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The thick canopy of clouds rumble, rain falling in sheets as the storm brews, then peaks to a boiling point. All flights out of Los Angeles have been delayed indefinitely. Phoenix hums, studying the heavy rainfall through the window.
“It’s okay, Trucy,” he says into his phone. “Wait it out. I just want you to be safe.”
“I’m sorry, Papa.”
“Don’t be. It’s pretty bleak out here anyways.”
“I’ll be home soon. Love you.”
“Love you too, Truce. Tell Polly I said ‘hello.’”
Phoenix sighs, phone heavy in his hand. “Trucy is stuck in Khura’in.” He takes another look out the window, the rain showing no sign of stopping. “Sorry, Edgeworth. You went to all this trouble to cook, too.”
“It’s fine,” Miles says with a wave of his hand. “I will just have to cook again when she returns.”
Phoenix smiles, feeling his chest constrict. “Yeah,” he says. “Well, we might as well eat now, right?”
Miles nods, closing his book and joining Phoenix at the dining table. Without Trucy, it all feels much emptier than Phoenix would like to admit. He shakes his head, Miles made an effort to cook a full meal, the least he can do is be appreciative.
The first bite, as expected, is delicious. Miles watches with bated breath – he would never say it aloud, but his tense jaw gives away his anxiety.
“It’s great, Edgeworth,” Phoenix says, expression fond when Miles lets out a tiny sigh of relief. “Thank you for cooking.”
Miles’ cheeks redden as he averts his eyes. “I – I simply wanted to try out a new recipe.”
“Right,” Phoenix chuckles, unable to hide his enjoyment when Miles flushes even darker.
“Just eat, Wright.” Miles crosses his arms, then adds, “And stop staring at me.”
This time, Phoenix hides his grin behind his hand as he takes another bite. Somehow, seeing Miles get flustered has the special ability to improve Phoenix’s mood, regardless of the situation.
Eventually, after Miles has had enough of Phoenix fawning over his food, they transition into a conversation about the latest shows and movies, and then, ultimately, into discussing the merits of watching The Steel Samurai. Phoenix smiles indulgently as Miles praises the artistic growth and impressive soundtrack of the special DVD home release. He has no idea what Miles is really talking about anymore, but Miles is at his most charming when he’s talking about his passions.
“That reminds me,” Miles starts, “I received an additional copy of the 1/144 Limited Edition 15th Year Anniversary Steel Samurai figurine. I will deliver it to you later, please make sure to give it to Ms. Fey when you see her.”
“You could always give it to her yourself, you know.”
“While that is true, you are seeing Ms. Fey next week, yes?”
Phoenix blinks. “Ah, yes, Trucy and I are – yes, we are seeing her next week. How did you…?”
“I see your memory must be failing, Wright,” Miles says with a smirk. “You gave me your itinerary over a month ago.”
“Hey, you know I’ve been really busy with cases lately and now I’m distracted tonight because Truce is stuck in Khura’in and—”
“Calm down, Wright,” Miles interrupts. “I was joking. I know that you’ve been busy as of late.”
“Busy is putting it mildly,” Phoenix mutters.
“You really must stop taking cases for free,” Miles scolds. “I know they’re your friends, but there have to be limits eventually.”
“Oh c’mon, how am I supposed to turn them down? Nobody else will take their cases, anyways.”
“I believe that says more about you than about them, I’m afraid.”
“Now, hold on—” Phoenix starts as Miles huffs out a laugh. “Hey, this isn’t funny—”
“Quite the contrary,” Miles teases.
Their discussion only devolves further until they’re both left laughing, tears in their eyes. A familiar warmth forms in the pit of Phoenix’s stomach, unfiltered joy and the hint of longing for something more. But then he takes one look at Miles’ face, smiling freely, not even a hint of the darkness that plagued him for years, and how can Phoenix ask for more when Miles has already given him so much?
~
They’ve moved into the living room, Phoenix’s stomach still aching from their laughter.
“Coffee?” he offers as he pushes himself up from off the couch.
“Tea, please.”
“Of course.”
Phoenix knows for a fact that Miles will always request tea, but he figures it’s polite to offer coffee anyways. He starts up his coffee maker before fetching the tin of Earl Grey tea he keeps just for Miles. When he returns with two mugs, Miles has opened his book again. He looks so comfortable in the Wright home, like he belongs here – like he’s always belonged here.
“Tea’s here,” Phoenix says, snapping himself out of the domestic daydream. He glances at the book in Miles’ hands, something on legal practices in Germany. Ah, so he’s studying up before he sees Franziska. Phoenix suppresses a laugh, of course, even on a trip to see family he’ll be fully engrossed in law, not that Franziska is much of a help.
Miles puts it down to receive his tea. “Thank you, Wright.”
Phoenix takes a seat next to him, sighing at his first sip of coffee. They drink in silence, Miles having reopened his book and Phoenix scrolling on his phone. It’s comfortable, even when it’s silent, and Phoenix gives himself a moment to feel amazed at how far they’ve come.
Miles finishes his tea before Phoenix finishes his coffee.
Miles stands, straightening his jacket. “I should go,” he says, picking up his book and striding to the door.
“Hold on,” Phoenix says, shooting straight up. “It still looks awful out there.” The rain is still coming down, heavy and relentless. “You can’t go out right now, it’s way too dangerous to drive.”
Miles purses his lips. “I’ve never been more thankful for your building’s garage, Wright,” he says dryly. “I suppose I will stay a little longer.”
“I really don’t think it’s going to get any better,” Phoenix says, face falling as he checks the weather. “You might as well stay the night.”
“I – I don’t even have clothi—”
“Edgewo—no, Miles, just stay over. We’re close enough in size, you can just borrow clothes from me. If you want to take a shower I don’t mind if you use my shampoo – I mean, it’s not the fancy stuff I’m sure you use, but you can still use it.” Phoenix rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.
“Wr-Wright,” Miles starts, voice hoarse. He turns his head and clears his throat. “Wright…while I appreciate your hospitality, I am not properly equipped to stay over. I will wait out the rain, no matter how late.”
“I even have a roll out futon you can use. Or you can…share a bed…with me,” Phoenix mumbles. “I…I wouldn’t mind.”
“That’s not – I—” Miles stops himself as he fully takes in the situation. “I’m not going to convince you, am I?”
“No.”
“I…suppose I will stay over, then. But I will be using the futon,” Miles says sharply.
“Right, that’s – uh, yeah. That’s fine.” Phoenix tries to laugh, but it comes out stilted and awkward. He tries to ignore the sinking feeling in his heart – of course Miles would take the futon, of course he wouldn’t share the bed with Phoenix, of course not.
It still hurts. Just a little.
“You can, uh, you can shower first,” Phoenix says, shaking himself free from his own thoughts. “There’s a clean towel under the sink and I’ll put the clothing outside the door.”
Miles nods, stilted and uncomfortable. “Thank you…Phoenix.”
Phoenix’s ears heat. “I’ll go get you those clothes,” he says, speeding out of the room before Miles can notice his embarrassment. Behind him, he hears the bathroom door close and the shower start. He sets a folded set of sweats outside the bathroom door and retreats to the living room to anxiously wait for Miles, desperately trying not to imagine what he looks like in the shower.
“You’re an adult, Phoenix. Get it together,” he mutters. “Miles is your best friend, you can handle him staying over one night.”
He makes it through ten minutes before resorting to calling his best source of advice.
“Nick?”
“Hey Maya, listen, Edgeworth is in my shower right now and he’s sleeping over because this storm is seriously insane and it’s way too dangerous for him to go out right now but he’s going to come out in my clothing, how am I supposed to handle that when I can barely even get through my own fee—”
“Nick. Listen carefully.”
Phoenix falls silent.
“Just tell him you’re in love with him.”
“Wha—Maya, there’s no way I can do that,” Phoenix sputters.
“You can and you will. Because you’re a grown ass man and Edgeworth is just as in love with you as you are with him and frankly it’s disgusting to watch.”
Phoenix sits in shocked silence, unable to bring himself to say anything more.
“Okay, well, if that’s all, I’m going. Me and Pearly are off to see a special screening for the Steel Samurai and we’re running late.”
“Wait, Maya I—”
“Bye Nick, see you next week~”
Phoenix gapes as the dial tone sounds. Well, that went awful. And he didn’t even get to tell her about Miles’ gift.
He groans, resting his head in his hands.
He should have called Pearl.
~
Phoenix has just barely managed to pull himself together seconds before Miles rounds the corner, clad in Phoenix’s pajamas, hair damp. It is every bit as bad as Phoenix imagined. He looks relaxed, natural even, as though he was always meant to wear Phoenix's clothes. Phoenix's heart has no chance of survival.
“Your shower pressure is surprisingly pleasant, Wright,” Miles says. “Thank you for accommodating me.”
Phoenix licks his lips. “Oh, uh, right.”
Miles carefully makes his way over to Phoenix. “Phoenix, I have something to tell you,” he says stiffly. “I believe it is…inappropriate if I do not reveal this to you before sleeping in your home.” He clears his throat. “I suppose I should have told you before you allowed me to use your shower and wear your clothing, but I…I was unable to muster up the courage,” he admits.
Phoenix swallows thickly.
“I have…feelings for you.”
“Yes, unnecessary ones, I remember,” Phoenix says, gut churning unpleasantly
“No, that isn’t what I mean—hold on, how can you possibly – it was ten years ago, Phoenix.”
Phoenix laughs wryly. How many times has he replayed those words over the last decade?
“How do I remember?” he scoffs. “God, Miles, I—y’know what? Fine. Maya said I might as well just come out and say it.”
“Hold it, I’m trying to tell you something important, Phoenix. I lo—”
“I love you,” Phoenix interrupts. “I’ve been in love for ten years and I’m – I’m sorry,” he says brokenly. “I’m sorry, Miles.”
Miles stares, unwavering, and says nothing.
Phoenix’s heart stops.
He clenches his eyes shut, fighting the telltale prickle of tears. So this is it. The friendship he fought for, the one he dragged back from the darkest depths, is ending.
“Phoenix,” Miles says. “Phoenix, open your eyes.” There’s laughter, light and airy. “Phoenix.”
Reluctantly, Phoenix opens his eyes. He finds Miles there before him, bright with laughter.
“You’re a jerk, Miles,” Phoenix chokes out. “You’re laughing at me? Really?”
“We are fools,” Miles says, eyes glittering. The words, expectedly, don’t make the situation any better. “We are fools,” he repeats. “And I love you.”
Phoenix’s heart starts again, a slow thud in his chest.
Miles loves him.
The rain pours, bullets on pavement. The wind howls, rattling the windows. The storm churns, the skies crying. The world turns and Miles loves him.
And Miles loves him.
fin