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Phoenix Wright, a disbarred defense attorney who was accused of fabricating evidence, since he did present it. It was illegal to present such foul evidence that can corrupt how the jurists and judge see the case. He may have been cleared of suspicions, but, he had suffered for seven long years, and the scars from those seven years remained. Seven long years of torment and pain over the loss of his badge and the start of the Dark Age of the Law, with his only true light; Trucy, his daughter, supporting him through those years. He also had Maya and Pearl, on the downside though, he couldn't see them since Maya had to continue her Spirit Training to become the Leader of Khu'rain Village and Pearl had to help her cousin out. They did send each other letters from time to time. Another friend who at least tried to help him out despite his lack of understanding the complexity of feelings; Miles Edgeworth.
Phoenix knew Miles wasn't exactly a sentimental type, that stubborn prosecutor would always use logic over emotions. Brain over heart. But Miles was somewhat.. different. During his early days of his disbarment, Miles had called upon hearing the news from Detective Gumshoe, he was actually worried. Not that he had admitted that fact through the phone, it was just the way his voice sounded. It was sort of shaky, uneasy and definitely.. scared? Phoenix didn't call the man out though, he was scared himself for what might happen if he did. Would Miles have left him if he noticed the worrisome tone in his voice? He didn't want to think about it, and so he focused on discovering the truth about the fabrication. After all that effort, he was cleared, with some help from Miles, Trucy.. and Apollo Justice, a rookie defense attorney who had a very observant eye. Apollo had helped Phoenix by being in those trials he had gone through, and finally getting Kristoph into prison.
After finally being allowed to legally study law, he decided to leave the country and to Europe to study and find a way to turn this legal catastrophe around. He couldn't allow the darkness stay, especially since he was a victim of the corruption and his own friends were even affected by this. Phoenix walked along the streets, on his way to a local bookstore near his temporary apartment. He wondered if there were any good law books in there. He wasn't sure if there'd be any better books than the ones he had found in the U.S., some books from the U.S. were just old law books that doesn't affect the present timeline. So, those were just useless.
Finally after some skimming through the shelves, he found an old battered looking book called "Guilty Crush", it suspiciously didn't look like a law book but it was old, so Phoenix assumed that it was some sort of weird book title that the author didn't bother to create a better name than that. Besides, Guilty Crush sounds cool as a name, like crushing the culprits by finding out how they're just guilty dummies. He backed up slightly to take a look at the books above, but he unfortunately bumped into somebody who was looking through the other shelf infront of the one he was looking through.
"Sorry-..." Phoenix noticed the color of the suit the other man wore, it was the same shade of red Miles had worn, except this time a waistcoat wasn't visible. He looked up to see the man's face. Gray hair, the barely visible freckles, the wrinkles.. the gray eyes, the glasses... "Eh.. Edgeworth-?" he was visibly surprised to find Miles in the same library as him, what an odd coincidence. He examined Edgeworth's expression, noticing the slight surprise in his face before it became neutral again.
"Wright, I am.. frankly surprised to be meeting you here." Edgeworth dusted himself off, his gaze going towards the book in Wright's hand, seems like he knew something about the book that Phoenix doesn't know. His face scrunched up as a reaction to that book, which actually made Phoenix feel nervous and hyper self-aware.
Phoenix looked at the book in his hand then back at Edgeworth's face, "Not good?" He had reluctantly asked. He looked down at the book again, it looked like a regular law book. It even had Lady Justice on the cover, looked good enough, honestly, it's like he didn't even have to read the short summary on the back. It looked promising, but the disappointed look on Miles' face got him thinking that he should've opened at least the first page.
Miles sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Are you aware of the phrase; 'don't judge a book by its cover'?" he skimmed through the bookshelf behind him and grabbed a law book, very crinkled up edges and the cover had an actual legit looking title; "Social Welfare & Social Work". "This is an actual law book filled with necessary information, it has everything important you need to know that surrounds this topic. What you are holding..."
Phoenix opened the first page of the book and saw some art in the book, it was a woman being pinned against the wall by a man, he assumed that the two were lawyers from the badges on the character's lapels. His eyes widened realizing what exactly this book is about.
"... That is a romance novel. Seriously, Wright, do you ever check the inside of the book before just walking around with it and fooling yourself in the process?" Miles shoved the law book towards Phoenix and grabbing the romance novel and placed it on the empty spot on the shelf. Blissfully unaware by the look on Phoenix's face as he crossed his arms and stared at the romance novel.
"Hold it... How exactly did you know that this was a romance novel?" Phoenix grinned, one hand on his hip while the other held the book. He now knows something Miles tried to be discreet about. "From the cover, without reading the back of course, it wouldn't be obvious from one small look."
"Wright, it says Guilty Crush on the cover, it clearly means some sort of court related love story." Miles huffed as he turned around to look at Phoenix while he crossed his arms, a small redness was visible on his cheeks. "Besides that, do you see the cover? A woman and a man are both connected with golden chains that is attached to their hands."
"Objection!" Phoenix pointed at Miles accusingly, "In the angle I held the book, you couldn't possibly have seen the cover art! Besides that, the two figures are small, the first thing you'd see is Lady Justice!" His grin grew wider, confident that he was right with the idea he had in mind.
"Nghk-! Objection! I- I just judged based off of the title, it is clearly a romance novel. Who in their right mind would call a law book Guilty Crush ? " Miles tapped on his arm with his finger impatiently.
"Well, Miles Edgeworth, a lawyer or anybody involved in the law studies would assume the 'crush' part means crushing a culprit. Metaphorically, of course." Phoenix placed the book down on the table to put his other hand on his hip. "Someone so focused on the law wouldn't dare think that this was some sort of romantic fantasy book, especially you Edgeworth. You have a lack of interest in anybody so it is hard to believe you could tell what is a romance novel and what isn't."
Miles rolled his eyes, still trying to deny the facts presented to him, "I refuse to let this stupid debate continue, pick up that damned book and read the actual law already. Before you fail your bar exam." he attempted to strut away, hoping he'd get the last word and they wouldn't have to speak of this ever again. But, clearly, Phoenix didn't give up and followed Miles, causing the stubborn man to feel hyperly aware of his surroundings.
"You read Guilty Crush, didn't you?!" Phoenix laughed aloud before being rudely interrupted by the librarian who gave him death stares. "Okay, wait, Edgeworth- do you have a library card? I want to borrow this." he grinned awkwardly, he wanted to keep Miles near him, maybe have a chat, besides arguing about whether or not had Miles read that cursed romance novel.
Miles reluctantly gave the man his card and patiently waited for the man to check out his book. Once Phoenix was done, he snatched his card away and tried to power walk away, but of course, Phoenix was just as stubborn as he was and he wasn't letting this go. "Seriously, Wright, you have no need to accompany me. Unless you are here to continue accusing me of reading something unnecessary, but then, I honestly really don't need your random squabbles that don't mean anything." he sighed as he struck Phoenix a very much annoyed look.
Phoenix rubbed the back of his neck and awkwardly smiled, "Partly, it'd be fun to continue acting like lawyers for things that don't need to be... 'lawyered'. But, I think it'd be nice if we caught up with each other, you rarely call these past few months." he sighed sadly as he thought about it, the last time he was called was the day before Phoenix was falsely charged with murder.
Miles pursed his lips as he stopped in his tracks, it was pretty unfair of him to run away from Phoenix again. He hadn't even congratulated the attorney for being cleared of suspicions of fabricating evidence. After all the help he have been receiving from Phoenix, his 'reassuring' words over the phone wasn't nearly enough to repay for the things that man did for him. ".. There is a rather good coffee shop around this block."
Phoenix's eyes lit up, "Lead the way, schatzi." he attempted to do a bit of 'German lingo' Klavier supposedly had taught him. He was mildly confused by Miles' face heating up, he assumed it was because of the fact that he had probably said 'schatzi' in some obviously American way, even if it sounded correct. ".. Edgeworth, you look quite feverous. Is something the matter? Did I cringe you from my mispronounciation?" he had stammered.
"No, Wright. It is the fact you called me 'schatzi'." Miles decided to ignore whatever that was and assumed Phoenix was heavily misinformed by a certain junior prosecutor under his building. He sighed disappointingly at the thought of that blondie, but it was sort of amusing to see Phoenix be blissfuly unaware of what that man had just said. "Whatever, let's just go. I expect you to pay for our drinks, yes?" without waiting for a response, he strutted off, forcing Phoenix to follow like a dog. It was sort of cute.
"What's with people making me pay for their food and drinks.." Phoenix mumbled as he quickly caught up to Miles. The walk was silent, but it felt loud. It was like there were some unsaid things, things that were necessary to speak of but they both chose not to. There was some sort of tension that they didn't dare cease it, afraid of the damage that may cause them to be torn apart. Phoenix was most afraid of what Miles might do if he spoke of the wrong matter, what if that prosecutor would run away like he always have? It wasn't worth the risk.
After the rather long and insufferable walk, they had made it to a small coffee shop called; 'Klapollo Café'. The name was odd, sure, it sounded like a mix of some certain attorney's names he knew of. He slightly chuckled at the name and walked inside when Miles had opened the door for him.
The café had a cozy sort of vibe, it had a vintage sort of look that reminded Phoenix of how a café looked like in those fantasy novels he had read before. It had the wooden, polished oak tables and all that. It had the cozy woodland vibe and it was honestly refreshing to see.
Miles led Phoenix over to a table in a secluded corner, the two had sat opposite to each other which practically forced them to look at each other. It felt a bit awkward, Phoenix knew Miles wasn't really shy nor was he, himself, shy. They were pretty socially awkward, Phoenix wasn't too awkward whenever he had Maya or even Trucy around him because when he freezes up, they'd take over. He didn't know how Miles dealt with social stuff, he just assumed the gray-haired man just says something work related. He let out a long sigh, thinking he might come up with a silly question or something to say that can lead them into a rabbit hole.
Lucky for them, the waitress came over, saving their akwardness by making them order already. "Sind Sie bereit zu bestellen?" she politely said with her pen tapping against the paper attached to her clipboard, readying to write down whatever they may choose.
Phoenix was a tad bit confused and let Miles lead them on, he watched the prosecutor nod curtly before speaking in German too. He, (Phoenix), only understood two words which were Earl Grey. A certain tea Miles fairly enjoyed having. He felt nervous once the waitress turned to him, he pretended not noticing by forcing his eyes to scan the menu, but that failed since Miles had given him quite the look.
"You do know that the servers know English, correct?" Miles tapped his finger on the table, finding Phoenix a bit stupid for not even asking if the waitress understood English, "You could always, well, ask." his tone was sort of impatient. Upon hearing Phoenix's sigh of relief, he returned to a folder that the spiky-haired man didn't notice from earlier.
"Ah, your friend, sir, don't speak German?" the waitress chimed in with a heavy German accent, it was at least understandable. "I have asked you if you two were ready to order." she translated her earlier words.
"Ah, yeah, my bad. I'd like.. er.. coffee." Phoenix had started bouncing his leg from nervousness, a habit he had though he didn't do it as often as rubbing the back of his neck when he made a small mistake.
"Dark, sir?" The waitress scribbled down something, probably just what Phoenix had ordered. Honestly, Phoenix always wondnered if waiters do write down the necessary or important stuff only, or if they write little side notes or other little scribbles in the corner. For Phoenix, he would definitely scribble other stuff down than just whatever somebody ordered, but that's just what he thinks.
"Uh, yeah, sure." Phoenix mumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck. Once the waitress had gone he sighed, That was one hell of a cringe fest.. He had thought to himself. He was a bit more social than before at the very least, but it was awkward as hell. He was glad when he saw Miles open his mouth.
"Wright, you do know that you don't have to be tense everytime a pretty lady goes the slightest bit near you. 'Keep it in your pants' is what I believe the kids say these days." Miles sounded bitter for some reason, his tone was teasing, but something was off about it. Like, there was something wrong. Especially the part when he emphazised 'pretty lady'.
Phoenix wished Apollo was around, the little guy always knew when something was up due to that.. bracelet. It's like a magatama but it only tenses when someone lies or if something was up... Wait. Like a magatama! The spiky-haired man touched the magatama that was in his pocket. "Is something the matter, Edgeworth?" he slowly questioned.
Miles pursed his lips, his face scrunched up a bit as he tapped on the table. He felt like Phoenix was going to pull sonething out of his sleeve if he lies because that man somehow finds the truth. Although, it has been so long that he wasn't sure what it was. "Well, Wright, I assure you that nothing is wrong. It is just noticeable how easily you start to fancy a woman just from their looks." it wasn't a lie, so, whatever Phoenix might pull up, it won't come out now.
"Right.. right.. Just that?" Phoenix clutched onto his magatama, hoping those psyche-locks could appear. He just hopes that he had enough evidence to question Miles to get to the bottom of this weird and awkward time.
"... Yes, I suppose." Miles sighed, thinking he had outsmarted Phoenix. It wasn't a lie, technically. So, that'd be it.
".. Okay. I'll believe you.. anyway, what do you mean I 'fancy women so easily'?" Phoenix had let go of his magatama before crossing his arms. He gave off an 'offended' sort of look, and it was quite amusing to Miles.
"You were all tense and stuttery. You are too obvious, Wright. At least tone it down, will you? Focus on the law book you have in your hands." The prosecutor teased lightly before he continued to read his documents in his folder.
Phoenix groaned as he opened the textbook. It looked interesting, the contents at least. He then read quietly, flipping through a few pages. About five minutes later, the waitress came back with their orders. She quickly left afterwards before Phoenix could thank her. He assumed that it was a busy day for them, so it wouldn't be good if she stayed longer than necessary. He didn't dwell into it longer as he continued to read. When he looked up to check on Miles, he seemed contented with the silence. It wasn't that tense, loud silence they had earlier. It was more comfortable and quite calming, and so the two stayed quiet as they read and drink their, well, drinks.
Phoenix didn't pay much attention to his book because from time to time. He felt himself looking at Miles. It was refreshing to see the gray-haired man to be at peace and not on constant guard, not relaxing.. It was nice.
He was glad he met him. If he hadn't, he would've never saved Miles from the DL-6 incident. He wouldn't have met Mia, Maya, and Pearl Fey. He definitely wouldn't have become friends with so many people that came to his life. Like Apollo, and that old noodle guy. He probably wouldn't have gotten such a wonderful daughter either. Despite Miles not directly helping him out, he was grateful.
His daydreaming was then put to a stop when Miles had started eye contact. The spiky-haired man quickly looked down at his book and pretended that he was just glancing at Miles for a quick moment and not for several minutes. He heard the prosecutor mumble something, though, he wasn't sure what it really was. He just hoped that it wasn't a genuine insult.
***
Possibly an hour later, Miles called a server to come over since they were to pay for the drinks. Phoenix got his wallet out because he remembered that he was the one to pay for them, but Miles stopped him.
"No, Wright, I should pay. Consider this as a way to pay for the time you spent for us after.. after that case." Miles smiled softly, it was one of those rare smiles where it wasn't some damn evil smirk. It looked nice.
Phoenix felt his insides turning at the sight, like his butterflies had the butterflies too. He chuckled a bit while rubbing the back of his neck, "Oh? Uh, sure, I suppose. I could do with the whole keeping my money thing. Thanks, Edgeworth."
Miles nodded, and when he looked up, he had a certain annoyed look he'd given something that usually smelled.. "Butz." he muttered.
"Yo! Edgey, dude! Didn't expect'cha!" Larry grinned as he placed the bill down on the table, "Yoo! And Nicky too? Finally, my man! I've been waiting for you t-" he was then interrupted by Miles slamming the money on the table. "Hehe, you in a rush, Edgey? Hoping to get me outta your da...ate..?" Larry gulped then cowardly ran away with the payment.
"..Did he just say 'date'?" Phoenix looked at Miles, he was surprised to see a somewhat bashful look on the prosecutor. Red cheeks and a little angry sort of pout?
".. Nevermind him, Wright. He is full of.. odd things that aren't meant to be spoken of." Miles quickly regained nonchalance as he stood up, "I must head off now. I have.. a meeting. If there is change, you take it." and then.. he walked away. Too quickly. Not enough time for Phoenix to register this.
The spiky-haired man ran a hand through his hair, he looked down at his book, trying to process the words Larry said and how Miles reacted to it. It was disappointing, honestly. Why would he run off like that? Did Miles really find the idea of him and Phoenix as a couple that repulsive?
Phoenix then stood up, along with his book and walked off. He hoped he could spot Miles somewhere along the road because surely he couldn't have gotten that far.
He had rushed out, looking around, maybe Miles would be spotted a couple of feet away from him. But somehow, the prosecutor had fled the scene, too quick for comfort. Phoenix drew out a long sigh and decided to go back to his apartment, maybe the book will give him a small distraction. Because, honestly, it'd be better if he focused on his studies and figure some things out on his own. A dramatic love life wasn't needed for lawyer stuff. It was going to be alright as long as he didn't think too much about Miles.
Phoenix tried to multi-task on the way home, walking and reading. But unlucky for him; he stepped in a large amount of mud that it ruined his shoes. He then took the short cut to his home; a sketchy-looking alleyway that might have a bunch of rodents or even 'gangsters' lurking around. He didn't mind it really, as long as he could get home faster. Besides, even if he was accidentally harmed, he would just walk it off like the time he got hit by a car and hit his head on a telephone pole. So, no biggie.
By the time Phoenix got home, he felt so exhausted. Like he just drained all his energy, but, it was weird how he was this tired from just walking. But he didn't dwell about it too much and decided to just lay down and probably text Trucy on his phone. That'd be nice, Phoenix had muttered to himself. His phone was old and not like the current phones where it was touch screens and all that. He just thinks modernized phones were just too much difficulties and it was too complicated for his old mind to understand, unlike Miles who had those touch-screens. Ah, and there he goes, thinking about Miles again. Is it that hard to keep him out of mind?
Phoenix sighed then scrolled, well, not exactly scroll but, yeah, whatever, anyway; he looked through his contacts and finally found Trucy's name. He hoped that Apollo was taking care of Trucy, even if Trucy was pretty independant, he was worried for his daughter. I mean- what kind of father would he be if he didn't worry? That'd be, just, weird to think about.
Yesterday
| (/@u@)/
byebye, Truce!! |
| lelele okaay!! //OvO//
Today
hi Truce!! |
| Hi daddy!!! ^u^ hruu?? *v*
im alright, how bout you?? |
| as always, im oki doki!!! js practicing sum magic for my next show!
sounds fun! |
| wait daddy i need to get going!! polly accidentally spilled my confetti (> o <)!!
alright alright, cyaa |
Phoenix smiled then turned off his phone, letting out a long sigh as he flipped over. Thinking the day over. He had walked around the place, he was eating outside.. he walked around some more. He had accidentally bumped into a kid once and knocked over their ice cream and the kid's parents swore at him in German.. later on he had lunch in his apartment then decided to go to the library where he met.. Miles. There he goes again, thinking about Miles all over again. Was that all he ever did? Think about Miles? Well, maybe.. He had been thinking about Miles more often nowadays. But after their time in the café, thinking about Miles felt like it stung. It hurt. Why would Miles react like that? Why did he just kept leaving. It was horrible. He tried to get Miles off his mind as he sat up and grabbed the book to focus on his studies.
Phoenix flipped through the pages into the night, by the time Phoenix was halfway through the book it was midnight. The man yawned as he closed the book and laid down, somehow falling asleep almost immediately.
***
Phoenix found himself sitting next to Miles, in his bed. The prosecutor was muttering sweet nothings as he traced patterns on the defense's lap, slowly kissing his neck in the process. Phoenix bit his lip as he tried to keep composure, "E-Edgeworth.. let's focus on the law book, alright?" he stammered.
Phoenix heard Miles chuckle a bit, "But, oh, you've been studying for quite a while, hm? Why not a break from it..?" he had said in some weird tone Phoenix never heard before. Miles' hand went dangerously near Phoenix's waistband, "Let's have a bit of fun during the break?"
Phoenix gulped, it was nerve wracking, why was Miles acting so-.. so flirty?! His cheeks redenned as he tried to keep all his focus on the book. Clearly, Miles wasn't giving up as he felt the prosecutor tug at his waistband.
"Fine, want to focus on law? How about a small review?" Whatever Miles had in mind.. it was probably going to make Phoenix break.
Phoenix closed his eyes and then....
Phoenix sat up, all sweaty and red in the face. That was a dream?! And what a dream that was because it was honestly flustering as hell. He let out a frustrated groan as he laid back down, letting himself calm down and feel less.. well.. hard..? Whatever it is! Once he had finished thinking about his previous dream, he grumpily stood up and focused his emotions on being mad at Miles rather than feeling... that.
***
Later in the afternoon, Phoenix was back at the library to read more law books and maybe get a German-to-English dictionary so he could understand something and probably not take advice from Klavier. Maybe find out the actual meaning of 'schatzi' too, just in case he actually called someone a whore or something. Last time, Maya had told Phoenix that 'puto' was a Spanish compliment, like saying 'pretty' and all that. And so he called a very beautiful woman 'puto' and said woman smacked him across the face.
What an odd memory to reminisce about, but whatever. He then decided to look for the dictionary and find out what certain things mean. He could also try speaking to Miles in German since the gray-haired man seemed pretty fluent in it.
"Ahem."
Phoenix quickly looked up and saw.. Miles! This time, the prosecutor looked a bit uneasy, maybe a bit more uneasy than he had been when he hurriedly ran from the café. "Oh, uh, Edgeworth, hi!"
".. Is that a dictionary?" Miles sighed as he sat next to Phoenix. What an awkward time to meet Miles, huh?
"Ah, yeah. It is. Anywa-"
"I apologise for leaving so suddenly." Miles clutched onto his left arm, a habit he had when he felt.. nervous. It sort of concerned Phoenix when he saw how Miles was acting.
"Oh, no, don't worry. It's alright, I felt pretty tired anyway so.." Phoenix rubbed the back of his neck before returning to the small dictionary. "I'm surprised that you found me here."
"I suspected that you'd come back to return the book today, that is if you finished it. I took my chances." Miles then relaxed a bit upon seeing Phoenix's reactions, thinking that the defense had already forgiven him. He found it annoying how Phoenix would forgive him so easily.
"You could've texted or called if you needed to say sorry and meet up, y'know?"
"I knew that, but, it'd feel a bit awkward. Considering the fact I left when Butz had some.. weird fantasies."
"Oh, no, it's alright."
It became awkwardly silent, like if somebody said something it'd be wrong. But instead of keeping silent, Phoenix needed to know something.
"Do.. Do you find it repulsing if we were on a date?"
This caused Miles to stiffen slightly, but he quickly relaxed and adjusted his glasses. "Why, not repulsive, no, maybe weirded out? Considering the fact that we are just friends."
Chiingg....
Pysche-lock. Phoenix didn't like that one bit. So did Miles really find it that bad? "Right.. are you sure?" Phoenix saw the chains disappear, allowing him to ask another question.
"Er, not weirded out." The previous lock broke itself which allowed Phoenix to relax. Miles knew Phoenix would find out, one way or another. ".. Wright, Ich liebe dich."
Phoenix stared at Miles, utterly confused by what that might've meant. "Was that an insult.. or..?"
"No, it isn't. Maybe one day you'll find out. With that dictionary, one day you'll find out. Best if not now." Miles stood up, he was about to leave but Phoenix grapped his wrist. "Er.. what is it?"
"Would.. Would you like to come to my place?" Phoenix managed to get out, quicker than he initially thought he'd take. To his surprise, Miles didn't run away.
"Hm.. I suppose it.. wouldn't harm anyone. Where would that be?" Miles sat back down, he looked ultimately tensed up from the offer. Besides that observation, Phoenix might've seen a hint of pink on the other's cheeks.. but that might've been just his mind playing tricks on him.
"It's not too far from here, really. If you go through an alleyway, that is.." Phoenix rubbed the back of his neck as he did that awkward grin he had displayed before. It was such a stupid grin it made Miles smirk slightly.
"Wouldn't that be dangerous?" Miles then recollected himself and looked, once again, as stoic as ever. 'Unmoving' or whatever. It was that bitch-resting face Phoenix found endearing.
"Yeah, but, like, I have already been hit by a car before and walked it off with ju-"
"You.. WHAT?!" Miles' face was giving off a lot of concern, he was then given a few dirty looks by a few people who was reading nearby, which made him lower his voice to a 'whisper-shouting' sort of tone. "Are you even human at this point? Somehow you fell through a burning bridge, landed into icy-cold water, not to mention you were 40ft below a river that was believed to have not a single survivor or body ever found. And, now you somehow shrug off being hit by a car?!"
"And being sent about 30ft in the air and hitting my head on a telephone pole. But, really, I'm alright. Let's just-"
"Wright." Miles let out a really long sigh before standing up and pinching the bridge of his nose. Phoenix awaited for the prosecutor to fully calm down. Once he did, he put a hand on his hip, "Lead the way to your apartment. We are going by car."
"I don't have a license.." Phoenix stood up as he rubbed the back of his neck, once he had seen the disappointed look on Miles' face he quickly looked towards the bookshelf just to ignore that. He then felt a hand on his wrist, so suddenly, which made him sort of jump. "Wh- whuh, huh? "
"Just give me directions, alright?" Miles pulled Phoenix over, and as he did, Phoenix could've sworn he had seen a tint of red on the other's cheeks. It was a bit odd, but it felt like something he shouldn't dwell on.
***
A few minutes had passed, finally, they made it to the apartment. The ride to there was painfully awkward and it felt like ages. Miles was practically fuming with worry in his seat while Phoenix was carefully speaking about little things that don't involve getting hurt or anything related to physical damages to his body that always somehow to survive through it.
Phoenix gave Miles a teeny tour, since there wasn't much to look at, they both sat down on the couch. Both silent. It was nerve-wracking to Phoenix, he was also starting to regret bringing Miles along to his apartment. They didn't even have anything to do together or whatever. They both just sat there awkwardly staring at anything but eachother. It was also painfully obvious that there was something more to discuss but they just refused to mention it.
"Wright." Miles finally spoke, his voice sounded a bit stern to Phoenix. Seemed like the prosecutor noticed it too when the man said it again in a softer tone. "Why did you invite me here? It doesn't seem like you need me."
Phoenix sighed as he leaned against the couch, thinking of how to respond to Miles' question. It took uncomfortably long for a whole minute to think. "I don't have an exact reason, but.. I suppose it'd be nice if we hung out, as in a casual one."
"Casual..?" Miles looked at the window, as if in thought. But then quickly turning his head bsck to Phoenix, "I believe the last time we 'hung out casually' was when you were still Ember." upon seeing the forced looking smile, he cleared his throat and bowed his head, "apologies if you don't really want to be called that or.."
"Nah, nah, it's cool." Phoenix waved his hand, "Gotta admit, 'Ember' is such a pretty name." he chuckled lightly. "Should I get us drinks?"
"Hm, tea for me if you have any." Miles looked at the sight of Phoenix's kitchen, "even if it's just from a teabag." he nodded.
***
Minutes later, they were just chatting about their childhoods, it was a light topic till it went towards the DL6 case. Phoenix never seen Miles this vulnerable before, and he knew the man since they were children. As Miles talked about Manfred von Karma, Phoenix couldn't help but feel almost.. protective. He wished he had been there. He wished he could've been lawyering earlier to save Miles. Shield him away from the corruption. But of course, that'd be impossible.
Phoenix was feeling rather distracted till Miles mentioned the letters, "I did get your letters, you know? I just.. didn't know who this 'Phoenix' was. Besides that.. I wasn't allowed to reply." Miles finally said.
".. My letters.. right.. I should've wrote something that implied that I had transitioned." Phoenix chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck before setting down his coffee with his free hand.
"Yes, well.. we weren't exactly the brightest back then." Miles nodded as he set down his own tea. "I realise I have been rambling on about my troubles, was that a bit much?"
"N-no, I enjoyed listening to you. Even if it was something like.. that." Phoenix crossed his arms as he slouched a little, thinking of somemthing.
"Ah, alright.. Now, how about you? What did you go through in the mighty college days while I had just gotten my badge?"
"What I.. went through?" Phoenix muttered, sheepishly turning his head away from Miles. He didn't exactly want to talk about it to Miles, but.. the man did sort of pour out his heart to him. He could do a small implication at certain things or not even mention it at all.
"Well.. I used to go to Ivy University, studying in art and law at the time. It was pretty stressful.." Phoenix started, "classes and all that. Then I met a few friends, we didn't last long because, er, I sort of started cutting off people who knew me as Ember. Anyway.. I usually visited the courthouse basement library"
"The studying art thing explains why you scribble on my notes so much." Miles nodded as he recalled the other case they both were working on and they were helping eachother out. What a day that was..
"I went into trial once as a defendant, did you know?" Phoenix was starting to bring up that case.
"I know, Gumshoe told me about it. No way you'd have killed Zak-"
"No, not that. A trial back in the college days." Phoenix muttered as he started to fidget a little, he felt a bit anxious, but he suppose it wouldn't have any harm talking about it
".. You?" Miles seemed interested, he nodded politely and picked up his tea to continue drinking it.
"Ah, got accused of murder.. then I got Mia Fey as my lawyer. I was out of it, screaming and crying my eyes out." When Miles didn't comment, he continued, "There was this guy.. a schoolmate. Doug Swallow I believe was him name. He, er, died. Killed. There was a 'witness' apparently and this person turned out to be my.. ex girlfriend." Phoenix finally dropped it.
"Let me guess; somehow and some way your ex girlfriend was the one who murdered this Swallow guy?" Miles seemed to know it all already, even if Phoenix was a little vague.
"Yeah, and- she had poisoned my cold medicine too. I didn't take any, by the way. Then I ate a necklace." Phoenix sighed as he pinched his nose, finding his old self absolutely weird and cringe inducing.
"Phoenix Wright and his bizzare adventures.. why am I even surprised anymore?" Miles shook his head with a disappointed look on his face. That damn frown.
"Why do you always give me that look..?" Phoenix chuckled as he poked at Miles' face.
"What look?" Miles felt a bit self aware as he fixed up his face to go into a resting face, though there was still a hint of confusion.
"You always look at me like I'm always bringing you down or something. Nothing like how you look at Gumshoe."
"I do not-"
"I see how you look at the detective, Edgeworth. Even the amounts of salary cutting isn't stopping me from seeing the fondness im your eyes."
"There is no 'fondness' when I look– why are we even bringing this up?" Miles had a frustrated tone in his voice.
"I just sorta wished you looked at me like that." Phoenix muttered.
. . .
Just silence after that. It felt so awkward. But just then Miles made a noise—some aborted, half-strangled sound—as if Phoenix just stabbed him. His hands fly up to cover his mouth, as though physically preventing any further humiliating reactions from escaping. The flush that had been creeping up his neck now engulfs his entire face. Seemed like he found out what it implied.
"Wright–" His voice was barely above a whisper, hesitant and quiet. He looked like a man who just lost a case he didn’t even know he was arguing.
Finally, Miles lowered his hands. His breath is uneven, his posture rigid.. but his eyes... His eyes were wide, startlingly vulnerable, locked onto Wright’s with an intensity that borders on desperation.
"...Idiot." The word comes out hoarse, trembling. "I have..." just then, instead of continuing that sentence, instead of just.. saying anything..
He turned on his heel and bolts for the door like a man fleeing a crime scene.
The door slammed. The teacup rattles. And Phoenix Wright was left sitting there, staring at the space where Miles was.
Phoenix was left there, and he didn't know what to do. Was that rejection? Was that just being scared? But whatever it was.. It made him feel utterly embarrassed and saddened. He indirectly confessed but.. Miles.. Miles ran away.. again.
It seemed like.. no matter what he did. Even if he took things in the slowest way possible. The prosecutor would just run away. Phoenix angrily cursed at himself for letting it get to this point before stomping on over to his bedroom to get some sleep. He should've ran after Miles.. but that'd make him look desperate. He didn't want to chase after Miles over and over again just to lose him again.
Maybe.. it was best to push these feelings as they were always...
Unnecessary Feelings.