Work Text:
Six months after Phoenix Wright was disbarred, Miles Edgeworth got a phone call. Maya Fey, in distress.
“Nick said you probably didn’t know yet but I know he needs you right now so I had to tell you. I- Nick- he’s. He’s been disbarred.”
He nearly dropped the phone. His mouth fell open in shock and he clamped a hand over it. He had been in Germany for so long, and Phoenix hadn’t said a word about it. He said he had been swamped with work. Miles hadn’t questioned it, knowing the type of cases Phoenix tended to attract. To think that Phoenix had been hiding this from him, he almost felt betrayed.
“I’m booking a jet now. I’ll be there as soon as possible.” He said into the phone, rushing to throw his stuff into his suitcase.
“Miles, wait, there’s more-” Maya didn’t get to finish her sentence as Miles hung up the phone, desperate to get a flight and a hotel as soon as possible.
-
So here he was, in front of the former Fey and co law offices. He pressed the bell, and waited. Then the door was opened, and Mile’s heart stopped.
Phoenix Wright was standing in front of him. He wasn’t smiling brightly, exuding an air of cockiness and confidence like he usually did. He wasn’t wearing his signature blue suit. He was in a ratty hoodie and sweatpants, his spiked hair hidden under a beanie. He had dark bags under his eyes, worse than usual. He looked gaunt and sad and he clearly hadn’t shaved in a while. His mismatched eyes were tired looking, the sparkle long dimmed. He looked at Miles, and was clearly surprised. He looked him up and down, like he couldn’t believe his eyes. Then, he spoke.
“Come on in, it’s better to stay out of sight,” Phoenix’s voice was rough and tired and it made Miles feel awful. Seeing Phoenix in this state felt like being punched.
Miles came in, and the first thing he noticed was the state of the office. Knicknacks and gizmos were littered about, things Miles didn’t recognise. Phoenix manoeuvred through it with practised ease. He led Miles to the couch and sat down, motioning for Miles to join him. And then he sighed. Miles took initiative to speak.
“What happened?” He asked. The office was disturbingly silent.
“I’m not a lawyer anymore. I got disbarred,” Phoenix said it like it didn’t matter.
“How?” Miles pushed.
“Presented fake evidence. Prosecution called me out. Defendant ran away. Now I play piano at a bar,” Miles’s eyes widened with every word.
“Wright, if you think that I believe for even a second that you willingly presented fake evidence-”
“I didn’t, I was set up. Listen, it’s- it’s a lot deeper than it sounds and I don’t have time to explain it all, and I’m sure you don’t have time so you can go back to whatever thing you’re supposed to be doing and we can just forget-” Phoenix rushed through his words.
“Phoenix.” Miles leaned in and put his hand on Phoenix’s knee. Phoenix turned to look him in the eyes and Miles felt shattered. The man before him was a shell of his former self, the remnants of the attorney that Miles knew. But he was still Phoenix Wright. The same man that had pulled Miles out of hell and made him a better man. The same man that he had fallen in love with.
Phoenix sighed again, and he slouched into the back of the couch. Just barely noticeable, he leaned into Miles’ touch.
“I got hired to defend some magician guy, Zak Gramarye. Right before the trial, I was given a sheet of paper from the victim’s diary. I didn’t have enough time to confirm it was real. I presented it as evidence, and the prosecution instantly caught me. In the chaos, my defendant did what magicians do best. He disappeared. Nobody could find him. And I got my badge taken away within the hour,” Phoenix looked defeated, and Miles absolutely couldn’t have that.
“Give me the name of the prosecutor. I’ll have an investigation done right away. Detective Gumshoe will be too obvious, but I happen to know a very good private investigator in training named Kay Faraday. She’ll be able to get us all the information we need without making anyone suspicious. You’ll have your badge and your dignity back by the end of this year and that no-good prosecutor will regret ever going to law school,” Miles already had a plan in mind, sick and tired of corrupt prosecutors with no sense of justice.
“No, don’t- don’t do that. The prosecution was a teenage boy on his first case, he didn’t do anything. I didn’t talk to him much but I can tell he’s a good kid,” Phoenix said, his tone indicating that he truly believed what he was saying. Miles nodded. If Phoenix said so, he would listen.
“There’s still more, the defendant, he had a-”
Phoenix was cut off by the sound of the door opening followed by footsteps on carpet and jingling bells.
“Daddy, I’m home!” The voice of a little girl.
“I’m on the couch, Sweetie,” The voice of Phoenix Wright.
It felt like time stopped. Who was this child? Why did she call Phoenix daddy? Why did Phoenix respond? Phoenix had a child? How long has he had her? Did he just find out? Why hadn’t he told Miles sooner? Miles didn’t get a chance to say anything before the child bounded around the corner.
“Today at school we learned about how plants make their own food, then at recess Markus B tried to scare me with a lizard he found but then I made it disappear and he started crying so I made it reappear again to prove to him it was okay but then he called me a witch but Mr. Parabola who teaches math said that I wasn’t a witch and that it was called slight on hands or something and tried to get me to show Markus B how I did it but I said that a magician never reveals her secrets and Markus B ran away and Mr. Parabola said I wasn’t in trouble but that I shouldn’t make animals disappear anymore even though I make rabbits disappear all the time and-” The girl finally noticed Miles, her eyes widening, “Who are you?”
Miles took in the sight. She was small, surely no older than nine or ten. She had short brown hair and big blue eyes. Her cheeks were dusted with freckles. She was wearing a white t-shirt and a teal skirt, with black leggings and pink sneakers. She had on a backpack that was nearly the same size as her. She looked sweet and cared for, but something about her seemed sad. Miles could tell that she had been through a lot.
He smiled at her, “My name is Miles Edgeworth. What’s your name?”
“I’m Trucy! I’m a magician!” She beamed.
“Trucy, you remember me telling you about Edgeworth, right? He’s the guy I used to face off against when I was a lawyer,” Phoenix was far too casual about this, Miles thought.
“Oh yeah, I do!” She bounced on the balls of her feet.
“Well right now we’re having a grown up conversation, so why don’t you go play in your room for right now? I’ll call you back out in a bit,” The way Phoenix spoke to her was captivating to Miles. It was the same way he spoke to little Pearl Fey, but somehow softer.
“Okay Daddy! I’m gonna practise my linking rings!” She said, then she turned and ran away excitedly. She was adorable, Miles decided. And he immediately wanted the best for her.
It was silent for a bit, then Phoenix spoke.
“My defendant had a daughter. When he ran away, he left her in the courthouse. She didn’t have any living family members and I couldn’t just let her go into the foster system, I know how horrible it is. I had to take her.”
“You’re a father now,” Miles said in disbelief.
“Yeah,” Phoenix laughed, “Yeah, I am. It’s been a wild ride, but she’s a good kid. She doesn’t really understand a lot because her first dad was pretty shit, but she’s perceptive as hell. She’s also very good at magic.”
“I’ll provide as much financial support as you need. A new apartment, a car or a chauffeur, anything. If you want to put her in private school, I’ll make sure it happens. She’ll have the best education money can buy. I’ll have Kay and Gumshoe working nonstop until we find who set you up. I’ll prosecute them myself. I’ll get you your badge back, I swear to it,” Miles’ eyebrows furrowed as he talked. He couldn’t bear to see this, the man he loved so much in a depression, the daughter he suddenly had living in a former law office. He had already taken his phone out, prepared to message anybody he needed to.
Phoenix stopped him, “I don’t want your money. I’m doing fine with what I make now, and Trucy brings in extra with her magic shows. We’re both clothed and housed and fed, and that’s what matters. She’s doing fine in public school.”
“Wright, please let me provide for you. You know I have the means to do so-”
“Yeah, I know how rich you are. But I don’t want your money. And I don’t want you snooping around where you shouldn’t. I’m a grown man, I can take care of myself just fine.”
“Von Karma’s money isn’t doing anything by sitting in my bank account, I have more than I’ll ever need. Let me put it to good use, let me help you,” Miles insisted. Phoenix was the type of man to deny his own wants and needs if he thought it was inconvenient to someone else.
“This isn’t about the money, Edgeworth, it’s-” Phoenix pinched the bridge of his nose, “It’s something else, but I don’t want to get into it. Just go back to Germany and do whatever it is you do there.”
“ Phoenix ,” Miles leaned closer, “You spent years searching for me. You changed your career for me . You barged into my life and demanded to save me whether I liked it or not. You did everything in your power to fix my problems so don’t you dare try to shut me out the moment you have one of your own.”
“Please, Miles, just go-”
“I am not leaving you. Not after all you’ve done for me. Not after everything we’ve been through together. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I… I can’t lose you again,” Miles’ voice was full of desperation. He didn’t know what he would do if he let Phoenix slip through his fingers.
Phoenix stared at the ground. He looked somewhere between about to cry and admiring something. Miles so desperately didn’t want tears to fall from his beautiful eyes.
“I don’t want to get you involved with this. It’s too dangerous,” Phoenix tried one last time to get Miles to let it go. Miles gripped it tighter.
“I have endured my fair share of danger.”
Phoenix sighed, and then he finally looked at Miles again, “I’m being watched.”
“What?” Miles’ eyes widened in shock.
“The guy who framed me, he’s been keeping tabs on me. I need to lie low until the time is right. I need to look helpless and sad, and right now I’ve got that perfectly. I don’t want to ruin my plan. I can’t look suspicious,” Phoenix finally admitted.
“Just tell me his name, I’ll do everything in my power to-”
“Miles, no. He can’t know you’re involved. This guy is a maniac and he’s a smart one too. I need time and evidence and to gain his trust. I have a plan. If you do anything, that throws off my whole thing and it puts you at risk. He’ll disbar anyone who gets in his way or worse . I can’t let that happen to you,” Phoenix’s voice cracks and it makes Miles’ heart do the same.
“If you say you don’t need me, and you truly believe that, then I’ll leave. I trust your judgement, Phoenix,” Miles didn’t want to leave. He wanted to ruin the man that did this to Phoenix. He wanted to hold Phoenix until he felt better. He wanted to take Trucy shopping and make sure she had everything she ever dreamed of.
He took the hand that had been on Phoenix’s knee and instead cupped his chin, turning his face to look at Miles.
“Anything you ask of me, I’ll do it. If you change your mind and you want my help, just say the word and I’ll be there. I’ll drop everything for you, Phoenix,” Miles made his words as sincere as he could muster, “I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, but I suppose now is right. Phoenix, I’m in l-”
“Don’t say it. Don’t finish that sentence. If you say it, it’ll make it real and I won’t stop thinking about it. I-I feel the same. But we can’t- we can’t do anything , Miles. I’m being stalked. He’ll find out. The safest thing for us to do is for you to go back to Germany and for me to stay here and take care of my daughter,” Phoenix looked like he was about to break, “Just please, let it go. You can stay here for dinner and you can visit occasionally but please don’t come here enough to draw attention to us.”
“I understand,” Miles dropped it. He was filled with what he could only describe as melancholy. He had known Phoenix loved him back, but neither of them ever acknowledged it. To acknowledge it and then be told they can’t be together, that hurt worse than rejection.
Phoenix had already gotten up and went down the hall. Miles heard the sound of knocking on a door, then the sound of the door opening. Hushed voices and more jingling bells before one Trucy Wright skipped her way over.
She had changed her clothes, she now wore a black dress adorned with gold buttons, a coral cape, and a matching hat. She held a pink box in her gloved hands.
“Mr. Miles, do you like magic tricks?” She asked, the sweetness in her voice overwhelming. Miles had known her for only a few moments and she already had him wrapped around her little finger.
“I’ve never been to a real magic show before,” Miles admitted. Trucy gasped loudly, her eyes lighting up.
“I promise I won’t disappoint! I’m really good!” She beamed.
“Your father told me as much, so I believe it,” Miles watched as the child brought out cards and linking rings, confusing and amazing him with every trick. Phoenix watched from the kitchen as he cooked. It felt domestic, and soft, and perfect. Bittersweet.
-
Three years after Phoenix Wright was disbarred, Miles Edgeworth booked him a hotel room. He had managed to convince Phoenix that taking a trip to Germany wouldn’t ruin the plan he had for whoever was watching him. Taking one trip away was fine. Surely a few days away from home wouldn’t raise any eyebrows, right?
Still, Phoenix refused to draw too much attention. He took a normal flight, not letting Miles call a private jet. He only let Miles pay for his hotel room after the prosecutor reminded him that he didn’t speak a word of German.
The trip was five days long. It was Miles, Phoenix, Trucy, Kay, and Sebastian. Kay and Sebastian had been accompanying Miles on his travels in Europe, Kay always ready for an adventure and Sebastian willing to follow the two wherever if it meant he could become a better prosecutor.
“Daddy! Can I go with Kay and Seb to the store! I wanna see how different it is from American stores!” Trucy’s sweet voice rang through the hotel room, her excitement visible. She had left her cape in L.A. but her hat was still atop her head. She had dazzled Kay and Sebastian with her tricks since she had arrived, getting along with them like a house on fire. She was thirteen now, a middle schooler, and Miles couldn’t believe how big she had gotten. She was nearly as tall as Kay. She wore a blue cardigan and a knee length black skirt with white tights and silver sneakers. One of her many bracelets was a chain adorned with a stylised “G” symbol that seemed familiar to Miles, but he couldn’t quite place it.
“What do you think, Edgeworth? You trust your kids with mine?” Phoenix cocked an eyebrow in Miles’ direction.
“I’ll have you know, Nick, that Sebastian and I are grown adults! We can take a teenager to the store without a disaster!” Kay protested, jokingly offended by his mistrust.
“Yeah, we’re reprehensible!” Sebastian pipes up from his place on the couch, his Themis uniform having been replaced with a ruby red suit and navy blue waistcoat as soon as he graduated. His prosecutor’s badge gleams on his lapel, and it makes Miles wish he could be as proud of being a prosecutor as the young man.
“He means responsible,” Kay corrects, her Yatagarasu pin gleaming just the same from her scarf. She had grown out of her own signature outfit and now donned fuschia jeans and an indigo sweater, her hair braided down her back and secured with her usual key.
Miles smiled, laughing softly at Sebastian’s mistake. “Yes, I trust that they can stay out of trouble for an hour or two.”
“Alright, you heard the man. You can go,” Phoenix smiled at his daughter.
“Yay! Thank you Daddy, thank you Mr. Miles!”
And like that, the trio was gone. The door shut, and Miles was faced for the first time in the trip with silence. Silence, and Phoenix Wright. It was awkward and stiff and the room was full of tension. Phoenix sits down on the couch and sighs, and Miles wishes he could comfort him.
He’s worn out and unhealthy, his eyebags darker than they had ever been. He was still gaunt and unkempt, he still hid himself in hoodies and beanies and unshaven stubble. If Trucy was to be believed, then he had a few vices. Gambling and alcohol, she had said. He had lied about being a piano player, he really made his money through game upon game of poker. Trucy herself being witness to many of his games when she was not at school or performing. She said she always knew when people were lying to her. She claimed it was because her first father had been a gambler, but Miles couldn’t help but suspect something deeper. It felt like eons before Phoenix broke the silence.
“I know who got me disbarred, and I know how to stop him.”
This snapped Miles out of his thoughts immediately, he quickly made to sit next to the other man.
“Who? How can I help?” His hand came to Phoenix’s knee. He didn’t see how Phoenix leaned into the touch.
“Did I ever tell you who the prosecution was for that trial?”
“No, you didn’t.” Miles could easily have googled it, the entire US legal system buzzing about that fateful day for months. He didn’t. He wanted any information to come to him through Phoenix. That, and he couldn’t stand to see all the people insulting his beloved.
“It was Prosecutor Klavier Gavin. Was his first trial, too,” Phoenix scoffed playfully, like he was trying to diffuse the tension. It didn’t work.
Miles suddenly realised what the charm on Trucy’s bracelet had been. The logo for a band called “The Gavineers”. Something Miles normally wouldn’t be interested in, but the band was apparently composed of lawyers and detectives. They were also very popular in Germany due to Gavin himself hailing from there. Miles had done a small amount of research into Prosecutor Gavin, and had found him very talented for his age. Sebastian seemed to think so, at least.
“Klavier Gavin? Why, he was Sebastian’s classmate,” Miles dumbly stated, wondering why Phoenix would even mention him if a few years ago he had insisted that the boy had nothing to do with it.
“Yeah. Well, he has a brother. Defense attorney named Kristoph Gavin. He’s the guy who framed me. I didn’t say anything because I was too scared he would find out that I knew. He’s a maniac, Miles. But I’ve been trying to befriend him, and I’m about 85 percent sure that he’s buying my whole pathetic act,” Phoenix said the words like they were normal things to say, like befriending the man who ruined your life was common.
“What is your plan?’ Miles could only ask, praying that Phoenix actually had something concocted and wasn’t improving his way through this like he used to do in court.
“I want him to expose himself. I don’t have everything in specifics exactly, but I have a rough outline. I’ve also been keeping my eye out on Kristoph’s intern. He’s a talented kid from what I can tell,” Phoenix nodded as he spoke, “I want to outsmart him. I can’t just accuse him of framing me, he’s too slick, he’ll get out of it. I’m gonna need more time.”
“It sounds like you have more than you’re letting on,” Miles leaned towards Phoenix, just slightly. The way that Phoenix turned to look at him was intoxicating.
“Yeah, you’re right, but it won’t work until I have Kristoph where I want him. Honestly, it’s a pretty big idea, so it probably won’t happen-”
“You’ve done the impossible before. I trust you can complete whatever it is that you’re planning.”
“You have too much faith in me, Edgeworth.”
“You never gave up on me all those years. I won’t give up on you.”
Phoenix sighed, he blinked, then he kept speaking, “I want to bring juries back. I know it sounds crazy but I think it’ll work better than what we’ve got going on right now. The legal system is a mess, but I have some ideas. It won’t work unless I prove Kristoph guilty and get my badge back, and even then…”
“Even then?”
“Even then, even if I win against Kristoph, even if I become an attorney again, I won’t be able to even suggest a jury system unless someone in higher power has my back. Even in my prime I was still an underdog, nobody will listen to me after I’ve been disbarred for this long. Unless I had a higher up in my pocket, that is, but I don’t think that’ll happen any time soon.”
Miles felt the lightbulb above him blink with electricity. If Phoenix was saying what he thought he was saying, then he could help. He could bring his beloved back from the pit he had been thrown in.
“How high up would you say?”
“Oh, I’m talking seriously high up, like someone all the governors and judges would respect high up. Definitely higher than where I am right now.”
No sooner had Phoenix finished talking had Miles pulled out his cellphone and started typing. It was ringing before Phoenix could question him. When he heard the click of the other line picking up, he raised a finger to shush Phoenix, who only watched, confused.
“Miss Terrie? Yes, I am. Do you remember how I said I wasn’t interested in the position of Chief Prosecutor? I’ve changed my mind. I know the official elections aren’t for a few years but I’d like to make sure my name is in the running already. Have a nice day,” He hung up and turned to Phoenix, “I do hope that Chief Prosecutor is high up enough for you.”
Phoenix’s mouth was agape, his eyes wide. He seemed to regain his composure soon enough, if only to stammer out a “M-Miles, what? You would- you’d- you’d become Chief fucking Prosecutor for me? ”
Miles smiled, looking Phoenix in the eyes, electric blue and honey brown meeting iron grey.
“Anything you ask of me, I’ll do it. Just say the word. You changed your entire career for me, Phoenix. The least I can do is run for a position that was offered to me,” As Miles spoke, Phoenix put his arm on the back of the couch. It wasn’t quite around Miles’ shoulders, but it was close enough to make his heart beat faster. “Phoenix, you know that I lo-”
“Don’t. Please, Miles, don’t say it. We can’t- we can’t do anything , Miles. I can’t have you, Miles. And if you say that, I won’t be able to get it out of my head. Please, I don’t want to hear it unless I know I can have you,” Phoenix pleaded. Miles’ heart broke once again. He didn’t know what he expected, but to once again be reminded that he couldn't be with Phoenix, that Phoenix wanted him back but couldn’t have him , it drove him insane.
“I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Phoenix smiled, but it was fake and sad and it made Miles feel shattered inside.
The door opened, and Phoenix jumped up from Miles’ side. He could only look longingly as the man went to greet the others.
“Miles, Nick, we’re back!” Kay shouted. Miles didn’t have it in him to tell her to be quieter.
“Did you get stuff for dinner?” asked Phoenix, like he hadn’t just smashed Miles’ heart on the floor.
“Yeah, got some ice cream too. Mind helping me out with the salmon?” Kay questioned as she unloaded groceries into the hotel fridge.
“Yeah, sure. You’ll have to tell me what to do, though.”
Trucy came and sat on the couch next to Miles, grabbing the remote seemingly from nowhere and flipping to the channel she had learned hosted American shows.
“Which one is that? The uh… uh…” Sebastian said from behind them, leaning over next to the girl. Miles turned his attention to the TV, hoping it would alleviate his feelings.
“That would be the Golden Gladiator, the Steel Samurai’s half brother whom he just reunited with,” He said, greatful that he was with company who wouldn’t judge him for his special interest.
“Oh. I must’ve missed a few episodes then,” said Trucy. She snuggled her way into Miles’ side and he froze up for a moment before relaxing under her touch. Sebastian sat on his other side and started asking questions about the show, which Miles eagerly answered.
With Trucy on his left clinging to him and Sebastian on his right resting his head on Miles’ shoulder, Miles felt whole. Kay and Phoenix were in the kitchen, Kay giving instructions on what herbs to put on the salmon and how long to bake it for. It felt domestic, and far too comfortable. It was easy to slip into this fantasy, that they were a real family. That Phoenix and Miles were lovers with three children. It felt so right that when the timer for the oven went off it made Miles jump a bit. Luckily neither his son nor his daughter- no, Phoenix’s daughter, not his- noticed. This was perfect, and it was torture all at once.
-
A week after Phoenix Wright got his badge back, Miles Edgeworth bought him a new suit. It was cobalt blue, with a baby blue waistcoat. And if Miles intentionally matched the colour of his new tie to the colour of his own amaranth suit, who could blame him.
Miles was sitting in the Wright Anything Agency, as it was now called. Trucy’s magical items were still littered about, but now Phoenix’s desk was covered in modern law books and pencils. There were two other desks now, one with pens and papers neatly stacked on top. A few CDs bearing a familiar tanned blond figure were strewn on the desk and floor, like whoever had put them there just wanted them out of their hands. A rust red suit jacket hung on a hook near the door, a jacket that Miles had never seen its owner wear. The third desk was cluttered, but in an organised way. The owner of the desk had neon yellow highlighters in a pencil cup next to a stack of manila folders. A few psychology books were precariously dangling of the edge and a small tin of bobby pins lay spilled halfway across the desk and the floor.
The Wright Anything Agency felt lived in and loved, people always in and out. Defendants and attorneys and prosecutors alike, the odd spirit medium or detective or magician. Pictures of Maya, Pearl, and Franziska lined the walls. An image of Mia and a younger Phoenix hung above his desk.
“So, how do I look?”
Phoenix stepped out from the bathroom, his new suit on. His locket tucked into the pocket, the gold contrasting beautifully with the blue. He had finally ditched the beanie and styled his hair, his signiture spikes a sight for sore eyes. A strand of hair fell over his forehead, and Miles couldn’t help but find it cute. Phoenix looked more rested and healthier, Miles having insisted he sleep and eat in between studying for the bar. His tie was loose, like he had forgotten how to do it. He probably had after seven years. Miles couldn’t help himself, he got off the couch and made his way over to the other man. He unwound his sloppily done tie and popped his collar, then he redid it into a perfect bathus knot. He smoothed Phoenix’s collar down, and adjusted his waistcoat, and Phoenix laughed.
“Didn’t know you knew how to do that, I’ve never seen you wear a necktie,” if Phoenix noticed the colour of the tie compared to the colour of Miles’ sleeves then he didn’t say anything.
“Well, I’m full of suprises,” Miles would never admit that he had learned how for Phoenix, “You look nice. Much better than that off the rack thing you used to wear.”
“I’ll have you know I looked much better in my twenties than I do now.”
Miles would beg to differ. Phoenix had been cute and handsome when they were younger, but now he was downright gorgeous. He smiled, and Miles could only smile back. Everything that Phoenix did drew him in like a magnetic force.
“You’re missing something,” said Miles, turning away from the attorney before his face could go as red as his suit. He walked over to his briefcase and carefully opened it, checking a small box inside. He pulled out what he wanted, a small gold round pin with a scale engraved on it. He walked back to where Phoenix was standing and pinned the badge to his lapel.
“There. Now you look perfect,” he met Phoenix’s eyes, he swore he saw his face soften as he smiled.
“You look pretty good yourself, Chief Prosecutor. The glasses suit you,” Phoenix gestured to Miles’ glasses and Miles wished so badly that Phoenix would just touch him, they were so close.
They sat down on the couch, Phoenix grimacing a bit when his back cracked. Phoenix put his arm on the back of the couch, and Miles unabashedly leaned into it.
“I can’t believe I passed the bar a second time.”
“I can. You’re brilliant,” Miles put his hand on Phoenix’s knee. Phoenix scooted closer.
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I believe you could have.”
“Seriously, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You helped me study, you insisted I took care of myself, you became Chief Prosecutor for me, you even bought me a damn suit. I can’t thank you enough, Miles,” Phoenix’s voice was smooth and enticing and Miles couldn’t help it if his gaze landed on the other man’s lips for far too long.
“It was the least I could do after everything you’ve done for me,” Miles spoke the truth, his truth at least, “Anything you ask of me, I’ll do it. Just say the word and I’ll be there.”
He stopped in his tracks, afraid to continue with what he wanted to say so badly. Over seven years of bottled up feelings that had been torturing him. The man who plagues his thoughts sitting before him, leaning into Miles affectionately.
“You can say it,” Phoenix whispered.
“ I love you ,” Miles finally spilled.
“I love you too,” Phoenix answered.
The next thing Miles knew, Phoenix’s lips were on his. He doesn’t know who moved in first, but he doesn’t care. Phoenix tastes like mint lip balm and grape juice and Miles wants more of it. He grips Phoenix’s suit jacket like his life depends on it and Phoenix pulls him in closer by the waist. He’s basically on top of Phoenix now and he hasn’t pulled away yet. After almost ages, Phoenix pulled away. They were both breathing heavily. After a moment of catching their breaths, Phoenix spoke.
“That was long overdue.”
“I’ll say.”
And then Phoenix pulled him back in. His hand wandering under Miles’ suit jacket, eventually pushing it off of his shoulders. Miles burying his hands in Phoenix’s hair, uncaring of how they were rumpling their nice clothes. Their bodies moved in perfect unison, like they were built for each other. Miles was sure that they were. He could never love another person the way he loved Phoenix Wright, and he knew that Phoenix felt the same way.
When they pulled away and caught their breath for the second time, an idea popped into Miles’ head. He said it without thinking.
“I know we’ve only just kissed but would you and Trucy like to move in with me? I have an extra room that she can use.”
“I mean, I’d- I’d have to ask her but I’m sure she’ll say yes- I- she’s been asking when you and I will get together for years , Miles, she’s gonna be fucking ecstatic. The Feys too- wow-”
“My sister as well. I know she doesn’t show it but she enjoys your company now, and she absolutely adores Trucy. And the children- why, Kay and Sebastian have been teasing me about you for so long,” Miles laughs, resting his forehead against Phoenix’s.
Phoenix kisses him again, and it’s perfect. It’s beautiful, and it’s everything Miles has ever wanted, and it feels so fucking right.