Not Alone

Miles hesitantly put a hand on Phoenix's back in an attempt to comfort him. "Is there anything I can do to help? It would be the least I could do since I indirectly got your bike stolen."

"No, it's fine," Phoenix sniffled. "This isn't your fault, you didn't cut my lock..." He sighed. "Just wish I could find the punk who did it..."

Miles thought for a moment. An idea flashed through his mind and a small smile appeared on his face. "Let me propose something to you, Wright. I'll take you home but first I need to run home and get something, is that all right?"

'It might be a tad crazy, but it just might work.'

"Um, sure?" Phoenix was confused. He had never seen Edgeworth smile before, and it sort of scared him. "What's going on?"

"I can assure you nothing is happening." Miles started walking towards his car. "Now come on, he doesn't do well alone for too long."

"He?" Phoenix grew increasingly worried. He had a mental image of Detective Gumshoe in a kennel at Edgeworth's house. He followed Edgeworth anyway. "Who's 'he?'"

"My pet. I need to refill his bowls before I leave. I don't know how long I'll be over your house." Miles hit the unlock button on his car remote and saw the lights of his sports car flash. "Ah, here we are. Right this way."

Phoenix headed to the car with Edgeworth. "Your pet? Do you have Gumshoe locked up in a kennel?" He chuckled at his joke.

Miles chuckled as well. "As much as Detective Gumshoe would like that, save him money on room and board, no. I have a dog." He got into his car.

"Really? You don't seem like a dog person," Phoenix remarked as he got into the car on the passenger's side.

"I was somewhat tricked into getting him but he grew on me." Miles started to pull out of the parking spot and made his way to the highway.

"How were you tricked?" Phoenix asked as he gazed out the window. "And it's possible to trick the Genius Prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth?"

"I knew next to nothing about dogs and was told that he was easy to care for and fully grown. They were right about the first part but... looking back on it, the second part was a full blown lie." Miles pulled onto an exit ramp as he ventured closer to his residence.

Phoenix chuckled, "Didn't you do your homework beforehand? They're always gonna lie to you so you take the dog off their hands."

"But, like I said, he grew on me. When he got as big as he is... I couldn't bear getting rid of the big lug." Miles started to pull into his driveway and came across a gate. He waited for a moment as the gate slowly screeched open then continued to his house.

"Fancy," Phoenix commented on the gate system. "Is this ProsecutorVille or something?" He had never been there before, and was amazed by the grandiose vibe it gave off.

"No, sir. This is just my house." Miles parked his car and got out. "Would you like to come in?"

"Sure," Phoenix got out of the car and followed Edgeworth, curious to see what the inside of his house looked like. He was imagining Edgeworth's office, but spread out to fit the size of the house.

Miles searched his key ring for his front door key. "Here we are!" He unlocked his door and it swung open. A loud barking came from further back in the home, near his kitchen.

Phoenix looked around, taking in the house. "Um, your dog, he doesn't bite, does he?" He tried his best not to sound scared.

"No, he'd just big. Want to come meet him?" Miles walked towards the loud dog.

"Alright," Phoenix walked with Edgeworth to the back of the house. "How long have you had him?"

"A couple of years." Miles got into the kitchen and grabbed a large bag of dog food from a low cupboard. The barking increased in volume and frequency. "Alright, already! I'll let you out!" He walked over to a large dog crate and opened the door, releasing a fully grown Mastiff.

Phoenix tried not to cower in the corner. He had always been afraid of dogs. Instead, he hesitantly petted the dog, who seemed massive to him. "You're sure he doesn't bite?"

"If he doesn't bite a heartless soul like me, I think you're fine." Miles fixed his dog bowls of food and water. He turned around to see Phoenix looking a bit apprehensive. "Are you alright?" He placed the food and water by the dog crate.