#auth writes

[grievingauthor]

NaruMitsu Week Day 2: Rewind

read on Ao3

Here Phoenix was, injured and bedridden, and his husband had been plotting against him!

"No," he said hurriedly. "No, no Steel Samurai marathon, Miles I'm injured, don't do this to me, I don't wanna watch a silly little kid show while I'm in the hospital."

Miles snickered, then leaned back, feigning indifference as he pulled one case from the bottom of the stack. "Alright, fine. And here I was, eager to share one of my passions with you. But alas, if you'd rather not watch the Signal Samurai with me-"

Phoenix hated hospitals. Not because of any bad memories or anything, but because they made him feel trapped, all white walls and antiseptic. Besides, when was the last time he'd actually needed to go to the hospital? The last three times he'd ended up in one he hadn't even been that hurt!

Well, ok, maybe eating potentially poisoned glass wasn't his best idea, but he'd done it for love! And he'd been fine afterwards! Mostly anyway. Ok maybe he'd needed to go to the hospital for that one after all. But falling off the bridge at Hazakura Temple? He'd caught a cold, not drowned. Taking him to the hospital had been excessive. And now he was stuck in the hospital again, this time with a broken ankle. Stupid car just had to hit him.

Phoenix groaned, pulling the beanie off his head with one hand and scrubbing at his eyes with the other. The doctor had said he'd be stuck here for days. He wouldn't even have Trucy to keep him company, busy as she and Apollo were with their investigation. At least three days, bored out of his skull, more or less trapped in a hospital room. Joy.

"Knock knock," came a voice from the door. Phoenix looked up, then grinned. There stood Miles Edgeworth in all his magenta suited glory. He had a stack of what looked like DVD cases tucked under one arm.

"Hey stranger," Phoenix said, waving him into the room. "I thought you were supposed to be in Zheng Fa for another week."

"I was," the other man said, setting the DVD cases on the bedside table, "but I had a family emergency. My idiot husband went and got himself run over, see?"

"Ouch." Phoenix let his eyes linger as he watched Miles remove his suit jacket, folding it gently and placing it over the back of a chair. "That can't have been fun. Poor guy must've been really hurt if you came all this way to see him."

Miles snorted and leaned down to press a kiss to one stubbled cheek. "What's the damage, Mr. Invincible?"

"A broken ankle if you can believe it. And some bruises I guess, but the ankle is the worst of it. Did you bring me something?" He shifted, trying to get a better look at the DVDs Miles had brought. Pink Princess Warrior of…

Oh no.

His head snapped back up, just in time to see Miles' sneaky, conniving, little smirk. Oh he'd been waiting for something like this to happen. Here Phoenix was, injured and bedridden, and his husband had been plotting against him!

"No," he said hurriedly. "No, no Steel Samurai marathon, Miles I'm injured, don't do this to me, I don't wanna watch a silly little kid show while I'm in the hospital."

Miles snickered, then leaned back, feigning indifference as he pulled one case from the bottom of the stack. "Alright, fine. And here I was, eager to share one of my passions with you. But alas, if you'd rather not watch the Signal Samurai with me-"

The DVD case left his hand in an instant, Phoenix's eyes wide as he examined it. The cover was slightly faded, the case cracked in one spot along the spine. It boasted all three seasons of Neo Olde Tokyo Traffic Safety: Signal Samurai. Man, was this ever a throwback.

"How'd you even find this Miles? I've been looking for Signal Samurai DVDs for years!" He looked up at Miles, disbelief in his eyes.

"I have my ways, Wright," he replied imperiously, plucking the case out of Phoenix's hands. "I should have known though, of course you wouldn't want to watch a 'silly little kid show' with me. Ah well, I'll just take these back and-"

"Now how on a second, Signal Samurai isn't just a silly little kids show! That show was my life Miles!" Phoenix pouted, lower lip stuck out. "Pretty please can we watch it?"

"Mm, I don't know. Will you watch the rest of the Samurai shows with me too?"

Phoenix groaned. "You drive a hard bargain, Edgeworth."

"Is that a yes, Wright?"

"You know it is. Go put it in the DVD player and then sit down. If you're gonna make me watch the whole show, at the very least I deserve to cuddle with my husband, don't you think?"

Miles laughed again, making Phoenix smile. He loved hearing Miles laugh. It always brought back memories of when they were kids, before everything in Miles' life had gone sideways. He'd made it his life's mission to make him laugh as much as possible. The man had been through so much heartache in his life, he deserved whatever bits of joy Phoenix could bring him. Even if it did involve watching corny children's television. Really, the things he did for this man.

Miles finished setting up the DVD player, snagging the remote and moving to settle beside Phoenix on the bed. He tucked his head against the other man's shoulder, sighing softly. Phoenix wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer as the familiar theme song started up. It was almost like old times. All that was missing was Larry, usually seated between them, and the smell of Gregory Edgeworth's pancakes cooking in the next room. Well, Trucy would be able to take Larry's place once the case she and Apollo were on was finished. How to get Miles to agree to making them pancakes though? That would be the tricky part.

Ah well, it could wait until he was patched up and back home. For now, Phoenix was content to sit here, hold his husband, and reminisce about their shared childhood.

[iimtyler]

Masterlist

Here it is!! My masterlist is finally out!!

As the list grows, this may be subject to change, and I will update the list.

If you would like to request something, check out what I am willing to write here!

Youtube

Dan and Phil

Goodnight Philly (Romantic Relationship)

Warnings: Death, Suicide 

Dan and Phil have been together for a long while, but it hasn’t been easy. Then again, who said living in the zombie apocalypse would be easy?

CrankGameplays

Crankgameplays x Reader

I Missed You (Romantic Relationship)

Pt.1 Pt.2

Warnings: Running away

Ethan brings his new girlfriend to the office, only for there to be a surprise.

Because I Love You (Romantic Relationship)

Requested by @emmeryald 

Ethan’s girlfriend wakes up one morning in a lot of pain, but when she has to go to the hospital, how will Ethan react?

Teamiplier

Teamiplier x Reader Romantic

Jeans? (Romantic Poly Relationship) 

The guys all surprise their girlfriends with a trip to the beach! But Y/N starts acting weird. What could be bothering her?

Thomas Sanders

Platonic Sides

Mr. Sanders (High School AU) CHAPTERED

The adventures of the Sanders as they go through high school sharing the same face, and last name, but being completely unrelated.

TV Shows

The Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir

Marinette x Chat Noir (Marichat)

This is our Time (Romantic Relationship

Requested by @sherlockian-demigod-potterhead

[grievingauthor]

NaruMitsu Week Day 4: Value

Read on Ao3

The aftermath of the Gramarye Case was...messy. Suddenly gaining a child hadn't been in Miles' plans when he and Phoenix had gotten engaged, but Trucy was family now, and their apartment was far too small for all three of them. House shopping, however, is proving a challenge.

"You don't think it's too much?"

Miles glanced at his husband-to-be. Phoenix sat in the passenger seat of his car, brow furrowed as he studied the pamphlet the realtor had given them.

"Too much?" he asked. The brunet looked up, then smiled sheepishly, pointing out the asking price for the house. It was well out of their agreed upon budget, but Miles had insisted on touring anyway.

"I just don't know how we'd ever afford this place. I don't exactly make bank playing piano, Miles."

Miles sighed. They'd had the budget conversation many times over the past year, both in regards to buying a house as well as other such large purchases. It wasn't as if the pair were destitute, Miles made quite a bit in fact, high prosecutor was hardly an empty title. Phoenix had just been...hesitant when it came to spending money. Trucy was growing though, and they needed a bigger home than the apartment he and Miles had been sharing, preferably somewhere with a decent school district and an actual back yard. Unfortunately for them, yards were expensive in LA.

"You promised you would ignore the price for today, love," he said pointedly. "Besides, it's low for the area, especially for a three bedroom. You mentioned wanting to get back into art, you could use that third as a studio."

"And when Kay visits?" Phoenix asked. Miles snorted in response.

"She's slept in far worse places than our couch, dear. In fact I almost think she prefers it. Tell me honestly though: ignoring the price, did you like the house?" he asked.

Phoenix hesitated, and Miles could see him biting his lip. It was a tick of his, toying at the scar there.

"I did," he admitted. "I really did. The kitchen was huge, and the covered porch was really nice. I think Trucy would absolutely love being able to have space to practice her magic tricks. And you're right, having space for a studio would be fantastic. It's just…it's a house Miles. Couldn't we just get a bigger apartment?"

"We absolutely could, Phoenix, but why shouldn't we buy a house?" he questioned. "You know I'm not hurting for money, and all of your savings are already going towards Trucy and keeping the office downtown. I want to buy a house with you, Phoenix Wright. Why not that one?"

Phoenix didn't answer him. He could see out of the corner of his eye that the man was still staring at the pamphlet, eyes fixed on the asking price. Finally, he sighed.

"You're right, Miles. The place is damn near perfect. I just…you're sure you wouldn't rather buy something less exp- ah! Whoa, Miles!"

Miles had slammed on the brakes, stopping them dead on the unfamiliar neighborhood street. He turned to Phoenix and gave him the sternest look he could muster at the moment.

"Phoenix Wright what is this really about?" he demanded. "I know you know I don't care about the price. I also know you're doing your level best to care for Trucy, and make something approaching a living wage, and figure out what happened with the Gramarye case. Why won't you let me do this?"

Phoenix stared at him for a moment, eyes wide as he bit his lip, and oh. Oh. A moment later Miles was holding him in his arms as he wept.

"I don't wanna be a burden on you, Miles. It's my fault we're even in this situation, ok, I just-! How can you be so sure that this is worth it?"

"Phoenix, of course this is worth it. I love you, and I love Trucy, and that's all there is to it. I know I've been a piece of work the last few years, and you've stood by me the- er," he winced, "well most of the time, my year abroad notwithstanding. The least I can do is be here when you need me. I love you too much to do anything else."

Miles' jacket would definitely need a good washing before he wore it to work again, but it seemed his words had had the desired effect. Phoenix continued to sob quietly for a moment before turning his face outwards and letting out a shuddering sigh. They stayed like that for a while, Miles putting the car into park and rubbing soothing circles into Phoenix's back.

"...you're sure this is the one, Miles? This house?" the man asked. Miles smiled softly.

"Yes. I do. Do you?"

"I...yeah. Yeah, I do. Think we'll be able to get it though?"

Miles hummed, then pushed Phoenix off his shoulder so he could start the car again.

"I'll call the realtor as soon as we get home. Eldoon's for dinner?" His suggestion made Phoenix smile.

"Yeah, Trucy'll love that. I'm paying though, got it?"

Miles laughed as he pulled onto the main road, and Phoenix laughed with him. Yes, Miles thought, this was very much the right decision. And even if it wasn't, I wouldn't want to waste money on anyone else.

[grievingauthor]

NaruMitsu Week Day 3: Anniversary

Read on Ao3

Winter has always been difficult for Miles Edgeworth. December in particular had it's fair share of difficulties and annoyances; holidays, the flu, the cold. Nightmares, unbearable sadness, and an anniversary Miles would often rather forget.

It's good then, that his family always seems to know the best ways to cheer him up.

Miles jerked awake, breathing hard. He groaned, running a hand across his face, and sat up. That stupid dream again. Would he ever be free of it? It had been almost thirty years. Three decades! He'd known the truth for nearly as long as he'd believed the idiotic lie his mind kept telling him! And yet the dream continued to haunt him every December.

Miles felt the bed shift beside him and looked down. Phoenix had one sleepy eye open, a hand on his thigh.

"You ok?" he asked, stifling a yawn. His hair was sticking up at all sorts of odd angles, and he had a small pool of drool at the corner of his mouth. Miles couldn't help but smile.

"Just a bad dream, love. Winter and all that," he said softly. "You go back to sleep."

Phoenix hummed, eyes closing for a moment as Miles leaned down to press a kiss to his temple. He rolled onto his back and sat up, hands pressing against the small of his back in a vain attempt to get it to pop. He didn't manage to suppress the second yawn this time, instead taking a moment to blink tiredly at his husband.

"I'm not the one with a trial coming up, babe. I can stand a few hours of lost sleep. Pancakes?" he offered. Miles bit his lip, glancing at the alarm clock to his other side. 2:47 am. That was a decent enough time for breakfast, wasn't it? Miles sighed, looking back at Phoenix.

"Alright. I'll start coffee. Try not to wake the children, alright?" he said, tugging the blanket off his lap and sliding on a pair of slippers. He heard Phoenix snort at his request.

Together they tiptoed their way out of their room and down the hallway towards the stairs. Phoenix lingered outside Trucy's door for a moment, just listening to her breathe. Miles wouldn't admit it, but he did the same outside Kay's. She'd been bouncing off the walls since they'd picked her up from the airport that morning, apparently anxious about some sort of announcement. Miles would put good money on it being related to Detective Skye's own anxieties. He'd been getting complaints from more than one prosecutor about being "snackoo'd" by her.

They moved downstairs and into the kitchen, pausing a moment to share a brief kiss under the mistletoe Pearl had insisted they hang above the entry. Christmas was...well, today, technically speaking. The tree sat in one corner of the living room, all red and blue lights and multicolored baubles. He'd helped Trucy put up the (truly ridiculous) star just the day before, when everyone had been opening their gifts from Phoenix's gaggle of friends and former clients (how he'd maintained contact with Will Powers over the last ten years, Miles would never know. At least he was never in want of rare Steel Samurai merchandise).

Miles changed out the grounds and set the coffee pot to brew, then dragged out a chair and sat at the kitchen island, watching Phoenix hum as he set about gathering bowls and pans and all manner of ingredients. He let the peace of the moment wash over him, eyes drifting closed for a fraction of a second before snapping them open again. Right. The dream. He sighed, slumping against the counter and burying his face in his arms.

"We can put off seeing him, Miles."

He looked up, catching Phoenix studying him. Miles shook his head. "You say that every year, and every year I agree, and we never end up going. It's been twenty-eight years, Phoenix. I need to visit my father. Whether I want to or not."

Phoenix frowned, and turned back to the bowl of batter he was preparing. "You know," he said, "you could always ask Maya or Pearls to channel him. It might give you some kind of closure."

"I've told you before, I don't want to. The man deserves his rest, especially this close to…to…"

"The anniversary of his death," Phoenix finished. Miles sighed.

"Yes. That. I know it's unbecoming of me, really I do, but I just...I can't, Phoenix. So instead I am going to pick up the flowers we ordered, and I am going to see him, and you -" he pointed a finger at Phoenix, "-are going to join me while I do. Franziska has already agreed to keep an eye on Trucy for us, and Apollo is due to return to Khura'in for that case he's working on. I imagine Kay is going to be quite busy with Ema, if I've guessed right about why she's been so nervous."

"And Sebastian has that concert to prepare for," Phoenix sighed, "I know. I just…you don't have to go if you aren't ready to, Miles."

Miles sighed again. He'd been doing that a lot the last hour, hadn't he? So rather than respond he stared into the middle distance and let the sound of sizzling pancake batter drown out every thought his brain tried to form.

A plate of fresh pancakes slid into place in front of him a few minutes later, drawing him out of his dissociative state. Phoenix had made a smiley face out of the blueberries he'd put into them, and as silly as it was, it made Miles smile. His father had done that, before everything had gone wrong. Saturday morning cartoons and smiley face pancakes. He looked up at Phoenix, a sad smile tugging at his lips.

"I don't think I'll ever really be ready, darling. So I should just go, hm? You'll be there with me after all, and we'll visit Mia too."

Phoenix smiled softly and leaned forward to press a kiss to his forehead.

"You two are so gross," came a voice near the stairs. Kay stood in the kitchen entry, leaning against the wall. She pushed off of it, moving to hop up onto the island counter, attempting to steal Miles' pancakes.

"And just why aren't you asleep, Kay?" he asked, pushing them out of her reach. She pouted at him, then turned her ridiculous puppy dog eyes on Phoenix. He sighed and started fixing another plate for her.

"I could smell the pancakes, duh. You old men having a party without me? I'm hurt," she said. Miles rolled his eyes.

"Sit in a chair like a normal human being please, Kay. And we weren't having a party, we were...talking about Friday," Miles said.

Kay's eyes widened, letting out a quiet "oh". She obediently moved to one of the chairs, pulling it closer to Miles so she could lean against him. He welcomed the contact, wrapping an arm around her. They fell silent again, Phoenix continuing to make pancakes for a while. Finally, Kay spoke.

"I'm gonna ask Ema to marry me."

Miles smiled, catching his husband's eye. Phoenix rolled his in response.

"I'm happy for you," he said.

Kay sat up so she could look him in the eye.

"September or December?" she asked.

"Pardon?"

"The wedding. Should we hold it in September, or in December? If it's okay with you I mean."

Miles blinked, then shared a look with Phoenix. Was...was she asking if…

"The 28th should be a happier day for you, Miles. I'm sure Ema would agree. Is it ok with you if we get married then?"

Miles meant to respond, truly he did, but all that came out was a soft sob. He closed his mouth, nodding instead. Kay broke into a grin and flung her arms around his neck in a bone crushing hug. He returned it, tears rolling slowly down his cheeks as he looked up at Phoenix, lost.

He'd like to celebrate another kind of anniversary on the 28th. Why not his daughter's wedding anniversary? His father would have liked that, watching Miles walk Kay down the aisle.

Phoenix grinned, walking up behind Kay to press another kiss to Miles' forehead.

"Merry Christmas, Miles," he said, and well. Merry Christmas indeed.

[grievingauthor]

NaruMitsu Week Day 5: Appearances

Read on Ao3

"Honestly Wright," he said, draping the tie carefully over his shoulders, "have you forgotten how to tie a tie already?"

"Hey, I haven't had to wear one in like three years! Cut me some slack, Miles," the brunet whined, causing the other man to snort.

"Honestly I'm surprised I didn't catch you practicing at all hours of the night. Appearance is everything, after all, especially on a day like today."

Phoenix swore under his breath, fingers fumbling as he undid his necktie for the fifth time in a row. Why wouldn't the stupid thing just cooperate? He let out a groan of frustration, ripping the tie off and throwing it to the ground.

"Would you like some help with that?"

Phoenix blinked, glancing first in the mirror, then over his shoulder at the figure in the doorway. Miles stood there, arms crossed and wearing an amused smile. He'd apparently finished dressing before Phoenix, suit crisp and tie knotted perfectly. Phoenix smiled sheepishly, bending down to pick up the crumpled strip of fabric that had once been his own tie. Miles strode across the room, careful to close the door behind him, and plucked it from his hands.

"Honestly Wright," he said, draping the tie carefully over his shoulders, "have you forgotten how to tie a tie already?"

"Hey, I haven't had to wear one in like three years! Cut me some slack, Miles," the brunet whined, causing the other man to snort.

"Honestly I'm surprised I didn't catch you practicing at all hours of the night. Appearance is everything, after all, especially on a day like today. Chin up for a moment." He finished knotting the tie, adjusting it so it sat right.

"Hey, speaking of," Phoenix said, "what're you doing in here? Isn't it supposed to be bad luck, seeing each other before the ceremony?"

Miles quirked an eyebrow, hands resting gently on Phoenix's chest as the other man pulled him closer.

"I'm rather certain that's for grooms and brides, dear, and I don't see any brides here. Do you?" he asked. Phoenix chuckled, pressing his forehead against his fiancé's.

"I dunno Miles, you are wearing wedding whites. I don't think I've seen you in a suit with an actual tie since we were kids," he teased. Miles huffed, pushing back gently to fix him with a look.

"At least I haven't forgotten how they work, unlike some people."

Phoenix just laughed again, releasing Miles with one arm to look towards the mirror. The two looked like quite the pair, Miles dressed all in white and maroon, and Phoenix in black and blue. He'd even styled his hair for the occasion, slicking it back into his old spiked style. A single cowlick stuck out over his forehead, and he thought it made him look somehow younger. Or maybe that was the lack of stubble. He sighed, squeezing Miles in a side hug for a moment.

"You sure you don't wanna just ditch and head to France?" he asked softly.

"And risk Franziska hunting us down? I'd rather not be whipped to death on my honeymoon, Wright," Miles said.

"Nah," he said, "I don't think she'd do that. Not if I tell Trucy to keep her occupied. Which reminds me, we're gonna need to thank her for letting us borrow the mansion for the weekend. I still don't know why she was so insistent that we hold the ceremony here though."

"Something about desecrating her father's legacy, I believe. It helps that it's only for show, I think. Could you imagine if we'd actually done this the first time?"

Phoenix scoffed. "I think the courthouse wedding was just fine, myself. I don't mind putting on a show for our friends though. Besides-"

C R A C K

Phoenix physically sprang away from both Miles and the door, arms up in self defense. Franziska stood in the doorway, arms crossed and finger tapping. She didn't look pleased.

"And just what do you foolish fools think you are doing?" she demanded. "Phoenix Wright, you were due downstairs five minutes ago, and the ceremony is to start in ten. Miles Edgeworth, if you would come with me."

Miles sighed, reaching to squeeze one of Phoenix's hands gently.  "Almost time then. I'll see you out there?" Phoenix smiled wide.

"Of course you will. Ten minutes." He squeezed his hand back. "Love you, Miles."

Miles smiled. "I love you too. Now then, let's go get married, shall we?"

With that, Miles and Franziska disappeared down the hallway, leaving Phoenix alone again in front of the mirror. He turned back to it with a sigh and carefully readjusted his tie, then straightened his suit jacket. For a moment he just...stared at his reflection. This was really happening. In just ten short minutes he'd be watching Miles walk down the makeshift aisle in the Von Karma family Manor's backyard, where all of their friends and family could see. He tugged at his jacket again, sniffing and turning toward the door. It was time for him to make his appearance before the rest of the wedding party.

[grievingauthor]

NaruMitsu Week Day 1: Chain/Locks

read on Ao3

"Merry Christmas Nick!"

"Thanks Maya, but...what is this?"

"It'll help you find the truth. Sis used to use it when she did her investigations. I think she'd want you to use it too."

"Look, just go away, and leave me alone!"

Phoenix Wright had never been the most observant person in the world. He is, however, one of the only remaining experts on the nature of one Miles Edgeworth, and didn't need the magatama to tell him Edgeworth was hiding something. Nevertheless, the moment the demand left his lips five red psyche-locks appeared, the bottoms tinged black. They matched Maya's description almost exactly.

"No," he said, hands tightening into fists. "You're being framed for a murder , Miles. I know that I just expressed doubt, but now I'm certain. So you can either go into that courtroom and intentionally put yourself in chains, or you can tell me why someone would want to frame you."

He held Edgeworth's gaze for what felt like hours. Maya shifted where she stood next to him. Edgeworth looked away first.

"I told you, Wright. I don't want you involved. If you're really that insistent then figure it out for yourself," he said, voice hard. Phoenix let out a deep sigh in response, slouching in his chair.

"Fine," he snapped. "Fine, Edgeworth, we'll do this your way. Evidence is king, right? So I'll bring you evidence, and you'll tell me what I want to know, and then we'll get you an innocent verdict, because I know you Miles Edgeworth. You wouldn't kill a man if your life depended on it."

Edgeworth winced, hand tightening where it clutched his arm. Phoenix wouldn't be getting any more out of him without some investigation.

~~~~~

DL-6. The death of Gregory Edgeworth. The moment they left Grossberg's office, Phoenix called a cab. He needed to get to the courthouse, see what the library had on the case. One photo was hardly proof that this was what Edgeworth was hiding after all. He sent Maya back to the office to see if Mia had any files one it from her search for Misty. She probably wouldn't find much of anything, but at least he wouldn't have to worry about her getting bored while he searched the courthouse case files.

It took hours, of course. The case was fifteen years old, and the statute of limitations was due to run out in a mere three days, but what he found was worth every minute. The victim of Edgeworth's supposed crime had been the defense attorney assigned to the DL-6 incident. The defendant had pleaded insanity and then vanished once he was declared innocent. Two shots were fired, and only one bullet recovered. It wasn't much, hardly enough to try and piece together what happened, but it would have to be enough.

Visiting hours were nearly over by the time Phoenix returned to the detention center. Edgeworth was waiting for him, staring at him through the window. Phoenix dropped the file on the counter with a thud, taking his own seat. He clutched the magatama in his pocket and pulled out his first piece of evidence, watching the locks appear once more. He'd break those locks, get his answers, and then he'd prove Edgeworth innocent.

He held up the crime scene photo first. Edgeworth stared at it, and the way his eyebrow twitched told Phoenix the man was trying not to flinch away.

"Fifteen years ago you witnessed the death of your father." Miles said nothing. He held up the next photo, one of Edgeworth's supposed victim. "Robert Hammond, the man who was shot last night, was the defense attorney assigned to the defendant."

One lock broke. He held up the photo of Misty Fey.

"Due to a truly startling lack of evidence police brought a spirit medium into the investigation, one Misty Fey. She channeled Gregory Edgeworth who claimed that the man who shot him was one Yanni Yogi, a bailiff at the courthouse. He'd been trapped in the elevator with you, so it made sense."

Another lock snapped, and Edgeworth remained silent. The court minutes came next.

"Hammond had Yogi plead insanity due to oxygen deprivation, and got an innocent verdict. He disappeared shortly after, and left the case unsolved."

The locks didn't change. Edgeworth looked away, gripping his shoulder.

"The statute of limitations runs out in three days," Phoenix said, "and there's only one potential suspect left. You, Miles."

Two of the remaining locks shuddered, then snapped. Miles let out a sob, and Phoenix set the paperwork down. He pressed one hand to the glass between them.

"Talk to me Miles. Tell me what's going on in that thick head of yours. If you think everything I've just said is total shit, then say so."

Miles took a shaky breath, then turned to look at him. His eyes were red, expression slack with exhaustion. This case had been haunting him for fifteen years, and the time had finally come for him to confront it.

"Fine," he said, voice soft.

The final remaining psyche-locks broke. The chains receded.

"Fine, I'll tell you what I know."