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Phoenix threw open the door, storming inside and slamming it behind him. Today had not been his day. He dropped his blue jacket on the back of the couch, collapsed onto the front of the couch, and buried his face in his hands. “That asshole!” he swore, flinging his hands in the air. “What a jerk! A gorgeous, but horrible, nasty jerk!”
Yelling in his office wasn't burning off the anger. He needed somebody to rant to. Unfortunately, the entire office had abandoned him in this time of need. Apollo was out with a friend, Athena was on a romantic date with Simon, and Trucy was performing one of her shows.
Leaving Phoenix with no one to yell at.
What's the point of having employees if they aren't around to complain to? Phoenix wondered to himself, drawing his phone out of his pocket.
Maya would listen, he knew. His ex-assistant-turned-Master knew all about his feelings towards one Miles Edgeworth, so she'd be the perfect person to listen to his tale of woe.
Thumbing through his contacts, he found the one labelled 'Maya'. Taking a moment to scowl and poke his tongue out at the name below (Miles Edgeworth), he pressed call.
He heard the call connect and immediately launched into his tale. “You'll never believe the shit Edgeworth put me through today!” he told her, clenching his free hand into a fist.
“Oh?” came the surprised voice from the other end. It sounded different to Maya’s usual chirp, but it could be Phoenix's old phone and the terrible service.
“Yeah, well, here I was, trying to defend an innocent client when that jackass pulls out all this evidence for why my client is guilty! None of it was submitted beforehand, Edgeworth just thought he'd bring it out to throw me off my game. The judge nearly brought his gavel down three times!” Phoenix took a deep breath, running his hand through his spiky black hair. “It was worse than normal. Plus all his witnesses were so...ordinary! They answered questions with nice, concise words, none of them looked outrageous or smug.”
Phoenix stared at the ceiling and groaned. “Pressing them barely brought up new information. Even presenting random evidence didn't get me anywhere! Apparently they all have poker faces or something! You know how it goes,” Phoenix sighed, leaning back.
There was an expectant silence on the other end. Maya was such a good friend, letting him get this off his chest.
“And of course! I had to listen to that condescending 'Come now, Wright, surely you have evidence?' crap he pulls every time. No, actually, I don't have evidence! I haven't even finished my story! How would you know if I have evidence if you won't let me finish?” Phoenix slapped his cheek. “I don't even care how good his voice sounds, it's still a dick move to keep shutting me down.”
He switched the phone to his other shoulder in order to shrug off his vest, dropping it on top of his jacket. “Ahh, that's better. Sorry, was shedding a layer,” he explained to Maya. “Anyway, where was I? Oh right, stupid sexy Edgeworth.”
A curious huffing noise sounded down the phone, like someone had inhaled in surprise and choked.
Well, Maya knew about his long standing infatuation with Edgeworth, so it shouldn't be that surprising to hear compliments.
“In case you were wondering, he still looks amazing even when he's being his usual mocking self,” Phoenix grumbled under his breath, eyeing his shirt. Was that a sauce stain? “I don't know how he manages to pull off that whole immaculate, self-possessed lawyer look, and make it look effortless!”
A cough down the line. Or was it a snort?
“He's so annoyingly perfect! With his stupid soft hair and his stupid angular face with the strong jaw. It makes my fingers itch to pick up a sketchbook. How am I supposed to focus on my client when all I can see is his wicked smirk! It makes me want to kiss him, Maya! It's too distracting.” Phoenix slumped over the arm of the couch, running a hand down the side of his face. “If I kissed him, do you think he'd shut up for a while? Or would I just get arrested for attacking the prosecution?”
It occurred to him then that Maya had been really quiet this whole time. It was nice having a friend who was so willing to listen. Still, he should give her the chance to talk for a while. It was only fair.
“Anyway, so this case is a train wreck. But I'll figure something out. I always do.” He grinned to himself. “My client's innocent, and Edgeworth has to see that. If not...then fuck Edgeworth!” Phoenix placed a hand behind his head and stretched his back. “So, enough about me. How have you been, Maya?”
“Well, I just received an earful of abuse stating that I am a 'jackass' and 'condescending,” a deep voice that definitely didn't belong to Maya answered.
Phoenix froze, the blood draining from his face. That delicious velvet voice could belong to no other than Edgeworth himself.
“However, they then turned around and proclaimed me 'sexy' and possessing rather attractive features. I believe a 'strong jaw' was mentioned?” The voice was definitely amused. “Therefore, I am unsure whether to be offended or pleased. Since I happen to be in a good mood due to an excellent day in court, I'm leaning towards pleased.”
His mouth opening and closing like a fish, Phoenix stood and stared at his phone in dismay.
“I do fail to see how you got myself and Maya confused. Were you not checking before you started complaining, Wright?” Edgeworth chuckled to himself. “Oh, and as for 'fuck Edgeworth', I prefer to be taken out to dinner first. After a nice meal and a nicer bottle of wine, I might be open to the idea. Providing you stated your intentions to me first.”
Without thinking, Phoenix opened his mouth and screamed into the phone, before hanging up and throwing it at the wall.
He was dead. He was so dead. Why the hell didn't he check before he hit call? He'd even seen 'Miles' written underneath. And now he'd gone and blurted out how attractive he found Edgeworth to Edgeworth.
Yeah, he was dead.
How the hell was he supposed to face Edgeworth in court ever again? Phoenix would have to move, change his name and shave his head, and never show his face to Miles Edgeworth again.
The phone rang from its location on the floor, causing Phoenix to jump and let out a yelp. He tiptoed over and gingerly picked it up. The name 'Miles Edgeworth' flashed across, and Phoenix squealed and dropped it again. Nope, nope, nope, he couldn't do this right now.
Or ever.
Oh hell, he'd even screamed into the phone. What if he'd damaged Edgeworth's ear drums? He could be slapped with a hospital bill any day now. He'd have to learn sign language to communicate. Note to self: grab a book on sign language.
His thoughts crashed and rolled like waves in a storm. He went to bed with dread sitting heavy in his stomach. Phoenix had no idea how he was going to win the trial tomorrow.
It was going to take a miracle.
…
“Daddy, why are you in such a panic?” Trucy asked, watching him warily. She'd noticed him chewing his nails and leaving wet patches on his pants from wiping his sweaty hands all morning.
“Uhh...” Phoenix gave her a bright grin and changed the subject. “So, how was the show last night? I wish I'd been able to go, but this stupid trial kept dragging on.”
Trucy raised an eyebrow. “Daddy,” she said sternly, placing her hands on her hips. “Answer my question.”
Phoenix took a deep breath and held it, counting to seven in his head before he let it out. “Alright, ready for this?”
Trucy watched him expectantly.
“Last night, I tried to ring Maya to complain about Edgeworth. Only I rang Edgeworth by accident and complained about Edgeworth to Edgeworth, and now I have to face him in court. I'm going to die,” Phoenix whimpered, wrapping his arms around himself. “He's going to kill me with his death glare.”
“Well, that's not so bad.” Trucy patted his shoulder, flashing him a grin.
Not so bad? Phoenix was going to be murdered, and Trucy had the gall to say ‘it’s not so bad’.
“You'll be okay. Uncle Miles knows how you are, he won't hold it against you.” She giggled to herself.
Glaring at her, Phoenix cleared his throat. “Did I also mention I called him sexy over the phone?”
Trucy started laughing, her whole body shaking. “Daddy!” she gasped between guffaws. “That's not a bad thing!” She hunched over the couch, trying to regain her breath. “Phew.”
“My life is over!” Phoenix wailed, slumping against a wall.
Rolling her eyes, Trucy clicked her fingers to draw her attention. “You can fix this,” she informed him, smoothing her skirt over her legs.
“No I can't.” Phoenix crossed his arms and glared at his daughter. How cruel, for his child to sit there and mock him! Wasn't he a good father? Respectable, defender of the innocent. She just didn't understand the gravity of the situation.
Trucy sighed and poked him in the chest. “Of course there is!” she announced, like it was obvious. “Apologise!”
Phoenix narrowed his eyes at her. “What if it doesn't work?”
“How will you know if you don't try?” Trucy threw her hands up in exasperation. “Daddy I love you dearly, but you are so stupid sometimes.”
Phoenix mumbled unsavory things under his breath. Rude, Trucy. “Fine,” he huffed. “I'll go apologise to him before the trial resumes.”
“Okay but you'd better leave now or you'll be late,” Trucy told him, pointing to the clock on the wall. She flicked her brown ponytail over her shoulder and smirked. “What would you do without me?”
Phoenix glanced at the clock and screeched, racing out the door. He flung a goodbye over his shoulder on the way out.
Why oh why was he like this?
By the time Phoenix stumbled into the courthouse, he was panting heavily and sweat dripped down his forehead. On the plus side, he might have set a personal record riding here. Thankfully he'd arrived on time, though only by a few minutes. Not enough time to catch Edgeworth, who was no doubt already inside the courtroom and waiting.
Phoenix sighed and went to meet his client.
Walking inside was even more nerve wracking than normal. His palms were covered in sweat, despite the amount of times he'd wiped them on his pants. His heart threatened to beat out of his chest, and it was a wonder he hadn't bitten through his lip yet.
Even his client noticed. “Dude, are you okay? You seem more wound up than yesterday.” His eyes darted around the room.
“Fine!” Phoenix shrieked, going rigid. Always smile for the client! He did, though it was probably more a grimace (or like he was constipated). Relax, Phoenix, he told himself. It's just your average trial. You can do this.
He walked in and met the amused gaze of Miles Edgeworth.
He couldn't do this.
If it wasn't for his client, Phoenix would run screaming out of the room. All the stupid things he'd said the night before were echoing in his brain, reminding him that hey, there's Edgeworth! Remember how you called him a jackass?
The trial dragged on, going agonisingly slowly just to torment Phoenix. He objected where he could, spinning his usual wild tales and looking for any connection that would save his client. It wasn't looking good.
Edgeworth was in top form; cool, calm and collected, he pulled apart Phoenix's theories with ease. As always he looked immaculate; red jacket over the dark vest, his silver hair combed, the bangs falling to the sides of his face. He glanced at Phoenix often, a smirk adorning his lips. He looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Much more of this and Phoenix was going to lose it. His nerves were wound so tight he was surprised he hadn't already snapped.
He examined the evidence on his bench, hoping to find something he'd overlooked. There had to be something, there had to.
And then he found it.
Grinning for the first time since he'd walked in, Phoenix pointed at Edgeworth and yelled, “OBJECTION!” Now he was back in business. With one seemingly innocuous piece of evidence, he managed to turn the tide of the case.
Now Edgeworth was the one on the back foot, adjusting his case to reflect the new discoveries.
Under the combined power of two new witnesses, one shocking confession, and a rather disturbing breakdown, the case was brought to a successful, non-guilty conclusion.
If only his life was so tidy. Phoenix congratulated his client, accepted his thanks, and wished him well, before slinking out of the lobby. With any luck, Edgeworth would have already left, thus saving him from total mortification.
“Wright!” a commanding voice echoed down the hall the second he stepped out.
“Edgeworth,” Phoenix groaned, resisting the urge to slap himself in the face. Well, here was his chance to apologise. He just had to suck it up and ignore the humiliation. He turned to face Edgeworth, sheepish grin already in place. “Hey, so, I really want to say sorry about the stupid things I said on the phone,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn't mean any of it, I swear!”
Edgeworth stopped dead, his face losing all expression. “What?” he asked, sounding unsure. Biting his lip, he suddenly looked much younger, less imposing. His hand came up to rest on the opposite arm, the red fabric wrinkling under his grip.
Phoenix blinked. That was an odd reaction. “You know, all the insults and stuff about me calling you sexy. And I'm really sorry about the whole 'fuck Edgeworth' thing.” He held up his hands, palm out. “I know it was rude, and I'm sorry. I had a shitty day and just needed to rant to a friend. Clearly I messed that up, and you shouldn't have had to listen to that.” He dared to make eye contact.
What he didn't expect to see was the lost, disappointed look on Edgeworth's face. “Ah, I see,” he murmured, glancing away.
Phoenix frowned at him. “Hey, Edgeworth? Did I say something wrong? You look...sad. You know you can talk to me about it, right? Please tell me if I made you uncomfortable, I'll try harder not to.”
Edgeworth raised a shoulder, looking somewhere over Phoenix's shoulder. “I thought your words were sincere. That you did, in fact, find me attractive,” he answered, voice flat. “So I was going to ask you to dinner.”
Phoenix's mind whirred to a stop. What?
What?
“Dinner?” he parroted, trying to regain a semblance of proper speech. He was having a hard time making sense of things.
Edgeworth adjusted his glasses. “It appears I misread the situation. But no matter, it changes nothing.” He nodded at Phoenix, grey eyes going hard. “I accept your apology. Please think nothing of it.” With a half-bow, he turned on his heel to leave.
Phoenix watched him go, his mind blank.
Miles Edgeworth was going to ask him to dinner? After what he'd said? But that made no sense unless –
Phoenix slapped his hands over his face and groaned. Unless Miles Edgeworth liked him. “I'm such an idiot!” he moaned, wishing he'd realised sooner. Why oh why was he so dumb sometimes? He'd finally had the perfect chance to tell Edgeworth straight to his face that he liked him, and instead he'd backed out of it like a coward. Now he'd lost his chance, and Edgeworth believed his attraction one sided.
He had to do something about this.
Phoenix bolted after Edgeworth, skidding to a halt at the top of the stairs. There was no sign of the prosecutor or his flashy red car. His shoulders slumping, Phoenix huffed and went to fetch his bike.
Okay, so that was a bust. He'd have to arrange a meeting with Edgeworth or try to call him. He refused to leave it like this. Phoenix knew if he ignored it, there was no chance for him. It had to be now, and he had to prove to Edgeworth that his feelings were sincere.
Pulling out his phone, Phoenix scrolled down the list until he found the name he was looking for. This time, he madesure he was calling the right number.
It rang out, the automated messaging system asking him to leave a message. Phoenix hung up, smacking his forehead. Of course, Edgeworth would still be driving. He wouldn't be able to answer the phone.
Jaw set, Phoenix turned his bike in the direction of the prosecutor's apartment. One way or another, he was going to have it out with Edgeworth now.
He'd forgotten just how far it was to Edgeworth's place. It took him nearly two hours, and he arrived exhausted and covered in sweat. But still determined.
He threw his bike down, examining the fence with a critical eye. Sure, Edgeworth had an intercom, but that would require him to announce himself, and Edgeworth was just as likely to leave him outside.
Matters had to be taken into his own hands. Rubbing his palms together, Phoenix gripped the fence and slowly hauled himself over.
The apartment itself was nice; elegant white with a dark grey slanted roof, neatly manicured lawns (did Edgeworth have a gardener?) pristine wooden fence to keep out the riffraff. Phoenix didn't count himself as riffraff. He was on a mission.
He knocked on the door and shuffled his feet. Please let Edgeworth be in a reasonable mood, he begged any higher powers listening. After everything he'd said (and technically breaking and entering), he was going to need some help.
Edgeworth opened the door, already wearing a frown. He'd taken off the red jacket, leaving only his dark vest and white sleeved shirt. And cravat, of course.
Phoenix bit his tongue before he said something stupid again.
“Wright,” Edgeworth said, eyeing him. “I was not expecting you at my door. Especially since I received no intercom announcement.”
Phoenix flinched and ran a hand through his hair. “I'm sorry about that, but I needed to talk to you face to face, and I wasn't sure if you'd let me in.” He clasped his hands together and bowed. “Please Edgeworth, can I come in? I need to explain some things.”
Edgeworth stared at him for a moment, one eyebrow raised. “Very well,” he said eventually, standing aside to let Phoenix in.
“Thank you,” Phoenix breathed, traipsing into the lounge room and trying not to touch anything.
The furniture here was simple, but elegant; all deep reds contrasting with the grey walls. The coffee table had a glass top, showing the swirling design of the rug underneath. Edgeworth's TV sat against the wall, opposite the couch Phoenix was now sitting on. It always made him feel like a child in a glass store; don't touch or something will break.
“Would you like something to drink?” Edgeworth offered, ever the perfect host.
Phoenix shook his head, jiggling his leg and fiddling with his hands. “No I just...I really need to talk to you.”
Seating himself in the chair to the side, under a reading lamp, Edgeworth gathered up the papers strewn around him. He'd obviously been reviewing case files, judging by the thick folders stacked on the table. “I was under the impression we had put that aside,” Edgeworth said, tucking the loose sheets back into a folder. “I have already accepted your apology. What else is there to discuss?”
Phoenix took a breath. “Well...” How did he phrase this properly? One wrong word and he was done for. “I wanted to know if you meant what you said.”
“Meant what?” Edgeworth tucked his hands into his lap. His voice was collected, his emotions tucked away.
“About asking me to dinner,” Phoenix stated bluntly. No, that was unfair. He couldn't force Edgeworth to admit his feelings, not when he hadn't had the courage to do it himself. “Because,” he inhaled, meeting Edgeworth's gaze. “I would have said yes.”
Edgeworth's eyes widened, and he pushed his glasses up his nose. “Excuse me?”
“I...I wasn't joking, when I said I thought you were attractive and have a nice voice,” Phoenix admitted, slouching forward to rest his arms on his thighs. “As for 'fuck Edgeworth'...” he trailed off, waggling his eyebrows.
Edgeworth tried to glare, but there was a smile playing about his lips. “I thought I told you I wanted to be wined and dined first?” he teased.
Phoenix grinned at him. This was going better than he’d imagined. “In that case, wanna go for dinner on the weekend? You can pick a fancy restaurant if you want. I'll pay,” he offered.
“You couldn't afford it,” Edgeworth scoffed, but he was smiling. “We'll have to find something suitable for both of us.” He brushed his bangs out of his eyes. “I would like that a lot,” he said shyly.
“Yes!” Phoenix beamed, jumping up and punching the air. “Oh man I thought this was going to go so wrong but it's not! I have a date with Edgeworth!”
“Ah, wait!” Edgeworth's voice brought him back to earth. “I suppose you already know my feelings for you, but I would like to state them aloud anyway. It would prevent further miscommunication.” Edgeworth laced his fingers in his lap and stared at Phoenix. “You are one of the people I value most,” he began. “And while your friendship means a lot to me, if there is a chance for our relationship to develop into a romantic one, I would like to pursue that chance.”
“That's an awkward way of saying you think I'm hot and want to date me,” Phoenix mused, watching with glee as Edgeworth's face turned as red as his jacket. “I mean, all you had to do was say 'yes' and we're good. But I appreciate the ego boost.”
“Wright,” Edgeworth growled, “shut up and listen before you spoil it by putting your foot in your mouth.”
Phoenix mimed zipping his lips shut and throwing away the key.
Edgeworth waited a moment, his eyes narrowed, before he continued. “As I was saying, your friendship means a lot to me. I've done terrible things in the past, but you've always stood beside me, no matter what. You've been a true friend, even when I didn't deserve it.” He took a breath, unable to meet Phoenix's gaze.
Phoenix kept his mouth shut, letting Edgeworth work through what he wanted to say.
“This...would be a new direction for me. I have no experience with romance and I'm worried...” Edgeworth lifted a shoulder, one hand coming up to grip his sleeve.
“You think you're going to screw this up,” Phoenix finished, understanding all at once. He got up and walked over to Edgeworth, plopping down onto the arm of the chair next to him. “Hey, I'm not the best at romance either. I mean, look at my history.” He grimaced at the reminder. Reaching over, he grabbed one of Edgeworth's hands and held it between his own. “We'll be doing something new, and that's always scary. But,” he glanced up and winked at Edgeworth, “we'll be doing it together, so it's not so bad. We'll just puddle our way through until we get somewhere.”
Edgeworth met his gaze, smiling softly. “You always know what to say,” he murmured.
“We'll do it a little at a time, okay Edgeworth?” Phoenix patted the hand he was still holding.
Edgeworth smirked then, raising their hands. “If we're going to try this dating business, then you should start by calling me 'Miles' again. I've rather missed it.”
“Only if you call me 'Phoenix' and not 'Wright' in that annoying, condescending way of yours!” Phoenix shot back, fighting down a grin.
“Fine, Phoenix. Stop screeching at me,” Miles said, amusement lacing his voice.
Phoenix did, knocked speechless from the sound of that velvet voice saying his name for the first time in too many years. This didn't feel real, sitting here with Edgeworth – Miles – and knowing his feelings were reciprocated. No more miscommunication, he vowed. “Thank you, Miles,” he said, hoping the simple words conveyed years of longing for his friend.
Judging by the gentle smile Miles gave him, Phoenix thought the message had been received.