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Apollo justice was not always a patient man.
He wasn’t patient when he had to wait for Trucy to clean out her magic panties. He wasn’t patient when he had to stand behind a woman in line who was harassing the poor cashier at the coffee shop. He especially wasn’t patient when Clay would offer something to him and pull it away at the last minute just to test him.
So he knew he was in for a treat when he was informed that he would have to wait out a 13 hour layover.
An international law convention was being held in London, and the members of the agency decided to make the trip over. As luck would have it, they missed their earlier connection and had ended up on the waiting list of a later flight. Here’s the catch, three spaces left, and four members of the agency.
Athena was about to offer to stay back, but since Apollo was such a good kid, he had volunteered to stay back in her stead. He really had no one to blame but himself.
He groaned in exasperation and dragged his hand down his face, hitting himself in the cheek with his bracelet. Apollo felt irritation flare up in his chest, but he sharply exhaled to assuage the feeling.
He was not about to fall apart in the middle of an airport in front of three flight attendants and an exhausted-looking pilot. He thanked the woman at the desk and made his way to an available seat.
Why do airports always have such tacky carpet my god, Apollo thought, eyeing the multicolored pattern under his shoe. He became bored with the outdated flooring and tilted his head back so it rested on the top of the chair. Hearing a person sit next to him, he inwardly sighed.
Please don’t talk to me please don’t talk to me please-
“You look like you had a rough day buddy.” The stranger next to him commented. Apollo noted that his accent sounded a little odd but didn’t think much of it.
“You bet.” Apollo bit back, wincing at his tone of voice. The stranger just laughed.
“Yikes. Haven’t seen you irate since Trucy and I glued your coffee cup to your desk.” At the mention of his sister his eyes snapped open and he was met with a set of mischievous blue eyes that could only belong to one person.
“Prosecutor Gavin?” He yelled in surprise, causing several heads to turn in his direction. Ashamed by his actions, he muttered an apology and turned back to the man in question.
“The legendary Prosecutor Gavin is here? Oh my God, do you think he’d give me an autograph?” Klavier joked, earning a light smack on the shoulder.
“Ha Ha. Aren’t you just such a fucking comedian?” Apollo replied, less than amused. Klavier leaned back coolly, running his hands through his bangs.
“I sounded just like one of you Americans a second ago didn’t I?” He asked, praising his own acting skills.
“Of course. Mel Brooks must have wept the day he lost you to the music industry.” Apollo quipped, his voice dripping with heavy sarcasm. Klavier let out a lighthearted laugh that caused Apollo to get a funny feeling in his stomach.
“Sometimes I really miss you.” Klavier said, pulling the other man into somewhat of a side hug. Apollo knew what he really meant by that, but blushed nonetheless. The two hadn’t exchanged carefree banter in weeks. In court, Apollo often found himself facing one of the Payne brothers.
Outside of court, both men had been swamped with cases to the point where they barely got enough time to eat, much less converse. The two appeared to have a rocky relationship, but that really wasn’t the case. They had gotten quite close over the past year. In Apollo’s eyes, you didn’t braid someone’s hair while watching Doctor Who and not be friends with them.
Just his opinion.
Then of course there was the physical contact. Apollo wasn’t a touchy-feely person by nature, but when he was with Klavier all bets were off. If they watched a movie together, Apollo started on the other end of the couch and ended up in Klavier’s lap. When Klavier was bothering him too much he playfully bumped his hip to get him to back up. If they were reviewing case files together, he often found himself idly playing with the other’s hair. He even jumped on his back once when he was trying to steal the last Clif bar from the cupboard.
Clay would often complain and ask why Apollo wasn’t that physical with him, but things were just different with Klavier. Since he was just such a philistine according to Mr. Wright, he was unable to articulate his thoughts using a more creative word.
“So am I correct to assume you are one of the unfortunate souls that will be enduring this layover with me?” Klavier asked, not removing his arm from around Apollo’s shoulders. The armrest of his seat was digging into Apollo’s side but he couldn’t be arsed to care. Klavier was warm and smelled like the prosecutors favourite coffee. A Colombian blend, he noted.
“Looks like it. You’re stuck with me for the time being unfortunately.” Apollo replied. Klavier snorted, fishing his phone out of his pocket with his free hand.
“Don’t sell yourself short Herr Justice. I’m sure any one your adoring fans would love to spend a day with you.” Apollo just scoffed.
“When my fan letter comes in I’ll be sure to take you out drinking to celebrate.”
“I’ll be holding you to that.” Klavier retorted. Apollo suddenly felt cold when Klavier removed his arm to text with both hands. He wasn’t aware that he had scrunched up his face until Klavier chuckled and poked his cheek.
“You’ll get early wrinkles if you continue at this rate.” He pointed out, pulling back when Apollo moved to bite his finger.
“Down boy.” He smirked, his boisterous laugh caught the attention of many passersby when Apollo pinched his ear in revenge. Apollo hadn’t even noticed that he was laughing too. Once their giggles died down, the two were left with a moment of silence. Apollo realized that his previous anger had quickly subsided and was replaced with the gleeful and tired feeling one often felt after they laughed too hard.
“So, do you have any ideas how to kill time?” Apollo questioned, holding back a joke about the prosecutor’s work ethic. Klavier looked like a person who would constantly goof off, but he was incredibly resourceful and hardworking.
“Well, as I see it” He began, “this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn something useful.” Klavier finished, gesturing towards a large black case grouped together with his luggage.
Apollo hadn’t even noticed that Klavier had brought his guitar with him. Jesus Christ does he carry that everywhere? Of course he does, I was foolish to expect anything less. Apollo inwardly sighed.
“So what do you say, Apollo?” Klavier asked innocently. Apollo felt a shiver go down his spine when Klavier used his first name. Damn, the man knew just how to convince him. The somewhat satisfied grin that flashed across Klavier’s face when Apollo shivered didn’t go unnoticed.
“Ah what the hell. Mr. Wright is always telling me that I need to be more cultured.” Apollo resigned, giving Klavier one of his genuine smiles. “Let’s do it.”
It was now Klavier’s turn to get flustered. Getting a sincere smile from Apollo was like getting blood from a stone some days. Before the other man could change his mind, Klavier turned his torso slightly to grab his guitar case. He placed the instrument between the two of them, taking care while unzipping the case. Apollo whistled, he didn’t know much about music but even he knew an expensive guitar when he saw one.
“A 1937 Gibson SJ-250 Monarch. She’s not the star of my collection but she’s one of my favourites.” Klavier explained, getting up to his feet. He carefully removed the guitar from the case and placed the strap over his head. Just as a demonstration, he strummed a G7 chord.
“It sounds really jazzy.” Apollo commented, earning a laugh from Klavier.
“Yes. Jazz music is filled with 7th chords.” He explained. “But I must apologize, I’m not that well acquainted with any of The Real Books.” Apollo just gave him a look.
“Ah, sorry. Perhaps it was a little presumptuous of me to assume that common folk like you have heard of The Real Book.” Klavier jested. Apollo’s lips twitched in annoyance but Klavier seemed unaffected.
“Anyway, we won’t start with 7th chords. Let’s just start with the basics.” Klavier continued. Apollo watched intently as he shifted his fingers slightly, forming a new shape with his fingers.
“This is a G major chord, or, just a G chord.” Klavier instructed, strumming the chord in the process. Apollo nodded, it seemed easy enough. “But, we don’t learn by watching. We learn by doing” Klavier began, removing the strap from around his neck. “So let’s see you give it a try.” He finished.
Apollo turned so that he was facing Klavier, bending down a little. Klavier placed the strap around Apollo’s neck, fingers lightly brushing against the warm flesh. Apollo straightened up, placing one hand on the neck and hovering the other over the strings. He attempted to replicate Klavier’s hand positioning, accidentally plucking some of the strings in the process.
“Allow me to help.” Klavier offered, gently covering Apollo’s fingers with his own. His hands are so small oh my god Klavier thought, trying to focus on the task at hand and not on the softness of the other’s hands. Apollo wasn’t fairing too well either, Klavier’s breath on his neck was making the fine hairs there stand on end. He hoped he didn’t appear too rigid.
“There we go.” Klavier whispered, lingering for a second before pulling back. Apollo hesitated, but decided to give it a shot. He felt a sense of pride when the guitar made a pleasant noise. “See? You’re a natural.” Klavier smiled, clapping a hand on Apollo’s shoulder. Maybe this was actually going to go well.
It didn’t.
“That’s not it.” Klavier mentioned, watching Apollo struggle.
“Is this it?” Apollo asked, getting a little annoyed.
“…Apollo I don’t think that’s even a chord. You literally are just putting your thumb on the 3rd fret.” Klavier clarified, a little surprised. Apollo huffed, rearranging his fingers once more.
“This has to be it. Come on.” He said, giving Klavier a hopeful look.
“That’s actually a C9-” Klavier corrected.
“I thought you called them 7th chords?” Apollo questioned, losing what little patience he had.
“Well there are 7th chords as well. There are also 6ths, flat 5s, flat 9s…” Klavier drawled, stopping short when heard Apollo groan.
Klavier heaved a deep sigh, one that sounded foreign to Apollo. “I think it’s time that we called it a day.” He declared, plopping down onto the seat behind him.
As soon as he saw the look on Klavier’s face, Apollo felt a wave of guilt.
“Hey.” He called, kneeling down so his eyes met Klavier’s. “I’m sorry I got fed up. Not all of us common folk can be rock stars like you.” He apologized. Klavier cracked a smile at his statement.
“It took me 15 years to become the ‘rock star’ you know today.” He responded. “You have been at it for a mere 4 hours.” Apollo nodded, glad to see that Klavier wasn’t necessarily angry, just a little exasperated.
“I’m going to head to the bathroom.” Klavier declared, standing up. “I’ll watch your stuff.” Apollo called. Not a moment later, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Fishing it out, he unlocked it to find a text message from Clay.
Clay
You in London getting some British dick yet??? :0
Apollo snorted. His conversations with Clay were honestly one of the reasons he password protected his phone.
Clay
You in London getting some British dick yet??? :0
Get your mind out of the gutter
I’m stuck in a layover rn
That sucks bruh. Can I offer you a skype call in these trying times?
Apollo jumped slightly, quickly typing out a reply.
Clay
That sucks bruh. Can I offer you a skype call in these trying times?
Oh god no I’m with someone
Is it Klavier?? :3
Apollo made a face. How was his best friend so perceptive?
Clay
Is it Klavier?? :3
Yes and what is it with you and emojis
They add zest to my otherwise vapid life
Oh god I’m right? I was joking tbh
Are you guys making out? >:-)
He blushed up to his ears at the comment. Clay did not know where to draw the line. He began to type up a reply when he saw a flash of blond hair in his peripheral vision. He quickly pocketed the device, almost tearing a hole in his jeans in the process.
He leaned back in his chair, trying to seem nonchalant. Klavier raised an eyebrow but otherwise dismissed it.
“I was wondering if you wanted to visit some of the shops.” He asked.
“Oh yeah sure let’s go.” Apollo hurriedly replied, fumbling for the handle of his suitcase. Klavier just chuckled. Apollo squeaked when he felt his phone vibrate once more, shoving it into his backpack instead.
There wasn’t much to the small store. Mostly just cheesy souvenirs and neck pillows. It also smelled really clean which was kind of setting Apollo off. There was a kind older gentleman behind the counter that greeted them when they arrived. Every few minutes or so he’d glance up to watch over the store, but he seemed indifferent to their presence.
“Apollo come here. Quickly.” He heard Klavier call from the other side of the store, mirth in his voice. He put down the neon sunglasses he was trying on and made his way over. He stopped about a foot away from Klavier, completely at a loss for words.
“You’ve gotta be shitting me right now.” Apollo deadpanned. In his hands, Klavier held a red solo cup with a wine glass handle adhered to the bottom. There was a few minutes in silence before he held his hands up and turned away.
“This is it. This is why God doesn’t talk to us anymore.” He declared. Behind him Klavier looked like he was about to lose it.
“I think I found Herr Edgeworth’s Christmas gift.” Klavier forced out between giggles. It took every single ounce of self-restraint for Apollo not to burst out laughing. If not for his own sake, for the sake of the poor shop keeper that looked like he had dealt with hundreds of travellers like them.
The two soon became bored with the trinkets in the store, and were about to leave until Apollo stopped short.
“I wonder if people ever actually buy any of these books.” Apollo questioned, flipping open the book. Klavier turned around and did the same. Just as he was about to put down the paper cover book, Klavier spoke up.
“Wanna play a game?” He asked, mischief in his expression.
“As long as it won’t end in me calling Mr. Wright for bail money.” Apollo responded.
“Come on, I am a man of the law. I wouldn’t do anything illegal.” He said with false innocence. When Apollo just rolled his eyes, he took that as an invitation to continue.
“All you have to do is turn to page 45 of one of these books. The first line describes your sex life.” Klavier explained, watching Apollo splutter.
“You spend way too much time on the internet.” Apollo chided, but picked up another book nonetheless. Klavier did the same and used his thumb to mark the page.
“You go first.” Klavier urged, biting his lip to hide a smile. Apollo cleared his throat and began.
“You just accept that you're going to be hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.” He read, scrunching his nose in mild disgust. Klavier sniggered behind his hand, but continued.
“We finished almost at the same time, just as the sky began to lighten in the east.” He finished with a flourish, earning a look of disbelief from Apollo. “Want to stop?” Klavier challenged, not missing the look in Apollo’s eyes.
“Not until I get a good one.” He spat, looking for another book. Thirty minutes into their heated competition, the shopkeeper gave them a look so foul that Klavier actually yelped. They said their apologies and left the store. Of course, not without buying solo cup wine glass first.
They were on their way back to the gate when Apollo realized just how hungry he was. The last thing he has was a bag of peanuts on his last flight, which Athena had shamelessly eaten most of.
He slowed down and tugged on the sleeve of Klavier’s black leather jacket. If Apollo was honest, it suited the other man. It certainly was a nice change of scenery from the never ending barrage of purple. Klavier turned around, pulling his suitcase to a stop.
“Hmm?” He hummed, waiting for Apollo to respond.
“Let’s grab a bite to eat.” Apollo suggested, gesturing to the food court. Klavier paused for a second, then nodded.
“Sounds good to me. We’ll meet back near gate in 10 minutes.” He affirmed, making his way in the opposite direction. Apollo gave him a look of confusion.
“Wait! At least tell me what you want to eat!” Apollo yelled, receiving only a wave in response. He huffed, heading towards the food court.
It took him a while to choose but he settled on a case of 12 Krystal burgers and some fries. If Klavier wanted something different then he should have tagged along instead of disappearing. Apollo reasoned.
Just as he was nearing their gate, he spotted Klavier sitting casually at the bar located just across from it. He raised an eyebrow in question, but approached anyways. There were two glasses of wine on the counter, deep red colour still striking despite the dimly lit surroundings.
“What’s all this?” Apollo asked, placing the paper bag between them on the table.
“Just wanted to make our date extra special.” Klavier explained, giving Apollo a smirk. The man was probably joking, but when Apollo didn’t feel his bracelet tighten, he felt his pulse quicken.
“I hope you don’t do this for every defense attorney you get stuck in a layover with.” Apollo let out a nervous laugh, trying to not let what Klavier said affect him.
“Just you.” Klavier responded, digging into the paper bag. The defense attorney made a noise similar to a squeak but covered it up with a cough. Klavier wasn’t left unaffected either, hands shaking slightly as he started to empty the contents of the bag. He was always afraid of overstepping his boundaries with him. The way he saw it, the two were in an awkward transitional phase of their relationship.
This was too important to fuck up, so he had to proceed with caution.
Apollo just watched as Klavier’s tanned hands arranged the food. In the meantime, Apollo had begun to sip his wine. It wasn’t a sweet wine, which pleased him greatly. It must have been evident on his face because Klavier looked pleased.
“I see that the cabernet sauvignon sits well with you.” Klavier noted, taking a bite of the miniature burger. Apollo nodded, placing the glass back down with a gentle clink.
“Wouldn’t you rather order something from the bar?” He asked, reaching for a burger himself.
“You ordered enough for two, yes?” Klavier responded, earning a noise of affirmation from Apollo, his mouth full of food. “Besides, I had a craving for such.” He finished, tearing some meat off with his teeth. The two chatted idly, mostly discussing work and the crazy antics their co-workers got up to.
“Would you like to know something interesting about wine bottles?” Klavier questioned. Apollo nodded with a little too much zeal, a sign that the alcohol was beginning to affect him. “You can open them with a sneaker.” The prosecutor stated, earning a scoff from Apollo.
“You cannot. Where did you get that from?” He asked. Klavier wiggled his finger, a move picked up from his mentor.
“I assure you, you can.” Klavier began. He turned so that his body fully faced the other. “The foil on top, that can be removed with just a simple twist.” He explained, performing the accompanying gesture.
“As for the cork, you place the bottle in the shoe, and tap it until the cork loosens.” Klavier continued. Apollo couldn’t help but laugh at his hand motions.
“Who taught you this?” He asked.
“It was our own Detective Gumshoe who enlightened me at the Christmas party last year.” Klavier explained. Apollo just sighed. “Of course.”
Klavier chuckled before asking the bartender for another round of drinks.
This idea was really fucking stupid. Apollo was amazed that he had even entertained Klavier’s harebrained scheme for a split second. Yet, as they stood outside the automatic doors, he realized that he was fighting a losing battle.
“Are you insane? We are not sneaking into the Sky Miles club. End of discussion.” Apollo tried to demand with an air of finality.
“You make it sound so harsh. We are not sneaking in per se…we’re just…” Klavier defended, the alcohol in his system making it hard for him to think quickly. “Entering while lacking the proper credentials.” He finished, a little pleased with the coherency of the sentence.
“Either way, I’m pretty sure it’s illegal and need I remind you that we work for the legal system?” Apollo bit back, not breaking eye contact with the other.
“You and I received the same level of education. Where exactly does it say in the law that ‘Thou shalt not sneak into the Sky Miles club’?” Klavier asked, giving Apollo a triumphant look.
“First of all, we’re discussing federal law not the ten commandments. Secondly, I’m pretty sure this would fall under trespassing. Thirdly, I thought you said we weren’t sneaking in?” Apollo finished, raising his eyebrows in victory. Klavier looked impressed.
“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll just give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, we walk. Deal?” He suggested, extending a tanned hand towards Apollo, who just eyed the appendage suspiciously. He could have said no. He could have slapped his hand away and dragged him back to the gate. He could have, and he didn’t. He was feeling pretty buzzed from the wine and he couldn’t stop focusing on how Klavier was biting his lip in a way that couldn’t have been innocent.
“I’m going to get locked up one day I swear to God.” Apollo groaned, taking Klavier’s hand in his. The prosecutor cracked a smile so wide it had to hurt. He snaked his arm around Apollo’s waist, pulling him close to his side.
“Just follow my lead.” Klavier winked, earning a poke in the side. The pair entered the establishment casually, giving off the impression that this was not their first time. Before they reached the desk, Klavier slipped his left hand in his pocket and leaned close to his ear.
“Put your hand on the small of my back.” Apollo raised an eyebrow but did as he was told. The young man at the desk smiled at them in greeting.
“Good evening gentlemen! I take it you will you be joining us tonight?” The clerk asked, bright eyed despite the late hour. Klavier chuckled lightheartedly.
“Yes. However, you see, I’m in a bit of a pinch.” He continued. The man at the desk looked at him questioningly, prompting him to continue.
“It has been a while since I’ve flown, and I’m afraid my membership has expired.” Klavier explained, feigning sadness.
“I see. I can renew it for you if you like!” The man offered. Klavier had a pensive look, worrying Apollo. “Thing is, since the gavinners broke up, I don’t fly that often. So, I don’t believe it would be in the best interest.” He responded, taking off his sunglasses. He watched with amusement as the other man’s entire face light up.
“Oh my god Mr. Gavin I can’t believe you’re here! Is there anything I can get you? I-” Klavier put a finger to his lips to get the man to quiet down.
“I must apologise. I just don’t want to be harassed.” Klavier elaborated, looking around in mock fear. Apollo honestly couldn’t believe it, Klavier really was good. If not for his bracelet, he probably would have believed him too. The clerk caught on, nodding silently. “If it’s too much trouble I can go-” Klavier began, before he was cut off by the other man.
“No! Don’t worry sir. We’ll make sure you’re not harassed here.” He hurriedly replied, earning a smile from Klavier.
“Perfect. May we head in?” He asked, his expression calm once more. “Certainly! Will it just be you and your…?” The man questioned, gesturing to Apollo.
“Oh! Honestly how can I be so absent minded? This is my husband, Apollo.” Klavier clarified, lovingly resting his head on Apollo’s shoulder. In that moment, Apollo swore he bit his cheek hard enough to draw blood. The man looked a little surprised, but nodded.
“You should be all set!” He affirmed. Klavier nodded, proceeding to the interior of the club. When they were out of ear shot Apollo pulled away.
“When were you going to tell me we were married?” Apollo hissed.
“They only let you bring first of kin or spouses as free guests.” Klavier explained, holding his hands up in defense. “I figured it would be easier to pass you off as my husband than it would be to pass you off as of my brother. Or son for that matter.” He shrugged, watching Apollo’s expression relax. It was then that everything made sense to him. He had put his left hand in his pocket and told Apollo to discreetly conceal his to avoid suspicion.
“I see you also were able to make the guy behind the corner forget that you have no membership.” Apollo commented.
“The admission of my fame and the threat of disappointing me made him forget about it in his haste.” Klavier grinned.
“How many times have you done this?” Apollo asked suspiciously, frowning as Klavier patted him on the shoulder.
“Not enough times for it to be concerning.” Klavier replied slyly. Apollo gave him one final look, but turned around and headed further into the establishment.
“If my face is on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow I’m divorcing you.” Apollo jested. Klavier pretended to look hurt. That earned him a gentle punch in the arm from the other, before he left him to explore.
This place was great, Apollo decided. He might have felt out of place among the business people, but he really couldn’t complain. How could he when he was currently shoving several packets of Biscoff cookies into his backpack?
I only get these on flights so it only makes sense that I stock up. Apollo reasoned, surprised that the attendant just smiled politely at him in passing.
Meanwhile, Klavier was at the bar, currently shooting the breeze with a group of business men. Apollo had been with him up to a few minutes prior, deciding to abandon his friend after spotting the snack in question. Just as Klavier was listening to a story about a company retreat, he spotted something. The associate who they spoke to earlier was currently speaking with a woman who was clearly his superior.
His nervous disposition confirmed his suspicions. They needed to go. He excused himself and scanned the lounge for Apollo. He quickly found him, standing near the food table. The same food table that was a few feet from the entrance. Shit. He realized that they’d spot Apollo within a few seconds so he made a split second decision that he knew he’d get yelled at for later.
He rushed Apollo, successfully knocking both of them to the floor. Apollo was about to yelp, but was silenced within seconds. It wasn’t until he was lying on the floor, currently being crushed by Klavier that he realized why. Their mouths had crashed into each other during the fall.
They kissed.
Could it have even been considered kissing? Klavier had come in on a slight angle, so his mouth didn’t even make full contact. Not to mention that their teeth had clinked painfully, leaving Apollo with a cut on his lower gum line. He still tasted like mustard from the hamburgers.
All these thoughts occupied Apollo’s mind as he vacantly watched Klavier speak to him. Apollo just nodded, allowing himself to get helped to his feet and pulled into a crowd of people leaving the club. Once outside, the two collapsed against a wall, Klavier sighing in relief.
Apollo, slowly coming out of his daze, met eyes with Klavier. They looked at each other for a few seconds before bursting out in laughter. The ridiculousness of the situation had Apollo straining to catch his breath. He was secretly thanking every god out there that he was still a little intoxicated from their dinner earlier. No way in hell could he have been able to laugh about something of his nature under normal circumstances.
The realization that Klavier was sporting a matching cut on his lip just made it even funnier. Klavier was on his knees, hunched over with his hands gripping his sides. It took them a good 5 minutes to finally settle down. Klavier’s eyes were red with tears and Apollo was still trying to catch his breath. “Let’s head back to the gate.” Klavier finally said, standing up. Apollo followed suit, picking up his luggage.
There’s a certain haze that befalls people when the early morning hours come to pass. The airport, once ablaze with energy, became still. At this point their gate is pretty empty, several people having left for hotels. The few stragglers were all asleep, making do with their circumstances.
The pair sat slumped together in a dimly lit corner, the dreamy haze beginning to affect them as well. Apollo idly drew patterns into the breast of Klavier’s jacket, sneaking glances upwards every once in awhile.
Klavier’s eyes were closed, mind focused on the soft music coming from his headphones.
It was in this moment of languid serendipity that Apollo began to wonder just when he started to realize he was in love with Klavier.
For the life of him he honestly couldn’t remember. He’d caught himself thinking about Klavier and worrying about Klavier more times than he could count over the past year. He hadn’t even noticed that he fell asleep until he was woken up by Klavier’s calloused hand gently stroking his cheek. He looked up in question, hoping the shadow cast on his face would mask his blush. Klavier retracted, clearing his throat dryly.
“I take it you’ve woken up?” He asked, a nervous smile playing on his features as he removed one of his earphones. Apollo pushed himself up slightly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“I wasn’t asleep.” He muttered groggily, his voice betraying his claims. Klavier remained silent, picking up the earphone dangling from its cord. Apollo felt his fingertips brush the shell of his ear as he put the earphone in. Gentle music began to fill his ears. A little too modern to be classical, but was nice nonetheless. He looked at the other in question, receiving a small shrug he felt more than he saw.
“Thought you’d like it.” Klavier explained, gauging Apollo’s reaction. Apollo tilted his head back, folding his hands across his stomach in the process.
“Suddenly I feel like slow dancing.” The brown haired man joked. Klavier grinned, rising to his feet. Before he knew it, Apollo was on his feet, tucked snuggly into the other’s chest.
“That wasn’t an invitation you know.” Apollo clarified. Despite his words, he didn’t move.
“Too bad my friend, because I took it as one.” Klavier whispered into the shell of his ear, taking Apollo’s hand within his. Apollo straightened, resting his hand on Klavier’s bicep. He tried to ignore he little sparks of pleasure tickling his spine when the other placed his hand on the small of his back.
Why does he get to take the lead? Apollo thought, before realizing that he didn’t know how to dance to save his life.
Klavier took a step back, trying to create some more space, only to cause Apollo to stumble forward. He caught him, righting the defence attorney.
“I got you.” Klavier reassured, his baritone voice could barely be heard over the music. After a few beats of stillness, Klavier took a step forward, Apollo matching his movement. The blond man hummed in satisfaction.
The pair fumbled around for the next few steps, Apollo wincing every time the sole of his worn converse would scratch the toe of Klavier’s black oxfords. Before long, they developed a steady rhythm. With the drowsiness still weighing heavily on his mind, Apollo resigned to resting his head in the shoulder of Klavier’s jacket. In response, the other tightened his grip on the younger’s waist. All the while, the two were completely oblivious to the few onlookers casually watching their display.
“Tired?” Klavier asked, slowing their movements to a gentle swaying. Apollo just mumbled incoherently. Klavier stopped, gently lifting Apollos head from his chest. The man in question gave him and incredibly sober look.
“Klavier, what the hell are we? Like, I need a straight answer or I am going to go insane.” Apollo finally asked, the music fading to a lower volume.
Klavier licked his lips, looking contemplative as he averted his gaze to the flashing lights outside the adjacent window.
“Was it the candlelit fast food dinner or the accidental kiss that pushed us over the edge?” He chuckled weakly, hoping to release some of the slight tension in the atmosphere. Apollo visibly relaxed after the joke.
“That kiss was the clashing of our teeth not the meeting of our lips for your information, rock star.” Apollo huffed, feeling Klavier’s chest shake with laughter.
“I can fix that-” Klavier began, Apollo’s lips replacing the words that rested on his own.
The sensation made a shiver of pleasure run through his body. The older man’s hands shook slightly as he grabbed Apollo’s hips, drawing him closer. Apollo made a noise in the back of his throat, moving his hands from Klavier’s cheeks to his shoulders, and massaging them gently. The two parted, faces coloured a deep red.
“Oh my god.” Klavier finally sighed, bringing a hand up to cover his face. Apollo was grinning wildly, having never seen Klavier so flustered.
“I knew you’d never shut up long enough to actually fit in a kiss, so I took matters into my own hands.” He explained. “You’re all red.” Apollo noted uselessly, taking pride in the fact that Klavier made a noise similar to a squeak.
“I’m sorry.” The other responded, surprising Apollo.
“For what?” He laughed, still coming down from his temporary high.
“Cause I’m blushing really hard and I have butterflies in my stomach and god you are such a good kisser. I feel like a love-struck teenager and it’s so embarrassing I could die.” Klavier spluttered. Apollo just smiled, prising the other’s hands from his face.
“Don’t ever apologize for being insanely adorable.” He responded, kissing the knuckles on Klavier’s right hand. The blond man just nodded and gave a shaky smile. Apollo laced his fingers in Klavier’s leading them back to where they were sitting.
“Now, get your gorgeous ass over here. I‘m tired and I need something warm to cuddle.”
A couple hours of dreamless sleep later found Klavier and Apollo finally boarding their flight. The interior of the airport took on a soft orange hue as the sun crept up the horizon. Apollo glanced up at the taller man, noticing that he was worrying the cut on his lip.
Feeling his face flush, he reached up to apply a tender kiss on the affected area. Klavier gave a bubbly laugh, actually feeling a little lightheaded with elation. He drew Apollo closer by his waist, reveling in the fact that the little defence attorney’s side fit perfectly in his.