He loses sight of color for a long time. Everyone who has a bond-mate can't detect color for a long time until they finally meet theirs. He gets by with it just fine, it's a sign – his father says when he's really young – after a day at the playground when he's nine – Miles doesn't know who yet – but he thinks it's a boy he talked to that day. He hopes they don't present as an Omega or a Beta. Because Miles is already an Omega. That would suck.
The burning sensation of Mile's first heat does not go well. He regains color briefly, during his first heat. Something isn't right – then it fades. Just as soon as he gets it, it's gone.
Everything is monochrome.
Just like the day of darkness when his father dies, the little Omega who whines in the corner for help after losing his father – who bottles up his emotions on suppressants and blockers and illegal drugs. Then, the day Wright – fucking Wright – why him? Of course, he was the boy at the playground Miles thought of when – who had presented as an Alpha. Though it could have been worse, it could have been Butz. But still, the day Miles reacts and sees color, again, full hues and shades of color – it's blinding.
He keeps it all in. He has to, he can't let Wright know. Also, the drugs help.
"Don't- leave." The Alpha is trying hard to keep his emotions check. How intriguing.
Miles does not expect to get pregnant that night. Miles instead, slips out of bed, with the full intent on killing himself. Instead, slips off to Germany and studies a different form of law.
Phoenix – for a brief moment he thought he'd been crazy but he had seen color for the first time in his life since he was nine. When he met Edgeworth again. He couldn't have been bond-mates with the stingy lawyer… Right? Well, his color is gone and Edgeworth is dead. So, maybe it'll reappear someday. Phoenix chokes out a sob, his bonding scar cries out in pain.
Miles gives birth – a healthy boy – Nicholas. He names his child Nicholas Gregory Edgeworth. A good name.
The day of their son's birth, Phoenix is moaning and whining and goes into rut. He manages to get into a cold bath and sleep it off. He almost thinks he might hurt someone. But instead, he sleeps. Not knowing he has a newborn pup a continent away.
Miles returns to America when Larry calls him over the phone a year-later, Wright, dead? Of course not, that would be foolish. But he packs up his things and brings Nicholas along with him. His son squirms in his arms –
"You - " Phoenix wants to shout a million expletives at the man at once. But the floral, vanilla sugar-coated scent brushes against that smells slightly what Phoenix think sunshine smells like, or heaven, if it existed, Phoenix licks his lips and. Miles stiffens. The babe, has Phoenix's scent. Phoenix – sees color.
Their eyes glow color. He sees color once again. Phoenix extends his arms. He's in a hospital bed, Miles is holding the pup which Phoenix instantly recognizes as his. Miles's hair, Phoenix's eyes. The one-year-old studies the Alpha's eyes. Heterochromia, glowing just like their parents. "Nicholas, his name is Nicholas Gregory,"
Phoenix smiles. A big stupid smile. "There are a lot of things I want to say to you right now." Phoenix leans back.
He talks about Iris, he tells Miles about how Larry always overexaggerates. He apologizes for having Miles come all this way and scaring their son. Miles cries and kisses Phoenix's forehead, for the first time, Phoenix and Miles have their first kiss. Miles hands Nicholas to Phoenix – the baby grips his father's index finger with his tiny hand. Phoenix is sporting a big, dumb grin. Looking down adoringly.
"I won't be released from the hospital for another two days. I – will you be able to defend Iris for me?"
It's a lot to ask for. In such short notice.
"It'll give you two some time to bond."
Phoenix nods. "He's weaned?"
Miles nods, then brushes a strand of Nicholas's hair from his forehead. The baby needs a haircut, Miles thinks. Soon, the Omega will get his son a haircut before he goes back to Germany. "Yes. He's eating solids and formula now. Though to be honest, Phoenix it's not that I don't want you to be with him, I'd rather Nicky be in the care of someone who knows how to take care of well – babies. I will make sure you get to spend time with him. But for god's sake man, rest."
Phoenix huffs. Miles sighs. "Stubborn man." Miles kisses his mate's forehead.
"I have someone I can call for help." Phoenix mutters.
Miles breathes. "If it's Larry – "
"Oh god no. Not Larry."
They both giggle. Well, it's settled then, Larry is off diaper duty. Not that the Butz would ever want to be ON diaper duty in the first place.