AN: Back again! Prepare for steamy situations, awkward conversations, and adorable fluff.

Once Miles arrived at home, he continuously replayed the events of the day. So much had happened, he felt like he was almost a different person. Since he was no longer driving, he finally allowed himself to dwell on those sensual touches and overwhelming kisses. Every time he recalled the events a shot of adrenaline coursed through his body. The bulge in his pants reminded him of pressing into Phoenix's hips. He shut his eyes and replayed the images and feelings of the two of them together. He became so riled up, he began palming himself through his pants.

He didn't normally touch himself often, only when his body truly needed it, but that had been happening with decreasing frequency since he was a teenager. He definitely needed it tonight, though, and this time it was not merely hormones. His mind was just as stimulated as his body.

Barely able to wait any longer, he quickly and carefully tended to his clothes then laid down on his bed fully nude. He finally grasped his throbbing erection and began his steady strokes. He once again shut his eyes, imagining Phoenix's mouth… and tongue… and that gorgeously silky tone paired with those lustful eyes… having his neck kissed… that hand on his thigh. His strokes increased and he couldn't stop the moans, expletives, and Phoenix's name from slipping from his lips. Being pushed against the car… pushing him against the car… kissing his neck… grinding his hips into him…

Pleasure coursed through him and his body was tensing with anticipation. His hand increased speed again. He could tell he was close. His moans got louder and he was groaning out Phoenix's name over and over like a prayer. He was writhing, back arching, and with a few more strokes his climax exploded from him, spilling sticky white liquid all over his hand and stomach. He panted as he came down from his orgasm which was one of the strongest ones he could ever remember having.

He got up to take a shower, maybe now he could actually think clearly.

Miles fell into an odd sleep, first dreaming about being a father followed by explicit interactions with a certain childhood friend. He noted that they definitely weren't children any more. He woke up as a ball of nerves with an intense case of morning wood. It was going to be a long day.

He wasn't sure if he was glad to have a free day or if he was irked that he didn't have work to distract him. Even if he had work to do he probably wouldn't be able to focus on it. He considered what he might have otherwise done on a weekend with no work. He probably would have relaxed with a good book or watched reruns of Steel Samurai. He probably wouldn't be able to relax today though.

After breakfast, he felt his phone vibrate. It was a text from Phoenix.

Good morning, handsome. I look forward to dinner tonight. Just let me know the details. Wish me luck, I'm about to give Trucy that other discussion ;)

Miles gave a smile like a silly schoolboy with a crush.

I don't envy that discussion but at least she knows some of the information already. You're welcome, by the way. Good luck and I'll text you with the reservation information after I call.

He was definitely grinning like an idiot. After stifling his emotions for so long, it seemed like he was about to burst with them all. He felt like a child again, giddy to hang out with his best friend, of course there was also that very adult addition to that feeling. Throughout the day they continued to send cute little texts to one another.

I'll pick you up at 6 tonight.

He sent it around midday and was delighted when the reply dinged back.

Trucy is happy to see you again tonight. She's really quite taken with you.

I'm quite fond of her as well.

Personally, I just can't wait to get my hands on you again.

Excitement coursed through Miles again. He finally understood why everyone else had placed such a high importance on relationships and sex. Part of him wanted to ask Phoenix what he would do with him once he got his hands on him again but decided against it.

The feeling is mutual.

Miles had decided to wear something other than his trademark suit. He had black slacks and a burgundy button down shirt. He didn't wear his cravat or a tie and left the top button open, his personal attempt to coyly tease Phoenix. He had also added a nicely tailored sport coat.

He arrived a few minutes early but decided to knock anyway. His stomach was in knots with the anticipation. He also noticed his palms were sweaty so he pulled the handkerchief from his inner coat pocket and quickly wiped his hands. As he was stuffing the handkerchief back in his pocket, the door opened to reveal Trucy in a turquoise colored dress and no hint of her magician costume.

"Uncle Miles!" She quickly embraced him.

"You look lovely, Trucy."

She pulled back and curtsied. "Thank you. Daddy said I should look nice tonight."

"Mission accomplished," Phoenix acknowledged while walking into the room. He looked good. He was just finishing straightening a silver tie which complimented the black slacks and a midnight blue button down shirt he was wearing. Miles tried not to drool at how the shirt clung to his form perfectly. How had he not noticed how fit he was?

"Trucy, put your shoes on," Phoenix instructed.

"Okay, Daddy!" She walked toward her room.

"And brush your hair," he added as he walked over to the other man. "You look great, Miles." Phoenix slipped a hand to his waist.

"So do you." His voice was already deeper than usual and matched the hushed tone Phoenix had used.

Phoenix guided him forward by the chin as he placed a sweet kiss on his lips. Some of Miles's tension melted. Phoenix fingered the soft skin around the open collar making Miles shiver in response.

Phoenix took a step away from him, and Miles tried to hide his disappointment, but when he turned to look over his shoulder, he saw Trucy bounding back into the room.

"Is everyone ready?"

"Ready," they answered.

"Reservation for Miles Edgeworth."

The maitre d' checked the list, "Of course, sir, Tansy will take you to your table."

"Please follow me," the young hostess, Tansy, instructed.

They were brought to a reasonably secluded four-top table. Miles smoothly pulled out two of the chairs which caused Trucy to giggle, and Phoenix thanked him. He seated himself on the other side of Phoenix, hoping he might get a chance to steal a few touches.

"Michael will be your server this evening. He will be with you in just a moment," she recited as she handed out the thick leather bound menus. "Enjoy your meal," she ended as she walked away.

"Shall I order us a bottle of wine?" Miles's voice was low as he leaned toward his companion. Phoenix looked completely out of his element.

"Whatever you think," he tried. Miles reached under the table and squeezed Phoenix's knee in what he hoped was a reassuring way. Phoenix looked up at him and Miles winked in return.

"Don't worry." Then he turned to the girl, "Trucy, do you know what you want to drink?"

"I can't really tell what they have," she admitted.

"They have juice, soda, tea…"

"Daddy, can I have a soda?"

"Sure, but no caffeine, okay? I don't want you to be up all night." Phoenix's tone was very paternal when he spoke to Trucy. It warmed Miles's heart and caused an ache in his chest if he thought too deeply about familial ties.

"Okay, Daddy," she cheerfully chirped back.

A man, likely in his late 20s, walked up to the table. He was admittedly an attractive man with sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes.

"Hello, I'm Michael. I'll be your server for the evening." He went on to talk about the specials and asked for the drink orders. Miles ordered a bottle of one of his favorite Cabernets for Phoenix and himself and Trucy ordered her own drink.

"And a Sprite, for the beautiful young lady," he trilled charmingly, and Trucy giggled. Miles realized that this young man must do very well as a server having so much charisma.

While Trucy was distracted with the waiter, Phoenix grabbed Miles's hand, intertwining their fingers. Miles couldn't help smiling at the gesture.

"I'll be right back with those drinks and to get your order."

After he left Trucy piped up, "He's nice."

Miles and Phoenix shared a knowing look. Phoenix must have guessed at the waiter's intentions as well.

"What is it?" Trucy asked. She was very observant. It was good that the men were going to tell her about the relationship tonight because it would not be easy to hide it from her.

"Many waiters will be very nice to please the customers because it helps them get better tips. Also at a fancy place like this, it is generally expected for the servers to be extremely accommodating," Phoenix explained.

"Oh." Trucy looked crestfallen.

"That does not necessarily mean that he is being disingenuous," Miles added. He didn't want her to be upset.

It seemed to cheer her up slightly. They began looking through the menu to decide on their meals. When Michael returned, they gave their orders. Once he left again, Phoenix met Miles's eyes. Miles suspected Phoenix wanted to discuss their relationship with Trucy. He gave a very slight nod.

"Is something going on?" Trucy interrogated.

"Why do you ask?" Miles questioned, noting how perceptive she was.

"Daddy has been acting weird all day like smiling at his phone, and now you two keep glancing at each other and leaning into each other. Are you hiding something from me?"

Phoenix chuckled. "Sometimes you are too observant. We were planning on telling you tonight."

"Well, what is it?" she probed.

"Miles and I have decided to start seeing each other, romantically."

Trucy went through a range of facial expressions, first surprise where her hand covered her mouth when her jaw dropped. Then she scrunched her nose like she was trying to figure something out and finally broke out into a wide grin.

"I told Pearl you weren't interested in Maya! Ha! I have proof now."

Phoenix smiled fondly at her but then fidgeted nervously. "So it doesn't bother you that I'm with a man? I know how much you've been asking for a mommy."

"Silly Daddy, I just don't want you to be alone. I know you have me but one day I'll grow up. I want you to be happy, and I've never seen Uncle Miles smile so much."

Miles blushed at the girl's comment..

"Although, it might be weird to keep calling him 'Uncle' if you're together... Maybe 'Papa' would be better," she added cheerfully.

It was Miles's turn to do facial expression olympics. Papa? That was a big step, but he did care very deeply for Trucy and that was unlikely to change. Besides Phoenix was the only one whom Miles had actually felt something romantic. He had never been interested in a serious relationship before and it seemed very unlikely that he would want that with someone else in the future. Furthermore, he knew Phoenix. He was his best friend since childhood and had helped make him a better man. He had also promised himself not to run from his feelings anymore.

Phoenix squirmed, looking uneasy. "It's pretty early in our relationship, Truce. I don't know if Miles would be comfortable-"

Miles cut in, having made his decision, "I don't mind, if it's okay with you."

Phoenix looked at him, surprise evident on his face and eyes that sparkled; Miles's heart melted. Clearly this meant a lot to him. Phoenix nodded in agreement to his partner's new title. Feeling a wave of affection, Miles pulled Phoenix's interlocked hand to his lips and placed a sweet peck on his knuckles.

"Awww," Trucy cooed.

They spent the rest of the meal in genial conversation. When the check came, Miles easily handed Michael his card without even looking at the bill, something that seemed to catch Phoenix off guard. Money was not a big concern for Miles, and he was happy to dote on them. It felt good to be able to be so generous. He left a sizable tip in cash. Tipping culture was still an odd thing, in Miles's opinion, but he knew that wait staff relied on it. He held Phoenix's hand as they were leaving while Trucy walked in front of them.

"See, I told you they were together," he overheard Tansy mumble to another hostess.

"Damn, why are the hot ones always gay," the other woman whined.

Miles and Phoenix stifled a laugh, and he was thankful Trucy hadn't seemed to hear.

Trucy was oddly quiet in the back of the car. At a red light, Miles looked at her and she looked deep in concentration. He looked over at Phoenix with a raised eyebrow. He looked over his shoulder and also noticed her expression.

"Is something on your mind, Truce?" Phoenix inquired.

"What?" She was pulled from her daze. "Oh, I was just thinking about something… You know what we talked about earlier?"

Phoenix stiffened. "Yes."

Miles had an odd sense of foreboding.

"Well, it just got me thinking… Have you and Papa had sex?"

Awkwardness permeated the air in the car. This girl was way too smart. Miles felt completely embarrassed and on edge.

"Trucy, it's not appropriate to ask that," Phoenix scolded lightly.

"Oops, sorry, Daddy… But, like, how does that work with two men?"

Phoenix shifted in his seat, noticeably uncomfortable. Miles saw how red Phoenix's face was getting. Under other circumstances it might have even been comical.

"Well, some couples, whether it's men, women, or both, choose to have different kinds of sex. What we discussed this morning was about vaginal sex. There are two other common types. One is oral and it's when one person uses their mouth on their partner's genitals. The other is anal. You remember that vaginal sex is penetration of the vagina, well, anal sex is the penetration of the anus-"

"That's the butt, right?" she verified, completely unphased by the discussion.

Miles was glad he wasn't the one who had to discuss this. He could feel heat rising on his cheeks.

"Yes. Also oral and anal sex can't cause pregnancy, but it's still good to use safe sex practices like we talked about earlier."

"Like condoms," she remembered.

"Yes, and it's always important to discuss with your partner about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, like we discussed earlier. If you can't talk to them about that, then you definitely aren't ready to have sex."

Miles was really impressed by their open communication. It was a bit foreign to him, and the subject made him a little uncomfortable, but it was nice.

"So how do two women have sex? Do they just have oral sex since neither one of them have a penis?" Renewed curiosity permeated her questions.

"Well, it probably depends on the couple, but some people will use other things too, like fingers or sex toys."

"What are sex toys?"

"They are items that replicate genitals or are used for… pleasure. Those that use them sometimes use them on themselves or with their partner. It's also important to make sure sex toys are cleaned properly." He paused.

He then added with a little more confidence and a lot more care, "Now, Trucy, a lot of parents don't talk to their children about a lot of these things. Do you know why I am being so open with you about it?"

"Why?"

"I want you to be safe, and I want you to know the truth. There is a lot of incorrect information out there, and I don't want you to get hurt or confused. If you have questions, I want you to feel comfortable asking me."

Miles smiled lightly, thinking about how well fatherhood suited Phoenix.

"Why don't more parents talk about it?" Trucy sounded a little miffed.

"Some of them are probably too embarrassed. I think others assume if they talk to their kids about sex then they are encouraging it."

"Why don't they just talk about how important it is like you told me? Wouldn't it be better if they just encouraged their children to make good choices when they're older than to ignore something so important?" Trucy was clearly getting fired up about the injustice of it.

Phoenix spoke in a soothing tone. "Yes, it would be better, but you have to remember that parents aren't perfect. Sometimes they are just doing the best they can. Even me. I probably should have started talking to you about this a year or two ago, but I can't change the past. I can only try to do my best now."

Miles grabbed Phoenix's hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. This was not an easy subject but Phoenix was presenting it very thoroughly. It would have been nice if he had received a conversation like this as a child, but instead he had to find out everything from books. However he couldn't imagine Manfred von Karma giving a speech like this and the thought of it was a bit repulsive.

"It's okay, Daddy. Thank you for explaining it to me."

"Can I tell Pearl about you two?" Trucy asked when they got back.

"I should probably tell Maya, first," Phoenix reasoned.

"Call Maya on speaker and tell them both!"

Phoenix looked at Miles clearly waiting for his approval.

"Very well. I should probably tell Franziska, too. If she found out from someone else then she would whip both of us within an inch of our lives."

"Again?" Phoenix joked.

Miles texted Franziska the news while Phoenix waited for Maya to answer.

"Hey Nick! What's up?"

"I have something I want to tell you. Trucy wants you to get Pearl so she can hear, too."

"Okay, just a sec."

Phoenix grabbed Miles's hand, seeming nervous again. Miles squeezed it.

"It's going to be okay," Miles reassured him quietly.

"Okay, we're here. What's the news?" Maya called out.

"Well, I've started seeing someone."

"Mr. Nick! How could you do that to Mystic Maya?" Pearl scolded.

"Pearl, I told you. There is nothing going on between Nick and me. So Nick, who is the lucky girl?" Maya responded.

Trucy giggled and Phoenix winced.

"Actually... it's not a girl." Phoenix admitted.

"What?!" Pearl responded.

Phoenix's shoulders were very tense by that point. Trucy was trying to suppress a fit of giggles.

"Calm down, Pearl," Maya responded.

"It's a good thing she's not here, or she would probably be punching you, Daddy," Trucy teased.

"Alright, alright, enough suspense, Nick. Did you finally get with Mr. Edgeworth or not?" Maya questioned.

Both men sat up straight in surprise.

"How-how did you know?" Phoenix forced out.

"Oh come on, Nick. It's totally obvious that you've been in love with him for as long as you've known him!"

Phoenix's face went beet red, and he tried to turn his head to hide it. Miles found himself laughing openly.

"I think you've embarrassed him, Ms. Fey," Miles taunted.

"He'll survive," Maya teased. "I'm happy for both of you, though."

"Thanks, Maya." Phoenix's voice was unsteady and his cheeks were still tinged red.

"Can I just talk to Pearl now?" Trucy asked.

"Sure, Trucy. I'll talk to the rest of you later," Maya announced.

"Bye," Phoenix answered before Trucy grabbed the phone and went to her room.

"Are you alright?" Miles asked in a light tone.

"Oh, sure. I just got completely embarrassed in front of the most important people in my life. I'm great." Sarcasm dripped from his words.

"Was it true? Have you liked me since we were children?"

"Well, yes and no. I definitely cared about you as a child and missed you a lot when you were gone. I never forgot you, and I always hoped I would see you again one day. Then I saw that clip in the paper, you know the one 'Demon Prosecutor', I couldn't imagine what would cause you to change so much. When I finally saw you again in court, you looked good, but you were a bit of an asshole."

"Please… I was a complete asshole." It was true. Phoenix had helped him see how toxic his old ways were.

"Your words not mine." Phoenix chuckled. Then he continued, "Anyway, I learned more about you and your past and I wanted to be around you more. I was so happy when I was able to help clear your name. At the time I thought I only wanted friendship. Then you left and I thought you were gone… I thought something had been ripped out of my chest. The thought of losing you was almost too much."

Miles thought his heart might crush. "Phoenix… I-I'm so sorry." The words weren't enough, but Phoenix held up his hand to let him finish.

"That's why I was so angry when you got back, but we both know, that was short lived. I was just so happy to see you again. I think what really changed things for me was when I found out you chartered a jet when Larry told you I was dying."

"So you knew about that…" Miles felt himself blushing.

"Of course I did Mr. It-was-just-a-coincidence. Still… even though I was okay, you stayed to help me through the end of the case. I really couldn't have done it without you. Having closure about Dahlia and Iris and being able to work with you again… I don't know… I guess that's when I knew I didn't want to be with anyone else."

That meant Phoenix had felt this way for at least four years. "Why didn't you try to pursue something sooner?"

"You didn't seem like you were ready."

Miles nodded. "I suppose that is possible." It bothered him how much turmoil he had caused his friend, his partner.

"It still seems like it's difficult for you, but you at least seem more open to it now."

"How do you do that?" Miles asked incredulously.

"Do what?"

"Understand me."

"I know you, Miles."

Increasingly familiar butterflies flew through his stomach, but something like dread crept in shortly after.

"I've hurt you…" He hated to admit it, but it was true. Phoenix deserved better.

"That's what happens when you care for someone. The people closest to us have the ability to hurt us much more deeply than anyone else, but shutting yourself off doesn't serve you. You have to decide who is worth forgiving, and who you allow to have another chance. Miles, you're worth it." Phoenix smiled warmly at him.

Miles was overwhelmed by his wisdom and compassion. He lifted his hand to Phoenix's face, caressing his warm cheek. Phoenix leaned into the gesture. He pulled him into a deep kiss trying to convey all of his thoughts, feelings, everything he wished we could say, some possible way to show this man what he meant to him. After pulling back the two stared into each other's eyes. Maybe he did receive the message.

Phoenix rubbed his fingers across the skin near Miles's collar for the second time that night as he purred, "I like this."

He deftly unbuttoned another button and trailed his fingers across the newly exposed skin. Fire ignited in Miles's belly craving to touch his companion. Following Phoenix's lead, he pulled the tie off and popped open his top button, touching the soft skin of his neck.

Not knowing who moved first, both men grabbed the other's neck, drawing each other into a rough, passionate kiss. Tongues quickly followed, writhing in the space between their mouths before sliding inside as their lips latched back onto each other. Miles was drinking in all of the sensations like water to a man dying of thirst.

He slipped his hand under the collar of Phoenix's shirt just to be able to touch a little more skin. Every nerve felt overly sensitized as Phoenix's hand rubbed at his side.

Slowly Phoenix started to pull back. "My daughter is still in the next room."

Miles didn't really want to stop but allowed the separation with a nod.

"Speaking of your daughter, that was quite the speech in the car."

Phoenix chuckled nervously. "She's quite inquisitive."

"I thought you did a great job, balancing facts with good sense."

"I used some of the tactics my own parents used but added some of my own. My parents didn't discuss sexual orientations or relationship dynamics. I still want to go over more of those things with Trucy, in time. I don't want to overwhelm her with too much information at once."

"I learned everything through books. I'm glad Trucy doesn't have to learn it that way."

Phoenix smiled at him. "Well, I'm lucky. I had someone set the stage for me." He bumped into Miles's shoulder.

Miles couldn't ignore a nagging question in the back of his mind. "About sexual orientations, I know you have dated women in the past…"

"You're wondering if I'm bisexual?" Phoenix guessed

"Yes."

"It all seems to be more fluid to me. I never liked the rigidity of sexual orientations. For me, it's more about the person, and the connection I share with them. Many people would refer to that as pansexual, so I guess that would be the best terminology to use."

"That does seem to suit you." He hesitated but knew it would have to come up some time. "Have you ever been with a man before?"

"Not sexually. I have gone on dates with men in the past and even made out with a few but it never progressed beyond that."

That was more than Miles had done. Von Karma would not have taken well to displays of homosexuality.

"Does that mean you've been with women sexually?"

"Yes. Three women."

"I see." It was unrealistic to think Phoenix hadn't slept with other people, but Miles also didn't like to think about it. It made him feel all twisted up inside.

"What about you? Your sexuality? Past partners?"

"For a long time, I wasn't really interested in anyone. I did have sex with one woman when I was 19, but it wasn't really for me. I didn't get much out of it, so I didn't bother after that. On the rare occasions I find someone attractive, it tends to be men, but I don't pursue it. I struggle to get close to others, and I never really felt a drive to attach myself to another person, that is, until you. It's all been very new and exciting which can also be a bit overwhelming."

"I must be pretty special." Phoenix clearly meant it as a joke, but Miles looked deeply into his eyes.

"You really are. You have no idea."

Phoenix blushed at the candor and raw emotion of the statement. He finally managed to say, "I know it's difficult for you to share such intimate details, so thank you for trusting me."