Archive of Our Own

Oh god.
Miles thought.
Oh god oh god oh god oh god.

He would be lying if he said he ever expected this to happen. He had thought about it countless times: morning, noon, night, in the office, in bed, in the shower, but he never considered that it would ever be more than a fantasy to indulge in. It was something far too farfetched to ever be real.

Phoenix’s hands being all over him right now were very real, though.
The fact he was being kissed whilst his back was pressed up against a wall in his hallway was very real, though.
The marks he could feel beginning to bloom on his neck were very real, though.

The fantasies never could’ve lived up to this.
If I knew this was going to happen, I would have wore something else.

The night didn’t start this hot and heavy.
Wright, Maya, Gumshoe and Larry had somehow convinced Edgeworth to finally agree to one of their monthly get-togethers. Well, Phoenix had, the others hadn't really done anything at all. They’d been meeting up for a while now, always inviting Miles who would come up with some excuse as to why he couldn’t make it. It apparently just spurred the group on, today being the culmination of all of their efforts finally grinding him down enough to agree. It still took work, but Phoenix was one hell of a stubborn man.

Edgeworth was packing up his office for the weekend as his phone began to ring, and he momentarily considered letting it ring out. No number was visible so he could not tell who it was from, mentally swearing at the universe before reaching to pick up.
"Hello. Prosecutor Edgeworth speaking."

“Hey, Miles! Did you see the text?”

Ah. I see why there was no caller I.D now.
"Why are you calling my work phone? That is inappropriate."

"You didn't respond on your personal, so this was the next best bet."

"That is because I am still at work and it is unprofessional to do so during office hours."

"Okaaaaaay, so did you or did you not see the text?"

“I briefly looked over it.”

“….And?”

“It is quite short notice. I am unsure if I will be able to attend.”

“Alright. Why?”
Phoenix had never asked him for a reason before. The usual push back he got was being called old and boring, but his decline to come along was always accepted and never questioned.

“Ah. Err. I think I may be busy tonight.”

“What with?”

Think. Quickly, Miles.
“Work.”
Wonderfully detailed answer that is not at all suspicious. Good job, me.

“Bullshit.”

Considering Miles' excuse was as terrible as it was, it really should've been no surprise that Wright would call him out on it. Nevertheless, it took Edgeworth off guard, especially with such language being used.
“Pardon?”

“You just finished a case, there is noooo way there’s already something else.”

“Post-trial paperwork exists, Wright. You would know that if you did yours.”

“Ouch, jeez. You don’t have any more to do though, so you’re still lying to me.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Gumshoe told me. Okay, no, he didn’t exactly tell me, I more overheard him mention it at the precinct when he was talking to someone else about how quickly you get through it.”

“You were eavesdropping.”

“Not on purpose! He just speaks loud! Anyway, that’s not the point. The point is you are pretending to be busy to get out of seeing us all.”

“You do not know that. I am simply holding off on giving you an answer in case a last-minute case comes through that requires my attention.”

“It’s 5:23pm on a Friday, Miles. The work day is literally over in seven minutes.”

“Then there is still seven minutes left until I can be sure I will not be busy.”

“Seriously?”

“It is not my fault that I prioritise my job.”

"Fine. I'm gonna call you at 5:31 exactly, and if nothing has come up you have to come. Deal?"

"I think it is unusual to barter over such a thing."

"I'm taking that as a deal. I'll speak to you in eight minutes!"

The call was dropped before Edgeworth could respond, and he was now stuck to his chair staring at his phone. It is not that he exactly wanted another case to come in, in fact he was looking forward to a relatively relaxing weekend (by Miles' standards at least), but now he was praying to whatever higher power necessary that the phone would ring and provide him a perfect excuse.

A minute passed, then two, then three, and it was 5:29 before Edgeworth knew it. The phone remained silent and he began wracking his brain for a script he could make on how to let Phoenix down again.
It was proving difficult, as the fact of the matter was he wanted to go. He really, really wanted to go, he could just never bring himself to. The other times he was asked something had always cropped up to give him an out, and dealing with the guilt of flaking was easier than dealing with the pressure that came with saying yes. Miles wasn't sure why it felt so monumental to agree to seeing his closest, and only, friends, most of which he had known for years and more often than not thoroughly enjoyed spending time with. He'd bargained with himself time and time again, always promising himself that 'next time' is when he'd finally just bite the bullet, but it hadn't happened yet.
It hit 5:30 and the inevitably of the phone ringing within a matter of seconds made Miles' palms sweaty and his legs restless.
I just cannot do it. I want to. Every fibre of my being wants to, but I just can't.
I wish I could.
He prepared himself for what was likely going to be a tough conversation with Wright, and the phone rang the moment the clock ticked over to 5:31.

"Hello. Prosecutor Edgeworth speaking."

"Soooo. Did anything come up?"

"Well, err, no, but-"

"'But'? Seriously?"

"You did not let me finish."

"It was just going to be another excuse."
Phoenix sighed audibly and it made Miles' stomach twist, a heavy silence looming on both ends of the phone.
"Look, uh, if you just don't wanna come, you can say that. We’d all prefer that rather than you making up reasons you can't make it each time.”

"I am not making up reasons. It is not that I do not want to come, I do, truthfully I do."

"Then why don't you?"

"I do not know."

"You don't know?"

"I wish I did. I have no reason to be so incapable of agreeing to such plans, but alas. I cannot stress enough that it is not that I do not want to come."

"I can't say I understand, but I'd like to try to. Is it the plans themselves or, like, you? If it's the plans we can change them to something you're comfortable with."

"No, no. It is me. I worry I will not be great company, I suppose."

"What? Miles, no-"

"Please be assured that is of no result of anything you all have done. This is just something I struggle with. There are intrinsic rules to things such as this that I am not privy to. I do not know how to be present when I am constantly worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. That is not fun to be around, I should think."
Phoenix stewed on his words and Miles grew antsy, it had never been easy for him to open up and talk about what goes on in his head. This was large admission for him and was far more complicated and deep-rooted than what he was expressing, but at least it was something.

Wright took a deep inhale on the other end and laughed slightly, easing Miles just a little.
"I mean this with all the love in the world, but we really don't fucking care. Well, no, we do care that you feel comfortable and happy, but we don't care about anything else. We just want you there."

"Pardon?"

"We don't care if you say the wrong thing. We don't care if you break whatever rules you think are in place, and honestly if there are rules I have no idea what they are myself. We don't care if you do something weird. Fuck it, make it weird on purpose, that's half the fun, Larry does it all the time. We know you, and we want you there. Overthinking and all."

"That is really kind, Wright, but I-"

"Miles, I mean it. There is nothing you can do or say or anything that would mean we think you're 'not fun to be around'. You are because you're you. We want you there because you're you."

"What happens if I agree and it is too much for me to handle when I get there?"

"Then it's too much and you can go, no questions asked. But you would've turned up, you would've shown that you're trying, and we would've seen you. It doesn't matter if it's for five hours or five minutes, it would mean the world to us all."

"Hmm."
Edgeworth had never really considered that it was an option to just….leave. In the events he is usually forced to go to, mostly for work reasons, that is never available to him. He has to stay the entire night putting on an act he is far from comfortable with until every last person had gone, on his best Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth behaviour the entire time. That was seemingly not the case here, and his brain started to shift.
"It would truly be alright if I had to go at any point? No one would be, err, perturbed?"

"I feel like I don't even properly know what that word means but I can safely say no one would be it. You could just show your face and leave if you had to. I'd even pay for your cab back. Obviously it would be nice if you, like, stayed the entire night, but we don't expect it. We just wanna see you. We miss you, Miles. I miss you."

It was going to be frankly impossible to turn Phoenix down now he had just said 'I miss you', especially when he did so as quietly and softly as he did.
If he ever learns how tightly I am apparently wrapped around his finger I fear it would cause insurmountable levels of trouble for me.
"The meeting time was at 9pm, correct?"

"You'll come? Like, actually come?"

"Unfortunately you are quite convincing sometimes. I cannot promise I will be there for long, but I will at least show my face."
Miles had to move the handset away from his ear as a very spirited 'FUCK YEAH!' came from the other end.
"A warning would have been nice, Wright."

"I'm not even sorry. This calls for a fuck yeah."

"What is it that I have actually agreed to? The text was quite vague."
I know literally nothing about this place or their usual 'hangouts'.
What is customary? Do we all meet outside first? Is there a dress-code? How do I go about leaving if it turns out I must? How am I getting there?

"It's just drinks at the place we usually go. They keep our booth open for us now, it's in a quieter part so it's easier to talk. Near a back exit too, if you ever need to go and take five. Easy to get to the main doors so people shouldn't be in the way when you wanna leave. Taxis come and go frequently but the walk isn't too bad, the owners and staff are lovely and the music is good. No one will know who you are or anything like that, if that's a concern too."

"That is an interesting list of things you have chose to disclose about the place."
It is only slightly devastating that he somehow knew all of those were things I wanted to ask.
Okay, perhaps more than slightly.

"Well, yeah, because I know you're probably already thinking about how loud it's going to be, how easy it is to get home, and any escape routes you need. Go on, tell me I'm wrong. You can't."

"If you were this perceptive in court you may have an easier time getting your rulings."

"It's basically the weekend, Miles. I am not thinking about work for at least two days. Oh, uh, on that topic, I would recommend not wearing your work clothes. At least lose the cravat and blazer or something, we go pretty casual if that is something you are even able to do. I feel like I've never seen you in, like, a t-shirt."

"I am capable of casual. Well, more casual than normal, at least. Understood. Are we all meeting there?"

"Uhuh. I'll text you the address again so you don't have to scroll and can wait out front for you, I'll get there a little early so you aren't hanging around."

"You do not have to do that."

"I know, but I want to. Gives you time to adjust a bit. Anything you're particularly worried about still, or are you all good to go?"

"Nothing pressing that I can think of."

"Alright, then. Text me if something crops up?"

"Will do. Thank you, Wright."

"Don't mention it. We'll see you later, Miles! Byebye!"

Edgeworth's nerves grew on the drive home, grew when he got in, and grew as he showered before getting changed for the evening. Wright said something casual, so he picked out a burgundy turtle neck along with some less-fitted (compared to his work ones, they were absolutely still tailored) black slacks to tuck it into. He picked out one of his favourite watches and doused himself in his 'going out' perfume, which was almost identical to his usual one, just heavier on the bergamot notes.

Phoenix kept his word and texted him the address again privately, Miles responding with a simple 'Thank you. I will set off soon' as the time to leave had rapidly approached.
Considering all he was about to do was have a few drinks with a few friends, Edgeworth was completely and utterly terrified.
This is fine. I am fine.
This is a normal thing people our age do. This is a normal thing for me to do.
I can leave whenever I want. I just have to show up and I have done what I said I would.
What if I…… enjoy this? Is that supposed to make me more scared? As it does.

His overthinking was halted by a text notification, Phoenix's name flashing up on his lock screen multiple times.

>hell yeah!
>me and Maya are here already so i'll hang around outside in like
>ten mins? assuming you're walking?

>Yes. I will be walking.
I will likely get a taxi back, though.
It should not take me long to get there.

>see you soon, then!
>thank you so much for agreeing, Miles :)

I cannot believe it has got to the point where he has to thank me for turning up.
I have to change that. It is not fair on any of them, but especially him.
Miles travelled light, no bag and just keys, wallet, and hand sanitiser in his pockets. The weather was surprisingly mild and the walk did a world of good for him to be able to prepare various scripts in his head of any possible social interaction that could occur tonight. He didn't need them exactly, just felt better if he had something tried and true to fall back on.

As Phoenix said, the walk wasn't bad, and it didn't take long for him to be rounding the corner to where the place should be. Wright was indeed lingering outside the doorway, leaning against a wall, immediately standing up and waving as he clocked Miles. He was wearing dark grey, slightly baggy jeans, held up with a chunky belt, and a t-shirt with a wide collar.
He looks nice. I cannot, under any circumstances, say that to him.

"That was quick! I've not been out here long at all."

"It took less time than I thought it would. The pedestrian lights were also kind to me, which helps."

"So you didn't run here because you wanted to see us all so bad? Suuuure, if you say so."

"If anyone is running at all in a turtleneck I think they should likely be behind bars."

"True, actually. You, uh, look good. Can't believe casual for you still somehow involves slacks. Actually? I'm not surprised, now that I think about it. Nevermind. Forget what I just said."

"I am beginning to think you have started drinking without me."

"How dare you! We would never! But, like, they are all crazy impatient in there. You good to brave it, or do you need a minute?"

Miles had forgot that this was in fact not all that the evening was. Talking to Phoenix like this was far easier than he had panicked about it being.
I will say hello, have a drink, and head out. That is all I have to do.
I am not sure that me and alcoholic beverages with Phoenix around is a good idea, frankly.
I must keep a handle on it.
"Ah. Yes. I think we should perhaps not make them wait any longer, then. I must say, before we go in, I am really not sure how long I will be out for."

"That's okay. I said as much on the phone, didn't I? Whenever you wanna go, just let me know. You've got a least a few minutes of sitting at a sticky table in a cramped booth before that, though. Let's make the most of it."

Wright held the door open for Edgeworth as the two headed in, Miles trailing behind as Phoenix guided them to where the others were. Not that Miles needed any direction, they were the loudest table in the entire place and were audible from the moment he stepped in.
As they approached, Miles took a deep breath, and tried to prepare for whatever greeting he was about to get.
What if they are upset with me? This is the first time they have seen me in a while, after all.
What if they are angry? What if they do not want me here? What if I am intruding?
This was a terrible idea. I should-

"EDGEY! You actually came!" "Mr, Edgeworth, sir!" "This is so exciting! We're complete now!"
Oh. Nevermind.

"I told you he would, didn't I?"

"Yeah, Nick, but like….. he actually did."

"It is nice to see you all again. Apologies that it has been, err, quite so long."

"You're here now, sir! Who cares!"

"Dick's right, man."
Please, for the love of god Larry, call him Gumshoe.
"We should all get completely, like, blackout to celebrate."

"Maybe we start with sitting down first? And maybe having one drink? And go from there?"

"Why does there always have to be a voice of reason, dude."

Miles slid into the empty side of the booth, Phoenix following after. He had no idea where to put his hands, if he sat far enough away, if he looked enthused enough. The others were talking amongst themselves and he was far too focused on trying to tick all of the boxes of this social interaction to understand what they were saying.
Nod at the right time. Laugh at the right time. Quip when appropriate. Ask questions.
Phoenix obviously noticed. He shuffled a little closer after starting Larry and Maya off on a topic they'd get lost in, leaned in, and began to whisper.

"Take your time to adjust. You don't have to do everything at once. They're gonna be rambling for at least five minutes now, and absolutely none of what they say will be of any importance. Involve yourself when you're ready, yeah?"

"Yes. Thank you."
If he was able to tell, I am obviously not doing a good enough job.

"How'd you like it in here so far, though?"

"It has a nice atmosphere. I understand why it is everyone's top pick. Feels significantly less claustrophobic than I thought it would from the outside."

"Even when more people are here there's still, like, more than enough room to breathe. Plus, the floor isn't sticky. Well. Not entirely."

"Not yet. We have only just got here, after all. There is still time."

Phoenix leaned away so he could laugh, Miles far more at ease now, almost like that was the entire purpose of Wright speaking to him, knowing full well it would get him out of his head at least a little bit. He settled with his arms on his lap comfortably.
"I think I have managed to go one whole night without spilling a drink, so, honestly? Yeah."

"That is impressive. Perhaps you should consider bringing your own cup with some sort of lid."

"What, like a sippy cup? You want me to go up to the bartender and ask for them to make a cocktail in a sippy cup?"

"At least you would still have a cocktail to drink after you knocked it over that way. Consider it."

"Determined to now make this the second ever night I don't knock one over just to prove a point. Also now manifesting you knock one over so I can laugh at you about it."

"Manifest away. It will not change the fact that I am able to actually use my limbs properly."

"Just you wait, Miles."

Right on cue, Maya and Larry were done with their heated debate, ending on a topic far from what they actually started arguing about. Conversation opened back up to all of them, Edgeworth finding it must easier to contribute, most of the overthinking now at a manageable level.
After a few minutes, Phoenix completely sure that Miles was now fairing better, he slid out of the booth and stood at the side of the table.

"I think it's drink time. Everyone want their usual?"
The table nodded, Miles immediately feeling out of place again.
I do not have a usual. I did not even check what drinks they do here before arriving. Oh god.
"Alright, whatever's the cheapest beer, a marg, vodka orange, and some stupidly sweet cocktail for you Miles? Their wine list is pretty naff, so that's probably the best you're gonna get."

"Oh, err, yes. Please. That sounds fine."
Oh. Okay. Right.

"Hear me out guys, what if we, like, got a round of shots?"

"Larry, we literally just sat down."

"Aaaaand? Who cares! We'd end up doing 'em anyway, what difference does it make if it's now or in ten minutes?"

"Nick, I hate to say it, but he's kinda right."

"You're both insane. Fine. Tequila good with you, Miles?"

"I suppose so."

"Edgey, I've never seen you take a shot in my entire life."

"That's true, pal. I didn't think you'd be the type? Not that that's a bad thing, or anything!"

"I, err, well-"

"Guys, you're gonna psyche him out and then I'm never gonna get to say that I saw Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth do a shot of tequila. Don't ruin this for me. Nick, please, before it's too late."

"You're all trying to bankrupt me. I am going to be flat broke in 30 minutes if this carries on."

"You can take my card."
Miles didn't realise he was offering until the words left his mouth and his hand was in his wallet. The table sat blinking at him as he passed it to Phoenix, who took it carefully, convinced it was some sort of trap.
"It is no bother. Take it as an apology for all the other meet-ups I have missed."

"Hear me out again, guys. What if we got two rounds of shots?"

"Do not push it, Larry."

"Would the answer be different if I asked, orrrr…."

"Wright, I suggest you go up to the bar before I change my mind and Ms. Fey and Larry end up covering their own tab."

Phoenix was shooed away very quickly after that.
The table wasn't quiet for even a single moment as they waited for their drinks. Miles was worried that perhaps he wouldn't fit in to whatever dynamic they had fostered in his absence, especially without Phoenix involved, but that was apparently far from the truth. It was admittedly surface level, not exactly small talk but not exactly not small talk, but it eased him in as he continued to adjust to actually being here and doing this. By the time Wright returned with the collection of shots and the other drinks, Edgeworth was far more comfortable than he expected to be in the short amount of time he had spent with the group, and was starting to feel silly for ever doubting it would ever be anything but this.

"Well, here are the horrible, awful shots you wanted to do so bad."
Phoenix placed the tray in the centre of the table before sliding back into the booth next to Miles. Everyone reached for a glass, Edgeworth accidentally knocking Wright when taking his due to them being sat so close, spilling a small amount of tequila over both of their hands and onto the table.
"I told you! I toooooold you! Manifesting works!"

"That was not my fault. This does not count."

"It so counts. Maybe you should bring a sippy cup next time? Consider it."

Awful man. He is an awful man. I will not laugh.
Miles shook his head as Phoenix relished in his win, now moving the shot much more carefully.
"Harhar. Do you want to swap? On account of the sizeable dent taken out of yours that you insist is my fault."

"Honestly? It's for the best. Divine intervention, or something. Thank you for looking out for me."

"Suit yourself."
Edgeworth expected everyone to, well, take their shot. The entire group had their respective glasses just in their hand, not doing anything with them, all blankly looking at Miles, who was now thoroughly confused.
"Is there a reason we are not doing these? Please do not tell me you have decided it is customary to make some sort of speech before the first shot of the evening."

"Damn, we should've done that. We could decide to make that something we do right now, though."

"Please do not, Ms. Fey. I am no good at speeches."

"I think we all just wanna see you do the shot, pal."

"He's right, Edgey. My brain can't compute that this is something you're, like, gonna do. I gotta see it to believe it."

"Are you seriously all intending to stare me down as I do this? It is just a shot of tequila. This is not anything groundbreaking."

"Miles, it, uh, kinda is. They might have a little bit of a point. Just a small, tiny, baby point."

I am friends with very strange people. I am sure this says something about me.
I do not think I mind.
"Very well then. I will humour you all just this once. Cheers."
Edgeworth raised the glass slightly before putting it to his lips, tilting his head back, and very easily doing the shot. The others were expecting something, anything, but he remained entirely unfazed as he placed the now empty glass back on the tray. Miles would be lying if he said that their confused faces didn't spark some joy.

"What the hell, Edgey?"

"I told you it is just tequila. I do not know what you were expecting."

"Not that, sir!"

"Miles Edgeworth, secret party animal. I knew it."

"Far from, Ms. Fey. I just happen to quite like tequila."

"Even still, that was straight up impressive, Miles. I'm gonna look like an idiot now. I'm so bad at shots."

"Do I get to glare intently at each of you as you take yours?"

"Absolutely not. Come on, let's get it over with."

The other four reached for their glasses from the table, Larry sinking his without hesitation but still making a vague 'ugh' sound when placing it back on the tray. Maya followed in tandem with Gumshoe, handling it just a little worse than Larry did, but still relatively composed.
Phoenix, as Miles soon learned, was in fact bad at taking shots. After finishing his, he shook his head like it had wronged him, coughed a couple of times, and immediately took a sip of his other drink to wash the taste out.

"Real smooth, Nick."

"Shut up. You're all insane. That was awful."

"Maybe you should get shot-taking lessons from Mr. Edgeworth, pal."

"I do not think my liver could withstand the amount of lessons he would need, I am afraid."

"You wound me, Miles. I'm really not that bad."
The entire table followed this with a very synchronised 'you are' and laughed as Phoenix looked at them all pretending to be deeply hurt.
"Wow, guys. Tell me how you really feel. I could sue you all for slander, you know."

"No, you could not."

"Huh? Why not? I so could, and I will."

"Slander requires there to be some sort of loss, either financial or professional, and you are a lawyer. Your inability to take shots has no impact on your practice. Your reputation will not suffer because your friends are aware of the fact you cannot handle tequila."

"What if I change my title to defence attorney slash shot taker. What then?"

"I would advise against it. Especially because the main basis of any slander claim is the fact that the statement being communicated is demonstrably false, which is obviously not the case in this situation. You would lose that trial, I am afraid."

"Oh yeah? Wanna bet? Hope you're ready to prosecute. I'm taking your assess to court."

"I look forward to it. It will be a nice change to face off against you in a trial I can actually win."

"Careful. You're getting scarily close to sounding like you're complimenting my lawyerly abilities."

"It would take far more than one shot of tequila for that, Wright."

"Next one's on me, then."

The rest of the table were watching the exchange like it was a ping-pong ball. Eyes flitting to Phoenix, then Miles, then Phoenix again, each of them just waiting to see who would be brave enough to comment on it.
Naturally, it was Larry.

"If you two are gonna be like this the entire night I need, like, so many more drinks, man."

"You've literally got another drink right there."

"Unless they've swapped the vodka for rubbing alcohol, it will be, like, nowhere near enough to help."

Miles decided to busy himself trying whatever drink Phoenix had bought for him instead of paying much attention, partly because what Larry was saying was making his ears burn, and also because he himself needed more alcohol in order to manage this.
As it turns out, Wright picked extraordinarily well.

"Taste okay? Just kinda went with what I know is good and hoped you'd like it.”

"Yes, thank you. What exactly is it, though?"

"Just a sex on the beach. It's mostly juice, honestly."
The fact that if I want to order this again I have to ask a probably severely underpaid service worker for a 'sex on the beach' is honestly somewhat of a humiliation ritual.

"Wooooow, Nick. Wonder why you got him that one?"
Wright proceeded to glare at Maya, unfortunately not deterring her, and instead spurring Larry on to once again join in.

"Wink Wink."

"Did you seriously just say 'wink wink' out loud? Why didn't you just, I don't know, actually wink?"

"That's too subtle, dude. I wanted the effect of winking, with the oomph of talking. But seriously, why is it called that?"

"Beats me, pal."

"At least it is nice enough to make it worth asking for, even with such a name."

"You say that like you'd ever go up to the bar for it, Edgey."

"I unfortunately cannot refute that. Maybe after a few more of them it will be a different story, however."

After the words left his mouth, Miles realised that somewhere between sitting down not all that long ago and right now, he had apparently decided he wasn't one and done.
That was evident even more so when the group finished their first drinks, and got a second, and then a third. Their conversations ended up on so many different topics that Edgeworth was struggling to keep up at times, but he found that more than anything he just loved listening to his friends waffle away.
Phoenix would occasionally brush against him when reaching for his drink, regularly quietly checking in to make sure he was still holding up okay. The fact he cared so much to so gently see how he was doing, whilst also never bringing any attention to the fact he was doing it made Miles swell more and more each time it happened. Wright would lean on him when he laughed, would look at him first for a reaction when he made a joke, and it was making Edgeworth feel all kinds of things that were only being exacerbated by the alcohol.
He thrives when he is around people. He gets this glow, this tone in his voice, that just makes me feel so at ease.
I should have done this months ago. Even if it was just to see him like this.

Eventually their drinks were finished again, and as usual Phoenix was the one to head up to the bar. He slid out of the booth, the space next to Miles now feeling far too empty.
"Right. I assume we're going for the same again?"
Everyone at the table agreed, and Wright grabbed their glasses to take back with him.
"I shall so valiantly go and battle the masses in order to provide for my kingdom."

"What the fuck are you saying, man?"

"He is going to be very brave and work through the crowd currently at the bar so he can get us our drinks, I think is what that roughly translates to."

"He just, like, didn't say that, though."

"He did." "I did."

"Impressive, sir!"

"How are they already drunk enough to have their own language! That's, like, a ten drink kinda thing!"

"Don't worry, Larry. They have it stone cold sober, too. Alcohol is playing no part in this."
We do? I do not think I have ever noticed.

"It's not our fault it doesn't make sense to anyone but us. You can't blame us for that."
The others at the table could, and should, in fact do exactly that, and they were.
"Okay. Nevermind. Feeling quite blamed. I'm going to run away to the bar and leave you to deal with this, Miles. Good luck!"

Phoenix headed away from the table, Larry and Maya saluting as he walked his way into the aforementioned 'battle'. Miles couldn't help but laugh, even the really small things now seeming much funnier.
Gumshoe leaned forward on the table after taking the final swig from his bottle, and it dawned on Miles that he doesn't think they have ever drank together before.
"So what do you think of the place, Mr. Edgeworth, sir?"

"It is better than I thought it would be. I think it helps that the booth you chose is further away from the busiest spots, I am not sure if I could handle being in amidst all of that."

"You've got Nick to thank for that, honestly. We originally wanted to be, like, right near the bar, but he said over here was way better."
Maya shrugged as she spoke, not paying much mind to what she was saying.

"Considering he is seemingly the one who gets the drinks, I would've thought he would have been the one wanting to be nearer."

"That's what we said, Mr. Edgeworth!"

"Does this table have any significance, then? With the number, for example? I am wondering why he was so adamant about it."

"I don't think so? Just assumed he put us over here so you would be more likely to come."

"Wait, you are onto something, Maya. That is so the reason. Case closed. Confetti please, Gumshoe."

Oh. It was for me. Okay. He specifically picked a table thinking about me, hence being able to rattle off all the details earlier on the phone without me needing to ask.
That is fine. That is something that surely will not keep me awake at night.
"Well, err, if that is true, it has seemingly paid off."

"Cheers to Nick for being so whipped that it got The Miles Edgeworth to a bar!"

"We have nothing to cheers with, man."
That is what you are taking from this? Not 'whipped'? That is not news to any of you?
What on earth does that even mean in this context? I mean, I know what it means, but it cannot mean what I think it means, because if it means that, then…..
I think I am a little tipsy.

Miles shook the thought away, trying to keep himself firmly out of his head and present at the table. After ten-ish minutes of them talking away, Phoenix was still not back with the drinks yet. Usually he was pretty quick, having ordering down to almost an exact science by now.

"Dude, where the fuck is Nick? It's been, like, decades."

"Maybe he got lost?"

"I swear, if he's talking to that one bartender, I'm gonna kill him. She likes me, I sense it. I just know these things."

Maya cackled loudly and the table shook as she did. Edgeworth couldn't help but join in, even though it was obvious he was missing vital context to what made it so funny.
"Suuuuure, Larry. Whatever you say."

"Maya! What's that supposed to mean? Don't tell me they're into Nick, man, please. I need something here."
Excuse me? Pardon? The bartender?

"Maybe she is, maybe she isn't. I thought you could sense it?"

"I'm going up to the bar next. I'm gonna win her over, I swear."

"Uhuh. Good luck with that."

Miles was barely listening to the conversation. His eyes were fixed on Phoenix in the distance, leaning on the bar and listening intently to whatever the bartender was saying. He would laugh occasionally, wave his hands in some sort of gesture Edgeworth couldn't work out, and overall seemed to be having a wonderful chat.
Miles hated it.
Is this why they come here often? Is this why Phoenix is the one who goes up to the bar?
Maya was oddly cryptic with her responses. Larry's frequent flight of fancies never usually are that funny. Oh god.

"You okay, Mr. Edgeworth?"

"Oh, err, yes. Apologies. I was trying to see if Phoenix had made any progress with our drinks."
Edgeworth had been staring for quite a while, immediately tearing his eyes away and locking them onto the table in front of him as Gumshoe spoke.

"Well has he? I'm gonna die of dehydration here, man."

"I am not sure. Perhaps I could go and check up on him?"
I want to know what they are talking about. I want to hear it for myself. I need to make my own conclusions.

"If you could, that would be great, Edgeworth!"

"Hell yeah! Wait… No. Please don't, Edgey. I don't need more competition."

"Competition? In what sense?"
Miles had began sliding out from the table, pausing as Larry spoke.

"With the bartender! I can't have both Nick AND you ruining my chances. That's, like, super not fair."

He is an idiot.
Granted, I have never officially came out to him, or anyone here, actually, but seriously.
It does not take a genius.
"I assure you, she is not my type."

Maya tried to stifle a laugh and failed, Gumshoe nodding supportively, the jury still out on if he understood exactly what was going on. Larry absolutely didn't, though. That was very clear.
"Huh? but you've, like, never even spoke to her? How can you know that?"

Edgeworth was out of the booth and walking away from the table before Larry finished his sentence, the sound of Maya's unabashed giggling audible even as he approached the bar.
I can only hope it clicks in his very empty head before I arrive back to the table. I do not feel like explaining it to him myself.

Miles swerved around all of the people that were almost impressively directly in his way, trying to spot Phoenix within the sea of bodies. Luckily it was not all that difficult, spiky hair being quite identifiable. He snaked himself in amongst the queue, and far too many 'pardon me's and 'apologies' later, he slotted himself next to Phoenix.
"There you are. You have been gone a while."

"Miles? Willingly coming up to a bar? One crowded with people no less? You feeling alright?"

"Very funny. I just came to check you had not got lost. There a couple of very impatient people at our table, you know."

"Shit, sorry. Got talking to the bartender and lost track of time."

Oh no. I feel sick.
"Ah, I see."

"Her girlfriend is studying on the same course I was on, well, before I switched, and apparently the one evil teacher I had is still fucking evil."

'Her girlfriend'? Phoenix is talking to someone who has a girlfriend? I did not take him to be the type.
………..Hold on. Her girlfriend.
Oh. I, too, am an idiot. Sorry Larry.
Miles couldn't help but start laughing, Maya's ambiguous responses to Larry now making much more sense.

"Huh? Did I do something?"

"No, no. Ms. Fey said something back at the table that has just clicked. Apologies."

"What the fuck, don't have fun without me? That's not fair."

"Well maybe we would not have if you came back with the drinks quicker."

"Just say you missed me, Miles."
For some reason, the way Phoenix said this felt like it travelled directly down Miles' spine. Things fired in his head, all of which severely unhelpful for the current situation, and he scrambled for the most appropriate reply possible.
Why did he say that so low? Did he have to lean in as he said it?
There is something wrong with him. And also me. There is something seriously wrong with me.

Edgeworth thought that the bartender conveniently showing up with their drinks was saving him from responding, unfortunately she was only going to make everything worse.
"Ooooooh. THIS is Miles. Nice to finally meet you, I've heard lots."

"Ah. You as well. Only good things, I hope?"

"Don't think Phoenix could say a bad thing about you if he tried."
It was accompanied with a wink and Wright looked like he wanted to die, which did nothing but delight the bartender.
He has spoke about me enough for them to know me by name? That is…. hm.
"I'll grab your other drinks. Gimme a sec, yeah?"

She barely took two steps away before Phoenix piped up.
"Please just don't. Spare me. I beg of you."

"Do I not get to know even one single thing of what you said about me?"

"Absolutely not. Just take it as a compliment and leave me to wither away from embarrassment."

"Suit yourself. I appreciate the flattery, then."
Miles moved to grab the drinks on the bar, taking two in each hand as the bartender returned and replaced them with four more drinks, then grabbing two bottles from the fridge.
"Christ. How many did you order?"

"Uh, two each? Means we gotta get up less."

"Clever. I can take these and come back for the bottles, if you can handle the rest?"
Edgeworth went to move, but the queue had formed very close behind him. He couldn't step back without bumping into anyone, now cornered in the little space he had with his hands full. The last thing he wanted to do was invade anyone's personal space yet again and potentially cover them in a drink if they knocked him, and Phoenix clocked as Miles was doing the mental maths of how to go about this.

"Oh, hold on."
Phoenix squished behind Miles, putting himself between him and the queue behind, freeing up the space to the side that he could use to head back to the table. Whilst doing so, completely without thinking, he put his hand on Edgeworth's back and slid it round as he moved, ending up at his waist. It lingered, delicate and barely touching, yet still almost mortifyingly magnetising. Edgeworth reflexively leaned into it, feeling Wright's fingertips practically burning a hole through his turtleneck.
"There you go. Easy path straight through."

"Oh, err. Thank you. I will be back in a moment."

The hand was kept on his back as he stepped away through the pathway Phoenix had made him, guiding him as far as Wright's arm would stretch. It was casual, just a normal thing for a normal person to do for their normal friend who was feeling really normal about it, and Edgeworth had less than 100 steps to convince himself of that before he made an idiot of himself back with the group.
That was nice of him. That was a nice thing to do.
I can appreciate it being a nice thing to do, and nothing more. Because that is what it was.
I did not realise it was possible for so much warmth to radiate from someone's hands. It is like I can still feel it, if I think about it. Which I am not doing, obviously.
I am so glad I have another drink.

Luckily Maya and Larry were far too focused on the fact that an angel in the form of Miles Edgeworth had descended down from heaven above and provided them with their delightful magical elixirs to notice that he was very obviously ruminating on something, but drink-less Gumshoe was unfortunately not.
"You okay, sir? You look kinda peaky."

"Quite alright. Focused on not spilling the drinks, that is all."

"Oh. Okay. Do you want me to go and get the others? It's no problem!"

"No, no. Wright is bringing ours so it is just your bottles to manage. I won't be long."

On his way back to the bar, Miles spotted Phoenix and the bartender talking again. It was more animated than their last conversation, which Miles was surprised was possible, but he decided to linger in the crowd rather than heading straight to interrupt again. He wasn't close enough to hear it word for word, especially with the noise of the other people milling around, but there were a few things he picked up on. It was only a small, tiny, little invasion of privacy. As a treat. A tipsy-bordering-on-fully-drunk treat.

The first thing he clocked was Phoenix saying something along the lines of 'I cannnnn't. I just can't." It wasn't annoyed, actually rather playful, and it made the bar tender shake their head and laugh. Miles assumed she followed this with 'Why not?', but couldn't quite get Phoenix's response. He inched closer, still out of sight just about, and strained his ears slightly.

The next thing was Wright saying 'It's been over a decade. You know this.', but Miles was too far away to gleam any further context on it. It could've been anything really, maybe the last time he took an art class, or when he did a show, or something. Edgeworth tried to connect it to the other part of the conversation he overheard, but struggled to focus with the amount of people and noises around.

The final thing was when Miles decided he had reached the acceptable limit on eavesdropping. He gently pushed passed a few people, almost making it to the bar before very clearly hearing something he would likely think about for the rest of time. A large part of him wishes he could've heard all of what they were going to say.
"I know you said he was attractive, but shit, Phoenix. You kinda undersold him."

"God. I know. It's awful and unfair. I mean, seriously, how the fuck am I meant to-"

"Welcome back."
The bartender cut a very shocked Phoenix off mid sentence, and greeted Miles with a very warm smile and a look of utter amusement directed towards Wright, who had suddenly gone very red. It was impressive that the bartender noticed him in amongst the crowd, and even more impressive that they very expertly halted the conversation just as it started to get good. Nevertheless, Miles slotted himself next to Phoenix again.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything."

"No, no, you're good, Miles. Just, uh, talking about, like, uh. Stuff. Real boring stuff."
For someone who has made a career out of bluffing, he truly is quite awful at it outside the courtroom.

"Sure. What he said."

"I fear we will be back rather soon anyway, so you can continue your conversation about 'real boring stuff' then. The rate at which Ms. Fey and Larry can drink is astounding."

"I don't know how they do it. Oh to be young and free again."

"Larry is our age, Wright."

"He doesn't count. You know he doesn't count."

"If you say so. No matter, I fear we are going to have some catching up to do, though."

"Yeah, probably. You good for me to take our drinks back? Otherwise we really are gonna be behind them."

"You go on ahead. I will join you in a moment."

Phoenix swerved around the queue with a smile and made his way back to the table, Miles immediately feeling less comfortable in his absence. He waited for the bartender to have a free second before clarifying the bottles he was holding were in fact for their table.
"These are ours, correct?"

"Sure are. Hey, Miles? Don't suppose you heard that convo just now?"

"No. I did not."
It would have been nice if I could have sounded at least the slightest bit convincing.

The bartender laughed as they pulled a pint of something, Miles not caring to know what, and he felt the tips of his ears flush.
"You're a worse liar than he is."

"Err, I should be getting back to our, err, table now. Thank you."

"Go get him, tiger."

The start of Miles' sentence came out as more of a cough rather than words.
"Actually, could you perhaps use the card Phoenix gave you for the rest of the tab?"

"Sure thing. I'll make sure one of you gets it at the end of the night."

With a wink from the bartender Miles was off back to the table again, following the same path Phoenix did, weaving amongst the slowly growing crowd. When he returned, Wright hopped out of the seat, giving him space to move in as he plonked the bottles down in front of Gumshoe.
"Here you are."

"Thanks, Mr. Edgeworth, sir!"

"Sooo, did she say anything about me, Edgey?"

"Who?"

"The bartender! I saw you talking to her!"

Miles, now sat down again, chuckled as he sipped his drink, wishing that for even just one day of his life, he could be as dense and untroubled as Larry was.
"No. You did not come up in our conversation, I'm afraid."

"You're, like, the worst wingman ever."

"Hold on. Wingman? You wanted Edgeworth to wingman you? With the bartender?"

"That he did."

"And he somehow isn't aware of her-"

"Nope, pal." "Not even a little bit." "Apparently not."

"Wow. Amazing."
Phoenix had fully relaxed into the seat, occasionally looking like he went to drape his arm over the back, deciding against it at the last minute.

"Not aware of her WHAT? Guys? You can't all know something I don't, that's not fair!"

"You will figure it out someday, Larry. Maybe when you're older."
Being smug suits him.

"What, uh, were you talking about, then, sir?"

"Oh, just, err…"
Think. Think. Think.
Do not just think the word 'think'! Actually think!
……Hopeless.
"Stuff. Very boring stuff."

Wright spluttered a little on the gulp he was trying to swallow as Miles spoke, and Edgeworth looked towards the wall and cleared his throat.

"The fuck does that mean? Is this your secret language thingy again? Maya? Any ideas?"

"Honestly? Nope. That's probably for the best. There's some things I just don't need to know."

"Gasp! You don't think….."
Maya wiggled her eyebrows playfully, before very pointedly looking at Phoenix.
"Nick! Hell yeah, man. Good going."

"What the absolute hell are either of you on about? Why did you say 'gasp', instead of just gasping? Am I genuinely losing my mind?"

"It's like the 'wink'! I wanted the effect, but with the oomph of words! You also aren't denying it. You should've told me, man. I thought we were friends."

Miles was losing his mind. Larry and Maya were outwardly insinuating that him and Phoenix had done something, something that she 'didn't need to know', and to make it worse, it apparently didn't seem all that surprising, either.
Surely it cannot be what my mind has jumped to. That makes no sense. Because we haven't done that. And if we had, it would be surprising. Right?
He then made the mistake of looking over to see how Phoenix was taking such a claim, and he was already looking at Miles, flushed, warm, and eyes oddly low.
This immediately fanned the flames of the conspiracy.

"Oh my god. I was joking. But you so have, haven't you? 'Boring stuff' is code for something. Oh my god."

"No? I- That isn't, you're… There is no code! That was not code! I am not smart enough to have code!"

"Ohhhh. True. Edgey is, though."
I am? I do not currently feel like I am.
How would a normal person respond to this?

"If it was code that is news to me."
Good. That was good.
But….. what if I……
Miles was very aware he was not known for his humour. His day-to-day life forced him into being serious, straight-faced, and right now he couldn't feel further from that, likely helped by the alcohol. The only thing he wanted to do was make his friends laugh, and if it made Wright flush more, that was just an added bonus.
If it doesn't land, then it doesn't land, and I can at least say I tried.
"Besides, Phoenix is usually far better at hiding our secret code than he was during that poor display."

Much to his delight, it did exactly what Edgeworth wanted it to do. He said it flatly, so matter of fact, that it took time to register with all four of the others. Maya got it first, practically standing from her seat and pointing at both him and Wright. Gumshoe was next, hitting his fist on the table as he laughed. Larry, for once, wasn't the last to get it, grabbing onto Maya's outstretched arm.
Miles knew when the penny dropped with Phoenix as he placed his arms on the table, crossed them, and smacked his head into them. He stayed there as the others laughed, Miles sipping his drink watching it unfold, and also watching the blush creeping up the back of Wright's neck.

"I'm being ganged up on. I beg of you, my longest, closest, dearest friends. Can we change the fucking topic?"
It was muffled as he was speaking into the table still, only peeling himself back up once he heard Maya sit back down.

"The 'fucking' topic seems like a bad choice of words, man."

"No, I think that was exaaaactly what Nick meant to say."

"Miles, this is your fault. They think we have a code. They think we're fucking, and have a code to talk about it. You have created a beast you cannot tame. They're running with this and never stopping.”

Oh. I suppose that is what I did, isn't it?
I have a feeling I am going to be eaten alive by shame tomorrow.
That is a then problem.
"Apologies. It is the cocktails' fault."

"For the record, I don't actually think you have a code, but that was just far too good to pass up. Plus, Nick would literally never have the balls. Annnnnd they are both really, really blind to it. So."

"Not even going to try and understand what you mean by the last bit. Since when was this Bully Phoenix day, though?"
No. I think we should try and understand that.
I really, truly, very much think we should.
What is going on?

"I think since you convinced Mr. Edgeworth to come, pal."

"You got me there. If this is the cross I must bear, then so be it."
Their conversation returned to a normal level, thankfully for both Miles and Phoenix away from the topic of them two.

It was all going great until Wright did, in fact, commit to draping his arm on the back of the booth. In doing so, it had moved them even closer together, their legs regularly brushing against one another's and Miles instinctively leaning into Phoenix whenever he laughed.
I can handle this. He is just trying to be comfortable. He would do the same no matter who he was sat next to.

Then, because Wright was apparently dead-set on testing Miles' self control without having any clue he was doing it, he dropped his arm to be resting on Edgeworth's shoulders. It was done so naturally none of the others had noticed, but Miles tensed, white-knuckling his glass, and tried to act like even such slight, innocent contact wasn't sending him haywire.
It is just an arm. That is all. Just a casual, friendly arm.
And….. casual, friendly thumb swipes on my shoulder.
Good god. What have I done to deserve this.

Miles was suddenly very hot. He placed his drink down and rolled up the sleeves to his turtleneck, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried very hard to be very normal.
Upon seeing this, Maya and Larry made a synchronised 'ooOOoooo' sound that was so well timed it sounded rehearsed, to which Miles rolled his eyes and reached for his drink again, Phoenix's arm at the back of his neck.

"Scandalous, sir."

"What, my forearms being exposed?"

"Yeah! You're basically like naked, Edgey."

"I would not be naked in such an establishment."
He sipped his drink and tried to tell himself to not say the joke he was thinking of saying out loud. He had already risked it with the secret code one not all that long ago.
"Not for free, anyway."
It obviously didn't work.
Ah. I think I am….. well, quite drunk, it seems.

Gumshoe, Larry, and Maya immediately cracked up. The warmth in Miles' chest grew as he listened to them laugh knowing he caused it, and he relaxed into the seat a little more. Just as the group pulled themselves together, Larry pointed at Phoenix and immediately got set off again.
Wright was bright red and looked like he'd seen a ghost. He was far redder than the 'It's from the alcohol!' excuse would allow, and he knew it. There were tears in Maya's eyes and the shake of Gumshoe's shoulders was rattling the booth.

"Edgey, you've fucking broke him. Poor guy's lost in the sauce."

"I can't breaaathe. Quick, someone take a picture, please."

"NO? Don't????? Shut up. Go away, all of you. Leave me alone."
The word 'picture' brought Phoenix back into the room, immediately finishing the rest of his drink at the end of his sentence.

"This is the best night of my life. I promise you Nick, with everything I have, you are never living this down."

The dots weren't quite connecting for Miles yet. He couldn't see Phoenix's face like the others could, and like hell was he looking over after what he just said, so was none the wiser as to what they were all on about. He noticed Wright gulp when he spoke, but chalked it up to his imagination.
"Apologies, I am a little lost. What is he never living down?"

"Man, seriously? Like, seriously seriously? Are they always this hopeless?"
Maya and Gumshoe enthusiastically agreed.

"Oblivious gay fork found in oblivious gay kitchen, I'm afraid."

"Sir, I want you to know I wouldn't have said it like that."

"If you let them get away with bullying you they'll do it forever, Miles. Do that scary glare thing you do in court so they stop. Don't end up like me."

"Why would I need to do that? Were they not calling you the, err, 'oblivious gay fork?'"

"Oh. No. That was definitely you? Right?"
The other three were stunned into silence. It was like they were watching some kind of car crash they couldn't look away from no matter how hard they tried.
"Okay. Judging from the gawping, maybe it's both of us."

I object to being called a fork. If I was any cutlery, I would be a teaspoon.
I do not think I can object to at least one of the other things, however. Certainly not after tonight.
"That is fine. At least we are in it together, even if I am not quite sure what 'it' actually is."

"Cheers to that."
Miles and Phoenix clinked their glasses and took a long glug of whatever was in them, Edgeworth stopped asking three drinks ago. Maya, Gumshoe, and Larry were all looking at each other, all three convinced that this must be some sort of prank.

"There is something seriously wrong with both of you, man."

"Feel free to make your own toast if you are feeling left out."

The other three did, clinking glasses and yelling 'to feeling left out!' far too loudly. Miles relaxed into the back the chair, and in turn Phoenix's arm, shoulder now pressed up against the other's side. Wright began laughing at the god awful toast, Miles shaking next to him as his chest rumbled. Edgeworth watched as his friends linked arms awkwardly, trying to drink from their respective glasses and failing miserably. He watched as Phoenix threw his head back to laugh harder, face flushed, only falling further into hysteria as the other three yelled at him for finding it funny. He watched as the 'argument' settled back into casual, easy conversation, and suddenly it hit him all at once.
This was fun. He was having fun. He wasn't overthinking what he was saying, or worrying if he was making a fool of himself, which he certainly was, but he didn't care. He was just enjoying his time with his friends, being just Miles Edgeworth, without any title.
The thing that hit him most, though, was just how much he was into Phoenix Wright. Before tonight it was something he was adamant he had a handle on. Yes, he thought about the man all the time. Yes, he unpicked their every interaction to see if there was even a hint of anything suggesting something more than platonic, but he was fine with that and could manage it. At least it was never written all over his face, like he feared it currently was.

Every look they shared did something to him. Every small touch, every laugh, every joke, it had increasingly made Miles feel something closer and closer to hope as the night went on, to the point it was becoming dangerous.
I cannot tell if he is either humouring me, or if he is just like this with everyone.
This feels different. I do not know if I am just hearing the things I want to hear, or if what I think is happening is actually happening. I want to find out.

The opportunity arose to do so as Maya took a phone call outside, Larry and Gumshoe heading to the bathrooms, leaving Miles and Phoenix alone. Wright didn't move his arm, so it was just them, stupidly close to one another in the now much quieter booth.

To hell with it.
Miles leaned forward to grab his drink and put his hand on Phoenix's leg, just above his knee, as he did. His glass had ended up quite far into the middle of table, reaching for it gave him plausible deniability of needing a steady surface to rest on if he had to explain away why on earth his hand was on Wright's thigh.
It tensed under his palm, and Miles could've sworn Phoenix shifted to open his leg more, pushing into it a little. He sat back and waited to see if anything would be said about it.

Unbeknownst to Edgeworth, Phoenix was currently thanking every higher power he could that, to his knowledge, Miles could not read minds. He, too, was worried that Miles was just humouring him, but couldn't figure out how to confirm that fact or not. This was maybe his chance to, if he played it correctly.
"How the hell is your hand still so cold? That's not normal."

"Is it uncomfortable for you?"
Please understand the double meaning. Please grasp what I am really asking.

"Uh. Not at all, no. It's fine. Don't feel like you have to move it on my account. All good over here. Can I just say, though, like, I thought you kinda hated stuff like this? I'm not crossing any boundaries or anything, right?"

"I have grown used to it now. If I did not like it I would have told you."

"Are you sure? One thouuuusand percent sure? I won't be upset or anything if you want me to be less….this?"

If it was anyone else I would hate it. But it is not anyone else.
Miles dared to swipe his thumb across the top of Phoenix's thigh where his hand was resting, hoping it would convey that he absolutely did not mind at all.
"Positive. Be as tactile as you wish."

"Okay. Great. Cool and also good. Cocktails were the worst idea I've ever had."

"No drink with that much alcohol should legally be allowed to taste as nice as they do."

"Fucking exactly! At first you're like, 'wow, tasty juice beverage!' and then suddenly you wobble when you stand and the saxophones from careless whisper are playing on loop."

"Perhaps someone has forgot to shuffle the playlist and what you are actually hearing is the exact part of the song where the saxophones are playing repeating through the speakers in here."

"Wait, seriously?"

"No, you imbecile. Do you think it would have been only you that noticed if that was the case?"

"Woooow, Miles. You're being mean to a guy who's being haunted by sexy woodwind instruments. That's real low."

"What a shame, I thought you would be able to handle it."
Phoenix's reaction to this was very interesting, and if Miles was capable of thinking clearly, it likely would've been seriously telling. His breath caught in his throat which he then tried to cover with a cough, and he shifted in the booth before sighing deeply.
Taking as much of a mental note of that as I possibly can in my current state. Will decipher another time.

He was saved from any interrogation on what the hell that was for by Maya coming back to the table, Gumshoe and Larry also somehow in tow, even though they had each gone to separate places.
"Did you miss us?"

"Obviously. When did all of you even get outside?"

"After the bathroom, pal. You two seemed pre-occupied, and Larry needed fresh air."

"'Pre-occupied' makes it sound like we were doing something salacious, Detective."

"I mean, you do look, like, real cosy. Also, how are you still capable of saying shit like 'salacious', Edgey? That's not fair. I wouldn't even know what that means sober."

"I think that says more about you than it does me."

The group was now back in their seats, nursing the rest of the drinks that had been left marinating during however long it was they were absent, neither Miles or Phoenix were keeping track. No one had acknowledged how close the two of them were other than Larry's 'cosy' comment, and Edgeworth couldn't decide if it was a great thing or a terrible one that it had been so casually accepted. His back remained pressed against the side of Wright's chest as they all began to bounce off one another again.

They had almost all finished their drinks when Larry sat up straight suddenly like he had just gained some form of sentience, making a couple of them jump.
"Fuck, what time is it?"

"Oh, uhhhh…"
Phoenix grabbed Miles' forearm to bring his watch closer to his face, even though all of them had phones that could at least tell them the time in honestly a far easier manner. Miles didn't expect to be manhandled in such a way, which was maybe his fault, as he did tell Wright he could be as tactile as he wanted. He decided on unpacking how much he enjoyed the feeling of Wright's grip around his arm and how easily he moved him around later.
"Just after midnight. I think. Why's this watch so hard to read? There's no way you actually use this, Miles."

"Just because you are struggling to read it does not mean I do. Maybe you should invest in your own for some well-needed practice."

"I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or be offended at the fact you think I can afford one like this."
Phoenix slid his arm down so his fingers could fiddle with the watch on Miles' wrist, sliding over the links, purposefully avoiding any of the little dials, but lingering.
"It's nice. Suits you."

"Hmm. Your birthday is coming up, is it not? Perhaps I will be feeling generous enough by the time it rolls around. Maybe I will even let you help me pick one for you."
He would look good wearing a Montblanc. I am positive they do dark blue ones.

"What the fuck."
Maya was moments away from screaming. Gumshoe was looking back and forth between them both. Larry was confused at how just asking for the time could cause such a chain of events. To be honest, Wright and Edgeworth had forgot they weren't the only ones here. Phoenix very swiftly dropped Miles' arm and reached for his drink, Miles staring intently at the floor as he cleared his throat.
"You are both deeply, deeply insane."

"Seriously, and I mean this with, like, all the love in the world, get a room. You might be worse than me, guys."

"That is categorically not possible."

"Yeah, what Miles said."

"You're even letting him speak for you, dude."

"Hey, it's not my fault we're on the same… uh. The same… fuck. It's gone."

"Wavelength?"

"Exactly! Wavelength. This is why he does the speaking. He's better at it than me."

"Could I get you to write that down and sign it so I can lord it over you for the rest of time?"

"Eh. Maybe if you ask nicely or buy me another drink."

"On that note, would anyone like another?"
Miles looked across the table, the other three done with their beverages, but surprisingly not hounding for another as they usually did.

"Sorry guys, but I'm out. I gotta be up early tomorrow."

"Do I even want to know why?"

"Uh, no. Probably not, man."
The wink Larry tried to do was, in Miles' mind, far more vulgar than anything him and Phoenix had done the entire night. Gumshoe shuffled over to the edge of the seat so he could stand.

"I also gotta leave, pals. It's been real fun! I wish I knew how much I'd spent, though…"

"The bar tab is on my card, Detective. You have nothing to worry about."

"Woah, sir! You should come out more often!"

"Ugh. We should probably get going too if everyone else is. Means we can share a taxi."
Maya slid out of the booth and joined Gumshoe, still hanging around the table, Larry following after her. She watched as Phoenix made no effort to move.
"You coming, Nick? I kinda need you so we can, like, get into your house."

"Uh…"
Miles and Phoenix still had a bit of their drinks left, which, despite it maybe being two sips maximum, was the perfect excuse to not yet call it a night. Neither of them wanted to, but neither of them wanted to say that, either. Edgeworth bounced his leg as he waited to see if Wright would ask, hoping to every god above that he would.
"You wanna stay and finish these, Miles?"

"I do not exactly have anywhere to be tomorrow. We have paid for them, so we might as well."

"That alright with you, Maya? You can grab my cash for the taxi and my keys, no need to wait up. I'll be fine."

"Oh, I'm sure you will."
She took the items from Phoenix as she chuckled, Wright trying to mentally communicate with her to shut the hell up.
"You two have fun!"

"Later, losers!"

"Bye, Phoenix. See you at work, Sir!"

"Make sure she gets in okay!"

"You know I will, pal!"
Gumshoe yelled as they approached the exit, Miles and Phoenix waving the three off.

They were now alone again, this time for good, and nerves began to settle in Edgeworth's stomach. The entire night thus far had not really felt like they were making conscious choices to stay together, mostly happening due to the others meddling but they had both actively decided that their night wasn't over, just to be with one another a little longer.
It was beginning to look like there were two ways the night could end. Both avenues would no doubt result in some very interesting conversations needing to be had about tonight in the not-so-distant future, so the longer it went on for, the better. Miles rarely had the chance to let his guards down, so if he could do that and also be able to claim he was too drunk to remember anything he said or did if he had to to save face, why wouldn't he want it to carry on?

"I cannot remember the last time I was not the first to leave a social event."

"Hey, if it's any help, I don't think it has ever been Maya leaving me here. It's usually the other way around."

"I did not expect to have such a good time. I suppose it helps that you are here. You are easy to be around."
I am not sure if I meant to say that. I still do not quite know what is actually happening between us.
There is potential that was too revealing. I suppose it is true, though, so what does it matter.

"I am far too many drinks in and far too close to you to handle you saying that to me in a normal or healthy way."

"Apologies, then. If it helps I will probably read into your response far more than I should once I regain all my faculties."

"That does, like, the opposite of help. Don't read into anything I say, that's terrifying."

"I cannot help it when it's you."

"Please stop talking and start drinking before I lose my mind?"

Edgeworth did what he was told with a small chuckle, clinking glasses before taking another sip, and conversation flowed easily again.

Finishing the drink turned into having just one more, then another just one more, and another. They had both entirely lost track of the time and also how much they'd had, but if the glasses on the table were to go by, it was quite a bit.
Over the course of the night they had gradually got even closer, if that was possible, to the point that the little time they spent not attached as Wright was at the bar made Edgeworth antsy. Phoenix's arm was still always ended up wrapped around Miles when he returned, draping over his shoulder, stroking it with his thumb. Edgeworth's leg that was crossed over his knee was pressed against Wright's, his foot occasionally rubbing his calf as he bounced it, hand flitting between settling on Phoenix's leg or his own. The bar was significantly quieter now but it did not deter them from talking about anything and everything.

Occasionally Miles would laugh, throwing his head back as his shoulders would shake against Phoenix next to him. Wright would do his best not to stare at the flush on his cheeks, or the veins on his arm, and instead relish in Miles being so unguarded with him.
One surprising thing for Wright was that Edgeworth is a bit of a gossip. Phoenix spent the majority of this portion of night going 'you're kidding!' or 'no, they didn't!', just listening to Miles waffle away. It was kind of everything he ever wanted and more, really; his arm fitting so well across Edgeworth's shoulders as he listened and listened to whatever story he was telling. It was sad to say but he had dreamed about this, being able to so casually touch him, to be able to sit doe-eyed and completely smitten as Edgeworth rambled.

Unfortunately, Miles was not privy to this perspective, and it dawned on him that he had been far more talkative tonight than he intended to be. Phoenix hadn't had much chance to get a word in, and he was immediately self-conscious about how much he had dominated their time together.
"Ah. I apologise. I feel like I have not let you speak."

"If you ever apologise for that again I'm gonna have to kill you."

"I did not mean to talk so much. Do you really not mind?"

"If I minded I would've said, I promise. Lucky for you I think I could listen to you talk forever. Especially if it's gossip. I fucking love gossip."

"I hope you know that whatever is spoken about here stays between us. I have likely said some things that you perhaps should not know. Oh well."

"'Oh well'? Since when did you think things like 'Oh well'?"

"Since four or five drinks ago, if I had to guess."

"Okay, fair. Very fair. My visions doing the thing. You know the thing? It's doing that."

"I just thought that was because I did not have my glasses on."
Phoenix's hand tensed on Miles' shoulder, only briefly, but it was noticeable.

"Why don't you have them on? Feel like you kinda, I don't know, need them?"

"I did not want to break them. I think? Why?"

"Well, wear them next time. If they meet an untimely end I'll get another pair for you."

"I did not realise you cared for my eyesight that much."

"I mean, sure, but also I just think you look really good in them. Your eyes working properly is a bonus, though."

Miles was capable of being normal about this.
He didn't like how he looked in his glasses much, hence not wearing them all the time, so it was news to him that Phoenix liked them. Liked him in them. He could be normal about this, for sure. Definitely wasn't thinking numerous things he shouldn't be.
"You think so? I did not know that. That you, err, thought that."

"Mhm. Makes you look all clever, which, like, you are, but. You know what I mean. Also makes your glare thingy more intense."

"Well, next time I shall make sure they are with me. Maybe I'll combine them with the watch you like so much, too."

In any other situation Phoenix's audible gulp would maybe be in the top five things Miles was going to spiral about unpicking. Considering the events of the night so far, it was lucky if it was in the top fifteen.
"Please don't. Not in court, anyway. I have to be able to focus at least a little bit."

"Am I really that distracting? Consider me flattered."

"Yeah. You are. It's bad for me."
Each time I think we have reached the limit on things he can say that will absolutely ruin my life, he says something worse not even a minute later. Impressive, really.

"Interesting you would tell me this, knowing full well I could weaponise it against you."

"On a scale of one to ten, how terrible of me would it be to say that I kinda want you to do that just to see if I could still win?"

"Hm. Maybe a seven? A slightly masochistic seven?"

"Shit, okay. I won't say it then. Wait, but, that means I don't get to ask how exactly you'd weaponise it against me. I wanna know what you'd do."

"You will just have to leave it up to your imagination then, I suppose."

"Nope. Too dangerous."

"Why is that?"

"I am absolutely not answering that. I have some brain function left, you know."

"Can I ask something else, then?"

"Always."

"Did you tell the bartender I was attractive?"
If Miles wasn't already sure he was absolutely hammered, this would've been the moment that confirmed it without a shadow of a doubt. Never, not once in his life, did he think he would ever be bold enough to outright ask such a thing, yet here he was. In his defence, Phoenix had as good as told him himself with the comments on his glasses anyway, so it was just for further confirmation.

"Yeah. A little bit. Wait. What the fuck, how did you know that?"

"You speak loud."

"You can't use my own line on me. That's cheating."

"You know, Larry thought earlier that you two had something going on."

"Fuck off, really? Does he, I don't know, have eyes or ears? She brings her girlfriend up in, like, every conversation. It's real sweet."
Phoenix's fingers were now dancing around the crook of his neck, and Miles had never been more grateful to whoever it was that decided to invent the turtleneck.
"You didn't think he was right, did you?"

"Briefly. It did not take me long to realise otherwise, however."

"That would be a real fucking weird relationship dynamic. She's a lesbian and I've talked their ear off about you once a week for months. Not sure how that would work."

"Talked their ear off? I hope you at least told her something of substance, rather than saying I was attractive the entire time."

"Listen. It wasn't all that. Okay, it was mostly that, but you can't blame me. You are."

"I suppose I would be lying if I said I would not do the same about you given the same opportunity."
What on earth am I saying? What on earth am I doing? Can my mouth please stop moving before I have had a chance to think about what will come out of it?

"Really?"

"Unfortunately. It is quite problematic for me, to be truthful."
Apparently I am incapable of not making it a thousand times worse. Great. Ideal, really.
"Christ. What is in these drinks? You are not meant to know that. Please pretend I did not say that."

"Sorry. Banked already. Filed in the 'shit Miles says that fucks me royally' drawer."

"I have my own drawer? Charmed, truly. What else has its own designated space?"

"You're usually a lot better at trying to change the subject thinking I won't notice. That was a pretty feeble attempt, Miles. I also don't think you wanna know, it's a nightmare up there."

"Not even what else is in the aforementioned drawer?"
It seems after tonight I am going to need to start my own.

"Especially not that. Not in public, at least. I'd like to keep what little decorum I have."
Phoenix chuckled slightly until the reality of what he implied dawned on him. Miles' face flushed as the words registered, and suddenly things started to click.
What on the fuck.
This is flirting. We are flirting. Genuinely, actually flirting. Not jokingly, just for fun, or what have you. This is real and happening. On purpose.
He thinks I am attractive. He thinks about me in ways he cannot mention in a public place.
His arm is around my shoulder and my foot is on his leg. The only times we haven't been touching is to go to the bar or the bathroom. Each little comment, each little look. Christ.
All of our friends knew. They egged us on. They saw this coming from both of us.
Maya was right.
"Fuck, wait, no, that sounds, uh, I didn't… shit. I think it's my turn to ask you to pretend I didn't say that?"

Edgeworth was still going through the motions of connecting the dots. He couldn't quite believe it had taken him this long to figure out in hindsight. To literally any other person on the planet it would have been glaringly obvious from the moment they sat down, but they had both been so deep in denial for years at this point that it apparently took an entire night of PDA, teasing, and a whole lot of undeniably gay things being said for it to finally sink in.
There was no way he couldn't talk about it now he knew, especially with as much liquid courage as he had currently coursing through his veins. Miles turned to face Phoenix, still fully leaning into him with the arm around his shoulders. He was already having to try quite hard to not start laughing, and Wright's face wasn't helping matters.
"I have just realised something. I am an oblivious gay fork found in an oblivious gay kitchen."

"Miles?"

"You like me."

"Obviously? You're my friend, why wouldn't I-"

"No, no. Have a drawer in your head of things I say sort of like me, put a hand on my back and caress my shoulder sort of like me, gush about me to a bartender and blush when our friends imply we had sex sort of like me. Good god."

"I, uh, I thought you knew that already and were just, like, I don't know? Playing along, or something? I am so so sorry, if I've made you uncomfortable I can-"
Phoenix went to move his arm away and Miles grabbed his fingers, holding them gently, keeping it in place.

"Uncomfortable? Why would that make me uncomfortable?"

Phoenix tried his best to not think about how soft Miles' hand was on his, and to also ignore the dangerous flicker of hope sitting in his chest.
"Because, you know, like, you don't think or feel the same, and that's fine!"

I cannot believe I want such a clueless man.
I understand that until mere seconds ago I too was clueless, but that is not the point.
"Ah. I see. Maya was right on both counts."

"Huh?"
Miles watched as Phoenix connected the dots, presumably in the exact same way he did. His face morphed from the expression of a man who was thinking very intently about how to un-ruin his life, to that of someone who had won the lottery.
"Christ. We might be idiots. Her ego is going to go through the roof. We are so stupid."

"We kind of have her to thank for such a revelation. Maybe she deserves the ego boost."

"What do we do about said revelation? I think we should, uh, talk about it? Probably? Maybe? Please?"

I do not think we should do this here. I do not really know what 'this' is.
I know what I want it to be.
Oh hell. Fuck it all.
"It is late and I fear this place will be closing soon. My apartment is relatively close, nearer than yours, at least."

"Are you inviting me over? I can't tell if you're inviting me over."

"I am."
Edgeworth didn't mean for it to come out so low and quiet, in fact he adamantly told himself he would not say it like that to not further imply anything. His mouth still had other ideas, it seems.

"Oh. Fuck. Okay."

"I assume that is alright? If you would like to go home to ensure Ms. Fey got in safely, I understand."

"She's fine, she text me a bit ago. Honestly she said she'd locked the door, so your place works great."

"In that case I think I should go and hail us a cab. Are you ready to leave?"

"Yeah. I'll just go say bye to the bartender and meet you out front?"

"Sounds good to me. Collect my card, would you?"

Phoenix nodded and removed his arm so he could stand up and let Miles slide out of the booth, leaning over the table and grabbing the empty glasses as he did. They parted as Miles headed towards the exit, lingering in the doorway just out of sight from Phoenix who made his way to the bar. Miles wasn't able to hear the conversation between him and the bartender, but he was sure that she winked at least once, said something that made Phoenix nearly smack his head on the bar, and whistled as he walked away.
He made himself scarce to the taxi rank out front, one pulling up as he felt a hand on the back of his shoulder and the warm presence by his side again.

"You sure you got everything?"

"I should do. I did not come with much in the first place."

"Alright then. Uh, Edgeworths first?"
Phoenix opened the door to the cab as he gestured with his arm for Miles to get in. He shuffled over the seats, telling the driver his address as Phoenix plonked himself down next to him.

It wasn't a long drive by any means, ten or so minutes if the traffic lights were kind, but it was quite excruciating for the both of them. Miles had never felt so restless, the nervous energy radiating off of Phoenix not helping. Neither of them knew if the other one was genuinely expecting a simple, honest conversation, or if this was all a ruse for something else. Both of them wanted it to be the something else, but bringing that up was frankly mortifying. Phoenix began to bounce his leg, and Miles heard as he took intakes of breath like we was going to say something, but never did.

"Are you alright?"
Miles had to whisper, both because the driver was absolutely not paid enough to deal with this, and also because it somehow felt easier to have this conversation as quietly as possible. He had leaned over, mouth quite close to Wright's ear, and he shuddered ever so slightly as Miles spoke. Edgeworth placed a gentle hand on Phoenix's leg, mostly to steady himself as they rounded a corner, and it tensed under him the same way it did in the bar.

"Yeah, more than. I just. Fuck, how do I say this?"
Their faces were so close to each other's.
"Is when we get to yours, just, well, talking? Like we said?"

"Do you want to just talk?"
Please. Please. Please. Please.

"I mean, I'm fine with it if that's all it is. We obviously have stuff to say, but, uh."
Phoenix got even quieter.
"No. And I'm really sorry if I've been reading it wrong, and you did just wanna, like, hash it out or whatever, but it isn't feeling like that to me?"

Christ. I really hope I have not forgotten how to kiss someone. That would be very embarrassing.
"Thank god. I find talking overrated, anyway."

"Huh? Oh. Ooooh. Woah. Right."
Phoenix turned away from Miles, back to facing the front of the car so he could speak to the driver.
"Excuse me, how far are we away?"

"Two minutes."

"I could have told you that."

"Yeah, but you would've whispered it, and that would've made two minutes feel like hours."

"I will not argue with that."

It was 2 minutes and 41 seconds later that they pulled into the parking lot, not that either of them were counting. Phoenix paid the driver as Miles got out the car and fumbled around in his pockets for the keys. He was inputting the code when Wright came up behind him, placing a hand on his back and keeping it there as Edgeworth pushed open the door. It very quickly felt like Miles' legs could not move him quick enough.
They power-walked through the lobby, Phoenix lagging a little behind before Miles took his hand and practically dragged him to the stairwell. Before Edgeworth could begin going up them, Wright pulled him closer and they took a pause.

"Sorry, I just, I have to check. You actually, like, want to do this? And it, uh, means something? As it will to me, and I would feel weird if you didn't know that."

"I do. I very much do. That is new to me, and frankly the entire night has already meant something to me already because of it. We will obviously need to discuss what this is at some point, but right now that is quite honestly the last thing on my mind. Now if you do not hurry up you will be sleeping outside."
Their voices echoed off the concrete walls and all Miles could do was hope that none of his neighbours were able to hear.

"Jesus Christ. How many stairs are there again?"

"Too many."

"Ughhhh. You are so lucky that I think you're worth the effort."

"Can you complain and also start climbing them?"

"Impatient, are we?"

"That is rich coming from someone who had to deep breathe for the last few minutes of a cab ride."

"Sue me. It was necessary."

Far too many stairs later they had reached Miles' front door. The shaking of his hands was making it difficult to unlock, along with how significantly less coordinated he was because of whatever delicious fruity drink Phoenix kept getting him. Eventually he defeated the mechanism, twisting the key and pushing the handle just as they both had caught their breath.
Well. Here we go.

They barely got through the door. It hadn't even clicked closed before Phoenix was kissing Miles, hands either side of his face as he pressed himself against him. Edgeworth placed his hands on Wright's waist, pushing into him in return. It didn't start great, Phoenix far too enthusiastic right off the bat which meant their teeth kept knocking and their noses were in the way. It was driven by hunger, an entire night of gradually building want, and the fact that both of them had waited far too long to do this.
Miles began kicking his shoes off, aiming for somewhere near the entryway but not really caring where they ended up. Phoenix tried to take off his jacket, not being able to without breaking the kiss. It landed on the floor, and Wright stilled.

"What the fuck. How is this happening?"

"Is it still alright?"

"Yes, absolutely yes. Just can't quite compute it's, like, real. You still okay with it?"

"Frankly I am annoyed that you are talking and not currently kissing me."

"Final follow up question, I promise. Does every single piece of clothing you wear cover your neck?"

"Almost all of them, yes."

"Great. Amazing. Thank fuck for your strange fashion choices."

Phoenix pushed into Miles, catching him off guard and he stumbled backwards. He ended up pressed up against one of the walls in his hallway, one of Phoenix's legs in between his as Wright pulled at his neckline. Edgeworth reflexively tilted his head as Phoenix kissed his jaw, then the side of his neck, and he sank down a little against Wright's thigh.
If he keeps going like that he is going to leave marks.
…Oh. He is going to leave marks.
Miles' collar was as pulled down as far as it could go, giving Phoenix access to one side of his neck and a peak of his collarbone. Wright sucked at the skin at the base of his neck first, before doing the same as far down his shoulder as the turtleneck would allow. Each bite and swipe of the tongue made it all the more difficult for Miles to stifle whatever sounds were forming in his throat, the idea that there would be a physical reminder of Phoenix being on him for the next few days unfortunately did something to him.
Considering he could feel how hard Phoenix was as he pressed against his side, it was safe to say it was probably doing something to him, too.

Miles slid his hand from Wright's waist around to the front of his hip, then steadily down over his crotch. Phoenix almost buckled at the contact, biting Miles' skin harder, grabbing on with the free hand not currently moving the turtleneck out the way. There was something about them still being in Edgeworth's hallway that made this feel far more scandalous than it actually was, especially now Phoenix was grinding into his hand as he kissed any bit of Miles' skin he could. Wright would grunt into his neck as he changed up the pressure of his palm, and in turn Miles would roll his hips into Phoenix's thigh. Eventually Wright pried himself away to talk again, slightly out of breath.

"I, uh, hope you don't mind the marks. I should've asked first. Got carried away."

"As long as they are in places I can cover, you can do whatever you like."

"That's, like, a ridiculously hot thing you have just said to me, but I can't tell if you're just letting me do it because I like giving them, or if you actually want them. I hope it's the latter?"

"It is. Very much so. I want to see them tomorrow."

Phoenix thought that might have been the filthiest thing anyone has ever said to him, which naturally meant he had to kiss Miles again about it immediately. Edgeworth slid his hand back to to Wright's waist as he did, going beneath Phoenix's shirt and the top of his belt, using his fingers to stroke across the bare skin under his waistband. He couldn't get far due to how tight it was sitting on Wright's hips, but apparently even the little touch he did get to do was enough, as Phoenix whined into another kiss and his hand shook as it moved.

Miles completely forgot about his choice of underwear until Phoenix pressed his palm against him, now suddenly very aware of it as the fabric moved with Wright's motion.
This was seemingly a problem that he was going to have to work out how to solve sooner rather than later.
It is fine. I can just take a moment whilst he undresses to deal with this.
'Whilst he undresses' is something I can think now?
Ha. Hahahaha. Ha. Oh god.
I am doomed.

The belt was very quickly becoming an annoyance. Phoenix's jeans were far thicker than Miles' slacks were, on one hand providing great friction, but on the other being far too much of a barrier. Wright stilled for a moment, palm still pushing against Edgeworth's clothed dick, and Miles used the time to unbuckle the belt just enough that he could fit in the space. As Phoenix again pulled at his turtleneck, Miles moved his hand down and swept his fingers across the outline of Wright's hard cock, now only separated by his boxers. Miles felt that there was already a wet spot forming, and Phoenix sighed into his neck, resting his forehead on Miles' shoulder and his hands at Miles' sides. Phoenix twitched under his touch as Edgeworth applied pressure.

"Miles, shit."

"Hmm?"

"I'm already, like, uh…"
Wright was breathing into his neck, already somewhat erratically, clutching at his sides, and shifting into his palm. The wet spot was already bigger than it was a moment ago. Miles decided he wanted to make it worse, and dipped his fingers ever so slightly under his waistband as he moved his hand back up, only to take them back out before he made contact. Wright shuddered, taking a small step back to put space between them, just enough that Edgeworth could move.
“Fuck. Not that I'm not loving your hallway ambience but… bedroom?”

Miles didn't want to waste time answering. After removing his hand from Wright's jeans, he pulled Phoenix through the corridor by his loosened belt, hooking his finger between the buckle and the fabric of his trousers. They did not get very far before Phoenix was pulling him back for another kiss.

"You can't just do that to me and not expect me to kiss you about it. I thought you were gonna, like, grab my hand or something."

"Would you have preferred that?"

"God no. If I had it my way we'd walk everywhere like this from now on."

"Tempting."

Getting to the bedroom was proving difficult. Neither of them could keep their hands off each other, stumbling around in the dark, not wanting to waste the precious second it would take to flip a light on. Eventually Edgeworth pulled away, making actual progress towards his room, pushing the door open as Wright's hands clung onto his waist. His blinds were open so enough light was coming in so that they could see what they were doing, both of their faces red and pupils wide.

Phoenix cradled Miles' face with each of his hands, kissing his cheeks and neck before pausing to speak.
"Is this the first time I've been in your room?"

"As far as I can recall, yes. We do not visit each other's apartments often."

"We should change that. Can we change that?"

"Make tonight worthwhile and we shall see."
Edgeworth had no idea where any of this was coming from. This was not normal for him. He had never been smooth, never been a sweet talker, and maybe it was the alcohol making him sound far more silver-tongued than he actually was, but it didn't matter as long as Wright kept reacting how he was. Which, in this instance, was him rolling into Miles' body that was currently pushed back against one of his wardrobe doors.

"It's actually evil that not only are you managing to rile me up in ways I didn't know you could fucking do, but you are also obviously enjoying it just as much as I am, which then makes it worse for me, and I'm never going to be able to get over it."

"Poor you. That must be so hard."

Before he knew it, Miles was being pulled by his waist away from the wardrobes and kissed very, very hard. Phoenix slid his hand to Edgeworth's ass as he turned them around, still stumbling forwards, Miles unable to do anything but move with him.
Ah. Okay. His reaction to similar at the bar makes sense now. He likes it when I am condescending. Which I am a lot of the time, especially in court. I am sure that means nothing.
I am also sure it means nothing that I really, really like it when he manhandles me. Absolutely positive.

The back of Miles’ thighs hit the edge of the bed and he broke the kiss to sit down and shuffle onto it. Phoenix used the opportunity to undress, shirt coming off along with his belt and jeans, Miles getting rid of his turtleneck and his watch. It clanged on the bedside table as Phoenix crawled onto the bed, half on top of Edgeworth who had moved back to be against the pillows.

"Aw, you not keeping it on? Booo."

"It feels strange to have a rather fancy watch on but not a shirt. Do you really like it that much?"

"Honestly? Yeah. I meant when I said it suits you. It made my brain go weird."

"Is that not its default state?"

"Shut up."
Phoenix climbed onto the bed, a knee at Miles' side so he could be above without fully laying on him.
"You're not wrong, though. Whenever you're involved, at least."

Having less clothes on made the next kiss feel so much more intense than the previous ones. They didn't change anything about it, but the extra skin to skin contact set Miles' blood alight. All that separated them was Edgeworth's trousers and Wright's boxers, which, if anything, was making how hard he was all the more obvious. It was only as Phoenix ran his hands across his bare sides and chest that he realised the original window of opportunity he hoped to have to 'deal' with his 'problem' had long passed, and it was very difficult to try and think of another avenue out of it as Wright grabbed at his skin and his tongue was in his mouth.

It felt like all Miles knew how to do was kiss back, lean into the touch, push himself against Phoenix. That only worsened when he felt fingers graze over his nipple, unable to stop himself from moaning into Wright's mouth, not aware before right that second that this was something he was sensitive to. Phoenix pulled off and Edgeworth craned upwards to kiss at his neck, hands on his waist, ending up far too lost in the feeling of Wright grinding against him to notice that his belt was currently being loosened, and Phoenix's hand was slipping inside his waistband. It only dawned on Miles as he involuntarily rolled his hips into Phoenix's palm that it was far too late to do anything.

Phoenix paused, stilling completely, and Miles felt his heart drop as he lay back against the bed again.
Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck.

“Are you wearing lace?”
This was Miles' best kept secret. Granted, it wasn't exactly difficult to keep, he was not one for hookups or casual sex so there was no real reason anyone would ever know about this. It had been years since he started wearing lingerie and something like this was never even close to happening, and he was perfectly content with not a single soul ever finding out.

This is it. I am over. There is nothing I can do.
Why did this have to happen today of all days? Why did I decide to wear them on the day this would happen?
“Listen, Phoenix, I can explain, I-“

Phoenix was stroking across the hem of Miles' underwear with his fingers, delicately tracing over the pattern. He was practically following the outline of Edgeworth’s cock, and it was making it very hard for Miles to think about how to convince Phoenix that they can just gloss over this. Wright wasn't saying anything, his hand still moving slowly across the lace and Miles watched in real-time as it dawned on him that this was actually happening, and he was right.
“Oh my god. You are wearing lace underwear.”

“No, well, yes, I am, but-“

“Is this, like, normal for you? Are they, uh, your everyday pick, or?”

Phoenix dipped his finger beneath the thinner part of the fabric resting on Miles' hip. Edgeworth had never been so confused. He couldn't tell if Phoenix was disgusted or just curious. His hand had not stopped tracing across, the soft touches becoming somewhat torturous as Miles oscillated between utter mortification and hornier than he had ever been in his entire life. Unable to discern the intention behind the question, he decided being on the defensive was the safer bet.
“Christ, absolutely not. No. Not at all.”

“Oh, okay. Thank god. That would've killed me."

It was a punch to the gut, even if Miles expected it.
Of course. That is the normal response, I suppose. I have fucked this beyond recognition.
"I cannot apologise enough. I understand I have likely ruined this, and you are free to leave if-"

"Huh? No? Wait, waitwaitwait. Ruined? No, god no, Miles. I am so turned on I can't form a coherent thought that isn't about you or the fucking lingerie."

What? He. I? The….What?
"You just said it would have 'killed you' to know I wore these every day? I assumed you were uncomfortable?"

"Fuck, no, I didn't mean it like that, that's my fault, it sounds real bad. I meant, like, I would lose the ability to function because it would be the only thing on my mind. Good kind of killed me, I swear."

"You do not mind them? You do not mind me…. in them?"

"Miles, I am so hard that I feel dizzy. There is no blood flow to my brain. This is the best thing to ever happen to me."
Oh. He actually likes them. Genuinely, truly likes th-

Edgeworth didn't get to finish his thought as Phoenix ran his fingers across the head of his cock through the fabric. The unintentional teasing had made Miles extremely sensitive, arching into Wright's hand trying to chase the sensation as he made a needy noise he couldn't stop.

Phoenix leaned down to kiss him, using his free hand to hold Miles', now rubbing up and down his length with his palm. Whenever he moved Edgeworth made an 'oh' sound into his mouth, and Phoenix had to stop himself from grinding into Miles' leg each time. The lace was soft, probably very expensive if Phoenix had to guess, and if Miles' trousers weren't off within the next 60 seconds he was sure he was going to die. He removed his hand, much to Miles' dismay, and instead let it rest on his bare waist.

“Can I see them?"

Miles flushed instantly. Someone knowing about them was one thing, but someone seeing him in them was a whole new ball game. He couldn't doubt that Phoenix seemed to like them, the twitching cock currently pressed into his side was proof enough, but he still didn't know exactly what the reaction would be. He didn't know what he wanted it to be, in all honesty. He already felt exposed, but if anyone could be trusted with this part of him, it would be Phoenix.

After a second of hesitation he nodded, scared his voice would betray him by shaking if he spoke, and reached to undo his belt fully.

Phoenix kissed Miles' face, then jaw, his neck, his shoulder, the middle of his chest, shuffling himself further down as he went. He let go of Miles' hand so he could use them both to pull at the waistband, planting more kisses to his stomach and just above his hips as he shimmied the trousers down. Miles covered his eyes with his arm as he lifted himself up to make it easier and held his breath as he for Phoenix's reaction.

With the slacks now on the floor, Wright sat back in between Miles' legs so he could properly look at him.
The lace was intricate, the design a mix of what looked like foliage and different motifs from gothic architecture. The hems were scalloped and the sides sat perfectly on Miles' hip bone.
They were tight and sheer, but not completely see-through, likely helped by the fact they were a deep, dark red colour.
Phoenix wouldn't be surprised if his eyes started popping out of his head and there was cartoon steam spouting out of his ears.

"They match your suit, like, exactly. Holy fuck, they match your suit. Of course they do. My god, Miles."
Edgeworth swallowed hard. He didn't realise that Phoenix would make the connection so quick, he had spent a frankly ridiculous amount of time trying to find ones that were the closest red to his usual attire.
"You look beautiful in them."

Miles nearly bit his arm. Phoenix didn't miss the way his cock twitched.
I do not think anyone has called me that before. I want him to do it again right now.

The weight on the bed shifted as Wright leaned down, holding himself up with his arms each side of Miles' body. He kissed Miles' v-line, then just above the elastic waistband before moving to the lace covering Miles' hip-bone.
"So fucking pretty."
Miles hand flew from his face and ended up in Phoenix's hair, both from the breath as he spoke ghosting his dick and what he said. Wright paused, making sure it wasn't Edgeworth signalling for him to stop.

"Please, Phoenix."
He was beginning to ache. He needed more than this. He didn't care what it was, as long as it was more.
Wright lifted Miles' legs so he could snake his arms underneath them, hooking his fingers under part of the lace on Miles' hipbone as he kissed the side of his cock. The hand in his hair immediately tightened, making him grind into the bed. He moved to the other side, back again, and then mouthed at Miles' tip through the lace. Edgeworth shoved his hips back into the mattress and grabbed at the duvet with his free hand, breathing heavy.

"I can't believe I get to see you like this, all dolled up underneath me."
Edgeworth mewled as Phoenix licked from base to tip.
"You've always been gorgeous but this is obscene, Miles."
The front of the underwear was stained already, probably had been since they were in the hallway. Each touch made him writhe. The lace would rub against him as he strained into it, now damp from Wright's tongue, only adding to how sensitive he was. Phoenix held the top of his thighs as he sucked marks into them, leaving a trail all the way to Miles' hips at the edge of the fabric.

"Did you wear these specifically for today?"

Not exactly. I mean, I suppose I did, but not with the intention of anyone seeing them. I cannot ignore that if Phoenix was not there, I likely wouldn't have, however.
"In a round-about way, ye-"
The 'yes' at the end of Miles sentence became a breathy moan rather than a word as Phoenix tongued at the head of his dick peeking out of the underwear.
"You did that on purpose."

"Guilty. Sorry. Hearing you like that does things to me. You in general do things to me."

"If that is the case you hide it very well. I could never really if I was making it up before tonight."
Phoenix had gone underneath the underwear and wrapped his hand around Miles' dick, slowly jerking him off. Miles was struggling to control his voice, speaking slowly and forcing back whines as he focused all his energy into stilling his hips.

"You're giving me far too much credit, I think you're just oblivious."
Miles didn't get to reply before Phoenix tongued at his cock again, immediately killing all arguments he was going to make, resulting in a strangled noise coming from his throat instead of anything he wanted to say.
"You hate me. Now all I'm gonna think about is sucking you off in court to get you to shut up. Great. I did that enough already."

This was news to Miles.
It made sense, all things considered, he was not exactly a stranger to such a fantasy himself, but it was said so plainly that the weight of it took a second or two to register.
"We can never work the same case again."

"Spoilsport."

Every time Phoenix licked at Miles' dick it took inhumane effort to not clamp his thighs around his head. The leisurely movement of his hand was slowly but surely sending Miles insane, the kisses to his thighs not helping either. Edgeworth would occasionally look down, seeing a mess of black hair against the red of his underwear, and he was completely, entirely sure that he was never getting over this.

Somehow, he still wanted more.
Phoenix Wright was in his bed.
Phoenix Wright currently had his fingers around his dick and was sucking marks into any skin he could reach between his legs.
Phoenix Wright was shunting into the mattress and trying to stifle moans each time Miles whined, but it wasn't enough.

Edgeworth would've never considered himself to be a particularly lustful person. He had needs like anyone else, taking care of them more a chore than something to relish in more often than not. But as Phoenix's hair brushed against his legs, as his thumb swiped at the head of his dick, he realised that he would not be satisfied if this is where the night ended.

He wanted to be sore in the morning and be able to blame it on Phoenix.

He wanted to be disgusting and sweaty and sticky and be able to blame it on Phoenix.

He wanted Phoenix, entirely. He would also blame that on Phoenix, too.

I. I need. I.
This is. Good. Really good. But.
Him. Him. Him. Him. Him.
"Phoenix."

"Mhm?"

"Please."

Wright was expecting some kind of direction to change up the rhythm, perhaps move to a more comfortable way to lie down, or something. If it meant Miles would feel good, he'd do anything.
"Yeah? What do you need?"
You.

Miles for a brief second didn't think he would be brave enough to say it. He then heard Phoenix groan and the bed creak as he rolled his hips into it, he then smiled against his thigh, and all the last bit of restraint he was clinging on to crumbled.
"Fuck me."

"What?"
Phoenix was sure there was no way the words 'fuck me' had just come out of Miles Edgeworth's mouth. Especially not like that. Absolutely no way.

"There is condoms and lubricant in the second drawer down."

"Miles?"

"If you don't, I will do it myself. I need.. I… Just. You."

"Shit. Okay."
Miles had never seen Phoenix move so fast. He was off the bed and rooting around in the drawer within seconds.
It had been a hell of a long time since he had done this with anyone other than himself. He thought he would be nervous, but the only thought he could manage was how badly he needed to feel Phoenix inside him. This was new. He had never wanted like this with anyone else. Each second he wasn't being touched felt like a lifetime.

Phoenix re-joined him on the bed, this time to his side rather than in-between his legs. They kissed as he fumbled with the cap of the bottle, breaking away when Miles heard it open.
"Am I right to assume that you know what you are doing?"

"I mean, fuck, I hope so. You'll tell me if not, though?"

"Of course."

They kissed again quickly before Phoenix squirted some lube onto his fingers, hesitating about closing the cap.
"Will lube ruin the lace?"

"I, err, I am not sure."

"Are you okay with finding out? I'll buy you new ones if it does."

"Yes. God. Please just do something."

"Didn't realise you were such an impatient person."
Well, maybe if you were not taking so long to- fuuuuuck.

Phoenix squirted the gel directly onto the lace covering Miles' cock and his brain stopped working. It was cold on Miles' skin as it settled through the holes in the design. Wright used his thumb and index finger to spread it around, the fabric now soaked, adding more to his palm before tossing the bottle up to Edgeworth in case he needed it. He moved the underwear to the side and Miles realised just how constricting it had been. Phoenix trailed his hand down, spreading lube as he went, and stopped just shy of Miles' entrance.

"Relax. I've got you."

Wright kissed him as he slid a finger in, starting far too slowly for Miles' liking. He knew it was necessary, he had to give himself time to get used to the feeling, but he wanted far more than this was providing. He gave it a second, trying to make himself wait, and then decided to give up almost immediately.

"I am not made of glass."

"I don't wanna hurt you."

"I will tell you if you do. I need more than this, Phoenix."

Thankfully taking the hint, Wright switched to two fingers. This immediately felt different. Miles gasped as he felt himself stretch, it wasn't painful, just odd and a little uncomfortable. The awkwardness melted away each time Wright kissed at his neck as he worked him open, splaying his fingers as he pulled them out, curling them slightly on the way back in. Miles had to stop himself from reaching for his dick multiple times, Phoenix laughing into his collarbone as he watched.
It didn't take long until it stopped being uncomfortable, now just really fucking good. Miles couldn't help but push down into his fingers, and Phoenix went a little faster.
I was right to assume he knew what he was doing. He's going to ruin my life.

The sounds filling Miles' bedroom were filthy. He'd usually be mortified at the noises he was making, but he couldn't find it in himself to care.
That was probably for the best, as the desperate cry that tore it's way through his throat as Phoenix curled his fingers into just the right spot would've probably made him die of embarrassment otherwise.

If Wright didn't gather from the reaction, or even feeling it himself, he certainly would've from the way Miles tensed around him and grabbed onto his arm.
"You're doing so good, Miles."

Edgeworth wrapped his fingers around his cock, unable to hold back as the praise went straight to his head. He tightened them as Phoenix brushed his fingers against the spot again, digging his nails into his arm as he whined. Wright gently placed his hand on top of Miles' own, and his stomach swirled.
I will not last much longer if he keeps doing that. Why does he have to be so good at everything?

"Enough, Phoenix. I am ready. Please just get on with it."

"I've only just-"

"Do not make me say it again."

"Aww. Not even if I ask really nicely?"
Only Miles Edgeworth could find time to roll his eyes in this situation, especially when it was directed towards the man who currently had two fingers inside him.
"Alright, alright. Message received."

After removing his fingers, Phoenix trailed his hand up and across Miles' dick, resting it on his waist as he sat up, still craning down to kiss Edgeworth until it became uncomfortable.
"Did you find everything we need?"

"Yeah, I think so. Are you good like this? On your back?"

Yes. More than. I want to see him.
"I prefer it this way."

"Pass me a pillow and lift up your hips."
Miles reached behind him to grab the first one he could and gave it to Phoenix, he tucked it under Miles' hips and guided them back down with a firm hand on his side. Edgeworth fumbled with the condom wrapper as Wright took off his briefs, immediately distracted.
Oh fuck. Oh Christ. Oh my god.
Phoenix shivered as he stroked himself, he had been so painfully hard this entire time and Miles felt a weird sense of pride that he did that to him. Wright reached his hand out to take the condom, but Edgeworth was too lost in staring at him to realise.
He is so attractive. This is ridiculous. His shoulders are so broad. It is not normal for a man who does not work out to have such toned arms.
I need him. Now.

"If you keep looking at me like that I am not gonna last long enough to even put it on, Miles."

He took the wrapper from Edgeworth and tossed it in the general direction of the bin after removing the condom. He rolled it on, exercising an inhumane amount of self-restraint to not fuck into his fist, and inched closer. Miles lifted his legs, Phoenix taking them and resting them on his side, prompting Miles to hook one foot under another around his back. He felt as Phoenix lined himself up and paused, the anticipation becoming somewhat agonising.

"If anything needs to change or you need to stop, let me know. I just want to make you feel good."

Miles took a deep inhale as Phoenix pushed in. He tried to keep his limbs loose and breathing steady but he was much bigger than Edgeworth expected him to be. Not that he was complaining, or at least he wouldn't be in a few minutes, but this was suddenly quite overwhelming.
I am having sex with Phoenix Wright. What on earth. Goodness gracious.
…….
Goodness gracious??? A penis is inside of me and my internal monologue is saying things like goodness gracious?????

"You okay? Not too much?"
Phoenix moved slowly, caressing up and down Miles' outer thigh as he rocked forwards. It calmed him even if the thinly veiled hunger in Wright's voice made his head spin a little bit.

"I just need time to adjust. You are bigger than I am used to."
Phoenix's hips stuttered and Miles felt his cock twitch inside of him.

"Whatever you need. I won't change anything until you tell me to, okay?"

"You can move, just, slowly, for now."

Wright focused all of his energy on keep a steady rhythm and not pushing in too deep. Miles' breath would hitch with each roll forwards, his legs on each side of his waist getting heavier the more he relaxed. Phoenix reached down and moved the lace back over Miles' length, dancing his fingers across the patterns of the wet fabric as Miles whimpered and clenched around him.
"You look so good like this. They were made for you."

Miles arched slightly, sinking his hips into the pillow as Phoenix pressed in, taking far more of him than he had done yet, and suddenly he realised what he was being given was not enough.
Yes. Fuck. Yesyesyesyesyesyes.
A strangled groan forced its way out of Wright's throat as he felt Edgeworth around him before he immediately panicked that he had moved too much too fast. Before he got to apologise, Miles did it again, Phoenix entering him further.
"More."

The compliment from Phoenix was all it took for his brain to cross into 'Oh my god holy shit this feels so good I don't know what to do with myself' territory, and he was immediately back to feeling insatiable. He could quite literally not get any closer to Wright if he tried, but that still didn't stop him from wanting to be.
Phoenix sunk further on the next thrust, even further after that, and he was soon burying himself entirely. Miles felt Phoenix's thighs press against him and clenched as he realised just how full he was.

"Oh fuck."
Wright's tone was low and it came out hoarse. Miles had never heard him sound like that. Phoenix picked up the pace, no longer moving excruciatingly slowly, and Miles grabbed fistfuls of the duvet as he squeezed Wright's sides with his legs.
"You're doing so well for me, Miles."

Edgeworth felt his neck and cheek flush. He didn't even know he liked this. If anyone else were to say it, he probably wouldn't, but it was not 'anyone else'. It was Phoenix, and despite how sultry and downright filthy he made it sound, Miles knew he meant it.
He could ask anything of me and I think I would do it if it meant he spoke to me like that.
Oh god. That is very bad news for me.
Miles turned his face and nestled it into the crook of his arm, covering his eyes and hopefully the red on his cheeks.

"Don't, please. I want to see you."
Miles moved his arm again without a second thought. He knew he looked dishevelled, his hair was sticking to his face, his eyes glazed over and he felt sweat beading across his shoulders. This was so far from his usual self, completely put together with not a single strand out of place. If he thought on it too much he'd maybe start to freak out about this version of him being shown to Phoenix, but he'd never felt so safe when being so vulnerable.
"I can't believe I get to have you like this."

It didn't take long for Phoenix's hands to make their way to Miles' sides, and he lightly applied pressure, changing the angle ever so slightly as Miles sank further into the bed. It somehow felt like Wright could go deeper now, the sound of skin on skin mixing with their frantic breathing and various moans. Edgeworth shoved his head into the bed feeling the pressure in his abdomen increase.
That's what the- oh my god, the pillow is for. I see.
Wright re-adjusted his hands so he was grabbing Miles, holding him in place, reflexively pulling Edgeworth towards him as he pushed forwards. Miles relaxed into it, letting himself be moved around, Phoenix's fingers digging into his sides as his grip tightened with each shunt of his hips.

"The pillow. It— It makes sense now"

"Feels okay?"

"Yes. God, yes."

"Let me just-"
He felt Phoenix lift him up slightly, and on the next thrust in Miles was sure his vision briefly blacked out. He arched off the bed as Phoenix's cock brushed against his prostate and Wright keened as Edgeworth tensed around him.

"There. Fuck. Please do that again."
It was barely words. Forcing them out felt like the hardest thing he ever had to do.

Edgeworth was reduced to a whining mess within a minute. Phoenix would switch the pace, purposefully slowing when he hit the nerves as Miles clamped his legs tighter around him. Miles had resorted to high-pitched, strangled begging, he wasn't even sure what for, but the more noise he made the more frantic Phoenix's movements became. He'd murmur 'Miles' again and again and again, it was husky and sounded like it came right from his chest.

Wright looked almost fake from Edgeworth's angle, far too perfect to actually exist. There was sweat beading across his shoulders, glistening in the light spilling in from the open blinds, blanketing him in shadows that sat on each muscle and curve. His mouth clamped shut and his jaw would tense with each noise he tried to swallow back, somehow resulting in sounds far more indecent than the moan would've been. Miles could feel the muscles in Phoenix's abdomen tense against his legs each time he drove forwards, how his chest would heave and his grip would tighten. He couldn't look away. He was completely and utterly enamoured.
He is going to ruin me. I want him to ruin me.

Miles suddenly became very aware of how desperate he was, and just how much he ached. He only realised he had reached for his cock when he felt his fingers wrap around it. It bordered on too much, his tip pressing against the lace as he worked his fist. Each exhale was shaky, words other than 'Phoenix' or some kind of expletive left his head long ago. Honestly, he wasn't sure if he ever knew anything else. He had tried so hard to not touch himself, scared this would be over too quickly, but he couldn't stop it anymore. He squirmed with each twist of his wrist, Phoenix's hands holding tighter to keep him steady. His movements were sloppy, unable to keep a rhythm as he twitched under his own touch. Phoenix hoisted Miles' leg up higher before gently moving his hand away, replacing it with his own.
Edgeworth nearly came there and then.

Wright's hand was bigger than his, fingers less deft and grip stronger, only realising after feeling the difference from his own. He always thought he would hate giving up complete control, not being able to dictate each swipe of the thumb or flick of the hand, but it seemed like Phoenix knew exactly what he wanted, and all he could do was melt into it. It felt like a physical switch flicked in his head as it dawned on him that he was entirely at Phoenix's mercy, quite literally in the palm of his hand.
I. The. Shit. He… Oh god.

Miles latched onto Phoenix's forearm as he rubbed across his head, back curling off the bed as he pressed against his nerves again.
Wright tried to keep his movements consistent but the way Edgeworth clenched around him was making it difficult. He was rapidly approaching his peak, hips moving erratically almost of their own accord, drunk off how good Miles was taking him. The lace above his hand constricted how much he could move it, but like fuck was he pushing it to the side again. The sight of his fingers working Miles' cock as it pressed against the fabric was borderline unbearable. All he wanted to do was make Miles feel good, it felt like the only thing that ever mattered.

Tension was very quickly building in Edgeworth's gut. His stomach muscles were beginning to contract, thighs starting to tense with each stroke of Phoenix's hand. Every time he would go to speak a cry would inch its way out instead, only spurring Wright on. He felt his dick pulse and knew it would be over soon, Phoenix managing to keep him just on the edge so much so that it was almost painful. The next twist around his head had him in-taking sharply, head spinning as he babbled.
"Phoenix. Please. Pleasepleaseplease."

"Yeah? You close?"

Miles nodded, unable to get more words out. His legs were shaking and his arms felt limp, all he could do was claw at the sheets. He was rolling into Phoenix's hand as he continued to slide in and out of him, chasing any and all sensation he could. He was so close to climax, needing a little more of something, anything, to let himself go.

"Look at you. So perfect. All pretty, just for me."

It's like his body was waiting for Phoenix to praise him again, his breath immediately getting stuck in his throat as his muscles spasmed the moment he heard the words leave Wright's mouth. He arched as he spilled into Phoenix's hand, eyes clamped shut and head forced back. Phoenix stroked him through as he quivered, Edgeworth feeling drips land on his stomach and soak into the fabric covering him.

The sight of the stained lace tipped Phoenix over the edge. There was a surge of some unidentifiable emotion as Wright watched Edgeworth come undone, lose himself in it, almost unrecognisable from the calculated, prim and proper person he usually was. Miles felt Phoenix's hips shove erratically and his cock throbbed inside him, Wright barely able to force words out before he came.
"Miles. Oh god."

Edgeworth's legs either side of him were the only reason he didn't double over. Both of their chests were heaving and Miles was limp against the bed. His brain was somewhere far away, but there was the faintest concern that he would never comedown from the high he was currently on. He had never been so lost in it before, he'd never understood the whole 'blissed out' thing and honestly thought it was an over-exaggeration. He knew that not to be the case now.

Phoenix stayed still, sliding his hand up and down Miles' leg through their aftershocks as they caught their breath. He was immediately aware of the absence he felt as Phoenix pulled out, slowly lowering his legs back down onto the bed as softly as he could. The mattress dipped as Wright moved, presumably to take the condom off to discard it, Edgeworth still trying to reconnect his brain to pay much attention. Wright leaned over and something hit the bottom of the bin as he grabbed his underwear off the floor and put them, before flopping onto the bed. He landed just next to Miles, arms touching, and lay on his back as Miles rested his arm on his forehead. It was quiet again for a minute as everything settled.

"What the fuck."

It took a few seconds for Edgeworth to remember that he probably should respond, and a few more to move the words from his brain to his mouth.
"I have to agree."

"You okay? Not too much?"

"I am, err, Yes. I am okay. Not quite all there yet, I think."

"Don't think I am either. Might never be again, honestly. I might be screwed."
At least it is the both of us, then.

Phoenix rolled over, Miles turning his head to face him slightly, still keeping his arm plastered to his forehead. The shame of how he had been, what he had done, what he had said, was beginning to creep in now the heat of the moment was fizzling out. There was no regret, because not even a single, minuscule fibre of his being could ever regret that, but it was a lot all at once to realise how vulnerable he had been, and how well he had been treated despite it. Hell, he was still vulnerable now, exposed and raw as he tried to reckon with all of the emotions that he was feeling.
It suddenly felt a lot easier to manage as Wright gently lay his arm across his stomach, tracing soft circles into his bare waist.

"This okay? Don't know if you still need time to, like, decompress, or anything. If you don't wanna be touched, let me know."

"It is fine. I think I, err…"

"Need it? I would. I do, I mean, helps me as much as it hopefully helps you."
He truly may be the kindest man in existence. I feel so……safe.
And sweaty. Very, very sweaty.

"I do not think I have ever been so gross in my life. I smell awful."

"If it's any help, all I can smell is strawberry and my own sweat, so. Stink all you want."

"When one of us has the ability to get up we should probably open a window."
Miles moved his arm, resting his fingers on top of Wright's still on his stomach. Now they were talking, he felt a lot more like himself and a lot less afraid, too.

"Fuck, a breeze would be so good right now. Give me two seconds to connect with my legs again. Where do you keep your sleep clothes?"

"Third drawer down in the unit against the wall."

"Any preference to them? Or is anything I grab okay?"

"Whatever is on top will be fine."

"Okay. Stay there."

"I do not think I could move even if I wanted to."

"Flattery will get you lots of places, Miles."
He leaned over and placed a kiss to Miles' cheek before shuffling off the bed, knees clicking as he stood up.

Once again, this was new. Edgeworth was being looked after. He was allowing himself to be looked after. It was a frankly harrowing realisation that not only did he want to be, the fact it was Phoenix being the one to do it made it all the more important.
It almost made him forget about the fact he was still covered in various bodily fluids, and that the underwear he still had on was now very cold, very wet, and very uncomfortable. Almost.

He sat himself up as Phoenix grabbed his pyjamas, passing them to Miles with a smile as he headed to the bathroom. Once in there, he obviously knocked something over as there was a loud thud from whatever it was making impact with the floor.

"Shit. Sorry. You didn't hear that, nothing happened."

"Convincing. Next time you are over I will wrap everything in bubble wrap."

"'Next time', huh? Glad to know it was worthwhile after all."
Miles didn't realise he had said it, honestly. There was never a doubt in his mind that there would be a next time.

"I can hear you wiggling your eyebrows from here. Did Ms. Fey get it from you, then?"

"Maybe. I'm honestly shocked that I couldn't hear you roll your eyes."
This, in fact, did make Miles roll his eyes.
"There you go. Heard it then."

The door swung back open and Phoenix walked back over, still chuckling to himself whilst carrying a multitude of things, dropping most of them on the bed.

"Welcome back. I see you have a haul."

"Thought to bring the laundry hamper through so you don't have to get up. I also nabbed the wipes you have from the bathroom so you can get less sticky. Got some painkillers, uh, mints, I think? At least, I hope so. Feel like mints aren't usually kept in a bathroom?"

"Mine are. I like to take them after brushing my teeth in the morning."

"That's a scary amount of mint, Miles. I'm also so dehydrated I feel like I've eaten sand, so I'm gonna grab some water. You want any?"

"Please."

Miles used the time Phoenix was spending in the kitchen to get changed and clean himself up. The wipes weren't anywhere close to what a shower would be, but they were better than nothing, and frankly Edgeworth didn't know if his legs would manage standing for that long. He tossed all their clothes in the hamper to be dealt with tomorrow, including his lingerie, that was perhaps too far gone to be saved. The linen of his pyjamas was light against his skin and made him relax almost immediately, and Phoenix came back through just as he was buttoning his shirt.

"You have a fancy water dispensing fridge. I feel like I'm sipping straight from a spring."

Miles took the glass being handed over after finishing the buttons, and realised that he hadn't offered Phoenix any spare clothes, so he was standing in just his briefs that were now almost perfectly eye level with him.
"Do you, err, want to borrow anything to wear?"

"I escaped from this far more unscathed than you did, so I should be alright?"
Phoenix looked around at the floor for what he came here wearing, and realised they were already in the hamper with Miles' stuff.
"Oh."

Miles then, too, realised that he had put their stuff together, meaning that if Phoenix wanted to leave, he'd either have to go through the ordeal of getting it out, or get a taxi in his underwear. He had failed to consider that maybe Wright would actually go home now they were finished.

Which, to be fair, the way this usually went was the other person would have been long gone by now, so it wouldn't be anything different if that was the case this time too. Not once had anyone Miles slept with stayed to talk after, let alone grab him painkillers and water. He also hadn't done that for anyone either, so it would be hypocritical of him to complain.
If Phoenix left now, he would, though.
Miles wanted him here. He wanted to fall asleep next to him, wake up next to him, get breakfast with him. It was a disgustingly soft notion that a small part of his brain was yelling at him not to entertain, almost entirely drowned out by the other part pestering him to ask what Wright wanted to do.
"Apologies. I thought that you would maybe, err, be staying the night, hence the hamper."

"Am I okay to? I want to, I really want to, but didn't wanna assume that's also what you want me to do?"
Oh thank god.

"Please do. We still need to talk at some point, likely in the morning now all things considered, but I would like you to stay."

"I got kinda worried you forgot about the whole talking thing. After tonight there is no feasible way I can ever shut up about you or what I feel ever again, I'm afraid."

"It is seemingly long overdue from both of us. I must warn you, I do not have experience with discussing such things. There is every chance I will say something wrong."

"If you're just telling me how you feel, it can't be wrong. We will figure it out. I'll warn you that I'll probably be giddy as hell the entire time. Assuming, uh, it's going the way I think it is?"

"I imagine so. Now please get back in bed, you are looming ominously by standing there in the dark."
Completely the only reason I want you here. Nothing else. No ulterior motives.

"You don't have to ask me twice. Your bed is stupid comfortable."

Wright cracked the window like Edgeworth asked before laying back on the bed, propped up against the pillows, both of them still far too warm to be under the duvet. They both placed their glasses on each bedside table, and when Miles turned back around, Phoenix's arm was outstretched and open.
Not once in his entire life had Miles ever laid on someone's bare chest. He couldn't even remember the last time he partook in anything that constituted as 'cuddling', even the word making him cringe. He had never cared to understand why people liked it so much, but would be entirely lying to himself if he said that it didn't sound wonderful at the moment.

He scooted over, head resting on Wright's shoulder as he dropped his arm to his chest. He pressed himself up against Phoenix's side, fitting almost too well in the space, and immediately felt embarrassingly comfortable. He watched as his hand rose and fell as Wright breathed, felt how the warmth radiating from him grounded him, and it began to make a whole lot of sense.
Oh. I get it. I get it now. Okay.

Now Miles was seemingly settled, Phoenix closed his arm, putting his hand in Miles' hair. He used his fingers to delicately stroke through strands as he sank further into the bed, and in return Edgeworth relaxed his weight into him, too. Each swipe of Phoenix's hand made him melt more, each time a finger would linger at his nape he exhaled harder, and he readjusted so he could hook a leg over the top of Wright's. Miles heard as Phoenix's heart rate quickened.
I feel dangerously close to a precipice of some kind. To falling off it.
To falling in general, honestly.
…..Who am I kidding. That happened a long time ago.

"I'm going to say something insane."

"So you are going to speak exactly how you usually do, then?"

"You hate me. I'm never opening my mouth again."

"I apologise. You did walk directly into that one, however. What were you going to say?"

"This, uh. This somehow feels less real than us having sex. Like, that still hardly felt plausible, but this is a whole new can of 'what the fuck is happening' worms."

If Miles thought even the tiniest bit about how they can now say that they had sex he would explode and die, so he tried to do literally anything else.
"I understand entirely. I have never, err, done this part. It has not appealed."

"You okay with it now, though?"
Wright lifted his hand from Edgeworth's head, just in case.
Put it back or so help me god.

"Mortifyingly so. Are you?"

"God yeah. You're just going to have to ignore the fact you can absolutely feel my heart beating out of my chest. Entirely unrelated. Nothing to do with any of this in the slightest."

"If you continue stroking my hair then perhaps I will consider letting it slide."

Phoenix laughed but did as he was told, immediately going back to caressing Miles' head, softly swiping the few rogue strands out of his eyes. Miles stretched out his arm, gliding his hand across Wright's chest as he exhaled, letting it fall limp at his waist.
He is correct with what he said a moment ago, though. I at least had thought about us….. doing what we did earlier tonight. Granted, I assumed it was a farfetched fantasy, but this?
I had never let myself imagine this. It was so far out of the realm of possibility.
And now it is happening.

"Do you think you'll be asleep anytime soon?"

"I am not sure. I still feel, err…."

"Wired? Like you could start bouncing off walls? Somehow the most relaxed you've ever been and also like you're about to start screaming at the exact same time?"

"Precisely. My body is tired but my brain is anything but. Not in a bad way, to clarify."

"In that case, I know we said the big talking thing we've gotta do is tomorrow, but can I ask some questions now? Mostly about, uh, what you were wearing. I don't want you to think I'm, like, interrogating you or anything, I just genuinely wanna know more about it? You can say no!"

"You can ask. I have never spoken about this with anyone, so I will need some grace. I still have not quite wrapped my head around the fact you know to be truthful."

"No, no, of course. I get it. I just kinda wanna hear about how it started, I guess?"

Miles paused as he worked out how he wanted to respond. The exact details of how it came about were not something he gave much thought to, only really knowing what lead him to it, rather than why it worked for him.
"That is complicated, but I suppose the simple answer is I was experimenting with things. I felt like I had lost control over too much of my life, and I wanted something that I could dictate. Something just for me. It became a way of expressing myself, but not outwardly. Nothing else really stuck, I am not sure why this did, but it has been a few years now."

"Ooooh. I get you. I can't say I like, expected it, but I'm understanding it more now."

"When did you become aware this was something you liked?"

"Uh, like, what, an hour or two ago? Probably."
That cannot be possible. He had to have known. His reactions were not that of a man who was only just figuring it out about himself. Surely not.

"Pardon? You did not know? Before tonight?"

"Nope. Major curve-ball you've thrown at me."

"Oh. I would not have guessed that."

"I don't know if it's, like, a general thing, or a you thing. I don't mind either way, honestly. I'll just add it to the list."

"You handled it very well for someone who had to come to terms with such a realisation very quickly. Did that not bother you?"

"Nah. It's fun to find new things. Keeps it interesting."

"I cannot believe it is possible for people to think that way. If I were in your position I would be having a crisis of some kind."

"All of the crises I'm currently having are good ones. Mostly about you, the fact that everything is going to ache tomorrow and I couldn't be happier about it, and also how I think I could stay like this until I die. Do with that what you will."

"I will be complaining about being sore tomorrow and it will be your fault, just so we are clear."

"Fine by me. I'll get us breakfast or something to sweeten the deal. I do, uh, have more to ask, though."

As if this couldn't get any more perfect, now there was a promise of breakfast, just like he hoped there would be. How else was Miles meant to feel about that other than utterly elated?
That is scarily domestic. I hope it is like this every time.
Oh. Right. Questions.
"Go ahead."

"Do you really not wear them every day?"

“No, I am afraid not. They are usually just for, err, special occasions?"

"What counts as a 'special occasion'?"

"I do not fully understand myself to be truthful. Sometimes it is when I feel like I need to look my best, even though I know no one will know. Other times it is when I need extra confidence, maybe when there is an event on. Mostly it is just when I want to feel more… err… hm."

"Like yourself?"

"Yes. I suppose so."

"That makes sense."

"It does?"
It barely does to me. More often than not I try not to think about the 'why's of it all.

"Yeah, to me at least. It's like picking a specific tie because you think it's good luck, or when I used to paint my nails in college because it made me feel more authentically me for a bit. Don't know why, but if it works, then it works. I'm glad you have something like that."

"I did not think about it like that. I never thought it could be something so… casual, almost."

"I mean, I've got 'special occasion' underwear. They're far less interesting than yours, and probably should've been binned years ago, but they've not failed me yet. If you want it to be casual, then it's casual. If you'd like me to treat it any other way, let me know, and I'll do my best."

This man makes my heart hurt.
I am understanding the word 'lovesick' more and more each time he opens his mouth.
"Are you naturally this absurdly considerate or is it a conscious choice? Either way, you are impossibly kind."

"You might not be saying that after the next thing I ask, but I've really gotta know. If you don't want to answer you can just, like, flick me in the head or whatever, but. Have you worn them in court?"

There was no reason to lie now.
"Once or twice."

"Against me?"

The only time he ever wore them in court was against Phoenix. He never felt the need if it wasn't him behind the bench. It was a pattern he realised and refused to think about before today, but made a hell of a lot of sense now.
"Yes."

Wright stuffed his face into Miles' head and made a pained noise. Edgeworth laughed slightly as he ran his fingers down Phoenix's side.
"It's all over. I'm finished. I am never winning against you again. This was your plan all along, wasn't it?"

"It is true. I orchestrated these events solely to beat you in court. Consider my plan thoroughly foiled."

"Next you're gonna tell me you have a dark blue pair."

"I do not, I'm afraid. Only red and black."

"Thank fuck. I probably would've died immediately."

"I am glad I don't, then. I cannot say I am in the mood to do all the paperwork your death would cause me."

"Hey, you still might have to. You're not off the hook yet."

"Why is that?"

"I owe you a pair, don't I?"

Is he is seriously intending to buy me some?
They are going to be ruined within an hour of me owning them.
………Worth it.
"Find ones you like and I will see if they are in my size, then. Make sure they are the right shade of blue, will you?"

Phoenix swallowed hard, it almost sounding like a cartoon sound effect, and Edgeworth laughed against him.
"We have to change topics immediately. I am realising there is no way in hell I can think about this right now. I'm not strong enough."

"That is a shame. The flush you are currently sporting quite suits you."

"Do noooooot take that tone with me. I am trying to keep this wholesome, Miles. I'm really, really trying."

"You are doing a very good job, Phoenix."
Now Miles knew how easy it was for him to rile Wright up, it would be a miracle if he ever stopped doing it. It wasn't like he had to try very hard to, anyway.

"Jesus Christ. I knew you were going to be a problem, you already were a fucking problem, but this is insane. You're insane."

"Do you want me to stop?"

"You know full well I don't. This is the best day of my life. I do want to be sappy again for a second, though. Sorry."

"How much sap do you possibly have left in you?"

"It's a constantly regenerating thing. It's, like, eternal. Never runs out. That's not the point, the point is I want to make sure you understand that yeah, the lingerie is really hot and I will be thinking about it forever, but I know it's not just a sexual thing for you, and I don't want to make it one. First and foremost it's 'Your Thing', you know? I promise I can contain myself if there are days you just want to wear them for wearing them as you have been, and if I am ever too much about it, I want you to tell me."

Miles felt like crying. There was apparently a much larger part of himself than he thought there was that was perhaps a little ashamed of this. In one evening he had been forced to reckon with someone else knowing, the said someone else finding them absurdly attractive, and then also acknowledging that it means for more to him that just looking hot, and they wanted to make sure they were respecting that part of his identity. It was Phoenix, after all. He would never do anything else.
"I do not quite know what to say. I appreciate that more than I can express. Thank you for being so understanding, I am not sure if I deserve it."

"No, you do, you absolutely do. Also, I should be the one thanking you for trusting me with it? I know it's not easy, for anyone really, but especially you."

"You make it feel easy. Well, easier, at least. Christ. What have you done to me? I do not say things like that. This whole evening has been me saying things I categorically do not say."

"Just because you don't usually say them doesn't mean you don't usually think them. You're just really good at separating the two."

"Apparently not where you are concerned, especially if cocktails are also involved."

"And tequila. Don't forget the tequila."
It is bold of him to assume I could ever forget the damn tequila.

"I cannot believe within five minutes of sitting down you were all staring at me whilst I did a shot. That should have been a sign of how the evening was going."

"I mean, it's got me in your bed whilst you lay on me. I'm not complaining."

"That is true. I am surprised it took us this long."

"Really? I'm, like, shocked it's happened so quick. Well. Not quick, but you know what I mean. We hardly had our shit together? You didn't even know I liked you before tonight? And, uh, vice versa?"

"You hardly made it obvious!"

"Hey, Miles? Tell me why I became a lawyer again?"

The force of Wright's laugh shook Miles' head, and he couldn't help but join in.
"…….Touché. However, which one of us was it that chartered a private jet because the other decided to take a run across a burning bridge?"

"Oh. Yeah. You did do that. Has it, uh, been that long, then?"

"This is feeling like a tomorrow conversation."
Miles' eyes were beginning to sting and his body was feeling heavy, this is something he'd much rather discuss when he had more brain power. That, and also the fact it was a fucking terrifying question to be asked.

"God forbid a guy wants a sneak peek."

"Patience has never been a virtue of yours."

"I really wanna argue but, first off, you're right, second, I'm shattered. It's hit me out of nowhere and now I feel like I could sleep for a week."

"I am glad it is not just me. My limbs feel like they are made from lead."

"Do you wanna get under the duvet or are you warm enough?"

Miles was more than warm enough. Phoenix was currently acting as his own personal heater, and frankly if he had to detach himself for even a second, it would be far too long.
"I am fine as is. I do not want to move. You are comfortable."

"On scale of one to ten how much are you going to hate me if I shuffle down so I can actually, like, lie down?"

"Ten."

"Will you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"If I must."

Phoenix stopped stroking Miles' hair and he lifted his head unwillingly, also raising his arm just off of Wright's body to make it easier for him to move. Edgeworth's head was now higher up on Phoenix's shoulder, legs still intertwined, but Phoenix's hand fell to his back where he began to gently swipe across. Miles was practically dissolving into it, breathing slower and deeper, eyes closing as Wright craned to kiss his forehead.

"Am I forgiven?"

"Mhm."

"Can we sleep in tomorrow?"

"Mhm."

"Are you just saying 'mhm' to everything I ask because you're falling asleep and are too tired to say anything else?"

"Mhm."

Phoenix did his best to not shake as he laughed, keeping his voice low and quiet.
"Alright. Goodnight, Miles."

"Goodnight."
I am truly head over heels.

It didn't take long until Edgeworth was out. The last thing he remembered was clutching a little closer, and Wright's hand stilling on the small of his back.

He only woke up as sunlight filtered through the blinds, landing directly in his face that was still practically attached to Phoenix's chest. This was the first night in a long while that he had slept the entire way through, and also didn't set an alarm to wake up to. He basked in the quiet of Wright's breathing until he woke not long after, and the two began their day together like it was normal and mundane for their mornings to be like this.

Phoenix kept his promise of breakfast and everything felt terrifyingly easy.
He let Maya know that he would likely not be home for a while, due to the whole talking thing they both had to do, and resigned himself to never hearing the end of it from her. After much convincing and begging on Maya's behalf, Edgeworth agreed to being in a selfie with Phoenix for 'proof of life'. It was sweet, both of them sat across from one another at the table, and it was only after Maya sent a cropped and zoomed in screenshot of Miles' neck did they realise that the marks were very, very obvious.
At least it was now both of them that would never hear the end of it.

The long overdue discussion became unavoidable. It was already the afternoon by the time they had sat down calm enough, ready enough, to approach it. They were on Miles' sofa, Wright with a coffee and Edgeworth with his usual tea blend, the knowledge that once this started there was really no going back looming over the both of them.
Well. Here we go.

"Do you want to begin? Or shall I?"

"Uh, can I? I have something I wanna get out the way."

"Please do."

"I may be a little bit in love with you. I may also be lying by saying it's a little bit. I may also be lying by saying 'I may', because there's, like, not a single fucking doubt in my mind about it. So there's that."
I think I am going to have some kind of medical emergency.

Safe to say, the talk went very well.
So well, in fact, that Phoenix didn't end up going home that night, either.
And maybe as a result of this, Miles would spend the next week sitting by the door waiting for Wright's purchases to arrive.

To absolutely no one's surprise, Edgeworth looked very pretty in blue.