Chapter Text
February 1, 2026, 8:30 AM
Suit Yourself Men's Suits & Clothing
"They're here," Klavier said as a nice silver car pulled into the suit store's parking lot.
"Apollo!" Artie's recognizable voice called as soon as he got out of the car.
He ran up to him and gave him a big hug. After they separated, Apollo took a good look at him. He had started to wear circular glasses with a thin black frame. He also grew out his wavy ginger hair to fall just below his chin. Of course, he still wore his prized prison director's cap. The cropped shirts and sweaters were no more, as he was wearing a dark gray turtleneck underneath a mint green button-up cardigan, with actually tasteful jewelry as well.
"Come on, you've seen me after I got glasses at least a couple times before today, right?" Artie asked.
Apollo laughed awkwardly, "Sorry, you look really nice, promise! I guess I haven't seen you enough to really get used to them, though. And most of the things you post online are of Godfather and Sheriff, and not thirst traps like someone I know, offense intended, Klavier."
"I know you watch them loop like, at least eight times, Herr Forehead," Klavier quipped, "Besides, I can't compete with an adorable capybara mafia boss and a sweet little skunk unless I shake what I was blessed with!"
Apollo facepalmed. This was the man he loved. Artie laughed fondly. Cliff came up to the group holding their son's hand.
"Did you get it tied, Pearseed?" Artie asked.
"Yeah, but it took awhile," the little boy said as he crossed his arms, "How come I can play the piano just fine, but I can barely tie my shoes?"
"Now, now, Brady. You keep improving every time. Remember our deal?" Cliff asked.
"Once I can tie both shoes in ten seconds I'll get new cowboy boots?"
"Exactly! And those boots aren't going anywhere, so keep practicing, just like how you keep practicing the piano," Artie said.
Brady giggled. Visually, Cliff hadn't changed that much since they first met over three and a half years ago. The glasses he wore were no longer tinted and the frames were thicker, his jewelry and alt boots were still present, but not as loud as they once were, and his now shorter and looser flat top was accompanied by a full, thick beard Apollo envied. Although a beard normally can make a man's face look more sharp and serious, Cliff's face had never seemed more soft than when he looked at his son and loving husband.
Cliff turned his attention to Apollo, "It's really nice to see you again. Studying and work must be keeping you busy."
"Haha, yeah, but hey, at least I've got my badge now!" Apollo said, holding it out for them to see.
"I've heard that the gold flakes off over time, until the flower is completely silver. You should cherish it every step of the way, from gold to silver and all those lovely stages in between."
"Wow, Cliff. Not that I thought you were incapable of being poetic before but, woah!"
He laughed gently, "Well, as you know, becoming a father has certainly changed my perspective on life."
Klavier rolled his eyes.
"As have I," Artie said.
Klavier rolled his eyes even further back into his skull.
"Are we ready?" he asked.
Artie clapped his hands together, "I think we are! Apollo has his badge, a dress shirt with a tie, and the right shoes."
"We're so honored to help you pick out your first suit!" Cliff said.
"Um, I actually have a suit or two already," Apollo said.
Everyone else besides Brady laughed.
"No, you don't," Artie said.
"Absolutely not, liebling."
"I almost called off our wedding when I saw what you were wearing," Cliff said.
"Well, if you all hate my clothes so much why don't we hurry up and go inside already?" Apollo grumbled, "It's cold."
"You need to be careful, Apollo," Cliff said, "The salespeople will tell you exactly what you want to hear as well as try to make us spend more than we need to."
"Us?" Apollo asked.
"The Kiehl-Fhrettes, as well as myself, will be splitting the cost," Klavier said.
"Guys, you don't have to-"
"Yes, we do, Apollo. It's a graduation-slash-getting-your-badge gift from your boyfriend and two of your very good friends," Cliff said, "Not to mention, we can definitely afford it."
Artie pulled out the puppy-dog eyes, "Unless… Are we not good friends?"
"Uh, no! We're great friends!" Apollo corrected.
"Then let's head in!" Artie said, his mood shifting back immediately.
The group came inside to the quaint yet tasteful store, and immediately a salesman threw himself at them. Cliff politely waved him off before the group browsed on their own.
"So, what are you looking for?" Cliff asked.
"Um, I don't know, a suit?" Apollo responded.
"Let's rephrase that: how do you want to feel?" Klavier said, "How do you want others to see you?"
"Well, strong, I guess. Like I can be relied on and taken seriously," Apollo said, "And I don't want to feel restricted and like I can't adapt to whatever comes my way."
"One of your biggest strengths is your adaptability," Cliff said.
"Thanks," Apollo said half-heartedly.
It wasn't like he had much of a choice.
"Firm, but not stuffy," Artie said, "Assertive, yet flexible..."
"Bold, but still approachable to clients," Klavier added, "Does that sound right to you?"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I want to be like!"
"Now, let's talk logistics," Cliff said, "You'll be out and about during investigations, indoor and outdoor, all year."
"Something like a three-piece sounds like a good idea. If you take off the jacket when it's hot, you'll still look put together," Klavier said.
"And I don't want to speak for you, but as a skinny guy myself I've found layering gives me a fuller figure, and a vest can help with that," Artie said.
"Ok, a three-piece it is!" Apollo said.
For a while after that it was all a blur of questions and measuring. Apollo couldn't quite figure out the finer details, like why the number of buttons mattered or the type of fabric, as they all felt the same. He almost wished he could join Brady on one of the couches and just read a book instead of having to give a ton of opinions on things he barely understood. At one point his tired, wandering eyes stopped at a bright red suit. It beckoned him over and perked him right up. The jacket was a lighter red than the dark of the vest and pants, which made him wonder what it would look like on him. The back of the vest was even black, which seemed so sleek and put together. It definitely could be worn without the jacket.
"Find something?" Cliff asked as he walked over to where Apollo was standing.
"Yeah, I think I want to try this on! And it's my size," Apollo said.
"Red? I don't- Ah, nevermind, I'm glad you found something you like," Cliff said, "Hey, Apollo's going to- Klavier!"
Klavier hid a purplish garment behind his back.
"Ja?" he responded dumbly.
"What is that in your hand?" Cliff asked sharply.
"A jacket."
"For who? Apollo?"
"No. Um, for me."
Cliff stormed up to him, "This is Apollo's day! Imagine if you were shopping for a wedding dress and then one of your bridesmaids tries on a gown. It happens all the time on reality TV."
"Oh, let him try it on," Apollo said, waving his hand, "Whenever we go out shopping he always has to get himself a little treat."
"Thank you, schatz. I promise not to upstage you, which will take enormous restraint on my part."
Cliff sighed, "I suppose if you're alright with it. Now, where's…"
Artie came up to the group with a hand behind his back and flashed a goofy smile. Cliff crossed his arms.
"Arthur."
"Yes, dear?"
"You know what I'd like to ask."
Artie revealed the bow tie he was holding.
"It has rubber duckies! They'd be perfect for dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's!"
"Is it on sale?"
"Buy one get one free! They have all sorts of cute patterns."
"Alright."
"Hey, how come he gets a pass?" Klavier asked.
"Because he is my husband, and because those are for my human son and my capybara son."
After the squabble dissipated, Apollo went into a dressing room and put on his suit. He may or may not have teared up seeing himself in the mirror, but that would stay a secret between him and absolutely no one. He pushed back the curtain and was met with three smiling faces.
"I like it…" Apollo said quietly, a little embarrassed.
"You're all grown up," Cliff said.
"I was grown up before!"
"How does it feel? Can you move around good?" Artie asked.
"Yeah, especially without the jacket. I think I like it better that way," Apollo said as he shrugged it off and handed it to Klavier.
"Ugh, Klavier, can you stop looking at him like that?" Cliff groaned.
"Like what?" he asked innocently.
"Like a piece of meat," Artie said.
Klavier snorted into a laugh while Apollo hid his face in his hands.
"Forgive him for looking handsome in a proper suit," Klavier said.
"He does make quite a striking picture in that red," Cliff said.
"The first one you try on and I think it's a winner!" Artie said.
Apollo took his badge out of his pocket and put it on the vest's lapel, completing the look.
"Apollo, are you saying yes to the suit?" Cliff asked.
"Yes! I'm positive!"
February 1, 11:03 AM
Sleepy Rooster Restaurant
After Apollo's suit (and Artie and Klavier's extra purchases) were paid for, the group decided to stop somewhere for brunch, letting Brady pick the place since he was so patient and respectful while the adults shopped. As soon as the waitress took everyone's orders, the boy scooted his chair back.
"Let's go, let's go!" he said, "I wanna see the fishies!"
"Alright, alright, just slow down, partner," Cliff said, getting up along with Klavier.
"Eh, I don't like fish. They're condescending," Apollo said, "And my feet hurt."
"Coming, Arthur?" Cliff asked.
"Nah, I think I'll keep Apollo company. I can text you when our food gets here," Artie said.
Cliff nodded and walked away with Brady and Klavier towards the restaurant's fish tank at the front.
Artie looked across the table at Apollo, "Sooooo…"
"So?" he responded.
"How are things?"
"What things?"
"Things with Klavier."
"Good," Apollo said dryly.
"Have you made any big decisions lately?"
"Like…?"
Artie twisted his straw in between two of his fingers, "I don't know, it's not any of my business, but maybe moving in, or perchance… a ring?"
"God, why didn't you just ask me that in the first place?"
"Well, I didn't want to be nosey!"
"You already were nosey before!" Apollo huffed, "I mean, we've definitely thought about things like that, but…" Apollo trailed off.
"But…?"
"We're obviously so committed to each other, but I need to stand well enough on my own two feet. I mean, my career's literally just getting started. My crappy apartment is annoying, but it's all mine, and it'll just make earning my place in the legal world even more satisfying. I won't become some goofy rockstar's trophy husband before accomplishing anything on my own."
"But your forehead's so shiny it already looks just like a trophy!" Klavier said.
"GAH!" Apollo yelped.
Klavier grabbed his forgotten phone off the table and strutted back to the tank. Artie giggled.
"So, to actually answer your question, nothing's gonna change for a while, and we're both totally fine with that," Apollo said.
"I'm glad you two are so happy. And, thanks for always being so kind to Brady. I think it's good for him to see happy, healthy couples that aren't just Daddy and Poppy and Grandma and Grandpa."
Apollo's cheeks warmed as crossed his arms, "Don't worry about it."
"Whatever you say… Uncle Apollo."
"Shut up!"
Artie laughed again.
February 6, 7:42 PM
Raising the Bar
Klavier and Apollo walked into the dimly lit bar. Daryan's large pompadour was easy to spot, and the two took their seats across from him.
"Hey, Apollo," Daryan greeted, "Long time no see."
"I could say the same to you," Apollo responded.
"Why do people say I could? You just did," Daryan said.
"Ugh, where's my greeting?" Klavier asked as he slumped over the slightly sticky table.
"I see you all the time, man. You're nothing special."
"Hmph!"
The bartender came up to their table. "What can I get for you guys?" she asked.
"Scotch. Neat," Daryan said with a smirk.
"Oh, wow, you don't mess around!" she said.
"At least not with my drinks. Now, with pretty girls like you on the other hand…"
She smiled and twirled her brown hair.
"OK, THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT!" Apollo belted out, "I think I'll try, uh, one of those hard cider things. Your choice, I guess."
Daryan snorted, "Ok, Miss Girl."
"Ok, Mr. I-Like-to-Brag-About-Drinking-Scotch-Like-it's-Some-Great-Accomplishment."
"Salty dog," Klavier ordered, ignoring their squabble.
"Um, what's that?" she asked.
"Oh, Fräulein, Fräulein, Fräulein, I thought everyone knew my favorite drink. It's one to one grapefruit juice with either vodka or gin; I'll let you pick my poison tonight. Salt the rim and serve it on the rocks for me, ja?"
"Uh, sure thing!" she said before walking away.
"They should call it a salty greyhound. The drink without the salt is just called a greyhound. Is your brain that stupid that it can only pick up one adjective at a time? I'd even take a salty hound over a plain old salty dog," Daryan said, "At least the hound narrows it down a bit."
"Hey, I didn't name it!" Klavier said, holding his hands up.
"You know, you're kind of right, Daryan," Apollo said, "You're still not as cool as you think you are when it comes to drinks, though!"
"Paul's got ya there. Haha, I remember sneaking you strawberitas back when you were a teenager, so you've got no right to talk, Crescend Roll."
Snare took a seat next to Daryan.
"Grrr, Snare! We said we wouldn't talk about those!" Daryan growled.
Apollo was dumbfounded. Snare had dyed his hair blonde with his black roots still being very prevalent, most likely on purpose. He had also gotten thick, square glasses, and Apollo could've sworn he had had more piercings than the few he was still looking at now. The outfit was the scariest part. He wore a plain white lab coat with KHAKIS and a black COLLARED SHIRT with only half of it tucked-in.
Not only that, but Snare Grunger wore a TIE. A TIE! Granted it was a large, poorly tied goofy one with crudely drawn race cars on it, but STILL. Who was this man and what did he do with Apollo's friend?
"Hey, I know that look. 'Oh my God, Snare! You actually look like a halfway functioning member of society!' Am I right?" he asked.
"What- what happened!?"
"I guess I never told you, huh? It was pretty recently, all things considered. I'm still a forensic pathologist, but I also became a pediatrician, and I'm splitting my time between the two."
"You're working with… KIDS!?"
"I love my autopsies, but I needed something fresh. Literally, like still alive people who haven't begun rotting yet. It's pretty fun, actually. Whenever I get lonely I head over to the pediatric wing at Hickfield and whenever I want everyone to shut up I go down to the morgue and hang out with people who will never speak again."
"Huh, well if it works for you, I'm really happy for you, man!" Apollo said sincerely.
The bartender came back with their drinks.
"Hey, can I get the cheapest beer you have? I literally can't tell the difference," Snare requested.
"Sure thing," she said, cracking a smile.
After she walked away, Daryan spoke, "I think the only reason you like that gig is because you get to be around the only people who laugh at your shitty jokes: literal toddlers and twelve-year-old edgelords."
Everyone, even Snare laughed at the diss.
"Um, actually, that's nice, but that's not my favorite perk from the job. The best part, aside from, like, the obvious stuff, is that I get to talk to a lot of hot single moms in my area," Snare said.
Apollo spat out his cider.
"There's a lot of MILFs in the LA area! Of course I keep everything professional, and if anything actually got serious I would transfer her kiddo to another doctor."
"What the hell…" Apollo muttered, "Have you actually gone out with a kid's mom before?!"
"Nope, but I've gotten plenty of numbers!" Snare responded.
"They literally have to write their phone numbers down on the forms," Daryan said.
"I take it back. You haven't changed one bit," Apollo said.
Snare snorted, "I'm just kidding, dude, God! Sort of. Would be nice, though, kinda lame being single for like, ever. I mean, I'm almost… I don't want to say it… uh, fifteen times two."
"A fact that never fails to astound me, given your maturity level," Apollo said.
"You know you love me, Apple Juice!"
The bartender set a bottle down in front of Snare and walked off to another table.
"So, what's new with you, Daryan?" Apollo asked.
"Nothing," he said dryly.
"Klavier, is there actually anything new or does he just not want to talk to me?"
"No, nothing new. Still Criminal Affairs Division Three."
"Oh."
"Hey, aren't we supposed to be celebrating Herr Forehead?" Klavier asked.
"Oh, yeah," Daryan said, elbowing Snare.
"Uh, congrats, Mr. Fancy Pants Attorney!" Snare said before reaching into his coat pockets and dumping a bunch of yellow lollipops onto the table, "Fresh from the waiting room!"
"But I don't like lemon…" Apollo whined.
Klavier took that as an invitation to take one for himself and ripped off the clear plastic wrapper.
"Pairs nicely with grapefruit," he said.
"The gold circles represent the gold circle you just got!" Snare said, "I definitely put a lot of thought into this. Yeah."
"My badge is way more than just a gold circle!"
"Snare!" Daryan said through his gritted teeth, "I thought you were going to get him that badge-cleaning set I found online!"
"Huh? Oh… whoops. Hey, if anything my crappy gift will make yours look better," Snare responded.
"That's the exact opposite of- ugh, never mind! Here, Apollo. I dug this out of my dresser," Daryan said.
He set a small, golden, sunburst-shaped earring in front of him. Apollo picked it up and examined it.
"Thanks, Daryan," Apollo said, "It looks nice."
"No prob. I know the badge is like a sunflower and Apollo is a god of the sun so… yeah."
Apollo took out the original earring he was wearing and put in the new one.
"How do I look?" he asked.
Snare squinted his eyes, pursed his lips, and held up the ok sign.
"Very nice," Klavier said.
"Is Kristoph not gonna let you wear it for trials?" Daryan asked.
"Eh, probably not," Apollo said, "But I can definitely ask for you."
Daryan's hair bobbed up and down, "WHA-? D-D-Don't do it for my sake! I could care less what you wear in that dinky courtroom!"
Klavier laughed before holding up his glass, "Anyways, I think we're long overdue for a toast. To Apollo!"
"To Apollo!" Daryan and Snare repeated as they joined in.
As the night went on, the drinks flowed, and everyone loosened up.
Daryan groaned, "At this point I chew three pieces of spearmint gum and chug a big thing of ice water just to feel something. 'Oh, Detective Crescend get a warrant, let's- blah blah blahhhhh.'"
"It's tough sometimes. I've seen all sorts of mangled, defiled cadavers more disgusting than you could ever imagine, but I've always been able to detach myself, because they were just bodies, nothing more I can do, they're already dead," Snare said, "But now, with my patients, they're still alive and I can watch them suffer in real time. But… hey, at least there's something I can do to help, right? Seeing a kid actually get better, or even just making one smile is a million times more satisfying than figuring out a cause of death," Snare said.
"Yeah, Snare, you can help and be like one of those hospital drama guys," Daryan said, "Heh, stupid supply closets."
"Ugh, how come Snare either gets super silly Billy or super introspective when he's drunk? Without fail, no in-between," Klavier whined.
"I think we've all had enough," Apollo said, "Let's head home."
February 14, 7:03 AM
Klavier's Apartment
Apollo woke up to the familiar weight of Klavier wrapped around him.
"Happy Valentine's Day," he said before kissing him on the cheek.
"Happy Valentine's Day," Apollo repeated groggily.
"I got something for you."
"Oh yeah?"
Klavier got off of him and Apollo could hear the nightstand's drawer open. He shifted in order to sit up as Klavier handed him two tickets. He scanned them.
"Woah! The Republic of Borginia? Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited to go, but I would've sworn you'd pick Germany."
"I asked the band for advice, and all of them but one said Germany, while the odd man out suggested Borginia. Want to know why?"
"Why?"
"Because I know everything about Germany. The language, culture, geography, food, everything. I didn't want to play condescending tour guide and lead you by the hand across my country. You've never liked being treated as naive or less than. I've almost always viewed you as an equal in almost everything, Apollo. Now, with your badge, you truly are my match in everywhere that counts. I want us to tackle new experiences together, and Borginia is new to both of us, not just one of us."
Apollo shifted over and kissed him.
"Aw, Klavier, thank you! I appreciate this even more now!"
He laughed gently, "Don't thank me, thank- Actually, why don't you guess?"
"Guess who said Borginia?"
"Ja."
"Artie, easy."
"Nein."
"Cliff?"
"Nein again."
Apollo snorted, "Snare? Really? I thought he'd be too busy chasing after MILFs to offer good advice about our relationship."
Klavier smirked and shook his head slowly.
"What?!" Apollo shouted, surely a dumb smile on his face.
"It was really sweet. He doesn't show it too often, but he really cares about us."
"Aw, Daryan! Screw you and Artie, he's the biggest romantic out of all of us."
Klavier gasped, "We'll see about that! I'm not about to get shown up!"
"I guess we will in..." he looked at the tickets, "two months?"
"Ja. It's supposed to be lovely there in the spring. And I talked to Kris and that's around when he'll let you take on a case of your own. You'll have a nice break and be well-rested before your first real trial," Klavier swooped him up in his arms, "Just wait until I get to see you at the defense's bench across from my own. Opposites Attract: Justice and Gavin: Lovers Fighting for the Truth on Different Sides of the Courtroom. If I win you have to kiss me five hundred times, and you win I have to do the same to you."
"Is it really morally sound to bet on your own trials?"
"I just- I'm so excited for you! I've gotten a front row seat to watch your dream come true."
"Oh, Klavier, you weren't just a simple audience member, you've helped me so much," Apollo said, "I know your brother and I got off to a really bad start, but you were the bridge between us. And now, Mr. Gavin's such an important person to me and my career. So, I know I've said it a million times before, but it's never gonna stop needing to be said: thank you."
"You know, you always talk about how I gave you a chance and led you down the right path, but you saved me from going down the wrong one before I realized I was even on it," Klavier said, "You humble me. With you I'm not a pompous rockstar or the scourge of the courtroom or a means to an end. I'm just a man. A man who wants to be by your side… your Klavier."
Apollo sniffled, "You're not gonna get away with those cheesy lines forever, you know."
"So there's a forever?"
"Of course, you idiot."