[Miles smiles softly. Before the trial took all of his attention he had toyed with the idea of doing this under very meticulously planned circumstances. Make it a night to remember, and one which was so particular and special that he would be less likely to chicken out at the last minute. But now that they’re here, a bit of a fog in his head and dinner on his breath, he realizes no amount of planning could have been better.]

Do you have any idea what you’ve done for me, Phoenix? I don’t know where I would be without you… [dead, in prison, still wallowing in my own personal hell] …but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would not be happy.

[Awkwardly, almost shyly, he takes his partner’s hand in both of his own and caresses it.] You didn’t have to do it. Any of it. You could have lived a normal life, even found someone who could be everything you deserve.

[He gives Phoenix a look to forestall any protests.] Don’t try to pretend your life wouldn’t be easier with someone who doesn’t choose work over you or…wake you with a panic attack in the middle of the night. Someone more like you, who doesn’t hesitate to say what’s in their heart.

Yet you’re here with me. I can’t express how grateful I am for that. You make me feel… [He worries his lower lip and averts his gaze to some spot just to Phoenix’s right.] …less broken. I do love you, for that and many, many other reasons.