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Robin and Maria Esme Wright lived in a large cottage an hour and a half or so outside of the city of Japanifornia. It was far enough that they were well secluded and had their fair share of peace and privacy. Yet close enough to other people and civilization should the need, or the want, to go into town and be social arise.
They'd bought the cottage when Phoenix left for college and hadn't moved ever since. It was, by all means, a lovely house; a large, four-bedroom home with a large front and back garden as well as a lake some fifteen minutes out from the home. There was a shed just left of the home, faded but certainly used. It looked as though it had come right out of a Monet painting; tucked in the forest between two ancient weeping willow trees. Surrounded by incredible amounts of vibrant foliage and flowers.
Despite the vibrant flowers, which all stuck out in the forest of green, Miles Edgeworth felt out of place as he pulled up the driveway in his bright red sports car. Next to the faded red Jeep and the black Volkswagen beetle, Miles felt as though he were terrifyingly out of place.
That's what it always was. Miles had never truly felt out of place anywhere in his fancy suits and more… expensive way of living in his life before. From a very young age, Miles had been living in wealth and prosperity; always wearing expensive clothing, always surrounded by people who were the same. Even in court, where formal wear was… expected? To be expected. Miles had never been able to truly distance himself from the poshness (As Simon once slyly pointed out one morning.) even later in his life when his life became far more hectic and far less uptight.
He felt almost unwelcome in a space this laidback, vibrant, and open when all he knew was cold and empty rooms and buildings in the past. He knew he was welcomed here, despite it all.
There was a cat sleeping on the creaky front steps as he made his way to the door. If he recalled, his name was Eli, but Robin affectionately called him Bastard and Little Shit. He acknowledged Miles with a soft mrrp and stretched his legs out, but only rolled onto his side, basking in the sun.
The breeze was cool on his skin; he was glad he chose to wear a sweater today. The door was open, but the screen door remained closed to keep bugs out. He leaned against the doorframe and knocked against it. "Knock knock," he called.
"It's unlocked!" Came a lilting reply.
Miles still wasn't sure how to feel about not having anyone greet him inside, but he let himself in all the same. He took his shoes off—knowing he'd get one thrown at him if he didn't— and padded inside.
The inside of the house was the most… homely place Miles could think of. The entire home glowed golden in the early morning. The bright floorboards seemed to glow, and lights of all colours reflected on the walls thanks to the many hanging glass decorations. Old-timey music floated on the air, and wind chimes sang somewhere farther into the home, probably the kitchen. There were a number of framed pictures hung on walls or mounted on half walls and side tables; all of them held old photos of Phoenix with his mothers when he was a kid. Or Phoenix with Trucy. There was even one of the Wright Anything Agency at one of Trucy's shows.
A short mop of brown hair popped out from around the corner. "Miles!" Maria Esme Wright was one hell of a woman, bouncy and loud for someone who was no taller than 5’5. She carried herself with the confidence of someone much, much taller. She was strong in her ideals and stubborn to a fault. Miles knew where Pheonix got that, at least. He offered her a gentle smile.
“Maria, hello,” he was always quiet around them, she always seemed to steal all the attention in the room. It was hard to even want attention when Maria was in the room. “I hope I’m not intruding on anything?”
“Oh, never!” She waved one hand absentmindedly. There was always a smudge of oil or dirt on one cheekbone, and her mismatched eyes and freckles contrasted her darker skin. She sidled up to Miles and pulled him into a hug. “You know you’re always welcome here, no matter what we’re doing! It’s always so good to see you.” She had a smile that could light up a city in the dark. She was rarely ever frowning, wearing a smile like it was the easiest thing in the world.
“I’m glad,” he replied as Maria ushered him into the kitchen.
“Come, come! I’ll make you some tea! Where’s that devilish son of mine, hm? Getting something from the car?” She questioned. She was always a little overwhelming, in the same way Phoenix of Klavier was; full of energy and ready to chat about everything and nothing all at once.
“Ah, well— he isn’t with me today, actually. I’ve taken the day off,” he explained, unsure of how long he’d have before he’d have to explain why he was here, “I hope that’s no issue?” He said, just to be cordial. After years of having to be sure he was welcomed in places, he felt as though he had to ask. He wondered if he could speak to Maria about why he was here before speaking to Robin as well, but he couldn’t be sure. Just thinking about why he was here in the first place had his heart beating just a little faster. He swallowed, but Maria didn’t seem to sense his discomfort.
Maria scoffed, almost looked insulted. She bustled about the kitchen, pulling out an old, faded tea kettle and some china cups. “I don’t know how many times I’ll have to smack you over the head with a kitchen ladle for you to get it into that thick head of yours that you’ll always be welcome here. With or without my son. You’re family, Miles, and family will always have a place here,” she planted her hands on her hips, fixing Miles with a pointed look, “now, what tea would you like? I’m never sure with you.”
Her words hit some cruel, weak place in his heart, and he was sure he was going to start tearing up. “I’m sure you might have to smack me every time I’m over,” he told her with a soft laugh. He’d choked up, but Maria was kind enough not to mention it, “The cherry blossom tea from last time was lovely. I could do well with that.” He said, mulling it over in his head whether it would be rude or not to sit without being told to.
“Perfect! That one’s my favourite.” She winked.
He had a feeling it was her favourite because of how much Miles had liked it last she’d offered it.
He liked that about Maria; she was always willing to change and adapt to make other people happy and comfortable. As Maria set up the tea, Miles took a seat and the kitchen counter and looked around. Maria didn’t say anything to fill the silence, instead humming along to the radio. Miles also liked that about her, she never said anything unless it would actually mean anything. She spoke easily but always chose her words carefully.
“Everything going alright on your end, Miles?” She questioned once the water was boiling. She didn’t look back at him, but Miles saw her features soften all the same.
“Oh, yes. Things are perfect, actually. There’s been little to no drama back at the office, and Wright and his crew have caused us minimal issues.” He said, a hint of a smile betraying his words.
Maria scoffed lightheartedly, scrunching up her nose. “Wright and his crew huh? Your man not close enough to you for first names?” He joked.
“Think of it as my “he’s driving me insane but I still love him” way of addressing him.” He mused, this got him a laugh, and Maria’s short hair bobbed as she shook her head. She set a plate down in front of him, piled with snacks. Always a good host, she was; if you didn’t have food in front of you within minutes of being in her house, she was hardly being a good host, she thought.
"I'd say call him Phoenix, but…” she shrugged, and Miles shook his head with a laugh, “poor boy was terrified when he called him by his full name and not Nick. It got his attention, that was for sure.”
Miles couldn’t imagine Manfred von Karma ever calling him by his full name to get his attention. All he’d ever have to do was say Miles, or boy, in that commanding and harsh voice of his, and Miles was at full attention. Horrified at ever not acknowledging the man giving him a roof over his head, food, and all other necessities.
Miles blinked, realizing that he was blanking out, but Maria wasn’t saying anything, only watching him curiously; knowingly. Miles had spoken about his past with Maria before, both she and Robin knew all about it. He was dating their son after all, and his past was a big part of why he and Phoenix were together in the first place. “Apologies, were you speaking?” He said sheepishly, offering her a gentle smile
She smirked, but shook her head and turned on his heels. She had loud, heavy steps that one could hear from a mile away. She padded over to the back sliding glass door and opened it wide with a grunt. “Robin!” She called, and Miles blinked, forgetting how loud her voice could be. No wonder Phoenix could be so loud in court. “Come here, we’ve got a guest!” She continued. Then she closed the door and smiled at Miles, a wide-toothed grin.
“Who knows if she even heard me,” she joked, and Miles pursed his lips, smothering a smile, “she's always got music playing. Sometimes I think she does it on purpose. Doesn't wanna hear her nagging wife talk about mechanics and such." She laughed at her own joke as Miles half-heartedly nibbled on a shortbread cookie from his plate. He wasn’t entirely sure how to reply, so he just nodded and smiled.
”You two have been good, I hope?”
“Oh, just perfect! You know we like to take things relaxed and laid back! Robin is thinking about getting another cat, but I think Eli is just fine. Though he is a lovely little man who oughta come inside more, the brat.” She said lovingly, shaking her head. The smudge on her cheek, which Miles believed to be oil, or maybe mud, shone in the sun. A contrast against her skin and her freckles.
Then came a musical laugh, and the sound of the glass door sliding shut. “I think Eli deserves a friend,” a new voice said, lilting and soft, “He’s such a lonely creature. Perhaps the company of a companion could boost his spirits.” Robin Wright mused.
Robin Wright looked more like Miles than she looked like Phoenix; Miles believed it was the light-coloured hair and the sharper features. She had a gentle gaze and an airy disposition to her. She was breezy and wore a large, oversized hoodie covered in splotches of pastel paint colours that covered her short shorts. Her light-coloured hair was pulled up in a messy bun, falling in front of her eyes. Maria grinned, her face lit up when her wife stepped inside and she pulled her into a sweeping hug. She leaned up to kiss her and grinned. “Look who’s showed up.” She joked, bumping her hip against Robin.
“Hello my love,” she murmured, laughing, and then she turned to Miles and reached for one of his hands. She gave it a squeeze and Miles smiled. “And hello to you too, Miles. What a lovely surprise to see you!” Even excited, her voice was kind, almost always soft.
“It’s lovely to see you as well,” he stood to give her a side hug. Praying the paint on her hoodie was dry and wouldn’t get on his burgundy jumper. He hoped he wasn’t pulling her away from any of her work. Robin had fantastic, incredible paintings, many of which were hung up in Miles’ apartment. “You look well.” He grinned.
Robin hummed, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes, and propped herself up to sit on the other side of the kitchen island. “Maria makes sure I do.”
Maria blinked. “Oh shush! You’re well and lovely even if I tell you to keep a skincare routine, all those paint fumes can’t be good!” She explained, pointing a mixing spoon at Robin as if brandishing a weapon, and Robin grinned at her, batting her eyelashes. She crossed one leg over the other, and Maria smacked her knee with the spoon, rolling her eyes lovingly. “Exposing me like this.” She muttered, clicking her tongue.
Robin snorted, Miles laughed gently. In the moment, he decided that it would be now or never. “Since I’ve got you both here, if I may, could I ask you both something?” He inquired, he wiped his hands on his pants, suddenly feeling nervous.
Maria looked back at him, Robin offered him a gentle smile. “Of course!” She says.
Under the two knowing looks of Phoenix's mothers, heat rose to his cheeks and he found the plan he'd crafted go out the window. He found himself blushing hard and took a few moments to compose himself. “So, of course, you know Phoenix and I have been together for a while now, and— Well, he means a lot to me,” he stopped to clear his voice. It wasn’t often he found himself to be this nervous, but then again he was asking something pretty big of Phoenix’s mothers. “We’ve been together for a while and I— I’d love it if I could take our relationship to the next level and as his mothers, I feel as though it would also be kind if I asked you two if you would be alright with that?”
He was met with silence for a few moments, but it was not a judgemental silence, simply curious and perhaps a little cautious. Robin tilted her head. “You’re asking us for permission to marry Phoenix?” She asked, smiling gently.
He winced. “Yes,” he said, “to a degree. Perhaps not permission, because Phoenix is his own man who doesn’t belong to anyone. But this could be something that may be big if we choose to make it so, and he is your son after all. You are involved in his life even now, so I thought it… prudent, I suppose, to ask you two.” He was rambling a little, but Robin and Maria were silent and Miles would rather fill the silence.
There came no answer, and then Maria was striding before him and pulling him from his seat and into her arms. Into a vice-like hug.
Never let it be said that Maria Esme Wright didn’t give good hugs.
He let out a breath of wheezy laughter, tapping her arm. “You’re crushing me,” he croaked, and she let out a soft sound of distress as she stepped back. She placed her hands on his shoulders. Though she was shorter than Miles, her gaze had him glued to the spot. Robin rolled her eyes playfully as if to say here we go again.
“Miles,” Robin began with a smile before her wife could speak, “You must understand that you will forever be considered family to us. You are like a second son to us, though, yes, it is not like we raised you, but all the same. We love you and will support any decisions you do make about this. If you wish to marry Phoenix, that’s your decision, not ours. Still, you’ll always be family. We’ll always love you.” She told him, speaking smoothly but softly.
Miles was sure he was as red as his sweater. Maria gave him a gentle, reassuring smile. “You’re right that Phoenix is not ours to own. Nor is he ours to give over to you, it’s his choice as much as it is yours. But if you want to marry our son, go for it! Lord knows he’d agree, he can stop talking about you; you wouldn’t believe it.” He flushed at that.
Gently, Miles nodded, willing himself not to get emotional, though his eyes stung and it felt as though there was a lump in his throat. If he started crying, even shedding happy tears, he’d never live it down.
“Thank you,” he croaked, and when Maria pulled him into another hug, Miles melted into it.
He rested his head on her shoulder, bringing his arms up to hug her back. Robin jumped off the island with a soft thump, and then she too was hugging him. She placed a kiss to the top of his head, and he felt her lips stretch into a smile. “Don’t be afraid,” she began, Miles stepped back and gave her a soft look, confused, “be confident in your words and don’t let your nervousness show. Phoenix won’t… he really won’t mind either way, but he’s a romantic at heart. Be sure of yourself when you ask him.” She told him.
Miles had never expected to receive coaching on how to propose from one of his soon-to-be mothers-in-law, but, such was life, he supposed. He gave her a shaky smile.
“Thank you…” he said, he truly had no clue what to say, so, “thank you… really.” He said again, and he could only hope that the gentle bewilderment and his smile could get across how truly thankful of this moment he was.
Maria laughed and shook her head. “Don’t look so shocked,” she gave him a mischievous smile, and then turned on her heels and continued bustling about the kitchen. “Now! That tea is almost ready, come come, tell us all about how you plan to propose over it! You know how I like to be meticulous and know everything happening in my son's life!” She mused, grinning.
Robin hummed. “You like to know all the juicy gossip, more like,” she said sagely, nodding. Miles smothered a laugh.
“Oi! You need to stop exposing me!” She cried, but she stepped up to wife and pulled her down for a kiss, to which Robin responded with a grin.
They settled into a comfortable silence as Miles confessed he had no real plan for this proposal, he simply wanted to make it a small thing; he didn’t want to make it big and dramatic, he would keep it between them. Something between only the two of them. Eventually, though, the conversations drifted from marriage and proposals to something more lighthearted and casual, and Miles knew that having that ‘Mother in Law’ status for both Maria and Robin wouldn’t be too bad.
☆☆☆
That evening Miles returned home only when the sun was setting on the horizon and the sky was painted a million brilliant shades of pinks and oranges. He closed the door to the apartment behind him, humming softly to himself, and removed his shoes and jacket before padding into the apartment. He didn’t call out to Phoenix, he’d be aware Miles was home. He would have heard him, if not, he was most likely asleep, and Miles was going to let him have his rest. He surely needed it.
He bustled about the kitchen, washing his hands and cleaning what remained of the dishes in the sink. And it was just as he was drying his hands that a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and there was a warmth at his back.
“Hello,”he said softly, taking one of the hands around his waist. He got a soft hum in reply. “Missed me that much?”
A kiss to the back of his neck. “What’d you get up to today?”
“I was visiting your mothers if you must know,” he replied, and he twisted in Phoenix Wright’s arms, grinning down at his partner. He took his face in his hands, and pressed a kiss to his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and finally his lips. “They’re doing well, and say hi, just so you’re aware.” He explained.
Phoenix leaned into the kisses, but gave him a soft, albeit partially confused look. “That’s why you weren’t at work?” He asked. Miles could only hope his employees handled themselves just fine. Franziska would work just fine, and he knew Klavier and Simon would be alright, but Miles always wanted to be prepared just to be safe.
“I sent an email in advance if you’re curious. It’s not like I was leaving everyone else in the dark. I needed a break from things.” He said, and though he felt bad lying, he had his motives.
“And you went to see my mothers for that break? You must be insane, they run a million miles an hour.” He said, and Miles laughed because he did have a point there. He hummed, and ran his fingers down Phoenix’s hair, which was down from its spiky hairdo and fell in black waves to his shoulders.
“What kind I say, their advice always steers me right.”
That got him a mischievous smile. “Share with the class?” He asked, raising his eyebrows. Miles snorted, shoving lightly at his shoulder. He kissed him instead of replying, and Phoenix didn’t seem to mind.
“It’s a secret, now let me finish these dishes. Go start a movie or something of the sorts, I’ll join you soon.” He said, and Phoenix didn’t argue as he moved into the small, but homely living room, sitting down next to Pess. She raised her head to look at him, but didn’t do much else. He switched on the TV and for a few moments, Miles simply watched Phoenix, wondering how he’d managed to get such a good man. Phoenix looked back at him, and smiled.
“Phoenix?” He called.
“Hm?”
“I love you,” he said, adoring the way Phoenix’s face flushed a bright red. Phoenix laughed a sheepish, almost nervous laugh, and Miles offered him a gentle smile.
“I love you too!” He replied, but then he squinted at Miles. “Any reason you’re saying this now?” He teased. Miles tilted his head and watched Phoenix for a moment before he shook his head and waved one hand absentmindedly with his free hand. His other hand gently tightened its hold on the small, velvet box in his pocket, and he hummed.
“No reason,” he said, and Phoenix scoffed, “I simply wanted you to know.”