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The castle that Miles lived in was massive.

Despite having lived in the castle for all of his life, there were still parts of it that Miles had never been to. It had always amazed him, how the castle that he lived in had housed generations upon generations of Edgeworths, housing the generations of people from famine, droughts, blizzards, wars, curses, and other things Miles couldn’t even begin to think of. He liked reading through each event in the history books that were in the library, even reading ahead in the books for his history lessons. Really, the history of the castle was more fascinating than anything Miles could have ever thought of. It was almost…comforting, reading the history of the castle that held many people before him, and would continue to hold people even when he was long gone.

Miles liked to wander through the castles too, with its many rooms with many various different uses, long sprawling staircases, wide rooms used to house events, and long hallways that seemed to never end. Sometimes, as he walked through the hallways of the castle, making it to whatever destination he was supposed to go to at that moment, Miles wondered about the history of the castle. He thought about who used to live there, what the life of the people before him was like, as he ran his fingers through the stone walls of the castle. It was fascinating really, thinking about the people who lived here before he was born, wondering what their life was like and what they thought about.

He wondered now, as he walked through the hallways yet again, making his way to his father’s personal study. Miles’ father had called for him, though the reason was unknown to him. He took in the sight of the hallways as he walked, noting how the sunrays seemed to filter through the glass of the iron framed window. It was a beautiful sight to see just before what was sure to be a serious conversation with his father. As Miles walked through the hallways, getting closer and closer to the study, he couldn’t help but wonder if princes and princesses before him had been called to their parents’ studies too. Statistically, it was impossible to have not happened before, though that led to Miles wondering why they were sent to their parents’ study.

As soon as Miles had made it to the study, he knocked on the door politely, waiting for his father to let him in. Upon hearing his father call out to him, beckoning him to enter the study, he did. Miles entered the study, and each and every time he did, he really couldn’t stop marveling at how…simple the study was. It wasn’t as grand as the ballrooms and throne rooms that were in the castle, it was just…ordinary. In fact, the room was just a repurposed bedroom, one that Gregory refused to make grand, Miles supposed it was easier to work in a simpler room.

Miles then spotted that his father wasn’t alone in the room. In fact, there were two people with him, who were just mid conversation as Miles had entered the room. One was the Captain of their Royal Guard, Asher Wright. The other was a boy, who looked to be just about Miles’ age, and looked like Asher. Though the boy’s hair was black instead of brown and his eyes blue instead of green, unlike his Asher’s, he still very much looked like him. The same pointed elven ears, the same spiky hairstyle, very similar heights…He was Asher’s son, Miles had guessed. And he had to admit…the boy was cute. An adorable smile, big round eyes that seemed to take the whole world with enthusiasm, and a handsome face…

Miles mentally shook himself, reminding himself as to why he was here, which was decidedly not ogling over the cute elf boy. Actually…why was he here? While Miles was confused on why Asher and his son were here, he was sure he’d find out soon enough.

“Your Highness.” Asher greeted, bowing his head slightly as a sign of respect.

Asher’s son simply nodded at Miles, politely.

“Ah! Hello, Miles.” Gregory greeted his son.

“Hello, Father.” Miles greeted back.

Gregory nodded at his son, he then gestured to a chair in front of him. “Please sit.”

Miles sat on the chair in front of his father’s study. He glanced at the other two people in the room. He could see that Asher’s face was stoic and neutral, while his son’s expression was slightly nervous. It was remarkable really, how cute the boy looked even while nervous. Once Miles was fully sat down, he asked. “Why have you called me here, Father? And why is Mr. Wright here?”

Asher’s father chuckled, and his son cracked a small smile.

“Straightforward, aren’t we Miles?” Gregory said, and Miles was really never sure if his father was teasing him or not. “Well, I’ve called you here to introduce you to your new bodyguard. His name is Phoenix Wright, and he starts today.”

Miles was floored, almost falling over with how much whiplash he had gotten.

Bodyguard? What did he need that for?

And why was his father just telling him about this now?

He glanced at Phoenix, at the way Phoenix smiled sheepishly, as though he felt out of place. He looked cute, Miles had to admit…but he was still confused about the bodyguard part. For years now, Miles had done just fine without having a bodyguard…so why was his father just now hiring one for him? Frankly, it didn’t make much sense to Miles.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Phoenix has been trained in physical combat ever since he was a young child. You are in good hands.” Asher piped up.

“I uh…know a bit of magic too.” The boy, Phoenix, added. He smiled, albeit awkwardly, almost as if he was unsure of what to do or say.

“He’s a very capable young man too, Miles.” Gregory said.

“Of course…” Miles trailed off, his confusion growing by the second. Why was this necessary? And…goddammit, why was the elven boy so damn cute? Though he couldn’t say that out loud, lest he embarrass himself. So instead, Miles simply bluntly stated. “Your name is Wright.”

“Phoenix.” Phoenix corrected, though he added as soon as he saw Miles’ face. “Wright is fine, too.”

“Of course…” Miles simply nodded, turning to his father. “Father? May I speak to you? Preferably…alone?”

Gregory seemed confused, but he nodded. “Of course, Miles.” He then gestured to Asher and Phoenix. “We would like to speak privately.”

“Of course, Your Highness.” Asher said.

Phoenix nodded, giving Miles a smile before he left with his father, closing the door after him. Once he was alone with his father, Miles turned to him. He observed his father, carefully calculating the words that he’d say. Once he had found them, he spoke.

“…I wasn’t aware that the Captain of our Royal Guard had a son.” Miles remarked.

“I was only made aware a few months ago, when Mr. Wright referred him to me for some jobs.”

“And that job was a…bodyguard.”

Gregory nodded. “Yes, it is.”

The question was just at the tip of Miles’ tongue, and he let it out. “…Why did you get me a bodyguard?”

“Miles, princes and princesses have bodyguards. It’s quite a normal thing, actually.” Gregory pointed out.

“Yes, but…a bodyguard that young?”

Gregory raised a brow. “He’s your age, Miles.”

“I know that! But you must admit Father…there aren’t many other bodyguards his age. Most of our knights have a lot more…experience.”

“Old.” Gregory supplied for him.

“…Yes, old.” Miles said, then adding. “You still didn’t answer my question, Father.”

“Hm! You’ve always been so observant, Miles.” Gregory remarked.

Miles raised a brow at his father, questioningly.

Gregory smiled nervously, in the way that he always did. “Well…I just thought it’d be nice for you to spend time with more people your age.”

“…Why?”

Gregory was confused. “What do you mean why?”

“Why do you want me to spend more time with people my age?” Miles asked.

“Well…I just think it’d be nice. Socialization is one of the key aspects of being a prince, is it not?”

Slowly but surely, the puzzle pieces started clicking together. His father had a certain reason for hiring Phoenix as his new bodyguard, Miles knew. He had an inkling on what that reason was, and he was going to make his father admit it.

“Socialization…that’s one of the key things you want me to learn from my new bodyguard, is it not?” Miles started.

Gregory nodded.

“And socialization is a big part of friendship, right Father?” Miles continued.

Gregory thought about it for a moment, and he nodded again.

“So…you hired a friend for me.” Miles finished.

Gregory smiled again, nervously. “…I suppose you could put it that way.”

Miles scowled. “Seriously, Father? I don’t need any friends, and I don’t need any…bodyguards.”

“Miles, you’re already 19. You need more friends, you need to spend time with more people your age. Your only notable friend is Princess Franziska from the Kingdom of Karmaria, and you two only communicate through letters and the mirror. Wouldn’t it be nice to meet more people?”

“No, it would not be nice.” Miles said with a scoff.

“Come now Miles, give him a chance. Who knows? You might like him.” Gregory said.

Miles was about to make a snarky remark, but…he stopped. Something about the subtle pleading in his eyes, and the curiosity he had towards Phoenix Wright, it stopped his snark dead in his tracks. He had to admit, he was curious. While Miles did meet some elves, he never really became friends with any of them. Their magic particularly fascinated Miles, and he was sure that he could learn more from Phoenix. Not just magic, but…perhaps more about how people worked too.

Now that was a thought, wasn’t it?

“I’ll…allow it.” Miles finally said.

Gregory smiled, a genuine smile this time, a rare smile from his father. “Thank you, Miles. I’m sure you two will get along great.”

“Maybe we won’t or maybe we will, who’s to say?”

“Well…at least try to like him, okay?”

Miles smiled. “I’ll try, Father. I’ll try.”

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

Miles was starting to get used to having a bodyguard.

He had to admit, it was…odd having someone follow him everywhere he went. Thankfully Phoenix didn’t stay in his room and watch him sleep, but every other waking moment Phoenix was around Miles, keeping him company. Miles felt safe around Phoenix, felt as though bad things would happen to him less, what with Phoenix’s literal job to guard him in case anything bad happened. And though Phoenix was diligent in his guarding, he really never tried to limit Miles in doing anything. Sure, he’d help Miles out now and again, but he was never overbearing in doing so. He helped Miles in a way that let him know that he trusted him, in a way that let Miles know that he trusted him enough to be able to take care of himself.

He had to admit…he liked Phoenix, and he was starting to get comfortable around him.

And Miles wasn’t the only one getting comfortable with their arrangement. Phoenix’s initial nervousness was soon gone by five days, replaced with an enthusiasm to talk and befriend. Phoenix was an eager and honest person, and though there didn’t seem to be more to him…Miles was okay with that. He was a simple person, loyal and trusting, seeming to wear his feelings right on his sleeve, showing it off for everyone to see. Phoenix’s simplicity made him stand out, especially from the overly complex people in his life, the people with their confusing feelings and their complex relationships with one another. And Miles had to admit, there was something…admirable with Phoenix, how he never seemed to be afraid to show his feelings, and how he seemed to doggedly focus on every task that was given to him.

It was kind of…impressive, really.

Today was just like any other day. After his lessons with his tutors, he had immediately gone to the library to relax. He knew that it was…odd, relaxing from learning and reading by…learning and reading more. Not that Miles particularly cared, he wasn’t a normal person, and expecting that from him was absurd. So, he had made his way to the library, Phoenix following after him and keeping him company. The company was nice, company that Miles truly enjoyed. That was probably a good thing too, seeing as Phoenix was his very own bodyguard.

Miles soon made it to the library, and each and every time it never failed to amaze him. Bookshelves that were a dozen heads taller than him, filled to the brim with books and other trinkets. Ornately carved polished wooden furniture, sturdy and old, having been in the library for what Miles guessed to be decades. Gentle orange sunrays filtered through the iron framed windows of the library, bathing the room in a soft orange sunset glow. He’d need to light a candle at one point so he could see, though Miles didn’t care too much. It was worth it if he got to read a book. The sight of the library, in all its glory, made Miles smile.

“…It’s amazing, is it not?” Miles said in a whisper, to nobody in particular.

“Yeah, it is. Every time I come here, I’m still amazed. I’ve never seen a library this big.” Phoenix said, then adding. “Honestly, it might take centuries to read all the books here.”

Miles smiled wider. “That would be the dream, would it not Wright?”

“Ehh, sounds boring to me.” Phoenix said with a shrug. “You do you, though.”

Miles shot him a glare, and Phoenix snickered.

He went to one of the bookshelves, reading through the engraved letters in their rough leathery surface. It was hard navigating through the library, it hadn’t been sorted through for decades, making it hard to go through. Though thankfully, he had spent so much time in the library that he practically knew it like the back of his hand. Taking out one particular book that Miles hadn’t finished reading yet, Miles made his way to the table, setting the book down on it with a loud thud. As soon as Miles was sat at the table, Phoenix had gone over to him.

“Can I sit here, Your Highness?” Phoenix asked, gesturing to a chair next to Miles.

“Of course, you can.” Miles replied.

Phoenix flashed him a smile, and that smile shouldn’t have been as handsome as it was. He said as he sat down next to Miles. “Thanks, Your Highness!”

Miles watched as he did, and he let out a huff of frustration. “You don’t have to call me Your Highness.”

“…Am I not supposed to?” Phoenix questioned.

“Yes, you are supposed to…but calling me such a formal name and then being so informal is an…interesting juxtaposition. I’d rather you pick one side and stick to it.”

“Alright then, uh…” Phoenix trailed off. After a few moments, he said. “…Edgeworth. Calling you Miles feels weird, it’s too informal.”

“As if you’ve been the pinnacle of formality.” Miles remarked sarcastically.

“Hey! I’m trying!” Phoenix protested.

“Try harder.”

Phoenix groaned, and Miles rolled his eyes.

The two sat in silence as Miles read. It was…a little awkward, though it was mostly a comfortable silence. Now and again, Miles would glance at Phoenix, who seemed to be deep in thought. He was even rubbing at his chin, which was a habit he had whenever he was deep in thought. The habit was kind of cute, Miles had to admit. After a few minutes of silence, Phoenix finally spoke up.

“Why do you like reading so much?” Phoenix asked, out of the blue.

Miles didn’t look up from his book. “Hm?”

“Reading, why do you like it so much? You’re always here in the library.”

“Well, I like reading, It’s relaxing, and…fun.”

“Reading is hardly any fun, you know. Why don’t you go outside?”

Miles looked up at Phoenix, a brow raised. “And why would I do that?”

“…Because it’s fun?”

“What’s so fun about it?” Miles questioned.

“You know, running around in the grass, getting fresh air. That sounds fun, doesn’t it?”

“That sounds like torture.”

“Hey! Don’t knock it until you try it!” Phoenix said.

“I will not.” Miles said with a roll of his eyes and scoff, turning back to his book.

“Actually, speaking of books…” Phoenix trailed of, and then he asked. “What are you reading?”

“A collection of short stories from a notable author, I’m sure you’ve heard of her before.” Miles answered, not looking up from the book.

“Oh? Who is it?”

“Mona Logg.”

“…Who?”

Miles frowned, now looking up at Phoenix with a perplexed expression. “Wright, you mean to tell me that you don’t know Mona Logg’s work?”

“Never heard her name in my life.” Phoenix said.

“That is…a shame. Mona Logg is one of the greatest writers in this century. Really, her work is phenomenal.” Miles said, then adding. “You should read more, Wright.”

“…And why would I do that?” Phoenix questioned with a grin.

“Do not use my own words against me, Wright.”

Phoenix feigned innocence. “Oh, did I?”

Miles huffed out in annoyance.

“You still haven’t answered my question, though.” Phoenix pointed out.

“Well…I just think that reading would help you. In fact, it’d help anyone. It enriches the mind, so to speak.”

“And playing outside enriches the body!” Phoenix pointed out.

“…Fair point. Counterpoint, I hate the outdoors.” Miles said.

“Hey, I hate books too. So, I feel you.” Phoenix said. He rubbed his chin in thought, grinning when he got an idea. “Hey! I got an idea!”

“And that idea is…?”

“Why don’t we make a deal? I read books, and you go outside more?”

“So, an exchange of enrichment, so to speak?” Miles asked.

Phoenix nodded. “Yeah! Sorta like that.”

Miles was about to say that it was the most absurd idea he had ever heard. However, the way Phoenix looked at him, with an expectant grin on his face…well, even going outdoors meant nothing to him if he could see that face again.

“…I’ll allow it.”

“Awesome! You won’t regret it, Edgeworth!”

“I hope I do not.”

Phoenix grinned.

At some point, as Miles read his book and Phoenix sat next to him, they had started talking. They talked about whatever caught their fancy at the moment, and unsurprisingly Phoenix was the one who dominated the conversation. Miles didn’t mind though, and he talked a surprising lot for someone who was antisocial as he was. Talking with Phoenix made reading the book harder, but Miles didn’t care. As he talked with Phoenix, it seemed that the book no longer mattered to him, all that mattered to Miles was Phoenix’s corny jokes and surprisingly insightful commentary. He enjoyed talking with him, enjoyed what he had to say and how he said it. There was just something about Phoenix, something that made Miles comfortable in his presence.

Was this…what friendship was like?

“Wright?” Miles said, as Phoenix was mid conversation.

Phoenix stopped in his tracks, saying. “Yeah?”

“Are we…friends?” Miles asked.

“Of course, we’re friends! Why wouldn’t we be?” Phoenix said.

“I…I was just curious.”

“Why, do you…” Phoenix frowned, and Miles hated that frown. “…Do you not want to be friends?”

“That’s absurd, Wright. I want to be friends with you.”

Phoenix let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank the gods, and here I was thinking that you didn’t like me.”

“I like you, quite a lot.” Miles said, awkwardly. He then took out his hand, offering Phoenix a handshake. “Friends?”

Phoenix smiled, shaking Miles’ hand. “Friends.”

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

As time went on, Miles became more and more comfortable with Phoenix.

The two quickly became inseparable, such good friends that Miles gladly spent most of his time just talking with Phoenix. He even made mirror calls with Franziska with Phoenix there, and though Franziska was at first skeptical of Phoenix she too soon started to like him. And Phoenix too made calls with his small handheld mirror, where he and Miles would talk with Phoenix’s friend, Maya. Miles quickly befriended Maya, especially since they both happened to be big fans of a novel series, something that they talked about ad nauseam. Phoenix often teased this over this, which resulted in a glare from Maya in the mirror and a groan from Miles.

As Miles and Phoenix spent more and more time with each other, they learnt more about each other. Whether they be in the library reading together, or outside like Miles had promised, the two learnt more and more about each other. Phoenix learnt about Miles’ favorite authors and the things he liked about their books, learnt how Miles worked as a person and how he took in the world in his calculating observant ways. And Miles learnt about Phoenix’s hobbies and aspirations, the things that inspired Phoenix every day and how his perspective shaped the way he interpreted the world in his art.

Phoenix’s art especially intrigued Miles, it really did. Paintings, sketches, doodles, and everything in between, it was all just ways for Miles to understand Phoenix a little more. His art was a display of how he saw the world, a way to understand why and how he did everything in his life. Even now, as Miles sat down on his bed reading a book, he couldn’t take his eyes off Phoenix, who was sat on the chair in front of the bed, drawing away. Miles’ eyes followed Phoenix’s hands, which were drawing a landscape with elegant broad strokes, as though the hands had done this hundreds of times. Even now, after Miles had seen him draw so much, it still amazed him.

“Wright?” Miles spoke up.

Phoenix looked up from his notebook. “Yeah?”

“When did you start drawing?”

“Oh…Ever since I could hold charcoal.” Phoenix answered. “So, like since I was four or five?”

“That is…quite a long time.” Miles said, then adding. “And it shows, with the quality of your work.”

Phoenix raised a brow. “Are you calling my art good?”

“…I don’t know how I could be more obvious, Wright.”

“You got me there, Edgeworth.” Phoenix said with a chuckle.

Miles smiled at Phoenix, and Phoenix smiled back. Miles loved his smile, and he especially loved being the cause of said smile. At that moment, as the two smiled at each other…Miles wanted that smile to be wider. He wanted that smile to be a smile of surprise, a smile of joy, a smile of pure excitement. And Miles knew how to make that smile, knew how to amaze Phoenix, something that he had asked permission for from his father. Something that he didn’t have an opportunity to bring up…until now.

His mother’s art room.

There were tons of art supplies in his mother’s art room, art supplies that had been sat in the room, unused and unloved for years. The thought of anyone but his mother using those art materials would have usually broken Miles’ heart…but somehow, Phoenix was different. Miles knew that Phoenix would handle the art supplies with care, with the same amount of care that his mother would handle them those many years ago.

“You know Wright…we do have an art room here. It has quite an array of art supplies, all unused.” Miles said.

“…And you’re just telling me this now?”

Miles huffed out in frustration. “Do you want to go or not?”

“Of course I do! Duh!” Phoenix said.

“Let’s go, then.” Miles said, closing his book and getting up from his bed.

Phoenix grinned, putting his notebook and charcoal in his pouch. “Yeah! Let’s!”

The two went out of the room, making their way to his mother’s art room. Miles led Phoenix through the castle, and to their destination. He noticed how awestruck Phoenix was with the castle, staring at everything and grinning. Miles had never really thought about how grand and fancy the castle was, he had lived practically his whole life here, so seeing Phoenix so amazed by the castle was an…eye opening experience. That was one of the things that was so wonderful about Phoenix, how he was able to open Miles’ to fresh new perspectives.

They soon arrived at the room, stood in front of a grand wooden door. Miles opened the room to the room, the two going inside. Miles glanced at Phoenix, and the amazed look in his face, and he smiled.

The room truly was glorious. There were tapestries of grand forest scenery, a meticulously made rug on the floor, and dark ornately carved furniture all inside. That wasn’t what Phoenix paid attention, no. What he paid attention to were the art supplies that seemed to crowd every table and desk in sight. Clay, pigments, oils, charcoals, inks and pens, and so many other things that Miles didn’t even know. Phoenix stared at the entire room, his eyes wide. After a few moments of stunned silence, Phoenix was finally able to say something.

“…Wow.” Phoenix breathed out in awe.

“It’s quite something, isn’t it?” Miles said.

Phoenix hadn’t heard him, too busy looking around the room, still in awe. He picked up one of the small pots, his eyes widening as he saw the dark purple powder that was inside. Looking up at Miles, it was obvious that he was amazed. “This is Tyrian purple…that’s really expensive.”

“My mother wanted to use the best materials possible.” Miles said.

Phoenix whipped his head towards Miles, shocked. “Wait, this room is your mother’s?! You know, the damn queen?!”

“Yes.”

“Oh my gods…” Phoenix trailed off, frowning. After a few moments, he said. “Are you really okay with letting me use these art supplies? Is your dad okay with this? I just…it feels kind a wrong to use anything here without your permissions.”

“Wright, it is more than fine. I asked my father if he was fine with it, and he said yes. I too, am more than fine with letting you use the supplies in this room. It’d be better if someone were to use them, so that the supplies do not go to waste.” Miles said.

Phoenix stared at Miles, his eyes wide. “…Really?”

“Yes, really.”

Phoenix studied Miles’ face for a moment, and then he grinned. “Oh my god! Edgeworth! Thanks so much!”

“You’re welcome, Wright- OOF!” Miles tried, though he was cut off when Phoenix ran over to him and threw him in a big hug.

“Thank you thank you thank you!” Phoenix burst out excitedly, hugging Miles so tight he was practically crushing him. He separated from the hug, still holding Miles, and the expression of pure joy in his face made all the squeezing worth it. “I’m not gonna let you down Edgeworth! I promise!”

Phoenix soon fully let go of Miles, running around the room and gushing about the art supplies in astonishment, and he felt tired just from watching Phoenix run around the room and squealing. Though he had to admit, it was kind of…cute, watching Phoenix be so excited about something. How excited Phoenix was about the art supplies reminded Miles of his mother, who was always excited with each new art piece that she made, and it seemed that Phoenix had the same enthusiasm. He smiled.

“What are you going to be painting, Wright?" Miles asked.

Phoenix rubbed at his chin, shrugging. “I dunno!” Then, he got an idea. “Ooh! I know what to paint! I’ll paint you!”

“…Me?”

“Yeah! You!” Phoenix said. He then pointed at one of the stools. “Go ahead and sit on that! I need a reference to pose!”

Miles, though confused, did as he was told. He watched as Phoenix started running around the room.

He had no idea what Phoenix was doing, hurriedly and excitedly run around the room doing gods know what. And though Phoenix was obviously excited, Miles took note that he was careful with the art supplies, handling the art supplies with an excited gentle care. Miles simply sat on the stool, waiting for Phoenix to be done setting up. Phoenix set up an easel in front of Miles, setting a canvas on the easel and a stool on front of the easel. Once he was satisfied, Phoenix picked up a palette, getting the oils and pigments and starting to mix the paints. He seemed especially deliberate and careful when mixing the paints with a palette knife, making sure that they laid out neatly on the palette.

“You seem to know quite a lot about painting, Wright.” Miles remarked.

Phoenix grinned, bashful. “Heh! Thanks! I uh…may or may not use my free time and allowance painting.”

“That much is obvious.”

“Are you just flattering me?” Phoenix teased.

Miles huffed out in annoyance. “I am not, Wright.”

Phoenix laughed, saying after he was done. “Well, flattery or not…I still appreciate it. Thanks, Edgeworth.”

“You’re welcome, Wright.”  Miles said with a smile.

“Hey! Keep that smile on! I wanna paint it.”

“It’ll hurt, smiling too much.”

“I know, but no pain no gain!” Phoenix said.

“…I suppose so.”

Phoenix snickered.

As soon as Phoenix had set everything up, he soon got to work. Miles sat as still as possible, waiting patiently as he watched Phoenix make bold confident strokes on the canvas. However, it seemed that he wasn’t sat still enough for Phoenix’s satisfaction.

Phoenix peeked from the canvas, looking exasperated. “Stop fidgeting so much, Edgeworth.”

“I’m trying.” Miles said through gritted teeth.

“Try harder!”

“I am!”

“Well, obviously you’re not trying hard enough.” Phoenix said. He then hummed thoughtfully, then adding. “Actually, I know a way to get you to stay still.”

Miles raised a brow. “And that is?”

“Talking. When people get into conversations, they usually get kinda into it, and they stop moving. Unless they’re the type to move their hands while they talk.”

“I am not like that, Wright.” Miles said.

“Good! So, start talking. Ask me anything you want, anything at all.” Phoenix said, going back to the canvas.

Miles thought about it heavily. There were many things he was curious about, though he settled for what he was most curious about. “I know your father…but what is your mother like?”

“Oh! My mom is awesome, she really is! She’s really good friends with Maya’s mom, Mrs. Misty Fey. That’s how Maya and I know each other, I guess you could say we’re childhood friends. She’s kinda like my sister, even if we’re not blood related.”

Miles nodded. “I see…”

“My mom is actually the one who taught me magic actually, she’s always been the more magical of my parents.” Phoenix continued, as he made strokes on the canvas.

“Really, now?”

“Mhmm! She’s super kind and really talented with magic, though she specializes in magic of the forests, or forest magic. Either one works, honestly.”

“Magic of the forests…?” Miles questioned.

“Agh! I wanna explain, but we’d be here all day. I only need a few hours to paint.” Phoenix said, then adding. “I’ll tell you about magic one day though, promise!”

“I look forward to that, Wright.” Miles said.

Phoenix peeked and flashed Miles a smile, before going back to the painting. He then asked. “What was your mother like, Edgeworth?”

Miles couldn’t help but smile at that. “My mother…she was wonderful.” He then sighed. “She passed…a few years ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry Edgeworth.”

“No no, it’s quite fine.”

“Alright, then.” Phoenix said with a nod, and then he asked. “What did she like to do? I assume that she was an artist.”

Miles nodded. “Yes, she was. She did all kinds of art, really. Sculpting, sketching, painting, carving…anything that could create art, she created art with. It was one of the many reasons my father fell in love with her. Actually, art is how they met.”

“It is? How so?”

“Yes, they met through art. It is quite a beautiful story, really.”

“Can you tell me?”

Miles smiled. “Gladly.”

He regaled Phoenix, with a story of how his father met his mother. The story was a long one, made even longer with Miles’ commentary and thoughts. He told a story of a young Gregory Edgeworth, who went out quite a lot when he was still a prince. One day, while outside, he came across a woman selling her paintings. That woman happened to be Miles’ mother. He felt a…connection with the woman, a connection he had never felt with anyone else before. So every time he went out the castle and saw the woman, he would buy paintings from her. They started to spend more and more time with each other, and they fell in love. The two married, and the rest was history.

“…And that’s how my parents met.” Miles finished.

“Huh! That was kinda sweet, and really interesting.” Phoenix said once Miles was done.

“It truly is.” Miles said, then adding. “Are you done with the painting, Wright?”

“Yep! I’m done!” Phoenix said, making a few last strokes on the canvas. He then picked up the canvas, showing it off for Miles to see.

Miles stared at the painting in awe.

The painting was well made, it truly was. Interesting composition, eye catching colors, phenomenal and unique stylization, confident brush strokes, and so many other things that Miles couldn’t ever hope to describe. It wasn’t just how the art looked, but what it represented too. The painting was a perfect showcase of who Miles Edgeworth was as a person, entire years’ worth of a person condensed and displayed in a single painting. It was remarkable really, how well Phoenix captured Miles, it felt as though he was looking at a mirror. The only person who really ever understood Miles this much was his father and Franziska, and it took many years for them to understand him.

Yet here Phoenix was, understanding Miles in only a matter of weeks.

Phoenix…he was smarter than he seemed, he truly was. Right now was one of the many moments that he realized how much he underestimated Phoenix. Phoenix was simple yes, but he wasn’t dumb. He saw the world in an interesting and insightful way…and Miles wanted to know more of this perspective.

“What’d you think?” Phoenix said, looking at him expectantly.

Miles just stared at Phoenix, gazing at his eyes as though the right words to say were hidden behind his blue eyes. Finally, he was able to say something. “…It’s beautiful, Wright.”

When Phoenix smiled, Miles found himself smiling back.

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

Miles yawned.

Tiredness was overtaking him, as he sat down at the table, listening to random nobles that he didn’t care for talk about things he didn’t care for. He tried to stay awake, he really did, but that didn’t stop Miles’ eyes fluttering open and shut as the nobles droned on and on about something that didn’t even matter. The worst part was that he volunteered to be here, thinking that King Manfred von Karma and Princess Franziska von Karma would be there with them. It had been quite a while since Miles had seen Franziska, and he wanted to see her again, so imagine his disappointment when neither of them showed up to the meeting, saying that they were busy and couldn’t come.

Miles shook himself awake, turning to Phoenix when he felt him tug at his sleeve.

“This is kinda boring.” Phoenix whispered to him.

“Yes, it quite is…” Miles answered in a whisper.

“Honestly, the only reason I came here was to meet Franziska.”

Miles raised a brow. “The only reason? Is being my bodyguard not one of the other reasons?”

Phoenix softly groaned. “Fine, one of the reasons. Happy?”

“Yes, I am.” Miles said with a smirk.

Phoenix rolled his eyes. He looked to the random noble who had started talking, and then he turned back to Miles. “Wanna ditch this meeting?”

“Ditch the meeting? Why would we do that?” Miles questioned.

“…Cause it’s boring?”

“So? We can’t just leave the meeting just because it’s boring, Wright.”

“C’mon Edgeworth, your dad is handling everything. We don’t need to stay here.” Phoenix said.

Miles turned to his father, who truly was handling everything. He turned back to Phoenix. “Even so, I have a responsibility Wright. I just can’t leave.”

“Edgeworth, buddy pal. It’s alright, we can leave.”

“No.”

“C’moooon.”

“No.”

“Just this once, Edgeworth.”

“No.”

“C’mon!”

Miles had to admit, this was amusing. And if he was going to be honest…the meeting was boring, and it didn’t seem like he was needed.

Eh, why not? What’s the worst that could happen?

Miles sighed, though he was smiling. “Okay Wright…I’ll leave with you.”

“Yes!” Phoenix whispered to himself triumphantly.

Miles rolled his eyes.

The two snuck off, making their way out of the meeting room and then into the hallways. It was eerily quiet, not that it was unexpected, everyone was busy. Once they were in the hallway. Miles asked.

“So…where are we going?”

Phoenix shrugged. “I dunno. I didn’t think this far.”

Miles gave him an unimpressed look. “Wright.”

“Hey! Don’t look at me like that!”

Miles scoffed, shaking his head.

“Well…where do you suggest we go?”

Miles was about to say the library, but then he stopped. Some part of him didn’t want to just read today…some part of him just wanted to spend time with Phoenix, and Phoenix preferred the outdoors. So, the garden seemed perfect.

“How about the gardens?” Miles suggested.

“Huh! Sounds cool, let’s go!”

They both made their way to the gardens, talking the entire way as they did. Soon, they had arrived at the gardens, and Miles stopped to admire the sheer beauty of it. He didn’t go to the gardens often, and even if he had, that still wouldn’t have stopped the amazement that he felt upon seeing the place. Carefully tended to bushes lined the place, as though they were fences that kept people off the grass. There were trees throughout the gardens, some of them fruit trees and others not, providing a nice cool shade from the hot sunlight. There were flowerbeds, all with flowers that were blooming, soft and velvety white petals showing off their beauty to the world. A cobblestone path lined the dirt, guiding any person who happened to be walking that day.

Phoenix and Miles went deeper into the gardens, Miles taking the time to take in all of the gardens in all of its beautiful natural glory. As they continued to walk, they came across a person carefully tending to one of the bushes. It was Gumshoe, one of the older knights in the Royal Guard. He also was one of the people who took care of the gardens, though he did it voluntarily. Gumshoe loved plants, which was one of the things he and Phoenix had in common. Smiling at the two, Gumshoe got up, wiping the dirt off his clothes.

“Oh! Heya Phoenix pal!” Gumshoe greeted Phoenix. He then turned to Miles, and bowed. “Your Highness.”

“Hey, Gumshoe.” Phoenix greeted back.

“…Hello, Mr. Gumshoe.” Miles greeted too, cautious.

“How are you doing, pals?” Gumshoe asked.

“Good, just going through the gardens for fun.” Phoenix said.

“Ah! I see, pal.” Gumshoe nodded. “Having fun?”

“Yeah!” Phoenix turned to Miles, expectant. “Right, Edgeworth?”

“Yes…I’m having fun.” Miles said, smiling at Phoenix.

Phoenix smiled back.

“Heh, never thought I’d see you do anything but stay in the library.

Miles glared at Gumshoe, and Phoenix snickered.

Gumshoe laughed. “I’m kidding, Your Highness!”

“You better be…” Miles grumbled.

“Heh! I am, promise sir.” Gumshoe said. He then gestured to the bush he was tending to. “Well, you two better leave me now. I gotta tend to this. Have fun, pals!”

“Thanks, Mr. Gumshoe!” Phoenix said, turning to Miles. “Let’s go!”

“Of course, Wright.”

The two made their way through the gardens, marveling at how tidy and beautiful it was. Surprisingly, Phoenix only knew three flowers, something that Miles made sure to tease him extensively about. It was payback, since Phoenix loved to tease him all the time. However, as they stopped for a break, embarrassingly Miles’ stomach grumbled.

“Are you hungry?” Phoenix teased with a grin.

Miles reddened as he said. “…I could eat.”

Phoenix grinned. “Great! I know how to get us food! Follow me.”

Miles obliged, following Phoenix as he walked up to one of the trees, which happened to be an apple tree. Phoenix pointed both of his palms at the tree, and Miles watched in awe as a rippling soft green light came from Phoenix’s hands, slowly twisting and making its way to the apple tree. As soon as the light reached the tree, a fruit started to grow from its branches, its growth seeming to be sped up. Eventually, the apple was fully grown, and Phoenix dropped his hands. Jumping, he got the apple from the tree, handing it to Miles.

“Here you go, Edgeworth.” Phoenix said.

“…Thank you.” Miles said. He then added. “That was quite remarkable, Wright.”

“That’s magic for you!”

Miles nodded, intrigued. He then spoke up. “Speaking of magic…”

Phoenix looked at Miles. “Yeah?”

“Remember when you told me about magic? And how you promised you’d tell me about it one day?”

Phoenix rubbed at his chin in thought, and then he nodded. “Yeah, I remember saying that. Why?”

“I…wanted to know more about magic.” Miles said.

“Oh! Sure, I’d love to tell you!” Phoenix said. He sat down on the dirt and under the shade of the trees, patting the space next to him. “Sit here, and let me explain.”

Miles nodded, sitting next to Phoenix.

Phoenix hovered his hands over the dirt, and Miles watched in as three dolls manifested from nothing. One was made of wood, one made of water, and one made of pure light. They all seemed to come to life. “Okay so, there are three types of magic: magic of the forests, magic of the stars, and magic of the seas. As you can guess, the sources of these magics are from the forests, the stars, and the seas.”

Miles nodded. “I see. Continue, Wright.”

“Magic of the forests harness the magical energy of the forests, able to bring things to life and to death.” Phoenix explained, as the doll made of wood began tending to a blade of grass.

Miles listened intently, urging Phoenix to continue.

“Magic of the seas harness the magical energy of the seas, able to manipulate water and control water animals.” Phoenix continued, as the water doll dropped a droplet of water on a blade of grass. He then directed his attention to the light doll. “And of course, there’s the magic of the stars, which of course harness the power of the stars. They are able to manipulate light and the stars in the sky…” He looked up at Miles, grinning as he clapped. “And that’s it!”

Once Phoenix had clapped, the dolls seemed to suddenly stop being alive. The light doll dissipated like a dying flame, the water doll absorbing into the dirt, and the wooden doll dropped on the ground and turned into a few blades of grass.

“Any questions?”

“You mentioned that forest magic is the one your mother practices, yes?” Miles asked.

“Mhmm! That’s the magic my mother and I can do. I can do the other types of magic, but I do forest magic best.”

“I’d love to meet your mother one day…” Miles remarked, trailing off.

“Well, I don’t see why you can’t meet her.” Phoenix said.

Miles was confused. “What do you mean by that, Wright?”

“I’m saying that you should visit my hometown! It’ll be fun, and Maya has been dying to meet you in real life.” Phoenix said, adding after. “If you want to, that is. No pressure.”

Miles couldn’t help but smile at the thought of it. “I would love to see your hometown, Wright.”

“Great! Sounds awesome!” Phoenix said, then getting up as he said. “Well, we should probably go back to the meeting. Your dad might be looking for you.”

Miles nodded, getting up as well. “Of course.”

The two made the way back to the meeting room, and as they did…all Miles could think about was Phoenix’s offer.

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

Miles still thought about Phoenix’s offer, even days later.

Phoenix did too, seeing as the two started to discuss Miles visiting his hometown more and more. The more Phoenix described the town, the more Miles wanted to visit. He was well aware that there was some nostalgia and bias coming from Phoenix, but he didn’t care. Phoenix was passionate about this, as passionate as he was about so many other things in his life. Miles wanted to experience that, wanted to experience the many things that Phoenix was passionate about. Though, he knew that he’d need his father’s permission to even go to Phoenix’s hometown.

So that’s why he was here, stood in front of the door to his father’s study.

Miles knocked on the door of his father’s door, waiting for him to let him in.

“Come in.”

Miles opened the door and entered, greeting his father. “Hello, Father.”

“Hello, Miles.” Gregory greeted, then asking. “Why are you here? Don’t you have classes?”

“I finished early.” Miles said. After a moment, he added. “And…I wanted to ask you something.”

Gregory looked intrigued. “Oh? What is it?”

“Well…” Miles awkwardly cleared his throat. “As you know, this weekend Wright and his father are taking the day off and going to their hometown.”

Gregory was confused. “…And?”

“Um, Father…I was wondering if I could go with them.” Miles said, continuing on before his father could get a word in edgewise. “Before you ask, I am aware that this is odd, and I am aware it is potentially dangerous. However, Wright is a very capable bodyguard-”

“Miles, you can go.” Gregory cut him off.

Miles stopped, stunned. After a moment of stunned silence, he was able to squeak out. “Really?”

“Of course, Miles. I trust you and Phoenix enough to know what you’re doing. Besides, I’m happy you’re getting out more.” Gregory said, adding at Miles’ stunned face. “So yes, you can go.”

Miles simply stared at his father, only able to collect himself after a few moments.

Well, that was surprisingly easy.

“ThankyouFathergoodbye.” Miles mumbled out, before quickly leaving his father’s study.

The entire walk back to his bedroom, Miles was smiling.

For the rest of the week, Miles couldn’t wait for the time to come for him to finally meet Phoenix’s family. Thankfully, the day soon came, and Miles joined Phoenix and his father as they made their journey from the castle to Phoenix’s hometown.

As soon as they were in the town…Miles couldn’t help but stare at everything in awe. The village was simple, though that didn’t detract from its beauty. No, quite the opposite. The village was beautiful in its simplicity, beautiful in how its simplicity stood out from all the other grand complex castles in his life…almost like a certain someone. Though what stood out to Miles the most was just how much goddamn greenery there was in the village. There were plants everywhere, and Miles would be lying if he had said that it didn’t make the place feel more homely. The plants really were gorgeous, and Miles couldn’t help but admire a certain bush that he was close to. He turned back to Phoenix as he spoke.

“Welp, here’s where I grew up.” Phoenix said.

“This is where I grew up, too.” Asher added.

“…It’s beautiful.” Miles breathed out, amazed.

Asher chuckled. “I don’t think this really warrants a “beautiful”, Your Highness.”

“It does. It’s so…pretty.”

Asher chuckled again.

The two went through the town, Miles marveling at its beautiful simplicity. He particularly marveled at the plants, plants that Miles had never seen before. He suspected that the plants were magical, which could be the only explanation on how beautiful and lush they were. Soon enough, they made it to a particular house, one that was like the rest, but also so distinctly itself. It was amazing really, how something could be so similar yet so different. The three all entered into the house, and Miles admired how simple and cozy the house was.

“Asher dear! You guys finally came!” Rose said, as the three went inside the house.

“Hey, dear.” Asher said, kissing at Rose’s cheek.

“You’ve always been such a gentleman!” Rose said with a giggle.

“That’s how you fell in love with me.” Asher joked.

“Maybe!”

Asher laughed. Then, he said. “I’m gonna go get changed dear. Love you.”

“Alright! Bye, Ashy dear!” Rose said. She turned to Phoenix with a smile. “Hi, Nicky!”

“Hi Mom.” Phoenix greeted his mother.

“Hello, Mrs. Wright.” Miles greeted too.

“Oh! Hello!” Rose greeted, bowing at Miles. “Your Highness.”

“There is no need for that, Mrs. Wright.” Miles said.

“Oh! Really? Are you sure?”

“Of course, Mrs. Wright.”

“Now, I was just finishing up making lunch. The Feys are coming, though I wonder when they’ll arrive…”

Just as Rose had said that, the door opened, three people entering into the house as if they had lived there. Though, with how much time they spent in the house, they practically did.

“We’re here!” Maya yelled out excitedly as she ran into the house.

Misty chuckled, calmly entering into the house too.

“Slow down, Maya!” Maya’s sister, Mia, said as she ran after her.

“No can do, Sis!” Maya said. As she saw Miles, she gasped excitedly. “Oh my gods! It’s Edgeworth, in the flesh!”

“Hello to you too, Maya.” Miles greeted politely.

“Hey, Maya!” Phoenix greeted.

“Hey Nick!”

Mia quickly came to Maya’s side, giving Miles an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness.”

“No need to apologize, Mia.” Their mother, Misty, said before Miles could. “Even if Maya is a bit…overexcited.”

“Hey!” Maya protested.

Most of the people in the cabin laughed.

The rest of the day was spent with Phoenix and Maya’s family. They played games, talked with each other, told stories, and ate. Miles had to admit, he enjoyed himself, and he enjoyed getting to spend more time with Phoenix and Maya’s family. Maya was a delight, Mia smart and capable, Misty and Rose both kind, Asher made corny jokes, and Phoenix was…Phoenix. They didn’t treat Miles like an outcast or a prince, no, They treated him like…family, and Miles had never realized how much he wanted that. He did get tired, gods know that socialization tired him out…but they didn’t seem to mind. In fact, they let him rest, let him simply watch as they all talked with each other and laughed.

Miles had to admit, it was…nice. It was nice not having to act like he wasn’t tired, nice to simply sit back and laugh at the families’ shenanigans.

Soon night had come, and after a hearty dinner the two had gone to Phoenix’s bedroom to sleep. At first, Miles and Phoenix argued over who got to sleep on the mattress on the floor or Phoenix’s bed. Though eventually, Phoenix won, getting comfortable on the mattress as Miles lied down on the bed.

“Today was a fun day, wasn’t it?” Phoenix asked, as he got comfortable on the mattress on the ground.

“Yes, it was quite pleasant. I enjoyed it.”

Phoenix rolled his eyes. “Just say yes like a regular person, Edgeworth.”

Miles huffed in annoyance. “I just did.”

“Suuure you did.” Phoenix said sarcastically.

Miles scoffed.

“Well, we best be heading to sleep now.” Phoenix said with a yawn. “Night.”

“Good night, Wright.”

“…Phoenix.”

“Hm?”

“Call me Phoenix, I think we’re good enough friends for you to call me that.”

Miles looked at Phoenix, and he found that he looked so handsome when illuminated by the moonlight. Phoenix had always been handsome…but now, Miles was very aware of how handsome of a person he truly was.

“Well, if I’m going to you Phoenix…it is only fair that you call me Miles.” Miles said.

Phoenix smiled. “Of course, Miles.”

Miles’ heart fluttered at the way Phoenix said his name.

“Well, we better sleep now. It’s getting late.” Phoenix said. He then added. “Good night, Miles.”

“Good night, Phoenix.”

The two fell asleep, both with a smile on their faces as they did.

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

Miles talked to Franziska quite often.

The fact that the two were kingdoms away from each other never really stopped them interacting as much as they did. They called through their magic mirrors quite often, to the point that they practically knew everything about each other. Despite Franziska most often dominating their conversation, Miles was confident in knowing that Franziska knew quite a lot about him. They were practically siblings at that point, which lead to Franziska coining Miles as her “little brother”. It was quite…annoying at first, but at some point, Miles had gotten used to it. It amused him a little even, just as much as it did endear him.

Most often, Miles would diligently listen to her talk about whatever problem she was having at that moment, making suggestions and comments as he saw fit. However, now as he sat on the bed, the mirror facing him and him staring out at the window, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander in the vast oceans of his thoughts.

He was thinking about Phoenix.

Phoenix, oh Phoenix. Recently, as Miles spent more and more time with Phoenix…his feelings towards him began to change. Miles started to look forward to every moment he spent with Phoenix, his heart fluttering every single time Phoenix smiled at him. Whenever Miles would look at the empty space on the bed next to him, he longed for Phoenix to be next to him, for Phoenix to snuggle up next to him and keep him company. Really, it was actually kinda concerning how much Miles had started thinking of him lately. And he was thinking of that man now, even as Franziska was busy talking to him about gods know what.

“-iles Edgeworth? Miles Edgeworth!”

Miles was snapped out of his thoughts. “Huh?”

“I am speaking to you, do not daydream like a fool.” Franziska said.

“…Oh, my apologies Franziska. I just…have a lot on my mind.” Miles said.

Franziska raised a brow. “Those things being?”

“Phoenix. I am…saddled with unnecessary feelings towards him.”

Franziska groaned. “Oh, gods. Not this again.”

Miles raised a brow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Fool, you have been talking ad nauseum about your crush on that foolishly foolish fool. So, forgive me if I am tired of your foolishly foolish foolishness.”

“I do not have a crush on him!” Miles protested.

“Oh? Then why do you talk so much about him? For more than two hours, may I remind you?” Franziska pointed out.

“…Fair point. Counter point, you’re wrong.” Miles shot back.

“You are hopeless, fool.”

Miles scoffed. After a moment of silence, he said. “If it did happen to be a crush-”

“Which it is.” Franziska cut him off.

Miles glared at her, and continued. “Well, if it is a crush…what am I supposed to do about it?”

“Tell him.” Franziska answered bluntly.

“…I’m concerned that you didn’t even hesitate.”

“Why would I hesitate when I already know the answer to your foolishly foolish problem?”

“I don’t think saying my…unnecessary feelings will help, Franziska.”

Franziska scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Whatever you say, Miles Edgeworth.”

The two carried on with their conversation, but Miles couldn’t stop about what Franziska said.

Was it a crush? And if it was…was telling Phoenix about it really the best course of action to do?

Miles didn’t know, but all he knew…was that he wanted to spend more time with Phoenix Wright, that he wanted to see Phoenix’s smile more and more.

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

Miles was tired, but he could not sleep.

It was an…interesting position, staring at the ceiling as he tried desperately to sleep, but couldn’t. His thoughts swirled in his head, running around in his mind faster than the fastest horse imaginable. Miles was used to overthinking, used to staring at the ceiling for hours on end, unable to sleep, though that made it no less tiring. Though, as he yawned, trying to keep the overthinking at bay so that he could finally sleep, he heard the noise of…light tapping at his window? What? Was it a bird? Miles got up from his bed, going to the window, only to see Phoenix, who was throwing stones at his window.

Miles opened the window, confusedly asking. “Phoenix?”

“Hey, Miles! I finally caught your attention!” Phoenix said, then asking. “Can I come in?”

“Of course you can, but how can you-”

Miles stopped himself as he saw Phoenix point his palms at the walls, the small vines at the base of the walls growing and growing, until it was thick enough to be climbed on and had reached Miles’ window,

“…That’s one way to do it.” Miles remarked.

Phoenix grinned, climbing up the vines. As soon as he was inside Miles’ room, he asked. “Couldn’t sleep either, eh?”

“Yes, I can’t sleep.” Miles replied with a nod.

“Did you try?”

“Yes Phoenix, I did try.”

“Are you sure?”

Miles sighed in exasperation. “Yes, I did try to sleep. Obviously, it did not work.”

“Well, try harder.”

“Phoenix, I really want to sleep…but I can’t.”

“C’mon Miles, you gotta sleep.”

“And why aren’t you sleeping, Phoenix?”

“Sleep is for the weak.” Phoenix replied.

“You’re a hypocrite.” Miles said with a scoff.

“So I am! Now, sleep.”

Miles smirked as he said. “I’ll only sleep if you do.”

“…Darn it.” Phoenix cursed under his breath.

Miles smirked even wider.

“Actually, since we both can’t sleep…we should go somewhere.” Phoenix remarked.

“Where do you suggest we go?” Miles asked.

Phoenix shrugged. “I dunno. Just anywhere outside.”

“That…inspires confidence.” Miles said sarcastically.

“Do you want to go or not?”

“Of course, I want to go.”

“Great! Let’s go, then!” Phoenix said, as he went to the window.

Miles raised a brow. “You want to go…through the window?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“That hardly seems safe, Phoenix.” Miles pointed out.

“It’s faster.” Phoenix argued.

“And more dangerous.” Miles shot back.

“C’mon Miles, life is boring without danger. Live a little!”

Miles sighed. “Fine.”

Phoenix grinned.

The two climbed out of Miles’ bedroom using the vines, and it was surprisingly a lot easier to do than Miles had anticipated, though he was still terrified for his life. As soon as they were on the ground, Phoenix led Miles to gods know where, though at some point Miles had recognized it as one of the fields where knights in training trained. As soon as they were sat on the grass, brisk night wind passing through the area and making the grass dance. The two sat down on the grass, talking about nothing in particular, though it was obvious Phoenix had something on his mind. Miles didn’t have to take too long to guess what was on his mind.

“Hey, Miles?” Phoenix spoke up, mid conversation.

“What is it, Phoenix?”

“Was your mom dying…unexpected?”

Miles was taken aback, having to process what Phoenix had just said. Once he did, he answered.

“Yes, it was unexpected…” Miles trailed off, then asking. “Why do you ask?”

“Well…doesn’t that kinda terrify you?”

“What do you mean by that, Phoenix?”

“Well…I know you didn’t ever expect your mom dying when you were young, but she did. Life’s like that, it’s unpredictable, and it’s…scary at times, and it’s awesome at other times.” Phoenix then laughed, lighthearted. “I mean, I never expected I’d meet you, but here we are.”

“I did not expect that either, but as you have so succinctly put it, “But here we are”, Phoenix.” Miles said.

“Yeah…change can be good, even if it’s scary sometimes.”

“Yes…the unpredictability of life is quite terrifying at times. But, even if the future, if life, is terrifying…” Miles trailed off, turning to Phoenix with a smile. “I know that as long as you’ll be here with me, I’ll be able to handle whatever life throws at me.”

“Miles…that’s really sweet of you.”

“…Huh, I guess it is.”

Phoenix snickered, and Miles shot him a glare.

As soon as Phoenix was done laughing, he said. “We should probably get back. Don’t wanna stay out too late.”

“Yes…that would be best.” Miles said.

Phoenix got up, offering a hand to Miles. “C’mon, let’s go.”

Miles held Phoenix’s hand, his heart skipping a beat as he did. He got up, with Phoenix’s help. “Of course. Thank you, Phoenix.”

Phoenix smiled. “You’re welcome.”

The two made their way back to the castle, thankfully nobody had noticed either of their absences. It was hard trying to make as little noise as possible as they snuck back to Miles’ room, but they had managed. They both climbed up the vines that led to the window of Miles’ room, soon making it inside.

“Well, you best be heading to sleep now. You’ve still got lots of stuff to do tomorrow, and it’ll be hard to do if you haven’t slept much.” Phoenix said.

“Of course, Phoenix.” Miles said as he sat on his bed, adding after a moment. “It was nice seeing you again.”

Phoenix snickered. “You say that as if I literally wasn’t around you all day today.”

“I know that.” Miles said, letting out a huff of annoyance. “It’s just…this helped me a lot, and I’m grateful for that.”

Phoenix smiled. “Hey, that’s what I’m here for. I’m not just a bodyguard, I’m your friend.”

That smile, it shouldn’t have been as comforting as it was, shouldn’t have made Miles’ heart flutter in the way that it did. But it did, he did. Phoenix made Miles’ heart flutter in so many ways that were wonderful.

“…Thanks, Phoenix.”

“No Miles, thank you. Being around you has been super fun, and…” Phoenix trailed off, and was he…slightly reddening? “I hope we have more awesome times together.”

“I wish that too.”

“Yeah, cool.” Phoenix cleared his throat, gesturing to the window. “Well, I better go now and let you sleep. Good night, Miles.”

“Good night, Phoenix.”

Phoenix went out of the window, climbing down the vines and then making his way back where he slept. Miles fully lied down on the bed, wrapping the sheets around him as he…stared at the ceiling, letting the past few minutes really sink into his head. He could still hear Phoenix’s voice, even now as he lied on his bed, when their moment together had long passed. No, it would never go away, it would only go away if what Miles felt would go away too, and Miles was extremely confident that it’d never happen. The way Phoenix made him feel, the way he so amazingly gave Miles a new perspective on life, the way that Phoenix so proudly was himself…it made Miles feel something, something that he couldn’t deny any longer.

That feeling Miles felt, whenever he was around Phoenix’s presence, with each and every smile that he made, with every laugh that escaped his mouth, Miles knew what that feeling was.

It was…love.

Miles was in love.

As Miles slept, he let the knowledge of his love for Phoenix envelop him, as though it were a warm soft warm blanket.

━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━

The Adorros Kingdom was having a ball.

Every couple of years, the kingdom would hold a grand party, a party that every other kingdom was invited to. Nobles, kings, queens, princesses, princes and more all invited to spend time in the castle and to mingle with each other. The party was a great way to catch up with the other royals and nobles, to know what was going on with their lives and what they were planning to do at that particular moment. Not to mention the dancing, the meticulously prepared food, the decorations, the music, and so much more. Really, every noble and royal came from kingdoms far and wide, all across the continent, just to spend a few nights in the kingdom, and to attend one single party night.

And Miles was outside at the balcony, staring out at the night sky.

Don’t get him wrong, he enjoyed the parties and he did see the appeal in them…but it was just that socializing took a lot out of him. After just a few hours of small talk with other people, Miles found himself already getting tired. While everyone was dancing and laughing, Miles had slipped away, unnoticed as he made his way to the balcony. And here he was now, staring out at the night sky. However, it seemed that his slipping away hadn’t gone unnoticed, as Miles heard the voice of someone that he knew very well.

“Miles?”

Miles turned to behind him, spotting Phoenix. “Oh…hello Phoenix.”

“Got tired of socializing, huh?”

Miles chuckled. “I…suppose you can say it like that.”

“Heh, understandable. You were never good at the whole socialization thing.”

“No, I am not.”

Phoenix walked over to next to Miles, and the two turned to stare at the star filled sky. The two were silent, the only sounds the partying inside and the night sounds outside. Miles could hear the crickets chirping in the distance, and the occasional owl hooting. Glancing at Phoenix, Miles held his breath at the sight of him, at the sight of the man he had grown to love so dearly.

It had almost been a year since the two had first met each other, and at that particular moment…Miles wanted to say it, to say how much he loved this man, for him to know the totally necessary feelings he felt towards Phoenix Wright. He wanted to hold this man’s hand, go to the rooftops and shout how much he loved him. The love, it poured out of him, and Miles was talking before he could stop himself. Not that he would have stopped himself, since he wanted Phoenix to know just how much he loved him.

“…Phoenix?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

Phoenix seemed stunned, having to process the words for a few moments. Once he had fully processed what Miles said, he asked. “…What kind of love?”

Miles’ heart hammered in his chest, and yet…he found that the words fell from his mouth easily, came to him as easily as breathing did. “The kind of love that makes me happy, the kind of love that makes me want to stay by your side for the rest of our lives…” He placed his hand on the railing, close to Phoenix, an invitation. “The kind of love…that lasts a lifetime.”

Time seemed to stop, as Miles waited for Phoenix’s reply, for Phoenix’s reaction to his true and honest feelings. Thankfully, Miles didn’t have to wait long for Phoenix to respond.

Phoenix placed his hand over Miles’, and he smiled. “I feel the same way, Miles.”

Miles could hardly believe his ears.

“…Should we kiss?” Miles asked in a whisper.

“That’s what people in love usually do, Miles.”

Miles sighed in exasperation. “Is that a yes, Phoenix?”

“Of course it’s a yes.”

Miles closed his eyes, leaning in to Phoenix. Quite soon, their lips had met. The kiss they shared…was truly magical.