One Good Turn Deserves: A Turnabout Histories Fic, Part V

How are we to part five now?  How???

Main Points:
Ace Attorney AU
Summary: Phoenix starts putting his plan into place.
Rating: G?
Word Count: 365

                “Get your coat.  We’re going out.”  All right, it’s not much of a start, but Phoenix wants to keep it a surprise for as long as possible.  It’s not out of the question that he’s a coward, and staving it off as long as possible isn’t a means of increasing the suspense as much as it is not having to face the disappointment, or worse when it’s meant, when words bite deep, ridicule of a childhood friend.

                All Edgeworth has to do in response to that statement is raise an eyebrow, and Wright flushes.  “Geez, Edgey, you’re such a jerk sometimes.”

                The twitch of a smile shows that Miles is playing games again, and he holds up his hands in surrender.  “Sorry, Phoenix.” 

Phoenix usually isn’t the one reading people easily, but he knows the hesitance is Edgeworth realizing he’s still in his pajamas.  He places warm trousers and a long-sleeve shirt beside the man.  “Maya wants to go to a few holiday things, and she’s a bit of a handful on your own.  I’ve been dealing with her for a while, but I’m somewhat exhausted.  I don’t think I could keep up by myself.”

The eyes narrow.  He knows it’s a change from his earlier behavior, but on the other hand there’s no way he can retain his early behavior and pull this off.  Still, without a word he takes the clothes and heads toward the nearest bathroom.

When he comes out, he looks almost human.  The utter exhaustion shows on his face, but there’s a strength there that he hasn’t seen in ages.  Even the ironic, somewhat haughty look in the eyes had been absent.  It was something that Phoenix had never thought he’d say, but he’d missed it.  In fact…the gaze is so knowing, that…

“Miles.  Do you know what’s been going on?”

“Really, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the man states quietly, but there’s just the slightest hint of amusement in the face, somewhere.

Yes, the old Miles Edgeworth is still in there somewhere, in all his annoying competence.  Still, it’s still his friend in there, too.  The soft, grateful smile is enough to make it all worthwhile.