halloforigin | Klavier Gavin [OPEN]

[In all aspects, it was the perfect day, and one he wouldn't have traded for the world. And he had to admit...a small part of him didn't want to drop Apollo off. He wanted to take him back to either of their houses to have some time alone away from public eye. Sharing either romantic moments or intimate ones, it didn't matter.

Like Apollo, it was natural to crave sex from his partner, especially when he was everything he could have ever wanted out of one. The idea of just spending time in each others arms was incentive enough to even ask. And he knows deep down Apollo wants it as well. He didn't have any magical sense of spotting lies, but he can tell from those painfully desperate eyes that Apollo wants the exact opposite. That there's something hidden behind them that needs an answer. He had everything all set out for a perfect finish for the night...

So why's he fighting it?]

Uh...huh.

[Not convinced.

Unfortunately, just like in court, the wrong phrasing says so much more about Apollo's intentions than the truth. While Klavier wasn't a vicious attack dog like most prosecutors in court, it didn't mean he caught the scent of dodging the truth any less, and Apollo's stammering says so much more than any excuse or explanation could. There was a reason the man wanted to go to the office at 11pm that night. And the only way to get it out of him was to do what he did in court, goad it out of him with his own charm.

They worked together in those situations, and things like this are no different.]

A lead you took most of the day off for, but need to work on now.

[He's smiling, but in that knowing way that basically screams that he's not convinced. He doesn't even need to elaborate--the tone in his voice expresses enough disbelief.]

I didn't take time away from something important, did I?

(he can only imagine how horribly each and every one of his tells are acting up about now, and it's no small miracle that trucy isn't here to guide klavier along on the right path of reasoning to completely shatter what little facade apollo managed to construct. he's not at all used to people pressing him on matters, apollo is always the one to stare deep into witnesses, until their own bodies give away their lies.

here, apollo was an open book for klavier. he'd never made a note of learning to be a good liar, and sure, he'd practiced finding his own tells to prepare for if things ever came to that for whatever reason. reasons very similar to now, actually. a lot of good it did him if he couldn't even keep it together in front of one person.

then again, klavier is the single person in the world (aside from the kitaki family, but yakuza don't count) who apollo could just never keep his composure in front of. for one cause or another, he was always reacting to something klavier did. getting flustered over an action or a choice of words, overjoyed at a display of affection truly meant only for him, a surge of unabashed love at some particularly wonderful moment of anything at all.

and although he might not get mad, or hold any unpleasantness against apollo, klavier being far too genuine for that, he's... just not sure how his boyfriend would react to discovering apollo was technically homeless. his face shoots up to look at klavier's face honest and shocked, even if klavier hadn't meant his words to come across the way they did.) No! No, you're way more important than anything-- ah.

(his face brightens considerably, even standing out in the shadow of night set firmly in place. a hand covers his mouth, as if to stop the flow of any other embarrassing and far too honest things from being said. things that should be saved for a private setting he was more than wishing for.) I-I just... I just thought of something not long ago, that's all. Figured I'd better take my luck while I can get it.

[Klavier didn't have a special bracelet or a gift for perceiving to help him through, but he could always tell when Apollo was flustered. When he said something to throw him off his guard and attempt to regain ground and continue the train of thought. Unfortunately, for as much as Apollo was talented for seeking the truth, he was also a terrible liar, and Klavier could spot it a mile away.

At least, one this bad.

His face said it all the moment their eyes met, and his blue ones only crease in knowing exactly what's going on...and yet not at all. There's something Apollo's hiding from him.

And whatever it is, he has good reason to. The man's words were far too honest and devoted for him to consider unfaithfulness--hell, that thought never even crossed Klavier's mind. Apollo was the one person he could count on to be reliable in any sense of the word. And it shows in the way his smile grows. And were he in some kind of trouble with regards to a case, he's sure he would've found out far ahead of time. Edgeworth or Phoenix would've said something, to be sure.

So then what was it?]

Herr Forehead.

[He tucks those sunglasses into his coat, eyes never leaving the man as he pushes his arms up from the handlebars. It's a fluid motion, one with the end goal of a kiss on that forehead of his, his voice as smooth as melted chocolate and just as sweet.]

You deserve tonight off. Surely you can write a note, ja? I'm not really sure I want our date to end just yet.

(it's to apollo's own dismay of how awful he can be at lying. or... not so much lying in this case. more deflecting from the truth. for someone who made an art form out of being a human lie detector, constantly dragging the truth out by force if needed, he was more of an open book than any witness. unable to keep even the smallest of secrets from klavier.

and it's his own fault, really. he should've just been honest from the get go, sat klavier down and told him exactly what was happening. but there was this little part of him, the part he never really got along with, that wanted to keep up at least some front of composure and collection. keep up any bit of pride he managed to scrounge together. admitting yourself to (temporary) homelessness and therefore being fucked in having an actual place to call home again, it was just... exhausting. things weren't made any better when mr. wright made a rather inappropriate joke about turning into another version of him rather rapidly.

but the kiss weakens him, every action and motion klavier sends just for apollo make him weak in the knees and flush pink. it was embarrassing, to be honest, how he could melt into klavier's hands from a well placed smile or a genuine laugh. how his mind went blank for a few seconds after a simple kiss. it may have been less than smooth for him, but his heart soared at every gesture, and the joy it brought him far outweighed the chagrin he felt.

this, though. if klavier kept this up, gentle and calm questioning, no demands or ruthless cuts to the truth. simply implying, waiting for the truth to come to him, apollo certainly would cave soon.) I... I don't want it to end, either.

(he lets his head fall forward slowly, resting his forehead against his boyfriend's as his eyes close and he imagines curling up on the couch with vongole and a movie. a smile spreads over his face, even a quiet chuckle.) I never want it to end.

[Klavier holds no resentment for the...deflection of the truth that Apollo's showing. His eyes are as warm as ever, a soft blue that could make the midsummer sky jealous, looking at him with that knowing look. A playful tease if anything, that he knows Apollo's not giving him the whole story. So he'll ease it out of him, much like he would guide Apollo to the truth in the courtroom. A soft nudge here and there to get him to admit it on his own.

Forcing it out wasn't his way.

The kiss seemed to take away a lot of the fight Apollo was putting up, and that gentleness shows through once more. Both parts of Apollo Justice had captured his heart equally, and both were the most attractive things he could find in a single person. Even if some of those times (like now) he wasn't telling him something seemingly too important to even say to him.

But seeing that smile warms his heart, and any worry he had over the situation is temporarily eased.

Their forehead's touch, and Klavier lets a small chuckle escape his lips as he soaks it in. Feeling Apollo's breath against his own, knowing that behind closed eyes they'r both imagining each other staring back.]

It doesn't have to, you know.

[The night is still quite young for a couple of equally young lawyers, after all.]

(the way klavier gazes at him, how their whole world seems to just shrink down to the two of them, as if klavier holds the whole world in his eyes. apollo more often than not finds himself lost in them. not at all different from this very moment.

in fact, it's enough for him to completely lose track of what he was trying to deflect so hard from klavier before. why would he ever hide the truth from the person in front of him? the one who's done nothing but believe and trust and love him without ever once wavering. it gets apollo starstruck every time without fail.

klavier's laughter gives his heart a few skips in his chest, and it's an automatic motion to just lean down, press their lips together firmly. it always manages to bring a fresh blush to his cheeks, but he's even grown used to having a slight permanent pink to his expression.

as he pulls away, he nods, still only inches away from klavier's face should he desire more. and if how apollo is feeling is any takeaway, klavier wants the exact same thing.) Your place?

[Apollo was a perfect name for him. Because like the sun, he always seemed to light up everyone around him with something as simple as a smile. A soft curve of those even softer lips was enough to send his stomach into knots, and blue eyes strike out against the dark night as they flicker to life underneath the man's natural glow. If Apollo thought he was starstruck, then Klavier was over the moon.

Just seeing the man blush was enough to bring a little pink to his own cheeks, although his darker complexion hides it much better.

Lips curl into a smile at Apollo's question. Ordinarily, he'd say yes. His house was far more...suited for a quiet moment together. At least, that's the impression he got from Apollo. Thin walls in an apartment do not always make for good places to do intimate things with. But for as much as Klavier hated investigative work, it was suddenly all the more interesting when it was Apollo.]

Mmm...what about yours?

[A soft press of testimony can reveal so much.]

(everything's coming up roses and daises and sunshine for apollo right now, able to see even the slightest chance in klavier's facial features, know when he was truly happy to be around apollo. this? definitely one of those times, and it sends a warm, elated feeling through his body as he notices a flush barely form in the darkness. the smile spreading over his face making apollo hold his breath without realizing.

a breath that remains frozen at klavier's question. his eyes widen, only slightly as it hits him what klavier's been doing this entire time. crafty... apollo never caught on. then again, that was certainly the plan.) I... um...

(he's been caught right in klavier's testimonial trap without even being aware of it. he bites his lower lip, eyes shifting anywhere but klavier's eyes as his brain working into overdrive to find a reason, something believable to distract from the actuality of the situation.

and he comes up with nothing. klavier pressed the case just hard enough, caught him lying or deflecting too many times to be able to keep up the act any longer. there's a defeated sigh, staring at the ground, guilt preventing him from gazing into those beautiful blue eyes he isn't sure of the reaction he'll see if he looks up. he prays it won't be disappointment.) I... I don't have a place right now.

[Disappointment? No, that's not what gets Klavier. Far from it--because he had pretty much cornered Apollo to get the answer out. But any guilt from doing so is wiped away when he listens to him, letting it soak in that for an undetermined amount of time Apollo was essentially homeless. Panic's quick to seep into those eyes, wondering just what had happened that he hadn't noticed.

He was still able to go on a date, right? They'd spent money...was Apollo having a hard time making rent? He'd remembered endless conversations they'd had about their mentors (playful jabbing for the most part, but some of it really had more truth to it than either cared to admit) and how Wright's paychecks were more like an occasional bonus than a requirement. And that rent was being paid by a 17 year old magician and whenever Apollo got a client with their head actually above water.

It comes out right away.]

Apollo...Is it rent? Do you need a loan?

[Apollo would never take a donation, he knew the man's pride. But if it was money he needed, Klavier wouldn't think twice about lending out cash to cover a few months rent until someone came along to actually pay him.]

(now this is something apollo is, admittedly, not used to at all. someone fussing over him. he expected disappointment at lying, frustration at letting him get himself into this situation, or general exasperation at having a homeless boyfriend.

the thought was probably somewhere, there in the back of his mind that he didn't listen to often, that said klavier was the kind to shove help onto people with no hesitation. he didn't quite believe that would happen, and even if it was a passing thought, klavier actually offering to pay rent with no inkling of annoyance or wanting something in return... it stunned apollo.

he snaps out of his still in shock phase, shaking his head quickly to reassure klavier. things aren't... fine. but they at least are financially. he can offer him comfort about that much.) N-No, no, money-wise, I'm fine, really. It's just um...

(he bites his lip, searching his brain for the least frightening way to say this and... there really isn't one. he lets out a sigh, scratching the back of his neck, a tad sheepish.) The apartment complex uh... kinda flooded. A water pipe broke. And apparently a couple of the beams were already weak and hadn't been kept up properly, so they broke and a couple room ceilings caved in. They um... found mold in the building, too. Everyone got really pissed at the landlord, so he kicked everyone out "until further notice".

(further notice probably being never. considering he's under serious inspection for falsifying health and safety forms. there's a nervous chuckle, trying to take the edge off the situation.) O-On the bright side, I have a lot of clients. Everyone in the building is suing the landlord.

[The panic subsides at least, from Apollo reassuring him that it's not financially an issue. He was prepared to whip out his wallet with SOMETHING to maybe talk the landlord into easing off the payment collecting. But if that wasn't the issue, then Klavier's out of ideas for what exactly is.

What could happen to his home that would leave him homeless?

He keeps listening to Apollo's explanation, his rigid posture relaxing slightly. A water pipe broke...and the apartment was already in shambles? He's never been one to question Apollo's living situation, but he always assumed that the state of his house would be alright given he was a lawyer. But with his clients...as generous as he was to take them, didn't often pay, while the courts tended to give Klavier his salary. It's all too clear that Apollo had been living merely a step above poverty, and worry creases his brow once more.]

So you've been living at the Agency? That explains your...'lead' on a client.

[He's not stupid, he can put two and two together when it comes to how Apollo was handling it.]

Herr Justice. Is all your stuff packed up and out of your apartment?

[An innocent question, at first. Water damage did mean you had to preserve your belongings.]

(it's an expression he's seen on klavier's face more times than he can count, he just still can't believe someone could ever make that face about him. it's still a shock to him that anyone other than clay, or trucy in extenuating circumstances, would ever be worried about apollo justice.

even after having opened his heart and been completely honest with klavier about the past couple of weeks, he still can't help but feel the slightest bit defensive. there's still that last little barrier of pride in the way, his last line of defense before becoming a complete wreck. it's silly, and one might even argue stupid, but he does pout the slightest bit at klavier calling him out on his excuse.) I wasn't... I wasn't lying about that. I really did have a lead, but... yeah, it can wait til tomorrow.

(it's not as though jotting down a note is all that difficult. or even really remembering, he knows it was important enough. but that's neither here nor there, the problem here isn't about the fact that he has too much work. it's that he's been living at work. which isn't so bad when you suddenly have a dozen clients filing a lawsuit. it's almost pathetic, he'd be able to afford rent no problem with their fees.

and it's not as though he's resigned himself to this, living at the office and mooching off of the wrights' shower occasionally. but finding an affordable place in los japangeles on what might as well be a part time lawyer salary... not an easy thing to do.

he doesn't understand why, even after revealing the truth to klavier and still being accepted, he can't meet his gaze.) Y-Yeah. I was lucky nothing happened to my room, so I got everything out pretty quick. Sold my furniture, too, I couldn't take it with me. B-But don't worry, I've been looking for a place! I found... an okay one, I think. I'm checking it out later this week.

[Listening to Apollo, Klavier only becomes more and more sure of his decision that's been planted and sown in his head. Every line Apollo speaks is just convincing him more, and those blue eyes don't leave him for a second as he hears out the man's story. Lead or not on this case, it wasn't the reason he had to stop by the office.

He smiles, when Apollo finishes, tilting his chin up with a finger.]

I've already found you a place, Herr Forehead. Great location, close to the office, and completely free of water damage.

[There's a small peck to the corner of his lips, before adding--]

Mine.

(it's almost infuriating the number of times a simple touch from klavier seems to stop time. how a simple placement of his fingers, somehow being unbelievably seductive and yet impossibly and hopelessly romantic at the exact same time. it's almost shameful how willing he is to bend to klavier's will.

until he says that. apollo was hopeful, honestly hopeful, that klavier would've been able to offer apollo a decent place to live. somewhere he could afford. but this?) What!?

(this was way out of left field. he shoves himself off the motorcycle, staring klavier down with nothing less than pure shock.) I-- (would love to, god yes, please please please.

his common sense gets the better of him, shaking his head, mind overflowing with about a hundred reasons this just wouldn't work. he paces around the bike, hand running through his hair just at the thought of rent alone.) That's just-- I can't! Rent there has to cost, what, three times what I make!? I can't afford that! We've only been dating a few months, and you're talking about rushing it like this?

[Klavier's eyes widen, gazing straight ahead at the street in front of him as if the whole thing had happened in such a flurry that he couldn't keep up. Apollo was suddenly off his bike and there were...no cries of happiness? No thanks? Not that he had a level of expectation but...he had to admit 'What!?' wasn't on his list of responses he expected.

Those eyes finally follow Apollo as he paces, head tracking him like a parrot as he goes back and forth flush to the sidewalk. Head turning with his whole body to follow as Apollo makes a loop around the bike.]

Herr Forehead--

[But no, Apollo has more to say, something about rent..]

Actually I was--

[Something about rushing it.]

I simply thought it'd be a good idea because of the circumstances. C'mon, what's there to worry about? I'll handle the rent, ja? I've been paying it fine for this long, after all.

(he knows. deep down, he knows this is just how klavier is. he's kind, even overly generous at times, willing to throw out any offer or suggestion to make apollo smile just that little bit more. he understands more than anyone, just how giving and loving klavier was. in no small part, to apollo specifically.

but there's that other little part of apollo, the one that tries so hard to defend was little dignity he seems to have left these days. why he even bothers, he's not quite sure. after all, someone always comes along trying to tear it down, unintentionally or no. his self-confidence was already near the breaking point most days, and while he should be flattered, thrilled klavier made such an offer so calmly, he can't help but feel... wounded. angrily so. as if someone just took a stab to the last remaining bit of pride he had.

the fact that he needed so much help just to get by, just to make it to the next day. apollo was more angry at himself than klavier's well-intentioned offer. the fact that he can't even keep this much of his life together. it's almost laughable.

apollo stops pacing, ramblings cut to a halt as he turns and stares at klavier as the words sink in. and though he doesn't want his face to ever look at klavier angrily, he can't help a slight glare form as the words play on repeat like a shitty lyric.) I don't need handouts, Prosecutor Gavin.

(it was still habit, even after these months of dating, to continue calling klavier by his title. it never meant he was angry or hurt. though this time... it may come off that way.)

[Words cut like daggers, sometimes, and the moment they escape Apollo's lips, it's clear that they slice right down to his heart. The soft, gentle way his head turns to avoid those fierce, nearly insulted brown eyes, the way he suddenly feels like a dog that's being scolded and yet doesn't understand why... It was hard.

Because truth is, he didn't know why.

Awkward silence fills the air between them, hanging heavy like a fog and leaving things even more unclear than when Apollo had wanted to go to the office so badly. Klavier can't help but reach up and play with his bangs, a nervous gesture he'd picked up when he had to pause a minute to collect his thoughts. A habit he'd maybe gotten from Kristoph--the two seemed to share a whole manner of tiny habits, despite being so different.

A few moments pass before he decides to speak up.]

It wasn't a handout, Herr Justice.

[His voice is soft, a gentle acoustic to his usual bright and bold rock ballad. Klavier was often such a giving person--he'd given out backstage passes to his friends all the time, he'd given more than his fair share to Lamiroir and his bandmates when he had them. He'd given Kristoph love, knowing now that his brother hadn't deserved it.

But sometimes he has to learn that not everyone wants things handed to them. Not everyone wants him to save them like some Prince. A hard lesson, but one he often forgets.]

It was just an idea, ja? I would love to have you, but it's your choice.

(it doesn't even take a moment for apollo to realize how much he hurt klavier, words cutting deep into his heart in a way he promised he never would. the anger slips off his face like a mask, replaced with frantic worry, taking quick steps forward to try and ease the situation, relieve his pain. his hands stop in midair, reaching out to him, but not making it, stuck in a halfway point as they flinch ever slightly, debating whether or not he's even good enough to touch klavier.

that part of him that holds onto all his insecurities is screaming he'd ruined one of the few good things he has in life.) I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that!

(he needs to take a moment to breathe, calm himself, find his center again. remind himself over and over this is how klavier is, he's kind and warm and generous and he just wants to help.

his expression is nothing but guilt, staring down off to the side like a child breaking a rule, hesitant on speaking again, for fear of harming klavier again. he's quiet, unsure of how to word things, and it sounds like it.) I-I'm just... not used to this. People caring. I've always been independent, I had to be. Since I was nine, I had to just. Take care of myself. Until I met Clay.

(he shifts awkwardly, glancing up to meet klavier's eyes with nothing but sincerity and an open heart. this isn't usually something he divulges to others, but in this case? saving klavier and his relationship with harm took priority above all else. he deserves that much, and more, for putting up with apollo in such a state. he reaches out tentatively to have his fingertips grab the sleeve of his cardigan, a test of if he's allowed back in.) I never had someone to do what you're doing now, not until Clay. I'm just used to people looking at me with pity, I thought you were doing the same. But you'd never do that, and I'm sorry, Klavier.

[He doesn't see the way the anger melts off Apollo's face, not at first. His eyes are too busy cast to the side, trying to desperately figure out what was so wrong with what he was asking. Did it really seem like he was treating Apollo like a charity case? If you asked him, and only him, he'd deny it flat out. To him, it was an opening life had given them to take the next step, to make things slightly less lonely.

Maybe he'd jumped a little too eagerly into it.

A smile forms on his lips, sad but understanding as he hears Apollo cry out in a panic, trying to reassure him of his apology. But Klavier for all intents and purposes was as forgiving as could be, and it's no sooner that he'd gotten sad than his face was turning back to him, blue eyes sparkling to match the crisp air of a winter morning.

He listens. He lets Apollo talk. There's no doubt in his mind that he'd forgive the man, but sometimes the defense has to be heard before proof can absolve them of a crime. That doesn't deter the small smile on his face. Pride, maybe, for the man in front of him, for being so independent and trying to make it on his own. It was admirable, if a little frustrating for a doting boyfriend.

Fingertips brush the edge of his cardigan, and without breaking eye contact for a second Klavier reaches to take that hand in his own, cupping calloused fingertips around the softer skin.]

Your decision will not change how I feel about you, ja? You can say no, or you can say yes, and I'll drive you to whichever building you want--the office or my own.

[He calmly inspects that hand, running his fingers inbetween Apollo's.]

But I truly would like you to live with me, Apollo. You're not the only one who lives alone, you know.

[Said with a hopeful smile.]

(he's relieved beyond words when klavier finally looks at him again, not the slightest bit of disappointment in him or anger or hurt. he was so terrified he'd hurt klavier, far more than he knew. but that smile... it's that smile that kills him. so hopeful, the tiniest bit of sadness behind it. apollo can see it clearly and it kills him inside.

and he's cursing his own damn pride for making him this way. it would be so easy, to just say yes, become a complete part of klavier's life every day, every minute. waking up together, making breakfast, spending more days off together and not scrambling to make time.

klavier's words are so inviting, so welcoming and tempting, and he'd love nothing more to give into them. he bites his lip, considering this, debating on whether he should share a home with klavier, live in what he can only describe as perfection, or return to the dingy office he's called a shitty home for the past couple weeks.

he looks down, defeated, almost pained, but gripping klavier's hand back tightly.) I... I just can't. Freeloading off my own boyfriend... that's just not right.

(but he desperately wishes it could be. for both of their sakes. what did he ever do to deserve klavier gavin?)

[He knows that pride can have an affect on your decision. It's sometimes all someone has, and he can definitely see why Apollo would cling to it so fiercely. With how he's usually treated in the courtroom to his life at the PWAA, it's no wonder that he wants to keep hold of whatever he can safely say he 'earned'.

But it does hamper his attempt to genuinely help out the man, he thinks with some amusement. Who'd have thought just wanting to live with your boyfriend would be such a silly 'arguement', if you could even call it that. It's endearing, and despite the sadness behind that smile, he knows he wouldn't be Apollo Justice if Klavier didn't have to fight for it.

Just like in court...and in every other part of his life. He welcomed the man's pride, his faults, his stubbornness as much as he welcomed his love and devotion.]

Freeloading's such an awful term to use, Herr Forehead.

[His voice can't hide the chuckle, bringing him slightly closer and looking up at him with those blue eyes.]

If you truly want to pay rent, I guess we could work something out that's affordable for you. Pay what you can and could still live on, ja?

That seems fair to me, baby.

(there's just something about klavier's eyes that apollo could find himself gazing at for hours without even realizing. maybe it's the bright, vibrant color of them, to complement the darker tone of his skin. it all just suits him perfectly, makes him more beautiful than apollo really has words for.

the words are just as wonderful. klavier offering so much to apollo, asking for nothing in return and really only going this far to make out a deal that works comfortably for apollo. he'll spend the rest of his days wondering how on earth he managed to get klavier gavin to fall in love with him. maybe if he asked ema nicely with snackoos, she'll figure out the science behind it.

even so, there's such a thing as going too far, and apollo can't help but wonder if they've reached that point. klavier seems willing to do just about anything to get apollo to move in with him, and there's just... something he can't quite figure out the why of. sure, it would be nice to live together, but is that really what klavier is going so far for?

to have apollo in his life that much more? the thought is exhilarating, albeit making him anxious. he doesn't know what to do with a person who loves him so wholly. his face falls gazing at the ground, worry lines scrunching up in his face as he considers this.) That hardly seems fair if you're still the one paying most of the rent. I... I just don't know, Klavier.

[Always a fighter until the end. Definitely one of Apollo's most endearing traits, if not a slightly frustrating one. But really, it's hard to be angry at a man who is going so far to not be a burden on him. As if Klavier really had many burdens to pin to his name that weren't emotional or psychological. There's not too much worry on him financially--three platinum singles can do that to you.

He holds strong, letting Apollo mull over it in his own mind. He can't blame him, really--when the courts themselves provide your paycheck instead of the client, it makes for a much more stable income. It's easy to feel crushed under that security, when Apollo's just scraping together what he can.

Maybe he is rushing this a little. Maybe he is being a little insensitive to this.

But there's one part of Apollo's sentence he has to correct, taking his hand and brushing his calloused fingers across smooth skin.]

Apollo--there is a saying. "Fair is giving everyone what they need, not giving everyone the same thing."

(it's the last thing in the world that apollo wants, to be considered a burden in anyone's life. klavier's, above all else. it's irrational, but the part of him that was a child raised until nine then shoved off into a land he didn't know, that part is terrified it will happen again. that klavier will find apollo too much to deal with, then cut him out of his life with a false promise of returning someday.

klavier may be far gentler, more loving and willing to open his heart, but in the end, that would only make a possible cut off that much more painful. and it's not a kind apollo wishes to revisit. he's only known klavier as long as he's been a lawyer, not quite at a place where he can tell klavier will be a constant presence like clay, but one he wishes, more than anything, that klavier could be. that he could wake up to klavier's voice, decide to be too lazy on their days off and lounge together, debate on who does what shopping before ultimately choosing to go together. it sounds perfect.

but the fear of klavier growing tired of apollo after living together, that the spark of their relationship dies out and klavier no longer feels love for him, those ones are louder. even with how careful and kind klavier is, holding apollo's hand like he's something to be treasured, even then fear flashes in apollo's face that klavier won't want him forever.

and the longer things go on, the louder that annoying little voice gets.

the touch makes him blush, just a pinch more pink to his face as he tries to link their hands together, feel more of that calloused skin he's come to love far too quickly in the span of a few months.) I don't need to live rent free to be okay... wh-why are you pushing so hard for this, anyway?

[Klavier could point out that he's living in the office rent-free, and that creates a contradiction in his testimony about being perfectly fine now, but his tongue yields, figuring that'd best be saved for another time. A time when Apollo didn't look on the verge of crying over an extended invitation to come live with him.

There's pain behind those eyes--Klavier can see it. A kind so different from Kristoph's, and one he wondered had ever crossed his own eyes. It's not that Apollo doesn't want to. He can see he's looking for any possible excuse to say yes (and he didn't even need the bracelet for that), but something...survival instinct maybe...is holding him back.

His thumbs continue to caress that hand, the smile softly fading from his lips as he lets that question sink in.]

Because...

You're the alto to my tenor, Herr Justice.

And I'm tired of a solo act.

[A cryptic way of putting, so he chuckles, clarifying it in his next breath.]

I don't want to be alone, I guess.

Klavier Gavin [OPEN]

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