Warnings: Implied/Referenced Rape, Sexual Content, Referenced Sexual Abuse

Anything But Love - Chapter One

The manor itself was intimidating, and that was viewed from the curb.

Phoenix Wright idly fiddled with the strap over his left shoulder, taking in the scenary with a level of awe that had only seemed to escalate since arriving in this country. Germany - from what he'd seen of it so far - was a very different place than his home city of Los Angeles, California. Sure, Frankfurt was a fairly large city, but everything from the atmosphere to the city's layout was just... foreign. At least most people he'd encountered had a grasp of English; many had much more than that. Now, he was on the outskirts of the city where owning such a large plot of land was feasible, not that this particular family lacked wealth, as he'd heard it told.

A wide driveway cut a straight path through a manicured lawn of vivid green and a border of towering spruce trees. A sturdy fence lined the outside of that border, its wrought-iron gate standing about ten yards away down the driveway. The gate was open, thankfully, but Phoenix assumed it would be tightly closed and barred come sundown. At least it seemed he would only need to gain admission at the front door, something he was entirely uncertain he could accomplish. What he had heard about this family's reputation had made that sound a very daunting task.

Still, he'd come this far: he wasn't about to chicken out now! Phoenix took in a deep breath, adjusted the weight of his blue backpack, and then took his first step onto the Von Karmas' property. The rest came a bit easier, setting him on a steady pace down the driveway and under the gate. Once he passed the line of trees, he got a much better idea of just how much land these people owned. The manor itself was huge, but it was dwarfed by the stretch of acres before him; he was pretty sure he saw a stable out back, but he couldn't be certain at this distance.

There were a few cars parked in the out front, but he assumed many more - probably the nicest ones - were sheltered within the massive garage nearby. Phoenix made sure to walk near the edge of the concrete path, afraid to even get close to one of those vehicles lest he accidentally leave a scratch or make someone suspicious. In his green sweater, blue jeans, and sneakers, he didn't exactly look like he belonged in such a grandiose place.

Man... If the landscape is making me feel this self-conscious, how am I going to even FACE the people who live on it?

It was a good five-minute walk - though to be fair, he was dawdling just a little - to finally reach the wide steps up to the front porch. It was all made of stone, as much of the manor seemed to be. He could tell this place was old, but not a single part of it had been allowed to fall into disrepair. The manor's second story created a ceiling over the deck, which contained a set of furniture that Phoenix considered way too nice to be left out in the elements.

By the time he at last reached the front door and range the bell, he had gone from intimidated to terrified. He stood there shifting his weight from one foot to the other, resisting the urge to bite his nails as he waited. He was left there long enough that he began to wonder if the doorbell even worked, if he shouldn't instead use the brass knocker, but as the thought finished, he heard the sound of a bolt being unlatched and the door swung inward.

Before him stood a bald man in a suit, likely having long ago reached the age of fifty. His eyes narrowed as he took in the appearance of the young adult standing nervously on the doorstep, and only spoke after he had assessed the situation: he did not sound particularly friendly, but not hostile, either. "Guten Tag. Kann Ich hilfe dich?"

A sheepish grin came to Phoenix's face and he reached up to rub the back of his neck. "Uh... H-hello," he stammered, feeling like an utter fool and just hoping this man spoke English. "My, uh... My name is Phoenix Wright. I'm here to see a friend of mine."

Phoenix had always been perceptive, so he noticed the flicker of irritation in the man's face before it vanished into that cold professionalism once more. "A friend? And who might this friend be?" he asked, his English thickly-accented but understandable.

"Miles Edgeworth," Phoenix replied, lowering his arm to try and take on a more confident stance. It was a futile effort, but he still made the attempt. "He's here, isn't he?"

The German man frowned skeptically. "Und is Herr Edgeworth expecting a visitor? If so, I was not informed."

Phoenix chewed his lower lip. "Uh... Well... I sent a letter, er... a lot of letters. Not sure if he got them, but I did tell him I was coming overseas and wanted to see him." He watched the other man's frown deepen, and his stomach started to twist more violently as he feared being sent away, possibly with hounds snapping at his heels. "Look, is... is it possible to just... erm... tell him I'm here. I'm sure he'll come see me if he knows I'm literally standing at the door!"

The suited man kept that frown steady as he considered, then he huffed and shrugged his shoulders. "Very well, Herr... Wright, did you say? You may step inside, but I ask that you remain in the foyer while I fetch Herr Edgeworth."

Phoenix felt just a little relief and managed a grateful smile as he was let into the manor. He was still anxious as all hell, but at least the fear of being turned away at the front door was behind him. The heavy door was shut and then the man left him, saying something in quick German to a woman in a black and white dress that happened to be passing by. The style of the dress led Phoenix to believe she was a maid, and she had the look, with her hair done up in a tight bun and her prim appearance. She merely nodded, then turned her gaze on Phoenix, who was pretty certain she had been instructed to make sure he didn't cause any trouble.

So, he was left to wait again. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and began peering around at the lavish decor. Perfectly tended potted plants, polished tables, old tapestries, and an aquarium filled with exotic, colorful fish that added the soothing sound of running water to the scene: this room gave him the impression that it had not only been designed to impress, but to give people like him things to look at while they were left to wait for an untold amount of time. As he peered around, his gaze met that of the maid's, and to try and make things a little less awkward, he tried for a friendly smile. She cocked her head quizzically, but did not return it.

Just when he thought he might have to start pacing to work off some of his nervous energy, he heard two sets of footsteps - and an unexplained additional thump - approaching from the hallway beyond the wood-framed archway. Phoenix did a quick once-over of himself, trying to ensure his threadbare sweater and faded jeans were straight and that he had no loose strands of hair hanging in front of his face. It was foolish to even try to make himself look presentable in comparison to this place, but he just couldn't help the impulse.

The first figure to round the corner and appear in the archway made Phoenix nearly swallow his Adam's apple. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man in a gray suit that looked like something out of the Victorian era, with lace and silk and not a single wrinkle. His face was all hard lines, looking like it was made for scowling, and while his hair was a solid gray, nothing else about him seemed to have deteriorated with advanced age. He was no hunched old man, even though his right hand rested atop an ornate walking cane. That thing had to be for show, as the man stood straight with shoulders back, no sign of strain in his expression. Keen, cold eyes scrutinized the ratty teenager soiling the very air in his home, and Phoenix was certain that - at that moment - he would not have been able to speak had his life depended on it.

Then came the second figure, and Phoenix felt his heart spring into a gallop at the sight of him. It was Miles Edgeworth: there was absolutely no doubt about that in his mind, even if he hadn't seen his childhood friend in just over eight years. In truth, Miles stood only a couple inches shorter than the much older man, but he looked tiny by comparison, as he was rather thin and wearing much lighter clothing. His clothes, while casual compared to the first man's, were much nicer and more formal-looking than Phoenix's: a gray, long-sleeve button-up with a collar and black slacks. Despite being in his place of residence, he was wearing a pair of black dress shoes, while the older man wore a pair of thick-heeled dress boots.

"...Phoenix Wright..."

Phoenix was caught off-guard by the sound of his name falling from Miles' lips, as he was busy staring. God, that boy had grown into such a handsome young man, with a perfectly chiseled face, angular features, smooth, pale skin, and shining silver hair that just reached his high cheekbones in the front. Phoenix had to force himself to swallow to both moisten and loosen his throat, still sounding a little choked when he spoke. "Miles...! Wow, it's been... It's been so long! How have you been?" Speaking got a little easier with each word he said, but the butterflies in his stomach refused to settle down. He was also pretty sure he was sporting the world's dorkiest grin, but he couldn't help it!

"You know this boy?" The instant Phoenix heard the older man speak, he knew that no other voice could come out of a man that looked like that. It was deep and clear, the type of voice that could carry a great distance or over a tumult of noise with little effort. His English was perfectly clear, only with the slightest tinge of a German accent that seemed to give it a little flavor. Phoenix was also sure he detected a note of annoyance in it, though he wondered if this man ever didn't sound annoyed.

He watched as Miles closed his eyes and bowed his head in what looked like deference. "Ja, mein Herr. We attended elementary school together for a brief time. I am... uncertain as to why he has sought me out here." By contrast, Miles' voice was soft and smooth, like Phoenix imagined his skin would be if he could just touch it. It took every ounce of self-control he had to keep from outwardly flinching at such a thought. Now was definitely not the time, and he sort of doubted Miles would be interested in someone like him now that he was all prim and fancy.

"I, uh... I sent you a bunch of letters over the years," Phoenix stated, still grinning like an idiot as he reached up to rub his neck: a nervous habit. "Dunno' if you got them or not. If not, that's okay. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I just moved here as an exchange student. I'm studying fine arts over at the University and staying with this nice German family who has a daughter finishing up her last year there. They've got a spare room they're renting pretty cheap. Anyway, I thought since I hadn't heard from you, I'd just show up and pay you a visit. It's been forever and I wanted to see how you were doing after you just kinda'... disappeared back in grade school. This is a really nice place you're living in now, huh, but hey, what happened to your-"

"Do you ever stop talking?" That tone of annoyance was no longer just a 'hint' as the German man cut him off, arms crossed over his broad chest and a glare leveled at the rambling intruder. An embarrassed blush rose in Phoenix's cheeks and he cursed his nerves; he was making an utter ass of himself!

Miles turned to face the older man, and Phoenix thought he detected a little urgency in the movement. He put his hand to his chest and gave a slight bow. "My apologies, mein Herr. Might I... visit with my old acquaintance for a time? Afterward, i will ensure he is sent on his way with haste."

The frown stayed fixed on his face as the older man studied Miles, then Phoenix, then Miles again. At last, he scoffed and pivoted on his heel. "You have one hour. After that, you will return to your studies without delay. Am I understood?"

"Ja, mein Herr." Miles straightened his posture but kept his head bowed, bangs shadowing his face as the other man walked briskly away. He waited until the footsteps had retreated a goodly distance, and then lifted his chin to look over at Phoenix. "This way - we can talk in the parlor."

As Phoenix followed his childhood friend through the archway and toward a closed-off room a short distance ahead, he couldn't help feeling not only like some dirty hobo, but now like a complete nuisance. Miles didn't even look happy to see him, not in the slightest, and that stung. He supposed it was possible that Miles was just putting on some sort of show for... whoever that old guy was, but he really worried that just wasn't the case. Miles pulled open a door with a fogged glass window set into it and led him through.

Inside was a room filled with fancy, flush chairs and couches, each with neatly-arranged throw pillows and covers. A large fireplace sat center on one wall, a mirror over the mantle and tall windows overlooking a veranda to either side of it. Ornate, polished tables with glass tops stood in sensible locations throughout the room, some of them supporting lamps and others potted plants. Miles walked to one of the chairs closest to the fireplace and motioned for Phoenix to take the one across from him, which he did.

Phoenix sat down in the chair, but he was far too on edge to lean back and relax. Instead, he hunched forward with his hands on his knees, peering across at Miles and searching for something to say. Fortunately, he was spared the challenge.

Miles settled himself in his seat and placed his arms on the armrests, jerking his head slightly to shake his bangs out of his eyes. "I must admit, I... did not expect to see you again after all this time, Wright, especially not here."

Wright? What's that about? "Heh... Yeah, it has been a long time, and we are pretty far away from L.A.. Still, I'm really glad to see you again. It looks like you've done pretty well for yourself." Phoenix glanced around the room once more, which meant he almost missed the flicker of... something that went across Miles' face for a fraction of a second. Almost.

"It would be misleading for me to let you believe I earned all of this, but... yes, I was fortunate to end up here." Miles paused, taking in a slow breath as he apparently considered what to say next. "And you are... attending the University? For... how long do you intend to stay?"

"...Huh? Oh... A-about a year, maybe more if things go well for me here." Phoenix had briefly found himself captivated as he looked his old friend in the eyes. Even as a child he'd found those eyes so unique and special, gray as storm clouds but holding such a vivid look of intelligence that it could not be mistaken. He also recalled how those eyes would light up every time Miles would speak about his father and his dream to become a world-famous defense attorney just like his father was, how he was going to protect the weak and save people. There was no sign of that light, now, but his eyes were still so... beautiful.

"I see..." Slowly, the other man's posture changed. He turned his head aside and tipped his chin down, while his right hand moved across to his left elbow, which he had tucked in close to his side. "...I suppose it was too much to hope that you would..."

Phoenix blinked, feeling his lower lip quiver. "That I would what? What's wrong?" That feeling of being unwelcome was only increasing as time wore on, and he seriously considered just excusing himself and fleeing before things got worse.

Miles cleared his throat, inhaled, then straightened himself out to fix Phoenix with a neutral expression once more. "I apologize. This was so unexpected and I am... a bit out of sorts. I had not thought my past would find me in this way." Miles had always spoken with such proper diction, even at the age of nine years old, but now he had a bit of a British accent he must have picked up while living in Europe to make him sound even more proper. Just one more tally on the chart of things that were making Phoenix feel like a low-class wretch.

The brunette reached up to rifle his fingers through the spikes at the back of his head. "Jeez, Miles, you make it sound like I've blind-sided you with some horrible past life you're trying to forget."

Miles' right hand twitched, but he kept his arm on the armrest where it lay and avoided taking on that evasive posture again. "In a way, you have, though I know it was not intentional. I am... sorry if I have made you feel unwelcome, but I fear I am not the same person you remember. I doubt we have much in common any longer, and I am... unsure of what to say."

Phoenix snorted derisively. "Well, you could start by telling me how you've been, how you're doing. What've you been up to? Are you still studying law like you always wanted? Who was that scary old guy you were with? There are tons of things to talk about!"

He saw Miles' lower lip thin, then his chin angle downward so his bangs shadows his eyes. "Yes, I... am still studying law. The man I was with is Manfred von Karma, a world-famous prosecuting attorney who has not lost a single case during his thirty-four-year-long career. Until I turned eighteen, he was my guardian, and he is still my mentor."

Phoenix brought his hand to his mouth, resting his index finger across his bottom lip in thoughtful confusion. "Wait, so... a famous prosecutor is your teacher? I thought you wanted to be a defense attorney like your dad."

This time, Miles was unable to stop himself from adopting that insecure pose, turning his face away and hugging himself slightly. "That was a long time ago, Wright. I was a child. Most children have absurd dreams that they grow out of in time."

"Absurd dreams? But-" Phoenix stopped himself, watching his friend's discomfort elevate. He knew then that he was touching on a nerve, and the last thing he wanted to do was upset Miles during their reunion. He needed to change the subject, and fast. "Uh, so... a-are you taking classes, too?"

Miles was silent for a long time, ever-so-slowly collecting himself. "...I am..." he answered, though he did not turn back to Phoenix until after he had spoken those words. "It is unlikely we will run into one another, however. The campus is quite large and I have no reason to venture anywhere near the fine arts centers."

Phoenix drummed his fingers on his knees and gave Miles his best friendly smile. "Hey, that doesn't mean we can't meet up. It's not like I really know anyone here, and this place is just so... so foreign! Every time I open my mouth, I'm sure I'm going to offend somebody. It'd be really helpful if you could kind of show me the ropes until I can get the hang of how things work around here."

Miles had a look like he was chewing on the suggestion, checking it for poison, perhaps? "I... have little free time, I'm afraid. Herr von Karma expects me to be ready to take the Bar Exam within the next two years, thus I do little other than study. Even this brief visit is a luxury I can hardly afford."

Miles referring to his visit as a 'luxury' while surrounded by the very picture of high-society and class was probably the most ironic thing Phoenix had ever heard in his life. He didn't point this out, but he wasn't going to give up his pursuit that easily. "Oh, come on," he urged, leaning forward a little more with a wider grin. "I'm sure you can find the time! You can help me learn German, and in return I'll, um... dance for your amusement, or something."

The grimace and slight choking sound Miles made in response was the closest thing to a smile and laugh Phoenix had gotten out of him thus far. "R-ridiculous as ever, I see." He composed himself and breathed a sigh of resignation. "I suppose I can... attempt to find some time in my schedule, but I make no promises."

He was trying to be all formal and business-like when talking about just hanging out with an old friend. Phoenix couldn't help but snicker with a slight smirk: Miles was too damn cute!

Miles became instantly defensive and shot a glare across at him. "W-what are you laughing at, Wright?"

"Oh, nothing..." Miles opened his mouth, probably to insist that it was most certainly not 'nothing,' but at that instant, the parlor door opened and the maid from earlier came in bearing a tray laden with a steaming kettle of tea, teacups and saucers, and a few fresh-looking pastries Phoenix didn't quite recognize. Well, he wasn't the biggest fan of tea and he had no idea what those desserts were, but this interruption had saved him, so he'd gladly partake without a single complaint.

Banter seemed to get a little easier over the refreshments, but just when Phoenix felt they were finally starting to get comfortable, Miles informed him that their time was up. Phoenix drooped with disappointment as he followed Miles back to the foyer, but he tried to give a hopeful smile as he turned around while grasping the door handle. "See you again soon, okay?"

There was a brief hesitation from the other young man, who was currently toying with one of the buttons on his shirt - Phoenix supposed he wasn't the only one with nervous energy to burn. "...Yes," Miles finally said, the 'y' drawn out a little in his clear hesitation to commit.

Phoenix's smile became a grin. "Okay, I'm going to hold you to that. Remember, I know where you live." He'd hoped for at least a wry smile at that, but all he saw was a slight twitch of his friend's mouth that he wasn't sure how to interpret. "Anyway, bye! Er... uhm... How's it said? Owf vederzin..."

Miles cringed at the awful pronunciation. "Auf Wiedersehen," he corrected.

Phoenix chuckled at his own expense. "Yeah, that. Later!" With a little wave, he pulled the door open and stepped through, feeling so hyper and floaty as he exited the Von Karma manor.

It was a rather crisp late afternoon on the outskirts of Frankfurt, but Phoenix Wright felt so warm and giddy. He couldn't have stopped smiling had he wanted to.