Narumitsu fic rec lists: ‘Ancient Fics’ edition
In celebration and commemoration of over 20 years of Ace Attorney fan fics.
Imagine a world where Miles Edgeworth’s very bad, terrible week and the seven year gap years hadn’t happened yet, where the Ace Attorney anime had yet to give us Phoenix on a bicycle, where Phoenix’s brick-like Nokia phone was contemporary tech, and where the canon fuel to feed the imaginations of Ace Attorney fan fic writers was held solely within the transcripts of the original Ace Attorney Trilogy. Fics that have (mostly) surpassed the barriers of the time, that set precedents, that forged a path to a universe so rich that it has helped sustain a growing fandom for over 20 years. Yes, these are the Ancient Ace Attorney fics.
So come my fandom friends, let’s blow the dust off some of these trailblazing fics and see what things have remained the same, and what things are just so… different. These fics were written at a time when smart phones weren’t a thing yet, most media came in physical packaging and same sex marriage was yet to be legal in the U.S.A (nation-wide in 2016!!!). In researching this list, I felt like an archaeologist uncovering time capsule treasures for you. Many of these fics have minimal tags and have been lost to time as a result. On A03, there is only 1 (!) lonely English language fic with Ace Attorney M/M Miles/Phoenix tags for 2007, a year later there were 32 fics, and now? We are pushing 10,000 fics (9,703 to be exact at the time of my writing this in April of 2026*). So now I invite you all to take a journey with me into the past onboard the good ship Narumitsu, circa 2002 - 2009.** And as always, I encourage you to give the authors kudos and comments. Enjoy!
*If you like fandom fun facts (example: Ace Attorney was released in Japan in 2001) and statistics, I crunched the numbers and did a post on the Ace Attorney media timeline and how it correlates to the growth of Ace Attorney and Narumitsu fics… if you are interested 👉👈…
**I sourced the majority of these fics on Ao3 and only included fics I have read and personally enjoyed, so this fic rec list should not be considered comprehensive at all. Many of you know that Archive of Our Own was only made available to the public in 2009. There are older fics here because A03 allows for the publication date to be different than the date posted, which is super handy if you’re using Archive of Our Own as, you know, an Archive ;)
The line between friendship and love by anunwithagun
Rating: E (but not really) Words: 1,280 Read time: 5 mins
The person that posted this on Ao3 claims that this the oldest surviving fanmedia piece for Ace Attorney, and after poking around the internet a bit, I believe them!
Researched and translated from the original work from the author ‘nine,’ the story is essentialy is a sweet and sexy first confession scene one shot between Phoenix and Miles in a kitchen.
Thank you so much anunwithagun for doing the research and translation, and all hail the Internet Archive and our unsung archivist heroes!
Mandelbrot by anunwithagun
Rating: T Words: 2,509 Read time: 10 mins
Gorgeous missing scene from the end of the Farewell, My Turnabout Trial between Miles and Phoenix. I loved Phoenix's inner dialogue especially. This fic had me digging around in Google to understand the meaning of Mandelbrot (which I first thought was a reference to the German cookie haha!), but once you read it, you’ll understand why the fic was titled this.
Closer to me by TPauSilver (Signe_chan)
Rating: E Words: 4,992 Read time: 20 mins
This is an example of what I was talking about when I said that fics might be lost to time because the tag use is so minimal, but I would classify this as a sweet porn with a leetle bit of angst and comfort at the end (as a treat) fic.
Beating around the Bush by militarypenguin_archives
Rating: E Words: 926 Read time: 4 mins
One of those fics that I would consider groundbreaking for the fandom. Especially coming from this era. A very honest look from an asexual Miles' point of view of Miles’ and Phoenix’s first time. The care and regard they have for each other is there though, all within 926 words.
Photographic Evidence by threerings
Rating: M Words: 17,222 Read time: 1 hour 14 mins
This fic is fun on so many levels, I felt absolutely giddy after reading it. A total time capsule as well as just a really entertaining read, it was written before smart phones were a thing, before the AA anime, before everything was stored in the cloud, physical media (see CD ROMS) was definitely a thing and sadly before gay rights were and same-sex marriage was legal. We really have come a long way people. And I think fics like these are partially responsible for paving the way to the beautiful, rich and inclusive fandom we enjoy today.
Read not only for all the above but because it is also an excellent case fic, a sweet character study and gives us some delicious romantic tension between our two beloved protagonists.
Bon appetite and remember to kudo, comment and honour our ‘ancient’ fics ;)
A Lesson On The Nature Of Winning by threerings
Rating: E Words: 1,466 Read time: 6 mins
Shivers!!! This gave me the shivers! Just like Miles did with Phoenix! Another gem while pursuing the treasures of ancient Ao3. This pwop definitely stands the test of time ❤️💙
Life doesn't work that way by Daphne22
Rating: T Words: 54,752 Read time: 3 hours, 40 mins
This one is on FanFiction.net and is just amazing. Definitely one for your Downloads/Narumitsu Survial Pack. Absolutely wonderful characterization, banter and feelings as Miles comes to terms with his life at the end of the Skye vs State trial and Phoenix comes to terms with his sexuality. Beautifully written, sweet, warm and tragic at this point in time of their lives (though thankfully we know it gets better for them).
Ever the Fool by idgiebay for crimsonobsession
Rating: G Words: 1,061 Read time: 5 mins
Phoenix and Miles share a waltz on an apartment balcony before they really know how they feel about each other. Featuring some beautifully crafted physical tension (They’re RIVALS, I tell you! RIVALS! Right, Nick? ).
Some Boys Are Different by alienchrist
Rating: E Words: 5,886 Read time: 24 mins
Another fic that I feel is culturally and historically significant, there are so many things to love about it. It's got solid characterization, it’s funny, tender, real, educational, and last but not least, entertaining. The fic takes a bit of a speed run through canon events through the eyes of one Miles Edgeworth, and the challenges and fears he faces as he takes his relationship with Phoenix to a new level. Written in 2008, I think this is a trailblazing and important work that is still relevant today. I finished the fic with a smile on my face, and I recommend taking some time to read the comment section too. Some of the comments on how the fic impacted folks over the years definitely left me feeling a little misty <3
The Roughest Roads (end racism in the OTW) by skuldchan
Rating: E Words: 22,012 Read time: 90 mins
I’m a big fan of skuldchan, and this early series is an excellent introduction to their work. From the description: “After the resolution of the DL-6 incident, Phoenix Wright approaches Miles Edgeworth in order to rekindle their friendship, but they end up falling into a sexual relationship instead. Can their arrangement survive when Phoenix wants to bring his feelings into the picture?” Part 1 of Hold On When You Get Love
Miles Edgeworth is a Complicated Man by withpractice
Rating: E Words: 9,045 Read time: 40 mins
This series is so well written it has become head canon for me. And, I think for others too, considering how many fics I’ve read written since 2009 that basically incorporate the tone and lore as established here. This collection of stories work both as chapters and as stand alone fics. I wrote in my notes after reading that I thought they are all perfect. Just. Perfect.
Side note: I read these when I was fairly new to the fandom and didn't say or share a lot in the comment section... I should probably go back and provide the series the love and comments these fics deserve….. Or hey! *You* can until I can get back there! ;)
oOOOoo! Look! a **BONUS ANCIENT** FIC:
This one is an ‘Old Man Yaoi’ written in 2011 - so file it under ‘not-quite ancient fic about our not-quite ancient blorbos’ ;D Basically I love this fic and haven’t had the chance to recommend it yet so I’m squeezing it on to this list. Thanks so much again to @hydrancheas who has excellent taste and recommended this to me. <3
Rating: G Words: 2,517 Read time: 11 mins
Absolutely gorgeous older Miles and Phoenix story. So beautiful and inspirational. I absolutely adore Billy Wilder and this story.
Seize the day, my babies. Seize. The. Day.
