Chapter Text
“Ugh, this is so boring!”
“Larry, be quiet, we’re in a library.”
Phoenix Wright, Larry Butz, and Miles Edgeworth were studying for the big midterm test one of their classes had. Traditionally, Phoenix and Miles would have went by themselves to study, but knowing that their friend would absolutely not touch any of his books otherwise, they brought him along.
“Larry, cmon, you already have a D in Mr. Gavin’s class. It’s our senior year. You need to focus!” Phoenix said.
The three had somehow been friends since they were in fourth grade, when Miles and Larry defended Phoenix when their class accused him of stealing something he didn’t. Since then, they were pretty much inseparable.
“A D is passing, Nick.”
Miles sighed and spoke up again. “Larry, if you fail this test, your grade will be brought down from a 66% to a 48%. That’s failing.”
The three had been through everything together. From Miles’ dad having a health scare but thankfully pulling through, to Phoenix’s shitty girlfriend their sophomore year, to Larry’s inability to care about any and all schoolwork.
“Who cares? The ladies sure don’t. Edgy, do you know how many girls you’d get if you loosened up more?”
Miles did not reply. Phoenix did. “Larry, there are more things to life than girls. Like college. How are you going to get into any colleges with failing grades?”
On account of Larry’s aloofness compared to the two, Miles and Phoenix had grown a little bit closer to each other through the years. Larry didn’t mind, except when it could be used against them.
Larry huffed dramatically. “What does it matter? You and Edgy are going to leave me for that fancy Ivy school anyway. Since you like each other more than me,” he clung to Phoenix and started fake wailing into his sleeve.
Phoenix used to feel bad for Larry whenever he’d pull this act, but he eventually got used to it.
“You can come with us, y’know. If you get your grades up.”
“Hm. His grades have been so low all of high school, I’d say he’d need a pretty strong essay on change and growth if he had any hope of getting in. Which he doesn’t.”
“Edgyyyyyyyy! Why are you so mean to me?”
Phoenix checked his watch. “Shit, the library closes in ten minutes. We must’ve lost track of time.”
“No matter. We can continue studying at mine, if both of your parents give you the okay,” Miles offered.
Phoenix sent a quick text to his mom, who replied with a thumbs up emoji, and Larry did not.
“Gee. Sorry, Edgy, but… you know how my pops is. Gotta get home before dark and all!”
Phoenix raised an eyebrow. “Your parents have let you stay over at both of our houses to hang out multiple time-“
“OH BUT THEY SAID I CAN’T TONIGHT SO SEE YOU GUYS TOMORROW!” Larry yelled, quickly gathering his singular notebook and backpack and running to the door of the library while the librarian shushed him.
Miles sighed.
“He’ll learn eventually,” Phoenix said, placing a hand on Miles’ shoulder.
“You’ve been saying that since fourth grade,” he replied with a small smile.
Phoenix grinned and picked up his own books and backpack and said “Cmon, my mom said I could come over. We can watch that weird kid’s ninja show you like.”
“It’s a samurai show, actually, and The Steel Samurai is not weird, it’s-“
“-a comprehensive study into the landscape, architecture, and social statuses of ancient Tokyo, yes, I know, Miles,” Phoenix finished with a smile he couldn’t help, having heard this rant a million times before.
Miles’ face flushed. Embarrassment, Phoenix thought. Miles had always been a little bit ashamed about the kid’s show he fanboyed over. But he certainly wasn’t worse than Phoenix’s little sister, Maya, who wasn’t technically his sister but they had known each other so long it felt like they were related. That’s a story for another time, though, because Miles had gathered his things and was staring at Phoenix (who had zoned out), waiting for him to follow to his car.
“Sorry!” He said, and caught up to Miles.
——————
Miles Edgeworth was on a very straight path.
He decided what he wanted to do with his life when he was about 5. Become a skilled defense attorney, like his father Gregory. Help save people falsely accused of crimes. That first time, at the class trial in fourth grade, was the moment that dream was solidified. The rush of adrenaline and dopamine he got when he objected to a classroom full of other kids compared to no other he had ever felt before. So he knew who he was and who he was going to be at all times.
That is, until he started to get closer to one Phoenix Wright.
They were best friends. They had been, for years. Miles came to Phoenix whenever he had an issue. Had cried into his arms in the hospital room during his father’s health scare. And Phoenix had done the same whenever he needed it. That was how their friendship worked- they were there to support each other through everything.
When Phoenix got a girlfriend, though, Miles found it strangely harder to be supportive.
Her name was Dahlia, and Phoenix was head over heels. He wore a necklace she gave him every single day, and showed it to absolutely everyone. Miles was happy for him, sure. He was glad Phoenix had someone he loved that much. But the more Miles thought about it… the more he realized that maybe he wasn’t as happy as he pretended to be. A little voice inside his head kept saying, he has a girlfriend. He had a girlfriend and he likes her more than you. Realistically, Miles told himself, that was normal. People are supposed to value their partners more than their regular friends. But then, Miles valued Phoenix more than Larry, as shallow as that seemed. Hm.
When Phoenix finally realized Dahlia was only using him to get back at her ex, Doug, he was initially crushed. This was one of the crying-into-the-other’s-arms moments. Miles thought about that, now, driving Phoenix back to his house after the library.
He had shown up to Miles’ door randomly one Saturday, tears streaming down his face. Gregory had been the one to answer, though, and Phoenix shakily asked “is Miles home?”
Gregory called for him immediately and he came rushing downstairs to meet Phoenix, who instantly wrapped him up in one of the biggest hugs Miles had ever gotten. Gregory stealthily shut the door and exited the room, and Miles led Phoenix up to his bedroom to talk.
Once Miles had gotten him calmed down, assisted with a cup of Gregory’s famous hot chocolate, Phoenix sat on Miles’ bed, sniffling slightly.
“She was just using me,” he said. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.”
“You can’t be blamed. No one could have seen that.”
“But I should’ve. I just… can’t believe it. She was so nice to me, you know? She was funny, and cute, and…” he sighed. “I’m just disappointed in myself, mostly. What if this happens again? What if… what if no one ever will want to go out with me?”
I would, Miles’ brain said. Miles’ mouth did not say. In fact, after that thought, no part of Miles did or said anything for about ten seconds.
“…Miles?” Said Phoenix.
“Ah, sorry. Simply… thinking. Um, Phoenix, I…” he took a breath and put one of his hands over Phoenix’s. “No matter how many people you are interested in- and no matter how many people reject you- you will always have me. I’ll… I will always be here for you.”
And Phoenix smiled wide, that hopeful and happy smile he has, and enveloped Miles in a hug again, nearly knocking the wind out of him. “Thank you,” he said. “I love you, dude, you know that?”
“I-“ Miles started, finding his words, “I love you too, Phoenix.”
The two were ever closer after that. Miles had soon accepted (after many, many “am I gay” quizzes) that he did, in fact, like Phoenix as more than a friend. He was the only person Miles had ever liked, and no one else knew about it and Miles planned that no one ever would. He would grow up, get over his crush, pass the bar, and live out a fulfilling life as a defense attorney. Phoenix never needed to know.
And it’s not like Miles thought he would be unsupportive. One of Phoenix’s uncles had a husband, and Miles had met them before at a Wright family gathering he somehow got an invite to. It was actually one of his first experiences with queer culture, other than in some of the books he read. No, the issue was with the crush itself. The two of them had a good dynamic. Miles didn’t need to ruin it with… unnecessary feelings.
But recently, it felt like it had been getting worse. Now that Miles was consciously aware of his feelings towards Phoenix, it had become harder to ignore them. Even now, Phoenix’s hand was laid on the armrest between the driver’s and passenger’s seat of Miles’ car. It would be so easy for Miles to reach over with his free hand and place it on top of Phoenix’s. But he could never muster up enough courage to do that. Maybe someday.
Miles pulled into his driveway and killed the engine. “Home sweet home,” Phoenix said as they climbed out.
“Last time I checked, this is my house, not yours.”
“Please. Gregory loves me. I’m over all the time. It’s basically my house.”
Miles huffed in mock defeat and shut the door. When they made it in the house, Miles yelled a greeting to his dad.
“Father, we’re home!”
After a second, Gregory came out from a hallway with a smile on his face. “Phoenix! Good to see you. How’re your classes going?”
“Good, Greg. Me, Miles, and Larry were just studying for Mr. Gavin’s midterm.”
“It’s Miles, Larry, and I.” Miles corrected.
“Mr. Gavin. He always rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, who tells their students they should drop out of his class on the first day of school?” Gregory said.
“I know right? Like, cmon, just because you have a teaching degree and a law degree doesn’t make you better than us.”
“Phoenix, are you here for my father, or for me?” Miles was already halfway up the stairs to his bedroom, cocking an eyebrow at his friend.
Phoenix scrambled after Miles, remembered to leave a quick “thanks for having me over!” with Gregory, and followed Miles upstairs as Greg laughed softly.
——————
“…writers of this show should never have had the Samurai and Pink Princess become an item, because it makes no sense from a narrative perspective. She was only created to be a love interest when the both of them have much better options who already had more chemistry with them than the Samurai and Princess could ever have with each other.”
Phoenix and Miles were both sitting next to each other on Miles’ bed, facing his TV that he was lucky enough to have in his room. Phoenix’s backpack was thrown on the floor near the door, and Miles’ was hung neatly on the back of his desk chair.
Miles had been info dumping onto Phoenix about The Steel Samurai (while the show played) for about seven minutes, according to the clock on Miles’ wall. Phoenix liked to keep track of how long he went for without realizing what he was doing and stopping himself. Phoenix never minded, though. He liked hearing Miles talk about something so enthusiastically. The record was 17 minutes.
“In my opinion, the Samurai and the evil guy give me major enemies to lovers vibes,” Phoenix said, eyes watching the TV intensely, if only half paying attention.
Miles looked at him, wide-eyed and intrigued. “You… think so?”
Phoenix met his gaze. “Well, if I’m being honest, that’s just what Maya says. But I can see it.”
“Hm,” Miles turned back towards the TV. “They certainly make more sense than the Samurai and the Princess. Maya is certainly onto something there. Perhaps we should have a watch party.”
Phoenix chuckled. “Oh, she’d love that.”
“You’ll have to inform her for me.”
“Sure.”
Their conversation fell quiet as the episode played on. Phoenix thought about Miles and Maya nerding out over their favorite show together. Maya would show Miles that giant binder of Steel Samurai Pokémon-esque playing cards she has. She’d teach him how to play with them, and he’d eventually make Phoenix learn too. Even though Phoenix wasn’t the biggest fan of the show, he’d tolerate playing the game because Miles would love it. Maybe they’d try to teach Larry- but he would just get bored and tease Miles for liking a kid’s show and playing card games.
Phoenix glanced over to look at Miles, who was fully invested in the episode playing. Larry was definitely their best friend, but Phoenix always thought him and Miles were a little closer to each other. Maybe that’s because their personalities were so different, but a lot of their morals and values were the same. Larry lived in the moment- girls and fun and the like. But Miles especially was always looking to the future. It was these moments, watching his favorite show, that he let himself relax and live in the moment in his own way for once. Phoenix admired that about him.
Phoenix actually admired a lot of things about Miles. His strong drive for the truth and justice. How he always finished something he started. The way he’d light up when a topic he was interested in was mentioned. How as busy as he was with all his AP classes, he always made time for Phoenix. Phoenix smiled to himself. He was really lucky to have a best friend like Miles. He wished his future romantic partner would treat him as well as Miles does. It would certainly be a nice change from Dahlia.
Whoever he dates will be lucky, Phoenix thought to himself.
Then, he felt a strange emotion that he couldn’t quite place. His gaze dropped from the TV as he tried to recognize it.
Sadness? No. Malice? No. Jealousy?
Why would I be jealous about that? Phoenix wondered. It’s not like I want to date him.
Another strange pang of emotions hit him. His brain felt jumbled. What was going on?
“Are you alright, Phoenix?” Miles said, snapping him out of… whatever was happening. Miles looked concerned, and his brow was furrowed slightly in confusion.
He looks… cute. What? The hell? Phoenix thought.
“Oh, yeah I’m fine!” He said, too quickly after too long of a silence.
Miles frowned, clear disbelief on his face. Absolutely warranted disbelief, because Phoenix currently felt like his brain was at war with itself.
At war over what? There’s nothing to be confused about!
“I don’t believe that for a second, but if you genuinely don’t want to talk about it, we don’t have to,” Miles said.
He’s so nice to me. Yes, brain, he’s my best friend.
“There’s nothing to talk about either way! I’m fine!”
“Are you sure?” Miles had fully turned away from the TV and towards Phoenix, the episode forgotten by now. He was always good at sensing when Phoenix was off.
Phoenix’s mind was spiraling. It tended to do this on occasion, the most recent example he could remember being when he realized how horrible Dahlia was.
He’s a lot better than Dahlia, he thought. Not like it matters that way anyway, because we’re just friends. What is happening?
Phoenix’s heartbeat started to pick up the longer Miles looked at him. His eyes were dark gray. A fact Phoenix had known for years, but another thing he had always thought was cool about his friend.
He does have pretty eyes for a guy.
It was in that moment that Phoenix decided he should not be looking at his eyes anymore. He found that there was a worse option when his own gaze landed on his friend’s lips.
Oh shit, Phoenix thought.
He wrenched his eyes back up to Miles’. Nothing was safe to look at anymore. He was fully panicking now, even more so when he realized Miles’ eyes had widened, meaning he definitely caught Phoenix looking at his mouth.
Oh shit, Phoenix thought again.
Then Miles looked at Phoenix’s lips. And their faces were close. Closer than they had probably ever been before, Phoenix realized. Then he realized he didn’t hate it. Then he realized what he wanted to do in that moment. And he did it.
Time felt like it stopped when Phoenix leaned in and kissed Miles. And he kissed back.
Oh shit.
Miles’ lips were soft. Probably because he constantly applied lip balm. Phoenix’s hand went to hold his face, and Miles brought his hand up to hold Phoenix’s wrist. The Steel Samurai played on in the background, though the two of them had completely forgotten it existed at that point. They pulled away briefly for air but kissed each other again, shorter this time. Then Phoenix opened his eyes and completely pulled back.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I- I don’t know why I did that, I-“
Miles took his hands. “It’s okay.”
Phoenix simply breathed for a good ten seconds as they looked at each other. Miles was searching Phoenix’s expression, probably looking for any inkling of regret or fear. Phoenix didn’t know what he looked like, exactly, but Miles didn’t seem happy or unhappy. Just… patient. Like he would wait for Phoenix to gather himself. Like he already knew what was happening. He always knew what was happening.
Then Phoenix panicked.
“Okay, yeah, well, see you later!” He said, dropping Miles’ hands and climbing off of his bed.
“Wait. Phoenix, don’t-“
“My mom probably wants me to be home now, right, so, uh, talk to you later!” He rambled, quickly grabbing his backpack and opening Miles’ door. Miles was still sitting on his bed, one hand slightly reaching out for him.
“Phoenix, don’t leave-“
“Bye!” He said, and slipped out of Miles’ room, down the stairs, and out the front door.