crossposted on my AO3.
They… They had actually managed to do it. It had taken every ounce of guile, determination and more sweat and panic than Phoenix wanted to ever admit to…. But the trail of Miles Edgeworth for the murder of Hammond had finally come to a close. One of his two childhood best friends had been cleared on that charge, and the real murderer had been brought to light. Not only that…But the guilt that had been apparently weighing on his friend's soul for the possible murder of his own father, Gregory had been laid to rest. Miles had been cleared of that murder as well, the true killer having been revealed as Manfred Von Karma… The very man who had adopted Miles after the miserable asshole had killed his father.
Why Von Karma had decided to adopt Miles, Phoenix could not fathom. It certainly didn't have anything to do with guilt over killing the defense attorney, otherwise the slimy asshole would have confessed to the murder and had rotted in jail until they executed him. This trial had been easily the most stressful one that he had ever been through… And it wasn't just because it was his fourth ever trial as the main attorney on the case. He had been fighting for the life of his Chief's younger sister… And his own life and he hadn't been as worried then. OF course, the very real terror of seeing the vital evidence that would prove Miles' innocence had gone missing – stolen by Von Karma as a way to try to hide the truth. The missing bullet had given him a brief heart attack – but the recess and Maya's timely arrival had once again staved off a wrongful verdict.
Phoenix had not caught the look – if any – that the Alpha had given him when Maya had helpfully informed Miles that Phoenix had become a lawyer in order to see Edgeworth again. He knew that it was a little… Extreme to go to such lengths…But his friend had looked so sad and so haunted in the pictures, and Phoenix knew that what had been printed in the papers had to be a lie. Phoenix owed Miles much for the direction that the other had given him in his life, and he hoped that this trial – or rather, two trials smashed together in one climactic fight for his friend's life – helped to repay some of the debt that he owed the other.
Phoenix was grateful that they had a bit of time to themselves, in the lobby after the trial. He listened to the others' relief and joy at the conclusion of the trial… and realized as he glanced over at Edgeworth that the crush he'd had on Miles as a kid had not gone away. Phoenix knew that the man before him and the kid that he had once known as a child were two different people… But he cared for the other still. The omega instantly moved over to Miles when the other spoke his name, only half-realizing that Larry had been leaning against one of his shoulders, with his face buried in his suit jacket.
"Wright." Edgeworth had said, turned partially away from him.
As… As ever, his attention was focused a little too much on the silver haired Alpha. But Phoenix could not make himself look away from the other, and he responded with a relieved "So it's finally over, Edgeworth." A small smile appeared on his face. They were finally free from the darkness of the past. Hopefully they would all be able to move past the darkness of DL-6 and into the future, whatever it might hold.
"You have my gratitude… Uhm… Thank you for all of your help." The prosecutor managed out, looking at him briefly a couple of times. The other's arms were held stiffly at his sides, but the thanks were said facing him directly, as Miles reached out his hand to shake.
Was… Was Edgeworth smiling at him a little? Larry charged in, as he always did. Happily chattering about Miles' gratitude. Phoenix obliquely mentioned the class trial – and was unsurprised that neither Larry, nor Miles seemed to remember it… Until Maya (the younger omega, who seemed to exist to help and cause mischief for Phoenix in equal measures) talked about the "Case of the missing lunch money."
… Which caused Gumshoe (the older Alpha, curious and very, very loyal to Edgeworth, which was heartening. His friend needed all of the friends he could get, particularly in a line of work as dangerous as being a state prosecutor could get) to ask about this case as well.
Phoenix had been slightly embarrassed to talk about it more, simply reminding the other of the class trial that Edgeworth had defended him in, and that the defense of such had pushed Phoenix into becoming a lawyer. Specifically a defense attorney, to follow in his friend's footsteps… Then their conversation had devolved into an argument, as Larry admitted to being the lunch-money thief. Phoenix knew that it was slightly ridiculous to get so angry at the blond beta but… That trial had been so very traumatizing that he still occasionally had nightmares about it.
Gumshoe came over, trying to intercede as he and Larry fought for a while, with the full truth coming out that Larry had found the small Pomeranian that Edgeworth had later adopted with the money in it's mouth. He had turned it into the police, as he was supposed to, not knowing that the money had belonged to Edgeworth at that time, and so didn't know to mention it to either of the two boys. The detective had also been the one to suggest a party.
… And that was how they had all ended up in Wright and Co's office, several pizzas splayed out on the table next to the sofa, drinks of various kinds strewn across it as well. Larry, Gumshoe and Maya were asleep in a pile, having eaten their fill and fell asleep to the re-runs of the Steel samurai. Phoenix had grabbed a couple of blankets from the back part of the office – where the bed and the small shower was – and gently placed the blankets on top of the sleeping trio, a small smile lifting his lips as he sighed softly. It was starting to get very late… But as he didn't have a trail – or even a new client lined up to talk to tomorrow, he supposed it didn't matter all that much.
Miles was watching the TV, apparently completely enraptured by whatever was going on. It was a season finale of the Steel Samurai from the way that the special effects were much improved from a normal season… Of course, from his vague recollection of binging the entire series due to the Will Powers case, this was somewhere near the beginning of the series. The animated action series all sort of… Blended together for Phoenix and he had absolutely no desire to refresh those memories. He started to head towards the pizza, speaking up once the show went to commercial break, so as not to be rude "Unless you want more pizza, Edgeworth, I plan on wrapping the rest of this up and putting it in the mini-fridge for tomorrow…"
"Hmm? Oh. I'm done eating for tonight. I know I said it earlier but… I wanted to thank you for saving me today. I really am truly grateful for your help, Wright. Without… Without your stubborn determination, my father's killer would have gone free." The prosecutor awkwardly thanked, getting up from where he had been sitting and walking over to where Phoenix was. The Alpha's subtle scent – usually not a problem from Nick, seemed to overwhelm his senses. They had been this close before but… After all of the pain and misery of the day, Phoenix wanted nothing more than to hug Edgeworth tightly and never let go. He had been so close to permanently losing his friend … And childhood crush… And person he still had a soft spot for, god damn it. But how could he not? With the other's gorgeous, deep voice, the confident way that he carried himself and the other's brilliant mind… Not to mention the other's tall, well-built frame… Piercing grey eyes and silver hair…
Oh hell he still had it really bad for Edgeworth. He just hoped that the hopeless, silly (and unprofessional) little crush on the prosecutor wasn't blatantly obvious… "You're welcome, Edgeworth. But… But as I said before, I'm just glad to repay some of the debt that I owe you. You… You gave me purpose and direction in my life, after all." The and you have since we were kids was unspoken between them and hopefully something that Miles would not notice. It wasn't as if he stalked the other or anything… It's just… He had never been so frighteningly isolated like that before, and to be defended so brilliantly by the person he had been accused of stealing from had left an indelible mark on him.
"… Do you keep blankets here in case you get trapped here at the office, for some reason?" Miles asked curiously after an awkward silence filled the room.
"No, there's actually a little apartment at the back of this place. A bed and a full bathroom, complete with a shower and a couple of towels. There's also a small kitchen back there as well." Phoenix responded brightly… Before covering a huge yawn and resisting the temptation to rub his eyes.
The yawn was contagious, though Edgeworth had been able to hide his exhaustion more elegantly (not that Phoenix was surprised by this. The Alpha was so elegant in how he did so many things and he really needed to get this ridiculous crush under his control before he did something stupid) before murmuring tiredly "I should head home. It is late and I am tired."
"You… You could stay. The bed still has a couple of blankets, and it's comfortable enough to sleep on. I know that you have a car that you could drive home, but like you said it's really late and I know that driving tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of something, if not even more.. Err… Not that I'm trying to lecture you or anything!" Phoenix responded, realizing that he might sound as if he was patronizing the other – or nagging – and started to flail around a little, trying to show that he hadn't meant it like that, rather that he was concerned for his friend's well-being and wanted to make sure that Edgeworth was ok.
"And where would you sleep? There is no more room on the couch, and I doubt that the floor is that comfortable." Miles countered, a slightly amused expression appearing on his face, though he did seem tempted by the prospect of a close bed.
"I… Uh… My apartment isn't that far, and I could bike there." Phoenix responded promptly "It's less than three miles away." Phoenix responded. Part of him hoped that Edgeworth would offer to let them sleep together – even if it really was just sleeping. But he didn't want to presume.
"Nonsense. It's still rather far away for this time of night, especially on that rickety blue bike of yours… Which you left at the courthouse, as I drove everyone here." Edgeworth pointed out, his logic on point.
There was something… Slightly off about that last point, but Phoenix was going to let it go in favor of asking "So, what would you like to do about it, then?" the offer of sharing the bed (platonically! After they won against the so called god of prosecutors ) was a potential, but he wasn't going to be the one to ask. It was taking most of his self-control not to start blushing violently at the thought. Not that he would want to do anything with Edgeworth with the other three so close. For one thing, the possibility of getting caught was high and the thought was mortifying .
"We could both sleep together in the bed, if it's large enough." Edgeworth responded with his usual bluntness, drifting towards the door that Phoenix had come through holding the blankets earlier.
"I-it should fit two people. A-And I don't mind sharing a bed with you, if you don't. Occasionally I do crash on the bed here, so I have a couple of different pajamas to change into… As I don't know about you, but I'd rather not sleep in my suit." For one thing it would get all wrinkled… and another was that Phoenix doubted that it would be very comfortable to sleep in. And he had only stuttered a little at the idea of sharing a bed (for sleeping. And just sleeping! Bad, bad brain for coming up with unwanted mental images!) . He was… He was doing fairly well at controlling the ridiculous crush so far.
"Not sleeping in my suit sounds like a spectacular idea." miles responded, sounding as though he was- just barely able to suppress another yawn as the two of them made their way into the back part of the office.
Phoenix went to the small dresser and pulled out two pairs of sweat pants, as well as two thin t-shirts. He handed the slightly larger set of clothes to Miles saying, "You can change first, if you like." He nodded towards the door that lead to the bathroom.
The alpha nodded as he took the clothes, their finger tips accidentally brushing together. "Thank you. I will be out as soon as I can." with that, Edgeworth entered the bathroom and closed the door, oblivious to the fact that Phoenix was starting to blush.
The omega raised the hand that Miles had accidentally touch, his nerves till tingling and his mouth unexpectedly dig form that touch. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. How in the hell he was going to be able to fall asleep next to the handsome, powerful Alpha, Phoenix did not know. Then again he was utterly exhausted and it was similarly wore, given that the other had been sleeping in a jail cell for several nights .And Phoenix knew from experience that they were very cold and uncomfortable.
Phoenix went over to the small closet and pulled out a couple of hangers, so that both he and Edgeworth would be able to hang their suits up to prevent wrinkling Part of him just wanted to crawl into bed, not even taking off his jacket or shoes... The idea of just flopping onto one side of the bed and falling asleep was incredibly tempting. Phoenix shuffled blearily towards the bed, close to acting on that impulse when Edgeworth stepped out of the bathroom wearing the pajamas and carefully finishing folding his clothes. "I am finished changing. May I use one of those hangers please?"
Phoenix nodded, coming forwards and handing one of the hangers over, failing to completely cover the jaw-cracking yawn as he shivered a little in exhaustion. "Good to know. Choose whichever side of the bed you want." With that, the defense attorney stumbled past Miles, nearly tripping over himself, as he passed by the other.
The alpha reached out and helped to right Nick's balance, the slight expression of surprise showing that Edgeworth had reached out to help him automatically. "Be careful, Wright." HIs childhood friend admonished, a rather amused smile appearing on his face.
"Yeah, yeah. Not all of us are as graceful as you are." Phoenix grumbled good naturedly. "thanks, though."
"You're welcome, though its a little endearing to see that you're still clumsy when tired." the prosecutor responded with a small smile, having already let go of Phoenix as the other had gotten his balance back.
The places where Miles had touched him were still warm and tingly. Phoenix grumbled and headed off into the bathroom glad that he was able to stave off another blush. He shook his head, mentally scolding himself. Phoenix was determined not to turn into a confused pile of hormones. He struggled to center himself, shaking his head and sighing. Between to the soft spot he apparently still had on Edgeworth, the stress and lack of sleep from the last few days... And he knew that he was going to go into heat soon. he was allergic to most suppressants, except for Jaysalle tea... Which was expensive.
He usually drank one pot for the three days up to the beginning of his heat, which knocked it down to a manageable level. Phoenix was just... H was just reacting to the Alpha's presence, as he was getting close to the heat. It didn't help that he trusted Miles quite a bit...
Phoenix carefully folded his suit and placed it on the hanger. He yawned and stretched. He pulled himself together. Edgeworth and he were just starting to reconnect. Stupid, miserable instincts messing with his head. He walked into the bedroom, hung his suit next to Edgeworth's and slipped into the opposite side of the bed, curling away from the prosecutor. He yawned silently and closed his eyes, the other's subtle scent rather relaxing. As the other's eyes had been closed, Phoenix hadn't said anything on his way to bed. Either the other was asleep, or Edgeworth didn't want to talk, so Phoenix was content to leave the other be.
Phoenix woke shortly before dawn, enjoying the warmth and feeling of safety that seemed to surround him. The omega yawned a little and stretched before cuddling into the warm, firm surface next to him. It was so wonderful to feel so comfortable... but something had shifted in his environment...
His eyes snapped open as he realized two things. The first was that he was cuddled into a sleeping Edgeworth- the Alpha's arms were wrapped comfortably around him. The other was that Phoenix spotted a piece of paper that had been slid under the door in Maya's handwriting- as carefully as he could, to avoid waking Edgeworth, Phoenix slid out of bed and his eyes immediately going to the piece of paper as he headed over to it as soundlessly as possible. Phoenix made it over to the paper and had begun to read it, the alpha stirred and Miles asked groggily, "what's going on?"
The other woke up as he could smell the others rising worry and unhappiness walking over to the defense attorney and waiting for a response.
"Maya... she's left a note. She... She's going back to Kurain to train as a spirit medium because she thought that she was useless during... While we were proving your innocence."
Edgeworth frowned at that, shaking his head a little, "She was the one to retrieve the bullet from Von Karma's office. Our case would've sunk without that bullet that she retrieved."
"I know! I... I want to try to catch her. There's only one train headed to Kurain and I... I don't think it's arrived yet." Phoenix responded pulling on his socks and hurriedly lacing up his shoes. He didn't know if he could talk her out of leaving - or if he should for that matter. But Phoenix wanted to say goodbye to Maya, at least.
"I'll drive you. You did leave your bike at the courthouse and driving is much faster." The prosecutor responded, getting his own socks and shoes on given that their sleepwear didn't look like pajamas, while he was a great deal more dressed down than he usually was, this was an emergency of sorts.
The two of them silently ran out the door after Miles grabbed his keys and wallet as Phoenix left the note on the table, in case Larry or Gumshoe woke up and the two of them were still gone.
The drive over to the subway station was tense and silently, at least for Phoenix as the words that Maya had written echoed over and over in his head in the seat as they quickly approached the entrance, tensing up still further. He should have thanked her more for the help that she'd given him. Not only her aid as a Medium bringing the chief to help him in cutch moments… but as herself. Bright, determined and willing to wade with him into hip deed trouble to protect their clients
"Thanks, Edgeworth!" he said as the other had come to a full stop. Phoenix unbuckled and jumped out of the car, running after his friend, hoping that he'd be able to catch her before she left the city.
The run through the train station felt like to took forever, but as he nearly tripped down the stairs and charged across the platform over to where Maya was waiting, "I- Maya- wait!"
Phoenix managed to pant out taking several moments to catch his breath. "I... you were very helpful during the trail with Edgeworth. You were the one who recovered the bullet. You helped be to uncover the truth in the Will Powers case as well. You help me more than just channeling the chief."
Maya blinked up at him in surprise, having obviously not expected his sudden arrival. "Thank you, but I want to become stronger as a medium, and to do so I have to go back to Kurain to study and become stronger."
There was a determined expression on her face and Phoenix realized that it was unlikely that he would be able to convince her to stay. The train rushed passed the two of them, coming to a stop. The doors hissed open and he spoke up "Thank you for all of your help. I wouldn't have been able to avenge Mia without your help."
Maya got into the train car as he spoke, turning and smiling up at him. The only thing he could hear the other say was "You're welcome!" Maya continued to talk, but the doors had already closed, and he could not read her lips. Phoenix followed after the train, trying desperately to read her lips, to no avail. Within seconds she was gone.
"Were you able to speak with her at least?" Edgeworth asked, voice coming from out of nowhere and startling the defense attorney a little as he turned quickly to face the other.
"Yes I was… Though I wasn't able to convince her to stay." Phoenix responded with a soft sigh, explaining what Maya's wishes had been.
"Ah," Edgeworth responded, looking as though he wasn't sure what else to say. The alpha walked over to Phoenix and lightly patted the other on one shoulder. Obviously trying to comfort him "hopefully that doesn't mean goodbye forever. We... we should probably head back, the media is going to be able absolute circus for at least a week over how the trial ended and who, who brought to light the crimes that he committed, beat his nearly perfect record and freed me... You will be at the center of the circus if you're not careful."
"... No thank you. Should we swing by some place and grab food to go for breakfast for everyone else? There's a place that is open that has some of the best donuts and coffee- and tea- in the city." Phoenix asked as the two of them left the train station together. There was leftover pizza and soda to be had, but freshly made donuts and coffee sounded diving at the moment.
"That does sound tempting, actually. There's a place open for business this early? IT's barely six in the morning." Miles responded looking genuinely tempted.
"Yep! They openat five, but they close around one pm thought. It's a small, local place rather than one of the chains." the defense attorney answered brightly, having occasionally cycling over to the pastry place and eaten there. He had been a frequent customer when he had been going to Ivy U. Its hours had also meant that Phoenix hadn't had the chance to take... her there, so bittersweet memories wouldn't taint the place.
"Ah, what's it called?" Miles asked as they got into the prosecutor's car.
"Sweet Fillings! They're about three blocks west of here and two south... it's how I found it, actually Phoenix responded cheerfully. A small smile appeared on his face, he had a lot of fond memories in that lace. He liked to sketch the colorful characters that came in, and there was a collection of fresh herbs that the bakery and donut shop that had some surprisingly intricate flowers that he enjoyed sketching when they were in bloom.
"I know the place. As a rookie Prosecutor the others had me do a food run mid-mornings to that place- even though it's halfway across town. They knew I had a car and they chipped in on gas money." Miles responded with a small smile.
"Awh, it's a pity we missed running into one another. I had to catch the 8'o clock train to get to classes on time." Phoenix responded with a small sigh as the other drove them to the bakery.
"… It would have been wonderful to see you again. Even at that time… Perhaps particularly at that time if I had seen you in a neutral circumstance… If I was able to get over enough of Von Karma's programming to try to talk to you… It… It would have been a good thing." Edgeworth responded, sighing a little as well. "Of that I am certain."
Phoenix looked out of the window, glad that he was able to turn his face away from Edgeworth so that he could compose himself for a couple of moments as a dark blush stained his face as the other found a place to park so that they could get breakfast for Gumshoe, Larry and the two of them to all share. Knowing Larry, their friend would be asleep until just before noon if they didn't poke him awake. He had to focus on anything but the warm sensation that spread through Phoenix's chest at the indirect compliment that Miles had just given hm. For a brief, madness-filled second, he had very nearly blurted out something stupid. Like I have a crush on you and would like to go on a date with you sometime or something similarly sappy. But the sudden appearance of several cyclists, all of whom nearly slammed into the car before swerving around the two of them was sufficiently startling. "I… It would have been nice to see you sooner."
"Hmm… We should wait a little bit longer, to make certain that those cyclists are truly gone. There have been a number of aggravated assaults in the area, and the victims have reported that they were attacked by people on bikes." Miles responded, frowning a little as he watched the cyclists leave with a small frown on his face.
"I heard about that on the news… I hope they catch the people who did this, and quickly." Phoenix responded with an unhappy frown "I hope they stop, as they're liable to kill one of their victims, given the state that they left their last known victim in." He wanted to ask more about the case, but if Edgeworth did know more, it was because the other was a state prosecutor and pressing for that sort of information wasn't just wrong… But probably illegal. "… And don't give me that look, I know it's unlikely that they'll stop doing what they think is easy money or whatever thrill they might get from running people down and mugging them on bikes but… I like to believe in the better nature of humanity. That people tend to do good, when encouraged to do so."
Miles stared at him for a while, before shaking his head a little, a small smile appearing on his face "I… I hope that you always keep that optimism, Wright. It's… Refreshing to see your hope and faith in the better nature of others."
Phoenix was glad that the other didn't try to dismiss his hope as simple naïveté. He had seen dark sides of other people – not just with the trial where he was fighting for the life of one of his two oldest friends against a cold, ruthless and calculating asshole. But the whole thing with… Her … And how she had turned out to be a cold serial killer who delighted in poisoning and tormenting her victims. He had occasionally dealt with a creep who thought that just because he was an omega, that the sleaze bag could do whatever he wanted and Phoenix would thank him for it.
The self-defense that his moms had taught him had been invaluable. He still kept up the training by practicing most mornings, the routine also helped to wake him up for the day. He looked through the windows after several long, slightly awkward and silence- filled minutes later, not seeing any of the cyclists. Phoenix knew that there was a terrible amount of darkness in the world, but there was much more good in Miles than darkness. Of that, Phoenix was certain. He just hoped that Miles would be able to see that within himself.
"I think they're gone." Miles spoke up, just as Phoenix was about to say the same thing, "Shall we?"
The defense attorney nodded and the two of them got out of the car and into the bakery without any trouble. The inside of the shop smelled just as warm and inviting as ever. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked around the well-lit room. The small wooden tables and comfortable chairs that were carefully placed around the room were the same as ever. As it was very close to New Years, the little candles that were placed on the tables were in festive colors and only the ever-green herbs were seen in the window boxes. The display case was tastefully decorated for the new year as well.
Phoenix smiled brightly at Jamie- the store owner, who blinked at them sleepily before cheerfully greeting "Welcome to Sweet Fillings, is there anything specific that you'd like, or do you want to look around for a bit?"
"Hm… I know what Larry likes, and I know what I want ... M... Ed... errr... do you know what you'd like to get? Or what Gumtree might like?" Phoenix asked, verbally stumbling a little as he didn't want to be overly familiar, but as the other was known for being a ruthless Prospector- who'd also been on televised trial yesterday for two separate murder cases... calling the other by his last name might have unintentional consequences.