Chapter Text
Phoenix isn’t quite sure how he ended up the most sober among the men in his office. After Detective Gumshoe had announced celebatory dinner and drinks on him, Phoenix was hardly shocked to see him drink his fair share, but now both the detective and Larry were out cold, slumped over on a couch. The real surprise was Edgeworth, who sat across from the pair, seemingly sober if it weren’t for the fact his eyes were unfocused and he gently swayed in his seat.
Phoenix sighs, looking at the clock. It was nearly 2 am. It’s not that he didn’t appreciate the company, but he would rather them be in their own beds so he could go home to his own without worrying. But without a car there was no hope of dragging them home, and he still had to pay the bills, so three late night taxis were out of the question.
Edgeworth clears his throat, and Phoenix turns to look at him. He’s holding up his car key.
“What-?”
“You want to go home, right?” Edgeworth says, the pacing of his words slower than usual. “And get us home too?”
“How-?”
“Why else would you be glancing at the clock and back to us like that?” Even drunk, Edgeworth’s tone and logic has a sting to them.
“Hey, I don’t mind-“
“Yes you do.” Edgeworth stands, teetering just a little. “Let’s get going.”
Phoenix stands with him, taking the keys.
“And you’re sure I can drive your car?” He asks, one brow raised.
“You do have a license, right?”
Phoenix hesitates before nodding. Technically a lie, but he did know how to drive.
“Then let’s go.”
They make their way to the elevator, Larry still half unconscious, hoisted along by Edgeworth, and Gumshoe practically being dragged by Phoenix. Edgeworth eyes the elevator warily. Phoenix catches his stare.
“Hey, Edgeworth, we don’t-“
“I’ll be fine.” Edgeworth says curtly, though his voice is quiet.
The four shuffle inside, and Edgeworth visibly takes a deep breath.
“Some celebration, huh?” Phoenix grunts, trying to lighten the mood. Edgeworth nods. “We get the win and still have more work to do!”
“It’s about right for our court, I’d say.”
Phoenix huffs a small laugh, which makes the corner of Edgeworth’s mouth twitch.
“I did help too, yknow?” Larry mumbles, too out of it to give a proper argument.
Edgeworth’s frown returns and he rolls his eyes, but Phoenix smiles.
“You sure did, bud.” The ease of his voice puts a grin on Larry’s face and softens Edgeworth’s expression.
They manage to squeeze their two companions into the back of Edgeworth’s luxury car.
“This is really cool, Miles.” Phoenix says, looking around the lush interior as he puts his seatbelt on. Another small smile makes its way to Edgeworth’s lips.
“Thank you. It doesn’t get much use these days, but I was certain today would have been my last day to drive it.” Phoenix gives him a soft smile and Edgeworth makes himself look away before he blushes.
“Well no need to worry about that anymore! Unless I crash, of course.”
“Please don’t say that.”
“Uh- right. Sorry.”
They ride in silence, Phoenix focused on the mostly quiet roads of the city and Edgeworth looking out of the window, lost in thought.
Fifteen years. Fifteen years of that nightmare and now it’s over...? I doubt it. What if the dream returns, what if it never stops...?
The car rolls to a rather jerky stop, bringing Edgeworth back to reality.
“Alright Larry, this is you.” Phoenix turns when there’s no response from the back seat. He sighs. “Do you want us to help you inside?” Larry nods.
“Us?” Edgeworth says with distaste. Phoenix gives him a tired frown.
“Fine. I’ll help you, Larry.” Phoenix gets out of the car before Edgeworth can revise his statement. Hauling Larry to his feet, he glances at Gumshoe. “Find out where he lives, okay?” He doesn’t wait to see Edgeworth nod, shutting the door and dragging his friend to the apartment complex.
Edgeworth scowls and turns in his seat.
“Dick. Your address.” He demands. Gumshoe’s eyes peel open, unfocused. Edgeworth rolls his eyes. “Wallet.” This he does understand, as he fumbles in his pocket before handing Edgeworth his worn leather wallet.
As he turns back in his seat, movement catches the corner of his eye. Out the widow he can see Phoenix and Larry, standing by a street light.
“C’mon, Larry, please.” Phoenix sighs. “We’re almost there, just keep walking for me, bud.”
Larry shakes his head, one arm looped around a street lamp pole, firmly standing his ground.
“The night is still young, Nicky!!” He whines. “Let’s get out of here and have fun!!”
“Larry, it’s past two in the morning. We can party another time, just please? Go to bed, for me?” Phoenix puts on his best pleading eyes. Larry’s determination desolves.
“Fine. But only if you give me a goodnight kiss.” He chirps.
“Okay, once we get to your room-“
Larry shakes his head.
“What? You mean right now?” Phoenix’s cheeks burn as he looks out at the car, unsure if Edgeworth can see them.
“Mm-hm.” Larry beams.
“Look when I told you it was okay to joke about me liking guys, I said specifically not to do it around anyone else!” Phoenix snaps. “What if Edgeworth sees?”
Larry’s eyes widen. A grin creeps onto his face as he snickers. Phoenix narrows his eyes in confusion before they widen.
“Larry I swear-“
“You like Edgy! I knew it, I always knew it!” Larry laughs loudly, and Phoenix’s blush deepens.
“Shut up, please, please shut up.” Phoenix begs.
“You gotta tell him Nicky! Now!”
“No! Now isn’t the time, he just got proven innocent for two murders, his mentor tried to get him put on death row, and he’s drunk! Now is not the time to say anything!!” Phoenix explains in a hushed whisper.
Even through his drunken gaze, Larry gets a read on Phoenix’s desperation.
“Fine. But you gotta tell him soon.” Larry chides.
“I will, I will. Just... not now.”
Larry smiles.
“Can we go now?”
“Not without my kiss, Nicky!” Larry turns, pointing to his cheek. Phoenix groans.
“Fine.”
Edgeworth has his hand on the door, ready to get the two moving again, when Phoenix leans forward, unmistakably planting a kiss on Larry’s cheek. Edgeworth freezes, brow furrowing.
How long had Larry and Phoenix been...? Were they like that in grade school, or after I left? How did I not see it...?
Edgeworth watches as they start walking again, arms around one another, Larry still stumbling. Even when they’re out of view, Edgeworth’s drunken mind continues to search for evidence.
The friendly demeanor, their comfort with each other, and Phoenix had defended him for free. But Larry had just mentioned his new girlfriend, so was this a secret to her, too? Or was there something else to this? Think, Miles...
He only regains focus as Wright walks back into view. His posture seems tense, and as he approaches Edgeworth can see his eyes dart up to the passenger seat.
“Sorry about that.” Phoenix says as he enters the car. “Larry wasn’t too excited that the party was over.”
Edgeworth doesn’t reply, his beady eyes scanning Phoenix’s face.
Phoenix swallows, hand trembling slightly as he shifts the car into gear, telling himself to relax.
“Did-uh, did you find where he lives?” Phoenix asks, meeting Edgeworth’s gaze. It only serves to make him more nervous, as he feels like he’s back in the courtroom, standing against Edgeworth opposed to with him.
In response, Edgeworth flicks open the wallet and reads out the address on Gumshoe’s license. His voice is cool and collected, and if Phoenix didn’t know better he would think that the man next to him was completely sober.
A heavy silence falls for a few long minutes. Edgeworth is the first to break it.
“So.” He faces forward, but his eyes are fixed to Phoenix. “You and Larry?” He watches as Phoenix’s own brow furrows, though his eyes are nervously darting across the road ahead.
“Me and Larry... what?” He asks.
“You’re together, aren’t you?”
Phoenix’s eyes leave the street and glance to Edgeworth. He laughs nervously.
“No, no-we’re just friends.” He insists, though his cheeks redden, knowing what Edgeworth must be referring to.
“Is that so?” Edgeworth can’t help but use the same tone he utilizes on the prosecution stand.
“Y-yeah.” Phoenix wants to bring up Larry’s girlfriend, the fact he’s been single since law school, or anything that would help his case, but fear of misspeaking and coming out makes him bite his tongue.
Phoenix’s obvious discomfort doesn’t phase Edgeworth.
“Then why did you kiss him? Under the streetlight?” He presses, turning slightly to better gauge his reaction.
Phoenix’s heart skips a beat. Panic crawls it’s way up from his stomach and into his throat. He bites his lip, trying to take control of his emotions.
“Well?”
His knuckles whiten on the steering wheel.
This isn’t how it was supposed to happen.
“Mr. Wright-“
“I like other men, okay?!” Phoenix snaps. Silence overcomes the car, the outburst jarring Edgeworth from his interrogation. Phoenix’s hands shake as he slowly pulls over to the curb. He cuts the engine, facing away from Edgeworth, trying to compose himself. Tears sting at his eyes and he can’t help but feel like a child.
Edgeworth bites his tongue, ashamed. He searches for anything to say, but Phoenix beats him to it.
“Larry’s known the longest, and he likes to tease me about it. So when he said he would go to bed if I... if I gave him a kiss, I just did. He’s still straight, it’s just me who’s...yeah.”
Edgeworth remains silent. Those familiar, unnecessary feelings creep into his chest. Pity, empathy, and disgust for himself wash over him. Eventually, Phoenix turns. His eyes are cold when they reach Edgeworth’s.
“Any more questions, prosecutor? Or would you like to bring your next witness to the stand?” He says dryly, indicating to Gumshoe, who’s still asleep.
Edgeworth looks down at his lap, hands on his knees. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before looking back to Phoenix.
“I’m sorry, Phoenix.” He says solomnly. “I didn’t mean to... interrogate you. I guess I don’t know how to ask questions if I’m not looking for a conviction of some sort. That’s not how I should... that’s not how I want to treat my friends.”
Phoenix’s expression softens as he takes in the apology. He sighs, relaxing into his seat a little.
“It’s okay, Miles. It happens. I just... I’m not ready for many people to know yet.” Edgeworth nods. Phoenix looks over to him again. “So, you don’t have any objections? To me being-being into guys...?”
“No.” Edgeworth shakes his head. “I don’t see anything wrong with that part.”
“That part...?”
“Yes. I’m just not sure I could ever kiss Larry, even as a bribe.”
Phoenix chuckles, dissipating the tension. Edgeworth smiles ever so slightly.
“Hey, anything to get him to shut up.”
The remainder of the drive to Gumshoe’s apartment is quiet, but surprisingly comfortable. Edgeworth’s mind still lingers on his behavior, a hint of shame remaining.
What a way to repay the man who saved me from murder charges, twice in one day.
They pull up, wordlessly exiting the car before opening the back door. Gumshoe’s head snaps up and he looks around dizzily.
“Do you think he heard... anything in the car?” Phoenix asks quietly.
“A great detective... is always listenin’.” Gumshoe slurs. Edgeworth wrinkles his nose.
“I’ll take that as a no.” He deadpans, shooting a small smile at Phoenix. To Edgeworth’s delight, the attorney grins, snickering in response.
“Alright Detective, let’s get you into bed.” Phoenix hauls Gumshoe to his feet, straining under the taller man’s weight.
Edgeworth shuts the door and immediately shoulders the detective too, huffing as he gets a grip.
“Christ, can’t you walk at all?” He grumbles, to which Gumshoe replies with incoherent murmur.
“Just be happy he only lives on the second floor.”
The three struggle their way up the stairs, pausing outside the door to Gumshoe’s apartment as Phoenix grabs the key from inside the detective’s pocket.
“Almost there, Detective.” Phoenix says as the door swings open.
“Mmm... Thanks kids.”
“We’re both twenty four.” Edgeworth reminds him as they lower him to bed.
“He means to say you’re welcome.” Phoenix corrects, stretching as he stands.
“Yeah I heard him.” Gumshoe murmurs, forcing his eyes to open, searching for Phoenix’s face. “And I heard ya too, Phoenix. In the car. ‘M proud of ya.” And with that, his head falls to the pillow and he begins snoring loudly.
Blush flashes across Phoenix’s cheeks as he ducks his head, hand sheepishly on his neck.
“I... I’m sure he won’t remember this tomorrow.” Edgeworth offers.
“Yeah... but if he does, I’m done for.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure.”
Phoenix looks up shyly.
“Dick is a good man. If he heard you, he’ll know you don’t want anyone else to know.”
Sighing, Phoenix nods.
“Yeah, I hope so.”
By the time they return to the car, Phoenix’s worry has somewhat subsided. If Gumshoe did remember anything, surely he wouldn’t tell just anyone.
“Okay. Two down, one to go.”
Edgeworth can’t help but appreciate the other attorney’s grin.
“Where to, Edgeworth?”
Before he can answer, Edgeworth frowns. He focuses in the distance for only a moment before turning to Phoenix.
“Wright, would you consider us intelligent, in a broad sense?” Phoenix looks bewildered, certain this is some sort of trick question.
“Yes?”
“Well how do you think that are we both going to get home if this is my car?”
Phoenix has to think for a moment. If he took Edgeworth home first, he would have to take his car back to his own place, and if they went to his first-
“Are you sober enough to drive?” He tries.
“I’ve had enough of being in the defendant’s chair for a lifetime, so I would rather not try my luck.”
“Fair enough.” Phoenix falls silent, wondering if he would have enough for one cab, or if walking were an option.
“I feel like a fool for not considering this.” Edgeworth huffs. “And it’s almost four in the morning.”
“Yeah.” Phoenix sighs. He bites his lip, thinking. “What if,” he starts cautiously, “you stay at my apartment?” Edgeworth’s expression is almost unreadable. “You can sleep off the drinks and drive home in the morning.” He offers, too nervous to make direct eye contact for too long.
“I suppose that’s a solution.” Edgeworth mumbles, considering the alternatives briefly. A cab for Wright would be more efficient, but refusing his offer would be rude. “I’d be happy to, if you’ll have me.”
Phoenix beams, trying to keep his heart from racing like a schoolboy before a sleepover.
“Perfect! Let’s go then!”