A/N: Warning for this chapter - brief discussion of abuse. This chapter is rather angsty and has hurt/comfort. You have been warned. On the other hand that there is still some nice fluff.

Miles got to a stopping point at work and went home. He liked to plan ahead so he could eat nutritious meals. He quickly prepared his pre-planned meal and ate while watching the news. As soon as he was done eating he called Phoenix back.

"Hey there, handsome," Phoenix answered.

Miles blushed not knowing how to respond. "Hello… I'm not very good at casual dialogue."

Phoenix laughed lightly. "How was work?"

"Pretty uneventful. I was given a case first thing this morning then two more later on. On the other hand, apparently there were some rumors going around about me."

"What kind of rumors?"

"Rumors that I am dating someone."

"How would people already know about that?" Phoenix asked calmly.

"I don't know. I have to assume someone who knows let it slip."

"Or someone just coincidentally happened to guess. So, did you confirm or deny those rumors?" Curiosity colored Phoenix's words but he was clearly trying to hold back his feelings. Miles had trouble reading people and not seeing Phoenix's face didn't make that any easier.

"Only two people asked me about it directly. Gumshoe asked if I was dating a woman so I told him I definitely wasn't dating a woman..."

Phoenix laughed. "If you said it like that then I suspect he has guessed about your true relationship."

Miles chuckled, too. "It was difficult, but I resisted the urge to add the inflection. When my secretary asked if I was seeing someone I told her I was but avoided details."

"What was her response?"

"Mostly shock," he revealed, amused.

Phoenix laughed again. "Did Gumshoe respond?"

"Actually, he was disappointed. He wanted me to have someone with whom to share my life."

"He's very loyal."

"Indeed." Miles paused. Something was bothering him. "Phoenix?"

"Hmm?"

"I want you to know that I haven't fully divulged our relationship because it is difficult for me to live so openly."

"I understand."

Miles couldn't read Phoenix's flat tone. Was he actually upset?

"You do? I didn't want you to think I was ashamed of you. I'm definitely not. All of this is new territory for me," Miles explained in a rush, suddenly feeling vulnerable again.

"Miles, it's okay," he comforted softly. "Go at whatever pace is comfortable for you. I would like people to know at some point but there is no need to hurry."

Miles was deeply touched. Phoenix was so understanding and kind.

"How did I get so lucky?" He hadn't really meant to ask it aloud.

"What do you mean?"

He took a deep breath, drawing up his courage. "You never gave up on me. You're so compassionate. I don't really deserve it, but you give it so willingly. I am incredibly fortunate to have you."

Phoenix sniffed lightly and with a slight waver in his voice he admitted, "That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me... Really, I feel like the lucky one."

Miles was shocked as he felt warmth spread over him and goosebumps appeared on his arms. This man made him feel things he never thought he would feel, say things he never thought he would say, and do things he thought he would never do. The craziest part was that he was happy. Maybe he could try to be more forthcoming with a few people about his relationship.

They talked for a while longer until they were both tired, so they bid each other goodnight. Miles got ready for bed and noticed he was still smiling. He looked in the mirror and realized that it made him look more relaxed and content. The crinkles he normally saw between his brows looked a little less pronounced. He finished his nightly routine and went to sleep.

Despite his good mood before bed, Miles fell into a fitful nightmare.

Manfred von Karma stood over him like he had done when Miles was still a child. He looked even more intimidating and severe, and he was holding Franziska's whip in his hand.

"You fool! Do you really think you deserve love?" The man cackled maliciously, and Miles cowered away from the terrifying man, curling in on himself and trying to be as small as possible.

"You are nothing! You don't deserve to be a von Karma. You couldn't keep your win record. You're weak. Everyone around you gets hurt, and it's your fault. You couldn't even find a woman to satisfy! You're filthy, scum of the earth. Burn in hell."

Flames rose up all around him as von Karma continued his maniacal laughing. Miles was paralyzed with fear while tears ran down his face. Von Karma raised the whip and slashed it several times across the floor getting closer and closer to Miles. He raised it again pausing right before the blow that would strike Miles.

"I killed the only person who ever loved you."

As the whip was coming down, it barely made contact with Miles's skin when his eyes shot open.

He was safely in his room. He rubbed his cheek still feeling the sensation of the cracking whip. He sat up with his back against the headboard and pulled his knees in toward his chest. He wrapped his arms around them and buried his face, giving into the tears.

After calming down slightly, he took a shower trying to wash away the pain and shame. It was still early but on a whim he texted Phoenix.

Phoenix, I was thinking of you. I hope to hear from you soon.

It was a bit vague, but he didn't want to embarrass himself with blubbering displays. He busied himself with making breakfast, not that he actually wanted to eat, but he had promised Phoenix that he would take care of himself. Part way through cooking, his phone rang.

"Phoenix," he couldn't even hide the relief of hearing from him.

"What's wrong, Miles? Your text seemed odd. Did something happen?" Phoenix sounded nervous.

"I didn't intend to worry you…" Concern was beginning to creep in. Maybe his dream was true and Phoenix was only going to be burdened by him.

"I'll manage, I'm used to being worried. Now, what's going on?"

Miles felt like he had a lump in his throat attempting to choke him. "I, it sounds silly, but I had a terrible nightmare."

Even as he said it he knew it sounded stupid. It was only a dream. Why was he getting so worked up? It had been truly awful, though. All of his insecurities, doubts, fears bundled into a terrifying horror show specially tailored for him.

"I don't think it sounds silly. Do you want to come over? Trucy will be going to school soon. You sound very distressed." Care and concern coated his words.

"I appreciate the invitation, but I have to go to work soon." The ache in his chest tightened as he refused the offer.

"Then I'm meeting you for lunch today. I will bring food to your office, okay? What time works?"

"You don't have to, really. I will manage." Miles was being a burden, and he hated it. He fought the stinging in his eyes, and his throat tightened from the strain.

"Miles, I'm glad you reached out to me. I'm going to be there for you because that's what you need and that's where I want to be. We're partners. You don't have to be alone anymore."

Miles didn't respond at first, he was still shaken from the dream and didn't want to impose on Phoenix, despite what he said. A single tear escaped down his cheek.

"How is noon?" Phoenix continued.

Miles covered his emotion with a slight cough and gave in, "Such a stubborn man... but thank you. Let's make it 1."

" You got it. Take care of yourself until then."

"You know me. I'll just bury myself in a mound of paperwork."

When Miles arrived at work he already felt a little phone call with Phoenix really helped settle his nerves, at least temporarily. He had Vanessa write in a business lunch conference on his calendar and informed her that he did not want to be disturbed during that time.

Remembering his conversation with Phoenix the night before he decided to call Gumshoe and set him straight.

"Hiya, Mr. Edgeworth. What do you need?"

"Detective, you have been a friend to me so I believe I owe you the truth."

"You okay, pal?"

"Yesterday you asked me if I was dating a woman. I told you no which is technically true, but it was misleading."

"What are you trying to say, sir?"

"I would prefer you keep this information to yourself for the time being," Miles began timidly.

"Sure thing, but what is it?"

"I am dating someone, but it is a man."

"Wow, sir. You trusted me enough with this? Just wow, that's an honor, sir."

Miles was definitely uncomfortable again. It was much easier to be open with Phoenix. "Yes, well, as I said, I would prefer you keep it to yourself for the time being."

"You can count on me, sir! I'm very happy you found someone," Gumshoe boomed excitedly. "Who is it anyway?"

Miles froze. He should have seen this coming. Once again, he didn't want to lie, and he didn't want to hide who he was with but being so open made him very uneasy. He would find out eventually, but did Miles want to be the one to tell him? Everything was becoming so complicated. He reasoned that it would be a lot simpler if he just told him.

"Detective, this is absolutely not something to be shared with others. I need you to vow that you won't tell anyone else until I tell you it's okay."

"Yes, sir. I won't tell a soul. I wouldn't betray your trust."

"Very well… It's Phoenix Wright."

"Whoa, no way! Really? I knew you were friends, but I had no idea there was more there."

"Yes, well it has been rather recent." Miles shifted, uncomfortable discussing this with a subordinate, even if he was a loyal one.

"I kinda get it, though, with the way you two act in court."

"I'm not quite sure how to respond to that. Regardless, I have plenty of work to do, goodbye."

"Goodbye, sir!"

Miles was proud of his progress with letting people in, but he was still not fond of the discomfort of it. It was a little exhausting after a while. He took a deep breath to center himself and began working, the thought of seeing Phoenix helping fuel his efforts despite the nagging anxiety left over from his dream.

As lunchtime approached Miles found himself getting both excited to see Phoenix and somewhat dreading it. Logically he knew the dream was groundless, but his heart ached at the thought of losing him.

He finished up the form he was working on about 5 minutes before Phoenix was supposed to arrive. He didn't want to begin something new so close to lunch. He decided to tidy the papers from the case and slip them in his desk to finish later. He gently rubbed his eyes trying to relieve some of the strain from the constant paperwork. Only 2 minutes had passed when he checked the clock again. He was frustrated that time was moving so slowly. He got up, stretched, opened his door, and listened for signs of Phoenix's arrival.

A moment later he heard the ding of the elevator. Something jolted inside, he wasn't sure if it was excitement or apprehension. As calmly as he could, he stepped out of his office. A smile quirked at the corner of his mouth at the relief of seeing Phoenix approaching him.

Attempting to still appear professional in front of his secretary, he greeted, "Mr. Wright, I've been expecting you."

Phoenix smiled at him, making him feel like he would melt. Miles made eye contact with his secretary and nodded, silently reminding her not to allow disturbances. The two men walked into his office, and Miles shut and locked the door behind them. Phoenix set the bag of food he had been carrying on the table and turned toward him. Miles was rooted in place. He wanted to reach out and touch him, but something was holding him back. Snapshots of the dream flashed before him and he felt his whole body tensing.

The hand that had begun reaching for his companion retreated and wrapped around his arm instead. Phoenix took over, pulling him into an intimate hug. "I'm here."

Such a simple phrase, but it broke the floodgates. Tears escaped as he melted into the embrace. He wrapped his arms around him and held on tightly, afraid to let go. They stayed like that for a moment while Phoenix stroked his back comfortingly with one hand and the other gently played with the gray tendrils on the back of his head. As Miles began to relax, he loosened his death grip and drew back just enough to look at his companion's face.

Phoenix was so calm and composed. The only sign that something was off was the crease that had formed between his eyebrows, a look of concern. Phoenix reached up and brushed away a lingering tear from Miles's cheek. Overwhelmed with affection, he kissed Phoenix with all of his emotions behind it. It was short but intense.

"Tell me what happened. It's clearly got you rattled," Phoenix pleaded as he guided them to the sofa.

Miles quickly relayed the main parts of the dream, trying not to break down again.

Phoenix's fist clenched and he spoke through gritted teeth, "Did he ever lay his hands on you when you lived with him?"

Miles was deeply moved by Phoenix's protectiveness. "No, he never abused me physically."

"But he did emotionally, didn't he?" Phoenix had put the pieces together and his anger was increasing.

Miles nodded then looked down in shame. "I-I was never good enough."

"That's not true!"

He looked at Phoenix, surprised by his outburst. Phoenix looked like he was filled with passion and ready to defend. Miles recognized that look. He had seen it many times in court but it was particularly noticeable this time. He didn't know what to say so he just continued to look at the other man.

"You are the most brilliant person I have ever met. You are always on the side of justice and truth which is way more important than a stupid win record which is the only thing that man ever cared about. Even though it's hard for you to show, you care a lot about the people around you, something he would know nothing about. You are not filthy; you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen. If von Karma couldn't accept you being gay then that's his problem not yours. You have nothing to feel ashamed about. Also, even 'nightmare von Karma' admitted to killing your own father. He is the monster. You don't need to prove your worth to him."

Miles was shocked and tried to fight back more tears. "You really believe all of that?"

Phoenix grabbed both hands and stared deeply into his eyes. "All of that and more."

Miles leaned forward and captured Phoenix in a rapturous kiss. Emotions overwhelmed him and his heart pounded. There was something deep inside of him, a feeling. Something was swelling in him threatening to crush him but strangely it was not unpleasant. In fact there were feelings of affection, tenderness, adoration, and so much more that he didn't even know how to begin to describe them. Then it hit him. All of the pieces fell into place and he could see the truth.

"Phoenix?" his voice sounded strained.

"What is it?"

"I know we are still very early on in our relationship but I-" He questioned his phrasing and chickened out. "I think I'm falling for you."

Phoenix's face broke into a wide grin that made him warm and tingly.

"I don't have to think about it," he began in response. "I have fallen absolutely, deeply, head-over-heels in love with you," he confessed.

Miles's heart soared. Strengthened by the confession, he revealed, "I love you, Phoenix Wright."

Phoenix pulled him into another passionate kiss.