Rising Uncertainty

Family Bonding

It was almost too much to be surrounded by both Miles and Franziska all day. The non stop bickering and teasing (and the fact the two ganged up on Phoenix on almost everything no matter how teasing it was) was driving him insane. He felt like it was a miracle the two hadn't driven him out of the house. It was annoying. Was.

No matter how insane the house got during the day, Phoenix couldn't bring himself to be annoyed anymore. He realized it was all in good fun and he couldn't be annoyed when Miles' face was so relaxed and calmed. There was no way he could be annoyed at that.

Phoenix's attention was snapped back as Miles held something over Franziska. She just couldn't quite reach it. They both looked annoyed.

"For the last time, Franziska, I'm not giving you the files," Miles said with a huff.

"But I should be able to read them! I am in them, after all!" She countered.

"That's exactly why you can't read them!" Miles shot back. "Phoenix, please explain this to her."

"That's no fair that you get to bring your boyfriend in on the argument!" Franziska crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks as she tapped her foot.

"He's a lawyer as well, so it would only make sense to ask him-"

"But he's just going to side with you," she interrupted as she moved her hands to her hips. "Phoenix Wright doesn't get a say in the matter."

Miles stepped back, and held the folders up again as she once again tried to grab them from his hands.

"You know I can't show you! You're a witness, Fran. If they found out you read these, they wouldn't give credit to anything you say! They'll just say you only read it in the files and are using them to get back at the man for a personal grudge!" Miles narrowed his eyes before sighing lightly. Franziska stopped and drew her hands back, refusing to look up from the ground. Miles' expression turned gentle. "I only want to help you."

"I know... I just hate being out of the loop," she mumbled quietly. She glances at Phoenix before looking away quickly again. "I just want to see who else is going to go on stand."

"And you know I can't tell you that either. Not before I tell the judge," Miles said. "Everything will be okay. No matter who shows up to testify, I will fight like hell to get this man thrown in prison."

Phoenix couldn't help but smile at the interaction as Franziska hugged Miles tightly. She had squeezed her eyes shut and neither of them spoke, but the gesture said volumes. They trusted each other, even if they had a silly sibling rivalry. They'd fight for each other.

Franziska looked over at Phoenix before extending an arm out to him.

"Come hear, porcupine." She mumbled.

Phoenix hesitantly walked forwards and was shocked when she pulled him into the hug.

"I'm still pissed at you for trying to help him..." she mumbled. "But you're at least on the right side now."

Phoenix knew he wasn't meant to respond to that, so he didn't. Instead, he just hugged them both until everyone let go. He looked at Miles and watched as the other man straightened his shirt out and fixed his hair. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"What's so funny, Wright?" Miles asked, raising a brow. There was no venom in his voice, only a playful tone.

"You already look fine, but you still feel the need to fix everything," Phoenix said with a bright smile.

"I..." Miles fell silent and shifted on his feet. He really didn't know how to respond to some of the things Phoenix said.

Phoenix walked up to him placed his hand on his cheek before placing a kiss on the other cheek. He pulled back and smiled when he noticed Miles' bright red face.

"Don't flirt in front of me," Franziska groaned. "It's gross."

Miles rolled his eyes. The two siblings smiled at each other before Miles pulled away from Phoenix and tilted his head.

"I hate to ruin our moment, but," Miles sat down on his couch and sighed. "You should leave. You shouldn't be late to work."

"I was taking the day off to take care of you, remember?" Phoenix asked.

"I'm fine. I really am, especially since Franziska is here to help. She acts like she doesn't care, but she does."

"I'm standing right here!" She huffed.

Miles only shook his head slightly before directing his attention back to Phoenix.

"I wouldn't mind some time to myself either..." Miles mumbled. "I have things to process... to think about."

"Right," Phoenix said slowly. He awkwardly grabbed the back of his neck and flashed a weak smile. "I, um, I'll see you later then."

"We'll see you later, Wright," Miles confirmed with a small nod. He couldn't hide his small smile. "I'm making dinner tonight, so please show up this time."

Phoenix cringed a bit before sighing quietly.

"I will. I promise."

"We'll see," Miles said, brushing him off before walking away.

Damn. That man really could hold a grudge. Phoenix thought he had been forgiven. Or was he joking? He really couldn't tell.

"Okay, porcupine," Franziska started showing him out the door. "Go to work and let me handle my little brother. And stop looking so offended."

The door closed before he could say anything else. He chuckled lightly to himself before turning and walking away before freezing. He didn't have his bike.

Great.

Phoenix pulled out his phone and dialed a certain detectives number and asked to be picked up. He ignored Gumshoe's questions and hung up when the man finally agreed to pick him up. That car ride was going to be a long one.

He could already hear Gumshoe rattling on and on and asking question after question, but it was hard to be annoyed of the man. He had a big heart and an even bigger smile. It would warm anyways day.

———

A/N

Sorry for the extremely short chapter. I wanted to make a family fluff type chapter before things start getting more serious leading up to the case. Sorry to disappoint anyone who was expecting something more or better.