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Phoenix closed the door to his apartment, locked it and then slid down it to sit on the floor. He focused on regulating his breathing, which was a bit difficult with his cold medicine wearing off. He didn't need to have a break down. He was okay. He was safe. He didn't need to-
A sob broke free of his throat as tears waterfalled down his face. Phoenix buried his face into his knees and hugged them close. Emotions wracked his body as they escaped through his hitched breaths and tears.
He couldn't think, couldn't process. All he could do was sob and feel a gaping hole in his chest. He didn't want to feel like this, didn't want to hurt, didn't want to cry, didn't want to be affected. He thought he'd put all that crap from college behind him. And yet, here he was, a grown man, sobbing on his apartment floor about something that happened what? Seven years ago? He hated himself for it. He hated Dahlia for it more. He might even hate Iris a little.
Part of him still couldn't believe he'd been such a dumb kid. How Mia had even stood him was beyond his comprehension. To even mentor him after he destroyed evidence like that. He didn't understand what she must've seen in him to outweigh his desperate and stupid decisions as a witness and defendant. He'd always been stupid, hadn't he? God, how did anyone stand him?
No, it didn't matter. It didn't matter if he was stupid and no one actually liked him, what he did was important. He found truth and put bad people in jail.
"And not so bad people." His brain helpfully reminded, Iris's face pulled to the forefront. His brain then cycled to the Fey girls at their lowests, "Finding the truth isn't always good for the innocent either."
"Shut up." Phoenix cried and buried his head further into his knees, "Just shut up."
"Pearl will never know her sisters thanks to you." The voice added, knocking coming from behind him, "And her mother is in jail too. Not to mention Mia is dead because she mentored you. And how many times has Maya been put in danger because she's been around you?"
"Stop it! Shut up!" Phoenix shouted and covered his ears.
"Wright?" An all too familiar voice called.
"Leave me alone!" Phoenix yelled, curling up further on himself. He didn't need Edgeworth's negativity on top of his own.
"As much as I'm sure you'd rather not deal with me, but Maya said you weren't answering your phone." Edgeworth replied. His voice got uncharacteristically softer, "So I can't leave until I have evidence that you're okay."
Phoenix scoffed, wiping his tears with his palms. He considered responding to that but he'd much rather not talk to Edgeworth further. Maybe if he stayed silent, he'd go away. Like a T-Rex. There was a long, pregnant silence between them, broken only by Phoenix's sniffling.
Edgeworth let out a sigh and there was a soft thump on the door. Phoenix could almost feel him chewing on his words. Edgeworth finally spoke, "I know this case was hard on you, Phoenix. I'm sure it brought up bad memories that you never wanted to think about again. And I understand wanting space after something like that, you know I do, but not responding to the people who care about you reaching out? Well, heh, you were plenty upset with me when I did that, weren't you?"
"I wasn't just upset, Miles!" Phoenix found himself snapping, glaring at the door with tears anew and heat of anger clouding his vision, "I was hurt! I thought you were gone!"
"I know." Miles said, voice small and filled with guilt, "And I am sorry for doing that to you and everyone else, Phoenix."
Phoenix stood, anger unlocking and flinging open the door. He needed to give Miles a piece of his mind face to face! But then the anger fizzled at the sight of him, one of Phoenix's longest held friends and the reason he became a defense attorney, with worry and shame plastered across his usually much more guarded face. Tears fled Phoenix's eyes and he dragged Miles into a hug, face buried in Miles' shoulder.
Miles made a noise of surprise but soon returned the embrace. Miles was here and tangible and real and holding him. Phoenix couldn't help but cry harder. There was too much that he was feeling, too much he couldn't say, too much he couldn't fix, too much he couldn't do. So he just cried. And cried. And cried. Until he ran out of tears
"Sorry." Phoenix murmured into Miles' shoulder.
"It's okay." Miles whispered in response as he rubbed circles into Phoenix's back. They stood there, wrapped up in one another's arms, for a long moment. It was nice. Then Miles cleared his throat, "We should get you some water."
"No." Phoenix responded. He felt tired and numb and a little congested but he didn't want to move. When was the last time he'd gotten to hug Miles? He couldn't remember.
"Phoenix." Miles tried again, letting go of the other man. Phoenix responded by tightening his own hold. Miles let out a little huff that almost sounded amused, "Fine, guess I'll have to make you."
"Good luck with that." Phoenix couldn't help but smile.
"Mmhmm." Miles hummed then took a steadying breath.
And suddenly, Phoenix was up in Miles' arms, bridal style. He blinked and scrambled to readjust his hold, now around Miles' neck, heat filling his face, "Wh-what?!"
Miles carried him back into the apartment, closing the door behind him with ease. He raised an amused brow down at Phoenix, "Are you done being stubborn or do I need to carry you into the kitchen too?"
"Sh-shut up and put me down." Phoenix replied with a desperate grasp for his dignity.
Miles made no comment as he released Phoenix from his hold but there was the hints of a smirk playing about his lips. Wait, why was Phoenix looking at his lips?! Phoenix spun away from Miles and went to put his suit jacket up. He should probably change out of his court clothes entirely but Miles was still in his apartment. So it could wait.
Phoenix frowned at the sounds coming from his kitchen and moved to investigate what Miles Edgeworth was doing. Miles had a pan on the stove and was currently peering into Phoenix's cupboards. The sleeves of Miles' sweater were rolled to just above his elbows, a pair of glasses set across the bridge of his nose and his face seemed softer than its usual sharp edges.
Phoenix blinked and pressed the back of his hand to his forehead. Was his fever back? Was he hallucinating? Dreaming? Because this was far too domestic a scene to be part of his real life. . . "Well, why not roll with it?" Phoenix thought dazedly.
"What're you doing, Miles?" Phoenix asked.
"I figured we could have some popcorn. Watch something that brings you comfort." Miles said.
"Oh." Phoenix blinked then shrugged, "Sure, it's gonna be in the leftmost upper cupboard."
"Thank you. Why don't you go change into more comfortable clothes, Nix?" Miles suggested as he retrieved the popcorn bag.
"Okay, sure." Phoenix nodded.
This was definitely some sort of dream. Miles was never this nice. So Phoenix drifted into his bedroom, closed the door and changed into his pajamas. He padded back into the main area to the sound of kernels popping and Miles humming. He felt dazed and a little thirsty.
Phoenix wandered into the kitchen. Miles glanced over with a smile and offered a glass of water. Phoenix drank it dutifully then rested his forehead on Miles' shoulder. Miles tensed for a moment before relaxing his shoulders.
"Are you feeling alright?" Miles asked.
Phoenix shrugged, taking comfort in the small point of physical contact. Miles' hand found the small of his back. Phoenix felt his face heat further, but the touch was nice.
"Your face looks pretty red." Miles commented and turned off the stove, sliding the popcorn pan to another but colder burner. He placed his now free hand against Phoenix's cheek. It was colder than Phoenix had expected. Miles frowned, "Come on, let's get you some medicine and a blanket."
"Okay." Phoenix nodded slowly. He suddenly felt really dizzy. And not the good kinda dizzy he imagined he'd feel if he kissed Miles. No, he felt the kinda dizzy that if he moved too quickly, he was going to be sick. He swallowed heavily, "I'm dizzy, can we walk slowly?"
"Y-yes, of course." Miles nodded, his eyebrows scrunching adorably in concern.
Oh yeah, Phoenix needed some medicine and rest. Not that he didn't find Miles attractive on a regular basis. He did. But adorable? Soft? Those weren't words he associated with Miles. Man, he must be feverish.
Phoenix managed to refocus to find himself being sat on his couch. He grabbed Miles' hand instinctively. Miles looked at him in surprise. Phoenix was fairly certain he was blushing but said, "Can you get the purple blanket from the linen closet?"
"Uh, sure. Do you have any cold medicine in the medicine cabinet?" Miles asked, looking between their linked hands and his face.
Phoenix moved their hands up and down, "Yeah."
"Very well." Miles said. There was a moment as they stared expectantly at one another. Miles proved further that this was a dream by smiling fondly at him, "Nix, I need my hand to get your medicine and blanket."
"Do you?" Phoenix asked.
"Yes, yes I do." Miles chuckled.
"Promise you'll be back?" Phoenix felt like he needed a nap but insuring Miles would return took priority.
Miles offered his free pinky, "I promise."
Phoenix intertwined their pinkies before letting go of Miles and leaning back onto the couch for a well earned nap.
***
"Yes, Maya, he's fine. Just got feverish again. I got him to take some medicine and he's been sleeping." Miles' beautifully familiar voice led Phoenix back to consciousness. Miles paused, "No, I think that's a bit much. Yes, I will monitor him closely. . . Maya, breathe please. You can't help N- Wright if you've worried yourself sick. Yes, I know."
Phoenix managed a half-lidded scan of the room. He was laying on the couch, wrapped in a blanket and with a cloth on his forehead. Miles was in the kitchen, phone to his ear. That wasn't right. Phoenix had to close his eyes again, heat radiating from his face but his core felt cold.
He couldn't help his weak whine, "Miles."
"Phoenix?" Miles quickly approached, worry in his voice, "Are you okay?"
"No." Phoenix groaned, "My eyes are hot."
"Okay, let me refresh your towel and grab your medicine." Miles took the cloth from Phoenix's forehead and sped away.
Phoenix whined and shifted to a slightly more upright position. He had to take medicine soon. He heard Miles at the sink then come back. There was a bit of clattering and then a beep.
"Right, still not enough to take you to the hospital. I'm going to pour you a dose, okay?" Miles asked.
"Mmhmm." Phoenix agreed, though he didn't really want to. There was some more movement and one of the cushions dipped. Hands cupped his, placing a tiny cup into it. Phoenix made a noise but slung it back like a shot, getting it over with.
"Alright, you can lay back down. Do you want me to get you another blanket, Nix?" Miles asked and suddenly there was a hand, smoothing hair from his forehead.
"Yes please, Mi." Phoenix murmured.
"I'll be right back." Miles hurried off again.
Phoenix wiggled back to lay fully on the couch again. He wished he didn't feel so gross. But then again, Miles wouldn't be this nice if he wasn't sick. He just wanted to curl up with him right now. But that was dumb. He wouldn't want that if he weren't sick. Probably. But even so, he couldn't. He was sick. He couldn't get Miles sick. Though if he did, Miles wouldn't be able to leave for a while. And then he could take care of Miles.
"Hey." Miles' voice brought him out of his thoughts. Gentle hands smoothed his hair from his face again and placed a cool, wet towel on his forehead. Then another blanket was tucked around him.
"Miles?" Phoenix asked as he relished in the cool cloth against his eyes.
"Yes, Phoenix?" Miles asked.
"Aren't you still on the phone with Maya?" He asked.
Miles cussed and bolted to the kitchen. There was a sound of a scramble and a clatter, then, "Maya?"
Phoenix snickered then coughed.
"No, he's fine. No, I promise, Maya. We've just got to break his fever and then he'll be perfect again." Miles reassured.
Phoenix had an idea and called, "Can I talk to Maya?"
"Er, sure?" Miles approached, "Maya? Phoenix wants to talk to you. Yes, here he is."
Phoenix wiggled an arm out to accept the phone and put it to his ear, "Maya?"
"Nick! Are you okay?" Maya fretted. He could imagine her irritable pacing.
"Tired, warm, but okay. Miles is being very nice. Very kind." Phoenix said.
"Well, yeah, he's still your friend." Maya huffed.
"I'm sorry for worrying you. You don't have to be strong for me though, Maya. It's okay. Feeling your feelings is supposed to be healthy." Phoenix said.
There was a pause before Maya asked, "And what're you feeling?"
"Worry for you, kinda gross, anger at Dahlia and Morgan," Phoenix rambled, fighting to remain conscious long enough to finish his sentence. His next words were a whisper, "like a cuddle would be nice."
"From Edgeworth?" Maya asked.
"Mmhmm." He murmured, his hand laxing, "I'm gonna go to sleep now."
"Okay, Nick, sleep well." Maya said and it sounded like she was smiling.
Gentle fingers removed the phone from his hand and sleep took Phoenix away again.
***
Phoenix drifted into consciousness. Warmth enveloped him. An arm was wrapped around his waist and the gentle, deep movement of sleeping breaths shifted the chest pressed to his.
"Someone's in my bed!?" Phoenix's eyes popped open. His bleary eyes discovered a familiar face in an unfamiliar expression. Miles' sleep slack face rested maybe two inches from his own. Phoenix tried to remember how that happened. Miles was sleeping in his bed, cuddling him? Had Phoenix died? Was this a hallucination?
Sure, he remembered Miles showing up and him breaking down and crying into Miles' shoulder. But after that? His memory was blank. A thought crossed his mind but he shoved it away, given how ludacris it was.
Miles' eyes fluttered sleepily open, giving Phoenix a front row seat to watch Miles' beautiful grey eyes begin to focus and recognize him. The unguarded, soft smile that flickered across Miles' lips before worry scrunched the prosecutor's features.
A hand came to Phoenix's forehead. Miles focused on his hand for a moment before nodding and returning the appendage to around Phoenix's waist again. Miles' face settled into relief and sleepiness. His eyes started to return to sleep.
"Miles?" Phoenix asked.
Miles answered in a hum. Phoenix swallowed, wondering if he really wanted to break the moment. It was nice, soft, warm and gentle. He doubted he'd ever have as nice a moment again, platonic or romantic. He could just snuggle closer and relish in the moment. Let it last as long as he could. But. . . He didn't know how this happened. And he was worried something happened.
"Miles, how come this is happening?" Phoenix asked.
"What do you mean, Nix?" Miles murmured with a squint at him, "You asked."
"I asked!?" Phoenix exclaimed.
"Yes, you were feverish, I wanted to keep an eye on you and you asked for cuddles." Miles was definitely more awake now though he'd yet to move away. His brows furrowed, "Do you not remember that? Even a little?"
"Uh," Phoenix wracked his brain. He definitely didn't remember asking for cuddles, "last thing I remember was crying into your shoulder."
Miles stared at him for a long moment. Then he sighed, "I would likely say I should go but I'm worried about you getting feverish again."
"I never said you should go." Phoenix murmured, a blush splashing across his cheeks.
"Good, then I won't." Miles nodded, "Glad we agree."
"I should probably thank you. For doing all this and helping with the case." Phoenix said, mostly out of obligation.
"We're lucky you only have a cold. No burns, no broken bones, no hypothermia. Because of course not." Miles smiled crookedly. It made Phoenix want to close the space between them. Miles shook his head in wonderment, "You're Phoenix Wright, an incredibly lucky man."
"Only in some things." Phoenix said and took a chance, "Unlike romance."
Miles worked on his words for a moment before his expression turned teasing, "You do seem to have bad taste in the people you like."
"I like you." Phoenix's mouth said before his brain could stop it.
"Like I said," Miles looked away, "you've got bad taste."
"At least my bad tastes are age appropriate." Phoenix groused.
Miles groaned, "Half that circus should be in jail."
"Right!" Phoenix agreed.
They looked at one another for a moment before laughter bubbled from them. Seeing Miles laughing uninhibited made Phoenix's heart soar. Which was dumb but whatever. It was endearing enough that he couldn't find it in himself to care. Miles looked at him then and there was a flicker of surprise before a soft, affectionate expression took over.
Phoenix hesitated then smoothed Miles' bangs back. Miles' breath hitched. Phoenix's hand trailed the back of Miles' head, across his jaw and up to cup his cheek. Grey eyes widened.
"Ph-Phoenix." Miles breathed an attempt at admonishment though the heat in the flesh beneath Phoenix's hand betrayed him.
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked.
Miles looked away and tried for a scowl. It ended up more of a pout. Miles grumbled, "I suppose not."
Phoenix just looked at him for a bit, thoughts stewing in the back of his head. He decided to weigh his options by stating the truths he knew. He was Phoenix Wright, defense attorney. He was twenty-six years old. Miles Edgeworth was one of his two first friends. He would consider Miles a friend still most days. Part of him was still hurt that Miles had let them think he was dead for a year. Phoenix had previously dated the much nicer identical twin to a now dead serial killer. He hadn't dated anyone since. He wanted to romance Miles, if Miles let him. He needed to know if Miles was staying longer or if he was returning to Germany.
"Are you going to be leaving again?" Phoenix asked.
"Oh, uh," Miles frowned thoughtfully. Phoenix had a feeling there were a lot of factors to go into that particular answer. Miles sighed, "I will if there's a case in Germany that needs me specifically. Otherwise, I was thinking of staying here for a while. Well, not here here, obviously, but here."
Phoenix's mouth ran away again, "It could be here here. If you want. No pressure obviously. But I wouldn't mind. I might even prefer it and oh my god, why am I still talking?"
Miles chuckled softly as Phoenix buried his face in his hands. He found himself pulled closer to his friend and rival. Miles hummed teasingly, "Are you asking me out?"
"Maybe. Shut up." Phoenix whined into his palms.
"If I shut up, how am I meant to answer your question?" Miles asked, a hand taking Phoenix's. He was smiling gently at Phoenix, "What if I said yes? What would you do then?"
"I'd," Phoenix grasped for his confident mask that he used in court and put it on for the rest of his sentence, "ask if I could kiss you."
"You may." Miles replied, watching Phoenix's reaction.
Phoenix blinked as his face burned with a blush. He swallowed a few times and managed, "Are you being serious?"
"Oh, deadly, Wright." Miles smiled challengingly, "You may kiss me."
"O-oh. Okay." Phoenix managed with a nod.
Phoenix leaned forward but paused just before Miles' lips, eyes flicking back to the grey gaze for consent. In a blink, warm but chapped lips met his. The kiss was a bit awkward and their noses pressed weirdly together thanks to their angle. They broke apart, laughing.
"So, uh, does this mean you said yes to going out with me?" Phoenix asked.
Miles rolled his eyes fondly, "Yes, Phoenix, it means I agreed to date you."
Phoenix grinned, "So we're dating? We're dating!"
And Phoenix couldn't help but grin wonder at his boyfriend's laughter.
The End