Work Text:
October 20, 9:58 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
“C’mon, Daddy! You’re gonna be late!”
“I think we still have plenty of time, Truce.”
Phoenix didn’t know how or why he allowed himself to be dragged by his daughter off to a last-minute case at 10:00PM. Apparently, this was a ‘magical trial’ from what Trucy told him. He barely had time to grab his briefcase, before Trucy practically herded him out the door.
(At least she could’ve given me a little background)
He knew next to nothing about the trial. Except for the fact that Edgeworth was prosecuting. A part of him hoped this would be enough to distract Trucy from asking about getting a new mommy or daddy. Which was something she was doing a lot recently.
“Wait wait! Let me fix up your suit!” The magician explained, smoothing out any unnoticed creases in front of the door. Phoenix gave a small sigh and rolled his eyes in light exasperation.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure my suit’s fine,” Phoenix reassured, briefly stepping back.
Trucy grumpily puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms. “But, this is really important! You have to look your very best!”
“For a magical trial that, I assume, you called for?” Phoenix asked with a raised eyebrow. His daughter’s face immediately lit up and she nodded enthusiastically. With nothing else to refute, Phoenix sighed and leaned his head back, “Alright. You win. Let’s get this going.” Trucy scurried in front of the double doors, using both of her hands to open them in an exaggerated manner. The defense attorney waited until both doors were open to the courtroom. Both galleries on either side were filled with spectators. Conversations between the separate crowds of people slowly died down as many noticed him standing in the doorway. Immediately, his eyes darted to the left side of the room to the prosecutor. Edgeworth. As soon as Miles met his gaze, he felt his cheeks get slightly warmer. It’d been a while since they’d crossed paths. (Author’s Note: In actuality, they met up four days ago for coffee.)
Taking a deep breath, Phoenix glanced over at his daughter. She gave an poised bow and gestured her arm down the aisle. He couldn’t help but give a small chuckle at the young magician and began his walk to the other side of the room. The Judge was already sitting down in his seat, nodding a greeting to the defense attorney. He stepped behind the defense bench and laid down his briefcase on the table. He was still unsure if it would even be needed, considering he didn’t know anything about this trial.
“Wright,” greeted a voice across the room. Phoenix’s head whipped up to Mile’s flint colored eyes, peering behind his glasses. The Chief Prosecutor gave a nod of acknowledgement.
The defense attorney gave a small nod back with an added smile. “Edgeworth. I assume you’ve been doing well?” he asked, in an attempt to make small talk.
“I admit, things could be better,” Miles explained, taking a sip from a tea cup, “Now, I would like for you to explain why your daughter called me at precisely 9:30 PM, in regards to an urgent matter at the courthouse. Only to be ambushed by an overly eager Maya Fey,” he said, pointing an index finger to the gallery seats behind Phoenix. Now with peaked curiosity, his attention turned to the top of the gallery. And lo and behold-
“Sorry, Mr Edgeworth! But, you know what Nick told me they say in court? “The means justifies the ends!” Maya proudly announced.
“I did not say that, Maya,” Phoenix recalled. “Also, what are you doing here again? Don’t tell me you got framed for another murder.”
“Nah,” Maya answered, resting her elbows on the railing while cupping her cheeks. “I’m just here for the trial,” she grinned.
Suddenly, Trucy popped up next to her with the same expression and body position. “I know! I was surprised when Auntie Maya accepted the invitation!”
“Truce, I better have a good explanation for this when we get home,” Phoenix grumbled. The magician and medium both chuckled in reply, while the one who asked quickly averted his gaze from them.
“And, Your Honor approved of this tomfoolery?” Miles loudly inquired.
“I had the very same reaction when Ms. Wright asked, yes,” The Judge replied. “Then, she offered my grandson free tickets to her next show, and I simply could not refuse.”
(Bribery? Really, Trucy? I thought I raised you better than that. But, then again, if it’s so important to call us in for, then I’ll let this one slide. Just this once!)
Edgeworth crossed his arms and let out a sigh, “Very well,” he begrudgingly accepted, “As long as it’s a serious trial, I will humor whatever this trial will be about.”
“That’s the spirit, Edgey!” Phoenix called out from the other side. The Chief Prosecutor grunted and turned his gaze away from both the judge and attorney. Said attorney began chuckling and rubbed the back of his head.
(Even though I don’t know what this trial is, considering how much effort Trucy put into making this happen, I’m sure this’ll be one of my easiest trials yet!)
The Judge banged his gavel and the room became silent. “Court is now in session for the trial of Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth! ”
Both men’s eyes shot open and their expressions became blank, letting out a simultaneous hitched breath in shock.
“The state indicates them on the charges of, and I er- quote, “pining so much that it’s become infuriating to anyone and everyone who knows them personally.”
Both galleries exploded with statements of relief that this was being resolved.
“Thank goodness this is finally happening!”
“I’ve been watching them banter for years! I always wondered about the tension.”
“I’m actually glad I accepted the magic girl’s invitation for this.”
Phoenix felt his entire body grow numb and cold. He couldn’t tell if his face was bright red, from embarrassment, or if it was pale white, out of shock. His eyes darted to an equally stunned Miles. Even he noticed the prosecutor’s fingers digging into his arm. Slowly, he cranked his head in the direction of The Judge. “W-What?...” was all he could stutter.
There was a sudden loud unmistakingly slam of hands on a table. The galleries, Judge, and Phoenix turned their attention to Edgeworth, whose palms were now resting on the wood’s surface. The look on his face showed a chimera of emotions, raging from utter rage to being completely flustered.
“That is it! I’m leaving!” he announced, picking up his own briefcase and turning to leave, glancing at the defense attorney. “You are free to join me if you wish. Until then, Good day!” He began making an immediate beeline to the nearest exit.
“Hey! Franzy! That’s your cue!” Maya shouted in his direction. All of a sudden, the crack of a whip echoed throughout the courtroom. Edgeworth froze in place and Phoenix’s face showed realization at who this ‘Franzy’ was. From behind the defense gallery stepped a familiar, blue tinted haired woman.
(Of course she brought Franziska.)
Franziska began whipping the ground near Mile’s feet, causing him to stumble back the route he just left from. “Franziska! Enough with that blasted thing!” Miles pleaded, which fell on deaf ears. She continued her lashings, until he stumbled back into the prosecutor bench.
After he was back, and visibly exhausted, she regally strutted to the middle of the courtroom, gripping her whip tightly. “You foolish fools, whose foolish attempts to deny the truth are foolishly hopeless!” she lectured to both of them, before turning her attention to Miles, “How can you fail to see what has been in front of you, little brother?” she pointed.
Miles recoiled in hesitancy. Franziska gave a small ‘hmm,’ before marching her way to the prosecution gallery, finding a seat in the front row. “Wright, whatever Trucy has planned better be worth my time!” he hissed to him.
“Even I don’t understand what’s going on,” Phoenix admitted with beads of sweat starting to form. He glanced back over to the two girls above him. Trucy happily waved to Franziska, while Maya blew a kiss in her direction. Von Karma responded by catching the kiss sent her way and winked.
(Not the best way to start…But, hopefully things can’t get worse from here, right?)
The bang of a gavel drew everyone’s attention back to the judge. “If the two of you are ready, the court calls for Larry Butz to please take the stand.”
Wright’s expression dropped again as he quickly whipped his head around to the man now standing in the witness stand. “Nicky! Edgey! Long time no see!” he happily greeted with a widened smile. “We should catch up sometimes!”
Edgeworth’s face hardened a bit, but he still maintained his composure. “As much as I might want to reminisce, I believe you have a testimony? However nonsensical it may be,” he grumbled in the last part.
[Witness Testimony: - Even Larry Knew -]
“Look, I’ve known the both of you since grade school.”
“During that class trial, right? Nicky was in tears the whole time.”
“But then, Edgey stood up and stole the show! It was actually pretty cool.”
“Anyways, we all became best buds after that. Then, Edgey stopped coming to school.”
“I never really understood why Nick switched from art to law.”
“Then, I remembered Nick came out as being bi, right after the whole Dollie mess.”
“It has to be love! I’m sure of it!”
OBJECTION!
The whole court became silent after the outburst and turned directly to Phoenix, in his iconic stance of pointing at whatever he was objecting to. A few seconds went by before he spoke again. “I...I object! T-That was…objectionable!”
“Objection overruled,” The Judge stated.
“Well, it was worth a shot,” Phoenix muttered, slumping his shoulders in defeat.
OBJECTION!
This time, the court turned their attention to Edgeworth, with him slamming his hand on the table. “Wright, are you okay with having your personal life outed in this manner?” he calmly asked.
“No, it’s fine. I think everyone knew anyways,” he dismissed, wiping the beads of sweat off of his forehead.
“Hmph.” Edgeworth straightened up and adjusted his cravat. “If it’s any consultation, I also experience a visceral attraction towards other males.”
. . .
The room went dead silent, no one even making a subtle sound. Edgeworth glanced around at everyone’s equally deadpan expressions. “What? Was it something I said?”
“No, just the way you said it,” Phoenix answered.
“Ugh. Mein Gott.”
Phoenix and Miles turned their attention to the new voice at the witness stand. Larry had moved to the defense gallery, allowing Klavier Gavin to take his place. “There is no hetero explanation for this, Her Edgeworth.”
Miles was practically stunned by the appearance of one of his employees. And the use of vocabulary. “P-Prosecutor Gavin! Don’t you have a trial today?!”
Gavin responded with a smirk and began running his fingers through his hair. “Ja, but Herr Forehead and yours truly had a quick jam session. We absolutely could not miss Herr Edgeworth and Herr Wright’s big day.”
(Herr Forehe- Oh no. Is that who I think it is? )
Immediately as Klavier left to join the prosecution gallery, “Herr Forehead” took his place on the stand. “Hey, Mr. Wright! Trucy was talking about this all day yesterday. Wouldn’t miss it for the world!” he loudly announced, followed by a chuckle. Phoenix groaned in futility and placed his head in his hands with elbows on the table. “I’ve never seen Mr. Wright this flustered! You got him good, Trucy!” Wright parted his fingers to glare at Apollo. Trucy cupped her hands over her mouth to suppress her giggles.
(Now Apollo’s laughing at my expense? . . . Why did I even agree to come here?)
“Our subordinates are witnesses to this circus?” Miles exclaimed, as flustered as Phoenix was.
“Correct,” Apollo confirmed, “in the literal sense. Because, I’m the next witness.” Then, his expression dropped to tiredness, “Besides, all I want is for my bracelet to quit reacting, whenever you two are within 20 feet of each other. Is that too much to ask for, Your Honor?”
(Wait, it does!?)
“Certainly not, Mr. Justice,” The Judge confirmed. “Your testimony please.”
[Witness Testimony: - Evidence is Everything -]
“I haven’t known Prosecutor Edgeworth very long, but the evidence doesn’t lie.”
“You chartered a private jet to Khura’in for Mr. Wright, remember?”
“From what I’ve heard, it’s hardly the first time either.”
“Ever since I came back to the States, I’ve noticed something.”
“Everytime I ask Mr. Wright about his relationship to Prosecutor Edgeworth, he tenses his forehead.”
“It was tough getting past a former poker player. But, I think my powers are getting stronger!”
OBJECTION!
“Chartering a plane is something anyone would do!” Edgeworth defended. “Need I remind you we presumed Ms. Fey’s life to be in danger. Ergo, your testimony does not reveal anything about my relationship with the defense!”
OBJECTION!
This time, it was Apollo who objected. “If it were to have happened once, maybe. But, twice? It starts looking like a pattern. Not to mention, the countless times you personally paid for Mr. Wright and Trucy to join in Europe. And , what about those subscriptions you bought for the office? Do you even know how much those cost?”
The spectators in both galleries began whispering to each other immediately after the statement finished. On the other side, Phoenix felt his entire face heat up. Either from embarrassment from Apollo’s testimony, or empathy that Miles also had to endure this torture. Behind him, he could hear Larry, Maya, and Trucy all snickering. His brow furrowed.
“I-It was a friendly gift!” Miles exclaimed. By now, his hair was starting to look more disheveled the longer this went on.
“I know the scientific name for this!” shouted a feminine voice from the gallery behind Miles. He turned around to see Ema Skye, grinning with her fingertips pressed together. “Sugar Daddy!” The court erupted with laughter as both galleries, The Judge, and the Bailiff were in hysterics, at the expense of the defense attorney and Chief Prosecutor. They both shot each other an empathetic look. But, Phoenix also began thinking.
(That does seem odd when Apollo phrased it that way. But, there’s no way Miles is…but, there is a possibility it’s true. Could he? Then...what about me?)
The laughter slowly died down and The Judge banged his gavel for silence, clearing his throat. “Mr. Wright, the testimonies of Larry Butz and Apollo Justice are not in your favor. I see no reason to question their observations. However, as always, I’d like to offer you the opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings. Do you have an explanation for Mr. Edgeworth’s behavior?”
He quietly gulped down his nerves. Ahead of him, Miles looked absolutely and utterly disheveled, hair a mess, sweat dripping down his face, red as a cherry tomato, glasses skewed. Slowly, he reached for his briefcase, sliding it in front of him and unlocking it, taking out a carefully saved item that’ll always have a place in said case.
(I’m not entirely sure…But, this is my only chance!)
TAKE THAT!
The Judge and galleries hummed with confusion at the envelope being held by Phoenix. Miles let out a strained gasp when he too noticed what was written on the front.
“The DL-6 retrial report case?” The Judge asked.
“Apollo,” Phoenix acknowledged the man still at the witness stand, “it is true the prosecution has spent exorbitant amounts of money. However, this has a perfectly reasonable explanation! I would like to remind the court that I secured a complete acquittal for Edgeworth during the DL-6 retrial.” The attorney slammed his hands down on the table, along with the report.
“Therefore, the prosecution must believe himself to be in my debt! Anyone, even Prosecutor Edgeworth, would do whatever they could to repay someone who saved their life!”
Hushed conversations began in the courtroom. Phoenix grinned to himself, knowing that he had him on the ropes. But, did he want him on the ropes? This is Miles. The one who defended him all those years ago, the one who made him change majors, the one who made him into a stepping stone for justice. The sense of built up pride began slipping away.
OBJECTION!
The objection silenced the room and caused Wright’s head to snap back up at Edgeworth. His composure was back with a sly smirk as he readjusted his glasses.“Is that really what you think, Wright?” he asked with arms crossed.
“But, it’s true, isn’t it?” Phoenix asked, tilting his head and crossing his own arms, “You fly me anywhere on your dime, got my badge back, and go to all of Trucy’s shows.” He placed both of his hands on the table. “Surely, you wouldn’t go THAT far out of the goodness of your heart, would you?”
The Chief Prosecutor chuckled and shook his head, “I’m offended you think so little of me, Wright. It’s true that I quite literally owe you my life.”
(Oh. So, it wasn’t because he…Wait…why am I disappointed?)
“However,” Miles continued, now wiggling his finger, “it is of no trouble to assist you now and again. I would not do such things out of mere obligation. On the contrary, I do this because. . .” All of a sudden, composure left once again and his face showed strain as he pounded a fist on the table.
“Because…!
Phoenix suddenly heard an all too familiar sound. It immediately caused fear to pierce through his heart as the world around him started to fade into a black void of nothingness, leaving only him and Edgeworth. The rattling of metal increased as chains immediately cut in between him and Miles. The chain rattles were replaced by the sudden pounding of five locks. All black.
[- Edgeworth’s Secret - ]
Phoenix could only stare in dismay at what he was looking at. He wasn’t even holding a magatama! Why are they showing up!? More importantly, where does he start?
“Wright, I am aware that I haven’t given you the entire truth.”
(Really? Then, why are these Psyche-Locks black?)
“Edgeworth,” Phoenix began, “There’s nothing you could say that would make me think less of you,” his voice was laced with sincerity. “Not after all we’ve been through.” With that said, he opened up the briefcase still in front of him and pulled out a sheet of paper. It read ‘Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth chooses death.’
“I know you don’t like talking about it. But, you know I forgave you a long time ago. It was an…interesting year, but I get why you had to do what you did. And, we worked through the Engarde trial just fine, right?”
Edgeworth could only stare back. Tightly clutching the sleeve of his suit, his face scrunched up and he glanced away. “How do you know?”
“How do I know what?”
“How do you know I won’t hurt you again?”
Phoenix felt his own chest tighten with stress. Regardless, he presented his next piece of evidence, by unbuttoning it from his suit and holding it out.
“Your…attorney’s badge?” Edgeworth hesitantly asked. He made a noise of dismissal, “Now’s not the time for meaningless evidence, Wright.”
“H-Hey! My badge is not meaningless! Phoenix defended, clutching the badge to his chest. His face softened after the outburst, “Edgeworth, those seven years without my badge were…difficult to say the least. I mean, the whole reason I even got it was to see you again.” Miles’ face slowly became less tense as he heard him speak. “Losing it was like losing a limb, y’know? And, I ended up pushing everyone away.” He took a deep breath, before continuing. “But, you never gave up on me. You helped with the jurist system and getting it back. I couldn’t have survived those years without you and Trucy.” He took a glance back at the badge before his brown and blue eyes looked directly at Miles’ gaze. “And then, you decided to stay for good. I know you’ll never leave us again.”
“Wright…Phoenix…” One of the locks began trembling, before shattering out of existence. Edgeworth’s eyes slightly widened before shutting his eyes. “You’re mistaken. You claim I was the one who helped you. But, it was the other way around.”
“Huh?” Phoenix wondered. Then, Miles reached to his own jacket, taking off his own badge and displayed it to him, perfectly through the gaps in the chains blocking them.
“Numerous events happened after the Deauxnim trial that altered my view on prosecution. Many times, I had considered what might have been, if I’d never taken up the von Karma mantle. If I fought for the truth just as much as you. And, I relinquished my badge for it.” He tightly shut his eyes, before looking back up at the attorney. “But,...when I see you do battle…” His hand holding the badge began to tremble. His hand closed and he brought it to his chest. Miles let out a shaky sigh before continuing. “...I’m reminded of my father. It’s a sight that still shines brilliantly in my eyes. You and my father forged your own paths. The prosecutor’s path is my own. As long as you were across the room, I could trust my own capacity. As a prosecutor.”
(Miles…)
“I wasn’t pulling strings for your sake, Wright,” Edgeworth continued, “I…I need you here.”
All around the Chief Prosecutor, the locks began shaking and shattered one by one, until one remained. The one still keeping all of the chains up. The one over his heart. Phoenix stared at the lock with intensity, wondering what else was there.
“Wright.” Hearing his name made him look back up at Edgeworth. “I promise that is all I have to say.” his voice sounded like there was still something hidden. “I’m glad it’s out in the open. You’re an incredibly valuable. . . friend.” The chains around began to shake violently.
(The last one. It must have something to do with what he thinks of me. Is it…Is it really true?)
“Miles,” Phoenix loudly whispered. He glanced unsurety to the side, gently clasping both of his hands together. “I…deeply value our partnership.”
“Hmph. Something he can agree on,” Miles stated, crossing his arms. His body showed confidence, but deep down, Phoenix knew something else was holding him back from accepting how he truly feels.
“But…” Phoenix glanced down at his briefcase, taking out the last piece of evidence. “There’s something that’s been bothering me for years.”
Taking a deep breath, his arms shot forward to hold out the envelope towards Miles. In response he squinted with confusion. “State v. Powers? I wasn’t aware you were one for legal precedents.”
“Actually, I’m not,” Phoenix admitted, pulling the envelope closer to him. “It's about what happened… after .”
~~~~~~~~~~
“Thanks to you, I am saddled with unnecessary…feelings.”
“Unnecessary feelings?”
“Yes. Unease…and uncertainty.”
“Aren’t those kind of necessary?”
~~~~~~~~~~
“That was ages ago, when I was a different man.” Miles defended. “Why bring that up now?”
Gently placing the envelope back in the case, Wright closed it and set it aside, so that the only thing keeping them separated was the lock. He gently clasped his hands together and began. “Your phrasing struck me as off. Still does, if I’m being honest. Over the years, I came to realize that, whether I knew it or not, I had some unnecessary feelings of my own.” Miles’ face quickly softened when those words were said. “I became a defense attorney for you. Twice. I trust you with my life. Prosecutor and attorney. Two halves of a whole.” He took a deep breath, his voice slightly wavered with built up emotion. He spoke with a smile.
“Isn’t that the definition of love?”
Miles continued to stare with widened eyes. A blush had made its way on his cheeks, matching Phoenix’s “You really did just…” His hand gripped his elbow once again as his expression dropped. “Congratulations, Wright. You win, as always.”
The lock finally snapped off and became a forgotten memory. The chains around Miles untethered and slinked away. The darkness of their empty void started brightening…
~~~~~~~~~~
(I can’t believe I just said that! He has to know by now! What should I do? I didn’t think this far ahead! Edgew-)
“Phoenix.”
His eyes shot open at the table across the room. Miles was standing there. His face showed what could only be described as… ease and certainty. He wasn’t aware that his own eyes were glistening with gathering tears. The blue suited man carefully watched Edgeworth’s body movements. The prosecutor stepped a bit towards his left, walking until his whole body was visible. He stared at Phoenix with a longing gaze. The attorney caught on and walked away from the table to his direction. They both met halfway in the center of the courtroom. Everything around them came to a standstill, almost as if time had purposefully stopped just for them.
Phoenix could see his own heterochromia gaze into Miles’ flint colored gaze. He didn’t know how it happened, but his right hand was lightly grasping the prosecutor’s
“I love you, Miles Edgeworth,” he confessed, "since we were kids, even.” He huffed in laughter from how he could have worded that better. “Wait, let me restate that. I’m in love with you. Like, as more than friends.”
From the look on Edgeworth’s face, his expression showed complete vulnerability, with his own eyes beginning to water with emotion. “...Though I do not fully understand this myself…” he began raising his other hand, “...it would seem logic has brought us to the truth at last. His voice was laced with the warmness of a fireplace in Winter. Carefully, he raised his free hand to cup Wright’s face. The attorney lightly gasped at the action, feeling a tear become loose and roll down his face. The corners of his mouth began stretching upwards. “I love you too, Phoenix Wright.”
Wright felt as if his whole body was lighter than air, gazing longingly into the eyes of the man he, literally, ended up following to the ends of the Earth for. He placed his free hand over the one on his cheek, aware that it was soaking in the tears cascading down his face. As if on instinct, their faces slowly moved closer together. Both of their eyes fluttered shut as slightly parted lips pressed against each other. It felt as if their souls momentarily became one. All of their hidden feelings for each other finally made their presence known through this tender moment.
Whistles and cheers erupted in the courtroom. Apollo’s Chords of Steel were the loudest cheers, along with Maya’s whistling and Larry’s loud bawling. Even Franziska gave a confident smile and nod, and Klavier politely clapped, which was quickly interrupted by Ema gripping his shoulders, and she began shaking him with unrestrained excitement.
The new boyfriends parted their kiss and stared at each other with watering eyes and warm smiles, leaning in for a tight hug. Phoenix buried his head into Miles’ shoulder as his hands clutched the fabric of his suit. Slightly opening an eye, there was a sudden presence of a man. Only, something about him was…transparent. The man tipped his hat with a grin. “I’m so proud of you…my son…” As quick as he arrived, he vanished.
The cheers around the court began dying down and The Judge banged his gavel for everyone’s attention. Both Miles and Phoenix quickly pulled away from the embrace, wiping their eyes from any stray tears, and turned to the judge’s seat. Even The Judge wiped away a tear before clearing his voice. “It appears the trial has reached its conclusion,” he said with a nod. “Mr. Wright, Mr. Edgeworth. I offer my sincerest congratulations. And, I hope this is the last we speak of this matter. A decade has been more than enough,” he quickly quipped.
The prosecutor and attorney chuckled at that statement. “Of course, Your Honor,” Phoenix replied, shyly rubbing the back of his neck.
Miles offered a quick bow, “Verily. I would never forgive myself if anything less perfect were to happen.” He shot a glance at the man next to him. Phoenix took notice and dipped his head, whilst blushing.
The Judge nodded at their responses. “Now then, I believe it’s time for the verdict.”
Both of their smiling faces dropped in realization. “W-wait, I don’t remember this being a trial-” Phoenix’s words were cut off.
“The court finds the defendants, Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth…”
Guilty
Once again, the galleries erupted with cheers and claps. Both men were still stunned as confetti began raining down on them, which was ironically various shades of red and blue. Miles covered his face with one hand as the other gripped his elbow, out of embarrassment. Phoenix could only continue grinning at the display and his shoulders shook with laughter. His eyes quickly glanced over to his table, blinking with slight surprise. In his usual place was the transparent figure of a tall woman, with dark espresso colored hair and similarly colored eyes. She smiled and nodded in his direction. His surprised expression quickly became content once again, and he smiled and nodded back to her.
The gavel banged one more time. “That is all. This court is adjourned.”
~~~~~~~~~~
October 21, 12:27 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
With positive emotions, a group consisting of Phoenix, Trucy, Maya, Apollo, and, surprisingly, Franziska walked out into the Defendant Lobby. Maya was too busy excitedly jumping up and down. “Aaaahh Nick!!! It finally happened!! I’m so happy for yoouuuu!!!” she squealed enthusiastically.
“Heh, believe me when I say I’m happy too,” Phoenix replied with a grin.
Maya stopped her jumping, “And, if you mess this up, me and Pearly will whip you back into shape! Got it?” The attorney’s smile became nervous, hearing how nonchalant and cheerful the threat was.
“Yes, it took you long enough, Phoenix Wright,” Franziska spoke, walking up next to Maya. “However!” she pointed, “Any foolish actions will be met with equal force!” Maya chuckled in at the response and leaned into her shoulder. Franziska smiled and put an arm around her.
(Yeah, I get why her and Maya became a thing.)
“Hey, Boss!” yelled a voice coming from the entrance. Everyone turned around and beamed when they saw Athena speed walk her way to the group.
“Hey there, Athena. I didn’t see you at the, uh..magic trial,” Phoenix pointed out.
In response, Athena crossed her arms and huffed, “I wanted too, but someone had to stay behind to finish up today’s workload. Without assistance.” She gave a disgruntled look at Apollo.
“Well, Trucy had to be there, and you drew the shortest straw, so…” Apollo trailed off, shrugging.
Athena squinted one last time at the younger attorney, before turning to her boss with an excited look, “Anyways, congratulations! It’s been a long time coming!”
Phoenix laughed and put a hand behind his head, “Thanks, but…” his face morphed into curiosity. “...Did you all know before I did?” he asked everyone.
“No offense, Mr. Wright, but that certain someone you spoke of was painfully obvious,” Apollo smirked.
“You can’t get anything past a magician, Daddy!” Trucy beamed.
“You two have some serious complex emotions in your voices,” Athena revealed. “The discord was almost unbearable.”
Phoenix’s face changed to mild disappointment.
(Ugh…this is what I get for hiring an office full of human lie detectors)
Athena then perked up, “Hey, I have an idea! One free therapy session, free of charge!”
{And bring your boyfriend, too!}
The therapist recoiled in surprise at the mini computer around her neck. “Bad Widget!” she scolded, flicking it.
“Boyfriend, hmm? I suppose that is the proper vernacular.”
Everyone straightened in surprise at the sudden voice. Something in Phoenix told him to turn around. Which he did, which, in turn, made him jump a little.
“E-Edgeworth!”
Edgeworth adjusted his glasses before speaking, “You still speak my last name in that wistful way of yours.” He sighed, “Some things never change.”
“You didn’t come here just to mock me, did you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Miles chuckled at his question and shook his head. “Not at all. I suppose I should be thanking you, Phoenix. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this…unburdened.” Even though Phoenix felt his heart soar at the content smile of the man in front of him. “I eagerly anticipate the immediate future.”
“You know, Miles,” the defense attorney began, taking the Chief Prosecutor’s hand with both of his, “you don’t have to hide your feelings behind a dictionary.”
Miles’ eyes trailed down to his enveloped hand and this smile slightly widened. “Hmph. A very valuable lesson from today’s proceedings.” His gaze trailed back up to Phoenix’s. “Although, we could have had the same conversation away from the courtroom.”
“Oh, I knew as much about this as you did. You can thank Trucy for that,” Phoenix admitted, glancing over at the grinning magician.
“Hee hee!” Trucy giggled, tipping her hat, “No need to thank me, Papa!”
Phoenix tightened his grip around Miles’ hand in shock.
“P-Papa?!?” Apollo asked, as equally shocked as his boss.
The girl joyfully turned to him. “Oh Polly, he’s my Papa! Not yours! I can call him whatever I like!” She finished her statement with a twirl.
Her father began blushing with embarrassment and one of his hands let go of Miles’ to wave dismissively, “H-Hey, Truce? How about we ask Miles first? No pressure or anything, but-”
“It’s quite alright,” Miles calmly said. Phoenix paused and looked back at the prosecutor. “I would be entirely amenable to such an arrangement. On one condition.” he spoke that last part in a lowered tone.
Phoenix felt his face warm up as Miles’ face moved slightly closer to his. He swallowed thickly. “Y-Yes?” Phoenix asked in a shaky voice. Miles’ eyelid slightly lowered, before saying his request…
“Eldoon’s right now, on your tab.”
“...Huh?” All previous thoughts Phoenix had flew right out the window as his face became a normal temperature.
“Yeah!” Maya agreed! “Now that everyone’s here, Nick can pay for dinner! You’re paying for all of us, right Nick?”
“Uh…”
“Y’know, Daddy?” Trucy butted in, “we lost a couple hundred dollars since I gave the judge those free tickets. You’ll pay me back, right Daddy?”
Turning to the group, Phoenix raised his hands up in surprise. “N-Now wait a sec-” He could hear Miles snicker beside him.
“Wow, Boss! Un hombre tan generoso!” Athena joyously exclaimed.
“Hey, I heard something about grabbing a bite to eat?” Larry asked, just now coming from the bathroom, adjusting his pants.
Soon, Klavier and Ema made their way to the group. “That is if, apparently, Herr Forehead’s boss is willing to pay,” Klavier practically sang.
“. . .Under these circumstances, there’s only one thing I can say.”
“Ooh I know! He’s gonna say it!” Maya shouted with anticipation.
“It has been a while since I’ve heard you say that word so often,” Franziska quipped, playfully nudging Maya.
“C’mon, Daddy! Even louder than Polly!” Trucy encouraged.
“Mind if I join in?” Miles offered, shifting until he was side by side with his boyfriend. Phoenix grinned and the hands closest to each other intertwined.
“Nothing would be better,” he answered. Both men looked at the awaiting group.
“3…2…1…”
OBJECTION!!!