Wrightworth Oneshots

Oblivious Dumbass

After the trial, Phoenix and Miles left the building together. Maya had already headed home while Phoenix was still waiting for Miles. She'd promised Pearls they'd have a movie night.

"Well done, Phoenix," Miles said. "As always, you found out the truth."

Phoenix blushed slightly.
"Only thanks to you, Miles. Though I wouldn't have to try and figure that shit out in court if the police did their job right." He chuckled. "But I'm not mad at Gumshoe. He's a good guy."

"He is," Miles agreed. They had reached his car.
"Hey, uh, how did you get here today? Bike or bus?"

"Bus," Phoenix replied. He was slightly embarrassed by the fact that he didn't have a driver's license yet.

Miles opened the door on the passenger's side.
"Hop in, then. I'm giving you a ride home."

~~~

Phoenix yawned.
"Thanks, Miles, I really appreciate this. I owe you one."

Miles shook his head.
"Don't mention it. You looked exhausted, so I thought it would be best if you got home as quickly as possible. Also, who knows, you could have fallen asleep on the bus and missed your stop or something." He chuckled fondly at the image of Phoenix nodding off on the bus.

"Wow... that's actually very thoughtful, " Phoenix said, watching Miles for a few seconds before closing his eyes.
"And you're right, I'm absolutely drained. I could fall asleep right now... doesn't help that this seat is so comfy..." He yawned again.
"Thanks... I'll make sure to repay you somehow..."

~~~

"For me?" Miles' eyes widened.

"Yeah!" Phoenix replied, grinning from one ear to the other.
"Open it." He rocked back and forth on his feet excitedly.

Miles carefully removed the wrapping paper, trying not to rip it.
He revealed a fancy-looking tin box with the name of a well-known expensive tea brand on it.
"You didn't," Miles gasped.

"I did." Phoenix couldn't stop smiling.
"It's a variety box, it has some of your favorite flavors!"

"How did you-" Miles shook his head incredulously.
He took a step back to let Phoenix into his office, then turned around to set the gift on his desk.

Phoenix closed the door and looked at the floor sheepishly.
"How did I know what flavors you like? I, uh, I recognized the colors from the ones you already had in your office. I just... wanted to thank you for giving me that ride home."

"Phoenix... I love it. Thank you so much." Miles gave him a warm smile.
"But I assume you have better things to do than hang out in my office." His smile faltered. "And so do I," he sighed  glancing at the stacks of paperwork on his desk.

~~~

Miles picked up the phone after seeing the name on the screen.
"Hey, Phoenix, what is it?"

"Miles, I was wondering if you were free after work," Phoenix said.
"They're playing that movie you've been talking about. I could get us some tickets."

"Oh," Miles replied. "W-wow, yeah, sure. Thanks..."

"Cool, I'll text you the time. See you there, bye!"
* click*
Phoenix had hung up.

Miles sat at his desk, staring at the wall. Why was Phoenix being so nice to him? Why was he actively trying to spend time with him? Was he buttering him up? Something was going on, and Miles was determined to find out.

~~~

At the movies, Phoenix paid for the popcorn and the drinks.
Suspicious.
It felt like he was going to ask Miles for some kind of favor any second now.
As they were watching the movie, Phoenix gave Miles a chocolate bar that he'd snuck in, giggling like a schoolboy.
What did he want?
Nobody ever gave Miles things or did things for him if they weren't trying to get on his good side, to bribe him, to manipulate him.

Miles' frustration and irritation reached a peak when, after the movie,  Phoenix invited Miles back to his place for a glass of wine.

"What is going on, Wright?" Miles had decided to confront him. He crossed his arms.
"What do you want? Are you going to ask me for a favor? Or are you still trying to repay me for giving you a lift?" He raised an eyebrow.

Phoenix frowned.
"Wha-? The hell are you talking about? Are you okay?" He tried to check Miles' temperature with his hand, but Miles swatted his hand away before he could reach his forehead.

"Tell me," Miles hissed between his clenched teeth, "why are you being so nice to me? Why are you doing all this for me?"

Phoenix still looked concerned.
"Miles... are you sure you're okay? Weren't we past this crap?"

Now Miles was the one confused.
"Past... past what?"

"Past the whole 'I don't deserve friends and I don't deserve to be loved' crap!" Phoenix blushed, realizing what he'd just said.

"L-loved...?" Miles' eyes widened.

Phoenix threw caution to the wind and grabbed Miles by the collar.
"What? Is it so hard for you to understand that someone could love you?? You oblivious dumbass!"

Miles just stared at him, unmoving, while his eyes started to look wet. Blinking once, twice, three times. Then, without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Phoenix, hugging him tight.
"You're right," he chuckled.

"About what?"

"I really am an oblivious dumbass."