Work Text:
December 20 11:05 PM
City Center
5th Street
“Wright! Oh god, please wake up. Come on, Wright!”
He couldn’t open his eyes. His consciousness came back just enough to feel the ground underneath him. It was gravelly and cold. His body ached all over, especially his right hip and his head. Something was just about to drip from his temple before being scooped up by a silk handkerchief.
His head was unbelievably heavy. He tried to move it, but couldn’t budge it an inch, only letting out a soft grunt as he tried. He woke up just enough to hear the sigh that followed from the person above him.
“Oh thank god, you’re alive. Help is on the way, you’re going to be just fine.”
The voice seemed relieved, though not fully. The way the man spoke, the baritone voice, the sophisticated articulation, it was so… familiar.
He was finally able to open his eyes, looking up at the dark, starless sky. There was an orange glow shining down, revealing a silhouette looming over him. It was dark, almost black, against the light, with just the faintest hint of red.
“Good, you’re awake. Alright, just stay with me, okay? The ambulance should be here soon. Just stay awake.”
He couldn’t make out the face in front of him. It was shrouded in shadows and his eyes couldn’t focus. Keeping his eyes open was starting to become difficult. His eyes fluttered, making the voice sound panicked again.
“No, no, no, Wright. Come on, stay with me. Just hold on. Just—“
His eyes fell shut.
December 20 3:34 PM
District Court
Courtroom No. 4
“The blood was wiped off the handle!”
“Hmph.”
(Uh-oh. I got the ‘hmph’ treatment...)
“I shouldn't have to explain the implications of your own argument to you, Wright, but... all your claim suggests is that Ms. Cykes wiped the blood off herself after the fact.”
“I-I knew that…”
“I know that bluffing your way through things is your calling card... but your credibility phoned just now and told me to tell you to ‘put a sock in it.’”
“Y-Yes, Daddy…”
(Grk! Did I really just say that?!)
“…Ahem. Anyway.”
Seems like no one but Edgeworth heard that. Thank god.
December 20 9:12 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 5
Everyone gathered in the defendant lobby to celebrate. It was a harrowing trial, but it was worth going through for the truth. The Dark Age of the Law finally came to an end as the light of justice shined through the clouds once more.
“Even the darkest night turns to dawn eventually... Our sun will rise again. Besides... now that Prosecutor Blackquill has been cleared of all charges... ...a great deal of the mistrust towards the court system should've been swept away.”
Edgeworth was relieved to have saved Simon, but there was still a tinge of sadness on his face. Despite the good ending, he focused on the work that was ahead of them to restore the damage the last 7 years have caused to the legal system. Phoenix, however, wanted to look at it from the bright side.
“You know, you could've said that with a bigger smile, Edgeworth. It won't kill you. Instead, the furrows in that brow of yours just keep getting deeper and deeper.”
“So I should smile more, huh? ............I'll think about it.”
Athena piped up. “Ah, the complicated love-hate relationship between life-long rivals!” Despite having known the defense attorney and the prosecutor for only a few months, she could tell there was something going on between them. Widget notified her that that comment had struck a nerve with both Phoenix and Edgeworth. (Not to mention that ‘Daddy’ comment earlier today.) Though, you could easily tell without Widget by the red flush taking over their cheeks. She decided to let it go for now.
Instead, she suggested getting some noodles at Eldoon’s cart to celebrate. As per Apollo’s idea, it would be on Phoenix, of course. Everyone chimed in to join them and enjoy Phoenix’s generousness. Well, everyone except Edgeworth. He had to go back to the office to finish the paperwork of today’s trial. Despite Phoenix’s objections, he obliged anyway. His wallet would take a huge hit, but he figured this celebration was worth it.
December 20 10:49
City Center
Eldoon’s Noodle Cart
After their outing to Eldoon’s, the gang decided to go back to Phoenix’s apartment. It was almost 11 PM already, but everyone was still so full of energy. Phoenix, however wanted to take a small walk around the block before returning home. He figured the kids would be safe with Blackquill by their side. He gave them the keys and went the opposite way.
He couldn’t stop thinking about everything that happened today. Athena being accused of murdering her own mother, Simon being saved in the nick of time, Trucy being held hostage…
Actually, no.
That wasn’t what he was thinking about at all.
Y-yes Daddy…
Ah, the complicated love-hate relationship between life-long rivals!
First of all, why the hell did he say that? Miles just told him to shut up after presenting the wrong thing, something he had done many times before. Why did he react like that now? I mean, yes, Miles was a very good-looking man. And Phoenix is bisexual, so it makes sense for him to be attracted to someone like Miles. And to be fair, ever since he became Chief Prosecutor, he had grown to be more… commanding. The authority made Miles more confident, which was really attractive as well. But even then, it was still the same Miles, right? Maybe Phoenix was just not used to their rivalry anymore after not being a lawyer for 7 years. Yeah, it was probably that.
But even then, ‘Daddy’?
Then there was Athena’s comment. Why did it shake him so much? It was a pretty normal comment. Their rivalry was quite well-documented with Miles being a famous prosecutor and Phoenix being known as the rookie who defeated not only him, but von Karma. And yeah, they had grown quite a bit closer over the years as they worked together to rid the law of corruption. It was just…
That word.
Love.
Was that what it was? His desire to see Miles again despite not hearing from him anymore since they were kids? His drive to save him from corruption and guilt despite his objections?
Maybe that’s what it was for Miles, too. He not only helped him twice to save the people he cared about, he also helped him get his badge back. That probably means something, right? You don’t work tirelessly for 7 years for some someone you don’t love, right?
Phoenix shook his head. No, he’s looking too much into this. Miles cared about him, but he probably didn’t love him. It was stupid to indulge in those thoughts, even for a second. But he now realized why he wanted to do so. He wanted it to be true.
He loved Miles. He always has.
And he wanted him to love him back.
Okay. So, either he tells Miles how he feels, risking their friendship, or he bottles up his feelings until it physically pains him.
“Ugh, what the hell am I gonna d—“
THUD!
December 20 10:49 PM
Prosecutor’s Building
Chief Prosecutor’s Office
Surprisingly, the paperwork was less than anticipated. It still took him well over an hour, though.
But he was glad to be done before midnight. He’s more than used to working until the next day, but an early night was always welcome. Gathering up his files and putting them in the appropriate binders, he prepared to leave the office and head home.
The underground parking lot was cold and silent. His car was the only one left, the bright red contrasting with the dull gray walls, making it stand out even more than usual. Not that it would be difficult to find even if the place was full, though.
Miles entered his car and drove up to the street. It was a quiet night, not many cars or cyclists on the road. The calmness in front of him allowed him to go into auto-pilot and let his thoughts wander to what transpired today. Not anything court-related, though. He already processed all that while he was working through the final paperwork. No, instead he was thinking about…
Y-Yes, Daddy…
Ah, the complicated love-hate relationship between life-long rivals!
It wasn’t like him to be affected by such comments. He’s more than used to having admirers, but when Wright said that, it was… different. No, wait. Wright isn’t even an admirer. He was probably just joking, right? Wright’s been one to make quippy retorts in court. That’s just how he conducts business.
But this wasn’t the same. Edgeworth saw him recoil internally as soon as he said that. If it was merely meant as a joke, there would be no reason to react like that. It looked like he let his mouth run and confess something he wanted to keep a secret. So does that mean…?
He had to admit, the thought of his rival calling him ‘Daddy’ was… alluring. And well, Phoenix was an attractive man, so it’s not that strange to think of him in that way—
“Snap out of it.” He whispered to himself. Yes, Wright was quite handsome, but he probably doesn’t see Edgeworth like that. He probably doesn’t even like men like that in the first place. It’s not the first time that thought popped up, but he didn’t want to ruin this friendship by letting his lust take over.
But then there was that other comment, the one mentioning love.
Attraction was one thing, but love? Is he even sure what that feels like? It was true that what he felt for Phoenix was unique, but was it love? He knows Phoenix has loved before, maybe he should ask him. Tell him the truth that he has… feelings for him, but he doesn’t know what kind. Is that a weird thing to ask your friend/rival/savior? He wants to be honest, but he also doesn’t want to ruin what they have, whether it be with lust or romance. As unique as his feelings for Phoenix were, so was their friendship. He would never find anything like that aga—
THUD!
December 20 11:57 PM
LA Hospital
Room 397
beep…
beep…
beep…
“I was just distracted. I had my mind on today’s trial.”
“Mr. Edgeworth, I can tell you’re lying. I know why you were distracted, just admit it!”
There were two voices in the darkness. It was the same voice from earlier and… a young girl. He knew that voice, but couldn’t put a face on it. He opened his eyes to see who it was.
The white walls reflected the ceiling lights harshly into his eyes. He squinted, trying to focus on the figures in front of him, the sources of the voices.
“Boss! You’re awake!”
Ah, it’s Athena.
“I’m relieved to see you have regained consciousness. How are you feeling, Wright?”
And Edgeworth.
“The hell happened…?” His head was still spinning slightly. He felt the IV connected to his hand and some soft gauze wrapping around his head.
“Mr. Edgeworth here hit you with his car because he was ‘distracted by today’s trial’.” Athena made air quotes with her fingers as she said that.
Oh. That’s right. Someone hit him with their car. Edgeworth hit him with his car? How the hell did that happen? He wasn’t one to be distracted, especially on the road.
Edgeworth shot a glare at Athena. “I was distracted by today’s trial. Anyway, yes. I did indeed hit you with my car. For that, I apologize greatly, Wright. I should have paid more attention.”
It was all coming back to him now. He was walking around LA, trying to clear his head after celebrating at Eldoon’s. He doesn’t even remember the way he walked around, his brain put on auto-pilot. He was too busy thinking about…
“A-ah! No, I uh, I was quite distracted myself, actually. I probably didn’t watch where I was walking. I should be the one to apologize.”
“Really? And what had you so distracted, boss?”
“Well, today’s trial, of course. A lot has happened. Not to mention that my daughter was being held hostage? It’s a relief she’s safe now, but it was still terrifying for me as a father.”
“Hm. Yeah, you’re lying too.”
“Huh? What, you think I just run into traffic for fun?”
“Oh no, you’re not lying about being distracted. You’re lying about what was distracting you.”
“Miss Cykes, is it that hard to believe that this trial affected us this much?”
“I don’t doubt that, Mr. Edgeworth. But you’re forgetting that I have a literal lie detector equipped to my neck. It doesn’t tell me what you were distracted about or why you’re lying, but I know the answer to both! And I think it would be best if you two talked about it.”
“Athena, you’re really observant and smart and your abilities have helped us greatly in court, but I’m pretty sure you’re off about this. Widget is probably just picking up our distress from today. Are you sure you’re not misreading it?”
That set Athena off. Not only were they blatantly lying to her, but now Phoenix is saying she’s misreading Widget wrong? She’s had enough of this. If they’re not going to initiate this conversation, she will.
“Fine, if you don’t believe me, then I’ll just show you. Mr. Edgeworth, Mr. Wright meant it when he called you ‘Daddy’. Boss, Mr. Edgeworth liked it.”
The room went dead silent. Both men were staring at Phoenix’s protégé with wide eyes and flushed cheeks. She just gave a small, confident scoff before turning for the door. Before she reached it, it swung open.
“Daddy! We’re back with snacks!”
Before they could enter the room, Athena pushed everyone out already. “One sec, Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth need to discuss something privately.”
The door shut behind them.
“…”
“…”
Neither man knew what to say.
Trucy’s voice still echoed through the room.
Daddy!
Phoenix was cursing at himself. If only he had kept his goddamned mouth shut. And yet, he doesn’t learn.
“So. You uh, liked it, huh?”
“God, Wright. Could you make this any more uncomfortable than it already is?”
“Okay, well, you start the conversation then! I’m just trying to get this over with.”
“You are aware that you’re her boss, right? You don’t have to follow her orders like that.”
“I know. But I gotta say I’m… kind of intrigued. Didn’t know you were into being called ‘Daddy’.”
Edgeworth’s cheeks became even redder as he stumbled over his words. “Wha— You— W-Wright! You were the one who said it in the first place, so don’t put the spotlight on me like that!”
“Well, it was just a slip of the tongue! I didn’t mean to say it.”
“According to Miss Cykes, you did.”
“No, I meant the way that I do see you as a Daddy, I didn’t mean to actually say it, though.”
As soon as Phoenix finished that sentence, he immediately cringed at himself visibly. When will he ever learn to just. Shut. Up. Seriously, did he somehow ingest some kind of truth serum? What the hell was up with him today?
“So, correct me if I’m wrong here. Am I right to interpret you ‘seeing me as a Daddy’, as you so put it, as you finding me attractive?”
Phoenix took a big gulp and started stammering, trying to find the right words to say right now. They were already too far into this so might as well come clean I guess?
“Ah, well. Uh. Yeah. I mean, you are objectively a very handsome man. And I am attracted to very handsome men so uh. I guess you could say that? God, I’m so sorry, Miles. I really didn’t want to make this awkward between us, I was trying to keep this to myself but I mean, hell, I didn’t even know I had these kinds of feelings towards you until today— well, I mean, I have had them for a while now but I just didn’t realize yet that it was love and—“
“Wright. I, erm, find you attractive, too. You are a very handsome man yourself.”
“Uh… thanks. But you don’t have to force yourself to say it back to save my ego.”
“No, I mean it. I am attracted to you.”
Phoenix’s cheeks grew more red, if that was even possible at this point. Miles Edgeworth, handsome, rich, Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth finds him attractive? Him? Even after seeing him at his very lowest, that didn’t turn him off?
“W-why, thank you. I’m flattered.”
There was a small moment of silence between them.
“You… mentioned that the feelings you felt for me were love.”
“Oh, yeah, I… guess I did say that.”
“Did you mean that romantically or platonically?”
Phoenix looked like a deer caught in the headlights. What the hell does he say now? He had a chance to back down. To avoid ruining what they had. But he wanted to tell the truth. He trusted Miles. But even then, he wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t reciprocate and didn’t want to be friends anymore. He tried wording his feelings ambiguously, not quite confessing, not quite lying.
“Look, Edgeworth. I really don’t want to make this awkward between us. We’ve been friends for so long and I don’t want to ruin what we have.”
“So, romantically, then?”
Dammit. He should’ve known Edgeworth would be able to deduce that. Well, here we go. Point of no return.
“Yes, I did mean it romantically. …Listen, I get it if you don’t reciprocate those feelings and if this makes our friendship uncomfortable and the thought of losing you pains me but I totally understand if you want nothing to do with me anymore because of this—“
“Wright.”
“And I can’t believe I actually set this off by doing something so stupid, in court no less! God, I ruined our friendship because I couldn’t keep my dumb mouth shut and even doubling down on what I said like an actual moron—“
“Wright.”
“It’s just that you’re really attractive and you’re my best friend and we’ve been through so much together and you helped me save Maya, you took over for me to defend Iris, you helped me get my badge back, but you’re also just this absolutely wonderful person and I just really don’t want to lose you but again I totally get it if—“
“Phoenix!”
“…”
“I love you too. Romantically.”
“…What?”
“I… reciprocate your feelings.”
“R-really?”
“Yes, you mean a lot to me and I have developed feelings for you that I have never felt for anyone else. I believe it is romantic love.”
Phoenix was speechless. The man he had adored all these years, his best friend, this amazing man, the man he loved…
He loved Phoenix. Romantically.
“I- uh. Wow. I don’t know what to say.” Phoenix had a wide, bashful smile as he talked. He just couldn’t believe it. “Does that mean we’re…”
“I believe so. If you’d be okay with that, of course.”
“I’d be more than okay with that.”
Edgeworth nudged closer to Phoenix. He hesitated to touch his face. “May I?”
“Yes, you may.”
The kiss was gentle at first. Edgeworth cupped Phoenix’s face as they leaned in more to deepen their kiss. Everything just felt right in that moment. It was calm and blissful, everything around them fading away—
The door swung open violently.
“Ugh, finally!”
The two men broke away from each other as fast as they could.
“Told you I knew what was going on! Apollo, you owe me 20 bucks.” Athena puffed her chest out with pride. Apollo, on the other hand wasn’t too thrilled about losing the bet.
“Ugh. You and your ‘gadget’.” He reached into his pocket for his wallet and forked over the money.
Athena snapped back at Apollo. “It’s Widget!”
“Does that mean Uncle Miles is now Papa Miles?” Trucy said excitedly. Edgeworth already felt like a second father to her, so she was excited to call him Papa.
“It’s nice to see you’ve found your special someone, Mr. Nick!”
“Wright-dono and the Chief Prosecutor… quite an interesting development.”
Phoenix stuck up his hands, signaling everyone to pipe down and give him a moment to process everything. “Woah, woah, woah, you guys were betting on our relationship?”
“Yep. Apollo didn’t believe me when I said I something was going on. Thanks for earning me 20 dollars!”
“Uh, you’re welcome, I guess. But why did you decide to barge in while we were… y’know. How did you even know what was happening?”
“While you were kissing? Did you forget that I have super sensitive hearing? I heard the whole thing through the door.”
“Athena! Y-you can’t just eavesdrop like that!”
“It’s not like I did it on purpose, boss! I can’t turn off my ears!” Athena shrugged with a playful smile.
Phoenix had no response to that, guess she indeed couldn’t help it.
Trucy made an exaggerated throat-clearing sound. “Ahem. I’ll ask again. Does that mean Miles is my Papa now?”
Phoenix looked at Miles, not wanting to impose the title of ‘Papa’ onto him. Miles and Trucy had become quite close ever since they met, he even treated her as if she were his own daughter. But still, the title of ‘Papa’ might be too much for him. Miles simply smiled and put Phoenix’s worries to rest.
“It would be my pleasure. But only if you’ll have me, of course.”
“Yay! I got a Papa!” Trucy flew into her new parent’s arms, knocking the wind out of him. Our first hug as father and daughter, he thought to himself as he embraced her.
The sight of Miles and Trucy together warmed Phoenix’s heart. He couldn’t help but grin as he watched his two favorite people become family. Sorry Athena and Apollo, you guys are alright.
“Well, looks like my job here is done. Got anything to say to me, boss?” Athena gave Phoenix a cocky smile. She was proud of what she had accomplished today.
Phoenix rolled his eyes. “Thank you, Athena. But I’d really prefer it if you stayed out of my business from now on.”
“Well, I don’t usually get in people’s business. But I just couldn’t take the tension between you two anymore! Especially after you called Mr. Edgeworth—“
Phoenix’s eyes went wide and he exaggerated a yawn. “Oh wow I am suddenly so tired! Maybe you guys should leave! It’s very late after all, bye guys!”
Miles caught on and started ushering their horde of kids (and Blackquill) to the door. “Yes, I think it would be best for Phoenix to rest now. I’ll keep an eye on him. Goodnight.”
There was a medley of protests as Miles finally closed the door, a little too hard.
December 20 01:04 AM
LA Hospital
Hallway
The door slammed in their faces. They just stood there stunned, trying to process what just happened.
Apollo was the first to talk. “What was that all about?”
“Yeah, Daddy was 100% faking being tired. I know what a real tired Daddy looks like.”
“Oh, he just didn’t want me to tell you guys he called Mr. Edgeworth ‘Daddy’.
Pearl, Trucy, and Apollo’s jaws were on the floor. Simon was just chuckling.
“When did this happen?!” Apollo’s chords of steel made the question echo through the hallway, earning him some nasty looks from the nurses.
“During today’s trial. Mr. Wright presented the wrong piece of evidence and Mr. Edgeworth told him to shut up. For some reason he responded with that. Seems like no one but Mr. Edgeworth and me heard that.”
“Kinda wish I could unhear that.”
“I must say, that is quite amusing. Didn’t think Wright-dono was into that.”
“Ewww Simon! Don’t talk about Daddy— uh… Dad? Father? Ugh, I don’t know what to call him now. It’s ruined.”
“I call him Mr. Nick, so maybe you can call him Mr. Dad?” Pearl suggested.
“I quite like the ring of that. Mr. Dad it is!”
Apollo rubbed the eye that wasn’t covered by his bandage. “Well, now that that’s solved, let’s head home. It’s already past 1 AM.”
“Yeah, good idea. Sleepover?” Athena looked around for approval. She was met with enthusiastic yeses from the girls and simple nods from the guys.
Once they reached Phoenix’s apartment, they all fell asleep pretty much immediately, not even bothering to undress. Trucy and Pearl took Phoenix’s double bed, while Athena slept in Trucy’s room. Apollo dozed off on the couch and Simon somehow made do with the armchair. The next day after lunch, everyone headed home while Trucy and Pearl decided to go back to the hospital to visit Phoenix.
21 December 15:43
Athena’s apartment
Living room
bzzzzzzt
bzzzzzzt
bzzzz—
“Hello? Everything okay, boss?”
“Why is Trucy calling me Mr. Dad?”