Chapter Two

"Increase voltage by another notch. Let's see how he handles it."

The exhaustion and renewed panic present in the victim's clouded, sapphire eyes made the facilitator of the brutality grin unapologetically. Turning his head side to side to communicate his objection, Phoenix clawed at the table he was strapped naked to, desperate to liberate himself.

"One more round, then I promise we'll be done for the day. Think of it as your continued dedication and sacrifice to the pursuit of knowledge."

All at once, Phoenix's entire body seized before he writhed about like a fish out of water. His screams of agony were muffled by the cloth tied around his head, covering his mouth. Eyes squeezed shut, tears spilled from the corners of them, cooling his otherwise increasingly hot skin.

"Amazing. Six times the lethal voltage and he's completely fine. Amazing."

The smell of burnt flesh began permeating the room nearly a minute later as Phoenix's shrieking grew weaker.

"Alright. That's enough."

The electrical current was severed, allowing Phoenix to lie prone against the table once more. His skin was burned in multiple places from the neck down, but nothing too severe for his tormentor to be overly concerned with.

Panting heavily and whimpering uncontrollably, he flinched at the hand that commenced petting his damp hair.

"Good boy. You did well, little blue. That's a good boy. I believe your resilience today has earned you the reward of spending the night in my chambers. A nice, warm bed instead of the cold, hard floor tonight, hm?"

Phoenix shook his head tiredly and mumbled something incoherent. The new dread he felt was insurmountable.

"Now now, no need to be modest. I insist."

Bolting upright, Phoenix gasped loudly, eyes wide and highly alert. With body trembling and covered in a cold sweat, he hugged himself in an all-too-familiar gesture to help lower his rapid heartbeat and regain control of his frantic nerves. The morning sunlight brightened the room from where it shined through the window a few feet above the headboard of his bed, which granted him peace of mind that he wasn't in the place of his nightmare.

It's okay, he comforted himself, concentrating on steadying his breathing. There's nothing to be afraid of….That was so long ago….It's okay….I will never be his again….

Repeating the words over and over multiple times, it was nearly ten minutes before he felt well enough to get out of bed to start the day. He took his time getting dressed and was pleased by the delightful aroma that greeted him when he opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

I'm surprised she let me sleep in, he thought gratefully.

Trotting down the stairs to the main floor, he turned to pass through the front parlor and into the kitchen at the back of the house. It was adequately sized for their needs: two bedrooms and the bathroom upstairs and an open main floor. The best feature, however, was that it was attached to the tavern by a door situated along the west wall in the dining area.

"Morning, Maya," he greeted with a smile. "I appreciate the lack of banging on my door and yelling at me to wake up; that's always a good start to the day."

"I was going to, but then I heard you making noises and nope! Not gonna walk into whatever that was!"

The embarrassment that shot through Phoenix was quite substantial. "It wasn't that!" he assured in a higher pitched voice than normal.

"Uh-huh, yeah. Sure it wasn't. After you just met a really good-looking guy who's totally interested in you."

"I wasn't even thinking about him! I had a bad dream is all."

She turned her attention away from the eggs frying in the skillet to show him her complete "not buying it" expression, but the evident unease flickering in his eyes revealed that he was being honest, and she responded instead with concern. "Oh….Sorry, Nick. I hope it wasn't because of what I said about….you know…."

He shook his head and sighed. "Don't worry about it. They happen randomly; it's hard to know what triggers them anymore."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"No, I'll be fine." Eager to change the subject, he asked, "Ready to go shopping today?"

Catching the hint, Maya beamed happily and exclaimed, "You bet I am! I do hope that chocolatier is in town today. We'll have to get some of his good stuff. Imagine how excited they'll be if we bring them chocolate tonight!"

"I wonder if we're his best customers like we are to everyone else around here."

"I'm surprised more people don't ask us about where we keep all the food we get."

"They already think we're strange; I'm sure they see it as normal behavior for us. How are we doing food-wise for ourselves and the tavern?"

"Last time I checked, we had plenty!"

"And that was how long ago?"

"A week? I think? Hmm…."

Phoenix smirked. "I guess we should double-check before we go."

Setting down their plates of breakfast a couple minutes later, she teased, "Sooo, you excited for tonight?!"

He swallowed his bite of ham and eggs and replied casually, "It'll be just like any other night, Maya."

"Come on, Nick! Don't be such a buzz-kill! I bet you're nervous and have butterflies in your stomach already."

"You really do love making this into a big deal, don't you?"

"Because it is! It's been forever since I've seen you act like that."

"Like what?"

She clasped her hands together, tilted her head, and batted her eyelashes. "In looooove."

The word practically had him choking on his food. He forced it down and said exasperatedly, "What?! I'm not in love with him! I just met him! I don't even know his last name!"

"Who cares what his last name is?! You've known far less about other people you've been so quick to jump in bed with!"

"Maya!" He couldn't help the blush that tinted his cheeks. "He's just a customer. I'm not going to get my hopes up about someone like him. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even come in tonight."

"Oh please. The way he was looking at you and the fact that he wanted to talk to you alone – I'm sure you can figure out the rest of what he was hoping for. He'll be back!"

"Since when did you take such an active role in scrutinizing my love life? Or rather, lack thereof?"

"When did we leave Kurain?"

"About ten years ago."

"About ten years ago then."

He stared at her, fork halfway to his open mouth, dumbfounded. "You can't be serious. Why?"

"Because it's entertaining! I even keep track of how many people you've been with. At least, the ones I know of for sure."

"I….don't even know how to feel about that."

"I still don't get why you didn't settle down with Brady. He was so in love with you! He was perfect."

"Yeah, well….Things sometimes don't work out like you think they will." He fidgeted in his chair uncomfortably as if he was being interrogated.

"He obviously still has feelings for you since he always saves barrels of his famous beer just for you when he comes into town. Why not give it another try?"

"I thought you wanted me to get with this new guy!"

"New guy, Brady – whichever! You need practice in how to be romantic."

"I'm romantic!" he countered defensively.

Maya looked unconvinced. "Uh, Nick? You are not romantic."

"Okay then, tell me how I'm not."

"Well, flowers are like, the most common gesture of a romantic. But in all these years, I never saw you take flowers to any of the people you've been with. And whenever one of them brought you some, you didn't even want to accept them!"

"Well….I…." He tossed his fork onto his plate and said exasperatedly, "I can't ever tell them the truth anyway, so what's the point? You know we have to be careful about who we trust, and me getting close to someone would complicate things. It could end very badly, and I can't risk that."

There was a lengthy, awkward moment of silence as they each stared at the small amount of food left on their plates. He wasn't upset with her; it was the constant need to be vigilant and suspicious about anyone he came into contact with that frustrated him. Everyone was a potential threat, an enemy without them even knowing it. Getting caught up with too much emotion for someone could prove disastrous and fatal if he became careless.

"Hey Nick?" Maya's voice was timid as she shifted her gaze to look upon his mildly distressed visage.

"Yeah?"

Her expression was suddenly quite serious, and she proceeded to speak with the utmost sincerity and affection. "I keep hoping one of these days….I'll write the next one down and that'll be the last….I want you to be happy."

Recognizing the abundant love behind those words, he smiled and touched her hand lightly. "Thanks, Maya. You know….I couldn't ask for a better friend and protector."

She grasped his fingers and continued, "You've been through so much, and I hope you'll find someone you can share your true self with and be accepted and loved."

"It'd be nice, but honestly, I'm not sure I'm ready for that even after all these years," he chuckled. "And there's certainly been some bad ones on that list."

"But there were also some really good ones. Don't you think she'd want you to be happy?" At the sight of him bowing his head and releasing a heavy sigh, she squeezed his hand. "You know she would."

Giving a few slight nods, he murmured, "Yeah. She would."

Letting a brief pause pass, she added, "No matter what, you'll always have me and our family back at Kurain."

"That's always a comforting thing to remember."

She gave a firm nod of affirmation. "Mhm."

"I guess we better get a move on, huh? All the good stuff might already be gone."

"If it is, it's your fault for sleeping so late."

Standing up from the table and taking their dishes to the sink, he submissively agreed, "I know, I know. Let me check the basement to see how we're doing on supplies and then we can go."

Strolling to the opposite end of the room, he unlocked the door that led into the tavern.

"I'll get the cart ready and meet you outside!" she hollered after him.

They had gotten accustomed to the bewildered, yet ecstatic reactions the non-native vendors would give them upon hearing the amount of product they wanted to purchase. The Alturians had long since ceased questioning their strange buying habits and didn't cast judging looks in their direction anymore. Rather, they realized how profitable the bizarre trend was, and it was in their best interest to merely accept the extravagant transactions with gratitude. For however preposterous Phoenix and Maya were for their opinions, none could deny their generosity for spreading the wealth.

Once a month, the center square hosted a gathering of local and foreign merchants to advertise their services and sell goods, drawing a decent crowd from all around the area, along with residents who took advantage of negotiating better prices to splurge a bit more than they normally would. It was the perfect occasion for Phoenix and Maya to stock up for a couple of weeks at a time on certain items, as well as treating themselves to others. The chocolatier Maya was hoping to see had indeed returned, and they bought up ten pounds each of assorted white, dark, and milk chocolate. It was carefully added to the handcart Phoenix pushed around the area to carry their haul. Currently, they had sixty pounds worth of bacon, sausage, beef, and chicken; what made these more of a must-have purchase, as well as quite expensive, was the fact the meat was protected by a spell to keep them frozen until thawed and cooked, ensuring the freshest taste possible. An array of fruit, vegetables, and gourmet bread from the north were also packed in. Despite the weight of the cart becoming ever heavier, Phoenix maneuvered it as if it didn't have anything in it whatsoever.

"Ahhh!" Maya squealed excitedly. "Brady's here! Come on, Nick! Let's go say hi!"

Phoenix couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm and did his best to follow behind her. She weaved between the crowd with ease, while he had to politely excuse his way through.

Of course he'd have to be here today. Not to mention he's probably sold out already.

"Hey Brady!" Maya chirped happily as she approached.

A man who was around six feet tall, muscular, and by all accounts tremendously handsome turned to her and grinned. His hair was dark brown, matching his eye color, and his attire was simple like that typical of the middle-class.

"Maya!" he greeted, matching her delight. "I was wondering when I'd see you. I almost worried that you'd finally moved away."

She waved her hand and giggled, "Oh no. Lazy bones decided he needed some extra beauty rest this morning."

"Ah. Where is he anyway?"

"He was right behind me…." She turned to survey the sea of people and all at once pointed. "Here he comes!"

At last able to breach the edge of the crowd to this new vendor stand, Phoenix met Brady's longing gaze and said softly, "Hey stranger."

Brady smirked. "I feel like I should be saying that to you. I almost thought you'd left without a proper goodbye again."

Phoenix rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. "Apparently, I needed some extra sleep. I suppose I'm probably too late and you're sold out, huh?"

"Yes, unfortunately. However….I did save a few barrels especially for you, as usual."

"And I owe you, as usual. How much do you need?"

"How about I deliver them in a little while and we can discuss the price then?" There was a naughty glint in his eyes now, and he did nothing to hide the fact that he was ogling the other man's body.

"It'd be my pleasure to accommodate whatever terms you think are fair," Phoenix replied with a seductive grin. "We open at six, so any time before that is fine."

"I'm well-aware of how accommodating you can be. I'm sure we can reach an agreement that satisfies both of us."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"I take it you're not involved at the moment? That doesn't surprise me."

Phoenix was grateful Maya's attention had wavered, for she had wandered to another booth nearby, allowing him to continue with this sexually ambiguous conversation without embarrassment. "You really do know me so well after all."

"I've heard a lot of others do too."

"At least I left a good impression, huh?" Phoenix smiled and laughed a little.

"You always have, in or out of the bed."

"Then you won't be disappointed when you receive your payment." Giving a playful wink, he concluded, "I'll see you soon," and strayed to find Maya.

He could feel Brady's gaze fixated on him from behind and couldn't deny the arousal he now had in anticipation from settling his debt later that afternoon. While he knew word no doubt got around that he could be very generous with strangers, he hadn't expected Brady to be one of those people to catch wind of it. Regardless, he'd learned long ago that pleasure was something he could easily give without costing him a thing.

It was also a way to maintain an image of being submissive, allowing others to feel as if they had control over him – a tactic engraved in his mind that he contributed to keeping him safe and alive by perpetuating a non-threatening persona to anyone he encountered.

"Nnnhh….Ahhh…."

"Almost there….Phoenix….

"Uhnnn….Hhnnn…."

"….Nghhh…."

From the tensing muscles in Brady's thighs and the visible way his upper body went stiff, Phoenix felt the climax spill within him seconds later. He slowed the motion of his hips as the other man's cock continued to flex inside of him before he eventually came to a gradual stop. Both panting and sweating, Phoenix gazed down at his company from where he sat atop him and grinned in satisfaction.

"Well?" he huffed. "I don't think you can take any more payment. Three times in different positions should clear my debt, right?"

Brady chuckled. "Agreed. Your tab is considered paid."

Leaning down, Phoenix melted against the hands that gently caressed his cheek and wiped away the stray strands of wet hair from his face before kissing the man tenderly.

"You feel as good as I remember. The best I've ever had. God, I've missed you, Phoenix," Brady whispered in between kisses.

"Missed you too." He smiled against Brady's lips, granting a quick flick of his tongue against them.

"Mmmm. Be careful, you might need to make another payment, being that playful."

"We can make it a rain check. I need to get ready to open the tavern here soon with Maya."

He repositioned himself to lie next to Brady, who immediately turned onto his side to stare at his former lover and run his fingers along the smooth chest.

"Why not come back with me? Give us another try."

Phoenix sighed, took the man's other hand in his to rub his thumb against affectionately, and murmured, "Brady-"

"Come on. After all this time, you still haven't settled down with anyone. How 'bout it? You can't tell me you don't feel something between us. Why not be together again?" He faintly traced the long, gruesome bite scar that spanned from below Phoenix's hip on the left side to just under his nipple, a lifelong disfiguration courtesy of a dragon's crushing fangs. "Seeing you only two or three times a year isn't enough."

Smiling sweetly, Phoenix said honestly, "It's not like I haven't thought about it."

"Then let's do it. Come with me."

"I can't. I like it here. These people are my family. I finally feel like I have a place I can call home. I don't want to leave that now that I have it." He watched the disappointment settle into Brady's features, prompting him to cup his face in his hands and pull him down for a gentle kiss. "You and the time we had will always have a special place in my heart. You know that."

Brady forced a smile and nodded. "I do. I guess I just keep hoping I'll change your mind one of these days."

Phoenix placed his arm around Brady to hold him against his body as the younger man snuggled against him and lay his head on his chest.

"You want to get clean with me here in a bit?" he whispered.

"Sounds good," Brady replied.

Closing his eyes, Phoenix smirked and added, "I guess if we fall asleep, Maya will come find us to get us up."

"She wouldn't be polite about it, I'm sure."

"I have my money on her using a wooden spoon and a metal pot."

The two of them did indeed doze off, though both were grateful they roused before Maya considered Phoenix late for prepping the tavern.

It never failed that the nights the tavern closed early, the crazier the evening was – the shortened hours of operation led to heavier drinking and eating almost as if to make up the time difference. There was hardly a moment to catch their breath as Maya and Phoenix hustled about – pouring drinks, preparing dinners, and delivering them to the unbelievably packed tables; the two workers had to exercise extreme caution and dexterity with the dishes to squeeze through the tiny gaps between patrons as they maneuvered their way around the main area, including up the populated staircase to the second floor that was just as crowded.

Because of the merchant gathering, there were a plethora of unfamiliar faces alongside the regular clientele, pushing the capacity limit to its peak. They were used to the tavern teeming with people, though on special occasions like this, it was nearly impossible to move around without brushing against someone to get by.

"Hey barkeep! Pretty boy! Another mug of that *hic* new beer, eh?!"

With how loud the pub was, anyone else may not have heard the shouted order, yet Phoenix smiled, gave a thumbs-up in the handsy man's direction, and slinked his way toward the bar counter.

"Must be that full moon again, huh?" Phoenix muttered, passing behind Maya who was placing five mugs onto a tray.

"No kidding! They're even worse tonight!"

"We haven't even been open a full hour and I've already been called several names and had my ass grabbed a dozen times; half of those by the same guy!"

Maya giggled. "You give people too many chances. If that was happening to me, you and the locals would've tossed them out already! You don't have to put up with that, Nick."

He sighed and poured a second mug of ale. "It's okay. It's not like we have so many ill-mannered guests very often."

"Just wait til your new admirer comes! I'm sure he'll intervene and save his damsel in distress!"

"Oh lord," he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

As he headed to the backroom to fetch a glass of the beer he'd purchased from Brady, she hollered, "Protect your honor, Nick!"

Taking a deep breath to re-center himself, Phoenix closed his eyes and released it slowly. Disrespectful, lewd and immature behavior was nothing new. It came with the territory of intoxicated customers. Tonight wasn't even the worst he'd endured. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of something being amiss.

Mentally, he went through a checklist of possibilities. His memory ambushing his mind in the form of a nightmare that morning. The stirred-up emotions from sleeping with his former lover and said lover longing to rekindle what they had. The mysterious stranger from the night before whom he had yet to encounter again….

Clenching his hands into fists, he nodded to himself and pushed the thoughts aside. This was not the time to be distracted.

He fetched a new mug and strolled to the barrel of beer he'd earned from Brady, noting how either he or Maya would have to spare a moment to wash some more or he'd have to bring up additional supply from the basement, and filled it almost to the rim.

"Let's see what he does to me this time," he grumbled, pushing the door open. Picking up the additional two he'd left on the counter, he entered the fray, weaving between tables and people with an elegance that mirrored a dancer. Not a drop was spilled as he delivered the orders, the last one being to the overly friendly gentleman sitting near the staircase.

"About time, pretty boy," the man chided, garnering snickers from his other male and female companions at the table. "I was beginning to think you'd *hic* forgotten about me," he added with a pout.

"I don't think that's possible," Phoenix retorted, keeping his tone affable. "You've made your presence quite well-known tonight." Turning to walk away, Phoenix all at once tensed as the man grabbed his forearm and pulled him down to sit on his lap.

"How 'bout a little kiss, eh?"

Phoenix recoiled in response to him leaning closer and nearly vocalized his disgust from his hand being forced to rest against the man's clothed erection. "I only kiss men who show some manners," he stated firmly, snatching his arm away out of the man's grip.

"Oh come on. I hear ya like gettin' fucked. Why so *hic* shy now, hm? All I want is a kiss."

"I imagine people hear a lot of things about me. Doesn't always mean they're true."

"Mmm, you're a feisty one, eh?" He glided his hand along Phoenix's inner thigh and continued, "I like a man who's got some spirit in 'im."

Leaning forward to where his lips brushed against the man's ear, he murmured in a lustful tone, "Which is exactly what you've had too much of that I bet you couldn't keep it up even if I did let you take me home with you."

Begrudgingly granting the request, Phoenix took hold of the man's face and kissed him zealously. As fingers threaded through his spikey hair, those individuals sitting at the table and nearby commenced whooping and hollering obscene statements to perpetuate the smutty conduct for their viewing pleasure. Soon, the majority of the room was taking part in the uproarious banter. Those familiar with Phoenix were far tamer in their words, saying things like, "Quit teasing the poor fool!" and "You can do better than him, Phoenix!" Those who weren't, however, were extremely irreverent with expressing what they wanted to watch unfold – from Phoenix having his clothes ripped off and being deflowered on top of the table for the crowd's entertainment, to shouting for the alluring barkeeper to be coerced onto his knees and have his oral orifice violated.

Unbeknownst to Phoenix, his charismatic beau from the previous night entered the tavern shortly after he'd taken a seat on the client's lap. Miles was nonchalantly surveying the area, hiding the almost desperate desire to find Phoenix, as he forced his way towards the bar counter. The instant his gaze landed on what he yearned to be his prize for the night, his body reacted quite strongly with burning jealousy upon observing Phoenix sinfully kissing another man with such intensity that made one wonder if the barkeeper had a second occupation as a prostitute; the riled crowd did nothing but fuel this image with their crude comments. He felt his face flush, observing how Phoenix's ass was liberally groped, provoking his covetous longing to the point of anger.

Why didn't I insist on escorting him to my quarters last night? he seethed. If he's this wanton in public, he shouldn't have had any issues with me bedding him.

While he attributed his rising frustration to purely physical urges, there was still something that stirred his senses, a nagging that spoke to his years of training, though about what, he did not know.

I shall have him tonight. I will not deny myself again.

All too quickly, to the dismay of the onlookers, the spectacle ended. Phoenix pulled away and broke free of the man's hold to stand up and sashay back to the bar without a word. Plenty of hungry proposals were hurled his way, which he acknowledged with nothing more than a wink and a smile. Once he was behind the counter, the vulgar chatter died down and the attention was off him. Approaching a male guest who was currently sitting at the counter empty-handed and head slightly bowed, Phoenix said politely, "Apologies for the wait, good sir. What can I get you tonight?"

"How about you?" was the smooth reply, yet it definitely had a bite to it that the other man was keenly aware of. Lifting his head to meet those dazzling, rich sapphire eyes, Miles smirked at the look of slight surprise on the face of his would-be-bounty for the evening.

"I wasn't expecting you," Phoenix half-lied. "Nor did I recognize you without that scary sword of yours on your back."

"With as many people crammed in here tonight as there are, I don't believe it would fit. If you'd like to see it again, I'd be more than willing to show you later." He flashed a mischievous grin, communicating his intentions quite clearly.

Phoenix snickered, glancing down for a moment to let the offer sink in. "I bet that sword's seen a lot of action," he countered, a sly smile spreading across his visage. "I wouldn't mind taking a look at it myself one of these nights."

"Well, how about it, then? You close early tonight, that seems like a fortuitous coincidence to grant me the opportunity to know you better."

Phoenix opened his mouth to reply, however, a boisterous voice yelled, "I need more gin over here, eh?! Help a laddie out, would ya, Phoenix?!" at the same instant. He averted his attention to the customer's direction and shouted, "Be right there, Wilson!" He moved to the opposite end of the bar counter where the gin bottles were shelved, poured himself a shot first and threw it back, then proceeded with filling the order and delivering it.

As this was happening, Miles studied every inch of him. The dexterous hands. The wince in response to the burn of the alcohol going down his throat. The subtle shine to his exposed skin due to perspiration. While there was some muscle definition to his slender body, Miles was still astonished how this man was able to bring up the largest keg he'd ever seen on his own; even with the years of strength training Miles had, he questioned whether he would be capable of such a feat, let alone not showing signs of struggling to do so. There was something exquisite and exotic beyond the gorgeous eyes and physique that it practically had Miles aching for him. Phoenix was a marvel, whether or not anyone else saw it, and Miles was determined to discover why.

They didn't have another chance to speak much with one another as the evening forged on. More customers trickled in, outpacing those who were leaving, yet they were hellbent on taking up residence somewhere in the over-capacity tavern. Despite spending a nice chunk of time washing the ever-growing pile of dirty dishes, Phoenix had to retrieve four additional cases of mugs and glasses from the basement in an attempt to keep up with the demand. He took two more trips downstairs to get replacement kegs, and as another hour passed, he never once showed any signs of exhaustion. In fact, the only hint that he was potentially exerting himself was his tunic clinging more to his body as the sweat increased.

"Sticking with the Elvish rum?" he asked Miles, swiping the empty glass from in front of him and smiling pleasantly.

"Mm, yes. I underestimated its smoothness and robust flavor. One must be careful drinking it. Would be quite easy to go overboard and not even realize it."

"I concur. I know they say other liquors will make your clothes fall off, but I think this could be a contender for that outcome too!" He giggled and wiped his brow with the back of his arm, and the look of pure lust that crept onto Miles' features was not unnoticed.

"Are you speaking from personal experience?"

"Perhaps. Truthfully, it's been awhile since I was that drunk. I don't need the liquid persuasion to get me interested in sleeping with someone."

As he turned to venture into the backroom, he knew damn well the intended effect was successful from the undeniably carnal expression Miles bore, causing him to half-expect the swordsman to leap over the counter, tackle him to the floor, and ravage him senseless. If he was being honest with himself, he was disappointed when it didn't happen and he was allowed to enter the other room without issue.

I probably shouldn't tease him so hard, he thought amusedly.

Flirting was something he was familiar and comfortable with. He enjoyed the harmless game and the feeling of being in control. Man, woman – it didn't matter. More often than not, he found himself in the other person's bed for the night, even if it was the very first interaction they'd had.

Miles was different. He stirred up something within Phoenix that drove him wild. He couldn't tell if it was an agitation, a warning, or something more along the lines of a wild animal in heat. Either way, he felt naughty and wanted to push the man's patience and cravings to the absolute limit, wanted to dance in this tango until the inevitable conclusion of letting Miles capture him and dominate him.

"Ahhh! Phoenix!"

The glass he held slipped from his grip, shattering into pieces on the floor. He rushed out, ready to spring to Maya's aid. Angry yelling at the back part of the tavern alerted him to the impending brawl that was brimming. Numerous patrons were pushing one another, with a couple of younger gentlemen Phoenix recognized as friendly members of the town standing in front of Maya, poised to fight the burly man that stood a foot taller than them.

"Hey HEY!" Phoenix shouted commandingly, rushing to be between the middle of the standoff. "What's going on? Maya, are you okay?" His words were frantic, fearing for her safety. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Nick," she responded, notably shaken. "He just…."

"This guy forced his hands on her, Phoenix," one of the allies explained. "Grabbed her and wouldn't let go."

"What ya gonna do about it, Nick?" the perpetrator spat tauntingly, puffing himself up to full height, which was approximately a head taller than Phoenix.

Not flinching whatsoever, Phoenix stared upward at him and said with remarkable calmness, "I'm going to escort you out."

There was laughter from those who weren't regulars, while the rest of those who were looked forward to what was coming.

"I'm a payin' customer. I'm not leavin'."

"I'm not asking you. Follow me, please."

"I said I ain't leavin'. If your lil bitch knew what was good for her-"

In the blink of an eye, Phoenix had one of the man's arms painfully stretched and restrained behind his back while simultaneously placing him into a chokehold. The man struggled to liberate himself, though Phoenix was astoundingly unyielding and demonstrated he was the stronger of the two of them by forcing the man forward. The stunned crowd parted, opening a clear path to the door. Someone courteously opened it, and Phoenix shoved him out onto the sidewalk.

"I suggest you get some manners before you show up here again," Phoenix warned darkly. "Don't think for a second that I won't remember your face. If you ever touch her again, I promise you'll regret it."

As the man got to his feet, his group of friends gruffly brushed past Phoenix, muttering insults under their breath. Phoenix wasn't phased by the less-than-friendly names he was being called, and proceeded to say evenly, "Try being that way with women at the rest of the pubs in town, I guarantee you'll be kicked out of there too."

There was more foul language as the five men wandered off. Running his fingers through his slightly damp hair and taking a deep breath, Phoenix focused on grounding himself. It was rare that he'd toss someone out; for the most part, people behaved and remained civil with one another. Fights would occasionally occur and escalate, leaving him no choice; however, if anything ever involved Maya, he was fiercely protective and wouldn't hesitate to do whatever it took to ensure her safety.

With the surge of adrenaline fading after a minute or so, he strolled inside, blushing imperceptibly at the warm reception he received. Many offered to buy him a drink, while others held out their own for him to take a swig. He respectfully declined, making his way to where Maya still stood.

"Hey," he greeted, gently touching her shoulder.

She turned around and smiled, hoping to ease the concern she knew was upsetting him. "I'm okay, Nick. I promise."

"Are you sure? You can go home, if you want. I can handle it."

She flopped her hand forward and scoffed. "Pfft, yeah right! Look how busy we are! You still need me."

"Maya-"

She suddenly hugged him, catching him by surprise, and squeezed him tightly. "Thanks, Nick. It's okay," she murmured. Raising herself up onto her tiptoes, she whispered in his ear, "Shalakoutounne." Almost instantly, she felt his entire body and spirit relax. She kissed his cheek softly before pulling away to continue with attending to customer needs.

Phoenix sighed, the tender word succeeding like always, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the gentlemen who helped Maya get free of the inappropriate client. When he finally returned to the bar and spotted Miles with no drink, his eyes widened, and he began apologizing.

"I'm so sorry," he said hastily, sounding embarrassed. "Let me get your drink."

There wasn't a chance to object, and Miles watched him disappear once more into the backroom.

How in god's name is he so strong? He restrained someone at least fifty pounds greater than him without any effort. How? Who is he?

Quite frankly, he was getting annoyed with the constantly increasing fancy he had for this stranger, unable to recount when he last had such a burning intrigue about someone. This was also the fourth time today he'd become aroused from thinking about knowing the barkeep intimately better.

"So sorry for the interruption," Phoenix said contritely, setting a new glass onto the counter. "This one's on me."

With a slight shake of his head to riddle himself of the impure thoughts, Miles smiled and replied, "No apology necessary, Wright. I must say I'm impressed with how you handled yourself."

Phoenix rubbed the back of his neck, his timid, nervous habit revealing itself at the compliment. "Oh, it was nothing," he grinned shyly. "They say you can do big things when you're on an adrenaline high!"

"I can sense how vigilant you are when it comes to matters involving her. It's touching. Older brother instincts, I assume?"

Phoenix laughed. "I guess you could say that."

"Oh?"

"We're not related by blood, but I certainly consider her a part of my family."

"How did you two meet?"

"That's a story for another time, Miles." He emphasized the man's name to remind him of how he had yet to reveal much about himself, including his full name.

Catching this loud and clear, Miles smirked. "Yes, I suppose so. How about we learn more about each other after closing, hm? I have one of the best rooms at the Rosmi Inn."

"Can't get better than that in this town. I'd be a fool to turn that down, but I must." Though Miles hid his shock and dejection immensely well, it was easily felt. "I'm sorry. Tonight's just not a good night."

"Already have plans with someone else?" Miles questioned, quirking an eyebrow and gazing at him as if judging the answer before it was even spoken.

"Yeah. It's just Maya." Phoenix stifled a giggle at the obvious release of jealousy he watched silently leave Miles' expression. "We like to unwind together on the early nights. Play cards before going to bed at a decent time. Nothing too exciting, I promise."

"I can't entice you to change your arrangement for a night?"

An incredibly sly grin spread across Phoenix's visage as he leaned over the counter and breathed in Miles' ear, "I'm not always so easy."

He planted what could be deemed a chaste kiss onto the swordsman's cheek, letting his lips linger on the spot for a brief moment before pulling back. Almost grabbing for the barkeeper's red, loose tie around his neck, Miles instead behaved himself, even as he wrestled with the filthy thoughts overtaking him, and remained motionless. They stared at one another for a lengthy period, almost daring the other to try something.

"You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen," Miles finally confessed quietly.

Phoenix blushed. He was used to the raunchy remarks made about him – whether it was in regards to his appearance or the acts someone wanted to commit with him – but honest, gentle comments such as this were more than just flattery and were few and far between.

"So vibrant…."

"The family genes were kind to me, I guess you could say," Phoenix responded softly, and Miles wondered if he was correct in hearing an underlying sadness in the statement.

"Where does your family hail from?"

Phoenix smiled and shook his head. "Another time. There are still very thirsty customers I must please for the next couple of hours. If I don't get the chance to speak with you again, I hope you have a good night, Miles."

And with that, Phoenix returned to assisting Maya with checking on tables and fetching orders, leaving an immensely enchanted Miles alone.

The swordsman stayed for another thirty minutes, watching Phoenix the entirety of that time, until he at last decided he would have to continue his pursuit another evening. When he stepped outside, he took a deep breath and glanced upward at the bright moon and stars. Coming from a densely populated city with electricity, being able to appreciate the splendor of nature like this was something he didn't get to do often. Everything about Altura was simple and quaint, save for two things: Phoenix Wright and his non-relative Maya.

Whatever secrets you keep, I vow to uncover, he thought determinedly. Finding what lurks in the shadows is a specialty of mine. However, I doubt anything could be more extraordinary than your childish views on dragons.

He laughed to himself and began the short walk to the inn. If his business in the region went on longer than expected, perhaps he could make the barkeeper see reason one of these days.

Strolling down the street, he uttered faintly, "Farewell for now, Blue Dragon."