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No matter how, when, or why, Phoenix would always find Miles one way or another, even when he didn't want to be found. Phoenix found Miles in college; he found him when he was at his "peak", found him when he was framed, and he found him once again when he "killed" himself. Phoenix never doubted that a part of Miles died when the truth about the DL-6 case was out. The part of Miles that looked up to and needed Manfred Von Karma. He knew the pain that Miles still held; he held it for decades and didn't understand how to cope with it. He buried himself in work, pushed others away, and played this facade to prevent difficult emotions.
Because of these actions, it became difficult for both Phoenix and Miles to love each other in a healthy way. Miles was the constant push and pull, while Phoenix was the constant pull. It would be a lie if Phoenix didn't get frustrated with his behavior, but it'd be a lie to say Phoenix didn't want to deal with it either. He loved Miles in every way. He loved the way Miles loved. He loved everything.
This leads us to a night in Phoenix's small junky apartment on a couch that could barely fit Phoenix himself. The two of them cuddled up, attempting to watch a documentary, but the constant aches due to how they were both positioned on the couch wouldn't let them focus on the TV in front of them. Miles scoots away from Phoenix, which leaves a small gap between them. He clears his throat to get Phoenix's attention and reluctantly sets his hand on top of the other man's. Phoenix looks down at their hands and then back up at Miles. He bites his lip. "I just, uhm, wanted to say," a deep breath. "..Thank you. For dealing with me. For.... finding me when I hide away. It's very difficult for me to express this out loud, but I want you to hear it, Phoenix." Miles bites his lip once again, and his grip on Phoenix's hand becomes tighter. A lopsided grin appears on Phoenix's face because he knows exactly where this is going. He squeezes Miles' hand to encourage him to keep going.
"I love you." Both of them declare in sync.
Miles is not surprised by Phoenix's words, but still taken aback to hear it for the first time. He opens to speak up, but Phoenix steals the spotlight. "God, I've been waiting so long to tell you that– I mean, I've been in love with you. I am in love with you, I love you. I don't care how many times you think you have to run away and hide because Miles, I will find you. In any season you decide to leave, I'll find you." Phoenix proclaimed, leaning in close to look into Miles' eyes. His pupils dilated as he looked into Phoenix's mismatched eyes. He takes a breath as it's his turn to talk now, "I've been a coward for running away so many times. Just when I think I'm gone, or done, you reel me back in. I don't understand how you do it. I.. I know I can be difficult... at times, but I.. I truly love you. I do." Miles breathes and continues to look endlessly into Phoenix's eyes. He shifts his hand so he can intertwine their fingers together.
"Promise?" Phoenix asks and holds out his pinky, which gets a faux scoff from Miles. "We are not children. We do not need to pinky promise... but I promise to love you." He locks his pinky with Phoenix. They don't break apart for a while. They don't talk for a while. They don't need to; they have each other, and that's more than they need. "Sorry, ruining the mood, but can I kiss you?" Phoenix leans in closer to Miles, and he's not even sure he gets out a yes before their lips are on each other. It's slow and delicate like they have all the time in the world. Phoenix gets a taste of tea; he's not sure what kind, but definitely tea. Miles gets a taste of bitter coffee. It's perfect. They kiss like they're memorizing every detail about the other. Miles swears his heart is going to beat out of his chest, so he pulls away. The look on his face is a mix of relief and devotion. He breathes.
"I love you", they repeat in sync once more.