”

“Nice meeting you!” Desirée calls after him as he starts to walk away, “And don’t forget to drink plenty of water and sports drinks! It’s important to stay hydrated during physical activity!”

He starts walking faster, his cheeks aflame. 

Miles finally, finally is able to push out from the crowd to step outside on the balcony. The cool air is comforting against his warm, flushed cheeks, and he’s glad to have a moment to himself.

There’s a movement out of the corner of his eyes, and he spots a familiar figure resting against the rails of the balcony. 

After everything he’s heard about the man during the night, his first instinct is to run, but Miles senses something off in the air, something in his movements. The fact that he’s alone for his own celebration sets off alarm bells in Miles’s head, so he stomps down his overwhelming feelings in order to help his friend.

He walks towards the figure, standing alongside him and looking out at the sky. “I didn’t expect you to be out here for your own celebration.”

Phoenix starts, as if he was just in a daze and had only just noticed Miles’s presence. “Oh—Edgeworth.” He takes a deep breath. “It’s just you.”

Miles looks at him hesitantly. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah! Yeah.” Phoenix says quickly, “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be? Just needed some fresh air.” He turns his head back in front of him, towards the open sky. “It was just getting kinda crazy in there.”

Tell me about it.

There’s a silence that drags for a moment. “Wright,” Miles begins, apprehensively, “tell me the truth. Is everything alright?” He asks again, voice extremely serious.

Phoenix closes his eyes and sighs.

“I should be happy. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am. I am so happy, Edgeworth. But…” Phoenix stops, and when he opens his eyes, they’re full of something like fear. Miles is reminded of their conversation from earlier.

“But you’re still afraid,” Miles finishes for him, words slow and gentle.

Phoenix nods. “That’s part of it. I’m just—” He turns his head toward Miles, his face glowing in the moonlight. “What if something like this happens again? What if I mess up again?”

Miles immediately starts to shake his head, “No—Wright, it wasn’t your—”

“It was, Edgeworth. You know it was—”

“Wright—”

“No, I didn’t do it on purpose, but I was an idiot, so honestly I deserv—”

“Phoenix!”

Phoenix stops after Miles raises his voice. 

“What happened to you wasn’t your fault, Phoenix. You had a target on your back by some crazed lunatic out for revenge. He took multiple steps to make sure you were out of the picture in the legal world, and none of that was your fault, so please don’t place the blame onto yourself.”

Phoenix looks down at the ground.

“Edgeworth…Even if it wasn’t my fault…” He trails off, shaking his head. “I’m not the same man I was before all of this. I’m more jaded, bitter.” He huffs out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Miles…I’m broken.”

“Phoenix—”

“Kristoph…” Miles’s eyes darken at the name, “As much as I like to say I had a handle on the situation—and I really did at times—there were times where he got to me. When he got inside my head. Sometimes—” Phoenix cuts himself off before his voice turns quieter, more ashamed. “Sometimes he really did have power over me. Both mentally and physically.”

Miles’s head tilts in mild confusion, and Phoenix sighs. 

“We had…a couple of flings here and there. It was consensual, but maybe that’s part of the problem. The fact I did want him. I wanted to feel some sort of power over him, and I had that power in the bedroom.”

Miles looked at him, speechless. He had suspected it at the time, but Phoenix never talked to him about it before now.

“But in a way,” Phoenix continues, “The fact that I wanted power over him meant that he got into my head. So, honestly, maybe he really won in the end.” Phoenix sighs yet again. “It’s fucked up, Miles. I’m fucked up.”

For a moment, Miles truly doesn’t know what to say. He has never been the type who was sufficient at comforting others—for a majority of his life, he didn’t know how to comfort himself. It’s something that was—and still is, foreign to him. 

But that doesn’t mean he can’t try.

“Phoenix,” he murmurs softly, “after you saved me from the demented path von Karma put me on—” he stops to gather his words. “I was lost.”

Phoenix finally looks at Miles, waiting for him to continue.

“I was a despicable man up until that point. You remember what I was like during Miss Fey’s trial. Under von Karma, I was brought up to nurture bitterness and contempt towards others, and it made me a cold, rotten, man.”

He takes a steady breath. “When it was my turn to be on the stand—and when you defended me—” Saved me, Miles doesn’t say, “I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had finally realized all of my wrong-doings, and tried to move on, but there was still a part of me that believed it was too late for me. Too late for me to change.” His voice got quieter. “Too broken beyond repair.”

Phoenix looks up at him with sympathetic eyes. “Miles—”

“And then the Skye case happened. That was the last straw.” He sees a miniscule change in Phoenix’s demeanor; something that hardens on his face.  “Words cannot describe how sorry I am that I hurt you during that time, Phoenix. But at that point, I truly believed I was too far gone for any good to be possibly left in me.”

“But you were wrong,” Phoenix protests, “There was good in you. I saw it during the Powers case, and then you came back to help Maya.”

Miles nods, and he places a comforting hand on Phoenix’s shoulder. “Which is my point. If you thought I was not broken beyond repair, then why do you see yourself—a man who has helped numbers upon numbers of people throughout his entire life, including mine; a man who has saved countless of lives; a man who raised a daughter during one of the darkest times in his life, yet always showered her with love—why do you see yourself as such?”

Phoenix looks at him, eyes wide and shining in the moonlight, taking in what he just said.

Miles places his other hand onto Phoenix’s other shoulder and talks directly to him. “Phoenix. What happened to you was not your fault. I know there may be things in the past that you regret, but that does not make you who you are. It’s what you choose to do, how you choose to move forward. And you have always strived to become better, I’m aware of this.” Miles swallows. “And that’s something I will always respect about you. However, this pressure that you’re placing on yourself is unhealthy. You have nothing to prove—not to your daughter, not to your employees, not to your friends, and certainly not to me, because we already know you’ve always been worthy of that badge you wear. You’ve always been a worthwhile person to know, Phoenix, and nothing will ever change that.”

Phoenix just stares at him, completely silent and eyebrows furrowed as if he’s hurt, and Miles worries for a moment that he may have stepped too far. Did I say the wrong thing? Have I made matters worse? I knew I shouldn’t have—

His racing thoughts come to a screeching halt as Phoenix quickly pulls him into a hug, embracing Miles even tighter than he did earlier that night.

“Miles…” He hears Phoenix gasp out his name—sniffling and voice full of raw emotion—and he returns the hug. “Thank you. I don’t know where I’d be today without you.” Phoenix confesses, and Miles’s heart clenches in his chest.

In that moment, holding Phoenix tightly in his arms, Miles considers confessing his feelings for a brief moment until his reasoning kicks in.

No. He stamps the feeling down. He’s vulnerable right now. I will not take advantage of him at this time. He doesn’t deserve a nuisance; he deserves a friend. 

“And I don’t know where I’d be today without you,” Miles says softly, pulling away from the hug, but his hands remain on Phoenix’s shoulders, lingering. 

They stay like that for a brief moment, gazing into each other’s eyes. There’s a certain look that crosses upon Phoenix’s face—something as emotionally raw as it had been before, but in a more intense way, and not as hurt. He watches as Phoenix’s gaze trails down Miles’s face, and Miles feels his heartbeat start to pick up under the intensity. Phoenix’s tongue darts out as he licks his lips slightly.

“Miles, I—”

Whatever Phoenix is about to say is interrupted as the doors from inside the banquet hall burst open.

“Hey, Boss!” Athena seems slightly out of breath as if she has been running on her way out here. “I just wanted to let you know—” She stops as she sees the state the both of them are in. “Oh. Um, am I interrupting something?”

Miles is about to say no when Phoenix immediately says, “Is everything okay?”

“Oh! Well, um,” Athena starts to ramble quickly, “You were gone so a lot of the guests were bored, so Trucy decided to entertain the crowd with her magic tricks, and uh, basically—just wanted to warn you that she’s kinda trying to set Apollo on fire?” She waves her hand. “It’s a whole thing, and she swears he won’t get hurt, but I thought I should just let you know.”

Phoenix lets out a cross between a sigh and a huffy laugh. “Thank you, Athena. I’ll go in there right away. Can you stall her for a second though?” 

“On it!” Athena says enthusiastically, running back inside.

“You seem rather calm about this,” Miles muses, raising an eyebrow. Phoenix gives him a half-smile in return. 

“Truce wouldn’t hurt Apollo, so I trust her,” He explains, “Still, I won’t hear the end of it from him if I don’t try to stop her.” Phoenix bumps his shoulder into Miles. “Whataya say? Wanna help stop my daughter from setting my employee on fire?”

Miles is about to respond, but then—

“Trucy! Get away from me!”

“Hold still, Polly!”

Miles and Phoenix exchange a look.

“We should—”

“Yes,” Miles agrees, nodding quickly. “Let’s.”

When they hear glass break, they start to run.

After appeasing the pure chaotic energy that calls herself Trucy Wright and narrowly avoiding disaster, Miles once again decides to stay behind while Phoenix intermingles with the crowd once again. The party has been going on for a few hours now, and he notices that some people are starting to take their leave.

However, that doesn’t stop others from arriving.

“Prosecutor Edgeworth? That you?” A low, gravelly voice calls out. 

He turns to see a familiar figure with spiky hair and a wolfish grin. Miles does a double take.

“Agent Lang!?”

“The one and only, Pretty Boy.” Lang approaches him, patting him a little too roughly on the back in greeting. He’s holding a wrapped present in his hands. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“Likewise.” Miles says, still reeling from the fact that the man is even here. “Do you have business here?”

Lang throws his head back in a laugh. “After all this time, you’re still so formal. I’m just here to congratulate Bird-Boy.” He’s about to say something else until a voice interrupts him.

“Agent Lang!”

Both men turn to see Phoenix with a pleased, if not mildly surprised expression, running over to them. Miles blinks rapidly as Phoenix pulls Lang into a hug. They separate and Lang pats Phoenix on the back, probably a little too hard since he sees Phoenix wince slightly.

“You two know each other?” Miles’s eyes dart between them quickly. What on Earth is going on?

Phoenix grins at him while Lang does some sort of cocky smirk that makes Miles feel uneasy. “Yeah, we met when I was still working at the Borscht Bowl. He had a case there and uh…” Phoenix trailed off a little awkwardly, stealing a glance at Lang, “it just went from there.”

The uneasy feeling increases.

“Bird-Boy here was a big help in that case.” Lang wraps an arm around Phoenix, and Miles wonders if this is a dream or a nightmare. “He’s got a real talent for investigating—along with others.” Phoenix’s face turns a bit red, and he looks away, causing Miles to feel as though he’s missing a big piece of the puzzle here.

Phoenix coughs. “Anyways, Lang, thanks for coming. I gotta thank whoever invited you, it’s good to see you.” He glances at Miles. “So, you two know each other too, huh?”

“Pretty Boy here can also be quite the help.” Lang says, smirking, and Phoenix’s face does something sort of funny at the nickname before it turns back to normal.

“Yes,” Miles interjects, “Remember those cases that occurred one after another? Including the one where I was kidnapped?”

Phoenix’s eyebrows shoot up. “You mean your week from hell?”

“I suppose you could call it that, yes. That was when we met.”

“So how do you two know each other, huh?” Lang asks, raising an eyebrow. 

“Oh, well…” Phoenix begins, “We actually knew each other as kids, but then we reconnected as adults. I actually defended him once. It was a whole thing.”

Lang’s eyebrows crease in confusion. “You defended him? But I thought ‘That Ma—” Miles freezes as Lang’s eyes widen in realization and shift to be full of absolute delight. “So, you did, huh? I guess you can say you saved him?”

Miles wishes for the ground to swallow him up whole.

Phoenix blinks. “Uh, kinda a weird way to put it, but yeah.” 

Lang grins mischievously until he seems to remember something. “Oh,” he starts, “Bird-boy, this is for you.” He hands the gift to Phoenix. “I’m glad everything worked out for you. Say hi to your daughter for me.”

Miles feels as though his brain might start leaking out of his ears.

“Thanks! It uh—it was good to see you.” Phoenix smiles shyly at Lang, “I’ll go put this away. If I don’t see you before you leave, take care.”

Lang nods, and Phoenix walks off. Lang’s head turns towards Miles, looking like the cat that got the canary. Or, in this case, the wolf.

“Don’t you dare—”

“So, this is the guy I lost to, huh? My competition? That Man you talked about constantly?”

Miles feels heat bleed into his cheeks. “It wasn’t constant.”

Lang scoffs. “Sure, yeah, okay.” He grins wolfishly at Miles. “I don’t blame you though, really.” He leans in to talk quietly in Miles’s ear. “If you don’t snatch him up soon, I might just have to take him myself.”

Miles’s head jerks back. “Excuse me?”

Lang just smiles at him. “Like I said, he’s very talented,” he purrs. 

His thoughts come to a screeching halt. Miles feels as though his soul is trying to leave his body.

He’s vaguely aware of feeling a firm pat on the back. “See you later, Pretty Boy.”

They…They’ve slept together.

Miles’s eyes look upward, and he internally prays to whichever deity that may or may not be listening.

I understand that I have committed heinous acts in the past. I understand that I still deserve punishment at times. He clenches his fists, feeling as though he needs to ground himself back to reality. However, is this absolutely necessary?

“Uh…Mr. Edgeworth?” He startles, looking to see both Apollo and Athena looking at him worryingly. “Are you…okay?” Apollo asks, clutching at the bracelet on his wrist.

He realizes that he’s trapped. They’ll know if he lies, but must he really tell the truth?

“I’ll be fine.” Miles decides to say, feeling overwhelmed with all the information he’s received tonight. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

He walks away, leaving the two of them with confused faces. 

Perhaps the good in all of this is that this night can’t possibly get any worse.

The party finally dies down, and Miles is sitting at a table once again, drinking his final glass of wine. Trucy had informed Phoenix that she’s going to be staying at Apollo’s place tonight, and Miles ignored the long look she had given him, reminding him of their talk from earlier.

The thing is, Miles can’t stop thinking about it. Can’t stop thinking about everything that he’s learned tonight. Phoenix Wright has slept with: Will Powers, both of the DeLites, and Agent Lang. Images start to flood his head (especially for the last example), and he feels himself go through a multitude of feelings. 

However, the one thing he absolutely cannot stop thinking about, is what Lang said.

“If you don’t snatch him up soon, I might just have to take him myself.”

“Edgeworth? You okay?”

Miles jerks slightly from where he’s sitting, glancing up at Phoenix. “Erm, yes. I’m just…worn down, is all.” He looks away.

Phoenix hums in agreement. “You can say that again.” There’s a quiet moment, and he leans against the nearby wall. “I know parties aren’t really your thing. You ready to get out of here?”

After the night he’s had, most definitely. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Phoenix says his final goodbyes to those at the celebration still lingering, Miles standing around awkwardly. They finally get to the car and then on the road, making the journey back to Phoenix’s apartment.

As Miles drives, Phoenix is quiet. It’s not all surprising since the man himself had been entertaining guests and such, interacting with many different people. He also knows how much of an emotional rollercoaster it’s been for Phoenix, their precious conversations still fresh in his mind.

Still, the silence is really the last thing Miles needs at this moment. Lang’s words replay in his head, a cold, anxious feeling blooming inside of his chest.

Agent Lang is right. Phoenix is an extraordinary man; it’s only logical that numerous people would want him as a partner. 

His thoughts stop as Phoenix speaks gently.

“Hey, Miles?”

Even though hearing his first name from Phoenix isn’t as rare as it had been years before, it still leaves him feeling warm inside.

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” Phoenix says softly. “For everything.”

“Well, of course. The celebration was the least—”

Phoenix shakes his head. “Not just that. Although, I had a really great time tonight.” Miles glances quickly to see something deep and earnest in Phoenix’s eyes. “I mean everything. For all your help throughout the years. For staying by my side. For believing in me. For being my friend.”

Miles tries to swallow down the lump in his throat. “Of course,” He eventually says. “After everything you’ve done for me—”

“You don’t owe me—”

“Agree to disagree.” Miles says, smiling softly. “I am simply doing what you would do for me.”

“Still,” Phoenix says, “Thank you. It means a lot to me.” There’s a silence before Phoenix says, “You mean a lot to me.”

And in that moment, it all comes crashing down. He realizes that all of the excuses he’s made to not confess his true feelings to Phoenix have been just that: excuses. He knows that in their lives, there’s never going to be a perfect time—a perfect moment. He realizes that this whole time, he’s been terrified.

He doesn’t want to lose his friendship with Phoenix. He knows this. But to hear how highly Phoenix regards him, to hear how much he means to Phoenix, it sparks something in Miles. 

Hope.

“If you don’t snatch him up soon, I might just have to take him myself.”

Miles isn’t sure if he can handle that, truthfully. He knows it’s incredibly selfish of him. He knows it’s wrong. But the idea of Phoenix dating—or, God forbid, marrying—someone who isn’t him, devastates him. It would be one thing if he confesses and Phoenix doesn’t feel the same—yes, he would be disheartened, but at least he would know the answer. He can’t imagine wondering how Phoenix feels about him only to see him end up with someone else. The constant what if in his head would certainly kill him.

And just like that, Miles decides. Once they arrive at Phoenix’s apartment, he will confess, for better or for worse. 

“Miles? God, I’m sorry, was that too much?”

He realizes he’s been silent for all this time. “I apologize. I’m simply lost in my own thoughts, you see.”

Phoenix huffs, “Oh, yeah, sure, I pour my heart out to you and you decide to space out.”

“If it’s any consolation,” Miles says carefully, “The sentiment…is returned.”

He glances to see Phoenix smiling at him. “Good to know.”

The drive remains silent for the remainder of the trip, Miles trying to prepare himself for what he is about to do.

They arrive at Phoenix’s apartment, Miles insisting that he walk him inside.

(“Geez, do you really think I’m that helpless?”

“It’s polite.”)

They walk inside his apartment, Phoenix letting out a breath. “Whew, what a night.” He puts his things in his pockets out on top of a nearby table. “Hey, uh…” Phoenix starts, hesitantly. “I know it’s late, but did you want to stay for a bit? I could make some tea, if you’d like.”

Miles smiles. “That would be wonderful.” His smile falls slightly as nerves start to overwhelm him. “Truth be told, I have something to speak with you about, but that can wait until after the tea is ready.”

Phoenix’s eyes widen slightly. “Oh, okay.” He gives a slightly worried look. “Is everything—”

“Everything is alright, Phoenix. There’s no need to worry.”

You don’t need to worry, at least.

“Oh. Okay,” Phoenix drags out, still a little suspicious. Miles doesn’t budge, not willing to say anything yet. “Well, I’ll get started on that tea and then we can chat.”

Phoenix starts to get to work on the tea, and Miles takes a seat nearby. There’s a comfortable silence in the room. At least, externally. Internally, Miles is, how most would say, ‘freaking the fuck out.’

Worst case scenario, I can always fake my death again if it doesn’t go well, he winces, Although, maybe that’s not the best route to go. Perhaps I can just move once more but leave some sort of note—a better note than last time of course. Or maybe I could—

His thoughts are interrupted as his phone rings in his pocket. “Excuse me,” he says to Phoenix, before picking it up.

“Miles Edgeworth speaking.”

“Heyyy, Edgey!” An unfortunately familiar voice shouts in his ear.

“Larry? Why on Earth are you calling me this late?” He hears the tea kettle whistle and watches Phoenix turn the stove off.

“Can’t old pals talk to one another?”  Larry says, his voice slurring slightly. 

“Larry,” He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Are you drunk currently?”

“What?? Noooo! Of course not.” Larry denies, still slurring his words. “Anyways, I just called to congratulate you.”

Edgeworth raises a brow as he nods a thank you when Phoenix sets down his tea. “Congratulate me? What for?”

“Well, I was at Nick’s party! Didn’t really get a chance to say hi to either of you guys though. Anyways, I saw you two go home together! I’m so glad you two are finally bangin’.”

He finds that it was the wrong time to sip his tea, because he chokes on it. “Wh—Larry, we’re not—”

“Haha, hey, Edgey, is Nick still like, super emotional during sex?”

The world becomes very, very still. 

No.

“...He’s told you this?” Miles asks carefully, placing down his cup of tea.

“Haha, no, man! I’ve experienced it first-hand! Back in college we’d mess around. Honestly, even though he was over-emotional, he was so good that he made me question if I liked dudes or not!” 

Miles lowers the phone from his ear robotically, staring at Phoenix with an intense look. Phoenix sips at his drink, leaning against the counter, unassuming of everything happening at that moment.

“Yeah,” Miles hears Larry laughing from the phone, even though it’s away from his now-numb ears. “One time, he actually—hello? Edgey? You still—”

He ends the call with a click, his eyes still fixed on Phoenix, who isn’t looking at him. Miles sets the phone down roughly, causing Phoenix to look up. Miles starts to walk toward him with intent.

The thing is, Miles had been incredibly patient tonight. He had taken every curveball that some sick deity threw at him during the night with almost perfect grace. Finding out Phoenix has had sex with Will Powers, while shocking, is understandable. Who hasn’t thought of it, really? The DeLites? Well, while he’s only attracted to men, he could definitely see the appeal in Desirée. Knowing that Phoenix is bisexual, it doesn’t surprise him in the slightest that he’d be interested in that couple. Lang? Truth be told, that had been more than surprising—having shaken him to his core—but it was understandable, as he’s also had similar interactions with Agent Lang.

The point is, in the end, he still came out triumphant. His precious mind had still been intact—even after everything tried to break it. But this. 

This.

Is far more than his poor mind can handle.

“Oh! You’re off the phone now.” Phoenix says.  “What did you wanna talk about?”

Miles says nothing. He inches closer, almost fuming.

“Edgeworth?” Phoenix tilts his head, looking like the pinnacle of innocence. Which only made things worse. “Is everything okay?”

Miles ignores him as he fists Phoenix’s collar in his hand, and promptly shoves him against the nearest wall. Phoenix makes an oof sound at the impact.

“Woah—” Phoenix breathes out, eyes wide. “Oh my God, that’s not a happy face. Did you find out about the last crime scene I broke into? Technically that was not my fault and it’s not like I haven’t done it before so—”

“Phoenix. Wright.” He growls through gritted teeth, “Did you have sex with Larry Butz?”

Phoenix groans. “Oh God, he told you? He promised me he wouldn’t tell anyone. Ugh, those were some dark days. I actually questioned if I was bi or not—like, I thought I wasn’t bi—after doing it with him because let me tell you—”

And just like that, all of the logic and reasoning that he’s well known for crumbles from his brain. His plans to tell Phoenix of his romantic feelings and hopefully woo him fly directly out of the window, leaving his self-control in shambles.

Miles’s grip on his collar tightens. “You’re telling me,” He says slowly, dangerously, “That you slept with Larry Butz before sleeping with me?”

Phoenix winces. “Uh, yeah? I mean it was a college thing so—” He pauses as his eyes widen. “Wait, what did you just—”

“Phoenix.” Miles rasps out, taking Phoenix’s face into his hands, “Shut. Up.” And then he’s crashing his lips into Phoenix’s, the other man making a mmph sound in surprise.

Miles is so lost in his feelings, self-control completely gone, but then he notices that Phoenix is completely still. The little bit of sanity that remains starts to claw at him, telling him this isn’t right, that this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. He starts to pull back, horrified with himself, but then Phoenix springs into action, dragging Miles back down and starts actively kissing him. 

In all of his dreams—in all of Miles’s endless fantasies—he never expected Phoenix Wright would kiss like this. Phoenix kisses him back, desperate and starving as if kissing Miles would be the only thing to ever satisfy his hunger. Miles swipes his tongue over Phoenix’s bottom lip, and the moan that he receives in return is mouthwatering. He wants to hear more sounds like that—wants to hear the exquisite noises Phoenix makes when he’s overwhelmed with pleasure.

Miles's lips separate from Phoenix’s only to kiss at the corner of his mouth, trailing down his jaw to his neck. He relishes the intake of breath from Phoenix as he kisses and licks at his throat.

“Fuck, Miles—” Phoenix moans, but then he freezes in place. “Wait—Miles, stop. Stop.”

Miles stops immediately, pulling back from Phoenix. He sees Phoenix look—there’s no other way to describe it—he looks devastated.

“Miles,” Phoenix chokes out, shaking his head. “We can’t.”

It’s quite possible Miles’s heart breaks in two. He pulls back even further, giving more space between him and Phoenix. “Of course.” He says, ignoring the pain in his chest. “Sincerest apologies, Wright. I don’t know what came over—”

“I can’t have just a fling with you.” Phoenix says, and the way he says it—like it’s killing him just to say—makes Miles freeze. A spark of hope lights up within him once more.

“What?”

Phoenix swallows. “It would…probably kill me, honestly.” Miles watches as he looks down. “If I found out what it’s like—what you’re like—only to never be with you again.” He takes a shaky breath. “I can’t do that to myself, Miles. I’m sorry.”

“What ever gave you the impression that you were just a fling to me?”

Phoenix looks up at him, brown-blue eyes staring at him in surprise. “Miles? What are you saying?”

“I’m saying…” Miles says slowly, knowing it’s now or never. “I’m saying that I found out about all of your past escapades tonight, and it drove me completely mad. It drove me insane because it showed how easy it would be for someone else to see how incredible and marvelous you are, and that I would lose my chance to tell you the truth. The truth about how I feel.”

Phoenix stares at him, eyebrows furrowed and eyes disbelieving. 

“The truth, Phoenix Wright,” Miles says, trying his best to ignore the thundering in his chest, “Is that I’m utterly, senselessly, completely in love with you.” He looks down, unable to bear seeing Phoenix’s face right now. “I fully understand if you don’t feel the same—but please, spare me and tell me now if that is the case. I cannot bear any more…excitement tonight.”

It’s quiet for a few moments—the only thing Miles hears is his own heartbeat. 

“Hey,” he hears Phoenix murmur softly, “Hey. Miles. Look at me.” Phoenix puts his fingers under his chin, tilting his head up. Even still, Miles avoids his eyes.

“Look at me? Please?” And there’s something in Phoenix’s voice that makes him cave in—a recurring effect he seems to have on Miles. 

He looks at heterochromatic eyes staring at him with some extremely strong emotion that Miles can’t quite place. Phoenix smiles at him softly. 

“Miles,” He says, voice so soft that Miles can barely hear him for a second, “All those people? Whatever I felt for them could never amount to what I feel for you. I’m in love with you.” His smile turns into something a little more tearful. “I have been for a long time.”

Miles feels lighter than he has in years, the truth finally free and his feelings returned. He lets out a huff of laughter, if not a little choked up. “All this time…” He rests his forehead on Phoenix’s. “We could have been holding each other all this time.” 

He feels Phoenix’s breath on his cheek. “We could make up for lost time?” Phoenix pulls his head back slightly, his eyes fixed on Miles’s lips. “I, uh. I really want to kiss you again.” Miles watches as Phoenix licks his own lips, transfixed by the simple action. 

He leans closer to Phoenix’s space. “Best not to dawdle, then.” 

The light huff of laughter he receives in response is worth it. “Dawdle? I can’t believe I’m in love with you,” Phoenix says, and his mouth is practically touching Miles’s as he says it.

“Me neither,” Miles breathes out, before claiming Phoenix’s lips once more.

While Phoenix was quite hungry before, he kisses ravenously now in comparison. He’s more eager, more certain. They fall into one another naturally, as if this is the expected conclusion of the past ten years. However, the kisses form into something less than innocent. He feels Phoenix suck lightly on his bottom lip and Miles loses his mind. He moans, clutching Phoenix tighter, feeling as though it’s impossible to get as close as he wants to be. They break apart to catch their breath.

“Fuck, Miles,” Phoenix gasps out, resting his head in the crook of Miles’s neck. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

“You have no idea what you do to me,” Miles rasps out, starting to kiss at Phoenix’s neck once more, taking delight in the little noises that escape Phoenix’s mouth. “Do you have any idea what it was like, finding out about all these people who had their way with you before me?” Miles bites down gently on his throat and Phoenix keens.

“God, you being possessive is hot as fuck,” Phoenix’s head moves to rest against the wall, giving Miles better access. “You’re gonna—ah, fuck, Miles—you’re gonna leave a mark.”

Miles continues biting gently on Phoenix’s neck, his tongue swiping on the marks he leaves. “Good,” Miles mumbles against the other man’s throat, “Let people see, let everyone see just who you belong to.”

It slips out, totally out of his control, and Miles almost panics for a moment before Phoenix moans. “Fuck,” Phoenix chokes out, “You, Miles. Just you.”

The embers of his desire bursts into a flaming inferno as Miles drags Phoenix into a searing kiss. He savors the taste of Phoenix’s mouth, the drag of his tongue. “God,” Miles moans in between kisses, “And that suit.” He backs away for a second to give Phoenix a once over, hands trailing down over his body. “I’m going to have to give Joaquin the raise of a lifetime.”

“If the suit helped with what’s happening right now, you better give him a whole damn house,” Phoenix huffs before leaning over to kiss Miles again. The kiss becomes heated again, and Phoenix pulls back. “Bedroom?” He asks, and Miles watches as he bites his bottom lip.

“I would like nothing less,” Miles murmurs, although pulling away from Phoenix right now is almost painful. They quickly make their way to the bedroom and as soon as they’re inside, Miles pushes Phoenix towards the bed. Phoenix bounces off the bed slightly from the force, and Miles pins his hands over his head before leaning down to claim his mouth once more. 

“I need you out of these clothes—” Miles gasps out between wet, hot, kisses, “—now.” He starts to grasp at Phoenix’s blue suit jacket, Phoenix sitting up to help him, but they don’t stop kissing each other.

“I thought—” Phoenix gasps out, jacket now off and unbuttoning his waistcoat, “I thought you liked this suit.”

“I’d like it better if it was on the floor,” Miles comments, nipping at Phoenix’s neck.

Phoenix’s chest is finally, finally laid bare, and he’s as magnificent as Miles thought he would be, if not more. He runs a hand over Phoenix’s chest, watching the man shiver slightly. His hand trails down, lower and lower, until it gets to Phoenix’s dress pants. Miles fumbles with his belt, feeling an intense hunger.

“I can’t help but feel like this is a bit unfair,” Phoenix states in between pants, looking at Miles who’s still fully clothed. Miles drags Phoenix’s pants down, hovering over him. He looks to see Phoenix with an awestruck look, and he stops for a moment.

“Phoenix,” He starts, “Is this—Is everything alright?”

He watches Phoenix swallow before nodding. “I just—part of me can’t believe this is happening. After years and years of hoping, it’s finally happening.”

Miles’s heart aches for all the time they’ve lost. “If it’s any comfort,” He says, cupping Phoenix’s cheek with his hand, “I feel the exact same way.” He pulls Phoenix up for a kiss, and it’s sweet and slow, as if they have all the time in the world. And maybe, that’s because they do now.

His kisses start to trail down, making marks on Phoenix’s neck once again. He starts to go lower and lower, kissing and sucking at Phoenix’s chest, going down on his stomach. When he gets to Phoenix’s boxers, he starts to mouth at them, causing Phoenix to let out a soft hiss.

Miles continues, licking and mouthing at the cloth as if his life depends on it. He loves the little noises Phoenix makes—how he’s making Phoenix feel.

“Miles,” Phoenix groans, and oh, Miles will never tire of hearing his name like that. “Quit teasing.”

Miles pulls himself up, getting to his feet. He starts to take off his suit jacket, along with the rest of his clothes. He folds everything neatly and puts it over a chair.

“Oh, I see,” Phoenix faux-complains, “When it’s my suit it’s thrown all over the floor in pieces, but when it’s yours it’s folded and put away all nice and neat.” With most of his clothes gone, Miles makes his way back to the bed. “Gotcha.”

“It’s your own fault,” Miles says with a quirk of his lips, hands on Phoenix’s chest as he places himself lower down, hovering over Phoenix. “All of this is your own fault, really.”

Phoenix’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “Oh, because I slept with Lar—”

“If you so much as finish that man’s name, I will not be held responsible for my actions.”

Phoenix starts to laugh, but it abruptly stops as Miles pulls down his boxers. Phoenix’s hard, pink, cock juts out right before his eyes.

“Beautiful,” Miles gasps out. He licks at Phoenix’s cock, tongue swiping over the slit. Phoenix’s hands find the top of his head, gasping as he clutches silver locks. 

“Miles,” Phoenix whimpers, head canted back, “Please.” 

Miles takes Phoenix into his mouth, cherishing the sharp intake of breath he hears from the man. His tongue swirls around the head of Phoenix’s cock, causing the fingers in his hair to grasp tighter. Miles bobs his head, hollowing out his cheeks. He continues to lick, suck, slowly letting more of Phoenix into his mouth. 

“God,” The man below him whines, and Miles pulls off with a slight pop. 

“Not quite,” Miles quips, pressing filthy, hot, wet, kisses along the side of Phoenix’s cock. He pulls off slightly, giving Phoenix gentle pumps with his hand. 

“You have no idea how magnificent you look,” Miles whispers, teasing Phoenix with his hand. “The idea of anyone else seeing you like this—I’m not certain they deserve it.” I’m not certain I deserve it, he thinks. 

“Please,” Phoenix begs, “I’m yours, Miles, only yours.”

He licks a long stripe on Phoenix’s length and hears a whimper in response. “I’d like to know what they’d all think,” Miles starts, mouth against Phoenix’s cock and locking eyes with him, “the idea of you laid out, bare for me, begging me to claim you. To mark you as mine, to take you.”

“Then take me, Miles,” Phoenix pleads, mismatched eyes blown out with desire. “I’ve imagined this for so long, c’mon.”

He continues to pump Phoenix in teasing, soft strokes. “Oh?” He asks, and the confession from the other man causes a new amount of boldness to flow within him. “Tell me, Phoenix,” Miles begins, gazing upon all the marks he’s left on Phoenix’s body, relishing the feeling—the high he gets from it, “Did you ever think of me during your time with them? Did you ever think of me touching you like they did?” He leans down to suckle at the tip of Phoenix’s cock. 

“Nhnn, fuck,” Phoenix’s head presses further down in the mattress, eyes closed, and face creased with pleasure. “All the time, Miles, all the time.”

And that’s what does it, really. The fact that he isn’t so much as claiming Phoenix as he is taking what was already his from the start.

With a groan from the thought, Miles takes Phoenix in his mouth once more, intent on giving more than just teasing. Phoenix gasps out, music to Miles’s ears. He bobs up and down on Phoenix’s cock, making delicious, filthy noises ring throughout the quiet room.

Phoenix clenches his hair in his grip. “God, Miles, you’re perfect.” Miles continues swirling his tongue, sucking, licking. “None—fuck—none of them compare to you.”

The comment is like a jolt of pleasure to Miles’s body, even if he isn’t the one being touched at the moment. To have Phoenix here, hot and wanting under his touch, making comments like that—it’s almost too much. He wants Phoenix to lose control, to lose any sense of coherent thought. He wants Phoenix to feel good, he wants Phoenix to feel good because of him.

He moans around the cock in his mouth, the vibration making Phoenix groan. The desire to make Phoenix come undone is overwhelming—Miles wants to see, wants to feel Phoenix spend himself down his throat.

Miles takes Phoenix even deeper, sucking and licking with purpose and intent. 

“Gah,” The sound comes out strangled from Phoenix, “If you continue like that—mmm, fuck—I’m going to—I’m gonna come down your throat.”

He gazes intensely into brown-blue eyes, trying to convey ‘Is that a promise?’ in his eyes. Miles swallows around Phoenix’s cock, and he starts to feel Phoenix’s body tremble.

“God, fuck, Miles, please,” Phoenix mewls, and Miles tastes the slight bitterness of precome leaking from his cock. He pumps the part of Phoenix he can’t quite fit in his mouth, causing a slick sound to come from his hand. “Please, please, please—” Phoenix babbles, “I’m so close.”

Miles doubles his efforts, wants to see and feel Phoenix come in his mouth—wants to taste it. He continues like that for a few moments more until he feels Phoenix’s body start to tense.

“Fuck, Miles, I’m—” The words from Phoenix turn into a strangled cry of his name, and Miles finally gets to see what he’s been dreaming about for years. Phoenix arches his back from the bed, his head tilted back, making the most delicious noises Miles has ever heard. He feels Phoenix’s cock spurt in his mouth, hot loads of cum hitting his tongue, and Miles swallows it all.

Miles continues to suck and lick at Phoenix while he shakes and whines slightly during the aftershocks, ensuring he gets every last drop—until Phoenix runs dry. Eventually, Phoenix starts to push at him gently, trying to get him off his oversensitive cock. Miles releases Phoenix from his mouth, and the man below him looks at him in awe. 

“God—you’re amazing, Miles.” He says with adoration—with love. “Get over here.”

Miles obliges, moving his body up to kiss Phoenix, slow and passionate. His own erection aches in his boxer briefs, and it doesn’t take long for Phoenix to notice it.

“I wanna see you,” Phoenix says in a low, sultry tone. “C’mon, Miles.”

Miles leans back, pulling down his boxers to release his hard cock. It springs out, pink and dewy at the tip. Phoenix licks his lips and starts to move, but Miles stops him, shaking his head.

“Just—” Miles starts, wrapping a hand around his length, “Just stay there. I want to—” He bites his lip, gazing all over Phoenix’s beautiful body. “I just want to look at you.”

A fire lights itself behind Phoenix’s eyes. “Yeah?” He asks, trying to stoke Miles’s own flames of desire. “You wanna look at how you marked me? How all these marks are gonna make everyone know I’m yours?”

Miles groans, starting to fuck himself into his fist. His eyes trail down Phoenix’s body, admiring all the marks he’s made—the marks that indicate that Phoenix is his.

“You like that, huh? You like everyone knowing who I belong to?” Phoenix urges him on, and Miles starts to feel a pleasure coil within him. “I wonder what would happen if we fucked in your office—” Miles lets out a sound close to a whimper, biting down on his fist to muffle the sounds, “If they saw you fucking me, thrusting into me for all I’m worth—”

“Phoenix,” He gasps out, fucking his fist faster and harder. The idea was deliciously filthy, and exactly what Miles needs to hear to help him closer to the edge. 

“They’d know I’m yours, Miles. They’d know exactly who I belong to—”

“Phoenix, please—”

“C’mon, Miles,” Phoenix rasps out, “Come for me, come all over me, mark me as yours, show the entire world who I belong to—”

Miles comes with a choked cry of Phoenix’s name, painting his body with ropes of white. It’s an image that will forever be burned into his mind, an image so breathtakingly beautiful and intoxicating.

He continues to thrust into his fist through the aftershocks, panting heavily. Finally, when it’s all over, he falls over in a tired heap next to Phoenix. They both lay there with their chests heaving, trying to catch their breath.

Did all of this really happen? Miles glances at Phoenix.

What if he regrets it? What if he thinks this was a mistake? What if—

“That,” Phoenix says in between slight pants, “Was the hottest thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.” Phoenix’s head turns to him, and he has a starstruck look on his face. “I’m like, pretty sure some part of me ascended or something.”

Miles glances hesitantly over Phoenix’s face. “You truly mean that?” He asks softly, feeling incredibly vulnerable. “Even with all the…experiences you have had in the past?”

Phoenix looks slightly taken aback before it turns into something gentle. “Miles,” He says, gazing at him, “Don’t you get it? You’re the only one who matters. I love you, Miles.”

All his worry melts away between Phoenix’s words and his expression. “I love you, too.” he whispers.

Phoenix beams at him, his face shining like the sun. He leans his head forward to kiss Miles, which he returns enthusiastically.

After a few minutes of alternating between kissing and gazing into each other’s eyes, Phoenix pulls back. “As amazing as this is, I’m all…sticky.” He looks down at himself and makes a face.

Miles chuckles. “Then perhaps you should shower, hmm?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Phoenix says, starting to move from the bed, “I guess I’ll get it running.” As he moves, he suddenly stops.

“Phoenix?”

“Wait,” He says, his face creased in confusion, “Before, you said ‘escapades’ and ‘experiences’ meaning multiple—” Phoenix turns to him, “Just how many did you find out about?”

“Will Powers, the DeLites, Kristoph Gavin, and Agent Lang.”

“You found out about all of them tonight?” Phoenix says, eyebrows raised in surprise. “Geez, no wonder you went all intense on me.”

Miles feels his cheeks heat up. “Erm, well—I apologize if—”

“Don’t you dare. That was insanely hot,” Phoenix says, before his face turns a little shyer. “And, um. Really flattering that you want me that bad, too.”

Miles smiles softly at him. “How could I possibly not?”

Phoenix smiles back for a moment before he chuckles. “And here I thought you went all crazy with lust after finding out about me and La—”

“Don’t you dare finish his name.” Miles huffs, “If he knows what’s best for him, he won’t ever show his face near me ever again.”

“Damn, I planned to get him a fruit basket.”

“Phoenix.”

“Kidding! Just kidding.” Phoenix says, raising his arms up in surrender. He starts to move toward the bathroom again. “I’m going to start the shower now,” he says, glancing back at Miles. “Care to join me?”

If you asked Miles earlier that day how he thought his day would go, he would never have expected this. He would never have expected to find out about Phoenix’s five different flings in one night, let alone lose his mind over it. Most of all, he would never have expected to be lying in Phoenix’s Wright’s bed after they had both confessed their love to each other.

And Miles? Miles is happy.

Miles smiles at Phoenix lovingly. “I thought you’d never ask.”

A couple days later, Miles and Phoenix decide to tell Trucy about their new relationship.

“REALLY!?” She borderline screeches, causing both Miles and Phoenix to wince at the volume. “Sorry, sorry! I’m just really happy! I mean, I talked to Papa about confessing but—”

Phoenix sputters. “Papa?”

“—I never expected him to actually do it!” Trucy grins at them, practically bouncing in her seat. “So, what did it? What was the final straw?”

Miles tenses, looking away. Phoenix turns towards him with a shit-eating grin.

“Yeah, Miles. Tell her.”

“Well, erm. You see,” Miles starts, giving Phoenix a look, “I suppose—I suppose you could say the party inspired me,” he settles on. 

“Your Uncle Larry was also a big help—”

“Phoenix. Wright.” He grits out. 

“He really inspired Edgeworth to profess his undying love for me—”

“Someone will be dying if you don’t stop talking about that insufferable man.”

Trucy tilts her head. “I’m not really sure what happened or what Uncle Larry did—” Miles twitches at the name, “—but I’m really happy everything worked out for you two.”

Miles looks at Phoenix who smiles back at him.

“Yeah,” Phoenix says, taking Miles’s hand, “It really did work out, didn’t it?

Miles glances at their intertwined hands. I wouldn’t dare trade a thing.

“Yes,” Miles agrees, giving Phoenix’s hand a soft squeeze and gazing softly into his eyes, “Yes, I’d say it did.”