WIP: Shadows of the past
Title: Shadows of the past
Author: aviss
Pairing: Phoenix/Miles, OMC/Miles
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Angst, mystery, romance
Warnings: OMC, mentions of non-con, nastiness and angst (but not yet, these chapters are fluffy and nice XD)
Summary: Sometimes our past mistakes come back to haunt us.
Disclaimer: Whoever they belong to, it's not me.
Notes: This follows Second Chances and will make more sense if you read the other one first, though it's not necessary. This is a WIP, and I'll begin posting in the hopes of writing faster. Unbetaed, any concrit is welcome. I won't crosspost until it's finished
Chapter 1 - The Calm Before The Storm
Hell hath no fury… as a lawyer scorned.
Scandal in Court!
What famous defence attorney has been arrested for murder? Yes, none other than Phoenix Wright, the young defence attorney that earned notoriety last year for defending Matt Engarde is now going to sit on the defendant's chair.
Last night Wright (25), was arrested as the prime suspect on the murder of Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth (25). Rumour has it those two were something more than just rivals in court. Neither the Buffete Wright and Co nor the Prosecutors Office were available for commenting.
Details are still not clear in this case, and even though no body has been found it seems our favourite attorney will stand in front of the judge the day after tomorrow. And we will be there as well, with amazing scoops from our photographer, Lotta Hart.
Keep a-tuned for news on this socking trial.
…
23rd March, 2019
Phoenix Wright sighed relieved when the cab stopped in front of his apartment building. He couldn't believe it was so late, again. He had planned to go home early and call Edgeworth to have diner out; it was, after all, a special occasion. But it was not meant to be.
He checked his mobile phone on the way up; there were no messages. Maybe Miles didn't consider the day worth celebrating, and besides, he had to be as busy as Phoenix was.
Maybe after this weekend, he though morosely.
He wasn't expecting to find his living room illuminated, or to smell food being prepared in the kitchen. His mood vastly improved, he followed the smell.
The scene was one that always surprised him, no matter how many times he saw it. Edgeworth was engrossed in making diner, his back to the door and humming quietly to himself. He had left his jacket in the living room and pushed up his sleeves while he sliced and diced his ingredients. To Phoenix, he looked really hot like that.
"Welcome home," Miles said without turning.
"I'm back," Phoenix said, entering the kitchen and walking straight up to the other man. Coming up behind him, he waited till Miles tilted his head back for a kiss. He didn't have to wait long. "I wasn't expecting you here tonight."
"Well, I knew you would finish too late to go eat out," Miles said, his hands never stopping what he was doing. "so I decided we could have our celebration here."
For what he could see, it was his favourite dish Miles was making. Feeling warm and mushy inside, Phoenix kissed his neck and hugged him tightly. For a moment he had really thought Miles didn't consider their anniversary a special occasion.
"Stop that, Wright," Miles didn't sound annoyed at all, and Phoenix just ignored him and carried on. "Wright, if you want to have diner, you need to let me finish."
Smiling, Phoenix bit gently the side of his neck. "Maybe I want to eat you."
Miles snorted. "Predictable, Wright."
"I know."
Phoenix took a step back, giving the other man enough space to move freely. "I can't believe they had me going up and down all afternoon, this case…"
"Tsk. No more, Wright. I'm the prosecutor in the case," Miles said, his voice serious.
Phoenix sighed. "You again?" he went to the fridge and took a bottle of beer.
"Wait, Phoenix. I've opened the wine." Miles said, pointing with his head to a bottle of red wine on the counter. Stealing a quick peck on the lips before Miles focused his attention again on the food; Phoenix just grabbed a glass and poured some wine.
"I though it was going to be Franziska, at least that's what Gumshoe said."
Miles opened the oven and deposited the tray he had been arranging inside, wiping then his hands on a kitchen towel. He grabbed his glass of wine and took a sip, leaning back on the counter. "She called me this afternoon, there is another case she is more interested on, so we switched."
"Damm, this means I'll face you tomorrow."
"So you know the rules."
Phoenix nodded. No work related discussions outside court. Well, that definitely put a stopper on the current conversation. Not really concerned about it anymore, Phoenix just crossed the short distance between the two of them and put his glass on the counter. Taking the other glass from Miles' hand and putting it aside, Phoenix kissed the other man deeply.
Miles' arms wrapped immediately around his neck, and he parted his lips, giving Phoenix access to his mouth.
They had been together for a year already, and some more time before that, and Phoenix still marvelled at how perfectly they fit every time they kissed. How had he lived without it for the year Miles was missing? It was a complete mystery to him.
Miles moaned, and it went straight to Phoenix cock, arousing him. Pressing himself against the other man, Phoenix moved his lips to Miles' neck.
"Stop it, Phoenix," Miles said a bit breathlessly.
"Don't want to." He kissed and nipped the smooth skin of the other man's neck, and Miles shuddered.
"Stop it," Miles insisted, pushing him away.
Phoenix let himself be moved reluctantly. "How long till the food is ready?"
Miles looked at his watch. "About twenty five minutes." Phoenix tried to approach him again, but he held out his hand. "Go take a shower."
"But we have time!" he protested, not caring how it sounded.
Miles glared at him, though it didn't have much effect in his rumpled state. "I know where you've been investigating today." Phoenix flinched, he had forgotten about that. "Take a shower," Miles took his glass again and drank a bit of wine, as if rinsing his mouth. Phoenix would have been offended if he couldn't smell himself now--he had forgotten about spending two hours surrounded by horses. "and besides… twenty five minutes?" his arched eyebrow made Phoenix blush, and he scampered to the shower, hearing Miles' quiet laugh on his way.
Miles was setting the table when he entered the living room again, clean and nicely smelling after his shower.
"You know what you need, Miles?" he said, going to the kitchen and getting his glass of wine. After thinking for an instant, he also took the bottle and moved to the living room.
"No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me." He pushed gently at Phoenix when he walked past him, taking the sting off his words. Phoenix smiled; it looked like there was nothing that could ruin their night. Both of them were in a good mood.
"I was thinking that you would look great in an apron," he said, sitting down on the table while Miles went back to the kitchen for the tray of food. He poured more wine in Miles' glass and started fiddling with his cutlery. Now that he thought about it, he was quite hungry.
"If you suggest something pink and frilly, I'll have you neutered." Miles' annoyed voice came from the kitchen, and Phoenix chuckled.
"It would match your crava--" he had to duck, laughing, when Miles threw the wine bottle cork at him. "Need some help?" he called when he calmed down, seeing that Miles was still not back.
"No, I have everything under control."
A few minutes later, both of them were sitting at the table enjoying the food and wine. It was a pleasant evening; one like Phoenix couldn't remember having in a long time. Even if they were a couple, their extremely busy schedules didn't let them spend as much time together as Phoenix whished they did.
"I've been thinking about getting help in the buffet," Phoenix said during a lull in the conversation.
Miles looked up from his food, and nodded. "Well, lately the cases have been piling up, don't they?"
And that was an understatement. Since Engarde's trial the clients kept coming in droves, regardless of the result of that horrible trial. Somehow his reputation had risen, and it was the same with Edgeworth, now that the rumours about him were over his reputation as a prosecutor was scarier than before.
"Yes, I can't keep investigating and defending everyone on my own."
"You have Maya--" Miles said before having a sip of wine, his glass not entirely covering his smirk.
"And we both know that is the reason I need help." Phoenix finished.
They exchanged a look. Phoenix loved Maya dearly, but he had to admit that every time she wanted to help him, he ended up having more trouble.
"Thanks for a fantastic dinner, Miles," He said when he was finished. They stood up and Miles started to gather the dirty dishes. Phoenix grabbed his hand and pulled until Miles was standing next to him. "It can wait till morning."
"But--"
He dragged the other man to the bedroom, "Tomorrow. Now we have other unfinished business." And he kissed him.
Miles responded immediately, opening up to the kiss and giving back as much as he got.
Even after all that time, kissing was still Phoenix favourite part; the dance of lips and tongues, the unique taste of his lover's mouth, the warm breath and swallowed moans--Phoenix could spend hours just kissing, and never get tired of it.
Today, however, he was too excited to last for hours.
Getting rid of their clothes as fast as possible, he pushed the other man on to the bed and climbed on top of him, touching every available inch of skin.
"Miles," he whispered against his mouth, before taking his mouth in another kiss and aligning their bodies together.
Miles was warm and soft under him, and Phoenix was feeling almost overwhelmed by his desire to crawl inside him. Forcing himself to slow down, he used his hands to explore his lover's body.
He was surprised when he found their positions reversed. Most of the times Miles was not the one taking the initiative--even if he wasn't a passive lover he wasn't aggressive either. But now, Miles had him pinned to the bed and was kissing his neck and touching his body in an almost feverish way.
"Miles?"
"I want to do this for you," he said, blushing.
Phoenix was not going to complain, so he let himself be pleasured, knowing full well it wasn't something he could enjoy that often.
He moaned when a warm mouth enveloped him, and what was left of his mind was completely blown when Miles began to suck, moving up and down his cock with excruciating slowness.
Time stopped, and all the cells on his body converged in one point of his body, until his entire being was a ball of need and want.
"Miles, stop--"
And then that mouth disappeared and Miles' body was crawling up him to kiss him again.
"Phoenix, I want you inside of me."
He didn't need to be told twice. In a flash, their positions were reversed again, and he was between Miles' parted thighs preparing him. He could say that entering his lover was like coming home and a thousand other mushy things, but the truth was the moment he finally entered him all his thoughts fled, and the only thing he was aware of was his need. His and Miles'.
Kissing all the time, they moved faster and faster, thrusting and pushing, touching, pinching, scratching, moaning… until Miles stiffened under him and came, a shout lost inside Phoenix' mouth.
He didn't last long after that, thrusting deeply a couple times more, Phoenix also came, Miles' name on his lips.
They took some time to recover, panting loudly and still pressed against each other. Phoenix got up after a few minutes, going to clean up a bit and coming back with a wet towel to clean his lover. Sleeping together was good, sleeping stuck together wasn't.
"We should have more nights like this one," Phoenix mumbled when they were back in bed, limbs tangled up and Miles' head resting on his chest.
"Well, if you have more free time now--" Miles' voice sounded sleepy and content, and Phoenix smiled.
"Yes, that's good." Feeling his eyes closing, he tightened the embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too." He heard Miles replying, his voice almost fading while sleep claimed him.
Chapter 2 - The Assistant
From the case SX-13 (the People vs. Wright):
The amount of blood found at the defendant's house signifies a severe blood loss for one person. Anyone affected with wounds that bleed so profusely would die in less than five minutes. Also, the type of blood matches that of the victim.
More so, one of the neighbours testified to having heard the defendant and the victim "rowing quite loudly" in the hallway the night before, and that the defendant "threatened" the victim.
There is also the account of an eye witness that the defendant left his house that afternoon carrying "a huge garbage sack" that he then put inside a "red, flashy car".
All the evidence points to a passional crime, taking into account the relationship between the defendant and the victim.
…
3rd April, 2018
"So you just finished law and you want to get a bit more practical experience?"
Phoenix looked at the boy sitting in front of him twisting his hands nervously. "Yes, that's--um--exactly it."
Phoenix had to cover a smile. He knew how the poor boy was feeling, it wasn't that long since he had been in that same situation.
He looked at him again, there was something about the boy that was strangely familiar. He read the name on the CV again. Jonathan Nakamura. The boy--young man--was 22 years old, and his oriental roots were obvious only in his name and demeanour. He was almost as tall as Phoenix, and had dark spiky hair. He had an attractive and open face, honest dark eyes and a smiling mouth. Phoenix took an immediate liking to him.
His CV was also quite impressive: fluent in four languages, graduated from UCL in London, undertaking postgraduate studies in criminal law and criminology. Phoenix wondered what a guy like that was doing applying for the job he offered.
"I was wondering," he said, giving voice to his thoughts, "why are you so far from home, and why do you want a job as a simple assistant. With your CV, you could get something better."
Jonathan flushed and lowered his eyes, a gesture Phoenix found endearing. "Well, there are two reasons." Jonathan said shyly. "I came looking for someone. This person is very important for me, and I thought I would be able to see them if I came here."
Phoenix had a flashback, he could remember perfectly saying something so similar the words might as well have come from his mouth.
"And also, I asked around and they told me this would be the perfect place for what I need."
"What you need?" Phoenix asked intrigued, it was a peculiar thing to say.
"Yes, I heard from a friend here you are a bit of a celebrity among lawyers." Jonathan smiled, and it was Phoenix turn to blush.
"They exaggerate," he mumbled.
"Well, they say you have an ability to turn the tables on the prosecution, even facing formidable enemies as the Von Karmas."
That surprised Phoenix, he didn't know he had such a reputation. "Well, I've won a few cases against Franziska, and also the one against her dad…"
Jonathan smiled, his previous shyness apparently gone. "They say you never give up, and that you never lose if your client is innocent."
Flattered in spite of himself, Phoenix decided on the spot he would give the job to Jonathan. Wait until I tell Miles, he told himself. "Thanks, well, there is also Edgeworth…"
Something flashed in Jonathan's dark eyes, only to be gone in an instant. Phoenix blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
"Who?" Jonathan asked interested, and Phoenix thought it strange he had not heard about Miles when he seemed to know everyone else at least by name.
"Miles Edgeworth, from the Prosecutor Office."
"Is he good?" Jonathan asked.
"Oh yes, really good," Phoenix said animatedly. He was about to ask another question when his mobile buzzed. Blushing, he checked the called ID and made a mental note to return the call. "Scarily so, he used to be called the Demon Prosecutor."
Jonathan looked interested at that. "Oh, you mean that one. Wasn't he supposed to fabricate the evidence?"
"That was a false rumour, he's actually good on his own; he doesn't need to fabricate evidence."
Jonathan laughed. "You seem friendly with him, are you on good terms with the Prosecutor's Office?"
"Well, yes, we are not enemies--" his mobile interrupted him again, and he took a look at the time. "Oh, sorry, Jonathan," he said realizing how late it was. "I lost track of the time and I'm afraid I kept you longer than I should have. I have another interview in a few minutes."
It was technically true, there was another candidate for the position, even if Phoenix was sure the job was going to be for Jonathan. He had felt a strange affinity with the boy, and wanted to offer him the job.
"Oh, sorry…" Jonathan looked down, flushing, his shyness taking over again. "I forgot this was an interview." He said chagrined.
Phoenix stood up and offered his hand, and Jonathan shook it, also standing up. He accompanied him to the door. "Tell you what; I'll give a call this afternoon." Phoenix said on an impulse. "I don't know about the other candidate, but you definitely made a great impression."
Jonathan smiled shyly. "Thanks, I'll be expecting your call." And he left.
Thinking about how lucky he was of having someone like Jonathan interested in his offer, Phoenix went back to his office to wait for the next candidate.
…
"He is such a cute guy! I can't believe how helpful he is being!"
Miles Edgeworth listened patiently as Phoenix praised his new assistant to high heaven. For the past two days the only thing he had heard was Johnny this and Johnny that--had he been prone to jealousy, Miles would have been already thinking Phoenix was infatuated with his new assistant.
"So I take you are happy with his work," he said, not quite concealing the boredom in his voice. No, jealousy was not the first thing that came to mind when dealing with the 'cute and helpful Johnny'.
"Yes, he is really smart. He was able to find evidence on--" Phoenix suddenly stopped talking and covered his mouth with his hand at Miles' raised eyebrow. "Sorry, I always forget."
Miles would have not admitted it under pain of death, but he was actually looking forward to meet this new guy. Someone who had impressed Phoenix that much had to be good, and besides, now they had more time to be together like that.
They were having diner in a restaurant, just the two of them, to celebrate the end of yet another nightmarish trial. It was unbelievable how Wright kept getting the strangest cases, luckily for them that time the prosecutor had not been Miles.
"So will I see him tomorrow in court, then?" Miles asked, the next day trial was a fairly simple one, and even he was convinced the defendant was innocent. It would be a good training for Phoenix protégée.
Phoenix signalled the waiter to get the bill, and then finished his glass of wine. "No, I'm afraid he's going to be investigating something for the next case."
Miles got his wallet out, but Phoenix beat him to it. "You're paying for the show, I'll get this."
There was no point in arguing. "I'll go get the car." Miles stood up and left the restaurant, brushing his hand with Phoenix' as he passed past him. That was the only contact they allowed themselves in public.
It was a good night, finally having the time to spend together like a normal couple: diner, a show and maybe later a good lovemaking session.
He was about to get in the car when he felt eyes on him, unsettled he turned and scanned the darkened garage. He was alone. Shaking his head, he got into the car and started it, checking again to see if someone was hiding in the shadows. Not that he wanted to be paranoid, but he could still remember what happened to Franziska at Engarde's trial.
When he was sure the only thing there were the shadows, Miles sighed relieved and went to pick up Phoenix. They had half an hour to get to the theatre before the show, and he didn't want to be late.
He didn't think about it for the whole night.
…
During the next two days Miles was convinced he was developing a problem with paranoia. It was irritating, and it had lead to some tension on his relationship with Phoenix.
He really didn't want to be like that, but he was sure someone was observing him. He would feel it at random moments, like when he was investigating a crime scene, or when he went to Phoenix' house. Only thing was, he never saw anyone following him. And he couldn't think of a reason anyone would want to go after him now.
Yes, he had enemies, but they would have already made their move. And if it was Lotta wanting a new scoop she just needed to make public his relationship with Phoenix, that would be enough to get her a nice niche in a tabloid. It was not knowing what got to him.
Shivering at the feeling of eyes on him again, but refusing to turn around to check, Miles opened the door to his house and let himself in, sighing relieved once the door closed.
…
It had been a long time since Miles had spent the night at his house, alone. He had not realized it before, but nowadays he spent more time than not at Phoenix' tiny flat; even if it was smaller than his, it had a homely feeling he liked.
That was the reason he couldn't sleep, he was sure of that. Being with Phoenix had spoiled him and now he didn’t want to be in his huge bed alone. It felt cold.
Sighing and thinking he would need to apologize to Phoenix for whatever it was he had done--he couldn't even remember why they were fighting, but lately he had been testy and snapping at any given chance--he went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea.
He definitely needed to sleep, it was almost one in the morning and he had a trial first thing in the morning. He couldn't go there with circles under his eyes and feeling like he would drop dead any minute.
He looked out of the window out of habit, every time he didn't have anything better to do he would always stare at the street below.
He blinked a couple of times. No. It had to be a trick of the light and his tired eyes. He closed his eyes and counted till ten. When he opened them he was still there, standing in the middle of the empty street and looking up directly at his window.
Cursing, Miles took a step back just as the man on the street waved at him.
Shaking, he went back to his room. He couldn't be there, he was in England, finishing his studies and forgetting everything about Miles.
He couldn't have followed Miles all the way from London. Not now, not when things were going so well with Phoenix.
He was going to destroy everything.
Nakamura.
...
TBC
Author: aviss
Pairing: Phoenix/Miles, OMC/Miles
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Angst, mystery, romance
Warnings: OMC, mentions of non-con, nastiness and angst (but not yet, these chapters are fluffy and nice XD)
Summary: Sometimes our past mistakes come back to haunt us.
Disclaimer: Whoever they belong to, it's not me.
Notes: This follows Second Chances and will make more sense if you read the other one first, though it's not necessary. This is a WIP, and I'll begin posting in the hopes of writing faster. Unbetaed, any concrit is welcome. I won't crosspost until it's finished
Chapter 1 - The Calm Before The Storm
Hell hath no fury… as a lawyer scorned.
Scandal in Court!
What famous defence attorney has been arrested for murder? Yes, none other than Phoenix Wright, the young defence attorney that earned notoriety last year for defending Matt Engarde is now going to sit on the defendant's chair.
Last night Wright (25), was arrested as the prime suspect on the murder of Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth (25). Rumour has it those two were something more than just rivals in court. Neither the Buffete Wright and Co nor the Prosecutors Office were available for commenting.
Details are still not clear in this case, and even though no body has been found it seems our favourite attorney will stand in front of the judge the day after tomorrow. And we will be there as well, with amazing scoops from our photographer, Lotta Hart.
Keep a-tuned for news on this socking trial.
…
23rd March, 2019
Phoenix Wright sighed relieved when the cab stopped in front of his apartment building. He couldn't believe it was so late, again. He had planned to go home early and call Edgeworth to have diner out; it was, after all, a special occasion. But it was not meant to be.
He checked his mobile phone on the way up; there were no messages. Maybe Miles didn't consider the day worth celebrating, and besides, he had to be as busy as Phoenix was.
Maybe after this weekend, he though morosely.
He wasn't expecting to find his living room illuminated, or to smell food being prepared in the kitchen. His mood vastly improved, he followed the smell.
The scene was one that always surprised him, no matter how many times he saw it. Edgeworth was engrossed in making diner, his back to the door and humming quietly to himself. He had left his jacket in the living room and pushed up his sleeves while he sliced and diced his ingredients. To Phoenix, he looked really hot like that.
"Welcome home," Miles said without turning.
"I'm back," Phoenix said, entering the kitchen and walking straight up to the other man. Coming up behind him, he waited till Miles tilted his head back for a kiss. He didn't have to wait long. "I wasn't expecting you here tonight."
"Well, I knew you would finish too late to go eat out," Miles said, his hands never stopping what he was doing. "so I decided we could have our celebration here."
For what he could see, it was his favourite dish Miles was making. Feeling warm and mushy inside, Phoenix kissed his neck and hugged him tightly. For a moment he had really thought Miles didn't consider their anniversary a special occasion.
"Stop that, Wright," Miles didn't sound annoyed at all, and Phoenix just ignored him and carried on. "Wright, if you want to have diner, you need to let me finish."
Smiling, Phoenix bit gently the side of his neck. "Maybe I want to eat you."
Miles snorted. "Predictable, Wright."
"I know."
Phoenix took a step back, giving the other man enough space to move freely. "I can't believe they had me going up and down all afternoon, this case…"
"Tsk. No more, Wright. I'm the prosecutor in the case," Miles said, his voice serious.
Phoenix sighed. "You again?" he went to the fridge and took a bottle of beer.
"Wait, Phoenix. I've opened the wine." Miles said, pointing with his head to a bottle of red wine on the counter. Stealing a quick peck on the lips before Miles focused his attention again on the food; Phoenix just grabbed a glass and poured some wine.
"I though it was going to be Franziska, at least that's what Gumshoe said."
Miles opened the oven and deposited the tray he had been arranging inside, wiping then his hands on a kitchen towel. He grabbed his glass of wine and took a sip, leaning back on the counter. "She called me this afternoon, there is another case she is more interested on, so we switched."
"Damm, this means I'll face you tomorrow."
"So you know the rules."
Phoenix nodded. No work related discussions outside court. Well, that definitely put a stopper on the current conversation. Not really concerned about it anymore, Phoenix just crossed the short distance between the two of them and put his glass on the counter. Taking the other glass from Miles' hand and putting it aside, Phoenix kissed the other man deeply.
Miles' arms wrapped immediately around his neck, and he parted his lips, giving Phoenix access to his mouth.
They had been together for a year already, and some more time before that, and Phoenix still marvelled at how perfectly they fit every time they kissed. How had he lived without it for the year Miles was missing? It was a complete mystery to him.
Miles moaned, and it went straight to Phoenix cock, arousing him. Pressing himself against the other man, Phoenix moved his lips to Miles' neck.
"Stop it, Phoenix," Miles said a bit breathlessly.
"Don't want to." He kissed and nipped the smooth skin of the other man's neck, and Miles shuddered.
"Stop it," Miles insisted, pushing him away.
Phoenix let himself be moved reluctantly. "How long till the food is ready?"
Miles looked at his watch. "About twenty five minutes." Phoenix tried to approach him again, but he held out his hand. "Go take a shower."
"But we have time!" he protested, not caring how it sounded.
Miles glared at him, though it didn't have much effect in his rumpled state. "I know where you've been investigating today." Phoenix flinched, he had forgotten about that. "Take a shower," Miles took his glass again and drank a bit of wine, as if rinsing his mouth. Phoenix would have been offended if he couldn't smell himself now--he had forgotten about spending two hours surrounded by horses. "and besides… twenty five minutes?" his arched eyebrow made Phoenix blush, and he scampered to the shower, hearing Miles' quiet laugh on his way.
Miles was setting the table when he entered the living room again, clean and nicely smelling after his shower.
"You know what you need, Miles?" he said, going to the kitchen and getting his glass of wine. After thinking for an instant, he also took the bottle and moved to the living room.
"No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me." He pushed gently at Phoenix when he walked past him, taking the sting off his words. Phoenix smiled; it looked like there was nothing that could ruin their night. Both of them were in a good mood.
"I was thinking that you would look great in an apron," he said, sitting down on the table while Miles went back to the kitchen for the tray of food. He poured more wine in Miles' glass and started fiddling with his cutlery. Now that he thought about it, he was quite hungry.
"If you suggest something pink and frilly, I'll have you neutered." Miles' annoyed voice came from the kitchen, and Phoenix chuckled.
"It would match your crava--" he had to duck, laughing, when Miles threw the wine bottle cork at him. "Need some help?" he called when he calmed down, seeing that Miles was still not back.
"No, I have everything under control."
A few minutes later, both of them were sitting at the table enjoying the food and wine. It was a pleasant evening; one like Phoenix couldn't remember having in a long time. Even if they were a couple, their extremely busy schedules didn't let them spend as much time together as Phoenix whished they did.
"I've been thinking about getting help in the buffet," Phoenix said during a lull in the conversation.
Miles looked up from his food, and nodded. "Well, lately the cases have been piling up, don't they?"
And that was an understatement. Since Engarde's trial the clients kept coming in droves, regardless of the result of that horrible trial. Somehow his reputation had risen, and it was the same with Edgeworth, now that the rumours about him were over his reputation as a prosecutor was scarier than before.
"Yes, I can't keep investigating and defending everyone on my own."
"You have Maya--" Miles said before having a sip of wine, his glass not entirely covering his smirk.
"And we both know that is the reason I need help." Phoenix finished.
They exchanged a look. Phoenix loved Maya dearly, but he had to admit that every time she wanted to help him, he ended up having more trouble.
"Thanks for a fantastic dinner, Miles," He said when he was finished. They stood up and Miles started to gather the dirty dishes. Phoenix grabbed his hand and pulled until Miles was standing next to him. "It can wait till morning."
"But--"
He dragged the other man to the bedroom, "Tomorrow. Now we have other unfinished business." And he kissed him.
Miles responded immediately, opening up to the kiss and giving back as much as he got.
Even after all that time, kissing was still Phoenix favourite part; the dance of lips and tongues, the unique taste of his lover's mouth, the warm breath and swallowed moans--Phoenix could spend hours just kissing, and never get tired of it.
Today, however, he was too excited to last for hours.
Getting rid of their clothes as fast as possible, he pushed the other man on to the bed and climbed on top of him, touching every available inch of skin.
"Miles," he whispered against his mouth, before taking his mouth in another kiss and aligning their bodies together.
Miles was warm and soft under him, and Phoenix was feeling almost overwhelmed by his desire to crawl inside him. Forcing himself to slow down, he used his hands to explore his lover's body.
He was surprised when he found their positions reversed. Most of the times Miles was not the one taking the initiative--even if he wasn't a passive lover he wasn't aggressive either. But now, Miles had him pinned to the bed and was kissing his neck and touching his body in an almost feverish way.
"Miles?"
"I want to do this for you," he said, blushing.
Phoenix was not going to complain, so he let himself be pleasured, knowing full well it wasn't something he could enjoy that often.
He moaned when a warm mouth enveloped him, and what was left of his mind was completely blown when Miles began to suck, moving up and down his cock with excruciating slowness.
Time stopped, and all the cells on his body converged in one point of his body, until his entire being was a ball of need and want.
"Miles, stop--"
And then that mouth disappeared and Miles' body was crawling up him to kiss him again.
"Phoenix, I want you inside of me."
He didn't need to be told twice. In a flash, their positions were reversed again, and he was between Miles' parted thighs preparing him. He could say that entering his lover was like coming home and a thousand other mushy things, but the truth was the moment he finally entered him all his thoughts fled, and the only thing he was aware of was his need. His and Miles'.
Kissing all the time, they moved faster and faster, thrusting and pushing, touching, pinching, scratching, moaning… until Miles stiffened under him and came, a shout lost inside Phoenix' mouth.
He didn't last long after that, thrusting deeply a couple times more, Phoenix also came, Miles' name on his lips.
They took some time to recover, panting loudly and still pressed against each other. Phoenix got up after a few minutes, going to clean up a bit and coming back with a wet towel to clean his lover. Sleeping together was good, sleeping stuck together wasn't.
"We should have more nights like this one," Phoenix mumbled when they were back in bed, limbs tangled up and Miles' head resting on his chest.
"Well, if you have more free time now--" Miles' voice sounded sleepy and content, and Phoenix smiled.
"Yes, that's good." Feeling his eyes closing, he tightened the embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too." He heard Miles replying, his voice almost fading while sleep claimed him.
Chapter 2 - The Assistant
From the case SX-13 (the People vs. Wright):
The amount of blood found at the defendant's house signifies a severe blood loss for one person. Anyone affected with wounds that bleed so profusely would die in less than five minutes. Also, the type of blood matches that of the victim.
More so, one of the neighbours testified to having heard the defendant and the victim "rowing quite loudly" in the hallway the night before, and that the defendant "threatened" the victim.
There is also the account of an eye witness that the defendant left his house that afternoon carrying "a huge garbage sack" that he then put inside a "red, flashy car".
All the evidence points to a passional crime, taking into account the relationship between the defendant and the victim.
…
3rd April, 2018
"So you just finished law and you want to get a bit more practical experience?"
Phoenix looked at the boy sitting in front of him twisting his hands nervously. "Yes, that's--um--exactly it."
Phoenix had to cover a smile. He knew how the poor boy was feeling, it wasn't that long since he had been in that same situation.
He looked at him again, there was something about the boy that was strangely familiar. He read the name on the CV again. Jonathan Nakamura. The boy--young man--was 22 years old, and his oriental roots were obvious only in his name and demeanour. He was almost as tall as Phoenix, and had dark spiky hair. He had an attractive and open face, honest dark eyes and a smiling mouth. Phoenix took an immediate liking to him.
His CV was also quite impressive: fluent in four languages, graduated from UCL in London, undertaking postgraduate studies in criminal law and criminology. Phoenix wondered what a guy like that was doing applying for the job he offered.
"I was wondering," he said, giving voice to his thoughts, "why are you so far from home, and why do you want a job as a simple assistant. With your CV, you could get something better."
Jonathan flushed and lowered his eyes, a gesture Phoenix found endearing. "Well, there are two reasons." Jonathan said shyly. "I came looking for someone. This person is very important for me, and I thought I would be able to see them if I came here."
Phoenix had a flashback, he could remember perfectly saying something so similar the words might as well have come from his mouth.
"And also, I asked around and they told me this would be the perfect place for what I need."
"What you need?" Phoenix asked intrigued, it was a peculiar thing to say.
"Yes, I heard from a friend here you are a bit of a celebrity among lawyers." Jonathan smiled, and it was Phoenix turn to blush.
"They exaggerate," he mumbled.
"Well, they say you have an ability to turn the tables on the prosecution, even facing formidable enemies as the Von Karmas."
That surprised Phoenix, he didn't know he had such a reputation. "Well, I've won a few cases against Franziska, and also the one against her dad…"
Jonathan smiled, his previous shyness apparently gone. "They say you never give up, and that you never lose if your client is innocent."
Flattered in spite of himself, Phoenix decided on the spot he would give the job to Jonathan. Wait until I tell Miles, he told himself. "Thanks, well, there is also Edgeworth…"
Something flashed in Jonathan's dark eyes, only to be gone in an instant. Phoenix blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
"Who?" Jonathan asked interested, and Phoenix thought it strange he had not heard about Miles when he seemed to know everyone else at least by name.
"Miles Edgeworth, from the Prosecutor Office."
"Is he good?" Jonathan asked.
"Oh yes, really good," Phoenix said animatedly. He was about to ask another question when his mobile buzzed. Blushing, he checked the called ID and made a mental note to return the call. "Scarily so, he used to be called the Demon Prosecutor."
Jonathan looked interested at that. "Oh, you mean that one. Wasn't he supposed to fabricate the evidence?"
"That was a false rumour, he's actually good on his own; he doesn't need to fabricate evidence."
Jonathan laughed. "You seem friendly with him, are you on good terms with the Prosecutor's Office?"
"Well, yes, we are not enemies--" his mobile interrupted him again, and he took a look at the time. "Oh, sorry, Jonathan," he said realizing how late it was. "I lost track of the time and I'm afraid I kept you longer than I should have. I have another interview in a few minutes."
It was technically true, there was another candidate for the position, even if Phoenix was sure the job was going to be for Jonathan. He had felt a strange affinity with the boy, and wanted to offer him the job.
"Oh, sorry…" Jonathan looked down, flushing, his shyness taking over again. "I forgot this was an interview." He said chagrined.
Phoenix stood up and offered his hand, and Jonathan shook it, also standing up. He accompanied him to the door. "Tell you what; I'll give a call this afternoon." Phoenix said on an impulse. "I don't know about the other candidate, but you definitely made a great impression."
Jonathan smiled shyly. "Thanks, I'll be expecting your call." And he left.
Thinking about how lucky he was of having someone like Jonathan interested in his offer, Phoenix went back to his office to wait for the next candidate.
…
"He is such a cute guy! I can't believe how helpful he is being!"
Miles Edgeworth listened patiently as Phoenix praised his new assistant to high heaven. For the past two days the only thing he had heard was Johnny this and Johnny that--had he been prone to jealousy, Miles would have been already thinking Phoenix was infatuated with his new assistant.
"So I take you are happy with his work," he said, not quite concealing the boredom in his voice. No, jealousy was not the first thing that came to mind when dealing with the 'cute and helpful Johnny'.
"Yes, he is really smart. He was able to find evidence on--" Phoenix suddenly stopped talking and covered his mouth with his hand at Miles' raised eyebrow. "Sorry, I always forget."
Miles would have not admitted it under pain of death, but he was actually looking forward to meet this new guy. Someone who had impressed Phoenix that much had to be good, and besides, now they had more time to be together like that.
They were having diner in a restaurant, just the two of them, to celebrate the end of yet another nightmarish trial. It was unbelievable how Wright kept getting the strangest cases, luckily for them that time the prosecutor had not been Miles.
"So will I see him tomorrow in court, then?" Miles asked, the next day trial was a fairly simple one, and even he was convinced the defendant was innocent. It would be a good training for Phoenix protégée.
Phoenix signalled the waiter to get the bill, and then finished his glass of wine. "No, I'm afraid he's going to be investigating something for the next case."
Miles got his wallet out, but Phoenix beat him to it. "You're paying for the show, I'll get this."
There was no point in arguing. "I'll go get the car." Miles stood up and left the restaurant, brushing his hand with Phoenix' as he passed past him. That was the only contact they allowed themselves in public.
It was a good night, finally having the time to spend together like a normal couple: diner, a show and maybe later a good lovemaking session.
He was about to get in the car when he felt eyes on him, unsettled he turned and scanned the darkened garage. He was alone. Shaking his head, he got into the car and started it, checking again to see if someone was hiding in the shadows. Not that he wanted to be paranoid, but he could still remember what happened to Franziska at Engarde's trial.
When he was sure the only thing there were the shadows, Miles sighed relieved and went to pick up Phoenix. They had half an hour to get to the theatre before the show, and he didn't want to be late.
He didn't think about it for the whole night.
…
During the next two days Miles was convinced he was developing a problem with paranoia. It was irritating, and it had lead to some tension on his relationship with Phoenix.
He really didn't want to be like that, but he was sure someone was observing him. He would feel it at random moments, like when he was investigating a crime scene, or when he went to Phoenix' house. Only thing was, he never saw anyone following him. And he couldn't think of a reason anyone would want to go after him now.
Yes, he had enemies, but they would have already made their move. And if it was Lotta wanting a new scoop she just needed to make public his relationship with Phoenix, that would be enough to get her a nice niche in a tabloid. It was not knowing what got to him.
Shivering at the feeling of eyes on him again, but refusing to turn around to check, Miles opened the door to his house and let himself in, sighing relieved once the door closed.
…
It had been a long time since Miles had spent the night at his house, alone. He had not realized it before, but nowadays he spent more time than not at Phoenix' tiny flat; even if it was smaller than his, it had a homely feeling he liked.
That was the reason he couldn't sleep, he was sure of that. Being with Phoenix had spoiled him and now he didn’t want to be in his huge bed alone. It felt cold.
Sighing and thinking he would need to apologize to Phoenix for whatever it was he had done--he couldn't even remember why they were fighting, but lately he had been testy and snapping at any given chance--he went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea.
He definitely needed to sleep, it was almost one in the morning and he had a trial first thing in the morning. He couldn't go there with circles under his eyes and feeling like he would drop dead any minute.
He looked out of the window out of habit, every time he didn't have anything better to do he would always stare at the street below.
He blinked a couple of times. No. It had to be a trick of the light and his tired eyes. He closed his eyes and counted till ten. When he opened them he was still there, standing in the middle of the empty street and looking up directly at his window.
Cursing, Miles took a step back just as the man on the street waved at him.
Shaking, he went back to his room. He couldn't be there, he was in England, finishing his studies and forgetting everything about Miles.
He couldn't have followed Miles all the way from London. Not now, not when things were going so well with Phoenix.
He was going to destroy everything.
Nakamura.
...
TBC