Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Court is adjourned!"

The slam of the gavel resounded in the battered ruins of the courtroom. Simon stared up at the judge before looking down at his wrists, bare now save for the lingering burn scars around them. A constant murmur rose around him as the gallery filtered out of the courtroom after another heart-pounding trial. He rested his hands on the wooden bench, hanging his head as he let out a long, shaky sigh. Across from him, the Wright Anything Agency members embraced one another, whooping excitedly as they left. His heart warmed at the sound of Athena's laughter and he looked up just in time to see her lifting Justice up into her arms.

Speaking of justice…

He turned his gaze to where the shredded remains of a mask lay. A shudder ran through him as his mind replayed the horror show he witnessed from the Phantom outburst. In hindsight, much of Bobby's odd behaviour now made sense when he replaced him with the Phantom. But how long did that go on for? When did they replace Bobby? How much did he share with the Phantom thinking it was his love?

Where was Bobby now?

Simon touched his bruised wrist. Taka chirped next to him, nuzzling his temple at his distress. He raised a hand to scratch his longtime friend as a way to comfort them both.

"I suppose you knew all along, didn't you?" Simon murmured.

Taka most likely had known for far longer. He had grown aggressive towards Phantom-Bobby as of late, a stark contrast to his overly affectionate behaviour towards Bobby. It made sense now – he likely sensed the change much more easily than Simon, or anyone else, had.

"I should have listened. My apologies, little one," Simon sighed quietly to him. Taka only butted his head again and took off into the gaping hole in the ceiling.

His heart felt heavy and the victory tasted bitter. He survived, but what of Bobby? His throat bobbed and his eyes prickled with the threat of tears. He would not believe Bobby to be dead until he received more solid confirmation – not simply the Chief's speculation on an unidentified body. With one last glance at the empty courtroom, he made his way to the lobby where the defence team were only getting rowdier, what with Wright Junior and Wright Senior now reunited in excited shouts and equally loud tears. What intrigued him more was the addition of Agent Shi-Long Lang – the Interpol agent Bobby mentioned he worked with on the Phantom's case. He seemed to be deep in a heated discussion with the Chief and Simon decided to leave them to it for now. Besides, he owed someone a heartfelt thanks.

"Athena," Simon called out and the cheers died down as they all turned towards him. "I'm forever in your debt."

As he spoke, Athena's eyes grew suspiciously wet and his own heart squeezed in his chest. When she finally let out a soft sob, Simon surged forward almost automatically to catch her just as she leapt at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Simon drew her close, holding her tight against him as she sobbed into his shoulder. He buried his own face in her shoulder.

"I'm so glad you're alive." She let go and resettled on her own feet, wiping at her eyes with her sleeve, a wide grin plastered on her face.

"And I'm glad you're safe…" He squeezed her briefly again. And then to Klavier and Apollo, a more subdued smile. "And you two, I'm glad to hear that Terran is alive and stable."

"H- how did you know?" Apollo asked, eyes wide as he looked between him and Klavier.

"Ach… I've known Simon since we were junior prosecutors. I… might have talked about us sometimes."

"Most times," Simon interjected.

"Ja, ja, most times." Klavier rolled his eyes and then spread his arms, expression hopeful.

Simon swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded his permission. Klavier's arms went around him, pulling him close in a hug that was a little awkward and a little stiff.

"Glad you're here," Klavier said before stepping away again. Simon saw him rub at his eyes just as he turned to Wright.

"Mr Wright, thank you for taking on my defence when Athena could not. I am in your debt. I'm glad to see your daughter is unharmed."

Wright gave him a sheepish smile. "Just doing my job."

"I don't think we've actually met! I'm Trucy Wright, magician extraordinaire." She conjured up a business card out of thin air and handed it to him with a flair and stage whispered, "Let me know when I can borrow your bird."

"Prosecutor Blackquill, pardon the intrusion but may we have a word?" Edgeworth gently interrupted.

"Of course, Chief. What is it?" He stepped away from the defence team and towards where Lang stood.

"I understand that Detective Fulbright has been working with Interpol throughout the Phantom case. More specifically, with Agent Lang."

"Yes, he has."

"Well, we have some good news and bad news. The good news being that when we suspected that Fulbright may have been missing, Lang and his Interpol team opened an investigation on Detective Fulbright's whereabouts and they may have an idea as to where he is. However, we cannot guarantee his status."

Simon's mouth went dry and he swallowed past the lump in his throat.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Blondie mentioned you a handful of times. It sounded like you were an important part of his investigation – and he was right. The final damning evidence came from you, after all," Lang spoke, hands in his pockets as he took a casual stance. "We're about to mobilise."

"Detective Fulbright was also your partner when you were first starting out. It seemed discourteous to keep you in the dark about this," the Chief continued.

"Does this mean… That is… May I join you? I would like to be there to see for myself if that isn't an issue."

The Chief blinked. He turned to Lang who shrugged lazily.

"Sure, why not. Can't hurt."

Edgeworth frowned at his response.

"Prosecutor Blackquill, I must insist you rest. Today has been a harrowing enough day for you," Edgeworth said with a touch of concern.

"No, Chief, I must insist I go."

He sighed. "I suppose I cannot stop you when you get like this. May I ask why?"

Simon thought about it for a moment. There was no reason for them to hide anymore. The danger was no more and they were taking the first steps out of the so-called Dark Age of the law. Meeting Edgeworth's eyes, Simon steeled himself.

"Would you not insist on being the first to make sure your partner is alive and well?"

Edgeworth straightened at that, arms falling limp at his sides. He stared at Simon, a look of understanding dawning on his face. Lang let out a sharp bark of laughter.

"You sly dog!" He grinned, all sharp teeth. "You two have been together since the very beginning, haven't you? Blondie's infatuation makes perfect sense now!"

Simon grimaced but did not deny the accusation.

"I- I see…" Edgeworth still looked bewildered and Simon decided to save him from himself.

"Chief, you may reprimand me afterwards but let me go on the extraction first. Please, I humbly ask for your permission."

"Repri— why would I reprimand you?"

This time Simon was the one to shoot him an incredulous look. "Would you like an alphabetised list or sorted in order of relevance?"

Lang laughed again. "He's got sass, I like him."

"Since the beginning…" Edgeworth seemed to think on this for a moment. "That would mean that this past year…"

The smile Simon gave was exhausted and more than a little grim. Edgeworth swore sharply under his breath. Simon's smile dropped, mentally fighting off the reminders of exactly how close he and the Phantom had gotten. Nausea rolled in his stomach.

"I sincerely hope Detective Fulbright returns home safely then," Edgeworth said quietly. "You better do your best," he hissed at Agent Lang.

"Don't worry. We'll get the lovebirds back together again soon."

"I'd like to keep the details of our relationship private for now." Simon gazed between the two of them. "We've kept it to ourselves for upwards of seven years now. It still feels odd to tell people about us."

"Of course," Edgeworth and Lang said simultaneously.

"Alright. I know it's…" Lang checked his watch, "much too late at night, but the faster we mobilise the more likely we'll find him alive. Come with me to the station, magpie, and we'll take it from there. Don't worry, I'll get you something strong."

"Agent Lang, I'm running on adrenaline and anxiety. Coffee might actually kill me at this point," Simon said dryly. "But what's another close call with death?"

"Miles! Where the hell have you been keeping him? He's a goddamn riot!" Lang cackled.

Edgeworth let out a groan just as Simon was led out into the parking lot and into a nondescript, black SUV. He buckled in and Lang drove them out into the darkened streets and towards the police department.

"He's really fond of you, y'know?"

"The Chief?"

"Blondie. He was always dead set on finding the Phantom and was a little bit of a workaholic. Whenever someone insinuated that you were the true murderer, he'd jump on them immediately with an argument. The only time he took time off was when his grandmother passed or when he was visiting you." Lang propped his head up on his hand, elbow resting against the window as he drove one handed. "I'm pretty sure he spent more time in Interpol than Homicide at the tail end of this mess. He doesn't really have a life, does he?"

"He loves his job."

"That all?"

"He doesn't have much of a family. His grandparents were all he had for a long time so when they passed…"

"He had you."

"I was in the clink. I don't exactly make good company."

Lang hummed lazily, a smirk playing on his face.

"What?"

"The hickeys he sported some days would beg to differ. I'd even say that you were very good company actually."

Simon's face burned and he pointedly looked away from Lang who chuckled. He thought he hid those well.

"Don't worry, I'll be leaving that out of the report."

Simon grunted and the drive was silent for a long moment until they stopped at a red light.

"Do you think he's alive?" Simon asked quietly.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. He's been held for at least a year. He's got good intel but one year is still a long time to keep someone locked up. If he's alive, he must've had something the Phantom desperately needed. Chin up, we'll get him home."

They arrived at the station minutes into the next day. Simon tried to suppress a yawn and was surprised to see Lang handing him a cup of coffee and a paper bag that smelled divine.

"Can't have you passing out on us."

Simon nibbled on the sandwich he was given and downed the coffee in one go, grimacing. Lang led them into a small meeting room where a handful of agents and Franziska von Karma were waiting.

"Fool! Took you long enough! Why is he here?"

"He's got clearance from Pretty Boy and myself, sis. Blondie's his detective partner."

von Karma tsked. "He better not get in the way. But I suppose congratulations is appropriate. Detective Bobby Fulbright will be pleased to hear of your release."

The briefing went by quickly and efficiently and soon, Simon was in the back of an armoured truck, fitted with a bulletproof vest over his dress shirt, surcoat and vest left back in the station. Lang sat next to him, a loud and boisterous, but comforting, presence next to him. He joked and chatted with his subordinates the whole way and the noise was surprisingly welcome. Next to him, von Karma studied him quietly. He turned to look at her and their eyes met briefly. She narrowed her icy blues at him before nodding and looking away. Simon raised a brow, feeling like he'd just passed some kind of test.

Shortly after, the truck lurched to a stop.

"Alright, people! Keep your eyes peeled. Do not let your guard down and locate Bobby Fulbright ASAP. Keep your comms on. Quickly now! Go!"

The handful of agents they brought filed out of the truck, spread out around the area while some stepped into the house. Simon followed alongside Lang and von Karma. The house was dilapidated and isolated. A lake was nearby and Simon numbly hoped Bobby wasn't at the bottom of it. He stuck close to von Karma and Lang, having no weapon on his person. They approached the nearby shed first but Simon studied the lake as they passed by. The murky depths were still and revealed nothing. The ground next to it looked undisturbed. Simon fell back into step with Lang when their comms crackled on.

"Bobby Fulbright located. Basement."

"Let's go." Lang rushed towards the house and Simon's heart picked up at the announcement.

He swallowed down the lump in his throat as he ran into the house, hoping and praying they wouldn't find a rotting corpse.

Chapter Text

Simon caught up to Lang's speed easily. The trio burst into the dimly-lit basement and Simon couldn't stop the ragged shout of Bobby's name as he ran to his side and dropped heavily to his knees next to him. An agent was cutting through the ties on his wrists and Simon's breath shuddered out of him when he caught Bobby as he slumped forward. Trembling hands flew to his neck, checking for a pulse. It was weak and slow, but present.

Bobby was alive.

Simon gathered him into his arms, holding him tightly, trying to refrain from outright sobbing into his shirt that reeked of sweat, piss, and an awful cocktail of other substances, bodily or otherwise. Still, tears seeped into Bobby's shirt. He was light, Simon noticed, much lighter than he ever knew Bobby to be. In the near darkness, he could only manage to make out blood caking the side of his head and bruises lining his wrists. Simon knew he'd find more horrors underneath his clothes but that was later.

For now, he revelled in the fact that Bobby was alive.

Distantly, he could hear Lang barking orders and von Karma on the phone but his eyes were set on Bobby. Everything else fell away as he held the man, burying his hand in matted dark blond locks. He muffled more cries against Bobby's head, cradling him close as he sat on the filthy floor. When he felt the man in his arms stir, he sucked in a wet breath and pulled away slightly. Bobby was looking at him through half-lidded eyes. The dark bags underneath could rival his own. His breaths were slow and laboured, stuttery as if breathing too deeply hurt him. His voice came out as barely a whisper.

"Blackbird…?"

"It's me, dove," Simon greeted back, still frantic but managing to keep his voice quiet enough to keep it between the both of them. "I've got you. You're safe."

Bobby managed a shaky smile which Simon mirrored, shuffling him to rest against his chest. Bobby's breath was warm against his neck, a constant reminder that he was still there. His overgrown beard scratched at his neck, unfamiliar but it reminded him of Bobby's presence all the same.

"Stay with me now," Simon whispered. Bobby grunted softly, a hand sluggishly moving to rest against Simon's thigh, a comforting weight and grounding him in the now. He couldn't afford to lose himself now. He just needed to keep it together for a little longer. For Bobby's sake.

Bobby murmured something much too quiet and garbled for him to understand. Simon only held him closer and hushed him gently, whispering his shaky reassurances. The hand on his thigh squeezed weakly. He was about to snap at whoever was unfortunate enough to be closest regarding the ambulance when Lang appeared in his periphery.

"The EMTs are here. Mind letting go?"

Simon stared up at him and then down to Bobby, still unnervingly still.

"They'll take care of him. C'mon, they're pros," Lang urged gently and Simon could see two EMTs hovering nearby with a stretcher.

Simon nodded, unable to find his voice to reply. Simon allowed them to put Bobby on the stretcher and up towards the ambulance. He leapt to unsteady legs to catch up when Lang stopped him with a hand on his chest. He levelled him with his most intimidating glare, baring his teeth.

Lang barely even flinched.

"You're not going in the ambulance."

"Why not?"

"Blondie needs a lot of work and you'll be in the way. I don't need you blaming yourself on top of everything else. You'll be coming with me to the hospital and we'll wait until you're allowed in."

"We?" Simon was no longer seething but his annoyance still came off strong.

"Pretty Boy won't let me hear the end of it if anything happens to you. Sis will be handling things here. Now, take a breath, I need you rational."

Simon did as he was told, letting his shoulders fall from its tense position and taking a steadying breath. Lang handed him wipes which he took gratefully, scrubbing at his face until he felt a little more human again.

"Good to go?"

Simon nodded.

"Let's go then." He gestured for Simon to follow, catching a set of keys from von Karma.

They entered another SUV and Simon stripped off his bulletproof vest just before buckling in. Exhaustion settled deep in his bones as Lang drove, the adrenaline and anxiety finally having run its course.

"He was tortured," Simon rasped, throat still rough from his crying.

"Yeah," Lang confirmed, surprisingly solemn.

A sudden thought took hold of him and he clapped a hand over his mouth when the nausea returned in full force. Lang shot him a worried look.

"We don't have barf bags here. I really hope you're not about to do what I think you're about to do."

There had been a lot of mixed smells and he had been too distraught to fully catalogue what was in that room. Who knows what else the Phantom subjected him to. The thought of the horrors Bobby may have experienced churned his stomach.

"Stop the car," Simon snapped urgently.

"Fuck," Lang hissed, swerving to the side of the road where Simon quickly threw the door open and narrowly missed soiling the car's upholstery.

Distantly he felt hot tears run down his cheeks again and Lang passed him another wipe. He looked out into the empty stretch of land, dark save for the streetlight they were parked under.

"You alright? Tonight's been rough, I know." Lang's voice was careful and surprisingly gentle. "What crossed your mind?"

"I don't know what he's gone through. I don't know what the Phantom subjected to him and it… it scares me. I don't know how much he's been hurt and how he's been hurt while I've been unaware of it all."

A heavy sigh sounded next to him. "It's tough to know with only a cursory glance, especially on someone held as long as he was."

Simon cursed wetly, a fresh bout of tears spilling out.

"Hey, look. Let's get you by his side ASAP, yeah? At least that way you won't be left wondering about his condition." Lang moved his hand to let him catch a glimpse before it squeezed his shoulder, rubbing reassuringly. "You're alright."

Simon nodded and closed the door, slumping back against the seat with a groan. A migraine was beginning to form and worry continued to gnaw at him. He let out a shuddery sigh.

"Agent Lang."

"Yeah?"

"I apologi—"

"Don't even start. You're not allowed to apologise for feeling. I don't need another Miles Edgeworth."

"Very well. Then please accept a heartfelt thank you instead."

"No need to thank me," Lang said quietly. "I know how difficult it can be to see that firsthand. Do you regret coming?"

"No."

"Good. You're a good man and an even better partner, I'm sure. If worse comes to shit, and god forbid it does, I know that you both will be able to overcome it together."

Simon scoffed weakly, staring up at the car's ceiling. "Wouldn't be the first time."

"Pardon?"

"The clink isn't pretty."

"I see."

"He doesn't deserve that."

"Neither did you."

Simon closed his eyes and didn't offer a reply. The rest of the drive went silently. When Lang pulled into the hospital parking lot, Simon was dozing. He stirred when the engine cut out, jolting awake when he realised where they were, anxiety slamming into him full force again.

"C'mon." Lang beckoned him out and into the lobby where he flashed his badge and asked for Bobby.

They were led into the waiting room where Simon dropped himself into the plastic seats heavily. Lang went to a nearby vending machine to grab water and a snack, both tossed to Simon. He cracked the bottle open and downed half in one go. In front of him, Lang was busy typing on his phone, the occasional buzz following every message he sent. Simon sullenly crunched on his trail mix.

"Continue your nap if you need to, I'll be around."

Simon wanted to more than anything, but now that he was so close, his nerves would not let him rest. He'd be lucky to be able to keep his shoulders down from around his ears. A quick glance to the clock told him that it was nearing three in the morning. That explained the quiet state of the hospital. It was surreal to think that he was supposed to be hanged in about four hours. Instead, here he was with his brand new not guilty verdict and waiting on his partner's own verdict. It was supposed to be him with the threat of death looming over his head, not Bobby.

He'd never forgive himself if Bobby didn't survive this.

"Agent Shi-Long Lang?" A nurse approached them.

"That's me."

"Bobby Fulbright is stable. He is in room 505 and you are welcome to enter. The doctor there will brief you on his treatment and prognosis."

"Thank you, nurse. Let's go, magpie." Lang jerked his head towards the lifts. Simon joined him as they went up to the fifth floor and into the room the nurse stated.

"Well if it isn't Agent Lang and…"

"Prosecutor Blackquill. He's with me."

"I'm Dr Anna Paula Day. Just call me Dr Day."

"Dr Day. How's Fulbright?"

She went to list his injuries, external and internal. There was a worrying amount of non-fatal injuries and signs of prolonged physical abuse. His malnutrition was noted as well – it had been one of the more obvious issues. Then finally, she stated that he should be making a full recovery, though it may be a long process. Only then could Simon finally breathe a little easier. He stole a glance at the unconscious man in the hospital bed and forcibly relaxed his shoulders.

"Thanks, Doc. I have to stress that Fulbright's presence in this hospital has to be kept discreet. I'll be sending the hospital a list of names permitted to see him but know that Simon Blackquill will be a priority visitor. He'll be allowed to stay with Fulbright for as long as he deems necessary."

"Another one, huh? Sure, why not. I'll update the records."

When Dr Day left, Simon slowly made his way to Bobby's side, brushing the back of his hand with his fingertips. Then, he turned to Agent Lang and bowed deeply.

"I cannot be more grateful for what you and your team have done, Lang-dono. I owe Bobby's life to you and I cannot thank you enough for bringing him back to me. Please, accept my deepest thanks."

"You are very welcome. We may not have known each other long but Fulbright is a treasured part of my pack and by extension, you are as well. The Lang clan has your back."

Simon bowed again, and then Lang was gone, leaving them alone. He returned to Bobby's side, sitting in the chair provided and carefully taking his hand in between his own. He stroked the back of it, free of any old stab wounds and brought it to his lips to kiss the bruised and scabbed knuckles reverently. A strangled sob left him. He squeezed Bobby's hand as carefully as he could as he hid his face in his other hand, sobbing quietly into it. He let it run its course, leaving him with a migraine but feeling a lot lighter.

Over their joined hands, he studied Bobby's face. He was gaunt and his eyes were sunken and dark. His hair was overgrown and matted but at least it was clean of any blood – Simon wondered how long it was now without the tangled curls in it. He brushed a lock of hair behind Bobby's ear, tracing down the side of his face and through the scruffy beard he now sported.

He tugged at the beard lightly and hummed, a fond smile playing over his lips. "You are getting rid of this as soon as possible."

He spent the next few minutes tracing over Bobby's face, reminiscent of how he would do the same in their private moments together. His fingers moved over his ridiculous eyebrows, down his straight nose to his full lips and back up to simply cup the side of his face. This close, he wondered how the Phantom ever fooled him. Bruises littered his face and neck, the latter ringed around his neck. Raw fury bubbled in his again before he tamped it down.

Bobby was alive.

That was all that mattered at the moment, he would deal with the aftermath later once Bobby was back on his feet. He set the hand he was holding down but continued to hold it, thumb drawing shapes on the back of his hand. He laid his head next to it, close enough for his breath to tickle both their fingertips as he took a deep breath and released it, closing his eyes as he finally let his body rest, content now that he had Bobby by his side, alive and recovering. Lulled by the familiar warmth of Bobby's body and the reassurance that he was here, Simon dozed off just as easily as he always had with Bobby by his side.

Chapter Text

The smell of food woke him up in the late hours of the next morning. He groaned softly, finding himself still nestled against Bobby's arm, uncomfortably bent over the edge of the cot. The sun filtered through the blinds and he blinked awake to the sight of Bobby's hand still in his. He let his gaze wander up, to the peacefully sleeping form of his beloved. He straightened from his position with no less than three worrying cracks. He felt a lot better after some sleep, even if his back screamed at him – how long he had slept?

A paper bag sat on the bedside table, labelled with his name in Edgeworth's neat font and his stomach complained loudly, as if reminded of its empty state.

He stretched with a grunt, reaching for a fresh bottle of water and rifling through the bag as he drank. The bag held a sandwich and pastries – quite an assortment of it – and a takeaway cup of tea. He reached for the sandwich and began digging in, savouring the taste of something other than prison food. Inwardly, he wondered why the Chief was doing all this for him – was it guilt, gratitude, congratulations, or some amalgamation of all of the above? It made him feel a tad uncomfortable, being doted on like this but he would enjoy the perks that came with it for now. Besides, he knew from Klavier's stories that the Chief was wont to do similar things to the prosecutors he cared about. It was endearing, if nothing else, and he supposed it made him feel warm to have someone care about his well being other than Bobby. It had been only him for the longest time.

He was tired of being angry. Tired of putting up the Twisted Samurai front. Tired of pushing people away.

A knock on the door sounded and it opened to admit Lang and Edgeworth.

"Morning, sunshine," Lang greeted, sipping at a paper takeaway cup, somehow sounding unaffected by the long night they both had.

To be fair, Simon did have a string of panic attacks and a stressful trial the day before, not to mention the threat of his execution looming over his head throughout the entirety of yesterday. It was only natural for him to feel drained.

"Good morning," he greeted blearily, slowly noticing a new addition to the room. "Ah… Edgeworth-dono."

"Hello, Blackquill. I heard you had a rather rough go at things last night. I hope being able to rest helped a little."

"It did." Simon was suddenly very aware of his hand in Bobby's. He moved to let go, as painful as it was. "What have I missed? What will become of Aura?"

Edgeworth hummed at that. "Aura Blackquill has been apprehended after she willingly turned herself in last night. She is awaiting trial and Wright has offered himself as her attorney. She at least deserves a fair defence."

"That is good to hear."

"With your permission, Wright may drop by soon with Ms Cykes. They were both quite worried about you."

"I will allow it. Thank you, Chief."

"You missed quite a celebration last night at Eldoon's. Ms Cykes and Gavin asked of you, they seemed quite worried. I assured them you were fine and that Agent Lang was looking out for you. I wasn't aware you and Gavin were close."

"We became friends as junior prosecutors."

"I see. In any case, your release paperwork was cleared and you will have to complete some forms for me to reinstate you officially into the prosecutor's office."

"You… you are still letting me prosecute?"

"I don't see why not. Despite the circumstances, you have always been one of the best. Prior to the UR-1 incident, you have never been involved in any scandals or were ever accused of forging evidence. Your record was one of the cleanest and it would be a shame to let someone like you go. Besides, the office has been understaffed ever since I removed corrupt prosecutors. I would like you on the team, Blackquill, if you wish to stay."

"I would be honoured to stay and work with you once again, Edgeworth-dono. I would not be standing here today had you not signed off Fulbright's appeal years ago to allow me to prosecute while incarcerated. You have my gratitude."

Edgeworth smiled warmly before he exclaimed. "Ah! I almost forgot. Agent Lang mentioned how awful—"

"Shitty," Lang interrupted.

"—the hospital meal was, so I went to fetch both of your breakfast. Pastries and sandwiches have never gone wrong. I took the liberty of getting you tea instead of coffee as well."

"It was very much appreciated, thank you."

Not long after, a knock sounded from the door.

"That should be Wright."

Edgeworth opened the door to welcome two new additions into the room.

"Simon!"

Athena barrelled towards him and he was only barely able to set his sandwich down before his arms were full of an excitable redhead. She clung to his neck, ruffling his hair and squeezing the life out of him. Simon wrapped his arms around her easily, awkwardly letting her settle on his knee like she often did when she was younger (and much smaller and lighter than she was now, his leg cried out).

"You're much too old to sit on my knee like this," he wheezed when she adjusted, crushing his thigh under her weight next. "Ye gods, you're much heavier than you look."

"Muscles are dense."

"Clearly," he huffed but cuddled her close just because he could. "I missed you so much," he said quietly, just for the two of them.

"Missed you loads, too, big guy." She smiled brightly. How the hell did he keep attracting sunshine people? "Why didn't you come to Eldoon's?"

"There was… someone I had to pick up…" He gestured to Bobby on the cot beside him and Athena's eyes widened, having only realised who was underneath the bandages and scruffy beard. Indignation coloured her face and Simon quickly intervened. "Before you freak out, we need to talk."

"Let's go, boys." Lang took the cue and ushered Wright and Edgeworth out into the hall.

"Okay then explain." She stood up and faced him, crossing her arms.

"Do you remember when I told you about this first date I planned in the space centre?"

"Yeah. I shot you down and told you that you can't have a date where you lived. I still stand by that, you could've been more creative. And what's your point?"

"The resulting date to Shipshape was my first date with Bobby. The real Bobby," Simon admitted quietly, fingers worrying against one another as he averted his gaze from her knowing eyes and ears. "We've been together since."

Athena was silent and Simon couldn't bear to look at her and see the sheer disappointment on her face. It would be difficult to reconcile with the fact that one of the most important people in his life shared the same face as the one she associated with her mother's death and many other horrors the past week alone brought.

"I am not asking you to get along with him. I am not asking you to even want to ever see him after this but I needed you to know. I've kept enough secrets from you."

"That explains it," she said quietly.

He finally felt brave enough to look at her and he found a sad smile on her face instead of whatever he expected from his confession.

"Your emotions were a mess whenever I heard you talk to him in court. Sure, now we know that wasn't the real Bobby Fulbright but at the time they were just the same to you."

Simon swallowed. "What did you hear?"

"You light up like a beacon every time. You're always happy to see him, even if your words are cutting. The only time your joy faltered was when he used the shackles on you. Even then your fondness didn't completely disappear, you just got super confused and hurt."

That… hit harder than he expected, too.

"I… I truly love him, Athena…" he admitted.

"Assuming he loved you too, why would he use the shackles on you?"

"He didn't. Bobby, this one," he gestured to the unconscious man, "has always refused the department's suggestion of using the electric cuffs. He always claimed it to be inhumane and did more harm than good. The shackles were the first thing that clued me to something not being right."

"Why didn't you call him out on it?"

"I did. He said it was ultimately the department's decision and he couldn't do anything more about it. I trusted him enough to take his word for it and trusted him to be considerate about it. Rose coloured lenses and all that…"

"How could you be so sure?"

"Seven years is a long time to know somebody, especially dependent on each other as we were. And… I would have killed myself in prison if it weren't for him." He glanced back at the blond. "There's no one else I trust more than him."

Athena fiddled with her earring before sighing.

"I can't say I'm excited to meet him, even if he isn't the Phantom in disguise now. It'll take a while until I'll really be ready to even talk to him. I get that he's important to you, though, so thanks for telling me." She hugged him again. "But I won't hesitate to kick his ass if he turns out to be a complete asshole."

"In that case, you have my full permission."

"You deserve a lot of good things, Si. If he makes you happy, I don't really want to get in the way of that." She looked at Bobby and grimaced. "Although we can both agree that the beard is a no go, right?"

"Absolutely, it looks awful."

Athena giggled, hugging Simon's head and pressing an exaggerated kiss to his temple, grimacing afterwards.

"Gross, why'd I do that? When was the last time you showered?"

"Ah…"

"Eugh. Come on, let's get you cleaned up." Athena dragged him out of his chair. "I'm sure Agent Lang knows where we can get you clean."

"I don't have fresh clothes," he protested weakly.

"Yeah you do." Athena threw the door open and took the overnight bag Wright held. "I got you some!"

"Hi, Blackquill." Wright smiled. "Feeling better?"

"I've been better but still, it is an improvement from all of yesterday"

"I'm glad everything worked out for you. I heard you went on Fulbright's rescue mission last night."

"Yes, he's… in bad shape."

"Well, with you by his side, I'm sure he'll be just fine," Wright said with a gentle smile.

Simon froze and shot Lang a warning look but Wright stopped him.

"Lang didn't tell me anything but I assumed that if you were worried enough to personally go on a rescue mission for him, you probably care about him a lot," he reasoned. "Coming from you, that might as well be a confession."

"Ye gods, seven years of hiding and it all unravels in the hands of all of you," Simon groaned. "Please keep this to yourselves. We have never planned to go public. We've grown accustomed to our privacy and we value it very much."

"Lips are sealed." Wright mimicked a zipper.

Simon looked to Athena.

"Hey, if it's important to you, I'll keep it hush-hush. Klavier will totally hound you for deets once he finds out, though."

"I'll find a way to speak to him about this."

"He'll be so pissed you told me before him."

Simon chuckled, ruffling her hair as she asked Lang where the showers were. When he gave directions, Simon was off. In the showers, he indulged himself in the luxury of a private stall with warm water that stayed warm. He stood a little longer than necessary under the spray, even after he shampooed his hair properly and soaped up with the toiletries Athena provided him. After he shut off the taps, he dried himself and dressed in the soft black sweatshirt and sweatpants Athena brought him.

Back in Bobby's room, he resumed his meal while the visitors chatted amongst themselves. He kept himself a little out of their circle and instead remained by Bobby's side. They didn't stay long. When they stood to bid their goodbyes, Athena hugged him once again and handed him the bag, telling him that there were a couple more sets of fresh clothes in there for him, some books, cash, and that he could keep the toiletries. She vehemently ignored his complaints of "too much". With a wave, she, Wright, and Edgeworth were gone.

"Are you not going home with them?" he asked Lang.

"Eager to get rid of me? Nah, I'll be here as a security detail. We're still unsure if we're actually in the clear or not. So far, we believe that the Phantom worked alone. There shouldn't be anyone looking to settle any scores but you can never be too careful."

He nodded and watched Lang pack his things, waving to Simon as he left the room. Then, it was back to just him and Bobby. He paced the room for a moment, standing by the window and looking out at the relatively empty parking lot. He directed his eyes skyward and wondered where Taka was. He had flown off from the courthouse after the trial and he hadn't seen him since. Did Taka know where to find him?

Ah, fretting wasn't going to get him anywhere. Perhaps a walk somewhere outside of these four walls would do him some good. Simon brushed a hand over Bobby's knuckles before he left the room, pushing aside the spike of anxiety he felt at leaving Bobby alone. The hospital was safe.

It was safe.

It's over.

Chapter Text

The hospital was fairly busy. It wasn't bustling, but still, there were the regular nurses and doctors walking about in varying states of urgency. Simon carefully stayed out of their way as he made his way to the elevator. As he waited, he noticed a spot of colour in the corner of his eye – the red of a hoodie standing stark against the clinical and sterile white walls and tiles.

Apollo Justice.

Simon swallowed down a lump of guilt. He had a feeling he knew why (or who) he was here for – the "other one" Dr Day mentioned. He silently willed the elevator to come faster, lest he was spotted, and stepped inside as soon as the doors opened, dodging Justice's notice. Though he wasn't sure how much the attorney would have noticed with his head in his hands like that.

Simon let out the breath he held.

Coward.

He owed Justice and Klavier a long talk, an apology, even. Terran would have never found himself in this position if he had just realised who the Phantom was just that much earlier. His life would not have been in danger if he hadn't been so blinded. But raw and beat down as he was at the moment, he knew it would be best to give it some time. Besides, it would give them some time to spend with Terran instead.

It had been a while since he actually sat down to talk to Klavier – he had tried his best to avoid meeting him during visitation times. The few times he had allowed Klavier to see him was right after his initial trial, where Klavier desperately tried to get him to say that he was innocent. At the time he had thought that Klavier's belief in him was foolish and had kept his mouth shut. Eventually, like he did Aura, Simon rejected his summons and that had been it. He never wanted his friend to see him that way, behind bars and disgraced but he had been insistent, until eventually his requests became far and few in between. He had finally approved some visits near the end of his incarceration as a way of closure and that was when he learned of his relationship with Justice and Terran. He never thought Klavier still cared but the hug he was given yesterday proved otherwise. It was… nice. But it was also too much, too soon. Now that he knew both Justice and Klavier were here in the same place, he'd make sure to spare some time to see them when they were all ready for it.

On the ground floor, Simon turned to head towards the small courtyard to sit on one of the benches. There were a handful of Agent Lang's subordinates standing guard and it unpleasantly reminded him of the clink. Tearing his eyes away from them, he looked up at the vast expanse of the sky – there was a slight chill in the air but the late afternoon sun was warm against his skin. A swell of disbelief grew within him as the realisation of his freedom finally sank in. Countless tomorrows awaited him and he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. He would make amends, rekindle his connection with Aura and Athena and hope the former would let him back in her life after pushing her away for years. Considering the lengths she took to make sure he was safe, he was confident it was possible though she would probably berate him and give him the cold shoulder for a bit. He'd allow it, just this once. He wondered what she was currently doing and wished that he had spared some time to talk to her before being dragged away to the rescue.

Then there was Bobby.

Never did he think his future involved him. He never thought there would even be a future worth considering. What would he do when Bobby came to? What would they do? Their relationship was something he cherished, something that was theirs and only theirs, held so closely to his heart and kept away from prying eyes. He truly hoped the Phantom hadn't done irreparable damage to the both of them. They'd taken enough from everyone involved in this damned case.

"What did that poor bush do to you to earn that glare?"

Simon snapped out of his reverie, startling slightly when he saw Lang standing beside him. How long had he been there? Gods, he must really be exhausted to let his guard down so much. Lang seemed to find his bafflement amusing with the way a lazy smirk played on his lips.

"We should really stop bumping into each other like this."

"Try as I might to avoid you, this hospital is only so big," Simon shot back with a wry grin.

"Wow, so it's like that, is it?"

Simon snorted. "Hm. Did you know Terran was here, too?"

"Of course. I arranged it. It's easier to keep an eye on you lot when you're all in one place. How'd you find out?"

"I saw Justice in the halls."

"Making friends, are you?"

"Hardly. I'm not in any position to socialise at the moment."

"How are you feeling?"

"Rather overwhelmed, truth be told."

"Yeah, narrowly avoiding an execution will do that to you."

"I'm unsure what to do with all this time that's suddenly been made available for me."

Simon leaned back against the bench, sighing as his fingers fiddled with one of Taka's feathers he found in his pocket. He stuck it in his mouth, chewing on the end of it restlessly.

"Need a light?" Lang joked.

"I don't think the hospital would like that very much."

Lang shrugged lazily.

"What was Bobby like while you worked together?"

"Optimistic, extremely so. Highly competent but, like I said, a horrible workaholic. So much that Franziska would threaten him with her whip whenever she saw that he was still around late at night after she repeatedly told him to go home. She'd come close to physically kicking him out of the office most nights."

"Quite impressive."

"Yeah. Makes me wonder what he's going to do after this."

"He will be resting if I have any say about it."

"Pretty sure you're the only one who can successfully make him do that." Lang rocked on the balls of his feet. "You know, as much as he talks, he doesn't actually talk about his personal life often. He's rather private and I know very little about him. I suppose it makes sense to be that way when you're chasing an international spy where every little info can be used against you. Just like how he's mentioned a partner every now and then but we never knew who it was. Well, until yesterday, that is. He's a good man, but I won't lie, I want to get to know him a little better. Hopefully after all this blows over I'll have the chance to do that and by extension, get to know you as well, of course. You're going to be so sick of me after this."

"What makes you think I haven't already."

Lang barked a laugh.

"You're fuckin' hilarious. But I can also see that you're still itching to ask me something else so I ain't leaving just yet. Shoot."

"What can you tell me about Terran's condition?" he asked after a moment's hesitation.

"Well, he's been stabbed. Narrowly missed his heart and lungs which is a goddamn miracle. He's stable but he's been unconscious for a while now. Why do you ask? Didn't expect you to ask about a practical stranger."

"He's Klavier's partner."

"That all?"

Simon side eyed him.

"Whatever's going on in that head of yours, I hope you're not blaming yourself."

Too late, he wanted to say.

Lang seemed to notice but didn't push the issue. "Well. I'll be around. Probably to send you whatever dinner Pretty Boy Prosecutor decides is better than what they serve here."

"Let him know he does not need to go through the trouble."

"You try telling him that. Fair warning, though, he probably won't listen," Lang said with a wave as he went to check in with his subordinates around the courtyard.

He took a moment to just breathe. To bask in the fact that things turned out okay. To just be.

Then, as the sun was beginning its descent, Simon turned to return inside, most of his tension and anxiety having left him. Justice was gone by the time he returned to the fifth floor – he wondered if he, too, was allowed to stay. Nothing seemed to change in Bobby's room and with a brief pat to his hand in greeting, Simon made himself comfortable on the couch and picked out the books Athena left for him.

True to his word, Lang dropped by later that night with another bag of takeout – his name labelled on the side in the curly script once again. He wondered if this side of Edgeworth had always been present or if something (or someone) was responsible for it – did fatherhood change him? Or was it Phoenix Wright? It was something to investigate later. He was sure Klavier would have gossip when he got around to talking to him again.

With dinner sorted, he picked up the newspaper Edgeworth left that morning, noticing that the crossword section was only partially filled. Grabbing a pen, he curled back up on the couch and went to work.

Chapter Text

By the time he was on his last clues, a soft rustle and creak from the cot startled him back to awareness. He snapped his attention to Bobby who was blinking awake and squinting at the accent light on the ceiling. Simon sucked in a sharp breath. He jumped to his feet and made his way to his beloved's side, taking his hand.

Bobby registered the touch and turned to him, brows furrowed in concentration. Slowly, recognition lit up his eyes. A smile tugged on his lips, gaze softening when he looked at him. Simon let out a shaky breath but smiled back at him all the same. He sat down on the chair again and brought Bobby's hand to his lips. When he pulled away, Bobby reached up to stroke his cheek which he belatedly felt was slightly damp. Simon was about to greet him when Bobby gasped.

"Date?" he croaked, prompting Simon to reach for his half finished bottle of water, handing it over.

"It's the twenty-second of December as of… thirty minutes ago."

"And you're still here."

"Indeed," his voice was soft. "We did it."

"Perfect," Bobby slurred, a cocktail of painkillers still pumping into him. He handed the bottle back to Simon before shifting slightly to sit up with a pained grunt.

"Oi, what the hell do you think you're doing? Lay back down, you're going to pull something."

He ignored the fretting and took Simon's hands in his, clearing his throat. "Simon Blackquill."

"Roberto Fulbright," he said in return, still concerned but feeling cheeky.

Bobby huffed a laugh. "Do you remember the promise I made you last year?"

"The—"

Realisation hit Simon and he froze in his seat, lips parted slightly as his words caught in his throat.

"You do." Bobby smiled softly. His voice was quiet, just loud enough for the both of them. "Unfortunately I don't have a ring on me at the moment but I really want to finally do this."

Bobby took a deep breath, looking at him with exhausted eyes that somehow still carried so much love in them. Best of all, it was all for him. Simon's throat tightened and his breath hitched, meeting Bobby's gaze with just as much adoration. He gave him the tiniest nod – a go ahead.

Ask me, his eyes said what his mouth couldn't.

Please ask me.

"It's been a long road," he began.

"Ye gods, of course you've prepared a speech."

"Hush! Let me have this."

Simon rolled his eyes, helplessly endeared.

"Anyway. It's one that was ridiculously painful and incredibly unfair. I've held you on your worst days, when all you could do was cling to me with tears and terror on your face. I've stood by you at your worst, at your messiest, at your meanest. But I've also seen you at your happiest and at your best, on days where you smile and laugh easily. I was with you even when the world seemed hell-bent on keeping us apart. You kept me going when things looked bleak. I wouldn't know how to live with myself if I didn't try my damnedest to save you. You are so, so incredibly loved and I want to keep reminding you of this."

Bobby took a moment to breathe, a slightly wheezy sound. He was still looking at Simon, unfaltering and so sure of himself. His thumbs rubbed circles over Simon's hand and up to his scarred wrists. Simon ducked down to press his lips against the wandering digits, eager to finally hear the question he's been waiting for. Bobby was still looking at him, soft and terribly smitten.

"There's so much more I want to say to you but I can see how much you want me to ask the damn question already," he laughed wetly and Simon did so as well. "So… Simon Blackquill, will you marry me?"

"Yes." Simon nodded, voice no louder than a whisper. "Yes. Absolutely yes."

He surged up to embrace his beloved, hiding his face in his shoulder. Bobby held him tight, rubbing his back. Simon pulled back slightly to kiss him deeply, Bobby's bristly facial hair an unfamiliar addition. He didn't mind it for now, much too overjoyed over the fact that he was alive for this. That they were both alive. What a surreal thing. When they parted, Bobby took his hand and pressed a reverent kiss to his ring finger.

"I love you so much." Bobby beamed up at him, though he still looked a little sleepy. "I'll get you a ring, I promise."

"Don't worry about that. Focus on recovering first, love."

"Why don't you climb in and join me?" Bobby shifted to make room for Simon, tugging the IV line attached to him. "Fuck, ow."

"A tempting offer, but someone needs to make sure you won't cark it."

Besides… He eyed the space critically. There was no way they were going to comfortably fit even if Simon desperately wanted Bobby near. He shook his head with a smirk, making Bobby pout.

"Fool Bright." Simon rolled his eyes affectionately, pecking his cheek and pulling his hands out of Bobby's grasp with great reluctance.

"Where are you going?" he whined.

"To call a doctor. You've been asleep for a while." Simon pressed the call button, turning back to look at Bobby with uninhibited fondness. It was returned with a soft grin.

"I guess Simon Fulbright really is happening, huh?"

"To think nothing of Bobby Blackquill?" Simon smirked, leaning against the cot. "Roberto Blackquill sounds proper distinguished."

"Janken?" Bobby raised a fist with a cheeky smile.

Simon shoved it away playfully. "I'm not choosing our surnames via janken."

"I didn't think you would accept, you know." Bobby took Simon's hand.

"And why, pray tell, would I not? If I recall, I was the one who told you to ask on this exact date."

"Well, I—"

The door opened and they instinctively jerked their hands away from each other, Simon taking a quick step away to keep a professional distance between them. That was one habit they couldn't break so easily.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the real Blondie." Agent Lang strutted into the room with Dr Day and a couple of nurses, a grin in place. "Welcome back to the land of the living. Nice beard."

"Agent Lang." Bobby's smile was tight, clearly a little annoyed at the interruption. He rubbed at his chin. "And thanks, I hate it."

Dr Day and the nurses went to work quickly, checking over Bobby's vitals and charts, making sure he was doing fine after his two-day sleep. The nurses briefed Bobby on his situation and status, making sure he was aware of where he was and what his body sustained. Once they finished their list, they wished him well and left him to the mercy of Agent Lang.

"Glad to see loverboy's awake."

Simon saw Bobby stiffen on the cot.

"It's alright. He knows." Simon relaxed his own posture but Bobby was still tense where he sat. "So does a select few. I'm sorry I told them without your say-so."

"Simon, I don't mind but…" Bobby's eyes darted towards him. "Shit, are you in trouble?"

"Don't fret, there's no issue. In fact, the Chief was bewildered as to why I expected admonishment. I was frantic and could not conjure up a reason why I insisted on going on your extraction."

"That sounds too good to be true."

Lang tutted. "None of you are in trouble, I've double checked with Pretty Boy. Now, we need to catch Blondie up to speed."

He moved to stand by the end of the bed, shoving his thumbs into his belt loops.

"Let's recap. You were taken by the Phantom when?"

"Christmas night, as in the night of the 25th."

Simon stiffened, staring at him. Bobby glanced at him, sheepish.

"Where?"

"My apartment."

Lang hummed. "We'll send a team to your place to search for anything else on the Phantom. Next, is there anything you can tell us about the Phantom? Did they tell you anything?"

Bobby shook his head. "They only spoke to me to interrogate me or rile me up in hopes of making me slip up. I don't even know much of what happened aside from their dealings with Simon."

Lang shot a glance at Simon before turning back to Bobby.

"You know anything, magpie?"

"No." He was thinking back on that one Christmas night now – apparently the last time he had seen the real Bobby before now. The nausea was back. He could feel Bobby's gaze on him. "They were almost a perfect copy."

"Almost?"

"There were some things that seemed off but I disregarded them."

"Like what?"

"I don't think they were fully aware of our relationship. Odd little moments of hesitance where Fulbright wouldn't be. Nothing significant about the UR-1 case or any other cases. Most of their lapses were about our relationship," Simon admitted quietly and then laughed ruefully. "If we truly caught the bastard off guard, colour me fucking impressed."

Bobby looked at him like he wanted to ask something and Simon had a feeling he knew what it was. He dreaded telling him.

"We'll pull it out of them one way or another. And that should be all from me. I'm sure you two want some time for yourself so I'll catch you boys in a bit." Lang waved as he exited the room.

Bobby was still looking at him as Simon sat back down next to him. He didn't want to be the one to wipe it away but they desperately needed to talk. His hand returned to where they had been holding Bobby's hand prior to the interruption. He wasn't sure how to start but Bobby saved him from his internal struggle.

"When I was held, the Phantom would try and rile me up for information. One of the easiest ways they did that was to talk about you," Bobby began gently, stroking the back of Simon's hand.

Simon nodded, trying to steady his breathing as his pulse picked up.

"Easy, darling. Breathe," Bobby soothed, taking a moment to let Simon do just that. "It pissed me off, Simon. It pissed me off that they had the audacity to hurt you and deceive you like that. I was furious about the fact that I couldn't do anything and I… I didn't know if they were bluffing."

"They weren't," Simon admitted before he lost his nerve once again. The hand around his tightened ever so slightly. He repeated, quieter, "They weren't bluffing,"

A shaky breath came from Bobby. "So, the shackles…"

Simon slid his hand out of Bobby's to tug the ends of his sleeves up, exposing the jagged electrical burn scars around his wrists and curling up his forearms. Bobby made a strangled noise and Simon's frown deepened.

"They better be fucking grateful they're in custody otherwise it's me they'll have to worry about." Bobby's voice was cold and ruthless.

Simon finally looked up, resignation and exhaustion clear in his eyes – he's felt those two emotions more than anything else these past few days alone. Bobby's raw fury dropped to one of concern, sighing through his nose as he reached for Simon's hands again. Gentle fingers traced up his wrists, carefully touching the pink scars.

"Do they hurt?"

"Sometimes. Every now and again they shake and it can be excruciating."

"Fuck, Simon…"

Simon squeezed his hand. He couldn't do this now, not when Bobby needed him as a figure of stability to rely on. Not when Bobby was clearly having it rougher than he was. His throat bobbed. He had to keep it together. He had to—

"Breathe, my love. Take a breath."

A strangled noise escaped his throat, somewhere between a sob and a protest. He pressed the heel of his palms against his eyes, trying and failing to stop the tears already rolling down his cheeks. His shoulder slumped and shook as his hands cradled his face.

He felt everything, all at once. The sheer relief of being freed from his conviction, the devastation at finding out the Phantom's true identity, the worry and anxiety for all the people he cared for, and most of all, the extreme exhaustion that accumulated through all of seven years as well as the past few days that settled deep in his bones.

"That's it… There you go, love," Bobby said, his hand stroking his back. "Better to let it out than bottle it in. You've done more than enough stifling your feelings. It's over now. It's all over and I'm so goddamn proud of you."

And it was.

Finally over.

A ragged sob escaped him, heart squeezing painfully in his chest. He cried himself hoarse and Bobby remained faithfully by his side, ceaselessly stroking his back and occasionally offering whispered comforts. Simon dragged his hands down his face, his head hung low.

Bobby beckoned him quietly. "C'mere."

Simon moved his chair closer. Bobby combed his unruly locks away from his face and tentatively pulled him even closer, his grip loose enough to allow Simon to slip away if needed. Simon only followed his motions and before long, their foreheads were pressed together. His sobs were quieter now, but still tears were falling and he was far too tired to control himself. He felt Bobby swipe away some of his tears with his thumb.

"You did it, Simon. You're alive." Simon could hear the hitch in his voice and he knew Bobby wasn't unaffected by his emotional outburst.

"So are you," he croaked.

"So am I…" Bobby agreed, stroking his face.

Simon reached up to shakily pull him into an awkward embrace. Bobby winced in his arms, twisted as he was, but did not loosen his grip around Simon.

"I love you," Bobby pressed their foreheads together, one of his thumbs traced Simon's bottom lip. "May I?"

"Yes," he whispered and Bobby moved to close the gap, kissing him soundly. When they parted, Simon took a breath before going for his next question. "What were you going to say before Agent Lang interrupted us? You said something foolish – something suspiciously like me turning down your proposal."

"Ah… that…" Bobby traced over his cheekbones and the dark marks underneath his eyes. "I was worried if you found me unnerving after everything."

Simon shook his head. "I wanted you to ask. I've wanted you to ask for so long. There will be bad days, I guarantee it. Days where I might see them in your face, or days where I may startle easily but it will be alright. I will be alright."

Bobby's lip wobbled and he tried his best for a smile.

"Good god, we're in for a lot of work, huh?"

Simon smiled and pecked the corner of his mouth. "But we survived."

"Hey, blackbird?"

"Yes, dove?"

"I'm home."