Archive of Our Own

Phoenix can’t sleep.

After everything that happened in these past few days—Maya and Pearls in danger, falling off a burning bridge and practically almost dying, Dahlia—

His mind flashes back to her last appearance in court, that terrible scream from her, Maya falling to the floor—

She’s gone, Phoenix tries to remind himself, taking in a deep breath. She can’t hurt you or anyone you love anymore. He repeats these words like a mantra in his head, trying to ignore the lingering panic in his chest.

So, yes. He can’t sleep. 

He simply lies on the couch in the living room area staring at the ceiling, with his thoughts running wild in his head. The trial had only ended earlier today, so this is to be expected, but that doesn’t mean it makes the situation any better. So much has happened. He knows if he’s even able to fall asleep, he’ll probably have nightmares.

Phoenix continues to toss and turn on the couch for several minutes until he hears a knock on the door.

What? Who could be here this late? Of course, he has hopes on who it could be, but it’s not likely to be an actuality.

He gets up reluctantly, heading towards the door, rubbing his sore back. He looks through the peephole and blinks in response at the person in front of the door, before remembering to actually open it.

“Edgeworth?” Phoenix asks, brows furrowed with confusion. “What are you doing here?” His gaze hesitantly runs over Edgeworth’s frame, before the prickling feeling of concern washes over him. “Is everything okay?”

Edgeworth stands in the doorway, stiff as a board. His shoulders are relatively high with tension, and one hand is gripping his other arm. 

Is Edgeworth…nervous?

One of Edgeworth’s eyebrows arches up at his question, a familiar wry expression on his face, some of the tension in his body fading away. “The man who fell off a burning bridge just days ago is questioning if I’m alright?” He asks dryly, causing a bit of heat to flood to Phoenix’s cheeks.

“It’s a genuine question,” Phoenix says, sincere. He thinks about how much Edgeworth has been through these past few days, covering Phoenix’s case for him, the earthquake. “It’s not like everything has been rainbows and butterflies for you either. Besides, it’s not like you to drop by unannounced, especially this late at night.”

Edgeworth shifts on his feet, the unease and nervousness showing yet again. He clears his throat. “Ah. Yes. Well, in truth, I had simply wanted to assure myself that you were alright, after everything that had occurred.”

Phoenix simply stares at the other man, his exhaustion making it harder to grasp Edgeworth’s words. His heart flutters in his chest, stupidly clinging on to any sign that this is somehow more than friendly concern. He was worried for me?

At the prolonged silence, Edgeworth looks uncomfortable yet again. “Well, I see that you’re…” His gaze lingers over Phoenix, and he feels himself become nervous under those eyes. “...alright, although I must admit you look worse for wear.” There’s a brief silence once again, Edgeworth’s gaze piercing through him. 

Finally, Edgeworth clears his throat again, nodding. “I suppose that means I should be going now. Do try to get some sleep. Goodnight, Wright.” He says, before turning on his heel.

Phoenix’s brain tries to catch up. “Wait, wait—” Instinctively, he reaches out a hand to Edgeworth’s wrist. ”Edgeworth.” 

The man immediately tenses under his touch, and Phoenix pulls back immediately, wondering if he’s gone too far. Sure, they’re on much better terms than they were a year ago, but it’s not like Edgeworth is the most touchy-feely person. 

Edgeworth turns to him, hesitantly. Phoenix swallows, his nerves getting to him. “Did you—Do you want to come in? I can make some tea if you want.”

Edgeworth seems to mull it over, his face creased in what appears to be an internal battle. After a moment, his face clears and he nods. “That sounds lovely.”

Phoenix is taken back at the acceptance of the offer but is pleased anyways. He steps aside for Edgeworth to walk through the doorway. “Come on in,” he says, letting Edgeworth pass through before closing and locking the door. “We should at least be sort of quiet though—Maya and Pearls are sleeping in the other room.” 

Edgeworth leans on a nearby wall as Phoenix starts filling water in his kettle. “I wasn’t aware you owned a guest room,” Edgeworth says, looking around at the various things in Phoenix’s apartment.

A quiet laugh escapes out of Phoenix as he puts the kettle on the stove. “Heh, no. Only one bedroom I’m afraid. Nothing like any fancy-schmancy places you’re probably used to. I’m letting Pearls and Maya take it though.” His face drops a little, turning more somber. “They’ve been through a lot. It’s the least I can do, really.”

Edgeworth studies him for a while. “While I certainly won’t argue with that logic, don’t you suppose you’ve also been through quite a bit?”

Phoenix finds this is a perfect moment to turn his back and start looking for tea in his cupboard. “What tea do you like again? I know you’re pretty particular with it—”

“Wright…”

“I’ve got Earl Gray, English breakfast, Chamomile—” He rummages through the pile of teas. “I even have a raspberry herbal tea. Although, I wouldn’t think that would be your kind of thing, honestly.” He tries to make his voice sound lighter. “Unless you’re feeling fruity—?”

“Wright.”

Edgeworth’s voice is suddenly right behind him, making him jump. He turns, slowly.

Phoenix puts on a fake smile that he ultimately knows won’t get him anywhere. “Guess you’re not feeling fruity then?” He says, in a slightly strained voice.

Edgeworth does not look impressed. But there’s not the usual amount of annoyance on it either. There’s something more earnest, more…raw on his face. It’s clear that this isn’t the man he met during that first trial a few years ago—he’s more open, more vulnerable, more willing to show emotions that aren’t malice, anger, or arrogance. Yet he’s still not the boy Phoenix met ages ago—a boy who, while unusually formal for his age and somewhat stiff, had a certain transparency to him. A boy who would defend those who were being wronged in a heartbeat because he believed it was right, a boy who put on a strong face towards bullies to protect his friends but would be visibly shaking, a boy who would blush in a cute way when his friends brought up pop culture references he wasn’t aware of. A boy who, all those years ago, captured the heart of a nine-year old Phoenix Wright.

It’s clear that the man standing in front of him falls somewhere in between those two different people, and for a moment, Phoenix is distracted by his heart fluttering in his chest at this vulnerability being directed at him.

It doesn’t mean anything. He’s just being a good friend.

“Wright,” Edgeworth starts, saying his name slowly. “I am…aware that I have not been the greatest…companion in the past.” He clutches his arm slightly and looks away from Phoenix, closing in on himself. “However,” Edgeworth takes this moment to look into his eyes directly. “I am willing to make up for it.”

Phoenix blinks a few times, a want of being sincere to the man in front of him bubbling up until he crushes it down. “Gee, Edgeworth. Getting all sentimental on me.” He smirks, putting up a mask. “What’s gotten into you?”

A flicker of annoyance appears on Edgeworth’s concerned face as he crosses his arms. “I have no idea, Wright. Perhaps it was the fact that I flew overseas expecting to find the dead body of a man I trust greatly after said man fell off a burning bridge,” he says, wryly.

Phoenix sighs. “Edgeworth, look—” He begins, before stopping abruptly. His face creases with confusion. “Wait. What did you just say?”

The man in front of him seems to realize what slipped out, and there’s a pink tinge that appears on his cheeks, something Phoenix is briefly mesmerized by. “Ah. I, erm—

“Edgeworth,” Phoenix says softly in disbelief, “Did you fly from Europe to see me with a cold?”

A scowl appears on Edgeworth’s face—a striking contrast to his pink cheeks. “In my defense, it’s that imbecile Larry’s fault.” He looks away, a solemn expression blooming on his face. “He made it sound…quite dire.”

Guilt clutches at Phoenix’s heart. “Well…I’m touched you even came, really. I’m sorry you basically came for nothing,” he says, chuckling dryly.

Edgeworth seems to let that sink in, searching for something in Phoenix’s face before he swallows. “I disagree, Wright.” Gray eyes meet blue-brown ones, a heavy tension in the air. “You aren’t nothing.”

They continue staring at each other, and Phoenix can’t help but want. He wants to open up to Edgeworth, wants to talk about everything that’s happened, wants to get closer to him, wants to free all these feelings that have been haunting him—but he can’t. Maybe two years ago he would’ve, but that was before Miles Edgeworth Chooses Death. 

It’s different now, and Phoenix can’t risk putting everything on the line only for Edgeworth to leave again.

Finally, the moment breaks as Edgeworth clears his throat. “Anyways—”

“Using ‘anyway’ to change the topic—a convenient escape for a weak man.” 

Edgeworth lets out a huff. “Very funny, Wright. Are you quite done deflecting, now?”

“That depends, are you done updating autopsy reports?”

Edgeworth rolls his eyes. “That was one time, Wright.”

“Mhm, that’s what they all say—”

“Phoenix.” And he stops completely, hearing Edgeworth say his first name like that. “In these past few days, you have: fallen off a burning bridge into a river, experienced your loved ones in danger, have seen a woman who looks exactly like your past partner who tried to kill you, have seen said partner who tried to kill you, all while covering a murder trial.” Edgeworth’s mouth forms into a thin line. “Forgive me if I don’t quite believe that you’re as alright as you say.”

Phoenix’s heart clenches in his chest. “Maybe…” He says, lowly and quietly. “Maybe I’ve been through all of that, yeah. But Edgeworth—Maya saw her mom die. Pearls was manipulated by her own mother.” He shakes his head. “The only reason I’m not breaking down right now is because of them. I need to stay strong, for them.”

Edgeworth’s face looks pained. “They would understand if you needed—”

“They deserve better than someone who breaks down over his ex-girlfriend—” His voice breaks off for a second before he shakes himself and regains his composure. “It’s really not a big deal—”

“She tried to kill you, Wright!” Edgeworth borderline-shouts, before wincing at his volume. His voice lowers. “She tried to kill you when you had developed feelings for her. Nobody in their right mind would blame you if seeing her triggered certain memories.”

“But I don’t—” The words die in his throat as all the emotions he’d been suppressing come rising to the surface. He swallows down the lump in his throat. “I was young and stupid, I trusted her too much, I convinced myself I loved her, I was an idiot—”

Edgeworth comes closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You were not. She had ill intentions from the start, and Iris also tricked you in the process as well.” His voice becomes softer. “It’s not your fault, Wright.”

Finally, something cracks in Phoenix. His eyes start to fill with tears and he’s unable to stop them, wiping at them rapidly. “Then why—” The words break as he says them, voice cracking. He sniffles, trying to get a hold of himself. “Then why did all of this have to happen? If I just—If I just hadn’t been so trusting—”

“Wright,” Edgeworth says sternly, but not unkindly, “Believe me when I say that your trusting nature is one of…” He trails off, looking uncertain for a moment, before continuing with a determined look in his eyes. “It is one of the qualities I respect about you most.” Edgeworth’s gaze trails down to the floor. “Without it, I suspect I would not be here right now.”

Guilt swirls in his gut. “Edgeworth, I didn’t mean—”

“Regardless,” Edgeworth cuts him off, forcing the half-spoken apology back down. “That quality that you possess has been taken for granted.” Gray eyes penetrate through his very being, making Phoenix feel bare and vulnerable. The hand on his shoulder is still there, giving a pleasant warmth. Edgeworth's voice becomes soft—soft like Phoenix has never heard before, soft in a way that he thought would be impossible from him. “You deserve much better, Phoenix.”

Hearing his name being said like that from Edgeworth is almost too much. He swallows. “Thank you, Miles,” he whispers, and before he can think better of it, he places his own hand on Edgeworth’s, giving a weak, but genuine smile.

Gray eyes dart to where they’re touching, Edgeworth’s mouth parting slightly. He’s about to retract his hand until Edgeworth’s eyes turn warm and gives a soft smile in return.

Suddenly, the kettle starts whistling, breaking the spell that had been made. Phoenix retracts his hand before Edgeworth does the same, leaving a ghostly warmth on his shoulder. He turns the stove off and sets up both cups of tea, leading Edgeworth to a nearby table for both of them to sit down.

Edgeworth thanks him for the tea, and there’s a silence for a little while. 

He stirs his tea absentmindedly. “Edgeworth—” he begins, voice low and soft, “Thank you. For stopping by, I mean.” He averts his eyes for a moment. “I, uh. I really appreciate it.” Phoenix glances at the other man before turning his attention back on his cup of tea.

“Certainly,” Edgeworth says, lifting up his cup. “I’m aware that you would do the same for me,” he takes a sip of the tea, and then grimaces. 

A laugh escapes Phoenix. “Guess you’re not a raspberry tea fan? Hey, don’t give me that look! You never answered my question before, so I had to guess.” He takes a sip of his own tea, hiding his satisfied smile behind the cup. He tries to suppress another laugh when Edgeworth glares at the tea itself, as if it was its own fault for tasting that way.

There’s a silence that seems to stretch on, until Edgeworth speaks up again.

“Wright,” he begins, sounding hesitant and avoiding his eyes, “Have you…Have you been with anyone since Ms. Hawthorne? Or, Sister Iris, I suppose.”

Phoenix blinks in response. Edgeworth asking about his romantic relationships? Since when did that happen?

He’s silent for a little too long and Edgeworth starts up again, a faint pink to his cheeks. “Er, excuse me, my apologies. That was quite intrusive of me, wasn’t it?”

“No, no.” Phoenix assures him, shaking his head. “I was just, uh. Surprised, is all. Didn’t think you’d be interested in that sort of stuff.”

Edgeworth seems to think carefully before responding. “Merely curious.”

“Ah, okay.” Phoenix rubs the back of his neck. “Well, Dahlia—or Iris, I guess—was the first relationship I ever had.” He sees Edgeworth’s face crease with sympathy and there's an ache in his chest before he presses on. “And since that ended all—y’know—I never…I never really had a serious relationship since. Sure, I’ve hooked up with some people here and there, but nothing as serious.”

Edgeworth mulls it over for a bit. “I see. Well, Wright, I’m sure there is an adequate woman for you out there,” he says, and there’s a strange tenseness to it that he can’t quite place. 

“Or man,” Phoenix says off-handedly, not really thinking about it. Edgeworth’s brows shoot up to his hairline.

“I…see.” Edgeworth’s eyes roam over him, as if seeing him in a different light. “Apologies, I was not aware.”

“Wait, has it really not come up? I could’ve sworn I told you that I’m bi before.” Edgeworth simply shakes his head, and the air around becomes…different, somehow. Tension surrounds them, and he fears the worst.

“Uh…” Phoenix readjusts himself in his seat, uneasy. “That’s not—It’s not gonna be a problem, is it?”

Edgeworth gives him a flat look. “While I may be many things, Wright, I am not a hypocrite.”

His mind processes this for a moment, and he feels like there’s a loading screen over his head. “So—”

“I’m gay, Wright.”

“Oh.” He says, intelligently. This doesn’t mean you have a chance. It’s Edgeworth after all, you don’t know what kind of guy he’s into. “Honestly, I kinda suspected, but you never said anything, so I didn’t want to assume.

The man across from him clears his throat. “As you are aware, I am quite a private person. Furthermore, I don’t ever recall the topic arising in our past conversations.”

Phoenix nods, not really sure what to say. There’s now an awkwardness in the air, and from what exactly, he couldn’t tell. He clears his throat and changes gears. 

“Well, you heard all about my one past relationship. What about you? What was your first relationship like?”

Edgeworth freezes before gray eyes retreat from him. He adjusts himself in his seat, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere else but there. “I…I’ve never…” He mumbles, and Phoenix can barely hear him.

“What?” 

Edgeworth’s mouth flattens into a thin line before he looks directly into Phoenix’s eyes. “I’ve never been in a relationship before, Wright.” He says tersely, raising his head slightly as if daring Phoenix to say anything about it.

Phoenix blinks in surprise, but then recovers. “Oh. Okay.” He says simply and takes a sip of his tea.

At his silence, the tension in Edgeworth starts to dissipate. “You’re…You’re not going to say anything about this?”

He shrugs. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with it. Go at your own pace, y’know? I was just a little surprised because, uh—I’m sure there’s tons of interested people, right?” Including me.

He sees Edgeworth swallow and the pink tinge on his cheekbones grows stronger. “Yes, well. While there may have been interested parties, I simply never had time for a relationship growing under von Karma’s household. Additionally, there have been very few individuals who…” His eyes meet Phoenix’s, briefly, before retreating. “...captivate my attention so strongly.” 

“Oh. Gotcha.” Phoenix nods, not really sure what to say. “Well, thanks for trusting me with this.” He receives a nod in return.

Great. Now the awkwardness is back.

“Well, as…enlightening as this was, Wright, I believe I should be taking my leave now.” Edgeworth rises from his chair. “I am…glad that you are starting to recover from this entire situation. However, I’ll be present in the states for a little while longer before returning to my studies in Europe, meaning if you are in need of someone to…talk to, I will be here.” He gives a half-smile to Phoenix as he walks towards the door.

Phoenix smiles back, softly. “Thank you, Edgeworth.” He rubs the back of his neck, trying to not lose his nerve. “We uh—we should try to maybe—” Just spit it out already! “We should hang out again, one of these days. Without the whole world burning around us and all that,” 

Edgeworth lets out an amused huff, before his look becomes softer. “I would enjoy that.”

Phoenix’s smile grows. “And Edgeworth? I’m…glad you came. From Europe, I mean.”

Edgeworth swallows, and there’s a brief passing shadow of pain over his face. “Likewise.” And just like that, the shadow is gone, and Edgeworth is opening the door. “Goodnight, Wright. Do try to get some rest.” He gives one last nod to Phoenix before he’s out the door, and that’s that.

Phoenix finds himself staring at the door for a bit, longing for courage. Courage to say what he really wants, what he needs. 

He sighs, going back to the couch and lying down. After talking to Edgeworth, he feels a bit more at ease, and exhaustion finally creeps up in his bones. He closes his eyes, thinks of what could be if he could just say something, letting sleep take him over.

“C’mon, man! It’s been a while since we chilled together. It’ll be fun!”

“Larry,” Phoenix sighs, rubbing his eyes as he tries to set up his morning coffee. “I’m not sure if I really feel up to it.”

“Niiiiiick,” Larry whines on the phone, making Phoenix roll his eyes. “Isn’t Maya and little Pearly gone anyways? Aren’t you all lonely?”

Well, he isn’t wrong. It’s been almost a week since the end of Iris’s trial, and a few days since he dropped off Maya and Pearls at the train station. He’d been surprised that they had wanted to go back so soon, but Maya insisted.

“Nick…I think it’s time I really put in some effort for my training,” Maya said, after seeing Phoenix’s reaction. “It’s time for me to go back.”

“Are…are you sure?” Phoenix’s eyes scanned his best friend for any sort of uncertainty, and while he found a certain kind of sadness, Maya looked pretty sure of herself. “You know you could stay here for as long as—”

Maya gave a rueful smile. “I can’t stay here forever, Nick. I’m…the next master.” There’s a flash of despair on her face before it morphed into determination. “I need to do this.”

Phoenix swallowed, and then nodded. “Okay. But you better believe that I’m gonna call you so many times that you’ll never wanna see me again.”

“Bold of you to assume I ever want to see you,” she said with a teasing smile before she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m gonna miss you, Nick.” And even though she was hugging him, it came out so softly that he barely heard it. 

He embraced her tightly, closing his eyes. Where would he be in all this without her? “I’ll miss you too, Maya.” He pulled away after a moment. “You’re gonna kick ass as the new master.”

Brown Fey eyes glimmering with unshed tears looked back at him along with a crooked smile. “Hell yeah, I am.”

It’s been weird not having Maya around, and even lonely at worst. Sure, they’ve arranged to talk to each other a couple times a week on the phone, but it just wasn’t the same. 

“Larry—”

“Nick.” Larry sounds serious now, which is concerning. “I know…” He hears a sigh from the other line. “I know I usually treat shit like a joke. I know I’m not the dude to come to for serious shit, and I don’t usually talk about crap like this…” A pause. “But…ever since that thing at the temple…I don’t know man. It kinda took a lot outta me, and…well, I just wanted to have a good time with you.”

He feels a twinge of sympathy for his old friend. Larry had lost his mentor after all, and Phoenix can understand the pain. 

“Okay, Larry.” He says softly, “We can go out tonight.”

And just like that, he turns into the same old Larry. “Woo! Thanks, man! Hey, do you think Edgey would wanna come with too? He’s still in America, right?”

His stupid heart flutters at the mention of the man. “Larry, I don’t think—”

“WAIT! I just had the best idea ever, talk to you later, Nicky!”

“What? Larry—” There’s a click on the line and Phoenix lets out a huff. He puts his phone down and shakes his head. At least he’s not too out of it that he’s a completely different person.

He finally finishes setting up his coffee and goes to the table, taking a seat. He’s looking at the morning paper and sipping on his drink until he hears a ping! on his phone.

Eh…It’s probably nothing, he thinks, continuing his reading.

Ping! Ping! Ping!

“What the…?” Phoenix picks up his phone to see an array of notifications.

Pain in the Butz added Edgeworth to the chat.

Pain in the Butz changed the group name to ‘Besties 👬 ’

Pain in the Butz [10:32 A.M.]: IT’S MY BOIS!!! 😤😤😤

Edgeworth [10:34 A.M.]: How did you get this number?

Pain in the Butz [10:34 A.M.]: EDGEYYYYY 😭😭😭 is it a crime for me 2 wanna hang out w u ??? 🥺🥺🥺

Edgeworth [10:35 A.M.]: Yes.

Pain in the Butz [10:35 A.M.]: 😱😱😱

Pain in the Butz [10:36 A.M.]: NICKYYYYYY EDGEY IS BEING MEAN 2 MEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Phoenix blinks at his phone a few times before he types out a response.

Me [10:38 A.M.]: I told you not to ask him, Larry. 

Edgeworth [10:38 A.M.]: Ask me what, exactly?

Pain in the Butz [10:49 A.M.]: nicky and i r gonna go out 2nite!! come with us edgey!!

The response is instant.

Edgeworth [10:49 A.M.]: No.

There’s a pause in the texts.

Pain in the Butz [10:50 A.M.]: Fine. Just thought I would ask.

Before Phoenix can type out a reply, he gets an incoming call from Edgeworth.

“Hey, Edgewor—”

“Is there a reason for his bizarre behavior? I wasn’t aware he was capable of using proper grammar in his text messages,” Edgeworth says, and while he sounds indifferent, Phoenix knows that he’s a little concerned.

“Yeah, usually when he types like an actual human being, that’s when you gotta start worrying.” He sighs. “Larry was telling me earlier that he’s just been trying to cope with what happened at Hazakura Temple. That's why he wants to go out so bad.”

A pause.

“...I see.”

“It’s fine though, Edgeworth, I’m sure he’ll—”

“Very well. I suppose I’ll see you later tonight, Wright.”

Phoenix blinks. “Wait, wha—”

“Goodbye,” the voice on the phone says, and there’s a click. Then his phone drags his attention yet again with another notification noise.

Edgeworth [10:55 A.M.]: Upon further consideration, I agree to the outing this evening.

Pain in the Butz [10:55 A.M.]: REALLY?????

Pain in the Butz [10:55 A.M.]: ahem

Pain in the Butz [10:55 A.M.]: i mean, really?

Edgeworth [10:56 A.M.]: Indeed. Do not make me regret it.

Pain in the Butz [10:56 A.M.]: HELL YEAHHHH!! SIGNAL SAMURAI BOYS ARE BACK!!!!

Pain in the Butz [10:57 A.M.]: ill text u guys the info later!! 😎😎😎

Phoenix lets out a snort, before he hits the call button on a certain contact. It rings twice before Edgeworth picks up.

“Is this important, Wright? I do in fact have work I need to attend to. I cannot simply talk to you and Larry all morning long.”

He lets out an amused huff. “Honestly, I’m surprised you even changed your mind. Getting soft on me, Edgeworth?” His tone turns into a teasing one, and he could just picture the other man crossing his arms.

“Hmph. I suppose that’s what I deserve when I spend my free time with emotional fools.”

Phoenix can’t help the small smile that grows on his face, “Alright, Franziska.”

“Besides,” Edgeworth continues as if he hadn’t said anything, “I believe it may…” His voice becomes more hesitant, more soft and vulnerable. “...be nice. After all, wasn’t it you who proposed we spend more time together outside of life-threatening situations?”

“True,” Phoenix hums, “But I hope you know what you’re getting into. You know how Larry is.”

“Unfortunately, yes, I do.”

There’s a comfortable silence that grows between them. “I guess I’ll see you tonight then, Edgeworth.” He hates the excitement that makes his heart flutter in his chest at the idea of seeing him later—hates that it makes him feel like a little kid with a crush. 

Well, he thinks, imagining gray hair and matching eyes, it’s not like I ever grew out of that crush, really.

“Yes, Wright. See you tonight.”

Larry does eventually text them both the address of the bar they’re going to—not that it really matters on Phoenix’s end, since Larry is his ride. He doesn’t go too crazy with his outfit—he’s not there to pick anyone up, anyways—but he does bust out the black leather jacket, something he doesn’t wear as often as he’d like to.

He looks in the mirror to take in his entire outfit: a powder blue shirt with a black leather jacket, along with some jeans that provide a nice fit. Phoenix fiddles with his hair for a bit, not sure if he should do something different tonight.

Why am I even fretting this much? It’s just Larry. An image of a certain prosecutor flashes in his mind and he feels his nerves pick up. Okay, so it’s not just Larry. But it’ll be fine, it’s not a date or anything, and nothing’s gonna happen anyway—

His thoughts are interrupted as he hears a car horn from outside his apartment. Figuring that’s Larry, he grabs the rest of his stuff and goes to the car.

“Heyyy, Nicky!” Larry exclaims as he gets into the car, “Looking good! Trying to impress the ladies, huh?” 

Rolling his eyes, he decides not to answer his statement. 

“Or a certain prosecutie, maybe?” He raises his eyebrows with a knowing grin on his face.

“Wh—Larry!” Phoenix sputters, “What are you—?”

Larry gives him a flat look, which makes him scared that even Larry has him figured out. “C’mon, Nicky.” He starts to pull out from Phoenix’s apartment complex. “I know you’ve had a crush on him since like, forever.”

Phoenix grumbles, deciding to look out the window. “J-Just shut up and drive.”

Larry just laughs, the bastard, and he starts to talk about how his latest girlfriend dumped him for most of the way to the bar, which he prefers over their last topic.

“And then she said I was too clingy! Can you believe that Nicky?”

“Yeah, totally unbelievable.” He says in a flat tone, and Larry whips his head to glare at him. It makes Phoenix laugh and he raises his hands in surrender. “Hey, hey, I’m just teasing, man.” His tone becomes more sincere. “Sorry it didn’t work out, though.”

Larry shrugs, “Eh, it’s whatever.” And even though Larry is pretending he’s fine, Phoenix knows him well enough to know something is still off. He’s about to ask him about it before they pull up into the bar and Larry parks the car. 

“Welp, we’re here. Time for a night out!” Larry says as he’s about to get out of the car, but then stops as Phoenix reaches out a hand on his arm. “What, man?”

“Larry,” he starts, seriously. “Are you sure you’re okay? I get why you wanna have a night out but…” He trails off, eyes looking over at his friend in worry. “You can’t solve everything by trying to forget about it, y’know?”

“Nick, c’mon—” Larry brushes him off, trying to shake off his hand on his shoulder. “I’m fine. It’s fine, dude.”

“Is it?” 

Larry stops. For a moment he just stares at Phoenix, and something changes on his face. He watches as Larry closes his eyes.

“She—she believed in me, y’know? Believed in my art, believed in my skills. She thought I was actually capable of something.” Larry looks away, and Phoenix feels his heart ache for one of his oldest friends. “It’s just hard to think she’s gone. Like, yeah, I didn’t know her for that long but—” He sighs. “She made me think I was worth something.”

“Larry. You are worth something.”

He receives a roll of eyes in response. “Sure, dude. I’m not even a good friend half the time.”

“You are when it matters.”

“Nick, you don’t have to—”

“You know who was there for me when—” He stops and swallows for a second, unable to even say the words or recall the memories, “—when Edgeworth…left? You were, Larry.”

Larry just stares at him and says nothing, eyes wide.

“You’re one of my oldest friends, Larry. I’ve known you for ages. Why would I hang out with you if I didn’t consider you a good friend?”

A small, hesitant smile grows on Larry’s face. “Thanks, Nick.”

“Sure, you can be loud at times. Too flirtatious to women. Obnoxious, maybe—”

“Alright, alright, I get it—”

Phoenix smiles, patting Larry on the shoulder. “But you’re there when it counts, man. And I appreciate it. I’ll always be here for you.”

Larry nods, smiling. “Thanks, Nick.” He says again, before clearing his throat. “Can we go inside now? I could use a drink.”

Phoenix huffs before opening the car door. “You’re not the only one.”

They make it inside the bar, and quickly spot Edgeworth inside, already nursing his own drink. Phoenix’s mouth goes dry.

The man is wearing a turtleneck. A red turtleneck. And black slacks, but Phoenix is more preoccupied with the turtleneck, since it’s more tight-fitting than his usual suit. 

Oh my god, he has a body, he internally panics. He looks like a literal professor and my knees still go weak. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Heyyy, Edgey!” Larry calls out in greeting, and Phoenix quickly shakes himself out of it. It’s better if Edgeworth doesn’t catch him staring.

Gray eyes slide over to Larry first. “Larry,” Edgeworth politely says in greeting, and then his eyes fall onto Phoenix.

Phoenix can’t really explain what happens here really. He swears he sees Edgeworth’s eyes widen at the sight of him, then quickly looks him over, and then swallows. 

“Wright,” he finally says after a moment. “I wasn’t aware you owned something other than that horrendous suit of yours.”

Phoenix snorts, as Larry and him take a seat at the table. “I could say the same to you.” And if Phoenix’s gaze trails longer than what’s necessary, that’s not anybody’s business. He looks away before it gets too weird.

“Yes, well.” Edgeworth stammers a bit, which. Which is definitely weird. What’s going on? 

“It’s…quite fitting.” He finally finishes, taking a sip of his drink and looking away.

Phoenix feels a bit of heat rising to his cheeks. “Oh,” he says intelligently, “Thanks. You, uh. You look good too.”

Gray eyes meet mismatched ones, and they simply stare at each other for a moment, an electric charge in the air.

“Okaaaay,” Larry drawls out, “Now that that’s done—Nicky, I’m gonna get us some drinks since Edgey oh-so-politely started without us.” He starts walking away, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like “God, are they gonna be like this all night?” 

A nervous laugh escapes Phoenix as Edgeworth raises a brow. Phoenix tries to change the subject. 

“Thanks for coming out tonight, Edgeworth.” His eyes fall onto Larry currently buying drinks. “I think he needs it.”

Edgeworth hums, swirling his drink in his glass. “Indeed. Has his mood improved at all?”

He sighs, thinking about their conversation in the car. “I think it’s coming in waves, y’know? He’s fine one minute but then upset the next. So, maybe try to lay off of him for a bit tonight?”

Raising a brow, Edgeworth says, “I’m not sure why you’re treating me as if I’m a hostile individual.”

Phoenix tilts his head, trying to hide a smile. “Maybe not anymore. As much, anyways.”

Edgeworth rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t as horrendous as you make me sound.”

“You basically told me to ‘fuck off’ in every way besides actually saying it to my face.”

There’s a silence for a moment, and a smirk grows on Phoenix’s face as he knows he wins this round. “Perhaps,” he simply says, looking away. “Although, I’d like to imagine I’ve improved, in some ways.”

His smirk turns into a soft smile. “You definitely have, Edgeworth.” It comes out way too soft—too earnest—with too many feelings. Gray eyes whip towards him and Phoenix is about to say something until—

“Ayyyy, I’m back, fellas!” Larry returns, carrying drinks in hand. He grabs a seat and gives Phoenix a drink, raising a glass. “Here’s to a good night, right boys?”

Phoenix and Edgeworth raise their glasses in solidarity, and then the three of them truly begin their night out.

It doesn’t take long for Larry to ditch them.

He makes a comment about being a ‘third wheel’ and the next thing they know, he’s off talking to some pretty girl at the bar.

“For someone who wanted to come here with us in the first place so desperately, he didn’t spend much time hesitating to leave us.” Edgeworth grumbles, taking a sip of his water. Phoenix noticed he only had the one drink before, probably since he’d have to drive back later. 

“Eh, that’s how he is. Don’t take it so personally.”

Edgeworth harrumphs, and there’s a silence that looms over them.

“So,” Phoenix starts, “How long are you staying in America for? You did say you were staying for a bit more, right?”

He receives a nod. “Yes, possibly for a few more months.”

Phoenix’s brows shoot up towards his hairline. “Months? Really? I thought it would only be a few more weeks. I mean, from what you’ve texted me about it, you loved studying over there.”

Edgeworth averts his eyes. “Yes, well. Perhaps there are simply critical and persuasive matters here that entice me to stay for a while longer.”

Phoenix blinks at him, trying to comprehend what Edgeworth’s saying in his slightly tipsy brain.

Critical and persuasive, Phoenix thinks, heat rushing to his face, enticing. He tries to clear his mind before his thoughts can get too out of hand. 

He’s just trying to be a good friend. Besides, you don’t even know if he was really referring to you.

“Wright? Are you alright?”

Phoenix shakes himself out of it. “Uh, yeah.” He clears his throat. “Just have a lot on my mind, that's all.”

“A lot occupying your mind?” Edgeworth asks with a smirk, “That would be a first.”

Phoenix rolls his eyes. “Har, har. Very funny, Mr. “That was objectionable.”

Edgeworth’s face turns into a scowl, and Phoenix can’t help the chuckle that escapes him as he takes another gulp of his drink. “You cannot possibly still remember that.”

Phoenix shrugs. “I guess I just remember a lot about you.” It slips, and he wonders if having alcohol around Edgeworth is really such a good idea. He tries to ignore the feeling of a certain set of eyes on him, taking another sip of his drink anyways. 

After a tense moment, Edgeworth clears his throat. “How is Ms. Fey and her younger cousin doing? They returned back to Kurain Village, correct?” 

He nods, and he can’t help the way his shoulder sags at the mention of them. 

Edgeworth eyes turn softer. “I take it you miss them quite a bit?”

Sighing, he says, “Yeah. They’re basically my family at this point, y’know? And yeah, Maya is coming back to visit in a few weeks, but still.” He slouches a little into the table. “I miss them.”

“It’ll be fine, Wright. In fact, Franziska has been hounding me for the four of us to partake in a ‘group activity,’ so perhaps when Ms. Fey visits, we can—”

“Woah, woah, woah.” Phoenix stops him, holding his hands out. “Franziska wants to hang out with us?”

Edgeworth lets out an amused huff. “In simple terms, yes. Although it’s not us that she is focused on,” he mutters.

Phoenix’s eyes nearly bulge out of his head. “Franziska wants to hang out with Maya?”

“Don’t you dare let her know I informed you of this,” Edgeworth says, glaring at him, “But…yes.”

Phoenix blinks. “Huh. Okay, then. Not what I was expecting. Maya will lose it.”

Edgeworth gives him a look and Phoenix just barks out a laugh. “I’m surprised you haven’t noticed her checking your sister out.”

Snorting, Edgeworth says, “Oh, yes. I indeed have. However, my sister did try to put yours in prison if you recall. I’m simply surprised she would still have interest after all of that.”

Phoenix groans. “You have no idea how much interest she has.”

It looks like Edgeworth is about to say something else, until his eyes focus on something and become enormously wide, and full of…fear?

“Edgeworth?” His face creases in concern as Edgeworth’s body freezes up. “Hey, hey,” Phoenix says softly, “What’s going on?”

He turns around to see what Edgeworth is looking at when—

“No,” Edgeworth yelps, firmly and urgently, causing him to whip his head back to its original direction. 

“Edgeworth—”

“Oh my God,” A deep, but also grating voice calls out nearby. “You see that guy in the turtleneck over there?”

Edgeworth is still frozen in place. 

“That guy, around like, five years ago? We hooked up, and he was the worst lay of my life.”

Some of the man’s friends pipe up, “Oh my god, that’s him? The brat you talked shit about for days?”

“Yup! I can’t believe it.”

The group continue to laugh and eventually go to another part of the bar, and Phoenix’s eyes turn back to the man next to him.

Edgeworth’s shoulders are raised from tension, and cheeks red from what can only be embarrassment. He’s still as rigid as ever, and his eyes are fixed on the table. He’s clutching at one of his shoulders, his mouth formed into a thin line.

Phoenix feels a flare of anger towards the man for doing that to Edgeworth, but he knows it would only make it worse if he confronted them. So, he decides to try to make Edgeworth feel better.

“Hey,” he says softly, “wanna get out of here? We could just hang out at my place if you want.”

Edgeworth doesn’t even look at him. “Wright—”

“C’mon,” he continues talking to him gently, careful not to spook him. “Let’s head back, yeah? I’m getting kinda sick of this place anyways.” Phoenix hops out of his seat, gestures a handout to Edgeworth for him to take. “Let’s go.”

Edgeworth’s eyes fall to his hand and stay there for a moment. It sucks that they were having a pretty good time until some assholes came and ruined it, and now Edgeworth is all closed up as ever. It sucks that Phoenix barely knows how to make him feel better.

But he can still try.

Phoenix is about to retract his hand until Edgeworth finally takes it, and says, “Okay.”

Phoenix gives a small smile and a light squeeze of his hand. “C’mon,” He says, pulling Edgeworth along and out of the bar, “Let’s blow this popsicle stand.”

After Phoenix sends a quick text to Larry, the ride to his place is extremely tense, and unbearably quiet. Phoenix isn’t sure what exactly to do. He knows it’s probably a bad idea to bring it up at all, but they both heard it. They both know what happened, so what’s the use in pretending? 

Sooner or later, Edgeworth pulls into his apartment complex. “We’re here, Wright,” he says quietly, not looking at him.

“Edgeworth…”

“Wright,” he says tersely. “Please. Just forget this ever happened.”

Phoenix sighs. “Look, this is clearly upsetting you. I’m not saying you have to talk about it, but…we can just, I don’t know…We can hang out in my apartment for a bit, okay? Try to just relax a bit.” He hates that it comes out so needy, but he knows Edgeworth would never ask for it himself. As it is, he doubts Edgeworth is even going to agree to it.

For several moments, it’s quiet in the car, and Phoenix is about to give up. 

“Alright.” 

“What?”

“I said, alright.” He pulls into a guest parking spot, leaving Phoenix staring at him. “But you better have some kind of decent wine available.”

Once they’re inside Phoenix’s apartment, he goes searching for the wine. “Just take a seat anywhere, make yourself comfortable.” After searching in the depths of his cupboard, he finally found some wines that looked half-way fancy enough. He returns to the couch with the bottle, an opener, and two wine glasses. After pouring wine in both glasses, he offers one to Edgeworth.

“Here you go, sir.” Edgeworth accepts it and proceeds to take a sip.

And another. And another, proceeding to chug the glass down.

“Oh boy,” Phoenix mutters.

Edgeworth holds out the glass in front of him. “Some more, please?”

Phoenix takes a second, trying to convey his worried look to the other man. “Edgeworth…”

“Wright,” Edgeworth snaps, and then closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “Please. I’ll take a taxi home if I need to.”

“Okay,” he says in a high-pitched voice, pouring more wine into his glass. Thankfully, Edgeworth takes his time with this one. Well, compared to the first one, that is.

They drink in silence for a while, and it’s killing Phoenix.

“Y’know—”

“Wright, please.” Edgeworth says coldly, but Phoenix knows he’s embarrassed underneath it all. “Spare me…this.”

“Alright.”

A beat.

“Can I just say one thing—”

Edgeworth groans, hiding his face into one hand.

“Look,” Phoenix begins, setting his glass down on the table and turning his body more towards Edgeworth. “It just…It just takes practice, y’know?”

The stare he gets from Edgeworth is priceless, but Phoenix knows better than to laugh now. “...What does, exactly?”

“Well, y’know,” He shrugs, picking up his glass and taking a sip, “sex.”

Edgeworth chokes on his wine, and Phoenix rolls his eyes. 

“We’re friends, aren’t we? Why can’t we talk about stuff like this?”

“Have you considered,” Edgeworth snarls out, “that perhaps I would rather not talk about ‘stuff like this,’ as you put it?”

Phoenix worries at his lower lip, wondering if he overstepped. He’s already feeling a little tipsy from the combination of the drinks at the bar and the wine here, but for some reason his gut is telling him to keep going. 

“Well, do you not want to talk about it? If you don’t, I’ll leave you alone, but if you think it’s…I don’t know, improper or something, or that you’re making me uncomfortable—” he shakes his head. “Don’t.”

Edgeworth seems to mull this over for a bit before sighing. “You were saying?”

“It just takes practice, Edgeworth. And that’s not a bad thing! Everything is a learning experience, so what makes sex any different?”

He receives silence in response. “Maybe so, but…Who would even want to…be with me…in that way, if I’m—” his voice breaks off, looking away. “If I’m that terrible.”

“Okay, well,” Phoenix adjusts his position on the couch, sitting up straighter. “First of all, have you seen yourself? People are always throwing themselves at you.” Including me, Phoenix thankfully doesn’t say. “Hell, I’m sure some of those people would be fine with teaching you,” he muses, although a little bit of him burns inside at the thought of Edgeworth hooking up with other people. 

Edgeworth simply stares at him in an intense silence, sipping at his wine from time to time.

“I just think if you found someone you liked, and they like you back, they’d be willing to help you! And it’s nothing to be ashamed of, Edgeworth. We all start somewhere.”

It’s quiet for a few more moments until, “Last week, you said you had been with other people in the past, yes?”

Phoenix pauses, not sure where this is going. “I mean, yeah. Some hookups here and there, why?”

Uncertainty washes over Edgeworth’s face as he sips at his wine, eyes averted, before something more determined shows. “Would you,” he begins, looking straight at him. “Would you be willing to share any advice?”

His brows furrow in confusion. “Advice? On what?” Phoenix takes a sip of his own wine.

Edgeworth swallows. “On sex.”

Now it’s Phoenix’s turn to choke on his wine. “Wha—”

A shadow looms over Edgeworth’s face, before it turns emotionless. “Forget it,” he says in a defeated tone, getting up and making his way towards the door. “I knew this conversation was a mistake, this was a waste of time, foolish—”

Before he knows it, Phoenix is on his feet, reaching a handout to grab Edgeworth’s wrist. “Hey, wait, Edgeworth, it’s okay.”

He stops.

Phoenix swallows, “I was just…caught off guard, is all. C’mon let’s sit back down, I’ll answer your question.”

They go back to the couch, taking a seat next to each other, and Phoenix can’t help but notice that their legs are touching. He takes a swig of his wine.

“Well, I think a major thing is to be a giving lover, yeah? Try to focus on their pleasure rather than your own.”

Edgeworth nods, concentrating, and it’s cute. It’s cute, Edgeworth’s tipsy, they're talking about sex, and Phoenix is going to die.

“That’s, um. That’s as much as I can really tell you?” There’s a flash of disappointment on Edgeworth’s face.

“Aw, c’mon, don’t give me that,” Phoenix says, “It’s just one of those things where, uh. It would…be better to show you, than tell you.” He focuses his gaze on something else, on anything else that isn’t Edgeworth with his face flushed and cute—

“Then show me.”

Phoenix freezes, and his mind comes to a screeching halt. 

What?

“What?” He asks softly, turning to Edgeworth and being met with gray eyes, pupils blown wide. He watches Edgeworth’s Adam's apple bob as he swallows.

“If it’s better to learn in a hands-on manner, then…” Edgeworth’s gaze trails over Phoenix’ body, and he feels hot all over. “Show me.”

There are a million alarm bells going off in Phoenix’s mind. He should stop this. He should stop this right now. They’re both tipsy and not thinking straight. 

I’m definitely not thinking straight, his mind helpfully supplies, getting lost in Edgeworth’s eyes.

He should say no. This isn’t right, and it’s a terrible idea. Maybe even a worse idea than running across a burning bridge.

And yet. And yet.

Phoenix asks, “Are you sure?” and he feels the warmth from Edgeworth’s body next to him, a heat that he continues to crave and want more of.

Idiot! Back out, back out now! This is a bad idea!

He feels Edgeworth’s breath ghost upon his face, and he nods, licking his lips, and Phoenix is fucked.

“Yes,” Edgeworth rasps out, “Yes, please. Show me.”

Phoenix is certain his heart stops at hearing Edgeworth beg like that.

He clenches his fist and gets up from the couch. “C’mon,” he says, walking before he loses his nerve, “I’ll show you to the bedroom.”

Phoenix looks behind him and tries to give Edgeworth an out.

Please take it, because I don’t think I have the self-control to say no to something I’ve wanted for so long.

“You coming?”

They stare at each other, and then Edgeworth gets on his feet, and walks on over, thoroughly crushing whatever will-power Phoenix once had.

They make it to the bedroom, and the words show me repeat in Phoenix’s head over and over again, remembering how Edgeworth looked when he said it.

He’s just looking for some advice, is all. He just wants to get some help from a friend, that’s all this is.

And still, Phoenix can’t help but be selfish at this moment. He knows distantly he’ll probably regret it later or in the morning, but how could he say no to this? How could he ever say no to Miles Edgeworth?

He doesn’t even realize he’s been spacing out until Edgeworth gets his attention. 

“Wright?” He peers at him warily, a mix of emotions on his face. Phoenix shakes himself out of it, clearing his throat.

“So, how did you wanna do this?” He fights the urge to cringe at how he sounds, but he knows it’s an important question to ask any partner in bed. 

Edgeworth sways on his feet a bit, uncertain. There’s a pink tinge on his cheeks and Phoenix has the shameful thought that he can’t wait to see what Edgeworth looks like moaning and face flushed in bed. He’s already getting worked up thinking about it.

“I am…unsure,” Edgeworth answers honestly. “I’d prefer you take the lead, as you are…the expert in this.”

Phoenix lets out a huff, smiling. “Expert, huh?” His eyes trail over Edgeworth’s body in that sinful turtleneck, and he wants. He wants nothing more than to push Edgeworth up against the wall and kiss the living daylights out of him, but he doesn’t know if Edgeworth wants that. “How about this, let’s just…lay on the bed and I’ll get some lube.” Edgeworth’s eyes blow wide open and Phoenix panics, saying, “We don’t have to do anything too crazy! Look, I was just getting it as a precaution and—”

He stops in his tracks when, for the first time in the entire night, Edgeworth starts laughing. It starts out as little sounds similar to giggles—something he never thought he’d hear from the man—and it grows stronger until his head is slightly thrown back with laughter. It’s frustrating how beautiful and breathtaking it all is. How beautiful and breathtaking Edgeworth is.

“What’s so funny?”

Edgeworth shakes his head, laughter dying down, but a smile still painted on his face. “You’re incredibly ridiculous, are you aware of that?”

Phoenix smiles back with a raised eyebrow. “You sure know how to flatter a guy.” He walks a couple steps forward, going into Edgeworth’s space. Edgeworth seems to sober up in an instant, his face turning more into one of awe. “Edgeworth,” Phoenix says lowly, placing either hand on the man’s waist. Gray eyes meet blue-brown ones, pupils wide. “Are you sure you want this? Are you sure you want me to touch you like this? I need to know.”

Edgeworth’s tongue pokes out in between his lips, and Phoenix is entranced. Finally, he receives a nod and Edgeworth whispers, “Yes. I’m sure.”

“Okay,” Phoenix replies, voice husky. “Go lie down on the bed,” and Phoenix is almost certain he sees Edgeworth shudder slightly.

He grabs the lube from one of the drawers in the bathroom, and when he comes back into the bedroom, he nearly drops it.

Laying on his bed and palming himself through his slacks, is none other than Miles Edgeworth. Edgeworth’s head is tilted back slightly into the pillows, his lips parted and eyes closed, making Phoenix’s cock twitch in his jeans. 

God, he’s gorgeous.

He gets closer to the bed and climbs on top of it, saying, “Starting without me?” His voice comes out husky and low, and he watches as gray eyes open.

“Are you complaining?”

Phoenix hums, trying to make himself look more confident than he’s actually feeling. “Just thought I’d be the one touching you,” he says, adjusting himself to lay down next to Edgeworth, nestled against his side. As soon as he says it, Edgeworth hand stills.

“Please,” he breathes out, and not for the first time tonight, Phoenix is certain he’s going to die.

“Alright, alright,” Phoenix tries to soothe him, and he undoes his own fly, before tentatively grazing his hand on Edgeworth’s groin. He hears a sharp intake of breath from the man, and his only thought is that he wants to see Edgeworth come completely undone—wants to watch him lose his mind to pleasure, wants to see him come because of Phoenix. “Is this okay?”

Instead of answering, Edgeworth nods vehemently.

“I wanna see you,” Phoenix utters out, still palming him before retracting his hand. Edgeworth moves immediately, undoing the buttons on his pants, taking himself in hand. Edgeworth’s cock is already hard and dewy at the tip, and Phoenix almost starts drooling right then and there. 

He opens the bottle of lube, slicking his hand up. “An important thing is to understand that everyone likes to be touched differently,” Phoenix says, before touching Edgeworth, giving him slow, teasing pumps. “So, if you want something to be different, it’s important to communicate that.” Edgeworth is breathing shakily now, and Phoenix wants so badly to just give him everything, to just ruin him, but he knows this isn’t what Edgeworth asked for. 

“I’ll demonstrate on you for a bit, and then you can try it on me, okay?” Edgeworth nods, reaching a shaky arm under Phoenix’s to grab the lube and apply it to his own hand. 

With his other hand, Phoenix takes himself out of his pants and boxers, half-hard. “Whenever you’re ready, okay? Don’t feel rushed, and if you want to stop at any point, just tell me.”

He expects Edgeworth to have to build up some courage to touch him, and that’s okay. However, it only takes a few more moments until Edgeworth reaches over and starts stroking Phoenix’s cock.

Phoenix closes his eyes for a brief second, and he knows he’s screwed. “Shit, Edgeworth.” He realizes he’s the worst person who Edgeworth could have asked, because he knows that since it’s Edgeworth touching him like this, it’s already the best experience for him. His grip on Edgeworth tightens a little bit, giving firmer and less teasing strokes.

“W-Wright,” Edgeworth moans, and it’s music to Phoenix’s ears.

“Make your fist a little tighter,” Phoenix suggests, and turns his head to get a better view of Edgeworth’s face. Edgeworth follows Phoenix’s words, and he lets out a moan. “Yes, just like that, Edgeworth. You’re so good, being so good for me.”

Edgeworth’s cock jerks and twitches in Phoenix’s hand at the praise, and he takes a mental note of it, knowing it’s something he’ll be doing a lot if the reaction is that.

“Wright—”

“You can pick up the pace a little bit—yes, yes, just like that—and watch how I flick my wrist a little like this—” Edgeworth lets out a stifled moan, biting his lip, and that just won’t do. 

Phoenix’s strokes become faster, and he throws all reason out the window. He’s less focused on his own pleasure right now—all he wants to do is make a mess of Edgeworth. “C’mon Edgeworth—wanna hear you, you sound so good—” Edgeworth lets out a sound close to a whimper. “—making me feel so good, doing such a good job—”

Edgeworth’s strokes become faster on his cock, and Phoenix knows if he keeps making noises like that, it’ll be over soon. Phoenix doubles his efforts, leaning into whisper in Edgeworth’s ear, “Wanna see you come, Edgeworth, wanna see you come all over my hand, wanna see you lose it, c’mon—”

“Wright, please—”

“So good, so good for me, Edgeworth—” and then Edgeworth is letting out a choked cry, his cock jerking in Phoenix’s hand and it’s beautiful. It’s everything he’s ever wanted, everything he’s ever dreamed of, and it’s real.

“Fuck, oh fuck, Edgeworth, I’m—I’m gonna—” Edgeworth strokes him once, twice, and then Phoenix finds his own release, making a mess out of Edgeworth’s hand.

He twitches in the aftershocks, both of them panting beside each other. 

God, how could anyone ever hate that?

He gets up and quickly cleans them both up with a washcloth, lost in his thoughts.

Yes, Edgeworth is slightly inexperienced—but that isn’t a bad thing. And yes, he may be biased based on the fact that he’s had a thing for Edgeworth since forever, but—

“Thank you,” Edgeworth says quietly, hesitantly, as if he’s walking on eggshells, and Phoenix’s whole world freezes. 

He settles back on the bed with his heart in his throat. “For what?” Phoenix asks.

There’s a slight pause, and apprehension over Edgeworth’s face. “For showing me. For—teaching me.”

And it all comes crashing down on Phoenix at once—the fact that this isn’t real. Edgeworth just wanted to be guided, and because Phoenix is his friend, chose him to help him through it. That’s all there is to it, and Phoenix feels like an idiot to think otherwise.

“Anytime,” He chokes out, half-joking, invisible hand squeezing around his heart.

Edgeworth stills beside him. “Would you…” He looks away from Phoenix for a split second before returning his gaze. “Would you be…inclined to do this again…sometime?”

The moment between them is completely still. It’s a heavy silence that weighs the entire room down, and Phoenix can’t take it anymore.

He can’t really explain it, but it’s as if there’s someone with a big sign that says DO NOT DO THIS. As if someone is letting him change an event that would alter which direction his life goes in.

“I can’t do this,” Phoenix blurts out, shaking his head. His heart is pounding against his rib cage, but he needs to say this.

“What—”

I need to be brave.

“Miles,” he says, the name foreign but pleasant on his tongue. This catches the other man’s attention as Edgeworth turns completely towards Phoenix with a bewildered look on his face.

Phoenix takes a breath.

“Miles,” he repeats, standing up and walking towards where Edgeworth is sitting on the other side of the bed. “Before we do anything else I need to be honest with you. Completely honest, because I’ve been hiding something from you.”

Edgeworth looks at him, brows furrowed and eyes wide.

Phoenix takes a deep breath.

“I love you. I’ve been in love with you for a few years now.” He looks away, not bearing to look at the man he’s confessing to. “I know you don’t feel the same, and this was—” his voice breaks a little. “This was definitely an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.” Phoenix’s eyes trail up to Edgeworth. “But to keep sleeping with you for these…these sessions? I can’t do that. I can’t do that to you, or myself.” Phoenix swallows. “I just can’t.”

Edgeworth stares at him, mouth agape. His expression brands Phoenix’s very soul, and he can’t look away. After what feels like an eternity, Edgeworth lets out a breath that sounds like…relief?

“Oh, thank goodness,” Edgeworth says, the tension in his shoulders slumping down. He looks directly at Phoenix. “I feel exactly the same.” A small, soft smile appears on his face. “I love you, Phoenix Wright.”

Phoenix stares at him before his face breaks out into a grin of absolute joy and he’s tackling Edgeworth on the bed and kissing him.

“Mmmph!”

Edgeworth practically melts into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Phoenix and holding him close. They break apart and Miles is looking up at him with a loving, endearing expression. Phoenix returns it.

They lay there for a bit, just gazing into each other’s eyes. It’s nice, it’s everything Phoenix has ever wanted—and he almost didn’t get to have it.

“God,” Phoenix groans, but there’s a smile on his face. “Can you imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t said anything?”

Miles’s expression turns grave. “Perish the thought.”

“No, no. Imagine it. I would’ve actually said yes to your question, but then, god, I would’ve called it something stupid like lessons or something. Could you believe that?”

Miles’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “You calling a situation like this something that preposterous? Unfortunately, yes, I could believe that.” 

Phoenix smacks him playfully.

“What made you inclined to speak up?” Miles asks.

He thinks about it, tilting his head. “Honestly? I couldn’t really tell you, it’s weird. It’s like I felt alarm bells going off inside my head for something that didn’t even happen. Something that could’ve happened if we were at least five percent dumber.”

Miles snorts but holds Phoenix closer. “It would’ve gone on for weeks, if not months. Us circling around each other yet also sleeping with one another. Have you ever heard anything more ridiculous in your life?”

Phoenix laughs. “It’s like—it’s like a plot of a fanfiction. Think about it. You ask for help in having more experience with sex, I help you, but then we both hide our actual feelings. We would keep going and going until one of us breaks, calling the whole thing off, and then there’s a whole big dramatic fallout until we confess to each other.” He shakes his head. “It sounds like something a stressed-out college student would write.”

Miles hums. “It does sound quite dramatic indeed.”

“And can you also imagine if the college student had almost been writing this fanfiction in intervals for almost a whole year? And the final chapter still isn’t out yet? Would that be fucked up or what?” Phoenix muses.

“I think the only thing that would make that more absurd would be that instead of continuing to work on said final chapter, this college student writes a different ending for the first chapter as some sort of practical joke for the ridiculous holiday of April Fools,” Miles comments. 

A beat.

“Well, thank god we aren’t living in that universe. That would suck.”

“Indeed.”

Another beat.

Suddenly, Phoenix yawns. “Welp. That was pretty fun theorizing, but I really want to hold you as I fall asleep.”

Miles smiles softly at him. 

“That can most certainly be arranged.”

They both get under the covers and snuggle up to each other. Phoenix starts to drift off to sleep, but for a few moments he starts to imagine what would’ve happened if he didn’t say anything. For some unknown reason, laser tag is involved.

Phoenix shakes his head. It doesn’t matter really. He got what he wanted in this universe, so any other possibilities of what could’ve happened shouldn’t matter.

Laser tag, Phoenix thinks, smiling at the absurdity of it all, how ridiculous.