Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Alright, see you later, Terran, Herr forehead~"

Klavier says with a wink before dipping out of the door. Apollo sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. He opens his eyes to find Clay staring at him expectantly.

"What?"

"What do you mean 'what'?" He says accusingly, with a shit eating grin.

Apollo just stares, bewildered.

Clays face drops.

"Don't tell me you're really that clueless."

"What do you mean!?" Apollo squeals, getting a little angry now.

"What, so you just flirt with your best friend and act like its normal?"

"Okay, first of all; you're my best friend," Apollo sighs. "Second of all, its Klav. You know him. Hes just... Like that."

Clay raises an eyebrow and Apollo just rolls his eyes and huffs.

"He literally flirts with you. And you flirt back. If anything, you two are the suspicious ones."

"Yeah, but thats like- Bro stuff!"

"What, am i not allowed to partake in 'Bro Stuff'?"

"Well- yeah but like no." Clay splutters."But you act all wierd around him-"

"I do NOT."

"You so do! You get all 'ooh Klavier~'" Clay mocks batting his eyes and sweeping his hair behind his ears.

"NO I DONT!" Apollo objects, shoving Clay, almost off the sofa.

"You do! You so do!"

"Its just- its different with Klav! Because i like, actually care what he thinks, and-"

"You want him to like you."

Apollo swivels his head round to glare, wide eyed at him.

"...yeah?"

After a moment if silence, and Clay studying his face, he speaks up.

"You like him... don't you?"

Apollo gasps and looks furious.

"NO I...Don't..."

Something in his expression flickers, and he turns away to stare at the floor, deep in thought. After a while, he turns to Clay, completely panicked.

"Oh my god."

Clay puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, its okay. It's not-"

But Apollo isn't listening. Everything outside his head went in mute. He stands up like an empty shell, and left the room.

He went up to his room, and flopped onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling.

He thought about every interaction he'd ever had with Klavier. Every court case, every tiny glance he had caught. When they first met, the way Klavier leant down and looked him up and down, the tension in his chest and the heat rising to his face. Every time he flirted with him, and the stupid feeling he got in his stomach that he had mistaken for annoyance or rage. Everytime he had put his arm around him, and how Apollo had gotten frustrated but not brushed him off. How his touch lingered, how his warmth made Apollo tense. How Apollo caught himself staring at him.

How had he not realised it sooner?

How had he been so stupid?

He was inlove with Klavier Gavin.

Apollo turns over and burries his face in his pillow, and groans. His face felt hot, and his stomach stung.

What the hell was he supposed to do now?

-----

The next day, Klavier was supposed to come round. Like he does everyday. He would walk in the door like he lived there, and call out. Apollo and Clay would go rushing down the halls to meet him, then they would get on with whatever antics they had planned (or rather, unplanned) for that day.

Thats what happened every day. Every evening. Every weekend. It should be exactly the same as usual.

So why was Apollo sat on the edge of his bed, head in hands, hyperventilating?

"ACHTUNG, I'M HERE, LIEBLINGE!"

His voice echos through the apartment, and Apollo hears the door close gently behind him.

He heard Clays door open, and his footsteps run towards the main room.

"KLAV!"

He heard their muffled voices, and laughs. But he felt no urge to meet them. In fact, he felt dread.

-----

"Ah, wheres the small one? Did i step on him or something?" Klavier remarks smugly.

"Nah, he's just moping in his room."

Klavier looks over Clays head and shoots a concerned look in the direction of Apollo's door.

"Don't bother," Clay says, redirecting Klaviers glance. "I mean, go ahead, but I've tried. To no avail, trust me." He says overdramatically.

Klavier still doesn't look convinced.

"He'll come out when he's ready." Clay says reassuringly.

Klavier nods slowly, before heading for the kitchen.

"Right. Lets get our bake on then, shall we?" He says with a grin.

Clay joyfully follows him into the kitchen.

----

A few hours later, they had finished their baking, creating a batch of cookies and a huge mess. They where both basically covered in flour and/or cocoa powder.

They dumped the dishes they used in the sink. They flicked flour at eachother and laughed.

Apollo could hear them laugh.

He could hear his laugh. His smile.

Apollo shoves his head further into his pillow and turns up his music.

He didnt hear the door creep open.

He just felt someone poking at his back.

Apollo yelps and jumps, sitting up on his bed. He looks up, wide eyed, at a innocent looking Klavier, with a box in his hands.

He had his hair tied up and an apron wrapped around him. He looked... really good.

"Oh, hi." He says sheepishly.

"We made cookies." Klavier says, setting the box down on the bed.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious." Apollo rolls his eyes and grins. Klavier sits on the bed next to him.

"Hey! You're going to get flour on my bed-"

"Ah, shh Schatz, dont worry about it."

"Stop trying to charm your way out of things."

"It works though." He says, shooting him a cocky smirk, that shoots straight through Apollos heart.

"So.. are you going to tell me why you're being so grumpy?"

Apollo looked at him, in mock offense.

"I am NOT grumpy." Apollo crossed his arms. Klavier poked at him again and leant over to him.

"You so are. Liebling, tell me whats bothering you."

"It's nothing, Klav. Now, are those cookies just gonna sit there or are you gonna let me eat them?"

Klavier huffs but with a smile on his face, before leaning for the box and cracking it open. They both reach in at the same time, and their hands brush against eachother.

Nothing out of the usual. They'd touched thousands of times before. But for some reason, Apollo felt as though electric had been shot through him. He quickly grabs a cookie and retreats.

Clay appears at the doorway and runs in, jumping on the bed.

"YOU EATING OUR COOKIES WITHOUT ME?"

They all start laughing.

Like they always did. They always messed around and laughed. Like friends.

So why, when Klavier fell back on the bed in laughter, and his blonde hair became a mess around his face, and his smile reached his pretty eyes, and his perfect jawline, did Apollo feel as though he was going into cardiac arrest?

Why, when Klavier grabbed his shoulder to pull himself up, did the heat shoot through Apollo, like an electric shock?

He'd never felt like this before. It was honestly scary. And overwhelming. But at the same time, he never wanted it to end.

"Yoo? Earth to Polly?"

Apollo blinks, and suddenly Clays in his face, wide grin on his face.

"You're totally not with it man."

"Hey! Leave me alone! Im just tired."

"Bullshit." Clay whispers, inaudible to Klavier.

"Ah, if you're having trouble sleeping, maybe i could accompany you." He flirts.

Apollo groans and flops back onto his bed, trying to hide his red face and big smile.

"It wasn't a no." Clay says, turning to Klav, who just chuckles in reply.

-----

A few hours later, Klaviers leaving. They wave him out the door, before closing it behind him.

Clay shoots Apollo an accusing look as soon as it clicks shut.

Apollo sighs and heads to his room.

He throws himself onto his bed and hopes that hell melt into it and dissappear. Clay follows shortly after, settling himself on Apollos desk chair.

"Soo... whats up?"

"Dude... if i knew i would tell you." Apollo groans, rolling onto his back, staring at the ceiling.

"What's you're deal with Klav-"

"I dont know!" He spits.

He sits up and buries his head in his hands. Clay gets up and sits next to him.

"Its just so- confusing! And- i dont know- like i like him but-" he groans. "Its just so overwhelming and... scary."

Clay silently puts an arm round him.

"It's whatever..." he says dismissively, but sends Clay a greatful smile.

------

Apollo leans back on his chair, and taps his foot. He sighs dramatically.

He suddenly feels a hand ruffling his hair, and he leans forward to dodge it, to no avail.

"What's up, bud? Work gettin boring for ya?"

His boss, the legendary Phoenix wright. Well, legendary until he got accused of falsifying evidence and got disbarred. He's well on track to getting his badge back though, after his old mentor, Kristoph Gavin was arrested, and Phoenix was proven innocent.

"Its always been boring, but i cope."

"I know you do." Phoenix said genuinely, with a proud smile.

Their relationship had changed over the years. It had changed from a more formal, work relationship, to an almost friendship. They had somewhat of a father-son bond.

"So, you gonna tell me whats botherin you?" He says, leaning on the desk by his side.

Whats bothering him was the infestation of thoughts of a certain Prosecutor. "O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife." Macbeth got it pretty right on that one. Except the scorpions where a perfect jawline, a beautiful smile, pretty eyes that smiled before he did, gorgeous, soft looking blonde hair that he just wanted to run his fingers through. Soft, tan skin, perfectly toned abs. Most of all, he was kind, and complicated. Kind if mysterious.

Apollo felt as though he wanted to fill his skull with rat poison, cus Klavier sure was a pest.

"Just... tired, i guess."

"Okay. Ill leave it. But i'm here for you, Polly."

"Thanks, Mr Wright."

"Thought i told you to call me Phoenix?"

They sit in silence for a moment, and Apollo looks at Phoenix with a thoughtful look.

"What?"

"You're experienced in this topic. What do you do when you fall inlove with a Prosecutor?"

Phoenixs face lights up and he repositioned himself on the desk, and clapped his hands.

"Finally! Klavier?"

Apollo looks horrified.

"WHAT."

"I mean, just assuming. Cus he's like, one of your best friends? Im also king of falling inlove with best friends."

Apollo groans and slams his head on the desk.

"Dont worry, bud. Secrets safe with me. I swear on my badge."

Apollo sends him a badge-you-dont-have? Look.

Phoenix just rolled his eyes.

"I promise. So, you want advice?" He said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Not that you'd give the best advice, you waited for him to confess, then burst into tears."

"Hey! I only cried, like, 10 minutes after!"

Apollo laughed and shook his head.

"Look, if its anything like me and Miles, you'll wait a couple years and find out you've been inlove the whole time."

"Shut up. I dont think i love him. And he certainly doesn't love me."

"Why wouldn't he?"

Apollo just looked at him, expressionless.

Phoenix smiles knowingly. Thats what he hated about him. He seemed to always know everything, but nothing at the same time.

"So uhh... how is Mr Edgeworth?"

"Oh, don't get me started!" He gushed. Even though they had been together for years, they both still acted head over heels for eachother. Even when they act like an old married couple most the time. He admired their relationship. They'd been through thick and thin together. They seem impossible to break. Apollo wondered if he'd ever feel love like that.

Later that afternoon, nearing the end of his shift, he was still thinking about his boss' words.

Why wouldn't he?

Why would he? Hes world wide superstar Klavier Gavin. He had the whole world to chose from. Why would he chose his dorky lawyer best friend?

Why was having a crush so... well... crushing?

It was the best and worst feeling ever. It made him feel alive, in the most painful way possible.

-----

Apollo rolled over in his bed to stare blankly at the wall. He wasn't tired. He hadnt been sleeping well for weeks. Another unwelcome thought of Klavier popped into his head, and he groaned and sat up.

He was still in denial, Desperately pushing his thoughts and feelings to the back of his mind.

He pulled himself out of bed to go get a glass of water.

He rubbed his eyes and slouched into the kitchen, grabbing a glass from the cupboard and heading to the sink, not noticing the figure sat at his dining room table in the dark.

"Youre up late."

"AAGH!" Apollo jumped and dropped his glass into the sink, thankfully not breaking it.

"What's up, loverboy?"

"Don't rub it in man." Apollo groaned and ran a hand through his hair.

"Okay okay, sorry dude. But you really need to figure out your feelings!"

"Im trying! Its only been like a week since i found out."

"Its been 3 months, Polly."

Apollo blinks.

"Huh."

"You're really not with it."

Apollo sighs and flops into the chair opposite his friend.

"You're inlove with him."

"No im not."

"Okay, the fact that you're being all in denial and stuff just makes it worse. Cmon, just say it. You're Apollo Justice and youre inlove."

"No im not. Its just platonic. Like a platonic crush!"

"Oh my god." Clay thuds his head on the table in mock despair, before lifting back up to give Apollo a determined glare.

"Imagine kissing him. Do you like that thought?"

"CLAY!" He squeals, shocked. He covers his face in embarrassment.

"Well?"

This is stupid. Apollo thinks. What kind of friend imagines kissing their best frie-

The image popped into his head. Klaviers gentle hand under his jaw tilting his head up to meet his, as he closes the distance. His soft lips, his warmth, his smell.

What kind of friend imagines kissing their best friend and liked it?

"Fuck."

Apollo puts his head in his arms on the table, and frustrated sobs escape him. He feels Clays hand pat his shoulder.

"Hey, c'mon man! This is, like, the wierdest response to being in love ever."

"If this is what it feels like, it sucks!" He groans, muffled by his arms. "Instead if butterfly's, its like... swarms of bees! And i cant think straight! Its all just so..."

"Confusing." Clay finishes.

"Exactly. And you know i hate all this feelings bullshit! Its so frustrating." He complains, lifting his head up to meet Clays gaze.

"I don't know what to do." Apollo says quietly. "I feel like everything's been ruined."

"No, its not! We'll get through this, man! You're Apollo Justice and you're fine!"

"I'm Apollo Justice and im fine."

"Come on, put you're heart into it! You're Apollo Justice and youre fine!"

"I'm Apollo Justice and I'm FINE!"

"That's my boy! Now, it's late. Go to sleep, loser." Clay says, getting up and patting him on the shoulder.

"Pfft, whatever idiot. Goodnight." He says, following shortly behind him and disappearing back into his room.

He flops onto his bed. He has to admit, he did feel a little better. Clay was always good at cheering him up.

-----

Klavier came round, same as usual.

"ACHTUNG, BABY! IM HOME!"

Clay and Apollo came racing to meet him, same as usual.

Clay launched himself on top of the guy, while Apollo wheezed. Klavier heaved the guy onto his back, and raced off to the kitchen, Apollo following shortly behind him.

He couldn't help but feel a little sentimental. He loved his friends. They made him feel at home. He felt his heart rise to his throat.

That was a thing almost nobody knew about Apollo. He was secretly very sappy.

Clay slid off Klaviers back, and they all sat around the dining table.

"Right boys, whats on todays agenda?"

"All in favour of mario kart say i?" Apollo suggested.

"I"

"I"

They chimed in.

"Right, its settled. You guys sort snacks, ill go set up the switch."

Apollo jumped up and headed to the living room. He clicked on the TV and plugged in the switch that was sat on the tv stand.

He flopped onto the couch with a remote, and clicked on mario kart. Clay and Klavier appeared with two bowls and packets shoved under their arms, drinks too.

They put them on the coffee table, and picked up the other two controllers. The forth one went mysteriously missing (buried in a potted plant by Mikeko) but they never needed the forth one anyway, it was always just the three of them.

They sat either side of him. Apollo took Mario, like the basic guy he is, Clay took Waluigi and Klav took Peach (obviously.)

A lot of games later, Klavier huffed.

"How come i always lose? Why am i so Scheiße at this game?"

"You just suck, Klav." Clay says, leaning back to peer at him above Apollos head.

"Ah, Mario Kart is homophobic."

Thay laugh for a while, before Apollo suggests something.

"I think you're drifting wrong, you keep hitting corners."

Klavier looks at him, confused.

"Here," he says , starting a game. He then leans a little in front of Klavier, putting his hands over his on the remote. Their arms where fully touching and Apollo can feel Klaviers chest rising and falling on his shoulder. He doesn't think about it at first, he just presses down on the remote to move forward. When he reaches a corner, he presses down Klaviers finger on a button on top of the controller.

"See? Like that. After all this time, i thought you'd know how to actually play."

"I was just happy to see you two winning, Schatz, now you've got actual competition."

It was just then that Apollo noticed that Klavier had tensed up a little. And how close they where. And how quiet Clay was. His face went bright red, and he moved away to pick up his controller.

"Alright, do it by yourself, then. You've already got a headstart."

That night, Apollo layed in his bed, staring at the ceiling in the dark. Another sleepless night.

The calm silence of the night didn't seem to match the raging chorus in Apollo's head.

He covered his face with his pillow to attempted to muffle it. He ended up just muffling his frustrated sobs.

Why did he tense up?

What did it mean?

Did he hate him? He totally did. It made him so uncomfortable. Apollo disgusted him. He'd done something terribly wrong and now Klavier hated him. He only came over for Clay.

Everything was ruined.

-----

Next day, Klavier came over. Same as usual.

Apollo, again, had locked himself in his room. Or rather, he would've, if there where any locks on the doors in this damn apartment.

"He keeps doing that."

"He's been having a tough time sleeping. Hes just tired all the time."

"I'm worried I've done something to push him away."

"No, not at all, dude." Clay reassured. "He'll be out later."

"...alright."

"Besides, you've got me. And I'm like 10 times cooler."

"Hah! I don't know about that, Herr foreheads pretty hard to beat."

"Shut up, you're bias. Besides, we've got a game of mario kart with our names on it."

Later that night, Clay sat in bed, staring at a wall, music blasting in his ears. He was one for being nocturnal.

This is probably the most frustrating thing he's ever experienced.

His two best friends where so clearly in love, but there was nothing he could do. He tries to gently push them in the right direction, but they seem to be desperately running from eachother.

-----

Klaviers round again. And Apollo comes crawling out of his room.

He finds his two friends laughing, sat at the dining table.

Klavier immediately stops and shoots an uncomfortable look in Apollos direction.

Apollo appears in the doorway of the kitchen.

Klavier bites his tongue and shoots him a worried glance.

Apollo sits down next to Clay.

"Morning, sunshine." Clay smirks.

"Its like 5pm Clay."

"Its called sarcasm, smartass."

"So," he says, grabbing a chip from the bowl on the table. "How was court today, Klav?"

"Ah, it was good. I prefer cases against you, though." He said with a smile.

Apollo went red and turned away.

"I've not been getting cases lately, so it'll be a while until that happens."

"Shame."

Klavier shoots clay an anxious look.

They hang out for a couple more hours, until Klavier leaves.

Clay and Apollo sit silently st the dining table, a harsh tension lingering in the air.

"Oh my god he hates me."

Clay looked bewildered.

"What!? Are you insane?"

"Did you SEE how uncomfortable he was?! He so hates me-"

"No- he's WORRIED about you, Pollo!"

He blinks, expressionless. The little bees in his stomach buzzed around.

"What..? Why?"

"He thinks YOU hate HIM! You've literally been avoiding him!"

Apollos heart drops.

Had he really been pushing Klavier away that much?

And... Klavier cared what he thought? Klavier... wanted him to like him?"

He felt his insides shift, he felt as though he was about to throw up.

"Oh."

-----

Klavier swung by the offices to drop off some papers. Apollo would've heard him before he saw him, if he didnt have his headphones on, music on full blast.

He heard the door click open though, he scrambled for his phone to pause his music.

"Whatcha listening to?"

"Nothing!"

Klavier fiddled with his rings. It was a dumb question. He already knew. The music was loud enough to hear outside the headphones.

"I thought id swing by, drop off these files."

He places them on Apollos desk. He gives him a sincere smile.

"Thank you."

For some reason, he had the itching urge to hug him.

He had to show him he didn't hate him. He needed to fix it. He looked around.

A hair clip! It was small and red, with a little star emblem on it, probably left by Trucy. She wouldn't mind. Its for the sake of lo- friendship!

He picked it up and stood to meet Klavier, standing on his tiptoes and leaning in. He gently brushed his soft blonde hair out his eyes, and clipped it back. He barely even noticed how Klavier had tensed and gone red.

It was probably just out of surprise. Apollo sank back down into his office chair.

"I thought you could use it. You're hairs covering your pretty eyes." He said without thinking. He quickly swivelled his chair around and put a hand over his mouth, as if trying to shove the words back in.

His face was hot and eyes wide. Klavier shifted behind him.

"I- thank you.. Apollo." He said, a little flustered. "I need to- uh- get back to the office! Or Chiefs going to lose his head. See you later, Schatz!" He quickly dipped out the office, before Apollo could even turn round or say goodbye or apologise for being such an idiot.

God, he was SUCH an idiot!

That was possibly the most embarrassing thing he'd ever done. Hopefully he could play it off as just play flirting, or 'Bro Stuff' as Clay would say.

-----

He was still wearing it.

It had been, like, a week, and he still had that damn clip in his hair.

Every time he came round. Every time he bumped into him at the offices. Every time he saw him.

It made the little bees in Apollos stomach go crazy.

"Herr forehead?"

A hand waved in front of his face.

"Weren't you taught its rude to stare?"

"Sorry, zoned out." He shrugged, realising he had been staring at Klavier.

I mean, who could blame him, really?

------

Apollo walked into the kitchen and swung open the cupboard door to grab a bag of chips. He moved into the living room, and slumped into the couch. Clay, who was already sat watching TV shifted next to him to lean on him.

"Whats up?"

"Nothing really."

"Whatcha watchin?" He says, muffled by a mouthful of chips.

"Spiderman."

"Cool."

They just sit in silence staring at the TV. This happened alot, considering they live together. Apollo soon finds himself getting distracted. They'd watched this movie like 100 times.

He spots a purple hoodie scrunched up on the other chair in the room.

"Who's is that?"

"Oh. Think its Klavs. He must've left it here."

"Oh."

A few hours later, Clay stands up and heads out the room.

"I might head to bed, dude."

"Alrighty. Goodnight."

Apollo tried to concentrate the TV, but felt his gaze being pulled over to the chair.

Klaviers hoodie.

It seemed to be calling out to him, like he was fighting the urge to get up and run his hand over the soft fabric.

Hah. What a stupid thought.

He switched off the TV. It was getting late, he should head to bed. He walked towards the door, but stopped in his tracks when he reached the chair. He should probably... move it. Wouldn't want the living room to look messy. He picks it up gently, and looks around warily.

He heads towards his bedroom and closes the door gently behind him. He heads over to fold the hoodie onto his chair, but he just held it in his hands. It was so familiar. Like... a piece of him. It was nice.

He lifted it up to his face.

Just this once. Just this once he would let his gaurd down. Let himself feel.

He took a deep breath in, and felt all his worries flush away. It smelt like him too. His probably super expensive cologne. Nothing would ever compare to that smell.

It made him feel so comfortable. Safe.

He pulled off his own red hoodie and t-shirt, and pulled on the purple Gavineers hoodie.

God, what was he doing? He cringed at himself.

But it felt warm and comfortable around him, his smell surrounded him.

He flopped down onto his bed, and curled up under the covers. He pulled in close to his chest, as if trying to pull the hoodie closer to him.

A piece of Klavier.

Apollo, sleeping in his hoodie.

For a second, he allowed his mind to wander. What it would be like to be with him. Klavier being his. Wrapping his arms around Klavier himself rather than his stupid hoodie.

Apollo squeezed his eyes shut.

Yeah, like that would ever happen. Why was he even thinking like this? Why did he feel so... vulnerable?

The next morning, he groggily shuffled into the kitchen.

"So thats where it went."

Apollo leans back to look past the fridge door, at a questioning Clay, with a raised eybrow. Apollo groaned and hid back behind the fridge.

"Say a word to anyone and they'll be hearing your name on the news."

"Got it."

-----

"ACHTUNG, BABY! IM HOME!"

Apollo raced to meet his friend at the door.

"Hey, Klav!"

"Polly, my favourite one!" He says, putting an arm round the shorter man.

"Yeah, you'll be dissapointed to hear the other ones not here."

"Just a little, but nothings better than some alone time with my herr forehead!"

Apollo laughs, but his brain feels like a dam just opened.

Alone time. My herr forehead.

They head to the living room, and boot up the switch.

They sit next to eachother on the couch, and chose their characters, and the map.

"You're going down, german boy."

"Hah! You'll never beat me, kleiner Kerl!"

This goes on for ages, alternating in celebratory yells and losing groans.

Mid way through a game a while later, Apollo is losing. Badly. And Klaviers winning.

He suddenly gets an idea. An unethical idea. Sabotage.

He drops his own controller and swivels round to grab Klaviers. Klavier yells and pulls away.

He grabs his hands and struggles to grab the controller. They fall, and Klavier shifts onto his back defensively. Hes laughing and struggling at the same time, and he tries to get the controller away from Apollo, but he grabs his hands and pins them down by the side of his head.

He now realised he was on top of Klavier, pinning him down. Apparently Klavier realised this too, as he stops struggling and relaxes, his gaze slowly studies Apollo, scanning him up and down. Apollo feels himself go bright red, and bites his lip. Lips that Klavier seem to be staring at. Apollos gaze softens.

He quickly grabs the controller and takes it away, pulling himself off of Klavier. He grabs his own controller and starts playing again.

"HEY! No fair!"

"i didn't see any rules."

Apollo shrugs smugly and promptly wins the game after Klavier snatched his remote back.

Klavier pouts at him and flops back on the couch, kicking Apollo in the process. Apollo chuckles.

He lifts himself from the couch.

"Cmon, don't be such a sore loser. How bout some choccy milk to cheer you up?"

Klavier sits up, face lit up.

"Schokoladenmilch!?"

"Ja, Schatz." Apollo mocks with horrible pronunciation.

They move into the kitchen, and Klavier expectantly takes a seat at the dining table, as Apollo searches the fridge.

He places two glasses and a jug on the table.

He noticed Klaviers messy bun had gotten even messier, his soft blonde hair falling gently around his face, the small red clip lopsided.

He notices him looking, and pulls out the hairband keeping it up out, causing a waterfall of hair to fall down over his shoulders, framing his face. He takes the clip out and fixes his bangs, before swooping them to the side and reclipping it.

Why did every tiny thing he did have to be so damn attractive?

He sat down opposite him, and started pouring himself a glass of milk.

They hung out for a couple more hours, just the two of them. Apollo fighting the urge to reach out and cup his face or put an arm round him every 5 minutes.

After he left, he couldn't stop thinking about that one moment.

The way Klavier looked at him... had to mean something... right?

-----

He had been to Klaviers house many times.

Theres was absolutely no reason to be so nervous.

He took a deep breath and raised his hand to the doorbell. He pressed down and braced himself.

He heard some scrambling behind the door, before it swung open to reveal a beaming Klavier.

"Apollo! Come in, come in!"

Apollo was ushered in and the door shut behind him.

"Wow, someones happy!"

"Ah, I'm always happy to see you~"

Apollo goes red and hides his face.

"Shut up."

Klavier chuckles, and practically skips off to his room, Apollo following shortly after.

He admired the fancy staircase and paintings lining the walls. There was many music posters and guitars lined the walls of the main room. But Klaviers bedroom felt homey, filled with personality.

He flung himself into his desk chair, which spun backwards. He grabbed the edge of his desk and pulled himself forward. Apollo sits on the edge of his bed, leaning forward to peer at the computer screen.

Some weird editing software. Little green bars with a bunch of shapes. Klavier scrambles with the papers on his desk.

"Watcha workin on?"

"A new song. Its one of my favourites, i think."

"Can i hear?"

"Ja, just keep in mind its not finished."

Apollo stands up and leans next to Klavier, who hands him a headset. He places it over his ears and Klavier presses the spacebar, and leans back in his chair.

Some catchy rock song starts playing. The instruments a little scrambled but it still songs amazing. Klavier singing some German words in his smooth, buttery voice. The little bees in Apollos stomach climb up his throat.

After a few moments, it finishes, and he places the headphones back on the desk.

"Its really good, Klav. You're amazing."

"Danke, Schatz, it means alot coming from you."

Apollo sits back on the bed, and Klavier clicks away at his keyboard.

A while later, Klavier leans back on his chair, his feet up on the table, running his fingers through his hair. Apollo had just been sat on his bed on his laptop, working on some leftover files.

They both found it easier to work with company.

But Klavier had become a little too distracting. Apollo caught himself staring more times than he would like to admit.

-----

Apollo sighed, it had been a long day at the offices. Phoenix had had a lot on his plate recently, so Apollo had taken alot of responsibilities into his own hands.

He pushed through the glass doors, book bag hooked over his shoulder and hung around his side.

To his surprise, in the car parking lot, was a black-purple motorbike, and Klavier leant against it, leather jacket and all.

Had he gotten a new piercing? He couldn't tell. He looked really hot though.

He walked towards him, and he shot him a cocky smirk, and pulled out a second helmet from behind him.

Appllo shook his head and started walking away.

"Cmon, Liebling!" He called after him.

Apollo went towards him.

"No. No way. Never."

"Why?"

"I dont want to die today."

"It'll be fun! Cmon, Polly! Just this once?"

The old Apollo would complain, and push Klavier away. 'God, Prosecutor Gavin, youre so annoying!' 'Stop flirting, Gavin. Its stupid and not funny!' 'Leave me alone Gavin!'

But this Apollo quite liked the idea of holding onto Klavier for dear life as they race at high speeds through the streets.

Deep breaths, Apollo.

"...fine."

Klavier clapped his hands in joy, and handed Apollo the spare helmet.

He reluctantly put it on, and Klavier followed.

How did he look good even in a helmet? Couldn't even see his face behind the reflective screen, but he looked good somehow??

Klavier swings his legs over, and sits on the bike, hands on handles, ready to rev the engine.

Apollo follows, and wraps his arms around Klaviers torso.

"Hold on tight."

Klavier warns, before kicking off the thing the motorbike leans on and revs the engine, pushing down and lurching forward. Apollo yelps, reflexively tightening his arms around Klavier, who laughs in response.

They turn out of the car park and dissappear down the road.

Phoenix, who was watching them out the window, sighs and leans back in his chair.

"Ah, young love."

"They're in their mid twenties."

"Don't ruin my moment, im being a proud father" he huffs, turning to the other man. "Reminds me of us, yknow."

"You can't say that about every Attorney-Prosecutor love story."

"You say that like there's more than two."

"Or do you mean in the way they both refuse to admit it?"

"You're so annoying."

"You love me really."

"Got me there." He smiles smugly.

Miles smiles back, heat rising to his face.

"Hah. I can still make you blush." He says, standing up and leaning in close to Miles, placing his hands on his hips. He cocks his head and gets into Miles face with a smirk.

"God you're irritating."

He cups Phoenix's jaw and places a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I think you meant 'irresistible'?"

"That too." He says, running his hands through the bottom on the mans hair, and pushing his head forward, kissing him again.

"You guys are so cute."

"TRUCE!"

Apollo wrapped his arms around klavier, and he felt the cold wind bite him. The road was loud. He pushes himself into Klaviers back and closes his eyes.

Klavier keeps driving. Apollo realised he doesn't even know where they're going. He didnt really care. It was the most relaxed and free he's felt it quite some time.

He opened his eyes again and they where high up. Very high up. Like, on a mountain.

He just blinked, confused. A while later, Klavier stopped and leant the bike to the side, kicking the stand back down.

Apollo carefully takes him arms from around Klavier and cautiously stepped off the bike. He takes the helmet off, placing it on the seat, and shakes his head to free his head. He stares blankly at his surrounding.

His focus quickly went to Klavier, who pulled the helmet off, shaking his head and a flurry if blonde hair flowed around his head. It happened in slow motion, like in a movie or something.

Klavier was unreal. He was, like, perfect, in an imperfect way.

He flickered his gaze back to the view. He walks towards the edge of the cliff, and stands there for a moment.

Its beautiful.

A whole city below him. The sun hanging low in the sky. The calmness he felt. The peace of it all. It was like being on a different plane of being. He felt completely detached. It was so comforting.

He soon felt Klaviers presence by his side. They stood in silent admiration for a moment, before Apollo turned to study Klaviers gaze.

His eyes where wide and wondrous, but distant. There was a certain fog in his expression.

It was real moments like this that made Apollos heart rise in his throat.

There was something mysterious about Klavier. Something hidden. Something that left Apollo thinking, longing for more.

His smile was empty, but meaningful.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Totally." Apollo breathed, unsure weather he was talking about the view or Klavier.

"This is one of my favourite spots." He says, sitting down near the cliff edge. Apollo follows suit.

"It reminds me of you."

"Stop-"

"Im being genuine."

They're quiet for a moment, and Apollo desperately searched Klaviers expression for a sign, any sign.

He wasnt lying.

"It's warm. Comforting. Makes me feel at home."

Klaviers eyes refused to meet his.

Apollo just stared at him, wide eyed and confused. Why did everything ache? He thought he might throw up.

He looked back to the view.

He tried to picture someone feeling about him how he felt about this view. He couldn't imagine it.

He couldn't imagine anyone would ever feel like that for him.

He stared into the view. This was his view. That reminded Klavier of him.

He felt tears sting at his eyes but he swallowed it back down.

He was just saying it to be nice.

But Klaviers foggy eyes and genuine, quiet tone left him repeating his words in his mind for weeks.

He saw that view as he fell asleep at night. He saw Klavier looking at it, being at peace, thinking about him.

It made his chest feel warm.

-----

One day, they where all hanging out in their living room when Clay gets a call.

"Sorry guys. Business calls. Be back later." He says, leaving the room and picking up the phone. Shortly after, they hear the front door open and close.

Klavier shifts over, to take up the space Clay took up.

They continued to just watch the movie they had put on, until Klavier noticed out of the corner of his eye, Apollo was infact watching him.

"What?" He chuckles.

"You have really nice eyes." Apollo says gently, cocking his head.

Klaviers eyes widen a little and he goes red.

"Maybe it's the lighting." Apollo dismisses, turning his head back to the TV, but his words repeat in Klaviers head like a broken record.

-----

They where sat backstage on one of Klaviers shows, in his dressing room, after a show.

Klavier sat, tuning one of his acoustic guitars, and Apollo sat watching idley.

Klavier strums the guitar, to check its tuned, and nods his head.

"Play me something."

His head pricks up to meet Apollos gaze.

"Anything in particular?" He asks with a crooked smile.

"No. Just something you like."

Klavier nods and drags his fingers across the strings, making that scratchy sound they make. He arranges his fingers accordingly in the right chord, and plans it out in head before clearing his throat.

He begins plucking at the strings, a gentle, soft melody coming from the instrument.

Apollo sinks into the comforting music. He watches Klaviers hands skillfully move up and down the frets. It was very admirable.

The tune seemed to clean out Apollos head, washing away the rushing thoughts he always had.

Klavier began singing gently. His voice was soft, and smooth. It was endearing.

Apollos bees started to turn soft, now, they where more like butterflies.

Maybe being inlove wasnt that bad.

He couldn't focus of the lyrics. He just heard the gentle plucks of the guitar, and Klaviers gentle voice.

After a while, klavier plucked the last note, and Apollo began clapping. Klavier stood up and bowed.

"Danke, Danke, mien Schatz."

They both laugh, and Klavier sits back down.

"Man, you're amazing." Apollo breaths.

"You flatter me, Justice."

"I mean it though."

-----

He was just supposed to drop off some folders.

That was all.

He approaches the front door, and bends down to lift up the doormat.

They had gotten to a point where they didn't knock anymore. They walked in and out of eachothers houses as they pleased.

He was unsure on weather he was home or not. He was just going to dump the files on a table and leave.

He grabs the spare key and fiddles with it in the lock, before pushing the door open.

The house seemed eerie, like a tension was hanging in the air.

Apollo did his best to shrug it off, and headed to the dining room to put the folders down.

He headed to leave, when he heard a crash from upstairs.

"Klav?" He called, before racing to the stairs.

It was still pretty early, so he had a lot of curtains closed.

He looked around, and saw a light on in the bathroom.

"Hey, is e-" Upon gently opening the door, he sees Klavier stood staring intensely into the mirror. His hair over one shoulder like usual, and his glasses on the bridge of his nose. His face was almost expressionless, but there was a slight twitch of his brow that showed how distraught he was. He was wearing his work clothes, minus his jacket. He didn't even turn to look at Apollo when he entered.

On closer look, Apollo could see tears rolling down his cheeks. He looked completely frozen, eyes not daring to tear from the mirror.

"Oh, Klavier." Apollo breathed, before going to cup his face to turn it away from the mirror.

Klavier looked at him blankly for a moment, and swallowed hard.

Apollo wiped the mans tears with his thumbs.

"I'm just like him, arent i?"

Apollo looks confused.

"What?"

"I see him in every little thing. Part of me still lives in fear of him, like im under strict guidance. But i see him most... when i look in the mirror."

Apollo studied his face, completely lost. Klaviers face was blank, except for the pian in his eyes, if you looked deep enough.

"I'm just like him."

Finally, he lets out a choked sob, and goes to turn away, but Apollo brings his head back to meet his eyes.

"No... not at all." Apollo starts. He usually sucks at comforting people, but he just spoke from the heart.

"You two are the most different people ive ever met. Opposites, even."

Klavier doesn't look convinced. The pain in his eyes, that sank down to his core, made Apollo want to cry. He wanted nothing more than for Klav to be happy.

"Look, he was an evil, manipulative, disgusting mistake of a human being. And you... youre anything but that."

Klavier just blinks, a few more tears rolling down his face, and Apollo huffs, a little determined now.

"Look," he turns towards the mirror, and the other mam sheepishly follows suit.

"What do you see?"

"My brother."

"Well, there must be something wrong with your eyes, because thats not what i see."

"Well, what... do you see?"

Apollo swallows and lets his heart speak.

"I see the most amazing person ive ever met. I see the strongest, most talented, kindest, warmest, funniest person ive ever seen."

Klavier gulps, and sniffs.

"Just this once, try to see yourself how i do. Maybe then you'll see who you really are." Apollo says softly, looking at Klaviers reflection.

He closes his eyes and take a few deep breaths. He opened his eyes, and studied his reflection.

And he saw Klavier.

Tears fall from his eyes, and he grinned, turning to Apollo. Apollo smiles back genuinely.

He wraps his arms around the mans shoulders, leaning up a little, and Klavier wraps his arms around his torso, and buried his head into the crook of Apollo's neck.

Apollo dared to stroke his hand from the mans shoulder to the back of his head, and gently ran his fingers through his hair.

Apollo clenched his eyes shut. His hair was just as soft as he'd always imagined. And it smelt really good.

He settled his hand gently on the back of the mans head, and they stayed like that for a while.

Until Klavier shifts and they both move away.

"Why are you here, anyway?"

"Oh, i, uh.. needed to drop off some folders, theyre downstairs."

"Oh, danke. You want a ride back to work?"

"Im alright."

"You sure? Ive got to get to work myself so its not a problem."

That was you're-getting-a-ride in Klavier language.

"Alright." He says with a breathy laugh.

-----

"So, gonna update me on you and Klav?" Clay asks, munching on some chips.

"Not really much to update, nothings really changed."

Clay scoffs.

"Yes it has! Like literally a year ago, you where all like 'love sucks i hate being in love' and now all you do mope around all lovey-dovey like!"

"Whatever! Ive just gotten used to it, i guess."

Clay sighs and sinks into the couch defeated.

"Klavier makes you so happy... its sweet." He says, genuinely.

"Oh my god stop."

"I've got to start thinking about what I'm wearing to your wedding!"

Apollo splutters a laugh.

"Thats if we ever even get together! Im still pretty sure my feelings are unrequited."

Clay leans forward and glares at him, a smile of disbelief on his face.

"Are you actually stupid?"

(A long time ago.)

Apollo was staying late at work, the offices had a lot to do recently.

Klavier and Clay sat on the sofa, Klavier leaning his back on Clays side as they sat on their phones.

"Hey," Clay starts.

"Ja?"

"You like Apollo, right?"

Klavier swivels round and looks confused.

"Of course, he's like my best friend."

"No, i mean- you love him, dont you?" Clay asks, more in a fact checking tone than an actually question.

Klavier blinks.

"...is it that obvious?"

"Well, obviously not because he's not realised yet."

"Thank gott." Klavier sighs, falling back onto the couch.

"Don't tell him, please."

"I wont, promise. Swear on my mothers grave."

They sit quietly for a moment.

"Are you never going to tell him?"

Klavier shoots up, shocked expression on his face.

"Are you crazy? Nien!"

"Why?" Clay asks, unfazed.

"I'm taking this to my grave, Schatz. We'll carry on as normal. He will never know. End of." Klavier says conclusively, sinking back onto the couch.

Clay groans, frustrated. This was so annoying.

-----

"Hey, Klav, you should stay round."

Klavier cocks an eyebrow.

"Well, its already late. You may aswell just stay here."

"Really?"

"Yeah, like a sleepover!"

"Hey, do i get no say in this?"

"Shut up Apollo." They both chime, and start laughing.

"I would love to, but i dont have anything on me."

"You can borrow some of my clothes, and we have a spare toothbrush yadda yadda."

"I dont really have a choice... do i?"

Clay shakes his head with a grin.

"Alright, i will then."

Apollo just blinks. This was happening now, he guessed.

When it got to a time where they all got tired, Klavier and Clay headed to get clothes from his room, and Apollo went to change himself. He put on some sweatpants and a tshirt. He'll put on the hoodie later, when Klavier can't see him.

They appear back in the living room.

Apollo spots Klavier wearing a Gyaxa t-shirt and grey sweatpants.

This isn't fair. He shoots Clay and accusing glare, and he sends back a smug one.

Hes been set up. This was all part of Clays scheme.

He groans, and sits on the sofa. Clay sits on the other side of Klavier.

They put on a movie, but around half way through, Clay yawned and stood up.

"I'm hittin the hay. Goodnight, guys."

"Night, Clay."

"Guten Nacht."

They both just continue, watching the movie, but eventually, Apollo gets tired.

Really tired.

Klavier felt something warm and heavy lean on his shoulder.

He bit his lip and his chest felt really fuzzy, his heart going at 1000 miles per hour.

This was the best day of his life.

Eventually, the movie ended, and Klavier shifted.

"Polly?"

There was no response.

"Apollo!" He hissed.

He had fallen asleep.

Oh god. What was he supposed to do? He didn't want to move, or wake him. He kind of just froze in place.

The next morning, Apollo woke up grogily. He blinked into consciousness, and realised his pillow was warm. And moving. And smelled really good.

He shot up and off the couch, slapping a hand over his mouth, to stop himself from screaming. He ran to hide in the kitchen.

Clay sat their, shovelling cereal in his mouth.

"How was your cuddle sesh with Klavier Gavin?"

"I will shove that spoon so far down your throat that you shit it out, Clay Terran."

"Dually noted."

"You will never speak of this."

"Cross my heart." He says, muffled by a mouthful of cheerios.

Apollo sighs and grabs the jug if orange juice from the fridge.

------

This happened alot now. It would get too late into the night and Clay would coax Klavier into staying the night. He would sleep on the couch or in Clays room, and it became normal.

One particular night, they had all gone to sleep. Apollo liked his privacy, so he always left first and fell asleep in his room, alone. (To avoid what happened the first time)

He fell asleep quite quickly. Klaviers hoodie didn't smell like him anymore, it had been quite a while since he had it, but he still wore it to bed.

He woke up in a flash, shooting upwards and yelling out before he can slap a hand over his mouth to stop himself.

Another nightmare.

He sat, frozen. He hoped nobody heard. He took some deep breaths to try and calm his racing heart.

Tears starting pouring out his eyes before he could console himself. The thing is, he didn't even remember the nightmare now.

His worst fear come to life, when he heard his bedroom door click open.

Please be Clay please god let it be Clay.

But a tall, awkward figure in a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants, a bun doing a terrible job at containing his messy blonde hair.

Apollo, who had his knees up to his chest, buried his head in his arms.

"Go away Klav."

He just heard shuffling and then a wieght on the bed next to him. Then, he felt warm, muscular arms wrap around him.

He didn't say anything. Apollo just sat, in Klaviers arms for a moment, before lowering his knees to open himself up for a hug, and Klavier accepted, fully holding Apollo in his arms.

He thought about all the times Clay had had to console him after a nightmare. He would waddle in and stay for as long as it took for Apollo to calm down, which could be hours.

Apollo hated being so vulnerable, but he felt safe and at home in Klaviers arms. He relaxed almost instantly.

Klavier stroked his head, before pulling away. They had been like that for some time.

His gaze traced from his eyes, down to his body.

"Is that... mine?"

Apollo went bright red, and so did Klavier.

"I uh... it helps with the nightmares?"

'I like to sleep in it and imagine im with you' probably wasn't the best response.

Klavier didn't buy it, but he nodded his head.

"Speaking of, you okay?"

"Yeah... thank you." He said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.

-----

Apollo leaned his head in his hand, that was leant on the desk. He watched the trees sway outside the office window as he daydreamed.

He flicked his pen between his fingers, as he created the little stories in his head. They where almost always about Klavier.

He imagined them, outside Apollos apartment door, after a long night out, maybe a dinner date. Klavier would flirt, and laugh and look away. Apollo would stand on his tiptoes and gently brush the hair out the mans eyes, that would flicker back to meet his gaze. He would trace his fingers slowly down to his jaw. He would lean in, giving him a gentle kiss, before saying goodnight and turning into his apartment. He would lean against the door and sink down to the floor, grin wide across his face, chest fuzzy.

"Apollo."

Apollo jumps, dropping his pen and scrambling to pick it back up. He swivels his chair around, giving his boss a surprised, awkward look.

"You're zoning out, Polly." He sighs.

"Sorry, Phoenix."

"Somethin on your mind, kid? You can talk to me about it."

"No, its just-" He shakes his head. "I'm alright."

"If you're sure." Phoenix shrugs, from where he's leaning in the doorway.

The office door opened in the distance, and Phoenix's face lights up.

"That'll be Miles! Got to go." He says, disappearing out of the door.

------

Athena leaps and lands gracefully on the thick railing that lines the bridge, balancing carefully as she walks along it, beside the others below her on the pavement.

"Careful, Athena." Apollo says anxiously.

"Don't worry about it, Polly, i'm as agile as a cat!"

Apollo laughs and shakes his head, and watches Trucy skip ahead, and Klavier saunter beside him.

They decided to go out for lunch, and Athena insisted on going in a walk before hand to 'build up her appetite'. They had gone through the park, and decided to cross the river to the nicer part of town.

Midway through the bridge, Athena bends down and puts a hand out to Apollo, with a grin.

"No way." He says, ignoring her outstretched hand.

"Cmon Polly! You only live once, and its fun!"

"Exactly, you only live once, so i want to be careful with it." Athena huffs at his stubbornness.

"Go on, Herr forehead. Live for once." Klavier pokes with a smirk from over his shoulder.

Apollo thinks for a moment, before sighing.

"This is peer pressure." He says, grabbing Athenas hand and letting her pull him up onto the thin platform.

He wobbles, but stabilises himself, feeling a little confident now.

He sends a smug, bet-you-didnt-see-that-coming look towards Klavier, who had an amused look on his face.

He follows Athena, placing his steps methodically and cautiously. He stares down at the water below.

Its quite a fall, nothing that would kill you though. But the water looked deep and angry, and made Apollos chest fall at the thought of it.

He focused back on his friends on the bridge.

Trucy, who has been like a little sister to him. Clingy, bubbly and bright, she truly did light up the lives of whoever she was around. She had been through so much, and she was so unbelievable strong. Her grin was as bright and as real as ever. She's possibly the most caring person he had ever met.

Athena, his other best friend. Smart, strong, independent. She was so, so brave. And the most comforting person ever. She seemed to know everything about you, with just one look at your expression. The most kind and helpful person he's ever met.

And... Klavier.

The guy who made his head swarm and stomach ache and chest fall and palms sweat and cheeks flush. The guy who could crush him or help him fly on his words alone. The guy he drifted off to sleep thinking about, and drank his morning coffee with intrusive thoughts of him.

He watched his friends laugh and dance across the bridge, and he couldn't help but grin. Life was good.

He sank into the feeling, the sad comfort of it all. He breathed in the feeling deep. He felt free, the breeze hitting his face, a falling in his chest.

Falling.

He realised the bridge was no longer under his feet, instead was nothing but air.

He opened his eyes to find himself plummeting towards the water.

Fear spread across his chest, and he spluttered out a shout, before he was enveloped in the murky water.

"APOLLO!"

They raced to the edge of the bridge, holding onto the railings and peering over, gaze scanning the water surface for any signs of the man, as Athena jumped to join them.

"No no no no no."

Klavier mutters frantically, pulling off his sweatshirt.

"What? Whats wrong?" Besides the obvious, of course.

Klavier threw his shirt to the floor and Athena caught the look of terror in his eye.

Klavier climbed onto the railing, staring down at the water.

"Apollo can't swim." He stated, and without turning back, dove off the bridge.

"KLAV-"

They shouted after him, but the ringing in his ears was loud enough to drown them out.

All he could do was pray that Apollo Justice took a deep enough breath.

He crashed into the water, and began frantically flailing his limbs in search for the man, which didn't take long, and he felt the brush of fabric against his hands.

He grabbed it and heaved it above the surface.

He gasped for air, and threw the seemingly unconscious Apollo over his shoulder.

His focus zoned in, he could only see straight ahead.

He kicked his legs and used his free arm to push them towards the river bank.

All he could think about was when he would get to the shore, and Apollo would be okay. He'd wake up, and they'd get lunch, and it would be okay.

It's going to be okay, right?

He reached the bank and heaved Apollo up onto it, before pulling himself up.

He tucked his hands under Apollos arms and gently pulled him away from the edge, laying him comfortably on his back.

He took his index and middle finger and pushed it against the mans neck.

He waited.

A slow, weak thudding, buried deep down inside.

Alive.

Klavier breathed, for what seemed like the first time since he'd seen Apollo fall.

He stroked his hand over Apollos cheek, pushing wet hairs out his eyes and unplastering them from his face.

He put a hand over his open mouth.

He waited.

Not breathing.

Panic flared in his chest again, and he did the only thing he knew he could.

He put his hands firmly on Apollos chest, and took a deep breath.

One, two, three. He pushed hard into his chest.

One, two, three. He pushed even harder.

One, two, three. He looked at how pale Apollo looked. Peaceful.

One, two, three. "C'mon Apollo." He muttered in frustration.

One, two, three. Apollo Justice, unresponsive, unconscious, not breathing.

One, two, three. The world dissolved around them. It was just them, in an empty plain. Nothing else mattered now. Nothing.

One, two, three. "Scheiße!" Klavier sobs, his pushes weakening as he felt himself falling apart, his heart aching.

"Don't think you get to leave now, Arschloch!" He said shakily, with a dismayed smile.

He shakes his head, ready to let himself cave in, give up.

He couldn't give up.

Not on Apollo.

He lifted a hand to caress his cheek, and brushed his thumb over his mouth.

He pushes, parting the mans lips.

His heart raced, for more reasons than one, but he couldn't let his embarrassment get in the way.

Apollo Justice needed to breathe.

He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He leaned down, pressing his lips against Apollos, and he felt his heart sore.

He pushed the air down his throat, and pulled away.

One, two, three. "Cmon, Polly." He begged under his breath.

He took another deep breath, and pushed his lips back onto Apollos.

He quickly forced the air down.

He pulled away.

One, two, three.

Apollos body shook, and strangled coughs came from the mans throat. Klavier quickly helped him sit up.

His body recoiled, falling forward, coughing up river water, eyes wide with horror.

Klavier rubbed his back comfortingly; greatfully.

Apollo spluttered a bit more, before gasping for air, taking deep, urgent breaths.

"Shhh sh sh, its okay, you're okay." Klavier said quietly.

Apollo said nothing, still in shock, and leaned his head into Klaviers chest, still catching his breath.

Klavier brushes a gentle hand through his wet hair, and lets himself sink into the relief.

He opened his eyes to notice their audience.

Athena and Trucy, stood there awkwardly, eyes wide with concern.

Klavier smiles at them reassuringly, and they return smiles of their own, Athenas thankful, but still filled with worry, and Trucys smug and matched with a raised eyebrow.

Klavier turns his attention back to Apollo, curled into his arms. He seems to realise this too, as he regains his sense and pulls away, sitting up on the grass.

"What... happened?" He asked, bewildered.

"We don't know, we just heard you fall, and then before we could stop him, Klaviers diving in after you." Athena responds.

"Oh." He says, going a little red.

Embarrassment rises in Apollos throat, and he attempts to swallow it back down, to no avail.

"Yeah, he totally saved you, god knows i wouldn't of gone after you, it'd ruin my cape." Trucy jokes, handing Klavier his abandoned sweater and tshirt.

He shakes his head to dry off his hair, shaking his long blonde hair in a frenzy around his head.

This is where it would've gone in slow motion, and the camera would soften, before cutting to Apollo gawking, head over heels.

He snapped himself out of it, and shook his own head, to dry his hair.

Klavier stands, and offers Apollo a hand, which he takes reluctantly, pulling himself up.

"Here," Klaver says, holding out his hand holding his nice, dry sweater. "You need it more than i do."

Apollo feels himself blush, and hesitantly takes the sweater. "Thanks."

Klavier pulls his t-shirt back over his head, and Apollo pulls off the shirt he was wearing that now clung to him, completely drenched. He swapped it for Klaviers nice, warm, dry sweater.

He noticed how Trucy had awkwardly shielded her eyes, and Athena stood there blankly. This made him laugh a little, as he stood up, awkwardly brushing himself off.

Out of the corner of his eye, he swore he could see Klavier staring. It was probably just his mind giving him what he wants.

After a while of walking uncomfortably, both Apollo and Klaviers clothes clinging irritatingly to their bodies, they dried off. They eventually reach the cafe that was their destination.

They push open the glass doors of the small French cafe tucked in a corner of town, and took their usual seat in the leather booth in the corner.

"You alright, Polly?" Athena asked tentatively.

The sound of her voice snaps Apollo out of whatever trance he was in, and his head snapped up to meet her gaze.

"Yeah, i- uh, still in a bit of shock, thats all."

Thats a lie. He's distracted by the thought of a shirtless Klavier diving off a bridge to his rescue.

"Okay. If you want to go home or take a minute, let me know." She says under her breath as to not embarrass him in front of the others.

He nods greatfully, before turning his head to meet Trucys smug gaze.

"What." He snarls.

"Nothing."

Theres a beat of silence, before Trucy pounces.

"I'd be distracted too if i got mouth to mouth from Klavier Gavin." She whispers.

What.

He was not aware that that was a factor in his rescue.

He blinks at her, and she leans back with a mischievous glint in her eye.

He turns to Klavier.

Oblivious, beautiful Klavier.

His soft lips.

His soft lips, against his.

Apollo thought he might explode.

His face went completely red, and he hid behind his paper menu, glad that Athena and Klav where in too deep of a conversation to notice.

It didn't count, he told himself.

It was just CPR. A medical procedure.

Then why did Apollos mouth suddenly feel so dry?

The waiter arrives at the table, and goes round the group asking for their orders.

Eventually, she returns with a tray covered with glasses and plates with delicious smelling pastries.

Apollo greatfully takes his coffee, extra espresso, and takes a big gulp.

The hot liquid soothed him, and he relaxed a little, but the knot in his chest was still as tight as ever.

Klavier took his ice tea and sipped through his straw, and Trucy already had whipped cream on her nose, Athena whipps her camera out to capture this moment.

Then she swivelled round and turned the camera to selfie mode, and stretched her arm out to get everyone in view.

"Cmon guys, say cheese!" She says happily.

Trucy flung her arm round Apollo, grinning at the camera, Apollo pulled his most convincing smile, and Klavier looked up from his phone to wink at the camera over his sunglasses.

He had discarded his glasses prior to diving off the bridge, but Athena had tucked them into his pocket. Its best he atleast attempts to hide his face from paparazzi, he was still technically a celebrity.

Apollo thought it was wierd. There where so many people who knew Klaviers name. Who loved him. Who idolised him. Who had never even met him. To Apollo, he was just Klavier Gavin, the dork that spills flour all over himself when they bake.

Thats the Klavier he liked, though he had to admit he saw the appeal of famous rockstar Klavier.

Over the years, he had even become partial to his music. Specifically his music, not the Gaviners noise that they called music.

The camera clicked and Athena brought her arm down to admire her photography skills. It was a nice picture. She sent it to the groupchat so they all had it.

-------

As you could imagine, world-famous rockstar Klavier Gavin received alot of Valentines.

Every year the Gaviners PO box was crammed full of valentines for the various members, but mostly for Klavier himself.

He enjoyed reading his fans lovely messages, and cringed at the weird ones, and sat around in a circle with his band members going through them all.

It also stocked their snack cupboard for atleast a month.

He also received quite a few in real life. Fans either bumping into him or just from people around office or girls that had grown to like him. He would accept them graciously and maybe flirt a little, before adding them to the pile.

Valentines was never particularly special to the man because of this.

So why the hell was Apollo stood in the supermarket looking at the various valentines things on the shelves?

Well, partially as Clay had gotten a partner recently, so they couldn't do their yearly tradition of platonic valentines, and he felt a little empty to not be doing anything.

Partially because Trucy wanted to give him something but was too awkward to do it herself (which Apollo finds hard to believe)

None the less, this was happening one way or another.

Even if it was for those reasons, it was nice to pretend to give Klavier a valentines properly.

He picked out a pack of sweets, as he remembers Klavier saying he prefers them to chocolate, and grabs a random card (the least romantic one he could find).

He sighed and went to the self checkout, where he bought the items, before dragging himself back to the car.

"Polly! Did you get the stuff?" Trucy questions as soon as the man opens the car door.

"I did indeed." Apollo grins.

Trucy excitedly snatches the card out his hand.

"Dad, d'you have a pen?"

"Yup." Phoenix smiles and chucks a biro into the backseats, hitting Apollo on the head.

"I still don't quite see the point in this." Edgeworth says from the drivers seat.

"Oh, they're kids, Miles. Let them have their fun." Phoenix grins.

"I don't see the point either." Apollo mumbles, before the card is shoved back into his hand.

He looks at the small message that Trucy scrawled into the card. It was short and sweet, and it made him smile thinking about how thoughtful she was.

"You have to write something, Polly!"

"No." Apollo huffs.

"Awwwh c'mon!" She says dangling the pen in his face.

"No means no, Truce." He says, snatching the pen out her hand.

She huffs, but giggles a little, and a little while later Edgeworth announces their arrival.

The Wright Anything Agency.

Phoenix and Trucy step out the car, and Apollo goes to follows suit. They look at him as if he'd just killed someone.

"What?" He asked, climbing into the front seat if the car, and shutting the door.

He had work to do at the Prosecutors office. Experience or something. Mostly needed to confer with Ema and Gumshoe about case details.

Miles winds down the window to wave goodbye to them, and Phoenix quickly kisses him on the cheek, which he scowls at warmly. They disappear into the office, and Miles turns to Apollo.

"Are you ready?"

"Yup."

And Edgeworth starts driving.

Apollo looked up to the man. He was an amazing lawyer. And Apollo admired his professionalism, something he didn't usually get at his agency.

Most people would describe Miles as awkward to talk to, but he wasn't. He just simply didn't have anything that he cared to say.

"What is all this Valentines thing about?" He asks.

"I don't really know, to be honest. All i know is that i need to hand this to Klavier Gavin or Trucy will behead me."

Miles chuckles a little, and Apollo feels a serge of pride in his chest.

"The two of you are good friends though, am i wrong? There shouldn't be anything to worry about."

"Yeah, true."

"I'd write something." He says simply.

Apollo looks at the card and pen in his hands. He will write something. He just isn't sure what yet.

"What about you? Got any big romantic gestures planned?"

The man scoffs mockingly.

"I have no clue what to get Phoenix. He is the hardest person to buy gifts for."

"Maybe that just means you can give him something in a different way. Like emotionally."

Miles looks at him for a second, before smiling.

"Maybe you're right, Justice."

They sit in pleasant silence for the rest of the drive. They may not be exactly close, but they both appreciate each others calmness.

They arrive at the Prosecutors office, and take they're briefcases and head to the door. Miles gives Apollo a polite nod, before going his separate way. Apollo goes into the lobby, shoving the card and sweets in his breifcase.

He finds Gumshoe and some balif in a pretty heated conversation, and Ema in the corner looking annoyed at her phone. He heads over to Ema.

"Hey." He says, making Ema jump and look up from her phone

"Jeez! No need to creep up on me." Ema says, putting a dramatic hand to her chest.

"Sorry, you just looked so glued to your phone i couldn't resist."

Ema scoffs.

"Twitter assholes again?"

"Yeah. I should just delete the app but all the drama is just so... exciting." She does jazz hands while looking completely bored.

Apollo laughs, before indicating to Gumshoe and the Baliff

"Whats that about?"

"Baliff let some rando enter a trial and Gumshoes getting the blame. I swear, the let anyone stand at these doors in a blue shirt and call them a baliff."

"True."

Ema clears her throat before yelling, "GUMSHOE!" who immediately whips round and expression melts into a welcoming grin.

He says some final words to the Baliff before making his way over to them.

"Hiya, pals! Sorry about that. Should we get going?"

Ema rolls her eyes endearingly and Apollo nods.

They spend the day working through cases, and looking through evidence. Having a detectives eye was good for this, as well as Ema checking for prints on evidence.

Apollo took his notebook and shoved it in his briefcase, feeling accomplished.

"You off for the night now pal?" Gumshoe asks over his shoulder.

"Yeah. Just got one more thing to do, then i should find Mr Edgeworth-"

"I don't think he'll be willing to leave yet, the man never leaved his office until atleast 8pm" Ema laughs.

"Dont forget, it is Valentines day, pal. He's got spikey at home." Gumshoe adds.

"Oh that is true. I hate to imagine Edgeworth doing anything romantic." Ema mock gags.

Its funny to see the two talking about their higher ups like this.

"Well, cya around guys." Apollo says before ducking out the door.

He sighs and heads over to the elevator.

He picks the floor that he knows Klavs office is on.

The metal doors shut and he's alone in the elevator. He thinks about what he should write.

He gets to Klaviers door and takes out the card and pen. He thinks for a moment, before scribbling a short paragraph on the opposite page to Trucys writing.

He takes the card and candy in one hand, sighs and knocks on the door.

"Come in!" Says a distant voice.

The pushes open the door, and for some wild reason, Apollo feels his chest tense and grow hot.

"Ah, Herr Forehead! What brings you here?" The man says brightly.

"Oh, nothing. Just popping in cus i was in the building." He says sheepishly, closing the door behind him. He fails to notice the pile of gifts Klavier had discarded in the corner of his office.

"How kind of you." He grins.

"Listen, i-" he grimaces and brings the objects out from behind his back and pushes them out towards Klavier, who had now moved to lean on the front of his desk.

"I know you get alot of these, but- and don't get the wrong idea! I just-"

Klavier took it from his hands with a mystical look on his face, like he'd just witnessed a miracle.

And, to be honest, it was like one. Klavier felt heat rise into his face and couldn't help but grin. He placed it down on his desk behind him and gave Apollo a peck on the cheek.

It wasn't anything Unusual. He did it to alot of people. But that didn't stop Apollo from going bright red and his heart racing like he was about to go into cardiac arrest.

"Danke, kleiner Hase, i appreciate it." He said with a smirk.

"No problem, jerk. Now I've got to get home or Mr Edgeworth is gonna be late for his makeout sesh with my boss."

Klaviers laughs, and bids goodbye to the man.

As soon as the door shuts behind Apollo, he feels as though he needs to scream.

He goes to find Mr Edgeworth, and goes home.

Klavier sits at his desk, staring at the card.

He read Trucy's sweet message.

"Hey, Klav! Mostly doing this for younger me, who was the Gaviners biggest fan, and would've loved to give you a valentine! Don't get the wrong idea, though. I have a girlfriend.
You're super cool, and thanks for existing!
Hope you're well, the one and only Trucy"

He chuckled a little bit, and moved the card to see Apollos scratchy writing on the opposite page.

"Hey asshole, can you believe i am doing this willingly? Like i am voluntarily doing this. Jokes aside, i appreciate you. And out of everyone in the world, i would want to give you a valentine. Hope this one is more special than the other thousand you got today.
-Apollo."

He smiled uncontrollably at this. It was definitely more special. So much so that he would probably get home and put it on his bedside table and stare at it as he fell asleep and it will stay there for years to come.

He looked at the candy.

Apollo remembered that he prefered candy.

That made his chest feel all fuzzy.

--------

-------

One day, they where hanging out in the apartment again.

Klaviers huffs and throws his head back.

"I'm bored."

"Am i not amusing enough for you?"

"Thats not what i meant, idiot."

He paused for a minute, deep in thought.

"Want to go somewhere?"

Apollo raises an eyebrow.

"Where?"

"How about... our place?"

Our place.

Apollo hated to admit it, but it made his stomach flutter.

"Sure, that'd be cool."

"Not on your motorbike again, though." He adds quickly.

"Do not worry, Schatz, i brought my car today."

They made their way out the apartment, making sure to lock the door behind them. Clay had been working late shifts at the space center recently, so he hadn't been home.

They walk into the parking lot, the warm summer evening atmosphere hitting him as he walks towards Klaviers car.

They jump in, and Apollo relaxes into the leather seat. Klavier had a sort of fancy, borderline sports car. Apollo didn't really care for cars, so he didn't know. All he knew is that it was a really nice car.

They drove for a good half an hour to get to their spot on the cliff, mostly in silence. They both hop out the car, and Apollo takes a deep breath of the evening air.

Klavier gracefully lifts himself onto the front of the car, sitting there.

Apollo laughed, and joined him sitting on the hood of the car.

He looked straight ahead of him. The sun was setting iver the city, a lovely gradient of yellows and pinks and reds.

It was something out of a painting. It was so beautiful. The tiny city, bustling with life, as the sky turned beautiful colours.

Everyones lives carried on in their own little worlds down in the busy city, as him and Klavier watched over them. Him and Klavier, against the world.

Every time they cane here, Apollo just thought about Klaviers distant look and confession.

It reminds me of you.

Probaly the sweetest thing anyones ever said to him. He loved his view. Their view. Where they could sit and watch the world, and admire its imperfect beauty.

Klavier broke the silence by clearing his throat, and causing Apollo to notice the heavy tension lingering in the air.

"I, uh... have something to confess."

Apollo turned to face him. I mean... it was a quite romantic setting. And, it had been way too long.

He couldn't do this anymore. The whole being in love thing. The constant tug on his heart and heaviness in his chest and butterflies in his stomach.

"Me too."

Klavier looked a little surprised, and he shifts where he's sat.

"Can i go first? Just to... get out of the way?"

"Yeah, alright." Apollos heart rose to his throat. He was so unbearably anxious.

"I just want to say, i don't want to ruin anything, or make things awkward. You mean alot to me Apollo," He admits, refusing to look at him and instead looking at the sunset, with wide, shining eyes.

"You're the most amazing person I've ever met. You're kind, forgiving, determined, passionate. I guess i couldn't help but..."

Apollos chest felt as though it was about to burst. He bites his tongue and doesnt dare to tare his eyes from Klaviers face.

"Like you. More than i am supposed to. I have, for so, so long. I just... can't keep it to myself anymore. I hope you understand."

Apollo felt an explosion go off inside of him, his heart felt whole. Was he dying? Was this heaven? No, this was real. Apollo tried to ground himself.

"I love you." Klavier said conclusively, in a soft tone, a sad smile on his face, turning to meet Apollos eyes.

Apollo studied his face, eyes flickering from feature to feature, to find any ounce of insincerity.

He was telling the truth.

He could also sense Klaviers heart breaking the longer he stayed silent. But he was lost for words.

No words could tell Klavier how much he loved him.

So he'll show him.

Just like he'd done a million times in his dreams.

Apollo put a firm hand under Klaviers jaw and tilted his head, before pulling him towards him and placing a gentle, deep kiss on Klaviers lips.

Oh my god he was kissing Klavier.

And it was real.

He could feel his soft lips, his gentle breath, he could smell his cologne and feel his warmth. He could feel his jaw in his hand, and his hair brushing against his face.

He felt his chest heave, his butterflies climbing from his stomach to his throat.

They pulled away from eachother slowly, and Klavier looked at him with half lidded eyes and a grin of disbelief, and Apollos eyes where wide and he smirked.

Klavier reached his hands to the back of Apollos head, and threaded his fingers through his hair roughly, and pushed his head towards his as he leaned in.

They kissed, a little more passionately, and Klavier leaned over him, twisting his torso to be ontop of him, and Apollo layed back on the hood of the car.

They pulled away a few moments later, and Klavier admired him, before leaning his forehead against Apollos and laughing.

Apollos just grinning uncontrollably, and Klavier moved back again, pulling his hands to the front of Apollos face to cup his jaw.

"I feel like im dreaming."

Apollo laughs and his heart feels warm.

"So do i, honestly."

They just admired eachother for a moment.

"Ive waited so long for this man."

Klavier smiles and strokes his face.

"I love you too, Klavier." He says, under his breath, before wrapping his arms around Klaviers neck and pulling him down into another short and sweet kiss.

Klavier pulls himself off of him, and sits back by his side. Apollo follows suit, sitting up.

"I'm so happy, meine Liebe"

Apollo smiles and leans his head on Klaviers shoulder, looking out on the view.

"Me too."

-----

Clay gets in late that evening, and Apollo heard the door open and the keys jangle, and he jumped up from where he was sat, and raced to the door.

"Clay, oh my god-"

"Someones happy." He remarks groggily in response to Apollo practically jumping in joy.

Apollo fussed over his friend, basically pushing him into the kitchen and into a seat at the dining table. Apollo sits opposite him, grinning, buzzing with joy..

"Alright, whats up?" Clay questions with a tired grin.

"Me and Klavier are sort of... together now?"

Clay shoots up, expression changing into pure excitement.

"Oh my god really?! Tell me everything."

And Apollo did.

He spent a good few hours ranting about Klavier and what had happened. Clay excitedly listened.

Clay was such a good friend.