Chapter Text
[TXT]: Mr. Edgeworth? Sorry to bug you on your personal number, but Trucy really doesn’t understand her homework and I don’t have a clue.
[TXT] Miles Edgeworth: Oh? What doesn’t she understand?
[TXT]: Fractions.
[TXT] Miles Edgeworth: Ah, I see. Do you mind if she stays later after school tomorrow? I can explain it more in depth in person.
[TXT]: Perfect!
[TXT] Miles Edgeworth: Tell her to do the best she can tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.
~
Phoenix floated into work. He was going to see Miles later that day and he was excited. They weren’t even going to spend that much time together. He was just going to pick up his daughter from school.
He sat down at his desk, trying to focus. It proved…difficult. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get his mind off of Edgeworth. He couldn’t stop thinking about the man’s soft bangs and delicate smile and glistening eyes. Phoenix stared down at his blank notes, and started to draw in the margin. Edgeworth had beautiful bone structure. He would make a great drawing model, not that Phoenix had any bias, of course. Maybe Phoenix could ask him to pose some time…
“So who’s this, then?” Mia smirked as Phoenix yelped and closed his notebook. She crossed her arms, waiting.
“Uhhh…” Phoenix felt his face go red.
“He looks pretty handsome. What’s his name?”
“M-Miles. He um…yeah…is…yeah.”
Mia pulled up a chair and sat across from Phoenix. She leaned on the desk with a huge smile. When she acted like this, she reminded Phoenix of Maya. “So, where’d you two meet?”
Alarm bells went off in Phoenix’s head. Did he really want to tell Mia the truth? He still felt awkward about it just being alone with Miles. He really didn’t need anyone else to know. “You…you don’t want to know.”
Mia looked surprised and leaned back in her chair. “Phoenix? Should I be worried?”
“N-no!”
“…Are you sure? I mean, I know your past dating history. I had to save you from it.” Mia worried her thumbnail between her teeth.
No, no, Miles was nothing like Dahlia. Dahlia had looks, but she was pure evil. Miles was not only handsome, but he was sweet and caring. Miles genuinely loved Phoenix, not just using him with the pretense of affection. Phoenix shook off the self-doubt. “He’s nothing like Dahlia, I swear.”
“Are you absolutely sur-”
“Yes! I wouldn’t keep Trucy in his class if I wasn’t!”
Mia’s mouth dropped to the floor. The words processed in Phoenix’s mind, and he covered his face. Ohh, he wasn’t going to recover from this one.
“You’re dating Trucy’s teacher?!”
“No! …Sort of?” Phoenix heard his voice crack. “He doesn’t want to go on a date until after school ends, so… ya know.”
“Um, oddly enough, I don’t know. How did this even happen? Did you meet at a parent teacher conference or something?”
“Y-yeah! That!”
Mia grew still, taking a deep breath. She almost fell out of her chair. Phoenix panicked, but couldn’t find the willpower to move. He held his breath until Mia spoke in a low voice.
“…Phoenix?”
“…Yeah?”
“Do you remember the gift Pearls gave me when she went up a level in her training?”
Phoenix felt his stomach drop. Pearls had given her big cousin a tiny green stone. At the time, Phoenix didn’t know what it was for, but Mia said it allowed her to see when people had secrets. Now, Phoenix just wanted to curse the object.
“Soooo… how many locks?”
“Five.”
Phoenix winced.
“Phoenix,” Mia started. “You know I care about you and Trucy. I just want to make sure everything is okay.”
“I know.”
“… I won’t pry into your personal life. Yet. But please, just answer this one question.”
“Yeah?”
“Has he tried to poison you?”
Phoenix snorted. “Nope. Just teach my daughter math.”
“Hmmm, maybe he is a good guy. He might be able to teach you a thing or two as well.” Mia smirked.
“Hey!” Phoenix let out a laugh.
Mia chuckled. “Okay okay, fine. Well, if you ever need help just tell me. Also as your boss I have to probably tell you to get back to work.”
“Yes, Chief!”
Mia rolled her eyes as she pushed her chair back.
~
Phoenix arrived at the right door. The front held a simple sign that read, “Mr. Edgeworth’s Fourth Grade Class.” It looked like one of his students made the sign. It was written on lined paper and covered in stickers and glitter. Phoenix chuckled as he wondered if Trucy made the sign. It looked like her work, if Phoenix’s notebooks were any conclusive evidence.
A sharp knock and a greeting later and Phoenix walked in the classroom. Trucy put her backpack on her shoulder and beamed up at Phoenix.
“Hi Daddy! Can we go out for burgers tonight?”
Phoenix smiled back. “When did you turn into Maya?”
Trucy laughed. It was then that Phoenix heard the most delightful sound in the world. Mr. Edgeworth leaned on his desk, giggling and covering his mouth.
Phoenix’s heart did a flip. If he hadn’t already fallen for the man, he would have done so in that instant. When Edgeworth looked up, Phoenix saw the grey eyes shimmering. It only got worse when Edgeworth realized they were making eye contact and turned the faintest shade of pink. Phoenix could only giggle himself as his heart raced.
“Oh oh oh! Guess what happened at school today!” Trucy had the biggest grin on her face.
“You can tell me on the train.” Phoenix reached out to hold Trucy’s hand. “Say goodbye to Mr. Edgeworth.”
“Bye Mr. Edgeworth! See you on Monday!”
When Phoenix looked back, Edgeworth waved. Phoenix winked, making Edgeworth turn bright red. Phoenix would have to remember that one for later.