objectionattorney | Overflow! The end to the epidemic: Lets Celebrate that Phoenix is Not Dead

((Continued from here!))

Ahahah.

[As much as he knew it bothered Miles, seeing the aggravated look and it's slow transition to begrudging acceptance was something that Phoenix couldn't help but find amusing.]

I did, and because of it we have a decent amount of money to live off of.

[With that he smugly took a sip of his own drink. Sure it wasn't the best way to make a living, but neither were any of Phoenix's other ideas so far. And yet, some how, he had constantly managed to make enough for him and his friend to live off of.

In his book that was all that mattered.

Well, that and not breaking the law as much as possible.]

Anyway, I think tonights more of a night to celebrate no? After all, that's what everyone else seems to be doing.

[Brat.

Though at least Phoenix was earning money. Miles had managed to do a few small jobs here and there and got a few hundred silvers for his troubles, but anything slightly longer didn't last too long.

Apparently, he didn't have a good service persona.]

You're right. I suppose there is no use in focusing on that at the moment.

Fine. Let's celebrate. [He raised his glass upwards.]

To your health.

To wonderful company and good friends.

[But instead of taking another sip he placed his glass down. Smiling as he leaned forward and watched Miles down his glass. It was rare being able to see the other man let lose, so he was happy to appreciate the moment while it was there. Enjoying the sight of him as the bar light bounced off his pale skin.]

Beautiful.

Yes. Quite.

[It had been quite a while since he was able to really relax, like this. After he finished his drink he put it down, when he noticed his friend staring at him, with those large wide blue eyes of his. Were they always this wide? A slight blush rose up from his ears and crept across his face. He wasn't used to the focused attention of another person and in this sort of bar it felt almost... intimate.]

...What?

[Did he hear that correctly? He shifted awkwardly, unable to meet Phoenix's gaze. He instead concentrated on picking at a stray string at the edge of his jacket.]

The way the light's hitting you right now. It's a beautiful image. Like something out of a painting.

[In fact the blush did not help matters. A little shade of red on his face to reflect the red of his own suit within this dim yellow atmosphere. The way the light contoured his expression seemed to shape his face and jaw in all the right ways.

Almost without realizing did he find himself reaching out, the back of his fingers lightly brushing against Miles's jaw. Watching as the shadows formed and changed as he nudged at him a little.]

It's kind of suiting for you. Despite the fact that I know you'd rarely be in such an atmosphere like this normally.

[Miles sometimes forgot that Phoenix was an art major before he turned to law so it would make sense that he saw everything from an artist's point of view. Still, it was embarrassing to be examined so closely.]

You're being ridiculous, Wright.

[He gestured for the bartender to bring another drink. At least it would distract him from the attention.]

Not usually. There are generally too many people for my tastes, However, I did visit a few pubs back in Germany.

Germany? Really? Surely those were even more lively than the American ones.

[The thought of Miles of all people slumming it around at a German pub brought a smile to his face. How many drinking buddies did he once have out there? How many friends and high profile acquaintances did he manage to acquire in his other life on the other side of the world.

He forgot how mysterious much of Miles's life outside of the office was to him.]

Anyway, if anything I think that gives us all the more reason to do this more. Before we ended up here I don't think we hung out anywhere near as much as I really wanted us to.

[Oh! Was that too presumptuous? Maybe it was because Miles was too busy, or maybe he didn't want to spend all his time outside of work around Phoenix when they spent so much of their working time running into one another?

Great. Now he could feel his own cheeks turning red.]

That is, if you don't mind.

[And with that he turned to look at Miles once more. Sorry, but it's going to take a lot more than that change of subject to get his eyes off you.]

((Continued from this awkward encounter!))

[Because a grown man standing around in his underwear hanging around a shirtless teenager is not an awkward situation to explain at all.

None the less, despite being quite a bit younger, Riku seems to carry an experience with him that Phoenix is quite severely lacking. This especially seems be the case as Riku takes hold of knife and offers to "help".]

Um, right. Okay.

[There is a bit of hesitance in Phoenix's voice. The intrinsic instinct to avoid pain whenever possible screaming at full force in the back of his mind.

PAIN = BAD

None the less he offers his hand out to Riku, his shoulders tense and worry apparent in his eyes as he tries to force his way past his own screaming thoughts.]

You, um, really know how to handle yourself with this sort of thing huh?

[Small-talk will help distract him from it happening right?]

[Good thing that they don't have to explain it to anyone right now, right? But yes, it's definitely not something that Riku will care to brag about.

Rather than to take Phoenix's offered hands, Riku flips the knife in his right hand then sets it down near his own left elbow and draws it down his left forearm. He grimaces slightly at the pain, but otherwise doesn't seem all too affected – he's made sure to keep the cut shallow, so he figures that he'll be able to heal it with Cure once the dragons are lured in.

But sure, he can do small talk while they wait!]

Well, if by 'this sort of thing' you mean standing half naked in the middle of the jungle as dragon bait… that's a new one for me too. But I've handled plenty monsters. If those dragons attack us, I'll be able to handle it.

Ah!

[Almost immediately does concern and fear strike over Phoenix's expression as he watches Riku outright (shallowly) mutilate his arm without so much as a seconds hesitation. His jaw dropping and his own hand reaching out almost instinctively as he grabs the wrist of the hand that held the knife.]

What are you doing!? You don't have to go that far now do you?!

[His heart is pounding as he sees the blood, biting his lip out of habit as he looks the wound over.]

Being able to handle it or not it's no reason to hurt yourself that badly. Here, let me see it.

[He was no trained medical expert but if spending his days looking over insanely precarious kids had taught him one thing, it was how to handle dressing wounds.]

Man, if it can't sense a cut like this then there are probably no dragons here at all.

[Riku blinks when his wrist is grabbed, then raises an eyebrow – he doesn't really see what all the fuss is about.]

It's best way to lure the dragons, and it probably hurts me less than it would have hurt you.

[Because cutting your palm? Generally not a good idea anyway – especially when you might need your off-hand for something or other. In any case, he tries to pull away his injured arm; there is no need to see to or worry about it.]

You don't need to worry, I'll heal it away once we got the dragons close.

[It probably won't even leave a scar! (…Probably. Riku's healing is a work-in-progress, but he's confident enough; that counts for something, right?)]

[Riku, as an adult man who’s standing here and watching a teenager willingly slash his arm open without hesitation what is there not to worry about!? Goodness, his paternal instincts feel like they just shot up eleven.

Maybe after they capture this dragon Phoenix will sit Riku down with a cup of hot coco and just give the kid time to relax a little.

Yes, that was probably by a good idea.]

How much it would hurt isn’t the point. I’m more concerned over how little hesitation it took for you to do that to yourself.

You know what? Never mind, we’ll save that for later.

[You literally just met this kid Phoenix, it would be dissuading to start scolding him right off the bat.]

If you do know how to heal it make sure to keep it clean during all this. I don’t want to have it get infected or worse because of a silly request like this.

[Speaking of how dumb dragon hunting could be, did the ground just shake a little? Nah, it was probably just his own paranoia at work.

Probably.]

[Hey, what is there to worry about – it's not like he's cut himself for the fun of it! So yea, Riku doesn't seem all too impressed by Phoenix attempt to parent him.]

I was being practical.

[They need to lure in these dragons and if that's the way to speed up the process, sure, Riku is going to cut himself. And besides, wasn't Phoenix trying to do the same like two minute ago? How is that any different?

In any case, Riku scowls faintly – would it hurt this man to trust him to know what he's doing? (This is why adults suck, btw. Just so you know.)]

It's not going to get infected.

[But before he can say any more, he feels the faint tremor, hears a slight rumble coming closer. Hmm, seems like the dragon keeper was right about the blood. He turns towards the jungle, tensing slightly.]

I think we got company.

Of course, they were. German pubs were more than about just socializing but they were a fantastic place to get information. I must admit, I do miss a good Schwarzbier, but that is neither here nor there.

[Yes let's talk about beer and that will help deflect that gaze maybe.]

Really? I suppose it had been harder to meet up to socialize after I became the chief prosecutor. I think I was just really busy, with only having all of five prosecutors in the district, I had to stay in and work most nights and weekends...

Of course, I don't mind. You act as if I spend time with you unwillingly. Don't be ridiculous, Phoenix.

[Well he tried. All he could do was shift awkwardly.

No. wait.

He wasn't going to back down from this. He was going to stare right back, unblinking. Just like a Von Karma. He was going to win this.

It was a pretty intense stare.]

[He’s a lawyer Riku. The most self harm he had ever seen inflicted were usually through postmortem autopsy reports. He’s not used to this high-octane dragon hunting lifestyle. Also you are so young, you shouldn’t be so used to such things.

He is a middle aged man filled with worry and concern.]

I know, they say it’s mandatory but—

[He stops as Riku points out the arrival of something else. Phoenix’s own body growing alert, eyes wide as he froze and, sure enough, the tremble of the ground was growing all the more distinct. And then, in the distance, a deep and guttural roar from the forest.

How did he end up in this situation again?]

So, you wouldn’t happen to know what we were supposed to do once the dragon showed up, do you?

[Why does he feel like they should be running now?]

[Well sorry, but he's a world traveler. Paper cuts rate very lowly on his list of worries… dragons on the other hand? Really, not that uncommon a concern (or well, dragon-like monsters anyway). So yea, leave him to deal with the things he knows, and he'll leave Phoenix to worry about the paperwork it might or might not cause… that sounds like a fair deal, no?]

Well, we are supposed to capture it, aren't we? I'd suggest we do exactly that.

[Though the how of that… well, that's still in works. Riku just hopes this dragon won't be spitting fire at them. That would be pretty annoying… and a little dangerous, especially given their lack of clothing.]

You mean that?

[You would have thought that the blank stare would have dissuaded him. But it was what Miles had said that had kept Phoenix hooked. His eyes wide and clear and intent on the silver gaze that met his as if truly fascinated.]

It’s just... I always thought you were simply sticking to me out of obligation. Since we were friends when we were kids and all.

[His voice had taken a softer tone, almost intimate as he scooted a little closer.]

I know we’ve experienced hell and back in the courtroom, but you always made it feel so professional. Like it were merely out of a sense of duty that we worked as well as we had.

[He couldn’t help himself. The next thing he knew he felt himself reaching out, his hand gently lying on top of Miles’s as he continued to hold his gaze.]

Before now we rarely ever spent time like this and, even though it’s entirely different from how things were two decades ago I— I really missed spending time with you. Casual time such as we are now.

[That sounds like a wonderful deal. He will be happy to write up a contract expressing their mutual satisfaction in getting Riku to tame this beast the moment he gets a pair of slacks back on.

And after whatever damage reports he may have to end up writing due to this whole endeavor.

Seriously. Why him?]

Capture it huh? You wouldn’t happen to have any dragon hunting traps on your person would you?

[And if so where are you hiding it with what you were wearing? Phoenix couldn’t help but instead gulp back his witty retort though as the shaking ground grew all the more tremulous and a loud roar erupted from the shaking branches. Only a few seconds passing before it suddenly busted out towards them, knocking a few trees down with it in the process.]

At least it’s apparently trained not to attack!?!

[But then why does it look so ready to lunge in their direction?]

[What was with that look? The intensity of his gaze made the color flush hot against his cheeks. Was it how he was looking at him or was it the effects of the alcohol finally catching up with him? Still, he did not relent. ]

What on earth would make you assume such a thing? I certainly have better things to do than hang around someone out of obligation. Doubly so, considering my lack of free time in my earlier life as a chief prosecutor.

[He finally broke his gaze from Phoenix, to glance at the large warm hand that was now covering his, only to return to those intense blue eyes that looked at him so darned earnestly. He made no effort to move his hand away, but the action made a fluttering feeling in his chest that much more intense.]

I admit, that I missed spending time with you as well. If anything I am grateful for the time we have been spending together as of late. And yes our relationship had certainly evolved greatly over the past two decades.

I am gladdened by it.

[How could he express to the man how very much the other man had meant to him? Phoenix was the catalyst for his revival. The very reason that he was alive now. That he was so very scared that his friend could have perished due to the illness, recently. It was his incredible luck that led to him being here, now.

He had no words to express the depths of what Phoenix had meant to him. He started.]

...You... are my dearest friend Phoenix.

[With his free hand he covered Phoenix's and squeezed it. It was a small gesture but he hoped it would convey more than he could visibly express.]

[Well, apparently he volunteered? Or so Riku figures at least, since that's what he did.

Riku shrugs – no he doesn't have any dragon hunting traps on him. He doesn't even know what those would look like, really. Then he places his right hand over the cut on his arm, muttering quietly under his breath ("Heal.") and just like that green magic sparks and skin mends again.

Then he draws back his right and twists his wrist slightly, Darkness swirling as he calls out his sword.]

Even if it's not supposed to attack, I'm not going to take any chances.

[Is he planning to fight the dragon? You bet his planning to fight the dragon!!!

He turns his head back slightly, faint concern on his face as he considers Phoenix.]

You should probably stay back.

Miles...

[There was something so intense yet so intimate about the sudden moment shared between them. The pressure of Mile's other hand on top of his causing the butterflies in his stomach to flutter frantically. Gulping back as he found himself fixated on the all too serious expression of his best friend.

It was so difficult to look away. Miles was just so beautiful in his intensity.]

You really mean that? Every word?

[It was a desperate grasp at confirmation. His voice shuddering in attempt to hold back the welling emotion in his voice. His body sitting up, scooting closer to Miles as he lifted their hands between them. Cupping his other hand over Miles so that their hands were now fully entwined with one another.

And yet his gaze still refused to break from Miles.]

You really feel so strongly about me? Even after all I've put you through?

[It was no comparison to his own feelings most likely. But this, even this small shared sentiment was something.]

Of course, I do!

[Phoenix's hands were large and warm, his fingers squeezed his friends tightly. His chest had tightened with the intensity of Phoenix's gaze.]

I mean, what have you put me through? I'm certain I have put you through worse. It is your sweet selfless nature that had forgiven me for hurting you so deeply. Yet you had never given up on me.

I can never express how very much your friendship had meant to me. You are the person who had (w)righted my path towards the Truth.

Your presence beside me here and now is what continues to propel me forward towards that singular path. I would be utterly lost were you not here!

[The outburst was sudden and his voice was hoarse and full of emotion. With a ferocity that was unexpected even to himself.]

I was so terrified of losing you this past month... That I would awaken and you'd be gone.

[He was shaking from the outburst. Now looking away to hide how his eyes were watering.]

[Not so much volunteered to this specifically as much as he accidentally got himself involved due to his inexplicable habit of wanting to help people without asking what it is they need first. He thought encouraging others to help aid the country that opened up its borders to them by volunteering himself for required tasks would be a good idea, and would keep morale going for all those who, like himself, have just recovered for Violet 2710.

He didn't think that meant he'd be signing himself up as dragon bait though!

Taken aback by the quickly fleeting spark of light that Riku emitted, Phoenix turned his head just in time to see the kid produce a sword from what appeared to be entirely out of the ether! He had seen many interesting things up until this point, and had even seen real life magic once or twice. But this amount of inexplicable mysticism had seemed downright unbelievable!

All right! You've got this Phoenix. Just slowly step back and let Riku do his thing as--

A small crack sounded as Phoenix slowly backed onto a pile of twigs. Immediately catching the dragons attention as it roared out and began to make a direct charge for him!]

Aghk!!!

Miles...

[This was all too much. There was so much building raw emotion throughout the entire conversation that Phoenix could feel his body shaking with each breath he took. Tears welling up in the corners of his eyes as Miles explained every reason why he felt the way he had. And he— How could he even respond to that?

Miles was the very reason he was who he was. Miles was his inspiration, his driving force. He would not be the person he was today if it hadn’t been for the ex-prosecutor before him. But his mind was too hazed over with both alcohol and emotion to state such things so eloquently. Instead squeezing his hands all the tighter as he looked him firmly in the eyes. Trying to convey all the raw emotion he felt through his gaze before—

He kissed him.

Surely the two of them must have been making quite a scene of themselves in the middle of the bar.]

[Hopefully no one else noticed these two tipsy and blubbering middle-aged men.

Miles couldn't really meet his gaze at first but then relented, His chest squeezed tightly with the intensity of emotion. ]

!!!

[The kiss took him completely off-guard. His eyes widened with the shock of it. His heart was now pounding against his chest. This was the first time anyone had ever kissed him and it was Phoenix of all people who was doing the kissing.

Slowly his eyes closed and he allowed himself to just feel his dearest friend's soft mouth against his. Perhaps it was the alcohol or their emotional conversation. But at this moment it felt good to put down his guard down and allow himself to just feel this.

Awkwardly he attempted to kiss back, his mouth moving sloppily against Phoenix's.

There was something wonderfully pure about this sensation.]

Overflow! The end to the epidemic: Lets Celebrate that Phoenix is Not Dead

For Miles

Re: For Miles

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