Chapter Text
“It’s hardly appropriate,” Edgeworth said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the front of his desk. “We’re coworkers, Wright.”
“I think what I’m proposing is still relevant,” Phoenix countered, embarrassment beginning to sink in. “I’m tired of those late nights at the office, Edgeworth. If we can just find what we’re looking for, then you won’t have to see my face after hours again.”
Edgeworth looked at him, their eyes lingering for just a moment before he looked off again in thought. Phoenix would kill for just a moment in the other’s mind. What was he thinking? Was this a bad idea? In his mind, it was the only way to reconnect after Edgworth’s year-long absence, one that still seemed to have brought heavy strain on the two’s relationship. Though, it doesn’t help Phoenix had some regretful choice words he had yet to renounce. The early winter nights didn’t help his lowered mood, either. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to have at least something small to look forward to amidst the lowly weather.
“Listen, it’s not like I’m asking you to a candlelit dinner,” Phoenix said. “It’s just… been a while.”
He thought for a moment. I’ve come all this way, might as well be vulnerable.
“I know my words may have had other implications, but I missed you.”
He studied Edgeworths face closely, looking for any sign of feeling. It felt like whatever walls Edgeworth had built before his trail had doubled in the time he was away. Yet, as always, he remained collected. Phoenix prepared himself for the rejection.
“It would be… unfair for me to say I did not feel the same…”
Oh, didn’t expect that.
“I’ll accept your offer,” he added. “On the condition that this remains between us. No use giving fire to supportless rumors.”
Rumors? Phoenix wondered. Probably best not to ask.
“Awesome! Uh- I mean cool- how about tomorrow? After work?”
“That could be arranged.”
Phoenix smiled to himself. After all, he had been looking forward to having a good enough reason to clean his apartment.
He couldn’t help but sense a pang of familiarity in the conversation. As children, they had their fair share of sleepovers, most of which were incited by Phoenix. He never minded, but he always managed to make himself nervous to ask out of fear he’d be shot down. Funnily enough, Edgeworth never once turned down the request. Phoenix smiled to himself.
…
Miles found himself deep in thought the entirety of that Friday. He bounced the end of his pen off his lips, fixated on the desk in front of him. He could hear the words of his late mentor now, still burnt into the depths of his mind.
“That boy is nothing. All he will do is get in your way,” he spat. “You have new responsibilities, boy. You cannot waste your time on such vermin!”
“Mr. Edgeworth?”
A deep, yet mousy voice peered around the corner of his door. Miles was broken from his trance just in time to see a sheepish Gumshoe mosey into the room.
“Yes?”
“So sorry to disturb you so close to the end of the day,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Some folks from the station wanted me to ask if you we’re available tomorrow to give some input on a new case they’re tryna string together.”
Instinctively, Miles almost caught himself saying yes, but as fate would have it he indeed did have plans for the weekend. Plans, of course, nobody else had any business knowing about.
“Actually, it seems that I do in fact have plans this weekend. Apologies.”
Gumshoe nodded.
“No worries there, sir.” He lowered his voice a little, almost as though saying the last bit more to himself. “Mr. Wright said the same exact thing.”
Usually, them both being busy on a weekend would be enough to stir up some kind of suspicion, but in the case of Gumshoe, he’s wildly oblivious to relationships. Hell, they could make out in front of him and he’d probably say “what an odd way to greet a buddy.”
Uh, not that they would, of course.
“Was that all?” He asked, closing the file on his desk that he most definitely wasn’t looking at.
“Oh, um, there was something else…”
Gumshoe frowned.
“I forgot, though.”
Miles rolled his eyes, waving the man along.
“You’re dismissed, Detective.”
“Sir? I thought there was something yesterday that you said you wanted me to do?”
Was there? Miles had been so focused on the weekend that he hardly stopped to think of work. God, what has gotten into him?
“Must’ve slipped my mind,”
“Are… you sure?”
What kind of dictator have I been? Jesus. Miles thought to himself blankly. I can’t be overly nice, it’s suspicious.
“I could easily change my mind-”
“-Oh!” Gumshoe laughed. “No worries at all sir, have a great weekend!”
He chuckled to himself as Gumshoe scurried out of the room, nearly mowing over a confusedly smiling Phoenix in the doorway.
“Someone’s in a hurry.”
“Hello, Wright.”
Phoenix smiled politely, closing the door behind him.
“Sorry, I know it’s a little early but I finished up all my work at the office so I figured I’d come bug ya.”
Miles hadn’t even realized that they were about an hour shy of the end of the day.
“Did you toss your paperwork in the trash last second?” He joked, cocking an eyebrow.
Phoenix chuckled, shuffling over to look at the items on the shelves.
“Would you believe me if I said I came in early?” He said, reaching out to touch a figurine.
“ Do not -”
The words came out louder than anticipated, evident as Phoenix nearly jumped across the room.
“Sorry- sorry,”
“Let me wrap up these last bits of paperwork, then we should be set.”
“Right, sure,” Pheonix said. “Sorry again, I know you like your things a certain way.”
Miles frowned.
“Apologies for snapping, I’m still apprehensive, you see. I never quite got past the shelf incident.”
“Oh my god, I forgot about that,” Phoenix gasped. “I wasn’t sure which was going to kill me first, your dad’s bookself or you.”
It was many, many years ago when the incident occurred. If he was being honest, it wasn’t Phoenix’s fault, more so his for allowing his friend to wander with him into his father’s study. He knew his friend had an affinity for clumsiness, but he could have never guessed he would’ve inadvertently let a bookshelf topple over him. At the time, he was mostly terrified of getting in trouble with his dad and never getting another sleepover. Soon after, however, his concerns were shifted to his poor friend who got squashed by the heavy wood furniture.
“We cleaned it up quickly,” Miles assured him. “I was just happy we didn’t inadvertently create the next “Flat Stanley”.”
“You’re telling me,” Phoenix laughed.
Miles smiled to himself, opening his desk drawer. He paused for a moment in thought before tossing the paperwork inside and closing the drawer.
“No way you just did that.”
Miles felt his ears get hot.
“There was nothing of importance left for today,” he mumbled. “Let me grab my bag from my car, then we can meet outside?”
“Bag?”
“Change of clothes, that sort of thing,” Miles said, standing. “I wasnt’ anticipating a sleepover, if that’s what you’re getting at.”
“Oh no, of course not.”
As the two left, part of Miles almost wished Phoenix opted for a different answer.