January 25th
Phoenix Wright x Zacharias Barnham Residence
Living Room
Labyrinithia
9 P.M.
Zacharias stood in front of the living room window, his right hand lying on top of the windowsill watching the snow falling in silence. His heart ached as his slate-grey eyes stared out into the darkness, his clenched fist lying by his side and his rigid posture the only outward signs of his disquiet. He and Phoenix had exchanged angry words earlier that morning and he could still hear his lover's rage-filled voice echoing in his ears as he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. He hadn't seen him at all since then; even at work, Phoenix avoided him when he wasn't acting as Defense Counsel and he was at his wit's end as to how to deal with this.
He and Phoenix had been together over nine months at this point and he couldn't think of any other moment that they hadn't been ecstatically happy together but today had been different. Given the way that he had reacted to his close friend, Espella Cantabella's, friendly hug, he couldn't help but wonder if jealousy had been eating him earlier... and why he hadn't told him how he was feeling. There was no reason for Phoenix to be jealous; Espella was a cherished friend and nothing more than that but something apparently had set him off although he was at a loss as to exactly what.
I wish I knew what was bothering you. Zacharias sighed as he continued to look out into the darkness his heart heavy. You have nothing to worry about. I love you, Phoenix, and I just wish you would trust me. He stood there for a few minutes more and started when he felt arms wrap around his waist, gasping softly as he saw Phoenix's strained, unhappy face reflected in the window glass. He could feel his lover's body hitching as he hugged him tightly from behind and Zacharias felt all his irritation and anger slipping away.
"I...I'm... sorry, Zacharias. I... behaved badly and I-" Phoenix paused a moment, his voice thick with tears - "I'm... sorry ." Zacharias patted his hands before he turned around, Phoenix's arms still wrapped around him, cupping his face tenderly in his hands, wiping his tears away with his thumbs.
"It's all right, Phoenix," he said softly, leaning forward and kissing his mouth tenderly. "I love you and you alone; I don't want anyone else." He rested his forehead against Phoenix's. "If something is bothering you, I want you to come to me and tell me." He smiled at him, his left hand sliding from his face, his arm wrapping around him, holding him close. Phoenix nodded before he laid his head on Zacharias' shoulder and his lover held him as he broke down and cried, whispering words of comfort.
