Particularly since here was a very large, broad-shouldered man with white and grey hair and orange clothes smirking rather smugly at a petite, long-brown haired woman in what looked like some sort of military uniform. Both of them were clearly alphas by their scent and it smelled as though the tow of them had been having a vicious argument before he and Miles stepped in. Phoenix couldn't help but edge closer to Miles... There was something that seemed dangerous about the large (but not fat. The other was very muscular) Alpha in the corner table, and the beautiful woman was also rather intimidating. He wasn't hiding behind Miles... he just was closer to his friend than before. There was nothing wrong with that.. Both of them looked familiar... had he seen them on TV before or something like that?
Edgeworth immediately noticed his disquiet of course, and frowned a little. His grey eyes widened in shock and recognition as he spotted the pair and the young prosecutor wrapped an arm around Phoenix in a silent attempt to either calm him down or to further screen him from their sight.
Miles spoke softly, so his beautiful rich, deep voice didn't carry "I know what I want to get and Gumshoe enjoys old fashioned donuts. Let's order, soon. There's no point in waiting long."
Phoenix nodded, rather wishing that he had grabbed a brush. In their haste to catch up to Maya before she left for Kurain, as both of the still had bed hair. Compared to the two (still oddly familiar) strangers in the back corner of the bakery, they were woefully underdressed. Although why the sharply dressed pair was at a bakery at six in the morning was a mystery that Phoenix was happy to leave alone. He pointedly did not look at either of them as he and Miles walked up to the counter and ordered the two dozen donuts that they were planning to share. Part of Phoenix would rather not wait for the time it took for the drinks to be made – but Miles already ordered the drinks before he could mention it. Miles also paid for the food and drinks, despite Phoenix protesting "I was going to pay for that…"
"It's fine, you paid for the pizza and soda last night, for the party." Miles responded, an amused lilt in his voice as he looked at the defense attorney with a small smile that caused Phoenix's stomach to do happy-nervous backflips. The fair haired Alpha left the counter, heading towards the restrooms.
"It will take a couple of minutes for me to get your drinks – those two are ahead of you and they ordered a dozen coffees to go. Please, sit where you like. I'm glad to see you again, Nick! It's been a couple of years – and I have to say, while that green shirt looks nice on you, you looked better in that adorable pink sweater. Did that date with that red-haired girl go well? You seemed so excited?" Jamie responded, recognizing who the beta assumed to still be an artist "I hoped that you would stop by. I decided to use the sketches of the labels that you made for me, and I owe you for using them. I've been careful to set aside the dough that I owe you."
"Oh! I… I'm glad that you liked them so much! Y-You don't have to repay me for them, though! You let me have as many donuts and hot chocolate as I wanted while I was trying to make them." Phoenix responded with a surprised stutter, flailing his hands in front of him as another sign of not wanting to take the other's money. His voice got much softer and a quick glance told him that the intimidating pair of alphas were still staring at him. Shit. He hoped that neither of them would try to do anything weird because he was an omega. "As… Err… As for uh… Dahlia…. She uh… She turned out to be a serial killer who was slowly poisoning me to death. Dahlia also… She uh… She tried to frame me for murder of one of her victims. She nearly succeeded to, but the truth won out in the end." He winced a little and fidgeted, not wanting to talk more about Dollie to anyone. Ever.
"Oh… I… I'm sorry to hear that about her. But I really must insist that you take payment – my little shop gained quite a bit more revenue because of the sketches that you gave me. They really bring the boxes together and without them, I doubt I'd be doing half as well." Jamie responded, blinking a little in shock. He was firm about paying the other, however and wouldn't be talked out of it. The omega seemed to be even more uncomfortable, now that the alpha he'd come in with had left – of course, Jamie would be uncomfortable if the Chief of Police and the High Prosecutor were staring at him like that.
"I'm curious as to what the two of you are whispering about, over there." The large, orange-clad Alpha called out, shifting a little in his seat and smirking at Phoenix expectantly.
Phoenix internally debated as to whether or not he wanted to respond to the large orange clad alpha's words at all. The two of them had been speaking in a normal tone of voice for the most part. Besides, Phoenix didn't much care for nosy assholes, and it was quite possibly a ploy to try to draw him into a conversation... And the omega was content to wait the minutes it would take for his order to be ready in peace, rather than dealing with some strange, smug Alpha. So he pretended not to hear the other, telling Jamie, "I'll wait over there for the tea and coffee." he moved over to one of the tables furthest away from the two strangers, while also making certain he wasn't trapped in a corner. Phoenix was also very careful to not look over at either one of the other patrons.
"Hey! I know that you can hear me. It's awfully rude to ignore someone when they're trying to talk to you." The large alpha called out, voice full of faux-levity and amusement "a person could get offended and I'm not someone you want to upset, even accidentally."
Phoenix pulled out a small sketch book and started frantically started to sketch the nosy, noise stronger as well, as notes on the other's behavior. HIs mind was racing frantically as he struggled to decide if talking to the man would diffuse some of the sudden tension in the room.
Before he could do anything Jamie spoke up, "Nick is rather shy of strangers... sir . Your order will be ready in a few minutes. He's the artist who made all of the designs I use for marketing and I was thanking and paying him for his efforts."
The stranger hummed, looking at the designs before scrutinizing Phoenix more than before, "These are some intricate designs, you've got quite the eye. The way you've incorporated the different floral designs that represent different parts of the city is quite clever. Do the other parts of each of the designs have a specific meaning, or is it just there to look good?" the alpha asked, continuing to stare at Phoenix, having no inclination to leave him alone. The orange clad alpha shifted in his seat and Phoenix's eyes were drawn to the movement.
He swallowed dryly and wondered if he should go hide in the bathroom until the two of them left. The other was wearing a gun of some kind, and the causal power that the other seemed to believe he held... the defense attorney was certain that the other was either a high-ranking police officer... or in with one of the mafia families... or possibly both. Phoenix stayed quiet.
His companion frowned at him muttering irritably, "Leave the poor boy alone. He's obviously very uncomfortable with the attention you're giving him."
"Aww... but he should have no reason to be afraid of me unless he's up to something illegal." the other alpha countered with an amused smirk.
"And the fact that you are over a foot and a half taller than he is a stranger, and obviously strong has nothing to do with it?" she ground out arching an eyebrow at the other, her arms folding over her chest defensively.
The other laughed merrily at her words and Phoenix was... Vaguely terrified, rather than reassured by the laugh, "Ah, but few people are in danger from the chief of police and the chief prosecutor of the city they live in."
Just as Phoenix was about to get up and try to make a tactical retreat to the bathroom to hide, Miles came out. the omega sighed softly before going back to finishing his sketch of the two of them, surreptitiously taking a picture of the drawing and a If I go missing message to Larry, which would send with a press of a button. Part of him knew that he was probably over reacting. It was likely that the large aloha was simply trying to be friendly...
But unlike Will Powers- who while being large, muscular alpha did not illicit the same nervous response from Phoenix. And the other had been accused of murder. But there was just this aura around the self proclaimed chief of Police that made the defense attorney distinctly uncomfortable.
Miles came over and sat across from Phoenix while the other continued to struggle to not to react to the orange Alpha. He lifted an eyebrow and one of the other's hands shifted ever so carefully he covered the hand that Phoenix wasn't using to draw with. He spoke quietly so his voice didn't carry beyond the table. "What's wrong?"
"Something about Orange bothers me. He has a gun and says that he's the Chief of Police... And the lady in the military looking outfit is..." Phoenix made certain to speak softly as well. Settling down a little and trying not to smile a little and blush at the warm touch. He almost said, Your boss , but if either of the two of them were reading lips, this situation might get even more awkward than it already was. "The chief prosecutor. He's... chatty for early in the morning."
"I've ... heard stories about the chief of police and from what I've heard… That man certainly fits the description. He usually wears that outfit, rather than a police uniform – not that most high level officers are required to wear their uniforms outside of certain functions. Supposedly he's a rather… Outgoing sort of person. The type of person that you'd rather get along with as fighting with him doesn't end well for most people." Miles responded, keeping his voice low as his hand tightened just a little around Phoenix's.
"Ah… Because he is so outgoing, like Mr. White was said to be, or that he's simply so personable?" The defense attorney responded, barely moving his lips as he tried not to tense up all over again at the way that his old friend phrased that, remembering what Miles had been hinting and implying at during the trial where he had ended up taking down the powerful blackmailer for the murder of his boss.
Edgeworth did not respond verbally, but he nod just the smallest bit. "A mix of both, or so the rumors say. Not that it is good to put stock into such things, after all. It's rather rude to draw someone without their permission, unless you intend to hide the sketch before the person realizes what you are doing."
Phoenix nodded subtly at that, closing his sketchbook and putting it in the pocket of his sweatpants. He had forgotten that he had put a mechanical pencil and a small sketchbook in the pocket of these pants, and he had been looking for this particular sketchbook. Silence sprung up between the two of them, and as they continued to wait for their order to be filled, Phoenix's mind wandered elsewhere. He needed to distract himself from the fact that Edgeworth had yet to move his hand away from one of his own, and how warm and comfortable it felt otherwise Phoenix just knew that he was going to turn into a blushing, stuttering mess. Potentially worse yet, he could make the silver haired prosecutor uncomfortable and the last thing that he wanted to do was to drive Edgeworth away from him. "I see."
After Maya had realized that he was actually a fairly good artist (or so she said at least) she had talked him into finding an alternative source of revenue, given that they went months between cases. He drew artwork – and even occasional, short comics (no more than six pages long) for money online. She had been determined to talk him into gong to the Steel Samurai themed convention that was coming up in a few months, saying that his artwork was starting to become very, very popular in certain circles in the Steel Samurai fandom. But that would require that he get a vendor's spot – among other things – and it was much more complicated than she had first been anticipating. Besides, there was a chance that he could have a client during the time that the convention took place and he would not want to be potentially split on his priorities. His legal clients would always come first, but it would be distressing to have gone through all of that effort for it to be all for nothing.
The knowledge that the Alpha who kept watching the two of them as if they were on stage really was Damon Gant did not help Phoenix's nerves much. But Miles' light touch did help ground him…Which was likely one of the reasons why the usually stand-offish and awkward in social situations Alpha was continuing to do so. Miles was terribly clever… And Phoenix knew that he was rather easy to read. While he did try to mute his reactions to things… He knew that he was a naturally passionate person, and the term crybaby had been used to tauntingly describe him more than a few times throughout his life.
"Mister Gant, Miss Skye , your order is ready, four dozen coffees, each with a different amount of cream and sugar, two dozen orders of tea, two dozen orders of tea, and ten boxes of twenty-four donuts, making sure that each type of donut i all of the containers has two others that are the same "Jamie announced as he started to bring out and stack the drinks' trays and donut boxes on top of one another "half of the teas and coffees are decaffeinated as requested, sir, ma'am."
"Thank you. Next time we order this much, we'll be sure to call in ahead. " chief prosecutor Skye responded, voice firm.
"I suppose that would be best. But it's a lovely little shop and it's a treat to people watch. Even if the cute omega in the corner didn't talk to me, which was ever so rude. It's like he thinks I'm dangerous or something." Gant responded, seemingly sulking for a bit as the two of them went over to the counter and picked up some of drinks and donuts.
"You are dangerous." the prosecutor responded with a huff "Just because you are bored doesn't mean you get to torment random people for your own amusement."
"He's not some random person! Whoever he is, he's somehow close to Worthy- who's next to him. I'm pretty sure that's him." the chief of police responded, sauntering over to the table that Phoenix and Miles were seated at there was a... An almost threatening note in Gant's voice. Despite the lightness of his tone "You are Miles Edgeworth. I've never seen you that dressed down before... But you should make sure that your omega will speak up when you're gone."
"... Phoenix belongs to no one but himself. The fact that he wouldn't talk with you is more than likely due to how you move and speak, rather than anything else." Miles, growled out, grey eyes flashing with anger as he stood up, bristling in irritation. He took a large step closer to Gant, keeping his childhood friend from Gant's sight more or less. He'd been through hell these past few days and his oldest friends had fought tooth and nail to save him. The least he could do was to try to get Gant to stop trying to scare Phoenix for his own amusement.
"Ah, so you decided to get donuts with the only defense attorney in the state who would take your case if you asked them to, Hmm?" Gant responded eyes lighting up with a malevolent sort of glee. "Don't try to deny it, how many people with dark hair, heterochromatic eyes and the ridiculous name of Phoenix do you think live in this city? At... barely seven in the morning on a Saturday?"
"You have no right to question why we are here." Phoenix snapped, standing up as well and glaring fiercely at Gant. "You and the chief prosecutor are here at the same time of day. I didn't want to talk to you because you seemed like one of those kinds of Alphas who think that every omega who sees them should instantly be starry eyed by your shining presence. You have your food and drinks. Neither of us was interested in engaging in conversation with you before. I'm not going to speak for Edgeworth, but I certainly don't want to talk with you more now either."
Gant blinked down at him, a look of surprised amusement appearing on his face as he listened to Wright's diatribe. "you're ballsy. I'll give you that much. Worthy might enjoy you being so mouthy, and I admit.. .There's a certain charm to it. But how you will continue to be a lawyer will be... entertaining. There are a number of reasons why there are so few omegas so directly involved in Law Enforcement- particularly as defense attorneys. Step lightly and with care, little bird, as the fire you possess may burn you to a crisp."
"leave them alone. If you could stop antagonizing those two and assist me with loading all of this into your car, I would be grateful." Prosecutor Skye interjected, a long drawn out sight escaping her. "I know that winding up young attorneys is your favorite thing to do.. But it's too early for this right now."
"I suppose you're right. But playing with Worthy is so much fun and his... Defense Attorney is ridiculously fun to poke. It's fascinating how protective these... New court room rivals are with one another. You've got to admit... You must be curious as to why that's so. I didn't realize that he had friends."
With that, the smug asshole sauntered away. The chief Prosecutor walked past the two of them, pausing for a couple of moments, saying "He's in a strange mood as of late. Stay safe you two." then she left Sweet Fillings, just barely managing to hold the rest of that ridiculously big order.
"... I hope you don't have to deal with him very often. He's the second most unpleasant person I've ever met." Phoenix growled, eyes flashing in irritation as he paced back and forth a little. There was something about the bastard that just ... pissed him off and terrified him in equal measures.
"I don't have to deal with him much, as my assigned police partner is detective Gumshoe. We've been paired together for several years now. He's... he tries his best and genuinely seems to care." Edgeworth murmured, a gentle almost- smile flashing across his face. "But there are times when I must have to deal with im. I understand the unsettling feelings he provokes so easily."
Phoenix nodded, a wan smile appearing on his face. He was glad that Miles didn't dismiss the almost visceral reaction he had to Gant. It was like he was standing before Von Karma again, battling against the underhanded asshole for the life and reputation of one of his oldest friends. "I'm glad that we will be able to unwind today."
"As am I." Edgeworth responded, as they moved to the counter as Jamie announced that their order was ready as well. The two of them looked out the windows, moving slowly until the two of them were fairly certain that Gant and Skye had left the parking lot. They loaded the food and drinks into the back of Edgeworth's car and set off for Phoenix's office.
Phoenix sighed softly, shaking his head a little. He stared at the newspaper again, trying to absorb the information on the front page. It had been a little over a month since Maya had left for Kurain. her home village had no phones, and while he had written her a couple of letters, he knew that it would take time for the letters to reach her... And she'd be busy training in her spiritual abilities. He just hoped that she got them, and knew that he missed her. His wallet was a bit fuller, but he missed the younger omega.
Chief Prosecutor Skye had been indicted and arrested for murder. A picture of her and a rather sensationalist title dominated the front page. The court date was set in a few days and he wondered who would be defending her. His case load was... Empty. He had helped several people with different misdemeanor charges that had been falsely leveled gains them, which had been able to help him over the rent of the office. He continued to draw for money on the internet, finding both the creative outlet and ... A bit more steady source of income to be helpful.
It was mid-morning and Phoenix was indulging in watching the conclusion of one of Edgeworth's trials. The defendant had actually approached Phoenix three or four days before the trail started, wanting him to defend them. Phoenix asked if he could do some investigating before agreeing to do so. His potential client agreed and from what he had been able to discover the other was guilty of the aggravated assault and burglary charges. Phoenix had declined via phone.
He noted that the public defender, one Kristoph Gavin- was fairly good. He pointed out the few logical inconsistencies in Edgeworth's arguments. The weight of evidence however, was in the prosecution's favor... and just before the judge could hand down the verdict, the defendant broke down, screaming and pitching a hysterical fit, admitting their guilty. Gavin was trying to calm his client down, but bailiffs had to be called in, hauling the still screaming defendant away. Phoenix turned off the T.V. ad continued to go through his boss's old files in case there was something she had left undone.
"Hey! Are you Mia Fey?" a young woman shouted, having run in from out of nowhere. "I... I need your help! My... my older sister has been accused of murder and she didn't do it! Please Miss Fey... she told me to ask you for help if I was in trouble... I… I thought that you could help her!" a strange young woman babbled a nervous peering up at the older omega with wide, pleading eyes.
"... I ... I erm.. I'm not Fey, this was her office but... C-chief d-died six months ago. Mr. Grossberg was her mentor and he might be able to help you if you'd rather not have a rookie lawyer defending your sister... miss..?" Phoenix responded trying not to cry a little at the mention of boss. With Maya gone, he didn't - couldn't see boss any more.. well the grief and loss about her actually being dead had the fact that he had found her dead body- if he had been just a bit faster coming back he might have been able to her fight off white had begun to haunt him.
"Ema Skye! I... Prosecutor Skye is my older sister and... I..I don't know how many defense attorneys would be willingly defend a prosecutor... Given how... how competitive it can get. .. Hey! Didn't you defend Prosecutor Edgeworth form a murder charge last month? ... and you won against Von Karma of all people?" She responded, her eyes widening in surprised recognition.
"Yes I was. I am Phoenix Wright. Why don't' you sit down Miss Skye and tell me what you know about the case." he asked, gesturing toward the couch. "I can talk to her, but if she doesn't want my help, there isn't much I can do."
Ema nodded in understanding, fidgeting with her hands as an anxious expression on her face. She told him of what she knew about the case, ending with a frustrated "And I don't know why she won't fight the charges more! I know that she's innocent so please… Will you try to help her?"
"Of course. I'll do my best to find the truth." Phoenix promised earnestly, a determined expression appearing on his face. He wondered briefly if Edgeworth knew anything about this. He hoped not, as Phoenix knew that his friend had been through a lot recently… And the last thing that Phoenix wanted was for his dear friend to be up to his ears in trouble again soon. Preferably forever, but Phoenix knew that the line of work that they both were in, trouble tended to follow those who were successful.
One tumultuous week later found Phoenix and Miles in the alpha's apartment. Both of them were a little bit tipsy from the really delicious bottle of wine that the Prosecutor had opened for the dinner that they had companionably eaten together. Phoenix was pleasantly warm and leaning into Miles felt so nice. The arm that the other had wrapped around Phoenix's waist about ten minutes ago just after they had sat down on the couch to watch a show was comfortable.
Miles' apartment subtly smelled like the alpha – which made sense, given that the other lived here. But there was such a feeling of safety and warmth in this place (it probably had to do with the fact that this place was Miles' home )… Phoenix could guess as to why that was, but thinking about it now, in front of one of his two oldest friends would only cause Phoenix to get very, very flustered… But the sense of peace and safety was so pervasive, that if Phoenix didn't watch himself, he might start purring… Or crawl into Edgeworth's lap and make everything monumentally awkward. A thought occurred to him and Phoenix looked up at Miles, waiting for a commercial break before saying "Edgeworth…. You know that I didn't think that you killed the man who was in the trunk of your car, right? I know that you wouldn't ever do such a thing."
Miles looked at him as he spoke, a startled expression flashing across his face at his words "I… Thank you for the trust that you continue to place in me. I don't deserve it in the least… But you've always been a very giving person."
"Yes you do! You are worthy of trust and companionship and… And love, if you want it, Edgeworth." Phoenix responded, shaking his head a little and trying to get it through the other's head that he was worthwhile . At least he didn't blurt out that the childhood crush he had on the Alpha hadn't gone away in the least, apparently. Miles' lips were tempting to kiss, but he wouldn't let himself be distracted! It was very important that the prosecutor realized that he wasn't evil or some twisted shell.
"I… Thank you, Wright." Edgeworth responded, shifting a little so that they were closer together before continuing to speak, saying "You care… You care so much about everyone and it's… You are amazing, Wrig-… Phoenix."
"… No, I'm not. 'M Average, but thanks for the compliment Edg- M… Miles?" Phoenix responded, happily surprised by the fact that the other had used his first name and hopeful that the other didn't mind that the defense attorney had reciprocated the switch in terms of formality.
"Phoenix. Phoenix, look at me." The other's voice was stern, but not unkind. "You trust my judgment, yes?"
The defense attorney nodded, managing to look at Miles in the other's piercing grey eyes, caught by the intense expression that the other was looking at him with "Yes, I do."
"Then listen to me, and trust me that I mean it when I say that you are amazing, Phoenix." Edgeworth insisted, watching Phoenix intently.
A bright blush appeared on the defense attorney's face at that, and while he wanted to stammer out something (probably a denial of what the other was saying, or a deflection) but the intensity of the other's stare caused all of his words to vanish completely. "I… Thank you Miles." It had been a hellish week – more so for Miles, who had found out that some of the evidence that he had used to convict some of the defendants he had convicted in the past was fabricated. Not that the young prosecutor had known that at the time, as Phoenix knew that his old friend would not stoop to such levels in order to win. Miles was dauntless and could get ruthless, but his friend sought the truth, particularly after the revelation of what Von Karma had done…
"You are welcome, Phoenix." Miles responded, one of his hands coming up and tucking a stray lock of hair behind one of the omega's ears, as it had gotten out of place. He hesitated for a few moments, as if struggling to figure out what he wanted to say. "I… I have enjoyed spending time with you like this, Phoenix. And I… I'm not certain how this week went for you, but it's been… It's been a stressful week. A very stressful few months, really and… W-while what I'm about to ask you wasn't at all why I asked you to come over, and if you don't want to, I would be… I'd like it if you stayed – if… If you still felt comfortable staying after I ask but…"
… Was Edgworth, cool, calm and collected (for the most part) Edgeworth… Nervous about something? Phoenix could hardly believe it, and he was witnessing it. He could see the lines of tension and awkwardness in the other's body and… There was a receipt on the table – mostly hidden by their wine glasses, but it was dated today, and one of the items on the list was lube… Another was condoms. Oh. Oh . Phoenix knew that there were those who worked with one another – Alpha/Omega pairs among some who occasionally indulged in this – where they would work off some tension with one another in a sexual manner. There had been an entire mandatory (and awkward) course on this in college. And at the law school that he had later attended as well. A (hopeful) smile appeared on Phoenix's face as he asked quietly "Are… Are you looking to.. Ah… relieve some stress with me tonight?"
Holy shit Edgeworth was actually blushing a little. The alpha nodded, looking away from him as the other's arms crossed over himself defensively. "I… I know how this must look. I… I am an alpha, asking you to come over and share a meal with me and… And Now I'm asking you for this. I want to make it clear that I do not expect you to… To do anything that you're uncomfortable with, and that if you do refuse I will not get angry or spiteful. I honestly wanted to share a meal with you after that grueling fight where we managed to find the truth and bring down a… A corrupt, high ranking official."
Edgeworth looked like he was going to anxiously ramble on for a while and while Phoenix found himself touched and charmed by the other's awkward flustering, all of his instincts were screaming at him to throw himself at the handsome, intelligent alpha and kiss him until the other's instincts overrode his brain. Instead, Phoenix gently placed one finger on his friend's lips, leaning in closer as his mismatched eyes gleamed with a mixture of desire and playfulness "I doubt that you would do that to anyone, Miles. I would be delighted to engage in some mutual stress relief, in whatever fashion would help you the best… Alpha." He fluttered his eyelashes up at the taller man and subtly bared his neck to the other, hoping that it would get the message across amply. He wanted Miles so badly it was blatantly ridiculous, but he didn't want to make things awkward between the two of them. He did not expect anything more from this encounter than what it was, and he certainly wasn't going to do something stupid that would more than likely push the other away – say by admitting that he had a crush on Miles – and had since he was nine.