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Phoenix Wright was exhausted. 

There were several reasons for this. 

If Phoenix had to deem the most standout one, it’d be the fact that he just successfully defended one of the most prominent political figures in the state. As it seemed to be quite often, Miles Edgeworth was on the case as prosecutor. That alone can drain a man of his energy. 

Phoenix knew Edgeworth was brilliant, and he also considered said prosecutor to be his best friend. However, those two factors combined with the pressure of politics made Phoenix want to go home right away, and immediately collapse onto his bed. 

That wasn’t possible though; after all, Phoenix already planned to get dinner with Edgeworth after the case. 

And there was the second aforementioned reason: Phoenix is having dinner with his dearest friend, Miles Edgeworth. Platonically, that is, they’re having dinner.

“Wright, if you’re too tired to go, do tell me. It was your idea to do this, after all.”

Edgeworths comment brought Phoenix back into the present. He was in the lobby of the courthouse, and supposedly Edgeworth had just entered the lobby as well. 

Phoenix was too tired to bluff, so he decided to be truthful.

“I’ll admit that I’m tired, but I still want to go. It’s nothing a splash of cold water can’t fix,” Phoenix replied. 

Edgeworth sighed, with a lack of protest comparable to the lack of energy Phoenix was feeling at that moment. 

“I see. Well, I know there’s no convincing you, so I suppose I’ll wait out here as you do that.”

Phoenix gave a thumbs up and tired smile, a sight that would seem comedic to many. The man sluggishly walked to the courthouse bathroom.

Upon entering said bathroom, Phoenix realized he had never used it before. It was about what you’d expect from a restroom in such a location; clean, but not fancy by any means. 

Observations aside, Phoenix turned on the sink and splashed the cold water onto his eyes. 

The effect was instantaneous, but as Phoenix finally was able to think straight again, a sudden wave of embarrassment washed over him. 

Oh my God, was I really so obvious about my exhaustion that Edgeworth noticed? Not to mention, he’s the last person who should talk about sleep deprivation. 

Phoenix sighed, but he knew he was overthinking it. After years of being very in love with someone, you usually begin to recognize what is and isn’t rational thinking. 

Even so, it's not like Phoenix ever planned to confess to Edgeworth anyway. Phoenix may have gone to law school just to see the man again, but he didn’t do it out of a desire to date the prosecutor. It was mostly him just wanting to help one of his dearest friends, even if at the time Phoenix wasn’t dear to them anymore. 

Phoenix Wright was hopelessly in love with Miles Edgeworth, so as such, his motivations to assist his friend go beyond selfish reasons. Phoenix wanted Edgeworths happiness over a first date; though, Phoenix would like to have both more than anything. 

Considering how observant Edgeworth was, Phoenix was surprised he hadn’t realized the abundance of loving gazes, eagerness in company, or willingness to go through hell and back for him being displayed by Phoenix. 

The defense attorney supposed it was better that way. 

Enough thinking. If I keep going at this rate, I’ll be in here for twenty minutes, brooding about my unresolved love life, Phoenix thought depressingly. 

Phoenix splashed water on his face once more for good measure, then finally exited the men’s restroom. 

“Hey Edgeworth, ready to go?” Phoenix asked as he approached the prosecutor. 

Edgeworth gave a simple nod in agreement. 

“I suppose you weren’t lying about the miracles of cold water,” Edgeworth remarked dryly.

Phoenix chuckled. “Of course. Truthfully, I’m surprised you hadn’t already discovered the ‘miracle’ I spoke of.”

A smug look took over Edgeworths face.  

“Well, Wright, I don’t purposely inflict the sensation of cold water onto my eyes very often,” Edgeworth retorted matter-of-factly. 

An unintentional snort of laughter escaped Phoenix. 

“What?” Edgeworth deadpanned.

This only made Phoenix laugh harder. “It-its just, I’ve never heard someone phrase ‘I don’t usually splash water on my face’ so fancy and sophisticated before.” 

Edgeworth rolled his eyes, but Phoenix still caught a glimpse of his fond smile. 

It was moments like that in which Phoenix wondered if Edgeworth loved him back. 

—

“Oh my god,” Phoenix muttered with disbelief. 

Edgeworth sighed with exasperation.

“Quite.”

The sight that greeted the two men outside of the courthouse was not a pretty one. 

A crowd of interviewers and newscasters were scattered evenly, in an almost strategic fashion. 

Phoenix had seen such individuals in some of his more major cases, but not like this. 

Edgeworth finally spoke up. 

“I’m not the most experienced with crowds such as these, but if my existing knowledge has taught me anything, it’s that we should simply answer politely if needed. It seems that avoiding them is not possible as of now.”

“Right,” Phoenix replied, “Let’s get this over with then.”

The pair began to head through the most clear path down the courthouse stairs, with the intention of not answering the vast majority of questions.

Most of the insistent questions were inaudible, so Edgeworth nor Phoenix had a social obligation to comply with the questioning. 

Finally, a question directed at Edgeworth was audibly louder amongst the crowd, causing the prosecutor to turn towards the reporter. There was no going back now. 

“Mr. Edgeworth! Considering your Chief Prosecutor status, it is not required for you to prosecute cases. Therefore, what is your reasoning for still taking on cases, exclusively against Phoenix Wright?”

Ouch, Phoenix thought. They don’t hold back, do they? Besides, Edgeworth takes on more cases than ones I’m defending, right? 

“You are correct. I am not obligated to prosecute cases anymore. My reasoning for taking on cases against Wright exclusively is more of a…way to enjoy my job. Paperwork is perfectly alright, but a case against Mr. Wright always seems to have a twist to it,” Edgeworth stated smoothly.

Holy shit, Phoenix couldn’t help but blush. Does he really…?

“…and it’s always enjoyable to deconstruct Wright's bluffs,” finished Edgeworth. His smug grin was not lost on Phoenix. 

Oh, it’s on. You’re not going to embarrass me, not like this. 

“I find it funny you mention that, Edgeworth. Aren’t you the one who has never won a case against me?” Phoenix inquires.

“That’s true, Wright,” Edgeworth quips back, “You could even say it’s a tad bit humiliating. That aside, I believe you have much more embarrassing choices in your personal life, especially when compared to our court case outcomes.”

Edgeworth is clearly egging him on, but Phoenix doesn’t care.

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

The prosecutor smirks. Phoenix instantly knows he’s made a grave mistake. 

“What about your reason for becoming an attorney? I still can’t wrap my head around that.” 

“Edgeworth—” Phoenix tries, but to no avail. 

“What kind of man changes to a law degree just to see and help a childhood friend? You didn’t know you would ever face me in court despite that, and yet you still did it. It’s absurd, Wright. Flattering, but absurd,” the Prosecutor finished, clearly thinking he'd won.

Phoenix sighed in relief. For a moment, he believed Edgeworth would expose his unconfessed romantic feelings in front of broadcasters. It was still embarrassing, but this wasn’t so bad. 

“Is that really all you got, Edgeworth—”

Phoenix suddenly feels the force of Edgeworths hand pulling him through the crowd of reporters with a strange degree of urgency. 

With this, Phoenix notes the difference in sound. It’s a lot louder than when the duo first stepped outside the courthouse doors. 

The two men are finally out of sight, standing by Edgeworths car. 

“Wright, I must apologize, that was completely uncalled for, I—“

“Edgeworth, what’s going on? Is everything okay?” 

The prosecutor gets this look Phoenix can’t quite describe. Suddenly, his demeanor changes. 

“Erm, yes, everything is alright. The noise was just too much for me. I was simply apologizing for pulling you so suddenly,” Edgeworth replied. 

Phoenix nods hesitantly. He knows he’s missing something, but the man knows this isn’t a time where he would be prying. He’d just have to ask about it tomorrow. 

“I see. That makes sense. Well, let’s say we head to that restaurant, yeah?” Phoenix suggests with a smile.

Edgeworth smiles in return. He still looked uneasy, but nonetheless more relaxed. 

“Good idea. Let's be on our way then.”

—

The trip to the restaurant went relatively smoothly. There was a particular degree of uncertain awkwardness in the first ten minutes, but miraculously, the conversation went back on track with their usual banter. 

“—really, Wright! You’d think that the witness would just stay out of the case if he was the murderer. He would’ve had a better chance of getting away with it if he did as such,” Edgeworth exclaimed. 

Phoenix nodded. “Honestly? I agree. I understand wanting to frame the rival politician of the victim, but isn’t that conflicting to the motive? It’s weird.”

“Good point. Though I think the perpetrator wasn’t…the smartest individual. In the end, I think Mr. Dodit had his political loyalty to the accused overwritten by his self-preservation. Though why he decided to act as a witness is beyond me,” Edgeworth inferred. 

“Yeah. It just puzzles me, because Dodit tried to kill Ms. Morgan since she rivaled Mr. Bon. But he just ended up accusing Bon, the candidate he supported, of murder anyway! It’s stupid,” Phoenix replies in exasperation. “But I get what you mean.”

Edgeworth hums in agreement. “Say, Wright, what time is it?” 

“Hmm, it’s…oh shit! 7:30! I have to get home to Trucy.” Phoenix exclaims in panic. 

“Yes, I know you told me that you had to get home to her by 7:00, so I apologize for forgetting to remind you,” Edgeworth remorsefully replies. 

Phoenix laughs. “Are you kidding? It wasn’t your job to remind me! Don’t apologize. This is all my fault.”

Edgeworth nods in understanding. “Very well. Can I at least drive you home?”

Phoenix is about to protest, but the man realizes that he’s already late to his movie night with Trucy as is. He needs all the time he can get. 

“…Actually, that would be great. Thank you so much.”

“No problem,” Edgeworth replies. “Shall we go then?”

Phoenix smiles.

“Yea, let’s do that.”

—

Phoenix was very apologetic once he got home, but being the angel she is, Trucy was forgiving. The father-daughter duo was able to still watch a movie as planned. Eventually, they said good night, and parted ways for the evening. 

Setting his phone on silence, Phoenix drifted off to sleep. 

Little did he know, what awaited him in the morning would be beyond his expectations.

—

Ring, ring!

Miles Edgeworth woke up to the sound of a very loud Steel Samurai phone ringtone, much to his dismay.

Judging by the view outside his window, it was still early, so he decided to go back to sleep. It was probably just a spam call anyway. Besides, it could wait, couldn’t it? 

Ring, ring!

Miles groaned in exasperation. A quick glance at the clock said it was 3:00 AM. Who was calling at this ungodly hour? 

Ah. That’s who. 

The contact who had already called him a total of seven times happened to be his beloved sister, Franziska Von Karma. 

Tiredly, Miles answers. 

“Franziska, it’s 3:00 AM here, what could possibly—”

“MILES EDGEWORTH! YOU FOOLISHLY FOOLISH FOOL! I DON'T CARE WHAT TIME IT IS, THIS IS A PRESSING MATTER—”

“Franziska, please, get to the point. I’d like to go back to sleep as soon as possible,” Edgeworth interrupts. 

“Don’t play dumb with me, little brother! One glance at the news and you’d know. You know full well what you did!” Franziska angrily replies.

“Franziska, as I said before, it’s 3:00 AM. I haven’t even gotten out of bed yet, much less checked my phone.”

“…My point still stands, you foolish fool. Since you’re ignorant on the matter, allow me to inform you of what has happened between you and that foolish defense attorney.” 

“Huh? Wright? Is he okay? Franziska—”

“How that foolish man is doing right now should be the least of your concerns! Check your texts, Miles Edgeworth. I sent you an article.” 

As Miles went to check his messages, he noticed he had texts from multiple people. He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to cause such a commotion. He could feel the anxiety starting to weigh down upon him.

That aside, as Miles opened his message history with Franziska, he saw the link URL and almost laughed. 

“A gossip tabloid? Franziska, how does this have anything to do with—”

Then Miles saw the article title. 

MILES EDGEWORTH AND PHOENIX WRIGHT: MORE THAN RIVALS? YOU’D BE SHOCKED!

As he opened the article, a glance at the first few sentences told Miles all he needed to know. He felt his face go pale. He needed to hang up on Franziska. Now. Hopefully this was all some horrible nightmare. Or maybe a prank. Whatever it was, it wasn’t this! Miles couldn’t move. Instead, he could feel how much his mouth was currently agape. 

“Franziska…I…I didn’t know. Oh my God, what—”

“…Miles, are you alright?” Franziska suddenly asked. 

“Franziska, I…He’s going to find out. He’s going to find out that I…that I…”

“Miles?” Said Franziska. 

“He’s going to find out how I feel. About him,” Miles nearly whispered. 

There was a long pause. It lasted a minute, but it felt like an hour to Miles. At that time, he realized how fast he was breathing. 

“…Miles, why didn’t you tell me?” Franziska softly replied, uncharacteristically so. 

“That I’m in love with Phoenix Wright? Why would I tell anyone? It just doesn’t make sense,” He retorted weakly. 

Only once he uttered those words did he realize he has never admitted that to anyone, including himself. Nor has he ever said those words out loud either. This only added to his panic. 

Miles heard a quiet hum, and sign that Franziska was pondering what to say next. 

“I…see. So you’re not in a relationship. In that case, I would recommend calling that man as soon as possible.”

Miles could feel himself getting frustrated. “Call him? Why would I do that? I know what he’s going to say! He’s going to say he doesn’t want to associate with me anymore. The best thing I can do is cope.”

Franziska let out a small chuckle, not exactly humorously, but more so in disbelief and sympathy. “Miles, that man wouldn’t let you go if his life depended on it. He changed his goddamn career for you. That fool is not going to cut contact over something like this.”

Miles paused, considering Franziska's words. After a solid couple minutes of silence, one that he was thankful Franziska stayed silent in, he spoke up. 

“You’re right. I will call him. But I need to sleep first. As aforementioned, the time is…well…you already know. Thank you, Franziska.”

“You are very welcome, little brother…take care of yourself, alright?” Miles could hear the smile in her voice.

“Of course,” he replied. “Goodbye, Franziska.” 

Miles hung up. And with that, he drifted to sleep once more. 

—

Phoenix was dreaming as he slept. It was one of those dreams in which you couldn’t tell someone what happened in it, but while you witnessed it, you wanted to stay in it forever. 

All good things come to an end, though. Especially when your daughter is shaking you relentlessly as you sleep.

“—DADDY, WAKE UP!”

Phoenix groaned noncommittally in defiance. 

“Papa, this is important! Listen, it has to do with Mr. Edgeworth,” said a voice Phoenix finally recognized as Trucy’s. 

At the mention of his best friend's name, Phoenix practically sprung out of bed. 

Before Phoenix could even begin to ask what happened, he was greeted with the sight of a very expectant, and dare he say angry, expression on Trucy’s face. 

“Trucy, what’s—”

“Papa, why didn’t you tell me you were dating Mr. Edgeworth?” 

Phoenix froze. He could feel the heat rise to his face. Despite this, he started laughing like it was the funniest joke he had ever heard. In reality, it was the most painful.

“Trucy, what gave you that idea? Edgeworth is just my best friend. Nothing more.”

This only made Trucy look more mad. “Daddy, the fact that you’re hiding this from me is genuinely making me upset. At this point, everyone knows about it! There’s no need to try and keep it a secret any longer!”

Upon hearing Trucy’s bold statement, Phoenix realized that something or someone made Trucy think this. 

“Umm, Trucy, what gave you that idea?”

Phoenix suddenly had a phone thrust into his face, specifically Trucy’s. He instantly noticed it was a gossip tabloid, and then he saw…

Oh. Oh no. 

“Trucy, why is a gossip tabloid claiming me and Edgeworth are in a relationship? And most importantly, why do you believe it?”

“Daddy, the article literally has a video attached after last night's trial of Mr. Edgeworth talking about why you went to law school. And you didn’t even deny it, meaning it’s true. That, coupled with your constant lunch dates, makes it clear to me and literally everyone else that you’re dating.”

Phoenix was speechless. He was pretty sure he spent an embarrassing solid minute with his mouth hanging open.

“…Would you believe me if I told you we weren’t dating, and that this is all a misunderstanding?”

Trucy looked like she was at her limit.

“Daddy, what the actual FUCK—”

“Language, Trucy.”

“I’m seventeen, dad. And my point still stands: I don’t believe you.”

Phoenix sighs. “Okay, let me explain.”

For the first time throughout this entire conversation, Trucy looked like she was somewhat willing to listen. 

Okay, here we go. 

“Trucy, I’m in love with Mr. Edgeworth.”

“No shit.”

“Let me finish. I’ve known him since I was nine. Before we were friends, I got accused of taking Edgeworths lunch money. Long story short, there was a class trial, and I was about to be declared, for lack for better wording, guilty.
But then, Edgeworth…defended me. He proved I didn’t steal his lunch money, and I was spared from the humiliation. After that, we were inseparable. At that time though, Edgeworth wanted to be a defense attorney, just like his father. But then…his father was murdered. I won’t get into it too much, because it’s not my place to speak, but Edgeworth had to move away.
For years, I wrote letters to Edgeworth, hoping he’d write back. He never did though. By the time I was in college, I was in school to be an art major. But…one day, I saw a newspaper article with Edgeworth in it. And he was a prosecutor. It was calling him all of these horrible things, and I just…knew I had to help him.
So I changed my major. I changed it to a law degree, to be specific. I made it through law school, and I eventually met him in court. I always knew I had feelings for him. But then I realized I loved him when I defended him in a trial. Again, it’s not my place to speak on the story, but…either way, yes. Edgeworth knows I changed my major for him, hence his mentioning of it in the interview. But I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know I love him. I’m sure it’s unrequited anyway. 
I never intended to tell you, but I suppose you deserved to know. Sorry, sweetie.”

At this point, they had switched places. Trucy was completely stunned, and she didn’t look like she could even formulate words. 

“Oh my god, dad.”

“Yeah…”

The pair sat in an uncomfortable silence for a couple of minutes, both undeniably thinking about the situation. 

Luckily, the sound of Phoenix's ringtone bought them both back into reality. 

Thank God. 

Then Phoenix saw the caller ID.

Wait. Nevermind, don’t thank anyone. 

It was Apollo. Phoenix already knew he was in for a great time. He answered the phone.

“MR. WRIGHT, I SWEAR TO FUCKING GOD—”

“Is this about Edgeworth?” Phoenix butted in. 

“YES!” Apollo yelled. His chords of steel were very prominent in that singular word. 

“Okay, let me head to the office. I’ll explain over there. This is far too complex to describe over the phone.”

“…Fine. See you there.”

“Thanks Apollo.” 

Beep. 

“Well…I’m heading to the office to explain this to Apollo. Wanna come with?” 

Trucy nods. 

“Sure. And I’m…really sorry, about before, papa.”

“It’s alright, Truce. Don’t worry about it. I completely understand.”

Trucy softly smiled in return. 

And so, the father-daughter duo headed to the Wright-Anything Agency, in hopes that whatever awaited them there would allow Phoenix to make it out alive from the wrath of his employee. 

—

Phoenix hadn’t even started to unlock the door when Apollo yanked it open. Phoenix really hoped Apollo wasn’t just  waiting at the doors peephole, looking for his boss to nervously waltz up. It was one of the most depressing thoughts Phoenix had pondered in awhile. 

Apollo was looking at Phoenix expectedly, waiting for him to walk in. Phoenix complied, and sat down on the couch with Trucy. 

Apollo wasted no time, and went straight for the elephant in the room. 

“Mr. Wright, you have to clear this up with the press! I know you’re crazy, but not crazy enough to change your career like that. Why did Mr. Edgeworth even try to lie about something like that? Did you guys fight? I really am curious as to what the hell—”

“It’s true, Apollo.”

“What?”

“I went to law school to see Edgeworth again.”

“WHAT?”

“Apollo, please calm down, you’re—”

“YOU WANT ME TO CALM DOWN, MR WRIGHT?! HOW CRAZY ARE YOU TO DO THAT FOR A FRIEND?”

“Well, truthfully, my feelings were…beyond platonic, Apollo.”

Apollo was silent, and stared at Phoenix for what felt like hours. In reality, it was probably around a couple of seconds, but the suspense slowed down Phoenix’s perception of time. 

“ATHENA, DO YOU HEAR THIS SHIT?”

Oh, right, Athena is here.

“Yes, but I really wish I didn’t. At least at that volume, anyway,” Athena replied, referring to Apollo's loud mannerisms. 

“Right…sorry, Athena,” Apollo responds, finally speaking reasonably. 

Apollo turns to Phoenix and Trucy. 

“I’m sorry I got so riled up, Mr. Wright. I don’t really have an excuse.”

Phoenix chuckles. “It’s fine, Apollo. I can imagine it was quite shocking for you. I know you were just concerned for my reputation, which I appreciate. As of the last hour, I’ve only just started to realize how crazy college-me was.”

Apollo nodded. “Yeah, I can’t really offer any rebuttal there. It was definitely crazy. I know it’s none of my business, but…Mr. Edgeworth knows about your feelings, right?”

“No, he doesn’t know. He knows why I went to law school though, so it’s beyond me how he hasn’t realized it yet.”

“Ah. I’m sorry, Mr. Wright.”

“Don’t be sorry Apollo, it doesn’t even bother me at this point.”

Just as Phoenix spoke the lie in an attempt to reassure his employees, Apollo winced. Meanwhile, Athena covered her ears.  

“Ah, umm…” Phoenix started.

Athena sighed. “Listen, boss, you don’t have to tell us what’s going on, but…you’re 35 years old. How long have you known the chief prosecutor?” 

“…Since I was nine,” Phoenix hesitantly replied. 

“And you guys have been through a lot, if your explanation is anything to go by. So what makes you think a love confession will ruin that? At worst, there might be some awkwardness. But quite frankly, Mr. Wright, you have to either move on, or tell the man how you feel. Somehow, I get a feeling you won’t be in another relationship otherwise.”

“…I’m worried he’ll run away again, Athena,” Phoenix responded honestly.

Athena grimly nodded in understanding. “The question is though, Mr. Wright, do you actually think he’d do that again, even after he’s realized how much that messed everyone up?” Athena prompted. 

“…No, I don’t. I know he’s grown. It’s just hard to think about actually confessing.”

“I understand, Mr Wright.”

Athena got up from her desk and walked over to Phoenix. She gave a reassuring smile. 

“Just think about it, okay boss?”

Phoenix laughed, just now realizing he was listening to love advice from someone he was more than a decade older than. 

“I will. Thanks, Athena.”

—

Miles was driving to work, trying his damned hardest not to think about what may await him. 

He knows he was supposed to call Phoenix, as advised by Franziska, but he didn’t quite feel brave enough yet. 

It was no use to take a day off from work; Miles just knew he’d start thinking too much if he did that. He might as well distract himself until he calms down. 

When Miles entered the Prosecutor's office, he could practically feel the gaze of his coworkers burning onto him. 

He made it a point to not make eye contact, and rushed up the stairs. As he entered his office, he shut his door and locked it.

Finally, he was safe from…

“Umm, sir?” Said a familiar voice. 

Miles whirled around, only to see the one and only detective Gumshoe. 

“Mr. Edgeworth—”

“Get. Out.”

“Sir, please!”

“Detective, I need to be alone right now. Please do not disturb me.”

Gumshoe frowned sadly, looking like a kicked puppy. Miles somewhat felt sorry for him, but it was too late to backtrack his previous statement anyway. Not that he wanted to. 

“Sir, please, just give me five minutes to speak my mind. Then I’ll leave, I promise,” Gumshoe attempted one last time.

Miles considered Gumshoe’s proposal. Somehow, a certain part of him decided to give in. Perhaps he was tired of pushing people away. 

Perhaps it was time to change that. 

“Fine. What is it, Detective?”

“Well, sir…I just wanted to say that I’m sorry about what happened. I know you’re quite a private person, so I can imagine having your dating life revealed like that can be—”

“I’m going to stop you right there, Detective. Wright and I aren’t…dating. It was a misunderstanding in the press.”

Gumshoes eyes widened in shock. 

“Oh, I’m…sorry sir. And here I was, prepared to make an entire speech about how I support you.”

“You…aren’t mad?”

“Why would I be mad, sir? I always thought you two would be good for each other anyway.”

“I see,” Edgeworth replied. “Wait, what did you just say?” 

“Umm, that I thought you two would be good for eachother? Truthfully, it always seemed like Mr. Wright was head-over-heels for you. And you just always seemed so…relaxed around him, you know?”

Miles felt his face flush red. 

Am I really so obvious that Gumshoe noticed? 

“That’s not very nice, sir. But yes, I did notice,” Gumshoe stated. 

Shit.

“Did I…say that out loud, Detective?”

“Umm, yes sir,” Gumshoe admitted. 

Miles groaned, and held his head in his hands. 

“Mr. Edgeworth, I’m sorry to be pushy, but…does he know?” 

“Of course not. Why would I ever do something as ludicrous as tell him how I feel?” Miles snapped. 

To his surprise, Gumshoe seemed to be getting frustrated. 

“I know, Mr. Edgeworth! But I can’t stand to see you like this! I wasn’t lying when I said I thought Mr. Wright was ‘head-over-heels’ for you. That man isn’t just pining, he’s in love with you! I…I can just tell. And you like him too, right?”

“I…love him, detective.”

“Exactly! Look, I understand why you’re hesitant, but just think about it, alright?”

Miles sighed, feeling very vulnerable. “Detective…why are you so sure he loves me back?”

Gumshoe laughed. “Are you kidding, sir? I could write an essay about it. But…I’d say the most standout reason is the exact reason you’re in this mess: he changed his entire career for you. People dream about someone being that devoted to them.”

Miles looked Gumshoe in the eye for the first time in the entire conversation. 

“I don’t get it though, detective. How does that equate to him loving me? I’ve  always chalked it down to just Wright being Wright.”

“Well, sir, think about it this way: Mr. Wright was going to be an art and theatre major, right? That means he was quite devoted to that stuff, and probably has been devoted to it his whole life, am I correct?”

“Yes, Detective. I can remember him wanting to do that as far back as when we were nine,” Miles agreed. 

“Exactly! So he must’ve been pretty set on that. So for him to drop everything and change his major to law, one of the hardest degrees to graduate in and pay for, all for someone he wants to help? Do you know anyone who has done that, much less platonically? I don’t think anyone would do that unless they were a stalker, which Mr. Wright is obviously not. Unless they were madly in love with someone. The pieces are in front of you, Mr. Edgeworth. That man wouldn’t trade you for anything.”

Miles froze. Instantly, his mind started to race as it put the pieces together. The letters. The career change. Their trust. Their devotion. Everything they’ve been through. It all made sense. 

Wright, no…Phoenix…he loves me.

Miles let out a long sigh, one he was holding in for what seemed like several minutes. 

“You’re right, detective. Oh my God.”

“I’m glad you finally see it now, Mr. Edgeworth! It’s nice to see you smiling.”

“Smiling..?” Miles questioned. 

It was then that he felt how wide he was smiling. 

“…I suppose I am. Detective, how would you feel about a pay raise?” 

“Mr. Edgeworth, that’s not necessary—”

“Consider it done, detective. Now get out of my office before I change my mind,” Edgeworth interrupted. 

Gumshoe finally grinned, seemingly accepting the offer.

“Yes sir!”

—

It was approximately fifteen minutes after Gumshoe's departure that Miles heard a knock on the door. 

“Who’s there?”

“Umm, it’s Phoenix. Look, if you don’t want to open the door, I understand, just please listen to what I have to say—” 

Miles didn’t even realize he’d opened the door until he saw Wright, looking at him in surprise. 

Miles pulled him into his office, very similarly to how the poor man was pulled the night that started this mess. That night, he’d done it out of embarrassment. Now, it’s out of preserving his, and Phoenix’s reputation. It wouldn’t look good if the man was standing outside of the chief prosecutors office for all to see.

He slammed the door, perhaps too loudly. 

“Err, sorry about that. I…didn’t want you to stand out there like that. Especially considering our…situation,” Miles explained.

“Right, I get it,” Wright replied. 

“So, I assume you’re here to talk about—”

Phoenix cut in before Miles could finish. “Yeah…listen, Edgeworth, I’m sorry if I upset you, though I’m sure that’s a given.
I just wanted to let you know that I still want to be friends. However, if you need space, please let me know. I’ll give you as much time as you need, as long as it allows us to stay friends. I don’t want to lose you, not to something like this.”

Miles noticed how visibly nervous Phoenix was. He realized he should probably say something reassuring. 

“Phoenix, I feel the same. I don’t want to let go of you either. And I’m not upset, at least not at you. I was more upset at myself than anyone else. But now I realize that it wasn’t my fault, nor yours. Truthfully, Phoenix, I don’t want to have space. I want to continue things normally. However, if you need space, then—”

“No! I mean, umm…no, I don’t think I need space. And, umm, Edgeworth?”

“Yes?”

“You used my first name.”

Miles was confused at first, but then realized what he had just said before. His face went beet red. He glued his eyes to the floor, refusing to make eye contact. 

“Ahh, Wright, I apologize! Err, that was very unprofessional—”

“Miles! It’s fine. I…liked it. In fact, can you do that more often?”

Miles looked up in surprise. “If you’d like. Truthfully, it is quite strange that we still aren’t on a first-name basis, even after all of this time.”

Wright, no, Phoenix, let out a laugh. 

“I know, right? Funny how something like this is making us finally start doing that. You’d think it’d pull us apart, not make us closer.”

“Hmm,” Miles hummed, “and you’re okay with that? Becoming closer after all of this?”

“Yes, I’d love that! I’ve always wanted to be closer to you. Closer than we already are—wait, umm, that sounds weird. Sorry.”

Miles laughed loudly, and everything just hit him. 

“Miles, come on, it isn’t that funny. Do I have something on my face? This is embarrassing,” Phoenix said with a blush. 

“No, no,” Miles replied between laughs. “I just can’t believe I didn’t see it until now.”

“Huh? See what?” 

“How you feel. That you love me too. It’s all coming together,” Miles spoke with a grin.

Phoenix went even redder, and his eyes widened. He looked like he could barely formulate words. 

Finally, the poor man covered his face in embarrassment. 

“I—Miles, come on, you can’t just say it like that!”  

“Say what? That you love me? Because I love you too, Phoenix. In fact, I’ve been wanting to kiss you since—”

Suddenly, Miles felt a pair of lips slamming onto his own, in addition to the weight of his body being pinned to the wall. 

Oh, he doesn’t waste any time, does he?  

Miles could barely keep up with the man. Phoenix was kissing like his life depended on it, and it was exhausting, but also more than he could’ve ever imagined.

Miles tried to stay like that as long as he could, but he eventually pulled away, panting for air. 

“Shit, sorry Miles, I didn’t mean to—”

“Phoenix Wright, you wonderfully stupid man, I’m just getting air. You kiss like a damn maelstrom.” 

Phoenix rubbed the back of his own neck sheepishly. “Sorry Miles. I’ve just wanted to do that for over a decade.”

Miles softly smiled. “I have as well, Phoenix. But it was quite the overwhelming first kiss for me.”

Phoenix looked at Miles in surprise. 

“That…was your first kiss?” 

Miles blushed.

“Well, yes. I obviously never kissed anyone when we were kids, and my years with Manfred allowed no room for romance. And by the time he was gone, I only had eyes for you. So…I waited. But it was always you, Phoenix,” Miles admitted. 

Phoenix looked like he was about to cry. He smiled wholeheartedly. 

“Well, I’m glad to be the first,” Phoenix said with complete honesty.

Phoenix nervously fixed his bow tie for the 25th time that day. 

You can do this. You look great. Miles loves you. 

“Nick, I swear to whatever god is up there, you better stop fidgeting or I will embarrass you in my speech at the wedding.”

Phoenix sighed. “I know, Maya, it’s just—”

“What? You think that man isn’t worrying too right now? Come on Nick, you guys have been dating for over a year. And you’ve known eachother since you were nine! And you’re about to get married! He accepted your proposal with that goddamn lovesick smile of his. He’s not gonna think any less of you if your bow tie isn’t at a perfect 180 degree angle!” Maya pointed out exasperatedly. 

“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks Maya,” Phoenix replied, still nervous, but slightly reassured. 

Maya slapped him on the back.“You got this, Nick! Don’t be too gross on the altar!”

“Yeah, yeah, I won’t.”

—

“…and you may now kiss the bride!”

As the wedding reception cheered, the pair didn’t waste any time. 

Miles felt his partner's lips on his own, and at that moment, everything clicked. He had a wonderful family. A wonderful daughter. And now, a wonderful husband. 

Before he could stop it, he felt tears of joy running down his face, as he grinned uncontrollably. 

As the newlyweds pulled apart, Miles was reminded of what got the two men together. He couldn’t help but wonder if without that, if they would’ve ever confessed at all. 

Then, Miles saw Phoenix’s eyes. He saw how much love was in them. Miles was sure Phoenix saw it in Miles as well. 

At that moment, Miles realized, whether there was a nosy tabloid or not, their strong and never-ending love would’ve gotten them together anyhow. 

They just happened to be exceptionally slow. 

It was undeniable that the god-forsaken tabloid got them together sooner, though. 

Miles was more than okay with that. And by the looks of it, so was Phoenix.