Klavier Gavin was someone who prided himself over his ability to judge whether a situation was right or wrong. And to see Apollo Justice, the personal center of his solar system, loud, bright, unchanging Apollo Justice, sitting alone in the dark with only the crickets to keep him company? That was definitely wrong.
"Herr Justice, if that big forehead of yours does any more thinking, I fear that it may explode."
"Ah, Prosecutor Gavin. I was wondering how long it would take for my peace to be interrupted."
Klavier gingerly poked at a stack of papers lying on the couch in an effort to find a place to seat himself. He turned a wary eye towards the mess already littering the floor. Slowly, he edged the sheaf of pages closest to Apollo towards the side and sat down.
"Isn't the peace forever held only after the objections are heard out?"
Apollo raised an eyebrow at him.
"You object to the union of me and my paperwork? Or is it the union of me and the not guilty verdict that you object to?"
"Perhaps, schatz, you could benefit a little from indulging in the union of your head to your pillow," said Klavier softly.
"Justice doesn't sleep, Klavier."
"But the sun does, doesn't it?"
"Whether or not the sun does, I'm not compromising the truth in chasing after it."
"The truth is also something that shines brilliantly, Apollo. You were named after the god of the sun; it makes sense when one considers your affinity for that which shines," He paused, placing his hands on Apollo's shoulders, "but as the sun sleeps, liebling, so must you."
Apollo looked into Klavier's earnest eyes and sighed, leaning into his offered arms. The curtains fluttered in the breeze, but Apollo had never felt so warm.
"Fine, then," said Apollo, muffled slightly by Klavier's shoulder, "I suppose you'll be the one to sing me a lullaby, Mr. Rockstar?"
"That's Mr. Popstar now, actually. I heard a certain someone didn't like my loud music style, so I'm changing it up a little."
Apollo pulled himself away slightly, injecting a note of mock seriousness into his voice.
"When I find who taught you how to play that godforsaken guitar, I'm going to make sure they're the next person on trial."
Klavier scratched the back of his neck and began to fidget a little.
"Well, you must surely pat your past self on the pack then, because you've already convicted them. Twice, even."
"Oh," Apollo swallowed, "You mean... Kristoph?"
"The one and only."
"He mailed me something today, you know. From prison."
Klavier chuckled heavily, but it seemed to stick in his throat.
"Really? I received a message too, but I'm assuming you didn't get a list of Vongole's favourite dog food."
"Er, no. Not quite. Here, I'll just show you."
'Dear Mr. Justice,
Congratulations are in order for your recent court victory. It was my mistake, surely, that I believed my brother would support me in my time of need. This letter is to help you not make the same mistake, being that you are arguably my legacy in the world of law.
In my brother's mind lives an island of silence. The silence is not, as you may think, applicable when it comes to the law. Rather, it manifests itself in a more visceral sense. The silence only speaks volumes when it comes to himself. All of that chivalrous nonsense you see? Simply a front to keep his real emotions locked away. Fortunately for those of us who wish to communicate with him, he is as predictable as he is delusional. You can easily tell what he is hiding; whether you wish to do so or not is up to you. From mentor to student, have one last piece of advice. If you intend to be the waves that meet the island, do not rock the boat too hard. It will not go favourably for either of you.
Regards,
Kristoph Gavin'
Apollo raised his eyes from the letter. To look at Klavier now was to gaze at the moon in its full force. His face was drained of colour and he looked withdrawn, the weak table lamp behind him highlighting his golden head with a makeshift halo. Even the crickets seemed to be singing only for him in their melancholy. There was, as always, an air of darkness surrounding him. Darkness, thought Apollo, which he fully intended to pull out.
"Klavier, look at me. I don't believe a word he says, not after all he's done. Not after all we've been through."
Klavier made no response, his lips only drawing into a tighter line, as if he was trying to pull his strength in as well.
"Miaow!"
"Oh! Mikeko! Come here you rascal," Apollo pulled the cat into his lap, leaning away from Klavier as he did so. Suddenly, a hand reached out to grasp his wrist.
"It's... good you don't believe him. It doesn't apply to you. You, Apollo Justice, will always be able to perceive me. However hard I may try to hide, you see right through me."
Apollo smiled at him, causing Klavier to burst into laughter. Mikeko glared at him balefully, surprised by the sudden noise.
"You might see right through me, Herr Forehead, but I see right through that smile of yours. You're trying to stifle a yawn, aren't you?"
Apollo shrugged sheepishly.
"Alright then Schatzi, let's get you to bed. I'll drop you home on my motorcycle."
Apollo let Klavier pull him off the couch, clutching Mikeko under his other arm. He drowsily hummed a lullaby he had heard once, and the crickets sang in harmony with him.
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