(A/N: Hai! I come bearing prons! *throws them at you* )

Into the Dawn - Chapter Four

Miles lay on his back in bed, arms folded behind his head and staring at the ceiling. There was a book lying on the nightstand beside the lit lamp, but he found he was too distracted by anxiety to actually read it. He'd been hearing their voices drift up from the kitchen, but he couldn't make out the words. Everything had gone quiet now, so he was just waiting to see what would come next.

His heart leaped into his throat when the doorknob turned, but he exhaled to relax when he saw Phoenix step in. "Sorry about that," the brunette man said as he shut the door and came over to crawl onto the bed. He came up beside Miles and leaned down to place a kiss on his forehead. "You're not mad at me, are you?"

Miles briefly closed his eyes to compose himself, but opened them again to look into Phoenix's when he spoke. "No, I'm not angry. I... understand why you did it. However, I... would like an explanation. Who was that man, and why was it necessary to bring him into my home?"

Phoenix flopped down next to him, lying on his side and draping an arm over the prosecutor's chest. "He was a government official, one of the Councilors for this region. Pretty important man, actually. I... couldn't exactly turn him down, but I thought it'd be best if you were out of sight. He sides with the Humanist movement, but... well... he's a politician. You never know what they actually believe; they just side with whoever they think will get them farther, you know?"

"All too well..." Miles recalled Phoenix's explanation of the factions within vampire society. His first explanation had been a relatively simple one, but he had elaborated during their time living together. Those who called themselves Humanists believed vampires should reveal their existence and try to fit into human society, while the Imperialists believed that vampires should take over human society and rule as the superior species. Phoenix obviously supported the former, as his Maker had, but he had been trying to avoid other vampires and their society since Alastair's death. "So... what is it he wanted?" Miles dreaded the answer to that question, but he felt he needed to know it.

Phoenix looked to have been dreading this question, and took some time to collect his thoughts and brace himself for whatever he was about to say. "Okay, so, you know how I told you that it's getting harder and harder for my kind to stay hidden, what with modern technology and record-keeping and all? Well, apparently, the Imperialists have decided they've had enough of hiding. They've gotten impatient, and Councilman Mason siad they've started... acting, causing trouble. He thinks they're about to do something drastic, and he wants to either preempt it, or have counter-measures in place."

The implications of these words were staggering. Miles was glad Phoenix took a pause, because he needed time to process this. On one hand, the thought was absolutely terrifying. It could mean the start of a war, and not a strictly political one, either. This could get violent and bloody; it could destroy life as everyone knew it.

On the other hand, it meant relief. It meant he could finally stop lying to everyone, stop keeping secrets. It meant Phoenix could show himself again, and that the friends he'd left behind would no longer have to grieve for him.

Miles swallowed hard, deciding to prompt Phoenix to continue. "So... what role has he asked you to play in all of this?"

Phoenix peered down at him in silence for a time, then moved his hand to start tracing fingers through his fine silver locks. The gesture was soothing, and it seemed to help take a little bit of the impact out of the words that followed. "Apparently, he wants me to be something like a spokesman for the Humanist movement, a representative, i guess. He says that with my reputation in this region and my ideals, I would make a good public face for my kind. Basically, they'd put me on stage at press conferences, public events, or even on television to tell people how cute and cuddly we actually are and that we just wanna' be friends."

Miles couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of that last statement. "I do hope those were not his exact words, Wright."

"Heh... no, I'm just being an asshole," Phoenix confessed with a little grin, leaning down to share a short kiss with his human lover. "But seriously, that's the essence of it. I'd be one of the people whose job it is to make humans trust us, and... well... he wants me to bring you along in this. He said our relationship would be a good show of the Humanist ideals. After all, you're human and you trust me, so it should follow that all humans can trust vampires."

Miles knew quite well that it was not so simple, and he could tell that Phoenix was being sardonic as well. Phoenix had always been somewhat of an idealist, and Miles knew he himself was guilty of the same from time to time. However, they were both grounded enough to know things would not go smoothly. It was simply an impossibility given the circumstances and the lessons taught by history.

Still, a change was coming whether they wanted it to or not. Was it not wise to be prepared?

Miles stared at the ceiling for a time, mulling over this situation while enjoying the feeling of Phoenix playing with his hair. He wasn't sure for how long he remained silent, but eventually he asked the obvious question. "So... what are you going to do?"

"I told him I'd think about it." A non-committal answer, likely the exact same one Miles would have given in that situation. "I wanted to come talk to you about it first, since it would involve you, too. I might have to act like I'm totally in charge in front of people like him, but I want you to know I don't actually think that way. I mean... I try not to... I'll admit it's hard sometimes..."

Miles shifted his gaze to make eye-contact with Phoenix. studying his face. That concern had indeed lurked in the back of his mind after witnessing Phoenix's behavior the previous night, amplified by the way he'd given orders upon the councilor's arrival. It was comforting to hear that his life was indeed not being forcibly taken over. "I... suppose I see the benefits in such an arrangement, but... I cannot say I like the idea of advertising our relationship as if we are Hollywood celebrities seeking media attention. As you may have noticed, I value my privacy."

Phoenix nodded emphatically. "Oh, I know. Believe me, i know. Getting you to talk about yourself is like pulling teeth. Besides, doing this could also be dangerous. The two factions are basically at war, and this whole 'coming out' thing could remove 'basically' from that description. Councilor Mason said we'd be protected if we decided to go through with this, and made a pretty good point when he said they might target us anyway because of what happened back at Alastair's place. So... if they keep their word, it... might actually be safer for both of us to take the offer."

The thought of becoming the target of an entire faction of savage killers was not an attractive one, no, but Miles supposed that - in his line of work - there were plenty of dangerous people who would be glad to see him dead. Still, he wagered the Imperialist vampires were probably a little more dangerous than a human mafia, though he supposed he could be wrong. They were probably less selective about their victims, though, which made them a more prominent threat. Besides, the way Phoenix had worded it sounded like being in the limelight would be their best chance to survive, and he could see the logic in that. The more people knew who you were, the more they would notice if you went missing.

"All in all," he began after a time, "this seems like a noble undertaking. I just... I am uncertain about what it will involve and... what sort of state the world is going to find itself in once this secret gets out."

Phoenix nodded grimly. "Yeah, I know. Nobody has any idea what to expect, really. The Council just wants to be prepared. I guess that's all they can really do." He looked away, staring off into the middle-distance while still absently toying with Miles' hair. Miles said nothing, just watched the other man think, and Phoenix soon met his gaze again. "I'm going to leave this up to you," Phoenix finally said. "If you'd rather not, we can just hide out here and I'll do the best I can to protect you if things go south."

Miles let his eyes fall shut, just trying to focus on the soothing sensation Phoenix was offering him. "I'd rather not make a decision tonight. It's too soon..."

"We have until the beginning of July to decide. So, a week."

Miles nodded slowly, saying nothing. He wanted to leave it at that for tonight, and Phoenix seemed to sense this. Miles shivered a little as he felt the other man's lips on his neck, planting gentle kisses. "Now, how was your day?"

"A bit lonely," Miles admitted, just lying still and enjoying the attention, "but I suppose that cannot be helped. Nothing of note happened. Well... I received a call from Ms. Fey this morning, but..."

"Ah..." He could hear the pain in that single syllable, and Miles wished he hadn't had to bring it up. "Well, if things go as we're hoping, I might get to see her again soon." His optimism brought a small smile to Miles' lips. "I can't wait to see the look on her face when she figures out there are more than just spirits wandering around."

Miles laughed softly, and that was followed by a tiny moan as Phoenix began working at a particularly sensitive spot on his neck. "Mmh... Ever the optimist, aren't you, Wright?"

"Hey, I'm immortal now," Phoenix pointed out. "Can't spend eternity thinking the worst of everything; I'd lose my damn mind!"

"Fair enough." It was difficult to think of anything more substantial to say when Phoenix was sending such a pleasant tingling sensation through his body, down to his center where he was feeling the beginnings of arousal. "I personally can't even fathom having so long to live."

A low chuckle sounded in Phoenix's throat, and Miles thought he detected a little bitterness in it. "I try not to think about it myself." The hand that had been stroking his hair now traveled downward, skimming down the side of his face and neck, over his shirt, and to where much of his blood was starting to flow. Miles hissed through clenched teeth as Phoenix took a firm hold of the growing bulge, giving Miles a hard squeeze. "Ah ha! Didn't get enough last night, hm?"

Miles dipped his head back, consequently exposing his throat. "Nngh... I could... ask the same of you."

A low, husky laugh poured into his ear as powerful arms encircled him and pulled him flush against Phoenix. "Miles, if you could handle it, I'd never stop fucking you." A dark blush bloomed across Miles' cheeks upon hearing such a thing said to him in such an intimate way. It was both embarrassing and exhilarating to think he could bring out such behavior in someone like Phoenix, and he knew the former was probably foolish. It wasn't as if anyone else could see or hear them, would know what was said or done in this room.

Miles let his eyes fall shut, deciding talk could wait another night.

Phoenix watched as Miles shut his eyes: a sign of surrender. The beast within him surged, roaring with triumph and hunger, and it took all of his willpower to keep the animal caged. Phoenix shifted his weight more on top of Miles and captured his mouth in a fiery kiss, tongue eagerly delving in to explore and taste. He felt Miles' hands slide up his back and into his hair, lightly gripping the spikes. He felt an urge to reach up and push those hands away, simply to exert his dominance, but he stifled that urge. He just wanted to be with Miles; he didn't need to control everything! He wanted Miles to touch him, to participate. So long as he could be mostly in control, it would be a reasonable compromise with his nature.

He had been worried about how Miles would respond to such a need, but so far, he'd been surprised at the living man's willingness. It made things much less complicated; he just had to avoid crossing the line... wherever it might be. Only time would tell, he supposed.

When he broke the kiss, Phoenix raised himself up to peer down at the other man, watching as he took in several deep breaths, listening to how his heart beat faster, pumping his blood to all the right parts of his body. Unexpectedly, as he peered down at Miles' face, he felt a burst of sentimentality. He reached up to caress a flushed cheek, one he would describe as 'pale' were it not being compared to his own skin. "You have no idea how beautiful you are." He watched a bit of surprise and a hint of confusion appear in those stunning gray eyes that were always filled with an intelligence the likes of which he'd never seen in another person. He traced an index finger over Miles' lips, swollen from the kiss. "You know, I used to just... stare at you sometimes in court, when no one was paying attention."

A bashful smile came over the other man's face. "Eh... Well... that's... a bit creepy, actually."

Phoenix chuckled, smirking a little as he slid his hand back into those gorgeous, silken silver locks that gleamed in the lamplight. "Well, when you think about it, it's probably the least creepy thing I did. After all, I did change my career path in large part to meet you, when trying to contact you failed."

He watched as Miles' expression slowly worked its way into a thoughtful frown and then a slight glare; he loved every expression that lovely face made. "You're right: that is actually rather unsettling. Perhaps I should reconsider this arrangement."

Someone who didn't know Edgeworth and wasn't as skilled at reading people might have become worried at this point, but Phoenix Wright just grinned. "Oh, come on. You actually expect me to believe that would scare you away when these didn't?" Phoenix parted his lips and gave a short growl as he extended his feeding fangs. Miles' glare melted away, and though he tried to hide it, there was a little apprehension in his features now. Phoenix had grown used to that and knew it would take time before his lover was completely comfortable with what he was.

There was also a little curiosity that made its way into Miles' expression, and cautiously, one of his hands came up to touch Phoenix's chin. Miles considered for a moment, and then the blush on his cheeks darkened and he averted his gaze. Phoenix couldn't help but laugh. "Go on," he encouraged, keeping his mouth open a little. "I won't bite... yet."

Miles shook a little with a silent, nervous laugh, then swallowed. His index finger moved to Phoenix's bottom lip, and then gingerly touched one of his fangs. Phoenix had to instantly tighten his grip on his own leash in order to keep his word as nerves were set off, and Miles' anxiety wasn't helping matters. He couldn't stop the reflex of his tongue flicking out to taste the warm skin, which made Miles flinch away. He exhaled, realizing the beast's jaws had not snapped shut, and resumed his curious exploration. As he relaxed and Phoenix got used to the feeling of someone touching his fangs, it became easier to control himself. He could not, however, stop himself from salivating.

"They are... smoother than I expected..." Miles muttered, still looking sheepish for some reason. He drew his finger away, the tip glistening with moisture.

"Trust me, the bite would hurt a hell of a lot more if they weren't," Phoenix pointed out, deciding it was time to get started undressing his lover. With fingers never so nimble in life, he unbuttoned Miles' shirt and worked it off of his arms before tugging it out from under him. He ran a hand over the defined muscles of his chest and flat stomach, feeling that statuesque body shiver under his touch. He knew his hand was cold, but he could tell the reaction was not entirely due to the temperature. He circled a fingertip around Miles' navel, watching his face contort at the sensation: so beautiful.

He heard the subtle increase in Miles' heart rate as he traced that finger down the trail of fine hairs that disappeared beneath his slacks. The skin grew hotter as he went lower, but soon those pants were getting in the way. He made quick work of undoing them and hooked his fingers under the waistband of both the slacks and the silk boxer-briefs below. He had them off in one swift motion, leaving Miles in nothing but his socks. Phoenix now had a perfect frontal view, and he returned to what he'd been doing before, smirking when he saw Miles twitch a little in anticipation.

His finger traced only a short distance down the length of the growing erection, then changed course to trail along his inner thighs. Miles made a little noise of frustration, trying to glare up at him. "Y-you're cruel," he accused, making Phoenix laugh. The former attorney leaned forward, sliding an arm beneath Miles' shoulders and pulling the other man against his chest.

Phoenix placed his mouth at Miles' ear, and he felt the living man shudder when he spoke. "Are you honestly surprised I would enjoy watching you squirm?" He took Miles' earlobe between his teeth, careful not to use his fangs as he lightly scraped the skin. He was able to feel every little movement Miles made, and feeling the warm body's reaction to what he was doing was so very enticing. Still clothed, he pushed himself against the man beneath him, grinding him into the mattress. Miles' hands were around his back, clutching the fabric of his shirt.

He was well aroused by this point, and he knew Miles could feel it. He moved his mouth to a spot on his lover's neck he knew would drive him crazy, and he teased that spot mercilessly, reining in his most pressing desire in order to work the other man into a feverish state.

Then, he drew back, raised himself up, let Miles drop back to the pillows, and rolled over onto his back with his arms up behind his head. It took much of that precious self-control to keep from snickering when he saw the look of utter bewilderment on Miles' face. "W... What are you...?" He trailed off, seeing what Phoenix was sure had to be an evil smirk that had formed on his pale lips.

"Oh, don't get the wrong idea," Phoenix remarked, bringing one arm down to casually grip Miles' wrist and guide his hand to the button of his pants. "I'm just tired of doing all the work."

He watched confusion turn to indignation turn to resignation, and then Miles began to move. He curled onto his side and then turned over to sit on his heels, and Phoenix observed every single shift of his body with the hungry gaze of a predator, his tongue tracing his upper lip. He let that hand drop down beside him as Miles began unfastening his trousers. The prosecutor tugged a little at the garments, then flicked his gaze up to Phoenix's face, clearly wondering if he was going to adjust himself so they could be pulled down. Phoenix didn't move a muscle, just watched him expectantly.

Miles bit his lower lip slightly then dropped his chin, his bangs falling forward to shadow his face as he returned his focus to the task at hand. Unable to actually remove the pants, he simply folded the flaps on either side of the zipper back and then pushed down the front of the boxers beneath to free Phoenix's member. His eyes came up again, but when Phoenix neither did nor said anything, they drifted down and his long, manicured fingers coiled around, sending a wave of heat through the cold body.

Now this was truly an exercise in self-control for Phoenix, just sitting still and letting Miles touch him in such a way. Of course, he was still in command, but his nature was to be active, and he had to resist that urge for instant gratification in order to prolong his enjoyment. After all, watching Miles do this - the way his muscles moved and the look of concentration on his face - was certainly satisfying in its own way. Not to mention, having those warm hands on him felt amazing; it made him want to feel more.

When he could no longer stand to wait, Phoenix lifted his hand again and placed it on the back of Miles' head, applying just a little pressure to coax him downward. Even as he did this, part of him expected resistance, resistance that he simply could not tolerate when he was this far gone. To his relief, Miles didn't fight him and simply shifted forward, dropping down to elbows and knees. Phoenix gritted his teeth when he felt soft lips trail along his length and up to the tip, but he was impatient and pushed on the back of Miles' head again, a wordless signal that Miles seemed to understand.

When that hot, wet mouth enveloped him, Phoenix shuddered and groaned, dipping his head back against the headboard. "That's good..." he praised, entangling his fingers in his lover's hair and making sure he couldn't pull all the way off. Lips and tongue slid farther down, and Phoenix tilted his head forward again in order to watch his sweet, gorgeous human lover pleasure him. It was a sight he would never forget, and one he would hopefully get to see again and again.

As Miles' head began to bob up and down, Phoenix let his fingers slip free of silver strands and travel over the back of his neck and along the curve of his spine. The warm body quivered at his touch, which kept moving lower until they found their destination. When they touched such a sensitive area, Miles lurched in surprise and choked, instinctively trying to draw back and raise himself up. Phoenix did not allow this: his other hand came down in a flash to grip the hair at the top of the prosecutor's head, firmly keeping him in place while he teased his entrance. He heard a delightful little whimper from the living man, and had at least enough mercy left not to force his head down before he could regulate his breath somewhat.

Aware that his fingers were dry, Phoenix had enough of a mind not to try and force them too deep. He teased enough to elicit lovely little noises that were helping to drive him closer and closer to what would be his first climax of the night. The fingers entwined in Miles' hair flexed as he was taken into the other man's throat, and he knew it was time to give the proper warning. "Get ready, Miles..." he said through clenched teeth, his voice much rougher than normal, backed by a low rumble in his chest.

Miles had only a couple of seconds to brace himself before Phoenix let go, throwing his head back with a deep, prolonged groan as he spilled himself into the other man's mouth. He didn't let Miles pull away until his release had run its course, and even then he was reluctant to allow it. It was when he felt the other man shaking that he knew he had to let him up for air, and thus he did so, watching contentedly as Miles shot up, gasping and coughing a little.

So adorable... Oh, the things he could do to this man!

He could no longer merely sit and watch. Phoenix moved with incredible speed, swinging himself up and around behind Miles to straddle his hips. Miles gasped in shock at the sudden movement, but Phoenix gave him no time to catch up, wrapping his arms around the living man's chest and latching onto the side of his neck. Not having softened all that much, he pressed himself hard against Miles' backside, a promise of what was coming.

He could sense some fearful apprehension from the man in his grasp, but again he was too far gone to stop; it only excited him further. His presence of mind was just enough to remember the tube of lubricant lying on the nightstand and that it was necessary to avoid injuring his lover, so he snatched it quickly to apply it before his patience truly reached its end.

He could feel just how tense Miles was, especially when he made his entrance. The resistance didn't stop his forward momentum, and he heard a few pained gasps from the man in his arms. The beast laughed, but Phoenix knew he had to gather some measure of composure, provide some reassurance; he was frightening the man he loved.

"Relax," he whispered into Miles' ear, stilling once he was fully sheathed. "Just relax... I'm still here... You don't have to be afraid..." The gravel in his voice wasn't exactly soothing, but he hoped his words would be and he forced himself not to move.

Miles took several quick, almost panicked breaths before they started growing deeper, more controlled, slower. Taut muscles began to slacken and his heartbeat slowed a little. Just when Phoenix thought he could no longer stand to wait, Miles spoke, though he sounded choked. "I-I'm okay..."

That was the best he could do. Phoenix flexed his body and began rocking his hips in a quick back and forth motion. With his new-found strength and agility, it was difficult to judge how much of it he could safely use; back at Alastair's place, he had literally begun to crush his poor captive during a severe lapse in control. Even now, he could feel the body beneath him shake each time his hips made contact, jarred with the impact. This told him the power he was using was about all Miles could handle, reinforced by the hint of pain in the wonderful moans and cries he was hearing.

Phoenix had not retracted his fangs since bringing them out during the earlier conversation, and with a carnal growl, he sank them into warm flesh as if it were no tougher than butter, groaning as hot blood erupted into his mouth. He could never decide if it was just his attraction to the prosecutor making it seem so, but Miles always tasted so much better than anyone else from whom he'd fed. He drank greedily and continued his rapid thrusts, listening to the sweet symphony of noise around him: flesh striking flesh, the creaking of the wooden bed frame, and Miles - delectable and exquisite Miles and his sounds of enraptured anguish.

Phoenix had no idea how he found the strength of will to draw his fangs out, but he did. He kept his mouth in place, tongue lapping eagerly to ensure not a single drop was wasted. He could tell Miles was so very, very close, sensing the desperation. He moved one of his hands down to take a firm hold of his lover's member, stroking roughly in time with his thrusts. "Come for me, Miles," he growled in the prosecutor's ear, and that was exactly what happened. He felt the whole thing: Miles' entire body went rigid and then began to convulse with each wave, that burning heat clamped down around him, and the object in his hand spilled its seed onto the sheets below.

The warm body went slack in his arms, but he hadn't quite finished yet. It took a few more quick, deep thrusts to bring him over the edge for a second time, this one more intense than the first. If Heaven existed, this was surely what it would feel like, and it was all thanks to Miles Edgeworth, who had so graciously offered up his body. He would be eternally grateful.

With the end of his climax came a bit more clarity, and Phoenix gently lowered the limp, quivering mass that was his lover to the bed, smoothly drawing himself out. Supporting himself with a hand and knee on either side of him, Phoenix gazed down at Miles, the sight making him want to do it all over again. He could, and there wasn't a damn thing the reeling human could do about it, but he firmly told himself 'No.' Anymore and he'd be taking a bounding leap over that line, he knew.

As gently as possible, he readjusted Miles to lie properly on the bed. He got up, refastened his pants, and then quickly cleaned up the small mess they'd made. By the time he climbed back over and slid down to lie on his back, Miles was stirring. Phoenix snaked one arm under him to pull him close while drawing the comforter and top sheet to them from the foot of the bed. This time, he covered himself with it, too, as he was still fully dressed and his clothes would serve as a sufficient barrier.

Miles huddled up against his side, draping an arm across his stomach, head nestled against his chest. With his free hand, Phoenix began stroking his sweat-soaked hair again, having noticed how much Miles seemed to enjoy that. "You're amazing," was all the former defense attorney could think to say, and Miles - thoroughly exhausted and already falling asleep - managed only a quiet hum of acknowledgement. This brought a smile to Phoenix's lips, and he bent his neck to kiss the top of his lover's head.

Somewhat sated and seeing there would be no further activity, the beast settled and quieted, leaving Phoenix with a feeling of serenity as he watched Miles sleep. He would have to depart once more when morning came, but for now he would forget about that and cherish what time he could spend like this.