The bed nearly rattles under the prosecutor’s trembling, eyes scrunched tightly, chest aching from the fear that attempts to smother him. He gasps softly for air, fingers gripping onto Phoenix’s shirt tightly until it almost rips, tears still cascading down flushed cheeks. Deep in his head, he scolds himself for reacting this way, for continuing to let his fear haunt him so. Thirty-six years old and still having nightmares. He can’t stand this, he is far beyond the point of exhaustion, he is simply too old for this.
The free hand that isn’t clinging to Wright flexes into a fist and he digs his nails into his palm to try and ground himself. He attempts at steadying his breathing, directing his thoughts to his partner, letting them latch onto Wright and his presence. He repeats his name in his head over and over until it loses its meaning, then he shifts his focus and his senses.
Keeping his eyes shut, he presses closer and listens to Wright’s heartbeat, timing his breaths in time with the steady rise and fall of his lover’s chest. He can hear the gentle murmurs, Phoenix’s voice soothing just as his heartbeat. Once he feels the first layer of fear melt away, he proceeds to the next step: sight.
Slowly opening his eyes, he only sees the material of Phoenix’s t-shirt and the wall, the colors distorted and indiscernible due to the darkness of the room and his poor vision. He shifts his head, then lets his gaze travel along his lover until he reaches his face, mapping out his features. Strong jaw, soft lips, tanned cheeks --tanner than his own--, chocolate brown and ocean blue hues swimming with concern as they watch him quietly.
Edgeworth continues to stare at his lover until he feels the next layer strip away. He takes a breath, then he moves onto the next sense, touch. His grip slowly loosens from Wright’s shirt, but he doesn’t let go completely. Instead, he gently rubs the fabric, the soft cotton slipping between his fingers, then he releases and lets his hand glide up his partner’s chest. Passing his neck, he gently brushes his thumb over his partner’s chin, then his lips, over his cheek bones, his brows. He slides his hand into Phoenix’s hair next, fingers gently tangling in the dark soft locks, a hum rumbling in his chest.
He focuses on smell and buries his face in the attorney’s neck, taking deep steady breaths. He inhales his scent, the tranquility finally settling in as he takes in the comfort of his lover, body growing lax as the weight finally lifts. He sighs deeply, then he lifts his head and peers at Phoenix, watching him closely. He offers a small smile, then leans forward and gives an appreciative kiss to his husband’s lips. ❝ Thank you, Wright. ❞ He whispers softly before slotting himself back into the lawyer’s arms.
