Chapter Text
Phoenix looked out of the window at the Austrian landscape rushing by in the low evening light. His mind was still lagging behind recent events. He had applied for this scholarship on a whim, not at all expecting to be picked. But here he was now, on a train from Vienna to Salzburg where he was going to live until next summer, studying at the prestigious Mozarteum University.
Again he took out his letter of acceptance to remind himself that, yes, this was exactly what he would be doing for the next two terms. Next he took out the letter from housing services. There was the address of the house he would share with a couple of other students and the remark that since he would arrive in the middle of the night, his keys were entrusted to said housemates. He was to just show up and show identification. The forms would be filled in at the office the next day. It seemed a bit casual, but he was in a foreign country after all. It was to be expected that they would do things differently here.
By the time his train reached Salzburg it was well and truly dark. He hauled his suitcase out of the train and tried to get his bearings. He had printed out a map and bus schedule, but after all this travel time he was dead on his feet and decided he didn’t want to deal with public transport in the dark.
He found a taxi instead, handed the driver the address and nodded his way through a conversation he didn’t really understand. Then they stopped in front of a building that looked more like a family home than student accommodation. The driver helped getting his bag out of the trunk and then drove off with a “Wiedersehen!”
Phoenix double checked the address and walked up to the door. The sign at the bell said ‘Vogelfänger WG’. Whatever that meant. He pressed the button regardless and dug his passport and the letter from housing out of his backpack.
The door opened, Phoenix looked up and froze on the spot. “Miles?” He squeaked out.
The young man who had opened the door stared at him in disbelief. “Wright?” He said weakly.
That broke the spell. Phoenix dropped everything and threw his arms around his long lost friend, crushing him into a hug. “Miles Edgeworth! I can’t believe I finally found you! And here of all places. What are the odds?!”
“Ngk!” The man in his arms was rigid and didn’t return the embrace. Phoenix blushed in embarrassment and let go.
“I take it you are our new housemate? Do you have any proof and identification?”
Phoenix scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, then bent down to pick up the letter and passport he had dropped in his haste to hug his friend. He handed both over to Miles, who studied them at length.
“That seems to be in order. You may come in.” Miles stepped back, letting him in. There was a row of coat hooks in the hall and a shoe rack below them. At a pointed look from miles he took his shoes off and put them on the rack, before following the other man down the hall into a living room.
“This is a shared space, as is the kitchen over there. There’s a bathroom on this floor behind the stairs and one upstairs on the right, next to the landing. Your room is also upstairs, the second door on the left. Here,” he picked up a set of keys from the coffee table, “are your keys. This one is for the front door, this one is for your room. These,” he handed Phoenix a sheet of paper together with the keys, “are the house rules. I suggest you familiarise yourself with them. Now I have to return to my studies. I bid you good night.” With that Miles left and vanished down the hall.
Phoenix stood there dumbfounded, the sheet of rules and the keys in his hand, mind reeling. By some weird coincidence he had been assigned the same student accommodation as Miles Edgeworth. The boy, well, man now, he had been searching for the last ten or so years. Never in his wildest dreams had he suspected to find him here.
He stared blankly at the wall for a while, until his exhaustion caught up with him. What had Miles said? Upstairs, second door on the left? With a sigh he grabbed his bag and backpack and hauled them up the stairs. He couldn't find the light switch, but didn't care. He could spot the bed by the light of the streetlamps outside, so he wriggled out of his trousers and sweater and crashed into bed with socks, boxers and t-shirt. He would unravel the mystery of Miles Edgeworth tomorrow. He pulled the blanket up to his nose and fell asleep in an instant.
***
Miles practically fled from Wright after issuing him with his keys and the bare essentials. How had this happened? Why Wright of all people?
He let himself fall into the chair behind his desk, staring unseeing at the book he ought to be reading. He had his exam tomorrow. The one that would let him jump straight to year three if he passed. If he messed it up, von Karma would deem him unfit for university and bring him back to the manor for more intense tutoring.
He groaned. He did not have time for Wright or the memories dredged up by his sudden appearance. Unbidden the image of a much younger Wright rose in his mind. A gangly, clumsy but very sweet boy with the brightest smile sitting on the swing in the back garden of his father’s house...
No! With effort he shoved the thought back under the lid he had firmly placed over the he memories of his childhood before…
No, he was not going to let Wright get between him and his plans. He was going to finish his law degree within two years and take the bar shortly after his twentieth birthday. He would not let Mr. von Karma down. And certainly not because some… some specter of his former life decided to show up on his doorstep.
Resolutely he focused on his book, when he heard someone trudge up the stairs. Suddenly his mind went back Wright's hug at the door. It had felt so achingly familiar, like nothing had happed between then and the last time they hugged as children.
Oh for goodness sake! He was daydreaming again instead of working. He needed to focus! He dug out his headphones and pressed play on his CD player. Maybe the sounds of Schubert's Unvollendeter would chase these thoughts of Wright out of his mind and let him get on with his work.
***
Phoenix woke to unfamiliar surroundings. It took a while for his brain to make sense of things. Ah, yes, he was in his new accommodation in Salzburg. Now in the light of day, he could take in the room. It was small, but serviceable. The bed was a single, under the window was a desk, next to the door was a wardrobe and a small chest of drawers.
He sat up with a yawn and picked up the paper with the house rules Miles had given him yesterday. Oh, that's right, Miles lived here too! He really needed to talk to him. He wondered which room was his. If he knew he could just go and knock. He looked at the time. Oh no! He needed to be at the University in half an hour...
He jumped up, grabbed his toiletries out of his suitcase and raced for the bathroom, which was mercifully empty. He took about ten minutes to get ready, grab his backpack with all the documents and then raced out of the house. Only then he realised that he came by taxi yesterday night and had no clue where the bus stop was.
Just as he was about to panic, Miles stepped out of the house. He wore a magenta suit with ridiculous gold and turquoise detailing and some kind of ruffly thing around his neck. What the hell? He was fishing keys out of his leather briefcase.
“Hey Miles, good morning!” Phoenix ran up to him. A sour expression crossed the man's face.
“Wright.” He nodded.
“Can you show me where the nearest bus stop is please? I need to be at the University in about fifteen minutes.”
Miles' frown deepened. “You won't make it in fifteen minutes by bus.” He sighed. “But I suppose... I could give you a ride.”
“Thanks Miles, you are a life saver!” Phoenix had already lifted his arm to throw Miles into another hug, when he remembered how stiff the other had been yesterday. So he just lifted it further as if cheering and hoped to hide his blush by looking away.
Miles just scoffed and walked up to an ancient Alfa Romeo in a garish red colour. He opened the driver side and looked back towards Phoenix. “Are you coming Wright?” He sounded impatient.
Phoenix ran up and got into the passenger side seat. “Which University are you enrolled in?” Miles asked.
“The Mozarteum.” Phoenix said. Miles raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything. Phoenix wasn't sure if that meant he was impressed or surprised or something else entirely.
As much as he had wanted to talk to Miles, now that he was sitting next to him, he couldn't get a word out. Miles obviously didn't feel like talking either, so the ride to the University passed in a rather uncomfortable silence.
Miles stopped in front of a fairly modern building. “That's the Mozarteum. Good luck, Wright.”
“Thanks.” Phoenix said and got out. He looked at the building, dreading to have to find where he needed to be in less than five minutes. Still he turned back to wave to Miles, but the man was already driving off.
***
Miles was exhausted once the exam was over. He was pretty certain that he had passed, but if he had managed the perfect score his guardian demanded was another matter entirely.
Well, it was done now, he had about a week until he found out. It was probably best if he assumed he was staying and prepared for the upcoming classes during that time. He would have to sit down and plan out his study time for the week.
When he got home, two of his housemates were back. Robin and their partner Jannette were both older and doing their masters in medical biology. Some research into the pathways between cells. Miles hadn't really paid too much attention when they explained what they were working on. It wasn't law after all. They knew him well enough by now to leave him alone while he was fixing himself something to eat.
Only a few minutes later, Allegra, the fifth occupant of the house swung by, getting herself a big glass of water. She was studying to become a soprano and took some classes in composition on the side. He liked chatting to her about classical music, even though her cheerfulness was grating at times.
The two biologists settled down in front of the TV and watched some silly reality show, so Miles stayed in the kitchen to eat. Allegra joined him and he didn't have the heart to ask her to leave.
He was about halfway through his dinner, when the front door slammed with a loud bang and a voice called out: “Sorry!”
“Oh no, Wright...” Miles sighed and leaned his head on one hand in exasperation.
“Right?” Allegra asked confused.
“Yeah, our new housemate.” He nodded towards the door to the living room, where the man in question had just appeared.
“Hi!” He said to the two in front of the TV with a sheepish grin and a hand at the back of his neck. “I'm Phoenix Wright, your new housemate.”
“Hi.” muttered Robin, not bothering to look at the newcomer. Jannette on the other hand got up and reached her hand out to Phoenix.
“Don't mind Robin, they are usually quite nice. We just had a tough day at the lab. I'm Jannette. Nice to meet you Phoenix!” They shook hands and Jannette waved him off into the kitchen.
Allegra had watched the whole exchange with interest, while Miles was trying to finish his meal and escape to his room as soon as possible.
“Hi Miles!” Phoenix said when he entered the kitchen. “Thanks again for the ride this morning. Really saved my butt with that.” He grinned broadly.
“Don't mention it.” mumbled Miles, shoveling the rest of his food way faster than he was comfortable.
Allegra got up. “Hi, I'm Allegra. Soprano and future composer of great symphonies,” she introduced herself.
“Phoenix. I'm on a scholarship for theatre and stage design.”
“Oh, awesome! A fellow art person, to break up all the stuffy law and science guys in this house. Where are you from Phoenix?”
Miles cleaned and put his plate away while the other two were chatting at high speed and seemingly told each other their life's stories in the span of five minutes.
“You knew each other as kids?!” Allegra shrieked excitedly.
Miles took that as his cue to leave, ignoring the glee on Allegra's face and the exasperated expression on Phoenix's when he realised Miles' hasty retreat.
***
The next week flew by in a rush. Phoenix started to find his way around on campus and in the town center, he knew which busses to take and where to buy food. Allegra had proved invaluable, showing him around and always up for a chat and a laugh. The two biologists kept more or less to themselves and were preparing to go to a conference at the end of September, so he didn't get to talk to them much.
Sadly this was also true for the one person he really wanted to talk to. He knew from Allegra that Miles had had an important exam the day after Phoenix arrived. Right now he should have time, but hardly ever showed his face. By the end of the week Phoenix knew that Miles had the only bedroom on the ground floor, but had never been able to catch a glimpse inside. Not for lack of trying, mind you. On the few occasions Miles couldn't avoid Phoenix, he tried to get the other man to open up.
He asked him if he had received any of his letters and only gotten evasive answers in return. Every time he tried to find out why Miles had moved away and what had happened in the meantime, he shut down completely and left the room.
Phoenix was hurt and confused, but unable to leave things alone. He just had to know what had turned his best friend into... this.
After about a week Miles got the exam results back. He had made a grand 97% and for some unfathomable reason was furious about it. He was white as a sheet when he read it and snapped at Phoenix and Allegra when they congratulated him. Later that day Phoenix heard him on the phone, but since he was talking very fast in German, he didn't understand much of what was going on, only that it must be something tense and important. Miles' frown was prominent and he was anxiously pacing the living room, pinning Phoenix with such an icy stare when he wanted to cross the room to the kitchen, that Phoenix turned around sharply and fled to his room.
Things seemed to quiet down a bit over the weekend, but Miles was still snappish and in no way willing to interact with Phoenix more than necessary. The atmosphere in the house grew increasingly tense and by the end of the second week their housemates had enough.
On Sunday morning, when Phoenix got down for breakfast all the others were gathered in the kitchen. As soon as he entered, Miles almost jumped up and tried to leave, but Robin planted themselves in front of the door. “Sit down Edgeworth.” They grumbled. Jannette and Allegra crossed their arms and nodded.
With an exasperated look Miles did as he was told. Robin looked from one to the other. “I don't know what is going on between the two of you and usually I wouldn't care, but no one in this house can function normally right now because of this and we expect you two to talk and work things out. Otherwise one of you has to move out.”
The girls stood up and Allegra said “Sorry guys, I like you both, but this has gone far enough. You will stay in here and only come out once you have sorted this out.” With that the other three left the kitchen and closed the door behind them. Phoenix could hear the TV being switched on, probably to make sure that no sounds from the kitchen could be heard.
He stared at Miles, his heart racing. Would he finally get some answers?
***
Miles breathed out slowly, trying to wrestle his racing thoughts into some kind of order.
He had, by some strange kind of miracle, managed to persuade Mr. von Karma to be allowed to stay, despite not getting the perfect score that had been the condition for him attending University. He could not afford any distractions, or he would be on his way back to the mansion before the term was out.
And opposite of him sat the world's biggest distraction, who had, by some cruel twist of fate, ended up here, in the same house as him. He looked up and stared at Phoenix, who sat there looking kind of terrified.
Miles sighed. “Look Wright, I don't want to make this difficult, it's just... I am on a really tight schedule and don't have time for idle chit-chat. Can you...” He tried to find the right words, but failed, “Can you just leave me alone?”
“Miles...” Wright was clearly fighting for composure, “I don't know what happened to you, or why you are so... cold. But can't you at least try to put yourself into my shoes for a change?” A pained expression was on Wright's face. Miles feared he would burst into tears at any moment.
“You just vanished. One day we were wishing each other Merry Christmas, looking forward to compare presents when we met again and that was it. You never showed up at school after the holidays. You were just gone. Your house was empty when I tried to find you. None of the adults were telling me anything and I missed you. I missed you so much!” The dreaded tears were falling down Wright's cheeks now and Miles' heart clenched. So many lives had been ruined that day.
Miles wasn't equipped to deal with the onslaught of unfamiliar feelings that bubbled inside him.
“I... It wasn't my choice, you know.” His throat felt tight. This was exactly what he had been afraid of. He did not want to talk about this.
Wright sniffled. “It's ok. Sorry to throw this all at you out of the blue. It's just... seeing you again after all these years made me realise how much you meant to me.”
Miles took a sharp breath. He needed to tread very careful now, in order not to lose his composure in front of Wright.
“It was very lonely without you, you know? Larry is nice and all, but he could never replace you.” Wright carried on.
Miles clenched his fists until the nails bit into the palms. He had spent the last ten years trying his best not to think about how lonely he was, how much he missed his best friend - and his father.
That thought hit him completely unprepared and he let out an anguished sob, burying his face in his hands, trying, and failing, to keep it all bottled up once more.
He flinched when he felt a tentative hand on his shoulder. “Miles?”
Wright's voice was small and shaky, but it conjured up the image of a small boy bending down, looking at his scraped knees and offering a hanky to wipe the worst of the blood and dirt away. Before he knew what he was doing, Miles had thrown his arms around the man and was sobbing against his shoulder, while Wright was making soothing noises and rubbing circles into his back.
When this sudden storm of tears finally subsided, Wright carefully extricated himself from Miles' arms to fetch them two glasses of water and a box of tissues, before settling down next to him again. Miles wiped his face and took a sip of water, then murmured “Sorry...” He couldn't bring himself to look at the other man.
“'s ok.” Wright said. “I obviously pushed some buttons and for that I'm sorry.” He offered a small smile. “Look, you don't have to tell me anything, if it's too painful, okay? It's just, I was so happy to have finally found you and I couldn't understand why you weren't. Well, I still don't... but... I guess I can live with not knowing... if it makes you feel better.”
Miles took another sip of water. His voice was still barely above a whisper when he admitted “I would prefer not to talk about it.” He took a deep breath, “Despite my conduct towards you, I am happy to see you again. It's just... all a bit much.”
Wright laughed at this. “You can say that again.” His hand settled on Miles' shoulder again and felt way hotter than it had any right to be. Miles looked up and met the mismatched eyes of who used to be his best friend and he was frozen like a deer in the headlights. There was some kind of pull between them, that was making Miles lean forward. They were almost nose to nose.
Something inside him stirred. It was entirely new and had nothing to do with the annoyance he felt at first or the complete anguish of just now. He closed his eyes and wrenched them open again, when he felt soft lips against his in a tentative kiss. They jerked apart as if burnt, but Miles couldn't deny the pleasant tingling in his lips where they had met Wright's.
Wright scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, his eyes wide in fear, clearly expecting Miles to snap at him. Miles shook his head. He got up, took his glass and said as evenly as he could manage “I have work to do. See you around Wright.” before leaving the kitchen.
***
Phoenix sat at the kitchen table unable to move. He had just kissed Miles Edgeworth. He had just kissed Miles Edgeworth. He had just kissed Miles Edgeworth!
The sentence echoed around in his mind, chasing away all other thoughts. Strangely enough Miles hadn't yelled at him. True, he had vanished shortly after, but he had neither snapped at Phoenix nor tried to push him away. But still...
What had come over him? Why had he thought kissing Miles after he had just broken down crying was a good idea? The man probably felt violated on top of everything else. They were supposed to work things out and Phoenix just had to go and make it worse.
He had no idea how long he sat there spiraling, when Allegra entered and sat down next to him. “You alright there Phoenix? Miles has been gone for ages, so I was wondering what you were up to.”
Phoenix just shook his head, clutching his glass of water in a vice grip. Allegra pried it out of his fingers. “If you hold on any tighter, you will break it.” She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“I'm going to housing services and apply for a new apartment.” Phoenix finally burst out.
“It went that bad then, did it?” Allegra pat him on the shoulder. “Sorry to hear that mate.”
Phoenix was still in shock. It was probably the only excuse for what he said next. “I kissed him...”
“You did what?” Allegra almost shouted.
Phoenix shushed her. “I kissed him. But please, don't tell anyone else. I feel bad enough as it is.”
Allegra laughed. “Well, that's a turn of events I didn't anticipate, but it's really not a reason to move out. Or did he not like it?”
Phoenix gaped at her. “Did he... I have no idea! He just got up, took his glass and said he had work to do.”
Allegra tipped her head to one side. “Hm... interesting reaction. But I don't think all hope is lost. You should definitely ask him out.”
“What?!” This time it was Phoenix who shouted.
“You should ask him out. What's the worst that can happen really? He can say no. Then you know for sure that it was a stupid idea. But he might say yes.” She grinned at him. “And judging by the way you look at him all starry eyed all the time, that would be the desired outcome, no?”
Phoenix blushed furiously and Allegra laughed. “Well, at least think about it, alright?” She pat him on the back and wandered off, still grinning widely.
***
As soon as he had closed the door behind him, Miles leant against it, breathing deeply. What the hell had just happened? First he'd had some kind of break down and then...
Miles closed his eyes and brought his fingers to his lips. He could still feel the ghost of the kiss. He was conflicted and didn't know what to do. Some part of him wanted to bury himself in his books and forget today had ever happened, another part wanted to go back and kiss Wright again. Properly this time.
The fearful look in Wrights eyes suddenly appeared superimposed on his closed eyelids. Did he really inspire that much fear?
With a groan he let his head fall back against the door. Why did Wright have to appear right now and mess up all of his plans? Why couldn't he just carry on like nothing had happened? Why was he still so attached to this man from his past? He was almost ready to throw the water glass in his hand across his room in frustration.
He walked over to his desk and put the glass down instead, before collapsing into his chair and burying his nose in his books. After quite some time and several chapters of criminal law later a thought wormed its way to the forefront of his mind. Would it really be so bad to allow himself a little bit of happiness?
Kissing and all its implications aside, he really wanted to reconnect with Wright. He had been his best friend for a reason. He had just shoved all those memories and thoughts out of the way, because it hurt too much to examine them. But now that Wright was here, what was really holding him back from trying to rekindle their friendship?
He glanced at his watch. It was almost nine in the evening. He hadn't had any food since breakfast. He carefully snuck out of his room and towards the living room. He didn't feel ready to meet anyone just yet. The living room was blissfully empty and he could hear the first bar of the Kleine Nachtmusik float down the stairs. So at least Allegra was home.
He carefully rounded the corner towards the kitchen. No one was there either. He quickly grabbed an apple, some bread and cheese and headed back to his room. Again he settled down at his desk, cleared his books away and started to eat.
This needed some careful consideration before he was ready to meet Wright face to face again.
***
During the next week Phoenix didn't see Miles once. The man was like a ghost, only leaving his room when he was sure that no one was around vanishing to Uni so early in the morning, that Phoenix was still fast asleep.
The others seemed to prefer this to the tension from before, because no one mentioned anything about moving out to Phoenix. Allegra gave him the odd pep talk and tried to get him to knock on Miles' door, but he resisted. He had been the one to pursue Miles for so long and it hadn't gone well. Now he was determined to wait things out.
He was also still scared that Miles had taken it really badly and would shout him out of the house once he saw Phoenix again. Maybe that was why he stood in the middle of the living room like a complete idiot on Saturday evening. It was very late, he had assumed everyone else to be in bed, so when Miles suddenly stepped into the room, Phoenix froze on the spot unable to do anything.
Miles looked... surprised, but not angry. Phoenix relaxed a tiny bit and said “Hi Miles,” carefully testing the waters. To his immense relief and quite a huge bit of surprise Miles answered, “Hello Phoenix.” He shifted awkwardly.
Phoenix took a deep breath. “Look Miles, I'm really sorry about the other day. Things got kind of intense and I got carried away. I get that it was creepy and I probably stepped over several boundaries and I totally understand that you are uncomfortable, and if you want me to move out I will. Just know that I'm very sor...”
Miles had walked up to him and was now putting a finger to Phoenix's lips. “I'm not angry at you Phoenix. And I certainly don't want to you to move out.”
Phoenix moved a step back. “You don't?”
“No, I don't. I won't deny that it was quite a shock to see you again. Ten years ago my whole life was turned up side down and coming face to face with a specter of the past was painful, to say the least.” He looked down, seemingly unsure of where to go from there.
Phoenix felt a tiny bit of hope stir within him. “So... you're okay with us being friends again?” He ventured.
Miles nodded. “Yes, I'd like that.” He hesitated, then added so quietly that Phoenix almost missed it, “I did like that kiss too.”
Something in Phoenix melted. This sweet, shy admission from the haughty, obnoxious man was not only unexpected, it was all of Phoenix's dreams come true. He couldn't keep the broad grin of his face when he asked, “Would you like another one?”
Without hesitation Miles closed the few inches between them and pressed his lips to Phoenix's.
***
As it turned out, Miles Edgeworth didn't do things by half. Once he had decided that being in a relationship with Phoenix was what he wanted, Phoenix almost couldn't get a moment to himself. The man was apparently completely touch starved and now tried to soak up ten years worth of closeness within a few weeks. Not that Phoenix minded, but he did wonder what had happened to Miles in those ten years.
This however was still something Miles refused to talk about. All Phoenix could pry out of him was that his father had died quite suddenly and that Miles subsequently had been adopted by the von Karmas. Mr. von Karma was a prestigious prosecutor from ancient nobility and owned a mansion just over the German border in Passau. His wife was a rich heiress who spent most of her time travelling, leaving their daughter and Miles in the care of her husband. This daughter, Franziska, was the only one that Miles spoke of with anything approaching fondness.
Miles much preferred for Phoenix to talk about home, his parents, what he had been up to, which schools he went to. He even asked about Larry. Phoenix was happy to oblige and only occasionally wondered why Miles made such a secret out of his life, or why, outside of the house, he insisted to keep their relationship a secret.
If they met up at University, it was always Miles coming to find Phoenix at the Mozarteum and carefully avoiding anything that could give people the impression that they were more than friends. One time had he snapped at Allegra for walking up to them with the words “Oh, there you are, love birds!” in such a way that even the bubbly singer was subdued for about a week.
Phoenix didn't mind all that much, he was floating on cloud nine and didn't plan on coming down any time soon. He was officially, well, as official as a secret relationship could be, together with Miles Edgeworth. There was no way that Phoenix could be happier than right now, with Miles by his side and his theatre studies going well.
By the time Christmas came around, he had applied for a continuation of his scholarship and was rehearsing in try-outs for the next year. Miles was busy with exams and packing to go to the von Karma mansion over the holidays. When Phoenix asked if he wanted him to accompany Miles home, the old Miles re-emerged and coldly told him that he had no intention whatsoever to bring Phoenix to the von Karmas over Christmas.
Miles had also been suffering from nightmares, but refused to tell Phoenix about the contents. Phoenix hoped it was just the exam stress and that the break would help him to relax.
After all that time spent with Miles, Christmas felt lonely. Phoenix couldn't afford to fly home, so he had no choice but to stay at the house. So did Robin and Jannette, but they had never really been close. The only other person who counted as a friend was Allegra, but she had gone home to Italy for the holidays.
Miles returned eight days later, and Phoenix could see that the break had not helped in the slightest. Quite the contrary. Miles was paler than usual with huge bags under his eyes, so he probably hadn't slept much either. By now Phoenix knew better than to pry and so he just wrapped his arms around Miles and held him till they both fell asleep.
***
Christmas had gone roughly how he expected it to go, but Miles was used to little sleep at this time of year. He had managed to produce the grades necessary to be ignored rather than reprimanded, so at least that had gone to plan. But the manor still held that same oppressive atmosphere and having been with Phoenix in the meantime, made him keenly aware of the loneliness he had always felt in these halls.
So when all his duties were done in the afternoon on the first of January, he practically fled back to Salzburg and let himself sink into Phoenix's arms, trying to forget the last week as much as possible.
January and February felt like a dream. His workload wasn't too high, he easily kept up with all the demands, and Phoenix was simply a delight.
He went to see his end of term performance and was really impressed with Phoenix's acting abilities. The slightly clumsy man who wore his heart on his sleeve and started to ramble every time he was nervous, transformed into someone else entirely as soon as he stepped out onto the stage.
Miles had known that the class was giving Goethe's Faust, but Phoenix had not told him which role was his. So when Mephisto sauntered onto the stage, his hands in his pockets, giving god a bright, shit eating grin when proposing the wager, Miles at first couldn't believe his eyes. Phoenix? As Mephisto?
But to his great surprise the man pulled it off. He didn't give a classic devil. Phoenix's Mephisto was a sly, poker-faced man, who didn't let his cards show until he was sure of the win. He seemed easy, guileless, a bit of a pushover, while at the same time holding all the threads firmly in his hands, ready to strike when his prey showed a weakness.
Miles was riveted to his seat by Phoenix's performance and when, at the end, Mephisto ushered Faust out of the prison where Gretchen was left to die, his grin truly was frighting.
Miles couldn't help but jump to his feet, when the audience applauded. Considering this was a students performance, it was really excellent. He knew now why Phoenix got this scholarship. He truly deserved it.
“You were amazing.” He later whispered into Phoenix's ear, when they were holed up in Miles' bed after the celebrations. He couldn't show him in public, but he could make sure to worship Phoenix in private. Miles was certain he could make this work somehow. He had to.
***
It probably wouldn't work for much longer. Phoenix had been happily floating on his pink cloud for a few months, but as they moved from spring towards summer, the cracks were starting to show.
Miles had an insane workload. It got increasingly harder to pry him away from his books. He became irritable and liable to snap. Even when Phoenix managed to worm his way into Miles' bed, he would wake after a few hours, only to find the other side of the bed cold and his lover cocooned behind his desk, up to his neck in work.
And then, on top of everything else, this von Karma person started to summon Miles to attend his trials and take on the role of an aid, putting even more work on his lover's shoulders and taking him away for days on end, however long the trials lasted.
Phoenix realised soon enough that complaining wouldn't get him anywhere. Miles was dead set on impressing his mentor. So he tried his best to be supportive. Not that it made much difference.
But what really started to grate on Phoenix's nerves was the secrecy. Having his hand swatted away with an angry 'hmpf' every time he tried to establish even a little contact when they were out and about hurt. A lot. It was not like he wanted to walk hand in hand, or - heavens forbid - kiss.
Apparently even little brushes pinky to pinky, or a comforting hand on the shoulder was too much to ask. Phoenix felt rejected, unseen - unloved. What even was the point of having a relationship, if he only got to see his lover for a scant few hours a week, while living in the same house.
He didn't dare to bring it up for the longest time, but after he had, once again, scraped an overworked Miles off of his desk, where he had fallen asleep for the fourth time in as many nights, he had enough. He tucked him into bed and turned his alarm off.
Miles was furious the next day, citing how many hours he had lost while sleeping, but Phoenix was having none of it. “Babe, I can't watch you slowly killing yourself over your studies. Sleep deprivation is serious. You need to take care of yourself more.”
“I will fail my exams because of it!” Miles snapped.
“No, you will fail your exams because you'll fall asleep halfway through. I can sort of deal with you having no time for me, but I can't deal with this. Promise me you'll sleep more, if I leave you alone till after the exams?”
That seemed to get through to the agitated man. “I promise, I'll make it up to you afterwards,” he said with a desperate tone and in this moment Phoenix would forgive him everything.
Miles drew up a new study plan and promised to allow for enough rest. Phoenix snuck him food and water in the evenings, because he knew his lover was prone to forget, all while preparing for his own exams. It was a horrible four weeks and by the time they were both done, Phoenix was ready to sleep for the whole summer.
Miles however got little time to celebrate the end of the term, he was summoned to another case straight away. “I have to do this Phoenix, I'm sorry. But I promised to make it up to you and I stand by my word.”
Phoenix sighed and sent him off with a kiss. “I know this is important to you. I'll wait. I'm good at waiting.”
But deep inside Phoenix was disappointed and not sure how long he was prepared to wait.
***
By the time he got back to Salzburg, Miles was more than exhausted. The case had been a dark one, involving dead parents and a child suddenly all alone in the world. It left Miles raw and hurting, like he was nine years old again.
Even though he didn't say anything to Phoenix, he was glad that he was there and lent him some of the warmth he had been sorely missing for years. They did spend a lot of the next few days sleeping, but at least they spent them together and Miles was slightly optimistic, that they had weathered the worst of the storms.
And through all this Miles had planned a surprise for Phoenix. That's why he snuck out at five in the morning the next day to be the first in the queue for tickets to Le Nozze di Figaro at the Salzburg festival. It was almost impossible to get tickets without applying for them months in advance, but on the day of the performance they sold leftovers or returned tickets, and he had decided to try his best to get his hands on some, before Phoenix was flying home for a month at the beginning of August.
At least he hoped it was only for a month. Phoenix had applied for an extension of the scholarship, but the results would only arrive just before Phoenix had to leave. While he was waiting in front of the ticket office, his mind was racing through the possibilities. He really hoped Phoenix would be back later this year. Despite the difficult circumstances, he had come to rely on the man. And he really hoped that once he passed the bar next year and therefore become a prosecutor in his own right, things would become easier for them.
The second person for the queue turned up almost an hour later. By the time the ticket office opened, the line of people went around the corner. Miles was in luck, he managed to get two quite decent seats. He put them in his breast pocket and almost ran back to his car to share his good fortune with his lover.
When he got back, Phoenix was sitting in the kitchen, nursing a huge mug of coffee. He greeted him with a quick kiss and sat down next to him.
“You were out early, what have you been up to babe?” Phoenix asked, eyeing him curiously.
“Well, I promised to make things up to you, so here you go.” He took the tickets out and slipped them over the table towards Phoenix. His lover picked them up, read then and stared from the tickets to Miles and back again.
“You got us tickets for a festival opera? How? Allegra told me La Nozze di Figaro was sold out months ago!” Phoenix stared at him with wide eyes.
“They were.” Miles confirmed with a smug grin. “That's why I got up early today, to be the first in line. And it worked. I hope you like opera?” He added as an afterthought.
“I love opera. Though admittedly I've never ever seen Le Nozze di Figaro.”
“Well, it's high time we remedy that then!” Miles was elated. His plan had paid off. Phoenix liked opera. They would have a great time together, Phoenix's application would be approved, life was finally looking good again.
***
Miles drove them to the great Festspielhaus. Phoenix had to borrow a pair of nice black slacks from him, because there was no way he would be let in in jeans, but his pink button up and red tie were met with Miles‘ approval. Phoenix was excited, they hadn't been on an evening out together for ages and he really was looking forward to the opera. He knew Mozart and had heard a lot about the wonderful phrases and arias in this particular opera from Allegra, who was slightly green with envy that Miles was taking him to the festival.
“Which operas have you been to Phoenix?” Miles asked as they walked into the Festspielhaus.
“Not all that many. My mum was a huge opera fan, but we used to watch them on DVD. The only ones I have seen on an actual stage were Die Zauberflöte and Turandot.” Phoenix admitted.
“So you have seen Mozart's last opera. I'm looking forward to hear what you think about his earlier work then.” Miles stated with an air of importance.
Phoenix laughed. “Miles, babe, I enjoy opera, but I'm not a critic. The only thing I'll be able to tell you is whether I liked it or not.”
They settled into their seats in the stalls. Phoenix looked around curiously at all the other festival goers and felt very much out of place between all those elegant people. Miles fit in easily enough and Phoenix tried his best not to feel intimidated by that.
Then the lights went out and shortly afterwards, when the first bars of the overture washed over him, it was easy to forget about everything and just float on the wings of the music. Mozart had a tendency to do that to him.
Without really meaning to, he reached out and grabbed Miles' hand to keep himself from floating away entirely. To his pleasant surprise Miles didn't swat him away this time, but gently squeezed him back, like he understood exactly how Phoenix was feeling.
The performance tried to be close to the period the opera was set in. The costumes and stage design reflected that. When Conte Almaviva entered the stage for the first time, Phoenix had to press his fist in his mouth to suppress his laughter. A giggle still escaped and earned him dark looks form Miles and the other people around them.
“Sorry!” Phoenix whispered to Miles. “But he totally dresses like you.” He nodded towards the man in an elaborately trimmed red jacket, matching britches, white jabot and stockings singing passionately on stage.
Miles threw him a withering look, but Phoenix just grinned. He was having a good time and nothing Miles did could change that.
During the interval Phoenix tried to catch up on the plot. “This is so convoluted, what even happened there? The only thing that I managed to figure out is that this Conte is a right bastard. Even though he looks like you.”
“Stop saying that.” Miles protested. “My style may take inspiration from historical fashion, but I am wearing modern trousers.”
“I would love to see you in tights though.” Phoenix grinned when his lover turned almost the same shade as said suit.
Miles cleared his throat. “Anyway, yes, the Conte is lusting after several women while being married, it really is kind of despicable behaviour. Prepare for more of that in the third and fourth act.”
The bell rang and they headed back in. The third act started with more confusion and Phoenix started to wonder how they were supposed to unravel all that. This was an opera with a happy ending after all. He wondered how the Contessa could forgive her husband his many transgressions.
And at the great finale he had to concede that if someone sang such a pretty aria on their knees, it would probably be easy to forgive them. Not that he needed Miles to sing. He would forgive him everything, just because he loved him.
***
When they left the performance Miles was still floating on his musical high. This had been one of the most wonderful performances he'd every seen. And to share it all with Phoenix - in this moment he was the happiest man alive.
“So, did you enjoy the evening?” He asked his lover.
“Very much! Thank you so much for inviting me.” Phoenix said warmly. He took his hand, and this time Miles didn't swat him away, but relished the connection. He was ridiculously in love, his heart soaring and he wanted to share this wonderful, bubbly feeling with the man who caused it. Who could blame him for pushing Phoenix against the wall while they waited for the crowd to pass?
Phoenix was surprised at first, but then leant into the kiss, slipping his arms around Miles' waist, lost in this euphoric bliss...
“Miles Edgeworth?!” Rang out an all too familiar voice behind him.
The men jumped apart. Miles turned around, dreading what he would see. Franziska von Karma stood there in a prim little black and turquoise dress, staring at him incredulously. Her right hand clasped in front of her mouth, like she regretted what had just slipped out.
But what was worse, was the woman standing next to her, fixing Miles with an icy, calculating stare, not unlike her husband's. For a few seconds they all stood there, frozen. Then Mrs. von Karma flicked her hair back with one elegant jab of her hand and said in a quiet but menacing tone, “Das wird ein Nachspiel haben.” Then she took her daughter's hand. “Komm Franziska.” With that she dragged the girl away towards the exit.
Miles knees were so weak it was a struggle to stay upright. The worst had come to pass, Mrs. von Karma had seen him. Her words echoed in his ears - this will have consequences. His whole world shattered into sharp, shearing shards around him.
This was the end. The end of the freedom he had worked so hard all year to maintain. His chest constricted painfully, he couldn't breathe. His face contorted in a mixture of anguish and despair as he turned towards Phoenix.
“I... I can't do this Phoenix. We can't see each other anymore,” he choked out.
Phoenix stared at him wide eyed. “Miles, what...? Just because they saw us?” His lover's incredulous incomprehension turned Miles' pain into sudden fury.
“You don't have the slightest idea what this means, you fool!” He almost shouted. His vision turned black. “Just... just leave me alone Wright!” He had to concentrate to keep breathing.
But of course Wright wouldn't back down so easily. The man was way too stubborn. “But Miles, I just want to understand. What's going on right now?” He stepped closer, reaching for Miles' cheek.
Miles jerked back as if electrocuted. “Don't touch me!” He hissed.
“Damn it Miles! What happened? Just talk to me!” Phoenix pleaded. “I'm sure we can work things out.”
Miles backed away further, shaking his head. He struggled to get the words out, “There is nothing to work out Wright. It's over.” He reached towards the wall to steady himself, a wave of nausea washing over him.
Wright opened and closed his mouth a few times, finally lost for words. Then he turned around and left without a single glance over his shoulder, leaving Miles to drown in sorrow.
***
Phoenix stared at Miles in shock as the world crumbled in front of his eyes. Miles looked upset and utterly miserable, but at this moment Phoenix was too hurt to care. He needed to get out. Without another word he turned around and practically ran for the exit.
There was a long line of taxis to take festival goers home. Phoenix ducked into one and cited his address on auto pilot.
He dumped me. The thought whirred around his head. We had a good time and then those women walked up and he just dumped me. Like a hot potato. Like nothing had happed between them ever meant anything? Like the last year didn’t happen. Or didn’t matter.
Phoenix could feel the tears coming on, but he fought them. He was not going to cry in a fucking taxi for goodness sake.
He didn’t wait for the driver to state the price, he just put a twenty euro note into his hand and bolted. His hands shook so much it was hard to fit the key in the lock, but he did manage eventually.
When he opened the door he almost ran into a startled Allegra. “Phoenix? I wasn’t expecting you back yet.“ She looked concerned. “Where’s Miles?“
Phoenix couldn’t deal with this right now. He could feel his tears spilling over. He just shook his head, gently, but firmly pushed her out of the way and ran up the stairs, two at a time.
“Phoenix?“ she called after him, but he closed and locked the door behind himself before collapsing onto the bed, crying.
***
Phoenix woke the next day to a splitting headache, swollen eyes and in the same clothes he wore to the opera yesterday. Someone was knocking on his door. “Who is it?“ He croaked out.
“Allegra. I’m worried about you.“ The singer stated. Phoenix sighed. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. No, that was not true. He didn’t want to talk to Miles. Some friendly company might actually be helpful.
“Hang on.“ He called and maneuvered himself out of the bed.
“You look like shit.“ Allegra said cheerfully when he opened the door. “I brought you some water.“ She held up a bottle.
“Thanks.“ Phoenix took the bottle and stepped aside to let her in. “What time is it?“
“Not quite midday yet.” She sat in his desk chair. Phoenix closed the door and slumped back down on the bed, taking a deep pull from the water bottle. “So, what happened yesterday?” Allegra asked.
“Miles dumped me.” Phoenix mumbled.
“He did what?” Allegra sounded incredulous. For the first time since yesterday Phoenix was angry. He threw his hands up, almost sloshing water over himself.
“He dumped me. Okay? One moment we were kissing, the next he was telling me he couldn't see me anymore.” And just like that, the anger was replaced by tears again.
“I'm so sorry mate.” Allegra switched over to the bed and put an arm around him. “When are you going home?”
Phoenix sniffled. “Day after tomorrow. I still need to pack. That reminds me...” He jumped up and struggled out of his borrowed slacks.
Allegra snatched up his pillow and hid her face behind it. “Hey, hey mate, there's no need for that. And I'm not into men either. In fact, I'm not into anyone really.”
Phoenix blushed and quickly put on a pair of sweats. “Sorry Allegra. I just remembered, those are his... You can look again.”
“Oh, ok.” She put down the pillow. “Do you want me to throw his trousers in his face, or do you want to do it yourself?” She asked with a cheeky grin.
Phoenix snorted. “Just... just hang them on his door or something. I really don't want to see him right now. I'll probably hole up in here, till it's time to leave to be honest.”
***
His letter regarding the scholarship actually arrived on the same day he had to leave. Allegra accompanied him to the station and on the way out they met the postman. Phoenix opened the letter on the bus. His eyes stung when he saw he had been accepted for another year. He hastily stuffed it in his hoodie pocket.
Allegra hugged him tightly at the station and wished him a safe journey. Phoenix just nodded and thanked her. The last two days she had been the only one to keep him from drowning in misery. Now he was on his own.
The journey went by in a daze. Somehow he managed to get to the airport in Vienna and change to the correct plane in Heathrow. His heart was so low, it couldn't get any lower.
Every so often he fished the letter out of his pocket and read through it. He thought about the Faust performance and Miles' excited expression when he came to meet him backstage. No, he couldn't do that anymore. That was scorched earth.
When he left the plane in LA, he had his mind made up. He tore the letter to shreds and dumped them into the next bin. He would turn his life around. No more theatre. He would change to law and go on to beat Miles where it hurt the most. If he wanted to put his career before everything else, Phoenix would make sure to show him how wrong he was.