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Miles didn't like going to bed after an unresolved fight. He liked even less travelling out of the country after one. But Shi-Long Lang had reached out, and needed help and Miles wasn't about to turn him away.
Phoenix hadn't been happy. Ever since finding out they used to sleep together Phoenix's tolerance for the interpol agent had taken a deep dive. And while Phoenix's jealousy was flattering, it was also becoming a problem. The two had gotten into a fight about where Miles would be staying and Miles had ended up sleeping on the couch, then leaving before Phoenix woke up. He hadn't been so cruel to leave without a word. He had written a note and left it on the kitchen table. He made sure to tell Phoenix that he loved him and that he would call when he had settled in.
As he steps inside the airport Lang greets him with a smile and a tight hug.
"There's my pretty boy lawyer," he coos and Miles snorts. They make it to the cab, Miles dragging the heavy luggage behind him.
"Let me take that," Lang offers. When the luggage changes hands he lets out a groan. "What did you pack? It weighs a ton!"
Miles shrugs. It was just clothes, as far as he was concerned. But he had to agree, it was heavy.
They get a cab to Lang's place and Miles goes to the guestroom to unpack. As he opens the suitcase he nearly has a heart attack.
Trucy unfolds herself and climbs to her feet.
"Surprise!" She crows, throwing her arms out. Miles gapes.
"Again?!" He screeches and Trucy sticks out her tongue playfully. "Does Wright know you're here?"
"I'm sure he'll figure it out," she tells him, and Miles buries his face in his hands. "I had to come, uncle Miles!"
"Why?" He asks as she steps out of the suitcase, cape snagging on the zipper and causing her to stumble a bit. Miles catches her and helps her to her feet.
"Because," she pouts. "You fought. What if you decided not to come back?"
Miles stills. "Trucy," he says, voice hoarse. "I wouldn't do that to you. To Wright. I wouldn't just leave."
"How am I supposed to know that?" She demands, eyes bright and fiery. "You wouldn't be the first one!"
Miles opens and closes his mouth, but no words come out. Trucy has a lot of emotional intelligence and maturity, it's easy to forget that she's just a child.
He sits down on the bed, heart heavy in his chest.
"You're right," he says, leaning back on his hands. "You've lost people, and maybe I should've done more to show you I intend to stick around."
"You should have said goodbye," she lectures, holding up a finger. "A note is hardly the appropriate way to say goodbye to family."
He smiles. "You're right. I'm sorry. We shouldn't be fighting so much, especially in front of you."
Trucy shrugs and takes a seat next to him. "I don't mind the fighting."
Miles tips his head to the side and regards her. "No?"
She shakes her head. "It's a good sign," she says, folding her legs under her.
"How so?" Miles asks.
"Well, think about it," Trucy crosses her arms over her chest and looks up at him. "Daddy is finally comfortable enough to tell us when something is bothering him. He didn't used to be like that. He used to bottle things up and just bear with it."
Miles blinks. She wasn't wrong, he just never thought about it that way.
"He doesn't know how to fight with people," Trucy continues. "Not without them going away forever."
Miles swallows. "I'll give him a call."
Trucy smiles at him. "That's a good idea."
Miles makes it out to the balcony before he calls Phoenix. Before he can say anything Miles speaks.
"I shouldn't have just left a letter. That was immature of me. I should have told you that I love you and that I'm coming back. I'll always come back to you. And I'm glad we can fight. I'm glad you're secure enough in this relationship to tell me when you're uncomfortable with something. And while I get where you're coming from, Lang is a friend. That's not going to change, and I need you to be okay with that."
There's a long silence.
"I was an idiot," Phoenix finally sighs. "A jealous idiot. I'm sorry."
Miles smiles. "It's okay."
"How was your flight?"
Just like that, they're back to normal. Miles feels his heart lightening.
"It was okay. Something happened though—"
"Trucy stowed away in your suitcase again?"
Miles groans. "Yes! Will she ever stop doing that?"
"Not for as long as she can get away with it."
Miles laughs, and Phoenix joins in.
"I love you," Miles tells him. "I can't wait to come home."
"Me too," Phoenix says. "Me too."