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“I mean, of course you can come over. Trucy has a magic show and we can’t really afford to cancel it, but I’ll have Apollo go with her.” He pauses; there is a response on the other end of the line. “No, don’t worry about it, it’s not a problem at all. Apollo needs to see more of her shows anyway, and I’ve seen this one before.” Another pause, and more garbled words from the speaker of the phone. If only the receiver was not pressed so close to his ear, maybe Trucy could make out what the other man was saying.
“No, you’ve just flown in from Europe, you’re probably jet-lagged. You can go to her next performance, right Trucy?” Glancing over at Trucy for an answer, Phoenix notes her enthusiastic nod. Aha, she knows who it is.
She nods, then realizing he can’t see her over the phone shouts, “Yes, Uncle Miles, you can come to the next one! I’ll plan it especially for you!”
Phoenix gives her a grateful smile, turning back to the conversation at hand. “See? It’s fine. I’ll wait here for you.” Listening carefully to the sigh of resignation on the other end, Phoenix grins, his smile still warm as he finishes the call with a “see you soon.”
“Miles? As in Miles Edgeworth? The Miles Edgeworth is coming to our office?” Apollo looks around frantically. What would the legendary prosecutor think of this mess?
“Don’t worry, Polly, Uncle Miles knows how Daddy keeps his office.” Turning from Apollo to Phoenix, she tilts her head in curiosity. “Usually he wants you to come to Europe, though, why do you think he’s here?”
Phoenix just shrugs in response. “How should I know? Usually he’s almost too predictable. Maybe it’s to celebrate the resolution of that case? The success of the Jurist System?”
Trucy’s eyes light up, “It’s because your name’s finally been cleared! Remember? He once told you,” Clearing her throat, Trucy did her best impersonation of Miles’ somber tone. “‘Wright, I have something I need to tell you-- but it must wait until we’ve cleared your name.’”
Phoenix sputters, “Were you spying on us? When did you hear him say that?”
“It doesn’t count as spying if you two didn’t notice me grabbing a glass of milk in the kitchen. I overheard you talking on the couch.” Trucy smirks. Phoenix shakes his head.
Apollo looks confused. “What does he mean by ‘we’ve’ cleared your name, I thought you and I-” Phoenix interrupts Apollo with a chuckle and smug grin.
“Yes, Apollo, you’ve been extremely helpful-- but we would’ve never made it this far without his help. Well, I wouldn’t have made it this far.” He has that poker smile on his face, and Apollo knows he isn’t going to reveal much more about what that statement actually meant.
Deciding to try a new line of questioning, Apollo changes the subject. “Well, how does Trucy know Mr. Edgeworth?”
“I wouldn’t just leave my daughter here and go to Europe. What kind of parent do you think I am?” Phoenix gives him that mocking tone which is somehow more endearing than it is frustrating.
“Why would Miles Edgeworth need you to go all the way to Europe?”
“I believe the phrase is, ‘I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.’ In exchange for his help with the Jurist System and a few other things on my end, I helped him with some of his cases overseas.”
“And now he’s coming here? Will I get to meet him?” Apollo asks, the excitement obvious in his voice.
Phoenix nods and stifles a laugh. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney more like Apollo Justice: Ace Fanboy. It was cute, but he knew his protege would not appreciate being called cute by his boss.
“But first, you’re taking Trucy to her magic show and helping her set up. I’ll make sure he sticks around until you guys come back, but I can’t promise he’ll be here much longer than that.” Phoenix smiles. He is looking a little forlorn, but only Trucy notices.
“Will do. I’ll make sure the show goes well and then we’ll hurry back here when it’s done.” Apollo nods. He is excited; he would finally get to meet the legendary prosecutor Miles Edgeworth in the flesh! Watching the videos of his and Mr. Wright’s courtroom battles had been so inspiring- he wondered what the prosecutor was like in person. Recalling memories of a less than impressive first meeting with his other childhood hero (aka, his boss), he hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed when he met Miles.
“You two will probably be home much earlier than usual since you won’t have to fight for a cab. I should make you drive more often.” Phoenix chuckles.
Apollo sighs. What kind of person doesn’t know how to drive in this day and age in L.A.? Apparently, that kind of person was none other than Phoenix Wright.
“Now run along you two, I do want to clean up just a little bit before he gets here. I don’t want to be mocked more than usual.”
They prepare to leave for Trucy’s magic show and Apollo is left carrying most of Trucy’s things as she gives her daddy a hug goodbye. Apollo leads the way out of the office and to the parking lot. He was just glad all of her supplies fit in his tiny Honda Civic.
~
Phoenix is just finishing sweeping up a mess under the coffee table when he hears a knock at the door. He takes a minute to put the cleaning supplies away and even stops to check himself out in the mirror. It is no use, he doesn’t have enough time to make himself look presentable. Miles should have known what to expect by now.
“I see you finally figured out how to open the door, Wright.” Miles comments when Phoenix opens the door. Even with such a discourteous greeting, Phoenix feels the warm sentiment behind Miles’ cold words.
“I’m excited to see you, but why are you here?” Phoenix realizes how rude of a greeting that is and adds, “I mean, don’t get me wrong. You’re always welcome here- it’s just a bit unexpected, and usually you’re so predictable,” He is just messing up this whole greeting now, but he continues babbling anyways. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, I actually like your predictability. Gives me something I can count on…” Miles is just listening and waiting as Phoenix rambles on. When Phoenix finally looks up and meets Miles’ eyes he gives him a small smile.
“It’s good to see you, Edgeworth.” Miles’ smile broadens, but he is still tapping his fingers on his crossed arms expectantly.
It finally dawns on Phoenix. “Oh, shoot, sorry, I forgot to invite you in.” He makes a show of stepping out of the way and sweeping his arm out, even giving Miles a little bow as he passes by. “Welcome to the Wright Anything Agency, Miles Edgeworth.”
“It’s less of a mess than I expected, honestly.” Stepping past Phoenix and observing the space, Miles nods. He spots an open closet filled with cleaning supplies in the corner. “But you needn’t clean up on my account.” Phoenix sighs in response, but his smile doesn't waver.
“Nothing gets past you, does it?”
“Unlike you, I don’t need childish gimmicks to learn the truth- just logic.”
“The way Gumshoe praises your logical reasoning, you’d think it was some sort of super power. Are you sure that’s all there is to it?” Phoenix makes himself comfortable on the couch and Miles just looks down at him, obviously scrutinizing him.
“Come on, you’re a prosecutor, not a judge,” Phoenix complains but Miles gives him a look of confusion, so Phoenix continues, “So stop judging me!” This earns him a smile and even a small chuckle from the so-called ‘legendary’ prosecutor.
“It’s merely fascinating, seeing you in your natural habitat.” Miles jokes.
“I’m not some exhibit at the zoo! Come here and sit down already.” Phoenix rolls his eyes as Miles hangs his jacket on the coat rack before finally joining him on the couch.
“So, back to my earlier line of questioning: why did you come all the way here from Europe?”
Miles gives him an amused look. “What is this, a cross-examination?”
Phoenix raises an eyebrow exasperatedly- his expression reads, “Just answer the question already!”
“Well, I heard you successfully implemented the Jurist System. How did it go?” Miles finally responds.
“I wish you could’ve been there. Things are finally turning around.” Grinning, Phoenix’s face lights up. “It’s been seven long years, but we’re finally making things right. You hear the details about the case?”
Miles nods, a small smile creeping onto his face. “The truth about Kristoph Gavin was finally brought to light. My only regret is that it took so long for him to get what he deserved, and that he almost killed another innocent bystander in his malice.” Miles’ face falls slightly, and he clenches his fists. Phoenix puts a comforting hand over them.
“It all turned out okay. We saved her, and it was close, but it’s over. We finally revealed the truth, and justice was served.”
Miles’ smile broadens suddenly. “Is that his catchphrase?”
“What?” Phoenix withdraws his hand and raises an eyebrow at the sudden switch in topic.
“Your assistant. Well, he’s the attorney now, isn’t he? Apollo Justice? His name is even worse than yours.” Phoenix smiles. It is nice to hear Miles making his snide comments in person rather than over the phone.
“I resemble that remark!”
“I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘resent’. Do you need to take lessons from Sebastian Debeste? His vocabulary has improved remarkably.”
“No, I meant what I said.” Phoenix retorts smugly, and Miles shakes his head with a smirk.
They enjoy a comfortable silence before Phoenix remembers what he wanted to say.
“Okay, so I’m glad you’re here, and I know you came to talk about the case…” Miles waits. Phoenix is having trouble articulating his question correctly. “...Yet, I can’t help but think this is a conversation we could have had over the phone, or Skype if you really wanted to.”
Now it is Miles’ turn to struggle with his words.
“Well, I, that is…” Miles wishes the small talk would last just a bit longer.
Phoenix remembers what Trucy mentioned earlier. “Are you finally going to tell me whatever it was you wanted to tell me a few months ago?” Miles looks away and Phoenix swears he sees a faint blush appearing on those pale cheeks. “You said we needed to wait until my name was cleared. Well, I don’t have my badge back yet, but...”
“Yes.” Miles blurts, but he doesn’t continue and he still won’t look directly at Phoenix.
“Yes? What is it, Edgeworth?”
Miles turns to look at him and though Phoenix can’t read the emotion there he can feel its intensity. “May we drop the formalities? Please?”
“What is it, Miles?” Oh god, it was so much more intimate all of the sudden. Saying his first name made Phoenix realize just how close they are sitting to each other on the couch.
“Phoenix…”
It is worse when Miles says his name. It comes out soft and hesitant, and it sends a wave of overwhelming emotion Phoenix can’t quite place through him, and before he can recover, Miles says his name again.
“Phoenix, are you listening? This is important.” Miles puts a hand on his knee, and they are looking into each other’s eyes, and Phoenix feels his mouth go dry, very nearly forgetting every word in his vocabulary except for Miles’ name.
“Miles.” Phoenix responds, enjoying the taste of his name on his lips. This is bad. They were just calling each other by their first names- he shouldn’t be this excited.
“I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’” Miles clears his throat, breathing deeply. “Listen carefully, because I think I can only say this once-”
“I love you.” Fuck, he hadn’t meant to say that aloud!
Miles’ eyes widen at the outburst, face going a brilliant scarlet. “What?”Phoenix feels heat rising to his face, and he is sure he is just as red. If cheeks could literally burn, his would be bursting into eternal flames.
“What?”
“What did you just say?”
What is the emotion in his voice? Is that a hint of sadness? Anger? Or is it simply surprise, and Phoenix is misconstruing it?
“You know, I knew my bad habit of speaking before thinking was going to come back to haunt me one of these days-”
“Simply repeat what you said, Phoenix.” Miles interrupts his attempt at brushing his words off. The look he gives him is intense, mesmerizing. “Please.” He adds, and it is so much more desperate of a plea than he’d ever heard Miles utter. He has to comply.
“I… love you, Miles. I think I’ve always-”
He is cut short by a pair of lips on his own.
It is pretty obvious to the both of them where that sentence was going.
The shock of Miles kissing him lasts half a second before Phoenix begins kissing him back. Now, he knows exactly what emotion he had felt before: it is desire, coursing through him in cathartic waves as wonder and delight and “finally” flood his thoughts.
“I thought…” Phoenix mumbles against his lips. “I thought I told you…” He whispers as Miles kisses along his jaw, lips catching wonderfully against his stubble.
“No…” Miles breathes into his ear, “you didn’t.”
“I thought, maybe, you felt it.”
Miles hums against his ear. “I did, but I didn’t know what to say. And the time was never right…” Phoenix giggles in reply as Miles sighs into his neck.
“But I’m always Wright…”
“Now’s not the time for puns.” Miles kisses the nape of Phoenix’s neck and he can’t bite back the resulting groan in time.
“For the record, I never stopped loving you. At this point it feels like I was born loving you.” Phoenix murmurs, breath catching in his throat as Miles moans against his skin.
“Stop with the cheesiness, you know I’m lactose-intolerant.”
Phoenix can’t help the laugh that escapes him. The snide remarks just don’t stop, do they? He wonders if he will continue to banter with him while they have sex…
“May I?” Miles asks tugging at his sweater and beanie, snapping Phoenix out of his thoughts. Phoenix quickly complies and unzips his hoodie, shrugging out of it as Miles slides the blue knit cap off his head, pressing kisses to Phoenix's temples and running deft fingers through the dark spikes.
“Mmmm, this ridiculous hairline…”
“I’ve wanted to do this,” Phoenix announces, struggling to remove the fabric around Miles’ neck, “for years.” He clumsily gets the jabot off and ungracefully drops it onto the floor.
“Inelegant but e-effective.” Miles stutters as Phoenix presses his lips forcefully against the newly exposed flesh of his neck. Miles’ breath escapes him in a rush as Phoenix uses his teeth to tease the sensitive skin.
Phoenix runs his hands down Miles's front, tucking his fingers under the fold of the waistcoat and undoing the buttons one by one. “Why do you wear so many layers? Are you cold?”
“Not anymore.” He hums against Phoenix’s ear, “I imagine you would look great in a waistcoat and a properly tailored suit…”
“I think you’ll look better when I finally get this tailored suit off of you.”
Without warning Miles freezes. Feeling the man draw stiff, Phoenix pauses.
Phoenix stares at him, eyebrows creased in concern. “Do you think we’re moving too quickly?”
“Quickly? We’ve been drawing this out for decades.” Miles counters, shrugging off his own unbuttoned vest and reaching a hand under the hem of Phoenix’s t-shirt to draw it up. “It’s just… this is finally happening.” Halting his hands on Phoenix’s torso, Miles purses his lips. “The realization hit me all at once; it’s a bit…” He pauses to pull the fabric over Phoenix’s head and tosses it aside. He loses his train of thought, he’s mesmerized by the sight of Phoenix’s chest, bare except for the gold locket that rested just under the jut of collarbone.
“‘Overwhelming’ is the word I think you’re looking for.”
Getting no reply in return, Phoenix glances at Miles’ face; the man’s gaze is still focused on his chest, his jaw slack. “But, uh, you’re not going to find it written on my chest.”
Miles ignores the remark and begins to undo the buttons of his shirt, locking eyes with Phoenix as he tugs the starched cuffs over his wrists. There's something about Miles's expression that riles Phoenix up, and he moves to rip the rest of the shirt off, pulling them both up to their knees as he meets Miles’ lips eagerly, wrapping his arms tight around Miles. Their hands explore the newly exposed skin; Phoenix’s fingers roam over broad shoulders, whilst Miles focuses on the small of Phoenix’s back. Now that they’re flush against each other they can each feel each other’s arousals.
“Well that escalated quickly,” Phoenix teases, moving a hand in between them to undo the clasp of Miles’ belt, rubbing his fingers teasingly over the crotch of the maroon pants before pulling at the buckle.
“Wait…” Miles trails off, regretting it almost instantly as Phoenix pauses undoing the zipper of his slacks. Meeting Phoenix’s eyes, he’s reminded, briefly, why he trusts the man so much. Even though desire and want can be seen in his eyes there is, and will always be, concern and care there.
“What is it, Miles?” Phoenix feels like he’s repeating himself. What if, even though they’d gotten this far, Miles just came to his senses and realized how much of a loser Phoenix is and decides to back out? If that turns out to be the case, he’s certainly fucked up their friendship at this point.
Miles bites his lip and motions to their surroundings. “Should we really do this here?”
Oh. Oh. Okay, so it isn’t the sex he has a problem with, it is the setting. Phoenix shoots him a mischievous grin. “I’m sure the couch has gone through worse.” Miles raises an eyebrow and Phoenix quickly adds, “Not, um, that people have had sex on it before. I just meant there have been some… pretty unsanitary bodily fluids on this couch that I would rather not talk about right now-”
“You talk too much.” Miles smiles wryly and kisses Phoenix again, giving the elastic of his pants a playful tug.
“It’s a coping mechanism.” Phoenix’s smile returns as he continues pulling down the zipper of Miles’ pants. A halting hand comes over Phoenix’s own as he begins to pull the slacks down, barely getting them mid-thigh.
“You’re the one who said the couch is unsanitary- the pants stay on.” Miles chides. Phoenix simply grumbles in response as Miles finally moves the elastic of Phoenix’s pants and boxers down, revealing his erection. To make things even, Phoenix peels away the black silk of Miles’ boxers, and Miles hums appreciatively as his own length is uncovered.
Phoenix has to admit he’d fantasized about this… and more than just once. Even more than just a handful of times. Actually, the amount of times he’d done so was pretty embarrassing. All those lonely nights… he realized that he should have done this sooner.
After taking a moment to just appreciate the sight before them, their bodies meet again, skin pressing hotly against skin, lips colliding roughly. It’s bliss, to say the least. The way their bodies fit together is delicious, Miles wraps his arms around Phoenix’s waist for support as a rush of endorphins makes him lose his balance. Phoenix wastes no time as he grips both of their erections and places his other hand on Miles’ ass. Miles chuckles into his shoulder but his breath catches in his throat as Phoenix squeezes his left butt cheek and thrusts their lengths together.
“F-fuck.”
“That’s the plan.” Phoenix responds cheekily.
Miles decides he would need to kiss him to shut him up. He closes what little distance is left between them and lets his hands roam over Phoenix’s back. They breathe into each other as they buck frantically against the contact of Phoenix’s hand. Attempts are made to match rhythms, but they are in vain. Miles finally settles his hands on Phoenix’s hips and purposefully moves his hips out of time to create more friction. Both moan, hum, and groan, the sounds muffled by their connected mouths. As it becomes harder to breathe they break apart, Phoenix puts his head on Miles’ shoulder and Miles throws his head back in ecstasy.
“I’m kinda upset.” Phoenix mumbles against his neck, Miles responds with a noise of confusion. “I had… hoped the banter would continue while we had sex.”
“I- Fuck… I-I’m, I… can’t…” Miles is so close he can’t coherently put a sentence together. Also, what is he even supposed to say? But Phoenix attempting to talk dirty to him is admittedly kind of a turn on.
“So inelegant.”
He has to respond to that one. “I b-believe the word you are looking for is… ineloquent.” His retort is interrupted by gasps but he turns his head so he can lock eyes with Phoenix and give him a smirk.
“No, I meant what I said.” This time Phoenix is purposefully repeating himself, he increases the pressure of his hold on their lengths and watches as Miles lets his head fall forward and rest on his shoulder.
“Rude.” Miles replies belatedly, after he has had a moment to catch his breath.
He doesn’t have time to warn Phoenix he is coming, his voice gets caught in his throat as a tidal wave of pure ecstasy washes through him. Phoenix moves in close so that as Miles comes the spurts stay mostly in-between them.
Phoenix hums in delight as Miles goes slack against him, trying to catch his breath. It has been eluding him all evening.
“You’re…” Miles whispers when he looks down at Phoenix’s still erect penis.
“So close, Miles, would you…?” Miles nods. Phoenix is already covered in sweat, pre-cum, and Miles’ ejaculate so all he really expects is some manual stimulation. He is shocked but not unhappy as Miles kisses down his torso and moves so he is between his legs on the floor.
“F-fuck…”
Miles murmurs against his hip bone, “Inelegant,” he teases.
“Rude.” Phoenix responds with a smile. His knees shake as he lowers himself to give Miles better access.
Milesbegins by nipping his inner thigh, to tease him and get acquainted with his taste. His bangs brush against Phoenix’s erection with a feather-light touch and he moves his hand to trail his fingers up and down his length. Miles is so focused he doesn’t notice Phoenix stuttering his name or the way his body tenses up. It’s not until he feels a hot stream of cum on his cheek and in his hair that he realizes Phoenix was trying to warn him.
“S-sorry…” Phoenix mutters with a very embarrassed look, Miles gives him a playful glare as he grabs Phoenix’s t-shirt to clean himself off.
“Only fair.” Phoenix melts into the couch, basking in the afterglow of his orgasm and closing his eyes in hopes of saving that image of Miles covered in his cum for later. He hopes it will happen again but just in case he needs that mental image.
It isn’t until Miles is nudging him while cleaning the mess off of him that he notices his phone ringing. Luckily he hits the answer button right before the last ring, but he doesn’t have a chance to look at the caller ID.
“Um, Hello?” Phoenix’s mind is awash with oxytocin and his thoughts are all muddled.
“Daddy? Are you ok? You sound kind of out of it.” Phoenix shoots up, it’s Trucy. What time is it?
“O-of course! Ah-” he tries to stand up to find his clothes and trips over his pants that are still around his knees. He falls, just barely missing the coffee table, but he knocks something over and there’s a loud crash.
“Daddy! Don’t worry, we just got here, I’ll be there in just a minute!” Luckily she hangs up the phone before Phoenix starts cursing. She must have heard the crash over the phone and assumed he was in trouble.
“Need a hand?” Miles has already fixed his slacks and offers him a hand to get him back on his feet.
“Trucy-!”
Miles cuts Phoenix off with a nod, he has figured out what’s going on.
“Hurry up and pull up your pants.” Phoenix does as he is instructed. “But, I, well, I must apologize about the state of your shirt.” Phoenix remembers what his shirt had been used for and gives him a look of dread. “Here’s your sweater, though.” Phoenix quickly grabs it and starts to zip it up. Miles takes his clothes and quickly makes his way to the bathroom.
It’s perfect timing because right as he closes the door to the bathroom Phoenix hears the door to the office crash open. He turns to greet his daughter with a smile. “Trucy!”
“Daddy!” She rushes over with a worried look, but seeing he’s okay she just gives him a quick hug. “What happened?” She looks around. There’s a broken mug on the ground next to the coffee table, Phoenix isn’t wearing the beanie she’d made him, and something is off about his clothes. Is he not wearing a shirt under his hoodie?
“Ahahahaha, it was nothing. I tried to get up too fast from the couch and knocked over the coffee table again.” Trucy doesn’t buy his nervous laughter and she looks around for evidence of what really happened.
“Daddy, were you drinking too much ‘grape juice’ again? I thought-”
“No, no, sweetie I promise that wasn’t it. I was really just surprised by your phone call and tripped getting up.” Trucy gives him a discerning look. She can’t smell the tell-tale scent of alcohol and doesn’t see the usual signs, but he still looks like he’s hiding something.
“You’re home much earlier than expected.” Phoenix adds, giving her a soft smile. She finally returns the smile, deciding he’s hiding something but it’s not related to alcohol.
“It’s so much easier having a car for the show! You should really work on getting a license, Daddy.” Her smile brightens as she teases him.
Phoenix sees Apollo finally trailing into the office, once again carrying all of Trucy’s equipment.
“No, I think we should just add ‘Trucy’s chauffer’ to Apollo’s job duties.” Phoenix gives Apollo a mocking smile as Apollo looks up from setting Trucy’s stuff down with a glare.
“No way.” Apollo responds, but then adds, “Unless I am relieved from bathroom cleaning duty forever.”
“I’ll think about it.” Phoenix has an idea of who he would make take over that duty. There’s a certain promising young pupil that he might let join the office soon.
“Where’s your precious beanie?” Apollo feels compelled to ask because he’s rarely seen his boss without that constant accessory. His hair is a mess.
“Oh.” Phoenix says, running his fingers though his hair as if he hadn’t noticed its absence. “Um, it’s around here somewhere…”
“Behind the couch.” Miles responds casually as he re-enters the room. Other than his hair not having its usual amount of styling product in it he looks completely perfect and composed. Or maybe Phoenix is seeing him through a post-coital lens and just thinks he looks perfect.
“Thanks.” Phoenix looks behind the couch and surely enough it’s there, he grabs it and quickly returns it to its proper place atop his head.
“Mr. Miles Edgeworth…” Apollo doesn’t even try to hide the awe in his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir! I’m Apollo Justice, Defense Attorney!” He offers his hand and Miles shakes it with a smile.
“I’ve heard good things about you, Mr. Justice-” Apollo swears the prosecutor’s grinning as he says his name, “But there’s no need to shout. I’m not as young as I used to be but my hearing is just fine, thank you.”
“Ah, sorry.” Apollo says embarrassedly and scratches the back of his head.
“Don’t be offended, Uncle Miles, that’s how he greets everyone. His trademark ‘chords of steel.’” Trucy smiles and Miles walks towards her with open arms.
“If it isn’t my favorite Wright.” Trucy immediately goes in for a hug.
“Hey, I’m right here.” Phoenix feels dejected. Miles beams at him over Trucy’s shoulder and Phoenix’s sigh turns into a smile.
“No, I meant what I said.” Miles says to Phoenix after Trucy has left his arms.
For reasons beyond Trucy and Apollo’s understanding Phoenix goes very red at this comment. Apollo suddenly feels awkward, like he’s walked in on a family that he doesn’t belong to. Then Miles turns towards him and motions for him to join them.
“Ah, Mr. Justice, how rude of me. I forgot to thank you.” Miles gives Apollo a warm smile and his face suddenly grows very warm.
“W-what for, Mr. Edgeworth? I don’t believe-”
“For helping my partner finally clear his name. I heard you worked very hard to reveal the truth of the matter. I really admire attorneys who pursue the truth above all else.” Apollo’s face only grows redder. Being complemented by The Miles Edgeworth? And that earnest smile is… he doesn’t know how to describe it. In all of the videos and pictures he’s seen of this man he looks cold, calculating, but passionate. Now… this is the opposite of how his meeting with Mr. Wright had gone.
“Be careful, looks like you’ve got a new fan.” Phoenix teases, seeing the look on Apollo’s face.
“Hmm, well if he wants to switch sides I wouldn’t mind taking him as an apprentice at the Prosecutor’s Office.”
Phoenix looks from Apollo to Miles, hoping Apollo would laugh off the offer. When Apollo continues to just look at Miles in awe Phoenix has to step in.
“You can’t just take my employee! Tell him, Apollo.”
Apollo shakes his head, almost like he’s waking up from a trance.“Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth but Mr. Wright is correct. I love my job as a defense attorney. Though, I wouldn’t mind a few pointers from such someone with such experience as yours.”
“Yes, of course. And if you need someone to talk to I’m also here for you. I know how hard it can be finding out your mentor was using you and obscuring the truth for their own agenda.” Phoenix can practically see the stars in Apollo’s eyes.
“Why can’t you always be this charming?” Phoenix asks Miles.
“Who’s to say I’m not always this charismatic?” Miles retorts with a huff.
“Everyone. You’re a lot of things, but charismatic is not one of them.” Phoenix rolls his eyes at Miles’ glare.
“Even I have to agree, Uncle Miles, you’re being especially nice today.” Trucy chimes in. “Not that it’s a bad thing.”
“I guess I do find myself in a better mood than usual. It’s all thanks to your father.” Miles remarks, causing Phoenix to blush once again.
“Anyways, isn’t it late? Shouldn’t you two be getting to bed?” Phoenix motions to Trucy and Apollo
“Mr. Wright I am a grown man, it’s only 9 o’clock, and I don’t even live here.”
“Yes, well, I guess you’re right. Nothing gets past those keen eyes, does it?” Phoenix replies.
Apollo finally focuses on the situation he’s walked into. What had been happening before they’d reached the office? Mr. Wright’s missing t-shirt, the flustered look on his face, his disheveled hair, his missing beanie, Mr. Edgeworth coming out of the bathroom and knowing exactly where the beanie was. Apollo blushes from the inappropriate but completely logical conclusion he has reached.
“You two are together?!” Apollo shouts, realizing he was already asked to lower his voice. He’s just so surprised. Well, this is incredibly awkward, Apollo’s face grows redder with every passing second of silence.
“My, he is very perceptive. Where did he get such great logical reasoning skills? I know they weren’t from you.” Miles finally remarks to Phoenix.
“How did I not know about this?” Trucy looks from one to the other with a hurt expression.
“Well, it’s a rather recent development…” Phoenix responds timidly.
Trucy has an epiphany. It all makes sense to her now. She turns to Miles. “So that’s what you were waiting to tell Daddy.”
“What?” Miles returns in honest confusion.
“When you had something to tell him, but you said you wanted to wait until his name was cleared.” Trucy smiles. “You were waiting to tell him your true feelings!”
Miles and Phoenix exchange a look. Everything else fades away. Phoenix moves slowly towards Miles.
“Is that true?” He almost whispers. He’d forgotten all about that. He had dumbly interrupted Miles when he was answering him earlier.
“Well, had I not been interrupted by your own spontaneous declaration I had planned on admitting my own affections for you…” Phoenix completes his sentence for him with a kiss. They quickly pull apart at the sound of Trucy’s girlish squeal.
“What’s wrong?” Phoenix steps away from Miles and gives Trucy a concerned look.
“Nothing. Continue.” Trucy covers her mouth, upset at herself for interrupting them.
“Please don’t.” Apollo interrupts.
“Awww, Polly, I’ve been waiting for this to happen for years! Don’t be such a spoilsport.”
“I’m fine!” Apollo says more to reassure himself. “I just would rather not see my boss make-out with his rival, a world renown prosecutor, right now.”
“So, another time would be fine?”
“What?”
“You said not ‘right now,’ so would watching them make-out be okay at another time?”
“What? No, of course not.”
They are interrupted by Phoenix’s laughter. They both look towards him, it’s obvious he had been trying to hold it in.
As he regains control of himself he places a hand on Miles’ shoulder and gestured towards Trucy and Apollo.
“Miles, welcome to the family.”
Phoenix motions for them to join him in a group hug. Apollo sighs but complies, mumbling something along the lines of “I don’t live here, we’re not even related, how do I keep getting roped into these things?”
“Didn’t think I’d have a family of my own so soon.” Miles comments as they separate.
“Who do you think you’re kidding? You’ve always been a part of the family, Miles. Apollo here is the newest addition.” Phoenix pats Apollo on the back a little too enthusiastically, Apollo gives him an exasperated look but decides to give in and shrugs.
“Even though we’re not technically related-“
“Does this mean I can finally start calling you ‘My son,’ now?” Phoenix interrupts, Apollo immediately glares and shakes his head in reply.
“You could be like that, how do I put this politely, spherical defense attorney and call him ‘My boy.’” Miles recommends, though he cannot remember the man’s name he sees Phoenix understands who he’s talking about.
“Grossberg? Should I also mention my hemorrhoids during trials on a regular basis?” Phoenix’s grin is practically maniacal.
“Please refrain from doing so.”
Phoenix and Miles share a look and collapse onto the couch, emotionally and physically drained. Neither one can tell who starts chuckling first, but it’s only seconds before they’re both laughing wildly.
“Daddy? Uncle Miles? Are you okay?” Trucy’s glad to see them so happy together, but it also worries her for some reason.
“It’s almost eerie seeing them laugh like that.” Apollo adds, then thinks to himself. Do they suddenly look ten years younger?
They continue to laugh and it’s obvious they aren’t going to respond to their questions right now. Had they even heard them?
“Let’s just give them a minute, Trucy. Come on, I’ll make you something to eat. We didn’t really have a chance to get dinner.” Apollo suggests, guiding Trucy away from the giggling grown men.
“As long as it isn’t noodles that’s okay with me!” Trucy responds as they make their way towards the kitchen.
As they finally get their chuckling under control Phoenix places his hand on Miles’ knee and Miles does the same. It’s as if they need to hold onto each other in order to stay sitting upright.
“I feel inclined to ask due to a growing sense of incredulity, is all of this real?” Miles says when he catches his breath.
“Oh God I hope so. I don’t know if I could go through all of that again.” Phoenix can’t even stand the thought that all of this is some kind of dream. Phoenix gives Miles’ knee a quick squeeze and then feels his own knee being squeezed. They look up and smile at each other.
“Now that they’re out of the room, can we get back on track? I think we were at the part where I kiss you.” Phoenix waits until Miles nods to shift his weight so he can have better access to his lips.
“Mmm, yes but I’m enforcing a strict kissing only policy in the office from now on.” Miles replies as Phoenix leans in.
“Fair enough.” Phoenix whispers right before he closes the space between their lips.
They have their privacy for all of 10 minutes before Apollo and Trucy return. Apollo spots Phoenix and Miles on the couch where they left them, making out.
“For Christ’s sake, we’re still here Mr. Wright!” Apollo calls out, looking away and covering Trucy’s eyes, holding her back as she tries to squirm past him.
“Ah, sorry.” Phoenix responds embarrassedly as he pulls himself away and makes and effort to stand up.
“I’d expect this from Mr. Wright, but you Mr. Edgeworth?” Apollo gives him a disappointed look and Miles can’t help but feel completely ashamed to be scolded by someone so much younger than himself.
“My sincerest apologies.” Miles brushed himself off as he stood, hoping to retain some of his dignity.
Apollo hesitates for a moment, scrutinizing the both of them before making his decision. “Well, I can see you two need some serious alone time. Trucy can spend the night at my apartment and sleep on my couch.”
“But-!” Trucy starts to protest but Apollo interrupts. “Nope, we’re leaving. See you in the morning, Mr. Wright.”
“Good night Daddy! Good night Uncle Miles!” Trucy waves as Apollo practically pushes her out the door.
As the door clicks shut behind them Miles and Phoenix share an intimate smile.
“I’ll have to thank that boy again later for all of his help.”
“Yeah, but don’t call him a boy. Didn’t you hear him? He’s a grown ass man.”
“I believe you are embellishing his statement, but I get the point.”
They slowly move closer to each other, as if this is a choreographed waltz that requires precise movements.
“Let’s not rush it this time.” Phoenix comments quietly, offering his hand to Miles as if they really are going to dance.
“I agree. Now that we have all the time in the world.” Miles grabs Phoenix’s hand and follows him back to the bedroom.