Klapollo Week 2025

by my_escape1

Summary:

Kapollo stories inspired by this year's prompts.

Notes:

Klapollo Week is here! Huzzah! Happy Turnabout Corner Day. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Day 1: Perceive

“And that Mr. Dwyer is why my client, Amy Stayke, is innocent. You stole the blueprints to her work and tried to pass it off as your own. She would never have made such a careless mistake in the very foundation of her work.”

The witness, Barb Dwyer, shook his hands in front of him, the very hands that had led to Apollo figuring out the sordid twist in this case. Apollo had perceived Dwyer’s tell, his fingers flexed minutely, subconsciously remembering the electric shock that ran through them as Dwyer had failed to replicate the highly intricate machine. Apollo could barely understand what Ema had said the machine did in her excited rambling, but what he did remember was that the machine was one of those “once in a lifetime” science experiments and involved highly technical theorizing and wiring which was something that Barb Dwyer, an intern at the company, was not able to execute efficiently.

Prosecutor Blackquill scoffed from his bench but thankfully said little else. The witness had all but confessed and by the way the thin fringe on his jacket started whipping around him and leaving slight welts feathering his cheeks, this case was over.

Apollo began to pack up his paperwork as the bailiffs took the culprit into custody. Athena flicked a piece of confetti off of her shoulder and chuckled. “A little close there, huh?” She asked cheekily, a bright grin stretching from ear to ear.

Apollo rolled his eyes. “As always, isn’t it?” He shot back as he put the papers he stacked into his bag.

“Hey, look at the bright side, you only got faked out by Taka twice today!” Athena chirped.

Apollo rubbed the skin under his bracelet and sighed. “That’s still twice too many in my opinion. Emotional support animal, my foot.” He grumbled with another eye roll. “Shall we go check on the client?” He asked and turned to the junior partner. Athena let out an affirmative grunt and the two of them walked out of the courtroom.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Justice!” Amy gushed as the door closed behind him. Apollo felt his cheeks redden and he rubbed at the back of his neck.

“Just doing my job, Ms. Stayke.” Apollo insisted. This was the part about being a defense attorney he liked the least. Not that he didn’t appreciate having done his job well; he wanted to make sure the truth was revealed and he got his client the verdict they deserved. He just hated being the center of praise and appreciation. He knew he was a good defense attorney…sometimes…but he didn’t need the reminders of it every time a case ended. Sometimes he just wished they would shake hands and then leave, but Mr. Wright insisted that they make sure everything was wrapped up properly before they leave their client (unfortunately one of those loose ends that never seemed to get wrapped up was the terms of payment, but that was another argument for another time).

“That’s what we do, Amy!” Athena chirped happily, slapping her fist into the opposite palm. “We defend the innocent and find the bad guys!”

Apollo huffed. “Pretty sure that’s the cops’ job, Athena.” He countered. Athena giggled and started to run her fingers through her ponytail.

“Well, we do a pretty good job even when it’s not our job!” Athena argued. Apollo sighed. He heard the click of the door behind him and a light jingle causing him and Athena to turn to the sound. A glint of silver caused Apollo to internally groan. Of all people, why did it have to be him? 

Klavier Gavin, another prosecutor in the district, was the bane of Apollo’s legal career. The flashy prosecutor, equally as devoted to finding the truth as Apollo was, was also especially devoted to irritating Apollo any chance he could. 

“Gut, you’re both still here.” Klavier called out with Simon looming behind him. “Congratulations are in order, ja?”

“Thank you, Klavier!” Athena shrieked, cupping her hands together against her cheek and grinning. Apollo’s nose scrunched up as he frowned.

“Not happy with your result, Herr Forehead?” Klavier asked, leaning down and grinning cheekily at the defense attorney. Apollo flinched and shook his head.

“No, I’m fine. Everything’s fine!” Apollo shouted before his face turned into a grimace. “I am happy with the result, yes, Prosecutor Gavin, thank you.” Apollo’s cheeks reddened. Why couldn’t he just talk normally with this man? Was that too much to ask?

Klavier flicked a finger through his bangs. “Fine as always, eh, Herr Forehead. Good good.” 

“So, Simon? What are you going to do now?” Athena asked, her large grin still sitting on her face. “Wallow in your defeat?”

Simon rolled his eyes and turned to stroke under Taka’s beak gently. “Wallow? Not likely. The truth of the matter came out, no matter who won or lost. Right, Justice-dono?” The man’s sharp eyes turned to the smaller defense attorney.

Apollo nodded and folded his arms. “Exactly.” He agreed. “The verdict should be the direct consequence of all the evidence being taken into consideration by the judge and through the testimony of the witnesses. Our job, Athena, is to sort through the information and make a good case for our client.” He reminded his junior partner. Athena’s grin slipped into a wobbly line and she ran her finger through her hair. 

“I know that!” She insisted with a nervous chuckle. “I was just trying my hand at that banter you and Klavier always have at the end of your cases.” She explained.

Apollo let out a small yelp and his hair drooped into his eyes. “What?!” He yelped. “What are you talking about?!”

Athena put her hands on her hips. “You two,” she flicked her hand between the two men, “are always going back and forth with each other with this fun and tense banter. I want that too.” She explained. 

Apollo bit his lip. “It’s no-it’s not like that.” He tried weakly to defend. Klavier’s fingers were still rippling through his hair, but the movement was robotic and stiff.

“Frauelin Küken,” Klavier began, his hands going down to his hips and mouth pulling into a serious frown. “You must understand that the relationship cannot be forced. Herr Fore…Justice and I…there’s a history there that is the basis of our banter. You understand, ja?”

As Klavier was talking, Apollo’s bracelet started to react to the prosecutor. Apollo knew where Klavier’s tell was; he twisted the ring on his middle finger. Apollo was curious exactly what was causing Klavier to be tense.

Apollo cleared his throat. “Athena, you don’t have to emulate both me and Mr. Wright all that much. Your professional relationship with different prosecutors is allowed to look the way you want it to, but don’t compromise your authentic self to be a copy of us.” Apollo said seriously before he broke into a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, that made sense, right?” 

Athena sighed and played with a blue faced Widget. “I get it.”

“Athena.” Simon called. The redhead looked up. “Let’s go get some soba. My treat.” Simon offered. Widget brightened into a vibrant green and Athena giggled.

“Los geht's!” She cheered before she bid the rest of them goodbye and all but dragged Simon out of the defendant lobby.

“Mr. Justice. We have to process Ms. Stayke out of detention.” The bailiff instructed. Apollo nodded and smiled at his client.

“Just a couple of more minutes and then you’re a free woman, Ms. Stayke.” Apollo said encouragingly. Amy’s eyes filled with tears and she smiled at the defense attorney.

“Thank you, again, Mr. Justice.” Amy said. “I appreciate your hard work so much.” She turned and followed the bailiff into the hall. Apollo sighed and sat on the couch. He felt the cushion dip as Klavier sat down next to him.

“What were you so tense about?” Apollo blurted. Klavier flinched and looked at him. “I have no filter left, sorry not sorry.” Apollo explained, running a hand over his spikes. “You were fiddling with your ring while you were telling Athena that ‘we have a history’ part.”

“You can unconsciously perceive now?” Klavier deflected. 

“No, I just know what your tell is without having to look for it.” Apollo argued. “Stop deflecting.”

Klavier sighed and flipped his hair back. “It’s not…nothing per se but it's not something that needs to be said.”

“I can respect that. I just…if it’s something that needs to be said.” Apollo hesitantly placed his hand over Klavier’s. “I just hope you feel comfortable coming to me, is all.”

Klavier smiled. “I appreciate that. And to you as well.” Klavier shot back, pushing his shoulder against Apollo’s and rocking them on the couch. Apollo chuckled and sighed. 

Chapter 2: Day 2: Hurt/Comfort

Summary:

Apollo is home early and Klavier worries.

Notes:

My take on the Thalassa tells them idea. It's complicated.

Klavier closed the door behind him softly as Vongole padded up to him slowly. “Hallo there.” He cooed as the dog wound around his leg. He pet her hindquarters and smiled before lifting his head slightly. He could hear the sound of running water. Apollo was already home? He looked over at the clock. It was only a quarter to 6. Apollo usually was on his way home at this time. He looked over at Miekeo’s cat tree to see the cat fast asleep at the top which meant that both animals had been fed and indicating that Apollo had been home for at least a half hour. It was curious, but Klavier wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

After returning from Khura’in, Apollo wasted no time in trying to tie up loose ends in Los Angeles and the first was confessing his attraction to Klavier Gavin. It should have scared Klavier how fast the two of them fell together into a relationship and then into comfortable co-habitation, but being with Apollo was as easy as breathing. Their fights were minimal; little arguments here and there but nothing intense yet. They have had serious talks; where do they see their relationship going, is marriage on the table, children? Would the children be their biological children as Apollo’s eggs were still viable despite years on testosterone? They had their own inside jokes and silly couple anecdotes. Klavier had never felt happier.

Klavier turned into the kitchen and started to get together what he was making for dinner. He turned his phone on to play some music simply because he was too lazy to pick anything from his vinyl collection. He got so lost in the routine of chopping and cooking that he didn’t realize Apollo had made his way into a seat at the counter.

“Ah!” Klavier exclaimed when he turned and saw Apollo.

“Sorry,” the defense attorney muttered. “I thought you heard me call you.”

Klavier shook his head. “No, no, you’re good, baby. I got lost in thought.” Klavier retorted, putting down the spatula he was using. “How are you? You came home early today.” Apollo bobbled his head in response but didn’t say anything in response. Klavier took a more focused look at Apollo. The other man looked like he was trying to hold himself together and while it could fool someone, it didn’t fool Klavier. He didn’t need hyperfocused eyesight to tell something was wrong. “Apollo.” Klavier called softly. Apollo shifted his head up but still was avoiding eye contact. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but I’m here for you if you need it.” Klavier offered. They established holding space early in their relationship as neither of them liked being pressed to speak when they didn’t want to. Apollo nodded and heaved a deep sigh.

“I-Today was a hard day at work.” Apollo started. Klavier hummed to acknowledge he was listening. He turned around to continue the final preparations for dinner. 

Apollo sniffled. “...Trucy is my sister.” He said. Klavier froze.

“Well, you treat her like a sister. I’m glad you came to that revelation.”

“No!” Apollo snapped. Klavier turned around slightly, seeing the other man’s cheeks were a fiery red. “Like actual sister. Blood related.”

Klavier turned off the stove and turned fully around. “Well…”

“We have the same mother, Thalassa Gramayre. And get this,” Apollo leaned in, a grimace twisting his face. “She’s alive. Has been alive. She survived the accident.”

Klavier bit his lip. “I…am I reading this wrong. You don’t seem too happy about this prospect.”

Apollo practically threw himself back and folded his arms. “I’m fucking pissed.” He replied.

“Was she there? Your…Ms. Gramayre.” Klavier asked.

“Yes. Today was the special day when she finally got over herself and decided to tell the two of us we were related.” Apollo spat. He decided to take a deep breath before continuing, a little less passionately, “It’s not that finding out Trucy is my sister is the problem.”

“I didn’t think it was.” Klavier supported.

“I love Trucy. I missed her so much while I was away. I love knowing that the bond we have is solidified by our relationship, but it wasn’t a requirement.” Apollo babbled.

“Yes, schatz, anyone can see that.”

Apollo’s face darkened again. “Thalassa…she knew who we were to each other and who she was to us and just…let us not know for six years.”

Klavier cocked his head. Six years? That would have been… “She knew during all of that with Kristoph?”

Apollo nodded. “I guess I just need to let that particular cat out of the bag. After her accident, Magnifi sent her off to Borginia where she developed a whole new persona in her amnesiatic state.”

That information was enough, and Klavier knew that Apollo knew he would figure it out from that alone. “Lamiroir…”

Apollo’s head bounced in approval.  “Yep. She got her eye surgery and suddenly remembered she had birthed two children and they were just out and about living life as orphans.” Apollo seethed. “And to top it off; she wasn’t ready to tell us. So you know what she did?”

Klavier sighed. “I’m not going to like this am I?” He muttered.

Apollo’s mouth twisted up in a pained smile. “She had Mr. Wright keep it secret along with her. He knew far longer what Trucy and I were to each other. He had figured it out when I was working for your brother!” He revealed. Klavier let out a huff. He figured that Phoenix Wright was in on it; the man had a penchant for being involved in situations not directly linked to him, but he never thought the man would deceive his own daughter for six years. Apollo let out another huff and shook his head. “And it’s not like I can ask your brother if he knew.” Apollo muttered. That was another truth; Kristoph had been executed two years prior. Klaiver hadn’t been in attendance.

“Unfortunately not.” Klavier agreed. “Would it change anything?”

Apollo shook his head again. “No, just confirm he was a devious bastard through and through.” Apollo admitted. Klavier nodded and sighed.

“I’m sorry, Shatz.” Klavier offered.

“It’s…Thank you.” Apollo said, giving Klavier a small smile. “It just sucks. I spent my entire life thinking that I was at least okay being an orphan. Like I grew up okay and then reached my dream of being a defense attorney. I hit a few bumps, but that’s life, right?” Apollo explained. “Then I get confronted with this and I realize I’m not as over it as I thought.”

“I don’t think one can be ‘over’ their parents' deaths. Not totally. And then to find out a name and a face after 30 years and it’s a familiar face, one you’ve been acquainted with and one that had been in slight contact with-I know about the flowers she sent Trucy because Trucy told me she always puts ours together on her dressing room counter-it hurts.” Klavier explained. “I can’t imagine how you’re fully feeling, but I do have a slight understanding on the whole, ‘finding out someone isn’t fully who you thought they were’ thing.”

“I don’t even know how I am feeling, if I’m being honest.” Apollo said weakly. He pressed his palms to his eyes and groaned. “I keep going over all her trauma in my head and everything she had to find out in one fell swoop; my father’s death, her thought of my death, coming home grieving and then having to hide that grief for the family. Marrying Zak and having Trucy only to lose them as well in the accident and then waking up in Borginia after being shipped off by your father, but not knowing he was your father and then with no idea of anything and on top of that being totally blind. She had to navigate that by herself until someone found her talents and made her a singing sensation, but she was still empty. Then your concert and Machi and then…having to come terms with the fact that both your daughters were now a son and daughter, fully grown. One never knowing you and the other had forgotten so much, you were thinking you’d be better off as a memory for one and unknown for the other. Then having them at arms length but not trusting yourself…” Apollo trailed off and his shoulders started to shake. Klavier twisted his way around the counter and into the chair next to Apollo. He put a hand on the defense attorney’s arm and Apollo immediately sagged into Klavier’s chest. Klavier felt the other man’s body trembling with held back sobs. Apollo hated crying in public, preferring to do it in the shower with the water covering his sobs. That was why Apollo had been in the shower when Klavier came home. Klavier wrapped his arms around Apollo and gently patted his back. “And then I feel so guilty feeling the slightest bit affronted-”

“And both things can be true at once.” Klavier interrupted. Apollo stilled for a moment. “She can have your empathy and sympathy for her trauma and you can still be upset for being left in the dark. Feelings are complicated. There is no right or wrong answer here no matter how much you want there to be.” Klavier explained. “It's raw right now and has poked a wound that you thought was fully healed.”

Apollo sighed. “You always know what to say.” He muttered.

Klavier smirked. “It’s the talent of a prodigious prosecutor.” He teased, finding joy in Apollo’s low chuckled vibrating through his body. “How did Trucy take it?”

Apollo sat up and wiped his eyes. “She was shocked. Then she cried. There was a little joy at realizing her mother was there and then that I was her brother. And then…she was angry at them for leaving us in the dark for so long. That was her biggest issue was the amount of time we were left without knowing.”

“And yours was the fact that it happened at all?” Klavier asked. Apollo nodded.

“He said he was done keeping secrets…” Apollo admitted. “Mr. Wright. During the Misham trial. He had me go through all the evidence he had gathered for seven years. He said everything was there…it wasn’t. There were conversations he had about me and my parentage. That Thalassa was my mom before Zak Gramayre was murdered. The fact that she was still alive was learned later.” Apollo shook his head. “So he lied…he lied to me to my face and my bracelet-” He looked down at his wrist where his bangle lay. “He wasn’t tense enough for it to matter. He didn’t care enough I guess…”

Klavier pulled Apollo back against his chest and squeezed him tight. “I’m sorry, Schatz. There was nothing to prepare you for this and you have to deal with the fallout.”

“I appreciate you’re here with me.” Apollo muttered against Klavier’s chest. “Thank you. Love you.”

“I love you too, baby.” Klavier whispered against Apollo’s damp hair. Whatever was coming their way, at least they were in it together. 

Chapter 3: Day 3: Getting Together

Summary:

Klavier has something he needs to say.

Continuation of Day 1: Perceive

Apollo rested his head on his arms. Time was passing so slowly, as it often does when there is nothing to do. There were no cases lined up for him, Athena was out with Mr. Wright on a case, and Trucy was practicing solo magic tricks so it wasn’t even like he was able to assist to pass the time. Apollo leaned back and slumped in his seat. Maybe the toilet needed cleaning again.

His phone buzzed causing him to pick it up and look at the screen. Prosecutor Gavin flashed up at him. Apollo swiped on the phone icon to pick up the call.

“Apollo Justice speaking.” Apollo answered. He still had to be professional; what if it was a professional call?

“Ach, you know it was me from the caller ID, Herr Forehead. You do not have to be so polite.” Klavier argued in his ear.

“Is this a professional call?” Apollo countered.

Klavier hummed. “I do wish to speak with you one-on-one, Herr Forehead.” He settled on.

“Oh? For a case?” Apollo asked, eagerly sitting straight up in his chair.

“You could say that. It was something you had asked me after a case had wrapped up.” Klavier answered.

“Oh…” Well that could be anything. “Do you want to meet at the coffee shop?”

“Wunderbar!” Klavier exclaimed. “I’ll meet you in 15?”

“Sure!” Apollo said standing up. At least he could get a refill of caffeine while he was out, and talking with Klavier was always pleasant. Apollo took his bag off the floor and slipped it over his head. He texted the WAA chat (he didn’t want to be a part of the group chat; Trucy forced him) It was really to let Trucy know to expect to field any calls while he was out and that Mr. Wright and Athena knew he would be out at a professional call if they came back early. That was good enough for them, Apollo thought. 

His phone buzzed immediately from Athena.

Have fun on your date!

Apollo’s face screwed up in frustration, but he let it go as he descended the stairs. Ridiculous. As if Klavier Gavin, former rock star and prodigious prosecutor, wanted to go on a date with normal, straight-of-the-mill (in everything but romantic orientation, thank you) Apollo Justice. Apollo could accept that he was attractive to some people, but Klavier Gavin; no, that was just ridiculous. 

Apollo walked over to the coffee shop on the other side of People Park and made his way inside. He ordered his and Klavier’s normal coffee order and waited to pick it up on the other side of the bar. He thankfully didn’t have long enough to muse or read deeply into the circumstances behind this meeting as Klavier appeared over his shoulder.

“Hallo,” he greeted with a bright smile. “You already order?”

“Yea, I got yours, too.” Apollo responded. Klavier’s smile somehow brightened even more and he chuckled.

“Well, thank you, but what if I wanted something else?” He teased. Apollo rolled his eyes.

“Well then I guess I can have both and you can order whatever you want.” Apollo retorted. Klavier shook his head.

“No, no, I wouldn’t want to waste your generous gift.” Klavier insisted and grabbed the cup the barista had been setting down with a wink towards Apollo. Apollo huffed and grabbed his own cup and sent the barista a smile. The two men turned and went over to a vacant table by the window. 

Apollo took a sip of his cup and looked over at Klavier. For the most part, Klavier seemed pretty calm and content; he wasn’t fidgeting with his ring or playing with his hair. He was doing nothing that made Apollo think the other man was nervous about speaking with Apollo which helped Apollo feel less anxious about their impending conversation.

“So, what’s going on?” Apollo asked. 

Klavier sighed and took a sip of his drink. “Remember when you asked me after the Dwyer case why I was fidgety when Athena was asking after us?”

“Yeah, vaguely.” Apollo said flippantly, but inside his stomach clenched. 

Klavier traced his finger around the rim of his cup as he continued, “At the time, I was still trying to figure out some things which is why I was trying to avoid having Athena hear my heart and read my feelings. It was something I needed to sort out with my own professional help.” Klavier looked up at Apollo. “I wanted to figure out just exactly how our relationship plays in my life. Are we simply colleagues, or friends, or…perhaps we could be something more?”

Apollo cocked his head. Oh! Something more?

Klavier chuckled and flicked a finger through his bangs. “I needed to sit with my feelings, retrace the different interactions in our conversations, and see exactly what I think would be the best way to continue moving through our relationship.”

Apollo cleared his throat and asked, “Um…so what conclusion did you come to?” Apollo didn’t know what his reaction would be to whatever Klavier said next. He came to the conclusion that Klavier was a friend to Apollo. Apollo was attracted to Klavier, not just his physical features, but his personality, his wit, his passion. Klavier was a sweetheart underneath his glittery charm. He was the type of man that remembered a face and asked how you were. He smiled at babies and signed everything that was handed to him by a fan (obviously within reason; Klavier’s signature was worth more than just money in the legal world). But was his own attraction enough for Klavier to want to move forward in a romantic relationship with Apollo?

“I think I’ve been reading this right.” Klavier said in answer. He took Apollo’s hand in his. “I think that you might be interested in at least exploring a more intimate relationship, ja?”

Apollo felt his cheeks heat up and his mouth dropped open. “Uh…um, well-I,” he stuttered. He tightened Klavier’s hand in his. “I would like that.” Apollo admitted, his voice dropping lower in volume while shaking slightly.

Klavier’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “Wunderbar!” He crowed. “I am glad to see we are starting on the same page. Let’s see if we can continue the story together, ja?”

Apollo chuckled and looked up at Klavier’s bright blue eyes and grinned. “Lets.”

Chapter 4: Day 4: Soulmates

Summary:

Klavier writes home to the farm.

Notes:

This story is actually connected to my Stardew Valley AU where Apollo is the farmer and Klavier replaces Elliott. This letter was inspired by Elliott's 14 heart event after you marry him. If you want to read that story here is the link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40153152.

My dearest Apollo,

The book tour has taken me far enough from our little farm that I find myself feeling more homesick than I had previously. The lights here in the city are flashy and constant, which is all I can see when I close my eyes. I thought I would have enjoyed the thrilling flashes of camera bulbs of reporters and fans as they enjoy my book. I have enjoyed meeting all of these people; to know I’ve made a minute difference in their lives if only for a moment. But when the camera lights fade and crowds wane, I find myself missing you all the more, my love.

I never expected when I moved to the little valley we call home that I would have found myself finding my soulmate. I know you’re probably rolling your eyes thinking I am being poetic and exaggerating on purpose but I am being wholly honest with you. The valley was my last ditch effort to prove, not only to my brother, but to myself that it was worth taking the chance to become a writer. When I first got there, everyone was kind to me, but never really took the chance to get to know me, besides Vera (but she was handling her own bouts of artist’s grief as well). It was quaint but the silence and loneliness poured on me quickly, suffocating me under the weight. I didn’t know how much longer I could bear it, both monetarily and socially.

And then you showed up with your bright smile and freckled cheeks and I knew that you were special and different from everyone else. You kept trying to get to know me, compelled to the lonely hermit living on the beach and you treated me as a friend. I felt drawn to you like a moth to the flame. You believed in my dreams, encouraged me, inspired me, and stood up for me. You made my dream a reality, and I couldn’t thank you enough for that.

Then when I thought that you had done all that you could, you surprised me once again by asking me to marry you. It was the second happiest day of my life; the first being the actual wedding day. And now we have our little dream folding out in front of us; your thriving farm and our little one thriving in you as we speak. How could it not have been fate for us to meet and fulfill each other’s lives in this way?

I do miss you, my schatzi, with every passing day. I miss the little farm, the animals and even Mikeko though he is so much of a troublemaker. I ache for when I will be in your arms again. I wish time would simply fly by so I can fly home to you. But alas, I must be forced away for just a little longer. 

Do take care of yourself and our little one. Keep rested when you can and drink plenty of water. Only a few more sleeps, my love.

Yours always,
Klavier

Chapter 5: Day 5: Gender

Summary:

Klavier freaks out over the prospect of meeting Apollo's girlfriend. As always, he should have known nothing would be that simple when it comes to Apollo.

Notes:

I always found the Turnabout Animal Circus shenangians to be a highlight of the AA5 releases and here we have Klavier being pulled into it too. I also wanted to play around with Oblivious!Klavier for once and I enjoyed writing this little snippet into that idea.

Klavier had a predicament and its name was Mikeko.

What is a Mikeko you ask? Well buckle up because it’s a doozy.

Mikeko was the name of Apollo Justice’s girlfriend. Yep, you heard that right. Apollo Justice has a girlfriend. Klavier could barely believe his ears. Not that he thought Apollo couldn’t be appealing enough for someone to date; quite the opposite. Klavier wanted very much to date Apollo, but he didn’t realize that someone else would have stolen the man’s heart before he could muster up the courage (and time, frankly; dissolving his band had taken more effort than he thought it would) and it seems his missed his chance for Frau Mikeko had come into the picture relatively recently, according to Athena Cykes. Apollo had not mentioned this girlfriend at all when they had met in Themis, but yet now in the New Year, Apollo Justice had a girlfriend all the same.

Klavier paced his apartment, cursing himself for finding out in this way. Apollo had gone through a bit of a rough patch (understatement, but Klavier was too stressed to care for semantics) in December with his best friend’s death. He had watched the trial as a way to show his support of Apollo and almost cried in watching how tormented the poor man was. Klavier was happy then when learning Apollo had the support of a significant other as he was navigating his grief.

So why was he freaking out? Because Apollo had invited Klavier to come over to his apartment to hang out. It was something friends do, of course, and Klavier was happy to be friends with Apollo, but what if Mikeko was there? He didn’t know if he was ready to face the woman that had made Apollo’s face brighten instantly when he looked at his phone and lightened the gruff in his voice when he mentioned her. 

Klavier wasn’t jealous. Not at all, he loved Apollo too much to be jealous. He certainly wanted, but his want was to add positively to Apollo’s life, not ruminate on how to take away from it. But he would be remiss in thinking that he wasn’t worried about human nature overtaking him and acting in a way that was unbecoming of him and so Klavier had avoided any and all private meetups with the defense attorney, instead taking Apollo to different eateries, cafes and spaces for entertainment and it had been enough. Mikeko was mentioned here and there, but Klavier never pressed for more and Apollo, ever the private man, never gave any more information than what was surface level. 

Klavier sighed and looked at his phone. It was almost time for him to go if he wanted to get to Apollo’s at their agreed upon time. He flipped his hair and took in a deep breath. He heard a jingle from behind him and turned to see Vongole looking at him curiously. 

“Oh Vongole, must I?” Klavier asked. Vongole shook playfully and panted. “Ja, you’re right. I might have fun…maybe. Maybe she’s funny.” Vongole barked in response. “Okay, okay…I’ll go. See you later, Clams.” Klavier called and turned down the hallway. What was going to happen would be what happened. He just hoped that nothing bad would be what happened.

Klavier pulled up on Apollo’s block and parked his car. He took the bag he brought snacks in hand. He had been mindful and avoided most of the common allergens in case Mikeko would be joining them. It helped that the snacks were things Klavier and Apollo also enjoyed eating and the only thing missing was Apollo’s favorite peanut M&Ms, but Klavier would be damned if he hurt Apollo’s girlfriend. Klavier made his way to the small apartment building Apollo lived in and rang the bell. The droning call noise sounded and then the telltale click of Apollo picking up his phone. Without another sound from the intercom the door clicked open and a small beep indicated Klavier was being let inside. Klavier chuckled and walked in and up the stairs.

Apollo’s apartment door was slightly ajar with Apollo’s foot holding the door open. Klavier tapped on the door when he arrived and the door opened, revealing Apollo’s grinning face.

“Hiya!” He greeted.

“What if it hadn’t been me at the door?” Klavier teased. Apollo rolled his eyes and let Klavier pass him before closing the door.

“The only people ringing my doorbell usually are food delivery and people who announced their arrival. If I am not expecting something, I don’t pick up.” Apollo explained and followed. Klavier handed him the bag of snacks and Apollo looked inside. “Oh cool. Thanks for the snacks…no peanut M&Ms?” Apollo asked, his voice cutely dipping into a slight whine.

“Unfortunately no, schatz.” Klavier responded, his heart skipping as it usually did when he used a more intimate nickname. At least Apollo wasn’t aware of what the seemingly random German words were.

“Aww, man.” Apollo said dejectedly. “Well, thank you still. Saves me the trouble of paying the money for expensive snacks.”

Klavier chuckled. “I’m sure your wallet thanks me as well.”

Apollo huffed and rolled his eyes but said nothing as he went to the kitchen to put the snacks in bowls. Klavier took this opportunity to look around the small but comfortable living room. Apollo’s couch was actually a two-seater loveseat which helped the space feel more intimate. There were blankets hanging on the back of the seat and there were a few pillows aesthetically situated by each arm. A coffee table with some papers and books had a lone coffee cup on a coaster. There was a relatively large window casting natural light into the room with a pair of beige curtains pulled to the side. The object in front of the window gave Klavier pause.

“Is that a cat tree?” Klavier asked.

Apollo came next to him, his face scrunched up in confusion. “Uh, yeah?” Apollo answered, the confusion from his face also evident in his tone. “I told you I had a cat.”

Klavier’s mouth dropped open and he whipped around to Apollo. “You did not!” He accused. Apollo flinched back.

“Uh yeah I have!” Apollo argued. “I have brought him up in several of our conversations! Were you not listening to me?”

“I would remember you talking about a cat.” Klavier retorted. Apollo folded his arms and gave him an affronted look. Klavier flipped fingers through his hair before asking, “What’s his name?”

“Mikeko.” Apollo replied exasperatedly.

Record scratch.

“Uh…what?” Klavier asked.

Apollo huffed and his hair fell into his face. “Wow, if this was supposed to make me feel like you listen to me, you’re not doing a bang up job at it, Klav.”

“You said she was your girlfriend!” Klavier pointed out. Apollo looked confused before his face shifted to one of realization.

“Ah, yeah, I have but it was a joke.” Apollo explained.

Klavier’s eyes narrowed. “How do you joke about something like that?” Klavier asked.

Apollo rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. “Okay, I think you need to sit down and let me explain.” Apollo offered. 

Klavier sat and listened to the story of Michaelangelo, the mascot of the Tiny Tuber Circus. He was a rare male calico cat. Trucy had been contracted to perform a disappearing trick at the circus using Michaelangelo, but her performance was one aspect of a ruse developed by Michaelangelo’s owner to try to get the insurance money for the cat. He switched out the male calico and accused Trucy of stealing the cat. At the same time, Trucy and Athena had accused Apollo of leaving early because he had a girlfriend and Apollo revealed he had found a collared cat and was trying to reunite the cat with its owner and thus how the “girlfriend” thing happened. They solved the case and it came out that the cat Apollo had found was indeed the rare male calico cat, Michelangelo, who he now named Mikeko and became his owner. The joke about Mikeko being Apollo’s “girlfriend” remained.

“And it seems you were unfortunately led into a false understanding of my relationship status.” Apollo concluded. “So I’m sorry you were led to the wrong conclusion, Klavier.” 

Klavier’s cheeks were still reddened in his embarrassment but Klavier was able to compose himself enough to say, “I appreciate the apology, schatzi.”

Apollo poked a finger to his forehead, his usual thinking pose and commented. “But what I don’t understand was how my boyfriend thought I had another relationship under his nose.”

Another record scratch.

“What?” Klavier exclaimed, having a vague sense of deja vu.

Apollo’s hand dropped from his face and confusion colored his features. “Huh?”

“You just said boyfriend.” Klavier said. “Who are you talking about now?”

Apollo looked at the blonde incredulously. “Klavier…did you not…” Apollo trailed off, eyes glazed over in thought. After a moment, Apollo started to laugh hysterically. “Ha ha…I can’t…ha…oh Holy Mother…eh heh.” Apollo wheezed.

Klavier pouted and folded his arms. “Oh laugh it up.” He muttered.

Apollo took a breath to try and steady himself enough to speak properly. “Klavier…we’ve been dating for three months. You didn’t realize that?”

Klavier’s cheeks somehow were able to redden more. “I-I guess I hadn’t since…y’know. I thought you had a girlfriend.”

Apollo rolled his eyes and shifted on the couch and brought up a hand with his pointer finger extended. “You call me schatzi, liebling,” a second finger came up to represent the name, “hase, engel, beine, mein herz, and…why are you laughing?” Apollo asked incredulously, his fingers stilled in their counting of the nicknames Klavier had been slipping into their conversations. Words that Klavier didn’t know the other man realized what they were. Klavier’s laughing turned just as hysterical as Apollo’s had been a few moments ago, but there was more of an embarrassed desperation in Klavier’s voice. Klavier ran a hand through his hair, his laugh trailing off.

“I…am horribly embarrassed.” Klavier admitted. “I spent all this time avoiding trying to make my advances know out of respect for your relationship with whom I thought was a woman and absolutely sabotaging my own happiness only for the Turnabout Magician-”

“I hate that nickname…” Apollo grumbled.

“To throw all of my understanding on its head and to reveal that the ‘girlfriend’ I was worried about was not only a woman, but a male cat and that I have been in a romantic relationship with him for three months!” Klavier stood up and placed the back of his hand against his head and whined, “Excuse me while I go crawl into my bed for three days and cry!”

Apollo rolled his eyes and stood up. “I can get behind crawling into bed with you, but can we skip the crying?”

Klavier was getting quite annoyed with all these record scratches that were sounding in his head because of Apollo’s quick witted and unexpected commentary. “I never knew you to be so forward, Herr Forehead.” Klavier intoned monotonically.

Apollo folded his arms and gave a cheeky grin. “I’ve been waiting to kiss you for three months Rockstar.”

Klavier put his hands on his hips and leaned forward. “What have you been waiting for?” He demanded.

Apollo rubbed the back of his head and looked sheepish as he admitted, “I was taking my cues from you. I didn’t want to push you into something you might not be comfortable with. That’s really why I was so happy you accepted my invitation to come over tonight. I thought you were now comfortable enough in taking the next step.”

Klavier sighed and wrapped his arms around Apollo’s waist, pulling the attorney in so they were pressed chest to chest. “We have a lot to talk about, but right now, I am on the same page as you. I like you, I want to be your boyfriend, and right now? I have three months worth of affection to catch up on.” And with that Klavier closed the distance between them and kissed Apollo passionately.

Mikeko crawled out from his little enclosure and peered at the two men before turning around and going back into his enclosure, figuring that he wasn’t going to be fed anytime soon.

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Different First Meeting AU

Summary:

Klavier has a grand idea and it's up to Apollo to make it happen.

Notes:

So a few notes here to set the scene. SPOILERS FOR AA6; in notes but not in story

I've used these Gavinners OC in previous stories of mine. We have:

Drummer- Lele (he/him)- judge
Keyboardist- Ollie (she/her)- defense attorney
Bassist- Rea (she/they)- forensic psychologist

 

HERE ARE AA6 SPOILERS
This is an AU where Apollo was brought back from Khura'in and lived within Troupe Gramayre. Maginifi's death was acutally a murder done by Thalassa (who did not get in the accident; therefore not blind, but just pretends) and Zak and they bounced. They hate each other and separated. AA4 pretty much goes as is except Kristoph is not Apollo's mentor as he was adopted with Trucy by Phoenix (who was still disbarred). Hence why Klavier doesn't recognize Apollo because Apollo took the case independent of Kristoph. Everything else is pretty much explained in this story.

I had to figure out a good "first time I felt this way with a man" replacement and I like what I came up with.

“A magic trick? Come on, Klav, how is that Rock n’ Roll?” Daryan complained from his seat on the couch. “I know we have a ton of teen fans, but don’t you think a clown show is a little too young for them?”

Klavier rolled his eyes. “First of all, it would be during the second set so you’re not even on stage. And second, it’s a magic trick to make the singer disappear, not make balloon animals.”

“It’s unlike you to want to share the stage with other talent.” Ollie, their keyboardist, piped up from her spot on the arm of the loveseat. 

Klavier turned to her with a huff. “The highlight of the second set is to feature Lamiroir’s vocal talents. My guitar playing is accompanying that!” He argued. Ollie flipped a curl from her face with a huff of her own. 
“So why make her disappear?” Lele inquired, twirling his drum stick in thought. 

Klavier flipped his bangs. “It adds to the mystery of the Siren of the Ballad.” He explained. “Picture it: She stands with me on the raised stage high above the crowd and woosh-” Klavier’s hand glides through the air, pointing to the other side of the room. “-she lands on the other raised stage across the way and the song comes to an end.” Klavier his hand floated down gracefully to rest at his side. The rest of the band was silently glancing at each other. Klavier clicked his tongue, “Well what do you think?”

Rea sighed. “It’s your set, really, so I think you can do whatever you want with it, Klavier.” She answered.

Ollie shrugged. “If done right, it’s going to be an interesting talkpiece online for sure.” She conceded.

“I still think it’s dumb to spend money on a magic trick when you’ve shot me down on having more pyrotechnics.” Daryan muttered. 

Lele chuckled. “That’s because you almost burned your hair off.” Daryan huffed and threw the candy wrapper he had in his hand towards Lele, but it fell completely short causing the drummer to laugh.

“Well then, now that that is settled.” Klavier said.

–
“Polly!!!!” Trucy came flying into the home office where her older brother, Apollo, was working on his case. 

“Trucy, why are you yelling?” Apollo asked wearily, flipping the page on his files.

“Because the most greatest, spectacularist, amazing thing has happened!” Trucy exclaimed as she shook the paper in her hand.

Apollo looked up and over at his sister curiously. “What is that?”

“A contract request for a Gramarye collaboration!” Trucy explained. Apollo took the form in hand and read it over. It was a request from the Gavinners?

“What the hell is a Gavinner?” Apollo muttered. Trucy gasped and practically ripped the paper from Apollo’s hand.

“Only the greatest, spectacularist, amazing rock band of all time!” Trucy shouted. Apollo pressed a finger to his ear.

“Okay…so what’s the big deal? We get requests all the time.” Apollo countered. As the pseudo-manager for Troupe Gramayre, Apollo had to assess potential clients for collaboration which was on top of his responsibilities as a criminal defense attorney for the Wright Anything Agency. 

Trucy put her hands on her hips and puffed out her cheeks. “Polly!” She whined. “You can’t be this dense! The Gavinners are the hottest rock band. If we work with them, more people will be exposed to the greatness of our family’s magic and that will attract more customers to see the show!”

Apollo rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. Let me look over the request and I’ll get back to you.” He held out his hand and gestured to the paper in Trucy’s hand.

Trucy gave her brother an incredulous look. “Really? You’re not gonna turn around and say ‘we’re far too busy’ are you?”

Apollo cocked his head and mirrored her look. It was true that in the past, Apollo had turned down opportunities for collaboration, but that was only because Trucy was way too young and Apollo had been working towards getting his law degree for the past seven years.

And wasn’t that a particularly jarring thought? It had been seven years since their parents (well Apollo’s mother and stepfather; they were both Trucy’s parents) had disappeared from the courthouse during the trial for their grandfather’s murder (may the bastard rest enterally in agony in hell in Apollo’s opinion). The two had fled during the chaos of the revelation of a forged diary page (that Apollo had unfortunately given to the defense attorney; he was trying to atone for that by working for the disbarred lawyer in the Agency). The defense attorney turned around and adopted both of them, though Apollo chose not to change his last name from Justice to Wright and Trucy elected to change hers to Wright from Egnimar. It confused people but Apollo just shrugged and let it go; he had always had a different last name from his sister.

Upon his 18th birthday, Apollo had inherited the rights to the Gramaryre magic trove (as he called it) and was effectively the Head of the Household disgruntling the other magician employed by the Wright Anything Agency (which was the compromise in order to be allowed to perform the Gramayre magic), Valant Gramayre. Apollo was just waiting until Trucy was 18 so he could transfer the rights to her as he didn’t want anything to do with his maternal side of his family. While they were waiting that day, Apollo was in charge of approving any collaborations that wanted to use Gramayre magic.

“I promise I will give more consideration to this collaboration than I usually give to other offers.” Apollo conceded. Trucy flipped the paper into his hand and flounced away. Apollo sighed and looked over the details of the offer. He hummed as he perused the words, pleasantly surprised by the more legal sounding writing. It was a more professional offer than they were used to getting. It was for a one-night event at Sunshine Coliseum. A simple disappearing trick, nothing incredibly fancy or difficult to pull off. It came with a handsome sum of money which made Apollo’s eyebrows raise. That was nothing to scoff at, that was for sure. Apollo turned to his computer and opened up a word document to start writing his response.

After about 10 minutes of writing, Trucy came back into the room. “Did you decide yet, or did you just say no and go back to your dumb lawyer stuff?” She grumbled.

Apollo spun in his chair and glowered at her. “My dumb lawyer stuff is what gets you your magical collaborations and shows at the Wonder Bar, Trucy.” He said firmly. “I just printed our response, if you’d be so kind as to grab it for me.”

Trucy walked over to the printer and looked at the paper. The frown on her face twisted suddenly into a large grin as she looked up at her brother. “Polly!” She squealed. “Thank you! Oh my God! This is so exciting!”

“You’re welcome. Now remember, part of the agreement is to keep it a secret until after the performance.” Apollo reminded her. Trucy bobbed her head up and down and he knew that she was sincere. Trucy’s entire career depended on the ability to be able to be discreet and secretive.

“Is it me and Uncle Valant?” Trucy asked. Apollo shook his head. He had decided to leave his “uncle” out of this performance. Besides, the other man had his own show to work on for October, another compromise made after Apollo turned 18.

“I’ll be going with you since Phoenix is working on his ‘secret mission’ and hasn’t been around lately.” Not that Apollo was complaining since it allowed him to work in relative quiet while his sister was in school. The other man was such a chatterbox sometimes; he needed more adult friends. Trucy cheered and bounced on her toes. She ran out of the room saying she was going to work on the logistics of the trick. Apollo chuckled and turned back to his actual job. 

The day of the rehearsal arrived and Trucy was giddily bouncing next to Apollo as the siblings made their way into the backstage area of Sunshine Coliseum. There were several roadies pulling in carts and boxes full of equipment. Trucy was taking it all in excitedly and Apollo felt a tug at his heartstrings. This was clearly her element and he was glad that he could support her in that however he could. Magic was never his forte, despite being the eldest of the two. He was slightly clumsy and fumbled the easiest slight of hand trick. Trucy was a natural and had been at an early age. Their grandfather clearly adored her talent, but never enough to compromise his pride to overlook his grandson in the inheritance. Apollo was better with paperwork and the legal side of the business while his sister would one day be the face. 

“Polly!” She squealed, wrapping her arm around his and pulling him excitedly. “This is so cool! I’m backstage at a Gavinner’s concert practice. I’m going to perform on stage with Klavier Gavin!”

Apollo chuckled. “It really is surreal isn’t it?” He teased. He really didn’t care much for the Gavinners, of whom he had been introduced after the contract had been signed. Trucy blasted the music in the office practically from the moment she came home. The only song Apollo had any interest in was the song that Trucy would be performing the trick to which she had gotten exclusive access to the unedited recording of; The Guitar’s Serenade. The slower ballad had included the vocal talents of renowned songstress Lamirior from Borginia. Even the raw track was beautiful and Apollo couldn’t wait to hear what the live version sounded like. “Okay, so the person I had been in contact with said that we had to go to…ah, yes, the actual dressing room apparently.” Apollo said as they came to a stop before the door with the sign “The Gavinners” on it. Apollo knocked on the door and waited. After a moment, the door opened and revealed a tall blonde man. The man blinked down at him for a moment before a look of revelation dawned on his face.

“Are you the Gramayres?” The man asked with a hint of an accent that Apollo couldn’t really decipher from his question alone.

“I’m Apollo Justice,” Apollo said primly, trying to hide his annoyance at the ignorance of the man in front of him. He had been signing literally everything with his own name. “This is my sister, Trucy, and we’ve been contracted to perform magic during the concert tomorrow night.”

“Ah, yes, my manager said something along the lines of that name. Come in, come in,” the man said, gesturing into the room. The two of them followed. Apollo guessed the man was in the band or at least worked for the band. He took a look at his sister who looked starstruck, but was trying to play it cool.

“You okay?” He whispered.

“That’s Klavier Gavin.” She whispered back. “The lead singer and first guitarist.” Oh wow. The big cheese was coming to talk to the lowly hired stage performers. How quaint.

“Well, put your professional panties on, Truce.” Apollo reminded her. Trucy winked.

“I’ve always got those on.” She retorted. They were led slightly into the room and the door was closed behind them. Klavier chuckled and came to stand directly in front of Apollo. He put his hands on his hips and leaned forward, looking directly into Apollo’s eyes.

“Well, I must say, when hiring magicians I was expecting to be put under a spell, but I didn’t expect to be totally spellbound.” Klavier said. Apollo blinked. Was that…was he flirting with him? A rockstar was flirting with ordinary criminal defense attorney Apollo? 

“I’m not the magician.” Apollo croaked out and then cleared his throat. “That would be my sister. I’m simply the…manager so to speak. And older brother.” He explained.

“Not a magician.” Klavier repeated before chuckling. “Well, even without magic, you’re certainly quite captivating.” Apollo felt his face heat up and he looked over at his sister who was holding back her laughter.

“Um, why don’t we iron out some of the details and then start the practice, hm?” Apollo tried to deflect.

Klavier stood up and with a sigh. “Well, if we must. My manager will be here momentarily for you to iron out those details. Why don’t I take Fraulein Magician to the stage so she can get acquainted?” Klavier suggested. Apollo straightened up and ran his hands against his vest.

“Um. I’d rather be there if it’s all the same to you,” Apollo insisted.

“Of course. You want to ensure the integrity of the trick,” Klavier surmised. Apollo folded his arms.

“I trust that Trucy can do the magic well enough,” Apollo argued. “That’s her integrity as a magician. I’m making sure, as her older brother, that she is safe.” 

Klavier looked stunned and then nodded. “Ja, of course.” Klavier then gestured to the stage. 

“Shall we?” He grinned at the siblings. Trucy nodded and started out. Apollo quickly followed.

Trucy practiced the trick several times with Apollo standing in before they brought out Lamiroir to the stage. The woman was a bit taller than Trucy, but the height of the stage would hide the height discrepancy. The Gavinners manager explained that she usually spoke through a translator, her manager, Romein LeTouse, but was able to understand English. However, that was part of the information that the siblings needed to keep as a secret as it would take away from the mystery of Lamirior. Next to Lamrior, holding onto her arm, was Machi, her blind pianist. Lamiroir guided the blind boy to the piano before Trucy spotted the trick with Lamiroir telling her exactly where she had to go through the building in order to make the trick work. Lamiroir nodded and followed LeTouse backstage to get ready. 

They ran the song a few times to make sure the trick worked smoothly, which it did. Trucy didn’t have to tweak much and Lamiroir moved flawlessly through the ducts to appear on the other side of the stage. Apollo looked on with a proud grin.

Trucy came over and beamed at him. “Everything look good, bro?” She asked.

Apollo nodded. “Perfect. Good job.” He praised.

“Ja Fraulein. Good work.” Klavier said, coming over behind her with a smile. “You made my vision come to life. I am very grateful for your work.” He praised. Trucy’s face went bright red.

“Thank you, Mr. Gavin.” She said.

“I was right to choose you to work with.” Klavier continued. He looked over at Apollo. “Highly intuitive and professional.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Gavin.” Apollo said. 

Trucy looked between the two of them and announced, “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to run to the bathroom. No Polly,” She interjected as her brother went to speak. “I can figure out where the bathroom is, you just…stay here.” She said and before Apollo could interject a word, she was gone.

“She's pretty amazing.” Klavier commented. Apollo looked at the singer.

“She really is,” Apollo agreed.

“Her brother is not bad himself.” The blonde continued. “I would be open to getting to know him a little better, if he were interested.”

Apollo bit his lip. “I don’t date clients.” 

Klavier chuckled and put his hands on his hips, leaning forward to meet the attorney’s eyes. “Well, after tomorrow, I will be a free agent once again.” Klavier reminded him with a grin.

Apollo folded his arms. “I…may be open to the idea…” 

Klavier grinned. “Gut.” He took out a card and handed it to Apollo. “This is my personal number. When things settle down and your schedule clears, I hope you’ll take me up on my offer.”

Apollo took the card in hand and put it in his pocket. He could feel the corner poking his thigh. “Thank you.”

“I have to get back to rehearsal now. I have two other acts to prepare for. I hope to see you in the first row tomorrow night.” Klavier said.

Apollo nodded. “I wouldn’t miss my sister’s performance.”

“I didn’t doubt you would.” Klavier argued. “I meant during my performance.”

Apollo felt his cheeks heat up. “Well, I have to admit, your music is a little too loud for me.” He mumbled. “But, maybe if I wear headphones, I can tolerate it more than how it sounds in my office.”

Klavier let out a laugh. “I’ll be sure to make it an unforgettable performance.” Klavier promised. “Have a good night, hase.” He said and turned to walk back onto the stage where the other band members were filing on.

Apollo turned and went backstage trying to quell the rapid beating of his heart. Trucy met him and they both walked out of the stadium. Tomorrow was sure to be an eventful one. If only Apollo knew how eventful it would be.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Guilt

Summary:

Klavier finds something he wasn't meant to find.

“What’s this?” Klavier asked as he pulled out the jewelry box from the drawer. He opened it and gasped. Inside was a gold band nestled in the pillow. Glistening at the top was a pair of stones, a ruby and amethyst. Klavier shoved the box back into the back under the shirts, suddenly shameful. He had just been looking for his sweater as the weather had turned a little cooler than expected for the season. He normally didn’t go into Apollo’s drawers as his boyfriend’s (fiance’s) clothing would never fit him, but Apollo did take his sweaters from time to time so there was a chance that it would be there. Now he was regretting even thinking about being cold.

He couldn’t keep this from Apollo. The man’s natural perception would clue him in that Klavier was keeping something hidden from him, but Klavier also didn’t want to hurt Apollo in ruining his surprise proposal. It wasn’t that they hadn’t talked about marriage; they were in that stage of their relationship where it was inevitable to talk about that as a next step.

“Klav?” Apollo called from the front door. Klavier bit his lip and sighed. Welp, time to face the music. He walked out of the bedroom and saw Apollo bent down and petting Mikeko gently. “Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise, huh?” Apollo cooed at his cat. He looked up and grinned at Klavier. “And you’re always a pleasure to come home to…what’s the matter?”

Klavier sighed. “Nothing horribly earth shattering or catastrophic, but you can be the judge.”

Apollo grimaced. “Hm, I’m a defense attorney so judging is out of my wheelhouse, but I’ll give it a shot.”

Klavier chuckled lightly. “I want to preface by saying this wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t have a penchant for stealing my sweaters.”

Apollo’s face paled. “I can surmise where this is going.” He mumbled and rubbed the back of his head. “Is it at least to your liking?” He asked weakly.

Klavier gave him a small smile. “It’s beautiful.” Klavier praised. “It’ll clash with the silver, but I told you I wanted a gold band so it reminds me of you. You went the extra step with the ruby and amethyst.”

“It was between our birthstones or those, but I figured a diamond was cliche.” Apollo explained.

“I’d say yes, y’know.” Klavier said after a moment's pause.

Apollo rolled his eyes. “Well, duh”

“I feel really guilty about finding it.” Klavier insisted. Apollo smiled.

“I should have hid it better.” Apollo retorted. “You just have to make it up to me somehow.”

Klavier’s eyebrow rose. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” Apollo hummed and started towards the kitchen. “I’m sure you’ll think of something. What do you want for dinner?”

Klavier shook his head and followed behind. “No no, I have to think of the perfect way to make it up to you, so my brain power is fully dedicated to that. You pick dinner.”

Apollo huffed and strode into the as Klavier laughed. What a lucky man he was going to marry.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of Klapollo Week Archive