A/N: Last chapter. For some reason it came out to be much longer than the other chapters, but that's cool. I hope this has done something to tide you all over until Dual Destinies releases (eventually).

Thank you everyone who reviewed, favorited, and followed. I was not confident at all when posting this but I hope you enjoyed it and I'll definitely probably write more for Ace Attorney in the future.

-District Court Defense Lobby No.1-

No one was inside the lobby Phoenix had lead them to; even the lights were off. Phoenix shut the door behind himself and it clicked solidly back into its frame.

They stood in silence. Neither of them bothered to reach for the light, enough was coming through the window for them to see each other.

Phoenix had his back pressed against the door, blocking Miles' only exit. Edgeworth wished he had something to support himself with right about now. His go-to plan for avoiding these kinds of positions (or social situations in general) was to bolt. It would seem that Wright remembered that.

Miles crossed his arms and glared at the floor. "You wanted to talk, Wright. So talk."

Out of the corner of his eye, Miles could just see Phoenix's frame slumping further against door.

Phoenix cleared his throat. "Did you see the Drew Misham trial?"

Miles had. Well, he'd read over the summary once it was finished and Gumshoe had called him frantically insisting 'You gotta see this, sir!'

"Yes." Miles said for Phoenix's benefit.

Phoenix straightened a little. "Well, then you know where it all started."

Miles could feel Phoenix's eyes on him now. He didn't look up.

"Kristoph Gavin." Phoenix continued.

More silence indicated that Wright was waiting for him to say something.

"He... was a defense attorney?" Edgeworth said. The sooner Wright got his spiel over with, the sooner Miles would be free to go.

"Yeah. It was proved that he was the one who forged that evidence all those years ago. That's why I'm standing here now." Miles guessed that Phoenix was fingering his precious badge.

Miles finally looked up. "That doesn't explain why you gave forged evidence to Apollo Justice."

Phoenix was frowning at him; the same way a parent would before deciding how to explain something delicately to a child. Miles briefly considered just punching Phoenix and forcing his way through the door. Maybe that would get his opinion through Wright's thick skull.

Phoenix sighed after a few moments of being the new target of Miles' glare. "Yeah, that was my fault."

"Then why-!"

"Hold on, Miles. I wasn't finished." Phoenix's eyes were practically smoldering now, trying to keep Miles from turning away again.

...They were doing a good job.

"Drew Misham and his daughter were the forgers of the evidence I used in the Gramarye trial, so they were both connected. Both of them were poisoned by Kristoph Gavin. Now think! Who else would have been a liability to Kristoph if they were left alone?"

Miles didn't want to hear Phoenix's justifications, but his brain was already reaching for the only logical option. No. Kristoph had been trying to...

Something in his gut twisted.

"You," Miles breathed, hardly believing it. Someone had been trying to kill Phoenix that whole time. And Miles had been gone. What if they had succeeded? Phoenix would have been all alone and...

And dead.

It didn't matter. Wright should have called him, explained the situation. Anything. Together they could have figured something out. There was no excuse for using forged evidence. Phoenix had taught him that there was always another way to uncover the truth.

"That's right," Phoenix confirmed. "I figured it out during that trial. Kristoph had been meaning to kill Zak Gramarye and frame me for it. Then we would have both been out of the picture. Luckily, he only halfway succeeded."

You and your luck, Wright.

"So you forged the evidence to stop him?" The pieces were finally coming together. Or so Edgeworth thought. Wright was shaking his head.

"You have to believe me, Miles. That evidence I gave Apollo wasn't forged."

"He doesn't agree with you."

"It wasn't forged." Phoenix insisted. "It was... replicated."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" This was going in circles.

"The evidence I gave Apollo was real, Miles. I saw it. But it was decisive. Too decisive." Phoenix's words were colored with anger now, though Miles could tell it was not directed at him. It was the way Phoenix used to talk about Damon Gant in Miles' weaker moments, fiercely reminding him that any falsities he had used in his perfect trials had been by the hand of that man. It was the way he would talk about Manfred von Karma when Miles had finally confessed to him about his life under the man's guardianship.

He was angry at the scars left behind by an enemy defeated.

"Kristoph destroyed that evidence before I figured out his true motives," Phoenix continued. "Miles, I was so stupid. But it was the only way to win the case, so I had it recreated and gave it to Apollo."

Miles was really wishing he had a chair now, but he stood as well as he could while he mulled over this new information. The evidence wasn't forged, it was... replicated.

The only thing that belongs in a trial is evidence. I told you that, Wright. Don't you remember?

"...Can you prove that the evidence was there to begin with?"

During his explanation, Phoenix had stopped leaning on the door and instead was standing firmly in front of it, his confidence building. Now, he slumped back against the frame.

That's not good.

"I can't," Phoenix admitted with defeat. "But I'm not lying, Miles. I would never lie to you and you know that."

Wright was... right. He wouldn't lie. Edgeworth was the lier. Edgeworth was the one who ran away. But this time it was Phoenix who was asking for forgiveness.

Today was not turning out as Miles had anticipated.

I was supposed to be the one apologizing, you idiot. I'm the one who's come crawling back. Now look what you've done.

All of the sudden, Phoenix smiled at him. It was another one of those new, shy, sad smiles.

"I bet I know what you're thinking," he said. "Evidence is everything, right? I think you told me that once."

So you do remember. After all, it was you who clung to that silly class trial for all those years.

"I believe a lot of people have told you that, Wright, and most of them are in prison now."

Phoenix's sad smile grew into a genuine grin at that. Edgeworth couldn't resist smirking back. Phoenix was infectious.

This was all... taking a pleasant turn.

Edgeworth sighed, his smirk still battling to stay on his face. "Wright, someone was trying to kill you. Did you ever consider that that might constitute calling some of your old friends and asking for help?"

Phoenix's smile fell instantly. He didn't look away, though. Phoenix was the kind of man to tell someone how he felt directly to their face. Miles... Miles left notes and ran.

"Miles, you left, remember?"

There it was. His crime. Now both of their wrongs were out in the open.

"I..." Miles trailed off. What was he supposed to say now? It was the truth.

"Or should I say you left again, Miles? You didn't even leave a note this time."

Miles had been expecting this. All along he should have known Phoenix would be bitter. Their reunions had never been... welcoming, to say the least.

It had been so nice, seeing him again. Even with all the drama of the day, meeting Wright's daughter and questionable new apprentice had been nice. Seeing Wright smiling and laughing around him and with him had been... nice.

But it wasn't going to last, Miles realized. He had finally done it. Edgeworth had pushed Wright too far away and he had filled that hole with new people. People who deserved Phoenix a lot more than him.

It still hurt, though.

"Yes... I left." Miles said when he realized Phoenix was waiting for an answer.

"Why?"

It was an impossible question to answer. Edgeworth hadn't meant to leave this time. It just so happened that he was on assignment in Germany after the whole ordeal with that smuggling ring, when he received news that Wright had lost his badge. He had lost it for presenting faulty evidence, no less! Miles had wanted to rush to his side, but his insecurities had gotten the better of him. Why would Wright want to see him? He had used faulty evidence. He still had his badge. It wasn't fair. Phoenix was always the strong one, reassuring him that everything would be all right. Edgeworth couldn't go to Phoenix... he didn't know how or what to say. Wright was the better person. He would never... It was so unfair!

Edgeworth didn't leave Phoenix. He just never came back. He was scared to know what he would find when he came back. It was better to pretend that Phoenix would be waiting for him, as lucky and confident as ever. But there was no way to explain that to Wright, and it was clear that he had lost all his trust in the prosecutor.

So instead of trying, Edgeworth counterattacked

"You forged evidence." Edgeworth needed to remind himself of that. Phoenix wasn't completely innocent here either. Presenting false evidence was a crime! Phoenix Wright was a criminal! And Edgeworth... Edgeworth had sworn to hate criminals.

No, I could never hate you, Wright.

"Replicated!" Wright protested.

"It's the same thing! If you couldn't prove it in the court then you can't justify it to me." Miles was angry at himself. He hated that their relationship had come to this and every time they got close to getting somewhere it blew up in his face. It was all his fault, but instead of trying to fix it Miles was lashing out at Phoenix. He didn't deserve Phoenix. Returning to California had been a mistake. Phoenix should just let him leave. Again.

It was easier that way.

"Oh that's rich. Can you justify leaving me? Eight years, Miles! And you wanted me to call you?" Wright took a step closer.

...This time his anger was definitely directed towards Edgeworth.

"Yes! Wright, you could have died!" Edgeworth unconsciously mirrored Phoenix's advance. Now they were both two steps closer.

"And you cared a whole lot about me and my wellbeing, huh?" Another step.

"That's not my point!" Miles brought himself forward again.

"Then what is your point?"

So much for pleasant. It was now a game to see who would back off first. Wright was now completely off the door, and his stance was suggesting that he was prepared to slug Edgeworth at any moment. Miles was sure his own posture wasn't much better, but the distance between them had lessened significantly. Miles could feel Wright's hostile breathing on his face. This close, Phoenix's eyes were burning into him. It was infuriating. He wanted to punch Wright, he deserved it. For forging- replicating- presenting falsified evidence! Wright was no better than a criminal. He wanted Wright to punch him, Miles definitely deserved it. For leaving. For not being there all this time. He wanted...

In the silence the dark room only intensified the charged atmosphere.

"Dammit Phoenix, just kiss me."

-District Court Defense Lobby No.2-

After a few minutes of waiting, Apollo and the girls resigned themselves to making the most of Mr. Wright's absence. Detective Gumshoe joined them with reluctance and kept glancing at the door, as if he could will Mr. Edgeworth back. Apollo opened the folder he was still carrying, prepared to start orating the details of case. He figured they could all use a little refresher after all the commotion.

He didn't get very far.

"H-Hey now! What are you doing with those? A lady shouldn't show her panties in public!" Apollo looked up from the file to find a reddening Detective Gumshoe backing away from Trucy and her famous Magic Panties which she, once again, had produced from nowhere.

"Calm down, Mr. Detective. I'm going to show you a magic trick!" Trucy said, brandishing her panties at him proudly.

"Magic? With panties?"

"A true magician can perform with anything, isn't that right, Polly?" Trucy flashed a grin in his direction.

Apollo sighed. "Please don't drag me into this." Trucy huffed at him.

"I think you can perform with anything, Trucy," Pearl said. With that approval, Trucy went ahead with getting into position for her performance and Pearl grabbed Gumshoe by the arm, leading him over to the couch to watch.

The couch where Wright's defendant should have been waiting for them.

When it comes to running late, this guy is guilty!

Apollo went back to his file, occasionally being distracted by the "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from the Detective and Pearl. There was a collection of impossible items growing at Trucy's feet from the things she made appear from her panties, some of which included a tire iron, a fishbowl (minus the fish), and a bowl of popcorn which the two spectators finished off quickly. Gumshoe was particularly enthusiastic when Trucy brought out Mr. Hat, letting out a "Whoa there, pal!" in surprise.

The usual. It was honestly surprising what Apollo considered normal these days.

And maybe just a little bit concerning...

When Trucy ran out of tricks from her limited supply of equipment (Apollo supposed even Magic Panties ran out of room eventually) the group returned to quietly waiting. Trucy settled next to Pearl on the couch.

After a few minutes passed, Trucy spoke. "I hope Daddy's doing okay in there."

"They really have been a long time..." Pearl agreed. Gumshoe shot another sorry look at the door.

He's like a lost puppy waiting for its master...

Whatever the relationship between Detective Gumshoe and Mr. Edgeworth was, it was certainly friendlier than the one between Prosecutor Gavin and his own detective.

"I think Polly should go check on them!"

Apollo was pulled out of his absent observations. "W-What? No!"

"But what if something bad happened?" Trucy continued. "You have to make sure everything is going well, Polly!"

Apollo shook his head. "No way. I'm not going in there. Why don't you go if you're so worried?"

Trucy frowned and looked down.

Uh-oh. I said something wrong...

"I don't think that Edgeworth guy likes me very much..."

"Trucy..." Pearl put an arm around the other girl's shoulder.

Apollo didn't know how to respond to that. Lucky for him, Gumshoe was the expert on all things Edgeworth.

"No way, pal! I'm sure Mr. Edgeworth likes you plenty. He just has a funny way of showing it sometimes." He gave her a big, lopsided smile.

"You really think so?"

"I know so! Why, it took years for him to stop cutting my salary every time I messed up!"

Don't say that like it's a good thing!

"Then that settles it," Trucy said with new determination, squeezing her fists together. "Polly, you gotta go in there so Edgeworth doesn't hate me for years if I mess up! I don't want my new Mommy to hate me! Or Daddy, since he's a boy and all..."

New Daddy? Oh, I see where this is all coming from.

Apollo figured it might be time for some explaining, now that he had the whole picture.

"Trucy, I don't think Mr. Edgeworth is going to be your new Mommy- er, Daddy- or whatever."

Trucy puffed out her cheeks in indignation. "Why not?"

"Well," Apollo rubbed his head. Explaining this to Trucy was probably going to prove more trouble than it was worth, but someone needed to do it. It seemed that Mr. Wright had once again failed at controlling his daughter. "Didn't Detective Gumshoe say they broke up?"

"That's right," Gumshoe confirmed.

"People don't just- ouch!"

Apollo reeled back in shock. Pearl had stood from the couch and hit him.

It... It really hurt!

"Hey! What was that for?"

"Don't insult Mr. Nick and Mr. Edgeworth's love. They are meant for each other," Pearl said, still staring Apollo down menacingly, or, at least as menacingly as a teenage girl could pull off. Apollo rubbed his cheek. Okay, it was pretty menacing.

"And they've just got to get together, Polly!" Trucy took advantage of Apollo's momentary lapse to press her point. "I can't take care of Daddy forever, you know. He's got to find somebody to support him."

Is she trying to say that he needs to find himself a man?

That's it. I will never understand their relationship.

While Apollo struggled to come up with a response, the door opened with a bang. Everyone looked up.

"Achtung! Ladies and gentlemen, I am looking for..."

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Please, anyone but him.

"Ah, if it isn't Herr Forehead himself! I was just looking for you. I just had to follow the sound of your remarkable shouting."

Remarkable? Is that a good or a bad thing?

In the doorway stood the shining rock star-prosecuting sensation: Klavier Gavin.

Please don't come in.

Klavier practically sauntered into the room, shutting the door behind him. Apollo took it as an omen that his fate was sealed.

Normal people don't walk like that.

"What are you doing here so early?" Klavier asked as he came closer. In the year that he had known him, Apollo still hadn't become accustomed to the man's lack of personal boundaries and flirtatious manner. Prosecutor Gavin should not be getting this close. Apollo had just assumed that it was a foreign thing (even if Kristoph Gavin hadn't acted the same way), but after meeting Mr. Edgeworth, who he heard grew up in Germany, he wasn't so sure.

"Mr. Wright has a case this morning." Apollo explained tersely. Jeez, it hadn't even been a year since Apollo did, well, all that to his brother and Klavier was just as chipper around him as ever.

This guy.

"Oh? Is that so? It wouldn't be because you just cannot wait for our court date this afternoon?" Klavier smiled down at him. It was more of a beam, really. Apollo might need sunglasses.

He also needed to remember to breathe at regular intervals.

"What are you doing here?" Apollo managed to get out.

Klavier frowned and drew back a little at that. "Nosey, aren't we, Herr Forehead?"

You asked me first!

"I... had to turn in some paperwork. Ja, that's it. My prosecuting heart never rests when it comes to justice, Herr Forehead."

Well that was the fishiest story Apollo had ever heard. And he had heard some pretty fishy stories.

I'm not buying it.

Skepticism broke Klavier's dazzling effect on Apollo long enough for him to notice a few shiny black dots poking out of the blond's perfect hair.

Only this man can make food look like a hair accessory.

"Oh really? You were here to turn in paperwork?" Apollo reached up and snagged one of the Snackoos out of the prosecutor's platinum locks. Klavier looked a little taken aback by Apollo's sudden grab at his perfect head, but was even more mortified after Apollo presented his findings.

Gotcha!

"Please, Herr Forehead. Don't tell the Fraülein Detective where I am, I'm beggin you." Klavier glanced at the door worriedly as if Detective Skye would come bursting through at any moment with more snack-ammo at the ready. Apollo had half the mind to call her up right now, even at the risk of becoming her new Snackoo target. If anything it would get rid of Klavier.

"We won't tell her, right, Polly?" Trucy said. Klavier blinked as he turned away from the door to face her, as if realizing for the first time that other people were in the room.

"Herr Forehead! What are you doing, hiding in here with all these pretty fraüleins?" So he was just realizing there were other people. Klavier's mood went shooting back up as he took in both Pearl and Trucy sitting on the couch, his obnoxiously sweet smile coming back and showing off his obnoxiously straight teeth. Trucy smiled back and Pearl blushed.

Damn you and your stupid pretty face!

"I told Pearly here all about you and your band," Trucy said. Apollo didn't doubt that she had. Ever since that first concert she had become a regular Gavinners's fangirl. And it was just his luck that she would beg him to ask Klavier for tickets anytime a concert was being held in town. Actually, it was more like Klavier would send him tickets and beg him to come and he would hide them in his desk until Trucy came knocking. Apollo had almost cheered when Klavier had told him that he was breaking up the band.

"What? This beautiful fraülein has never heard of the Gavinners?" Klavier asked and carded a hand through his bangs playfully.

"She lives on a mountain," Trucy supplied.

"Wow Trucy... he really is a prince..." Pearl said dreamily, ogling Klavier and attempting to hide her blush with her hands. Great. One sentence and he'd already won her over.

How does he do that?

It took Pearl weeks to warm up to Apollo. She had hidden behind Mr. Wright during their whole introduction and for a long time after she ran out of the room when she saw him coming. Apollo thought that she must have been really shy or hated him for some reason. Eventually he started seeing the other side of her, even if it did take forever.

But no. Of course Klavier would be able to skip all of that awkwardness.

"A prince, you say?" Klavier bent down to meet her at eye-level. "But what is a prince without a princess?" That annoying little smile again.

"Hey now, pal. This girl is way too young for you." Detective Gumshoe said, his first words since Klavier entered the scene. Apollo guessed he had just been too overwhelmed to say anything before. He was giving Klavier a suspicious look.

Pearl was disheartened by Gumshoe's comment. She moved her gaze to her lap. "He's right Mr. Prince... Mr. Apollo can be your princess."

"OBJECTION!" No. No. No. Not ever. No.

Klavier straightened up and threw his head back. His hearty laughter filled the room.

He's laughing?

Apollo froze, file in still one hand and the other raised ready to point out all the contradictions in everything Pearl just said. Klavier continued to laugh. It was a loud, bubbly laugh that spread over the whole group until they were all laughing at Apollo too, even Gumshoe. Apollo felt his face reddening.

Why are you always making fun of me?

"Herr Forehead," he breathed after he regained his composure, smirking infuriatingly. "You always treat everything like a trial. You've got to relax a little, ja?" He snapped his fingers. "Besides, what makes you think you wouldn't be a fantastic match for a famous rockstar?"

Wait... is he actually serious? I'm pretty sure snapping means he's serious.

Klavier started laughing again. Apollo wanted to scream.

That's it. Phoenix Wright was going to pay for making him come today.

"I'm going to check on Mr. Wright," Apollo announced, moving around Klavier and bee-lining to the door.

Prosecutor Gavin held out an arm to stop him. "Don't go, Herr Forehead. We were just having a bit of fun, ja?"

I'll show you fun when I kick your ass in court today.

Never the less, Apollo stepped back from Klavier's blockade.

Klavier was frowning down at him. "I didn't offend you, no?"

He... was being earnest. Apollo didn't know what to be more shocked about, that Klavier wasn't continuing to play everything off as a big joke or that he was genuinely concerned that he had made Apollo uncomfortable.

"I... I'm fine."

Klavier's smile returned. "Wonderful! You always look so serious, Herr Forehead. It's hard to tell what is going on in that big head of yours."

And... back to making fun of me.

Before Apollo could respond, the door to opened again. Apollo looked past Klavier's shoulder (which he definitely did not need to stand on his toes to do) and saw the bailiff standing in the doorway.

"Are you the defense team?" the man asked.

"Yep!" Trucy called, hopping off the couch.

"The defendant is on his way. There was just a little mix-up at the Detention Center." The bailiff looked bashful, but Apollo wasn't going to shoot the messenger. He thanked the man, who nodded at him and took his leave.

"Well, I guess that settles it. I'll go get Mr. Wright." Apollo said when the door shut. He moved passed Klavier again, this time successfully.

"Make sure everything is okay, Polly!" Trucy called after him.

"But don't interrupt if their having a special moment!" Pearl added.

"Yeah, yeah." Apollo decided humoring them would be best for now.

"Can I come with you?" Gumshoe asked, also getting off the couch.

"Um... sure. Why not?"

It's not like I have any authority over you...

"Thanks, pal!"

"Oh! I can come too, ja?" Klavier asked.

"No."

"So harsh, Herr Forehead..." But Klavier didn't look put-out by the statement. In fact, he was playing with his hair again.

Charm will get you everywhere, huh? I think he's been listening to Trucy.

-District Court Defendant Lobby No. 1-

Phoenix wanted to punch Miles. So bad. Just one good, solid hit would make him feel better. He was close enough now that Miles wouldn't see it coming before it was too late to dodge. Actually, thinking about it, they were really, really close.

Phoenix wasn't a violent person, but Miles had the audacity to come in here and repeatedly accuse him of things when it was obvious who should be doing the apologizing. Phoenix was sorry, sure, but Miles wasn't listening to his explanations. Besides, Miles had left. Miles was wrong. Miles should be asking him for forgiveness. Knocking Edgeworth's lights out wouldn't solve anything, but Miles just made him so...

"Dammit Phoenix, just kiss me."

Miles... You called me 'Phoenix'!

He didn't need to be told twice. Phoenix grabbed Miles by his foppish, silly cravat and crashed their mouths together.

...With a little too much force.

Phoenix's teeth crack painfully against Miles' upon collision. Miles made a grousing noise of complaint, but it didn't deter him from kissing back just as forcefully in response. He felt Miles grip the front of his jacket and pull him closer. Unfortunately,Miles seemed to have forgotten that Phoenix was just a little shorter than him. At Miles' tug, Phoenix's mouth slipped and instead his face met the other man's shoulder.

They needed to calm down a bit.

"Er..." Edgeworth said, realizing his mistake.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. It's okay." It had been a long time for the both of them. Miles had changed, and Phoenix had changed. They were going to have to get used to each other again.

Wright pulled himself up and grabbed Edgeworth's shoulders. Miles still had his hands fisted in the front of Phoenix's jacket, and the look in his eyes told Phoenix that he wasn't going to let go any time soon. Phoenix just held them still for a few moments, letting them catch their breath. They still had some problems to sort out, Phoenix knew. But Phoenix remembered the way Edgeworth had looked when Trucy had let it fly that he had given Apollo some... unique evidence. Miles had looked lost. It was the same look Phoenix had received when Edgeworth was in the Detention Center, questioning the true cause of his father's death. Phoenix didn't realize he had the same power over Miles as his nightmares. Now, Miles wasn't lost anymore. Phoenix wasn't going to let him be.

Eventually, Miles started shuffling awkwardly under Phoenix's hold. He tried to look away.

"Look at me." Phoenix said. It wasn't a command, but gentle. This time Phoenix wasn't going to let him run away. For the first time, Phoenix grasped that it had caused both of them pain when Miles left. But they needed to stop this and think. Phoenix had to be sure.

"You're staring." Miles didn't turn to face him.

"Miles. Do you really want this? I have a family now, and you're the Chief Prosecutor. It won't be so easy to run away this time."

When Miles finally looked up, he was frowning. "Phoenix, my job is an obligation, yes. But I came back because I was finally ready. That is, if you'll have me..."

"Miles, I've been chasing you since I was nine. I don't think you have to worry about that." Phoenix gave him a smile. Actually, that brought up another point. "Miles… there isn't anyone else, is there? I mean, it has been a long time."

Now Miles was really looking at him. Uh-oh. Miles was just about as amused by this question as he was by Phoenix's baseless conjectures in court. Though most of those ended up being slightly true…

"Phoenix, there was never anyone before you. What makes you believe that there would be anyone after?"

That was all Phoenix needed to hear. Given their previous failure, Phoenix used his grip on Miles' shoulders to spin them around and press Miles against the wall next to the door. Surprised by his sudden actions, Miles shouted "Wright!" in protest and tightened his grip on the attorney's jacket before Phoenix once again sealed their lips.

This time was much better.

Given their similarities in height, Edgeworth was able to use the wall to lean back some so Phoenix could stand over him a bit. Phoenix released his hold on Miles' shoulders and braced one hand against the wall, the other snaking its way around Miles' back to hold him up. This time when Miles gave his jacket a good tug Phoenix was only pulled down into a deeper, better angle.

The kiss was good. Probably made better by how long it had been since their last sincere one. Phoenix easily pressed down on Miles' lips, and Miles used his grip on Phoenix's jacket as leverage to pull himself up and meet him. It wasn't as forceful as the first kiss had been. This one was trying to say something. I missed you. I still love you. Phoenix needed Miles to understand.

You don't have to be alone.

Miles seemed to get it. He pulled Phoenix down with more force. Phoenix guessed that Miles was trying to say something, too. Miles was bigger than Phoenix. They were both fairly similar in physique, but Miles had the broader shoulders and the more commanding personality. In any case, right now Miles was letting Phoenix take the lead. Miles must be feeling insecure. Phoenix got the message pretty clearly. I'm so sorry. Miles wanted to know he was forgiven.

It wasn't long before they both gave up trying to treat each other gently the kiss became more passionate.

I love you, Miles. All this time and I still love you so much.

Later, Phoenix would probably consider the fact that he might actually have some sort of obsession with Edgeworth, given the fact that he had pursued him since grade school and sent him numerous, almost stalker-like letters along the way. Even now, after eight years apart, his feelings had failed to dim even the slightest. But that could happen later. Besides, if he had a problem, then so did Miles.

They really were quite the pair.

Phoenix kissed Miles harder, the latter only knotting more of Phoenix's jacket fabric into his fists. There was hardly any space between them now.

I really hope this position isn't hurting his back... We aren't twenty anymore.

Before Phoenix could adjust their position to make it more comfortable for Miles, light came flooding into the room as the door cracked open.

Phoenix pulled back from Miles to look up, blinking. Miles tried to chase him, but almost lost his footing and slumped back against the wall when Phoenix hurried to steady him.

" , your defendant is-" Apollo Justice was standing in the doorway, his head poking into the dark room. "Gah!"

All the times today where Apollo had blushed were nothing compared to now. The deep red on his face was now surpassing the color of his suit.

Well, what now?

Naturally, Phoenix followed his instincts and decided to make Apollo as uncomfortable as possible. He didn't pull away from Edgeworth, not that he could have with how tightly Miles had wound his fists in Phoenix's jacket. Besides, he was afraid Miles really would fall if Phoenix removed the support on his back from his hand. Edgeworth, surprisingly, appeared unabashed at being discovered like this.

"Are you all right?" Miles asked. It was a good question. Apollo was starting to look a little purple.

"I'm fine!" Apollo shouted and backed out of the room, slamming it shut behind him.

Outside, Phoenix and Miles could hear another person.

"Hey, pal, you don't look so good..."

"I said I'm fine!"

"If you say so..."

"No! Don't go in there!"

Assured that Apollo would cover for them, Phoenix turned away from the door and looked down at Miles. When Apollo had closed the door they were left in the dark again. He had to squint a little to see Miles clearly while his eyes readjusted.

Miles was a mess. His lips were swollen and his clothes were completely rumpled. Yet somehow his cravat had managed to stay pristine and fluttery as ever. Miles stiffly released his grip on Phoenix's jacket, which let them separate a little. Where he had been holding was completely wrinkled.

They must have been quite the sight for poor Apollo.

Phoenix started to laugh. Miles smirked up at him. Steadily, the two of them maneuvered until they were both upright again. Miles made a few lame attempts straighten Phoenix's jacket.

"You know, Wright," he said when Phoenix got control of his laughter. "I don't believe I'm occupied after this trial."

"You? Not busy? There's a first." But Phoenix was grinning, anyways. Miles was finally acting comfortable around him.

"Don't be smart, Wright." Yep. Same old Edgeworth. Miles gave up on Phoenix's jacket and instead reached up to fix his tie. "As I was saying, my schedule is free this afternoon."

"Yeah?" Phoenix asked. "Do you want to... get lunch or something?"

Apollo would be fine on his own.

... Probably.

Miles rolled his eyes. "I thought you would never ask.

Miles continued to nitpick Phoenix's appearance. Phoenix stood still and let him fuss, though he was pretty sure it was a hopeless cause. Standing there, Phoenix realized there was something they still hadn't said. Aloud, anyways.

"Hey, Miles?"

"Yes?" Miles was now working on straightening out his own apparel. He wasn't looking.

"I love you."

Miles' fingers stopped in their busy-work. He looked back at Phoenix.

"You know, Wright, I'm still not very good with these kind of things... but I believe the proper response is 'I love you, too'."