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For what must have been the fifth time in the last three minutes, Phoenix took in and released a deep breath. He looked himself over in the mirror one last time, still barely being able to process what was about to happen.
His suit was a gorgeous white, perfectly fitting him down to the last inch. His usual pink tie was replaced with a pale blue one that matched his everyday waistcoat, and the fancier one he was wearing for the occasion. For what must have been the millionth time, he readjusted his tie clip; a bachelor’s gift from Larry sculpted to look like a small sunflower. Sitting on his lapel where his attorney’s badge normally sat was a small blue pin in the shape of the knight chess piece. Phoenix hadn’t even planned on wearing anything like that, but when he put his coat on, he noticed it sitting in the front pocket with a little hand written note.
“To my brave knight, for our special day. M.”
Phoenix almost burst into tears right then and there, but a hard smack to his shoulder from Maya halted any euphoric emotions from breaking free just yet.
He straightened his pin, mostly just making himself look busy. Most of his wedding party was in the room with him. The exception, of course, was Larry. He was still busy helping Klavier with any last minute details that needed fixing. Trucy wanted a photo with them and one with Miles’ wedding parties before the ceremony, so they couldn’t do anything else until he returned.
Phoenix and Miles had almost regretted letting him, Klavier and Franziska plan the whole ordeal; but Larry promised not to flirt with the staff, Klavier promised to keep his ‘rock star antics’ to a minimum, and Franziska promised to only use her whip if absolutely necessary.
“You guys need an artist’s overlying vision for your special day,” Larry had said a year ago when he was trying to convince them to let him do the planning. “‘Sides, with your sister working by my side, Edgey, nothing can go wrong!” he added with a thumbs up.
“Call Klavier Gavin as well,” Miles had sighed as he told Fanziska about the plan. Leaving his bad luck prone childhood friend alone in a room with his perfection seeking younger sister was just asking for chaos, so Klavier was brought in as a middle-man, as well as to give his own input on things like music, setting and some decor. Besides, Klavier had offered as repayment for helping him move on from the things he went through under the evil eye of his brother.
“Any idea where Larry is?” Athena mimicked Phoenix in adjusting her tie, but ended with an exclamation and an enthusiastic punch to her own hand. “We only have about ten minutes before we need to get this show on the road!”
‘Speak of the devil and he shall appear,’ Phoenix thought as Larry finally reconvened with the others. He was out of breath and slightly sweaty as he rushed in, but quickly locked himself in the bathroom to freshen up and change into his groomsmen attire. It took him roughly five minutes to reemerge, looking the best he had in years.
“You sure clean up nicely, Uncle Larry,” Trucy said as she set up her camera.
“Of course. I’ve gotta look my best while I watch my best friends get married!” He adjusted his lapels in a dramatic way as a small yet cheeky smile broke over his face. Maya pushed her way between him and Phoenix, quickly wiping the look clean off his face.
“You say that as I’m not his best friend,” she said as she linked her arms with Phoenix.
“Well, I’ve known him longer. And I help plan today.” Larry looked smug as he tried to one-up Maya, but nearly collapsed at her response.
“Well, out of the two of us, who’s the best woman?”
“Got em!” Widget chimed from Athena’s wrist. The newest model doubled as a watch, making it easier for her to properly wear a tie.
“At least you tried,” Apollo said as he patted Larry on the back.
Trucy moved everyone to stand a certain way, with her and Maya on either side of Phoenix, Larry and Apollo next to Maya, and Athena on the other side of Trucy. She quickly ran back to the camera and set up the automatic timer, giving them ten seconds to pose and smile. Once the camera clicked a few times, with and without flash, everyone relaxed and all did one last look over of each other as Trucy showed off the photos, and they were better than what Phoenix had hoped for.
Both he and Miles had wanted to stand out, so they would wear white suits while the rest of the wedding party wore black; of course with their own choice of color for accessories. So Apollo and Athena stuck with their usual colors of chili red and canary yellow, and Larry opted for a bright orange to match his favorite jacket. Maya was the only member wearing a dress. She chose a simple style that went to her knees, but fanned out in the back, colored deep purple with a magenta belt and a black cardigan. All of Phoenix’s party wore boutonnieres made from Helianthus maximiliani - or a smaller species of sunflower - and baby’s breath tied together with a sheer midnight blue ribbon. The exception to this was Trucy.
She wore a deep maroon party dress with long sheer flowy sleeves and white ruffles down the middle of the skirt to match Miles’ cravat. Her shawl was the same midnight blue as the ribbons on the boutonnieres, but golden threads were sewn in to make intricate patterns that matched the silver detail work of her fathers’ suits. Her hair was styled into medium curls that were rolled into a neat little bun at the base of her neck, with a golden clip given to her by Thalassa. Franziska insisted that she wear some neutral eyeshadows to balance out the bright colors she wore. As expected, she was absolutely right. His daughter shone like the sun, yet he knew she was nothing compared to when he would see his soon-to-be husband.
“Ready, Nick?” Maya asked as she held the door open.
Phoenix took one last deep breath and nodded, distracting himself as to what was going through Miles’ own thoughts at that exact moment.
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A few minutes earlier, Miles had just shut the door behind Trucy after getting her obligatory groom’s party photo. Miles was dreading the multitude of pictures they’d be taking later, but still, seeing his daughter so excited made his heart swell to the point of bursting. It was an easy distraction from the overarching nervousness that flooded the back of his mind. He looked down at the photo he had received from Trucy, letting his nerves relax slightly at the sight of those that he considered family all together for such a wondrous occasion.
Gumshoe had an arm over Miles’ back, looking like a proper gentleman with his black suit and army green tie. Kay had her hands throwing up twin peace signs, and Sebastian looked the happiest Miles had ever seen him. Both of their ties were opposing colored; with Kay’s a fancy navy blue and Sebastian’s being a deep burgundy. Franziska kept her expression neutral, looking as perfect and professional as always with a simple white cravat and a turquoise vest under her gorgeous black suit. Trucy sat on a chair in front of Miles, with his hands over her shoulders. She wore a smile so large he was worried that it would have gotten stuck like that. His party all wore boutonnieres made from red single bloom chrysanthemums tied with a sparkling maroon ribbon.
“Everything alright, pal?” Gumshoe raised an eyebrow in his direction, possibly sensing his impossibly quick heartbeat. Miles put the photo on the table next to his car keys.
“I’m fine. Just a bit nervous for today, that’s all.” Miles tried to convince himself more than his friend, but Franziska scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“There is absolutely no reason for you to be nervous,” she pointedly said as she crossed her arms. Miles was almost thankful that she had at least managed to break the habit of copying her father and gripping her sleeve at the shoulder. “This day will be perfect. I expect nothing less from you, that foolish attorney, or the work that me, the rock star prosecutor, or that foolishly foolish artist that you consider a friend went through for the last year.” She emphasized the word ‘friend’ with a tone of disgust, almost as if just thinking of Larry filled her with violence. She must have still been able to sense some of Miles’ overbearing nervousness, since her sharp eyebrows unfurrowed as she crossed to Miles and took his hands, already easing his worries.
“You love him, don’t you?” she asked with an uncharacteristically low voice. Miles was briefly taken aback, but nodded.
“And he loves you?”
Miles nodded again.
“Then you will cease these foolish feelings at once. What matters is that you two would literally be fools if one were to back out now. You will be fine, little brother. Have faith in yourself, and in him, and everything will be as perfect as planned.”
Miles slipped his coat off and pulled Franziska into a tight hug. She wordlessly returned it, lightly rubbing between his shoulder blades before freeing herself.
“I see no reason why you needed to take your coat off for that,” she rolled her eyes again.
Miles brushed some powder residue from her chin off of his shoulder before slipping his coat back on. “Because I knew that something would get left behind,” he smirked as she quietly swore to herself and sped off to the bathroom to touch up her makeup.
That gave Miles a chance to really look himself over one last time. He had never thought that he’d look good in white, but knowing that he’d be matching with Phoenix eased some of those worries. He requested the style of his coat match his newer design with a longer tail. The interior of the coat itself and his vest were the same maroon shade of his everyday wear, too. Phoenix tried to convince him to wear a matching tie, but Miles chose a cravat that matched with the one Franziska wore daily. While it lacked the bow style, it retained the jewel fastener, but colored opaque blue instead. Keeping the theme of matching, Miles had bought himself a maroon pin shaped like the rook chess piece. While Franziska saw it as a metaphor for his position as Chief Prosecutor due to its shape being a castle, he had meticulously chosen it because of its starting position next to the knight; a means for the both of them to swear protection to each other. The final touch was his tie clip. Like Phoenix’s, his was a gift from Larry, but made to look like a chrysanthemum. Due to him not actually wearing a tie, Miles wore the clip on his lapel next to the rook pin.
He didn’t notice that Kay had maneuvered behind him until a thin hand clapped him on the shoulder.
“You look great, Mister Edgeworth. Stop looking at that mirror, or else you’ll just glare a hole right through it.” Despite her words, she gave herself a once over before working her hands through some bobby pins holding up her high bun, securing it slightly better on top of her head. Miles caught Sebastian trying to peek at his own reflection between their shoulders, but he quickly looked away after realizing he was caught.
“We haven’t a moment to waste.” Franziska suddenly emerged from the bathroom and crossed to the door, breaking Miles from the little moment with the photo. “We only have ten minutes to get into position. Let’s move out!”
As Gumshoe led Miles outside and to the main area of the venue, he couldn’t help but let his overwhelming excitement and nerves begin building up again.
----------
The wedding was held at the botanical gardens just a few blocks away from the courthouse. It was decorated with stunning yellow and orange flowers, all tied with either blue or red ribbons. Miles stood underneath the archway covered in sunflowers, chrysanthemums and baby’s breath in the center of the isle with the officiant, a man named Justin Thiem who Phoenix had defended a few months after the Wyatt case. Thiem clicked his compact mirror shut after one final glance at his styled moustache and smiled warmly at Miles.
The grooms people all entered at the same time, shortly followed by Franziska and Maya. Everyone except Phoenix and Trucy stood in position. Athena, Apollo, Larry and Maya stood to the right of where Phoenix would be. Franziska, Sebastian, Kay and Gumshoe stood to the left of Miles. He sent a look towards Thalassa, signaling her that it was time. She sent him the okay hand signal before whispering to Machi and Klavier to begin playing the music that signaled Phoenix and Trucy’s entrance.
All those seated in the audience rose to watch the second groom finally make his way down the aisle, arms linked together with his beloved daughter.
Miles had always thought Phoenix was a lovely sight in his expertly tailored work suit, but all thoughts of the kind were cast off to the side as he saw him in his shimmering white. It took all of his willpower not to meet his eyes just yet. He didn’t know if he’d be able to handle his emotions if he did.
Trucy and Phoenix stopped in front of Thiem, letting the music die down as the audience sat back down.
“Who gives this man to be married off?” Thiem asked with a deep, yet professional southern drawl.
“I do,” Trucy replied, her voice already growing wet with tears.
Thiem nodded, letting Phoenix and Trucy share a heartfelt hug before beginning his spiel. Trucy left to go sit with Pearl, who held her rosy cheeks in her hands as an enthusiastic grin covered her entire face. Phoenix, of course, stood between Miles and Maya.
“Hi,” Phoenix whispered.
“Hi,” Miles whispered back.
Were it not for the microphone carrying his voice over the multitude of people attending, the happy couple would have completely missed Thiem’s opening statement due to being utterly lost in each other’s presence.
“Friends, family, associates, or others; we are gathered here today to bear witness to the marriage of Mister Phoenix Wright and Mister Miles Edgeworth; two souls brought together through an intense courtroom rivalry that branched off into a friendship unlike any other, and eventually into the love that has brought you all here today. We will now start with the first of the grooms’ vows. Mister Wright, if you may.” He gestured to Phoenix before turning the microphone, making it easier for everyone there to hear just what he had been longing to say.
Phoenix took Miles’ hands, already feeling the tightness swell up in his throat from the threat of fallen tears. He knew that it would be impossible to get through this without crying, but he didn’t care. As long as Miles heard every word that had been built up in his heart, he would be content.
“Miles,” he said before taking a deep breath, “when we first met in grade school, I never would have imagined things would turn out like this. Before the lunch money incident, we hadn’t even spoken to each other. It felt like fate itself - or in simpler terms Larry - guided us together.” Next to Maya, Larry made a noise that would have sounded like nervous laughter had he not choked on a sob.
“When you left after that winter break, it felt like something really important was missing. But then in college our paths crossed again, this time with a newspaper headline with you on it. You did some things I never would have imagined someone as kind and honest as you would do, so I literally changed my career path with the hopes of seeing you again; and maybe finding out just what had caused such a drastic change. I guess that worked out, huh?” Phoenix chuckled before sniffling.
“I’ve said this a million times but I’ll say it a million more; you saved my life. When I got disbarred and only had Trucy there for me, you were so insistent on helping me that I mistook it for pity. But looking back now, I realize that you express love by giving, and not expecting to get anything in return. You and Trucy both gave me a reason to keep living, and I’ll never be more grateful than to spend the rest of my life with you by my side.”
Phoenix paused to stop his voice from shaking as he forced his eyes shut and pressed his forehead to Miles’. “Those few times we can face off in court anymore are always the most exciting, because I literally get to do my favorite thing with my favorite person. You’re my best friend, and I might be crazy enough to even call you my soulmate. I love you so, so much.”
Phoenix squeezed Miles’ hands tighter as tears finally began falling down his cheeks. He moved back just enough to meet Miles’ eyes as he felt a hand over his cheek gently wiping away the falling tears. Miles chuckled lightly as more just flowed right over his thumb.
“And now, the other groom may present his vows,” Thiem said, gesturing to Miles.
Miles smiled warmly before removing his glasses and hooking them over the pocket of his coat. He met Phoenix’s eyes again as their hands reconnected between them.
“I have my vows written down, but I’ve read over them so much I think I’ll be fine without them.” He heard Franziska scoff behind him. “But what can I say to you that hasn’t already been said to me? I suppose I should start with the obvious; about how you saved my life. After losing my father, I knew that things would only get worse before they got better. While I can’t say for certain how true that is, know that the most recent years have been the best of my life.”
Unlike Phoenix, Miles spoke with a composure that obviously took at least a few days in a row worth of practicing. Although his voice caught once or twice, he managed to keep his emotions at bay. At least for the time being.
“Your courage in court is what brought us back together. Whether it was defending me or fighting the people that wronged you, your resilience was what made me realize just how much you mean to me. I never became a defense attorney like my father, but I’d like to think you took after him instead.”
Phoenix held his hands tighter, as he knew mentioning Gregory would still be hard. “We’ve both seen each other at our lowest, yet today seems to be when the highest points of our lives have finally come to be. It is not as crazy as you’d think; to consider us soulmates. It feels as if, no matter how hard the world tried to keep us apart, we fought to be united. Marriage had always felt like such an odd concept to me, and something I never would have dreamed of doing myself. But now I know that if it means getting to see this look on your face every day, then maybe it isn’t such a terrible thing. Know that you’ll always have my undying support, and that you won’t be alone in your hopes to please others. You’re the best thing to have ever happened to me, Phoenix. And I will always love you for that.”
Phoenix released Miles’ hands and held the base of his head, pressing their foreheads together again. Miles gripped Phoenix’s wrists, holding them in place. They squeezed their eyes closed at the same time, letting enough time to pass so they could compose themselves.
When the grooms finally released each other, Thiem called for the ring bearer. All eyes were suddenly on Pearl, who maneuvered from her spot in the front row to present the rings. Rather than buy another set of rings, they chose to switch what they had been wearing during the year of their engagement. Phoenix slipped the silver ring that he once wore over Miles’ finger, complementing the rose gold that was then placed over his own. Once the rings were in place, their hands reconnected between them.
When Pearl recognized that her work was done, she did a polite little bow before returning to her seat, even if she couldn’t repress a small giggle as she left.
“Before the proceedings continue, do we have any objections today?” Thiem had asked once he had the microphone turned back.
Miles shot a stern glance towards the audience, possibly stopping anyone from the prosecutor’s office from making a joke about the favored reaction that pauses any type of proceedings.
Miles immediately dropped the glare and looked right back at Phoenix, love and pure adoration lining his entire expression. “In that case,” Thiem had continued after roughly five seconds of silence. “Allow me to proceed. Phoenix Wright, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do,” Phoenix’s voice was strained with joyful tears.
Thiem nodded and turned to Miles. “And do you, Miles Edgeworth, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Miles’ breath momentarily stuttered, but he managed to compose himself. “I do.”
Thiem nodded again and clasped his hands together. “Then by the power vested in me, and by the city of Los Angeles, I now pronounce you man and husband. Well go on, now.”
Understanding the signal, Miles squeezed Phoenix’s hands one last time before cupping his cheeks and meeting him halfway, pouring every last ounce of love that he could into this kiss.
The audience cheered and Trucy pulled her silk hat from under her seat to throw flower petals from it. Miles only let the kiss last a few seconds; they had plenty of time for more later.
Miles glanced back at Thalassa, signalling her, Machi and Klavier to begin playing the music for the recessional. Phoenix and Miles joined hands, and together they made their way back down the aisle. Trucy slipped between Maya and Franziska, all but dragging them behind her fathers. The rest of the wedding party and Thiem were quick to follow, but all remained near a large open section of the gardens so that the photographer could begin setting up for everyone’s least favorite part of the ceremony. Raymond began helping usher guests to the back entrance so they could leave for the reception hall.
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After what had felt like an eternity, Phoenix and Miles sat down in the car and groaned, both out of exhaustion from dealing with the photographer and release from finally getting a small break before the reception.
“I can kinda see why weddings weren’t your thing,” Phoenix sighed as the AC blasted over his face. He was starting to regret the fact that they decided on getting married in July. Despite that, he managed to keep his entire suit on the whole time.
“I offered to have us be wed in the cooler months, but you were the one to suggest today.” Miles kept his voice playful. He knew the real reason as to why Phoenix chose a summer wedding.
“I had to have some input in the planning, babe. I couldn’t let your sister have total control. Larry wouldn’t have let me live it down otherwise.”
Miles pulled out of the parking spot and began maneuvering through traffic for the remainder of the conversation. By the time they made it to the reception hall, Phoenix had his head against the window. He didn’t appear to be falling asleep, but Miles was extra careful when he parked, just in case.
They remained in the car, since they needed to wait for the others to join them before they could actually enter the reception hall. Phoenix sighed as he undid his seatbelt and properly sat himself up, barely looking away from the new adornment on his hand. He chuckled quietly to himself, but Miles was still able to hear him.
“What is it?” he asked as he guided his vision to what Phoenix was looking at. He felt his heart stutter at the realization that it was the ring.
“It’s nothing. Just…” Phoenix paused to meet Miles’ eyes, and they were brimming with contented love. “I’m so happy that we did this.”
Their hands met between them again, and Miles brought Phoenix’s to his lips, placing a delicate kiss over the small pink gem that sat in the middle of the ring.
“You’re the only person I would have ever imagined doing this with.” Miles’ voice was barely above a whisper, taking advantage of the intimate privacy they temporarily had.
“Miles…” Phoenix muttered after a brief pause.
“Hm?”
Phoenix slid his hand from Miles’ and pulled his glasses off before cupping his cheek, holding him in place to lean forward and meet his lips in a sweet kiss. It was brief, but when Phoenix pulled back, Miles felt as if their hearts were beating as one.
“I love you,” Phoenix said, barely an inch away.
“I love you, too,” Miles smiled back, using the tips of his thumb and index finger to tilt Phoenix’s head slightly up to kiss him again, this time letting it become more involved as the fingers of his free hand raked through Phoenix’s hair.
Since they were alone for the first time in hours, their overbearing emotions became nearly impossible to ignore. Phoenix hummed as both of his hands settled over Miles’ jaw to deepen the kiss further. Miles moved his hand from Phoenix’s chin to hook his fingers under the knot on his tie, desperately trying to pull him impossibly closer.
If they had their way, they would have been absolutely lost in the ecstacy of the moment. Too bad right as Phoenix planned on chasing Miles’ tongue with his own, his cell phone started ringing. He pulled himself just far enough to dig his phone out of his back pocket, holding back the urge to dramatically groan when he saw Maya’s name on the caller ID.
“Hello?” Phoenix could only pray that his voice was neutral enough for Maya to not detect what she had just interrupted. Miles had put his glasses back on and was straightening his waistcoat.
“Hey, we’re here. Where are you guys?” Maya sounded as if she was looking for them, but quickly exclaimed as she spotted Miles’ bright red sports car. “Nevermind, I see you. We’re just waiting on you two and Apollo,” she said with an eccentric wave towards him.
Phoenix raised an eyebrow, but waved back. He quickly told Maya they’d be right out before hanging up, slouching back into his seat.
“Talk about a buzzkill. Do you think they saw?” Phoenix groaned as he flipped the visor down to get a better look at himself and his disheveled state.
“Even if they did, what would they say? Today is our wedding day. We should have free will to act - as Trucy put it - as gross and mushy as we please. Though there is a time and place for everything,” Miles said with an almost sultry tone. Phoenix felt eyes on him as he fixed his tie, and when he looked over to Miles, he was met with a look that matched the feeling in his very soul. He sent a warm smile right back before opening the door to the car and stepping out of it.
“To be continued.” Phoenix had poked his head back into the car and said that with a cleverly raised eyebrow. Miles chuckled as he stopped the car and stepped out himself.
“Fine by me,” Miles said after meeting Phoenix on the other side of the car. He planted a kiss to his cheek before presenting his arm out for Phoenix to take. “Shall we, partner?”
Phoenix grinned as if that was the best question he had ever been asked. “We shall, partner,” he said as he looped his arm with Miles’.
They were greeted with Maya, Larry and Gumshoe cheering while the others either waved happily, or in Franziska’s case, indifferently. Athena was talking to someone on her phone, but scrunched her nose up and shoved it into her back pocket when they got close enough to hear any type of conversation.
“What was that about?” Phoenix asked after prying Maya off of him.
“Ah, don’t worry about it boss.” Athena set her hands on her hips. “It’s just that someone didn’t understand that the WAA is closed for the next few days and tried to get me to take another case defending an animal.”
“Well, that certainly is on bar for us. What’s it this time? Another parrot needing to testify? Another sea creature accused of murder?”
“I’m not too sure. I didn’t let the guy even explain to me before repeating the script Apollo wrote for me just in case someone tried to call today.”
“Script?” Kay tilted her head.
“You heard it. It was when I said ‘The Wright Anything Agency is temporarily closed due to personal matters. Please call back on the fifth or try another law firm’.” Athena said with a mocking professional tone soon followed by a peace sign.
“Speaking of Justice, where is he?” Miles looked around for their horned acquaintance, but he was still nowhere to be found.
“He’s hitching a ride with Klavier,” Sebastian said. “He texted Athena that he was leaving the botanical gardens right before Maya called you, so he should be here soon.”
Sure enough, after about five minutes of waiting, the telltale sound of a motorcycle engine approaching soon reverberated throughout the entire block. Klavier’s signature purple death machine pulled up into one of the parking spots marked for the wedding party.
The two passengers dismounted and pulled their helmets off, with one shaking his head vigorously like a small wet dog, and the other taking his time, as to not ruin his product filled hairstyle. If Klavier’s hair was longer, the sentiment would definitely still be there. But due to it now being sheared down to a clean fade with only the top of his head actually having any length, the move just looked dramatic and unnecessary.
“Apologies for keeping you all waiting. The fräulein at the garden needed me to sign a bunch of forms before we could leave.” Klavier flashed his crowd-pleasing grin while Apollo checked his hair in the rear view mirror.
“It’s no trouble,” Miles assured. “We’ve only been here for about five minutes.”
“In that case, I’ll let you guys get into position for the entrance.” Klavier spoke to the others before pecking Apollo on the cheek. “See you inside, schatzi.”
“Yeah, okay.” Apollo’s face had an expression of annoyance, despite the blush covering his cheeks. Kay and Athena whispered something between the two of them before snickering. Sebastian must have overheard them, because he snorted, too.
“What’s so funny?” Possibly out of habit, Apollo held his bracelet.
“Nothing. It’s just that your face is as red as your tie,” Kay said before wheezing.
“I knew I should have gone with my regular turquoise tie,” Apollo grumbled.
“And look too similar to me? Unacceptable.” Franziska huffed before arranging the groom's people into the position for them to enter the reception hall. Sebastian looked like he wanted to argue that their ties looked similar, but quickly clamped his mouth shut after Apollo shot him a look that basically said ‘don’t try it’.
“Alright. We just need Thalassa’s signal.” Phoenix had taken Miles’ arm again, and they stood side by side behind everyone; mimicking the same order they walked down the aisle in.
The front doors opened; being held by Klavier and Raymond. They both said a few greetings before the speaker connecting the soundstage inside to the front doors abruptly stopped the music and replaced it with Thalassa’s soothing yet powerful voice.
“And now… we’d like to give the wedding party a warm welcome! First off we have the junior groom’s people: Athena Cykes and Sebastian Debeste.”
Cheering could be heard a distance from the speaker, and Athena and Sebastian nodded to each other before walking through the doors and being met with an increase in said applause.
“Up next, the main party! Let’s hear it for Apollo Justice, Kay Faraday, Dick Gumshoe and Larry Butz!”
“I told her to use Laurice Deuxnim,” Larry grumbled. Gumshoe gave him a supportive pat on the back before lightly shoving him forward. The four of them entered, once again being met with excited cheers. Franziska and Maya linked their arms together, ready for their announcement.
“Of course, we can’t forget the Best Women; give it up for Franziska von Karma and Maya Fey!”
The two walked in step; receiving various cheers and even some raunchy sounding whistles. One of the cat-callers immediately screamed in pain.
“I guess she ended up using the whip after all,” Phoenix muttered.
“Of course. She had a valid reason to, at least. Anything to protect her partner’s reputation,” Miles smirked darkly.
“You say that like Maya can’t handle herself.”
“Based on how many times you’ve defended her in court, that can be argued.”
The conversation ended there, since it was finally their turn to enter.
“And now, the two people who have brought you all here today: Miles and Phoenix Edgeworth-Wright!”
They agreed that in professional settings, they would keep their last names the same. But for personal settings, they’d hyphen their names, since they couldn’t decide on who would take who’s name. Miles only thought it fair, considering the reputation the Edgeworth name had. Plus it gave Phoenix boasting rights about how he managed to win the heart of the former demon turned Chief Prosecutor.
Miles felt Phoenix take a deep breath, but soon their feet moved at the same time, taking them inside to be greeted by the loudest applause that day.
They paused in the doorway as confetti, streamers and even some flowers were tossed over them. Phoenix scratched the back of his neck with his free hand as Miles offered everyone with cameras a polite wave. Soon enough, Trucy bounded towards her fathers and enveloped them in a big hug. Phoenix took a few seconds to regain his balance as his fully grown child relied on him to support literally half of her weight.
“Trucy, honey! We’ve talked about this,” Phoenix groaned.
“I know, Daddy, but I couldn’t help it. Seeing you and Papa so happy together, I just got excited.” Trucy held them tighter before eventually releasing them. They all kept their arms around each other, though.
“This is all so exciting!” Trucy exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to be in a wedding.”
“Is it everything you hoped for?” Miles asked as his thumb affectionately rubbed Phoenix’s back.
Trucy enthusiastically nodded. “Mhm! Though let’s hope the next one I’m in is my own. This stuff is exhausting.”
“Well that’s not happening for a while. Exhaustion aside, I’d say wait another, ehh twenty years. You’ll be ready only then.” Phoenix said as he patted her head.
“That’s older than you both are right now, Daddy!” Trucy pouted.
“It’s only an exaggeration, darling. Though I do hope you wait until you’re a bit more mature to get married.” Miles said as he sent a well hidden side-eye to Phoenix.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” Trucy released them and curtsied. “Now to bother Aunt Franzie to see if I can borrow her whip for a trick next month.”
“If she says no, leave it be,” Miles said as Trucy wandered into the vast amount of people to try and find Franziska.
“You think she’d learn by now that I don’t condone dangerous weapons in her shows.” Phoenix grimaced as his back made an unfortunate popping sound after straightening up.
“Surely Franziska won’t let her favorite niece get injured while trying to use it. I can assure you she’ll be in safe hands.” Miles sounded like he was trying to convince Phoenix to let the odd show tricks be included. It certainly didn’t help that Miles had Phoenix’s jaw held in one hand and began kissing along his cheek.
Phoenix held the hand on his cheek, nearly melting in his arms. He knew what Miles was trying to do, but he couldn’t resist giggling like a lovestruck idiot. They’d have to talk about the consequences of their daughter using weapons as props another time, as Larry loudly whooping at them pulled their focus back to the party.
“Save that for the bedroom, guys. We’re just getting the night started!”
Miles released Phoenix and rolled his eyes, although the deep blush covering both their cheeks was undeniable.
“To be continued?” Phoenix wiggled his eyebrows at the implication from earlier. Miles cleared his throat and joined a group of people he must have known from his years out of the country. It really was astounding the type of people that came just to watch two lawyers get married.
Phoenix saw a few people he met at Ivy University, and decided to take some time away from his new husband to catch up before any of the usual traditions started.
----------
After what felt like a million more photos, a thousand different ways to say congratulations, a full course meal, and a gorgeous cake provided by the Kitaki family bakery, it was time for the Best Women’s speeches. Through a heated debate and what felt like the longest ten minutes of Miles’ life, it was decided that Franziska would go first. She took the stand with her printed speech in one hand and the microphone in the other.
“Miles Edgeworth. Who would have thought that we’d see the day you married the foolish attorney who had been your rival for so long. It is not often that I say this; but I believe you made the right decision. When you’re with him, you’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you. You’ve lived a life full of difficulty, yet you’ve still managed to not only achieve the position of Chief Prosecutor, but also marry what you would consider the ‘love of your life’. It’s not often I hear someone say that and mean it. But then again, you’ve always been so sure of everything you say; from choosing to be a prosecutor when you were twelve to confiding in me to ask that foolish man next to you to marry you. I demand only the best of luck to you and your lifelong decision. After all, you’ve earned it. Oh, and Phoenix Wright; if you break my little brother’s heart I will ensure that you will be joining my papa six feet under.”
Franziska’s speech was spoken with perfect diction and enunciation, with her final threat to Phoenix said with a clever smirk and her hand not holding the microphone thumbing the handle of her whip. Phoenix nervously swallowed and scratched the back of his neck. Miles only chucked next to him, possibly confirming that Frianziska’s threat could be made a reality if needed be.
Maya took the stand next. Her speech was written on her phone, but Phoenix knew that it was going to be undeniably sincere.
“I’ll always remember when I first met Nick. He helped me whenever I was accused of killing my sister. Even Edgey here was the one to prosecute against me. But, even though you refused to admit it at the time, your combined powers helped prove me innocent. We became an inseparable team after that. Unfortunately, I was out of the country during the disbarment years, but that didn’t stop Edgey from stepping in every chance he could. I remember seeing you for the first time in years, and it was definitely a big change for both of us. I was becoming the Master of the Kurain channeling technique and you were a fresh born-again lawyer and a father. Edgey, you being there really helped, and I couldn’t have asked for someone as perfect for my best friend as you. You make each other happy, and sometimes, that’s all someone needs. I think Sis would be proud of the man you are now. Good luck in the future, guys. You’re gonna need it.”
Maya had a surprising amount of maturity in her speech. The mentioning of her sister clearly caused her to get a little choked up, but it was definitely something she was used to.
Maya handed the microphone back to Thalassa and returned to her seat to Phoenix’s left. Thalassa suddenly made an unexpected announcement.
“Before we move on to the first dances, the grooms’ daughter would like to say a few things.”
Trucy all but bounced to the center of the stage. Her speech actually wasn’t written down or printed anywhere. She must have asked if she could make a speech the day of.
“I won’t be too long, since the best part about tonight is about to kick in. But I do want to say that it wasn’t until Papa was back in Daddy’s life that I saw him smile for real. Yeah that’s right. I saw past the fake smiles you wore to try to cheer me up. After all, a magician’s true job is to please a crowd. But sometimes it felt like you were trying too hard to just be a good dad for me. I know you were still new at it, and had to keep me distracted from the loss of my other daddy, but it really feels good to know that you don’t have to pretend to be happy for my sake anymore. Daddy, I’m glad you were able to find your Mister Right. And Papa, I’m glad Daddy could be your Mister Wright.”
Phoenix and Maya both busted out laughing as Trucy flashed dual finger guns. Miles’ laughter was more contained, but Franziska scoffed and rolled her eyes. A few other audience members joined in, but most just lightly applauded.
“I’ll hand the floor back to Mom. Thank you all, you've been a wonderful audience!”
Trucy curtsied before leaving to return to her seat on the other side of Maya. Thalassa was still laughing quietly behind her hand as she set the microphone back in the stand and announced the groom’s first dance.
They both rose and crossed hand in hand to the center of the dancefloor. Their hands remained connected as Phoenix set his other over Miles’ shoulder, who in turn held Phoenix by the waist.
They wanted to choose a song that was simple, yet made their message to each other about how much they love each other. There were a lot of suggestions given to them by the party members, Trucy, and Klavier. Thalassa even offered to sing one of her most famous Borginian love songs, but they ended up agreeing on “I Love You” by The Bees.
It wasn’t often that Miles led them in their dances anymore, but Phoenix thought it was right for him to do so. After all, he was the one that tried to propose first.
For the better part of five minutes, the two of them felt like the entire room had disappeared. The lyrics were a bit repetitive, but the overall tone of always being there for each other and never willing to leave again seemed fitting.
Around the beginning of the second bridge, Phoenix had moved his hand from Miles’ shoulder to hold him at the base of his neck, bringing their foreheads together. Miles slid the hand over Phoenix’s back to sit between his shoulder blades, holding him slightly closer. Their movements were almost as in sync as their feet spinning them along the dancefloor, making their hold on each other appear seamless and practiced.
The end of the song began to fade, and Miles took the opportunity to let his hands slide up Phoenix’s back to rest in his hair. Phoenix used his now free hand to push Miles’ glasses over his head before cupping cheek and meeting his lips in a sweet kiss. The audience cheered for them as the song ended. Yet it still felt as if they were the only people in the world.
They broke the kiss just in time to be tackled in another bone crushing hug from Trucy. Phoenix grunted as he tried to regain his balance, but both Miles and Trucy held him strong.
Since Phoenix’s parents were out of the country and Miles’ were… you know, they both opted to have their own dance with Trucy. She and Miles had taken the more sophisticated route and chose the acoustic version of “My Hero” by Foo Fighters. But when it was Phoenix’s turn, he opted to take the ‘fun dad’ approach and the two of them danced to “Get Offa’ My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones, since it was a great part of Trucy’s childhood with him. By the time the song ended, both were grinning ear to ear and out of breath. Trucy had abandoned her shoes beforehand, but didn’t think to put them back on just yet. She had plenty more dancing to do.
A few more slower songs played through the speakers, giving the couples there chances to dance as they pleased. At one point, Miles had danced with Franziska, cleverly maneuvering to avoid either of them getting their toes stepped on.
While the brother and sister danced, Maya had taken the opportunity to take her seat next to Phoenix and speak to him one on one.
“I meant what I said, y’know. About Sis being proud of you.”
“If you summon her here to tell me herself, I’m going to kick you out of this reception,” Phoenix said with a sarcastic smile.
“I’m just saying; you’ve grown a lot since we’ve first met. I think she’d want to see just a little bit of your special day.”
“We have the ceremony filmed. You or Pearls can show her once the footage comes in.”
“Alright. If you say so.” Maya surprisingly gave up easily. It may have been Franziska and Miles approaching that forced her to forfeit the idea, but Phoenix knew that she wouldn’t try anything that would cause a scene without permission.
“What is so important that the conversation needed to halt the moment we appeared?” Franziska threateningly raised an eyebrow.
“Just that I totally wasn’t planning on channeling my sister to let her congratulate Nick on getting married.” Maya sent a sly smile towards Phoenix as she took Franziska’s outstretched hand and let herself be pulled to stand. An upbeat rock song started playing, causing Maya to woop happily as Franziska was then dragged back to the dancefloor. Miles had taken Maya’s now empty seat.
“It truly is amazing how your sister puts up with Maya.” Phoenix put an arm around Miles as an affectionate smile pulled at the other’s lips.
“She helps her ‘loosen up’, as Trucy and Pearls both put it.” Miles had his eyes on the dancefloor, observing the aforementioned couple perform move for move the twist scene from Pulp Fiction. Maya wore a mirth filled grin, and Franziska’s expression became smug as she saw people cheer and film their perfect recreation.
“They make each other happy.” Phoenix slipped his free hand into Miles’ and kissed his ring.
“Franziska is waiting for Maya to finish her training to propose. But you didn’t hear it from me.” Miles had his other hand over Phoenix’s back, tracing his thumb along the embroidery of his coat.
“It’s about time,” Phoenix sighed. “I was starting to think that Maya was going to try to save up for her own ring.”
“Franziska already has the ‘perfect proposal’ planned. And you know how she gets if plans change.”
“I’ll just have to nudge Maya into the right direction so she can finish faster. I don’t want you to deal with the explosion if Maya ends up beating her to it.”
“At least I won’t be alone if she does,” Miles said with a knowing smile.
“Neither of us need to worry about experiencing things on our own anymore. We haven’t for a long time.”
“Of course,” Miles whispered before a brief kiss was pressed to his lips.
“Sorry to change the subject, but I think I can handle about two more hours of all this before I’m ready to go,” Phoenix chuckled as they separated.
“I believe I share the sentiment. Though there could certainly be enough time to gain some more energy for later.” Miles said with a knowingly raised eyebrow.
Phoenix whistled before freeing himself and standing.
“To be continued,” he said with a wink.
Miles chuckled at that, letting the heat rising to his cheeks be a reminder of what would come once they finally had the night to themselves.
----------
Nearly three hours later, Phoenix slipped his shoes off as Miles shut their bedroom door and removed his glasses.
“I thought we’d never get outta there,” Phoenix groaned as he removed his outer two layers.
Miles copied the action after setting his glasses down on the nightstand. “You can blame the planners for that. We needed to make the ‘perfect exit’ after saying goodbye to practically everyone there. I just hope that Trucy got enough photos.” He sighed in relief as his neck was freed from the cravat and his waistcoat was hung up with his jacket.
“Knowing her dedication, she did. I’m sure she asked Pearls and Athena for help on anything she might have missed.” Phoenix began to loosen his tie, but Miles had shuffled over the bed to kneel in front of him and stopped him with his hands over his own.
“Please, allow me.” Instead of pulling the knot loose, Miles hooked his fingers under it and pulled Phoenix into a deep, languid kiss. Miles raked his other hand through Phoenix’s hair as Phoenix slowly pushed Miles to lay down on his back. Miles kept his fingers on the tie, pulling it to keep Phoenix hovering over him.
They broke apart for a brief second to readjust their positions before Phoenix dove back in, slowly unbuttoning Miles’ shirt with the hand not supporting him.
Phoenix moaned softly as Miles tugged his hair, gently pulling him away from his lips to gaze into his eyes.
“Moving too fast for you?” Phoenix asked barely an inch away.
“A bit. I want to cherish this moment with you.” Miles spoke with his voice barely above a whisper.
“First time jitters?” Phoenix had a sly smirk break over his face.
“This is far from our first time and you know it,” Miles scoffed.
“I meant that in the sense of it being our first as a married couple,” Phoenix said with his smirk morphing into a loving grin. “You’ve wowed me so many times I could never mistake this as the first.”
“The feeling is mutual, my love,” Miles sighed as he loosened Phoenix’s tie and slipped it over his head.
“You know I love it when you call me that.” Phoenix’s words were becoming muffled against the skin of Miles’ throat.
“Then I must apologize for the disappointment, as I don’t think my voice will be properly working within the next few moments.” Miles’ face began to heat up at the implications.
“Then I guess I’ll have to make plenty of noise for the both of us.”
“Don’t be so immodest, Phoenix!” Miles gasped as he lightly smacked Phoenix’s arm.
When Phoenix pulled back to hover again, his pupils were large and lined with a playful air.
“I’ll make this a challenge, then. Allow me to cherish you enough to make what I just said seem almost heavenly.”
“Your words already make me feel as if I’m being blessed.” Miles reached up and cupped Phoenix’s cheeks.
“Then consider this a victory for both of us. But that certainly won’t stop me from showing my husband just how much I adore him.”
Miles felt a joyous warmth fill his heart at the word ‘husband.’ Phoenix smiled down at him as if he were the most gorgeous thing in the world.
“You shouldn’t keep your husband waiting any longer. You know how impatient he gets.” Miles gently teased Phoenix’s bottom lip with his thumb.
“That I do,” Phoenix murmured before meeting him halfway in another deep kiss. They barely spoke another word after that, as they spent the rest of the night in pure bliss and each other’s arms.
----------
Phoenix woke to fingers massaging his scalp. He let out a contented hum as he slowly opened his eyes to meet the gray ones he had become so accustomed to waking up next to.
“Hey,” Phoenix mumbled as sleep slowly left his system.
“Hi.” Miles said back, pausing his fingers where they sat.
“Mm, don’t stop. That felt good.” Phoenix settled himself impossibly closer against Miles.
“Sometimes I think I spoil you, Phoenix.” Miles began running his fingers through Phoenix’s hair again. “Though don’t think for a second that I believe you don’t deserve it.”
“There’s a lot in this world I don’t deserve,” Phoenix muttered into Miles’ neck before lifting himself up onto his elbow. “But I know that there’s one thing that I’ve fought tooth and nail for that is undoubtedly mine.”
“And what is that?” Miles asked, already knowing the answer.
“This.” Phoenix looped his arm under Miles’ shoulders and spun them to where Phoenix was then laying on his back with Miles hovering over him. Phoenix gave Miles a few seconds to adjust into a comfortable position before cupping his cheeks and pulling him down for a deep, slow kiss. It took them a while to separate, but when they did, Phoenix continued speaking as if he didn’t even interrupt himself.
“Getting to know that you can be this open and vulnerable. No one else gets to have you like this. Nothing makes me feel like the luckiest man alive than when I see you with your tired eyes and bed hair.”
Miles held one of Phoenix’s hands and planted a light kiss to his palm. “Consider your feelings returned. You’ve opened your heart to too many people that chose to abuse it, yet you’ve still given me the chance to love and cherish you in a way that I never would have thought I could have achieved with anybody else.”
“Our first morning after marriage and you’re already becoming a philosopher,” Phoenix teased before biting his lip.
“Just waking up next to you makes my inner poet feel inspired. I doubt anyone has ever made you feel this way.” Miles appeared to be taking advantage of the ecstatic stutter in Phoenix’s heart by worrying a mark on his neck from the previous night with his lips and tongue.
Phoenix moved his hands to hold Miles’ head better, with one lightly pushing it down from the back and the other settling on his jaw. Miles slid his arms into a better position to press closer to Phoenix, but soon lifted himself up to let their eyes meet.
“Something on your mind?” Phoenix asked.
“Only how dear you are to me,” Miles said with a soft smile.
Phoenix hummed and moved his hand from Miles’ jaw to rest over his heart.
“I’m so glad we did this.” Phoenix seemed as if he was gazing at the universe itself.
“You’ve shared this sentiment with me already. Though I still appreciate it nonetheless.” Miles lightly rubbed his thumb over the scar on Phoenix’s lip.
“I’m just reminding you of the best decision either of us has ever made,” Phoenix said with a smile that rivaled the sun.
“And I will always be grateful for that.”
“Even when I’m just ‘That man’ you face off with in court?”
“Of course. It’s as you mentioned in your vows; those days will always be the most exciting.”
“Speaking of vows, do you still have the notecards you wrote yours on?”
Miles slightly raised an eyebrow, but made a small hum of confirmation.
“Good. I want to keep them on my bedside table so I can read them whenever I want. You always know what to say to make my heart swell.”
“Considering how hopelessly devoted you are to everyone you choose to love, it is certainly an easy feat to accomplish.”
“They don’t call me a Good Old Fashioned Loverboy for nothing,” Phoenix snickered with a cheeky grin at the reference.
Miles shifted to rest their foreheads together as he sighed. “I assure you, my dear, that no one calls you that.”
“Just thought I’d try to top your music reference with one of my own. Though who’s to say that lack of an obscure title isn’t bound to change someday.”
“That’s never going to happen.” Phoenix felt Miles smiling due to how close they were.
“It was just a shot in the water. I know you’ll never get tired of saying just my name.”
“Well, because of how long it took me to grow accustomed to referring to each other as just our first names, strange nicknames will indeed be hard to come by.” Miles briefly paused, but what he said next sent an odd stutter to Phoenix’s heart.
“Phoenix…” Miles spoke with his voice barely above a whisper.
“What is it?”
Miles pushed himself to hover again and pressed his forehead back to Phoenix’s.
“I love you,” he murmured with a loving grin.
“I love you too.” Phoenix slid his hand from Miles’ chest and let it join the other against his scalp to lightly push him back down for another deep kiss.
They knew that they had to meet up with the others for celebratory brunch in only a few hours, but for the time being, they were content with passing the time with just each other.