Work Text:
Dhurke was coming back for him, for sure.
Some of the other kids at the orphanage made fun of him for thinking that, just like they made fun of him for his funny accent, but Apollo knew he was right. Dhurke had given his word, after all, and Dhurke would have never lied to him. His father always told the truth, because he was a lawyer and lawyers only used the truth.
There might have been a fight or two over this point, after which the other kids mostly learned to leave him alone. Apollo might have been small for his age, but he had hard fists and plenty of training from Datz in defending himself.
And then, after four months, three weeks and five days, Dhurke came back.
For all his waiting, Apollo didn't actually realize that this was what was happening at first. All he knew was that there was a large commotion outside, and everyone was rushing to the windows. Apollo joined the rest, curious to see what exactly was making such noise.
The front yard of the orphanage was filling up with cars. Nice cars, too, all clean and shiny. They came to a stop one by one, a bunch of people in some sort of a uniform coming out of each one. They were surrounding one of the cars, Apollo realized, one that hadn't been emptied yet. It was hard to see inside it, with the side windows shaded over, but Apollo had very good eyes, and if he squinted just right…
Gasping, Apollo rushed away from the window and towards the front door. Ignoring the caretakers who told him to stop, he slammed the door open and ran out, towards the big car. As he was running one of the doors opened and Nahyuta jumped out, it really was Nahyuta, his brother was here and then he was hugging Apollo and everything was all right again.
Apollo started crying as he hugged Nahyuta, he couldn't help it, he had missed his brother so much. Nahyuta didn't mind, though, Nahyuta was always so nice, he let Apollo cry into his shoulder and patted Apollo on the back. They didn't separate until someone cleared their throat, making Apollo pull back and stare up at his smiling father.
"Dad!" he cried out, launching himself at Dhurke next. Dhurke laughed and picked him up, spinning him around and around, and Apollo could hear people talking in the background but he didn't care right now, none of that was important. Dhurke had come for him, Dhurke had really come back for him, and that was all that mattered.
"Oh, Apollo," Dhurke breathed, hugging Apollo close to his chest. "How have you been? Did you get tired of waiting?"
"Yes!" Apollo frowned, hitting Dhurke's shoulder. Not very hard, though. He didn't actually want to hurt his father. "I thought you were never coming back!"
"Oh, son." Dhurke's expression softened. "I was always going to come back. I'm just happy it was now and not some time later."
"Indeed. We have all been fortunate." The new voice caught Apollo's attention, and he looked over Dhurke's shoulder to see what had to be the most beautiful woman in the world stepping out of the car. She had long silver hair and bright green eyes, the same color as Nahyuta's, and she was dressed in expensive-looking robes. When she saw Apollo, she smiled, and that was the most beautiful thing Apollo had ever seen, too.
"Ah, I believe introductions are in order." Dhurke grinned, turning with Apollo still in his arms so they were both facing the beautiful woman. "Amara, beloved, this here is Apollo. Apollo, this is Amara, my beloved wife and Nahyuta's mother."
"Indeed." Amara was still smiling as she stepped closer. "And I would love to be your mother as well, if you would allow."
"Really?" Apollo's eyes widened. "We can all go home? And — and I can have a mother?" He wasn't entirely sure of the circumstances of their life in hiding, Dhurke had rather shielded him from the details of it, but what had been clear was that it was impossible for them to live out in the open.
"You can have anything and everything you want, son." Dhurke's voice was warm and comforting in his ear. "Because Khura'in is free once again, and so are we."
Apollo had known, he had known for absolute sure that Dhurke would be coming back for him.
He supposed it was all right for him to cry a little, anyway.
*
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, I am.” Apollo didn’t look away from the suitcase he was packing. “And no, you can’t convince me otherwise.”
“Now, who said anything about convincing you?” Dhurke walked into the room, sitting on the edge of Apollo’s bed with a casual air. Too bad Apollo knew him far too well. “I’m just wondering, that’s all.”
“I’ve been planning this for how long, again? If I had any doubts, I would have said so by now.” Apollo glanced at him. “And you asking again and again isn’t going to change my mind.”
“Well, it’s a big decision. Going off overseas all on your own is a big step for a young man.”
“I’m over twenty, dad, I’m not exactly a child anymore.” Apollo huffed. “And just because I won’t let you send a full troop of guards with me doesn’t mean I’m going to be in trouble immediately.”
“You can’t know that.” Dhurke sighed. “I just don’t get why you can’t just stay home. It’s not like we don’t have work for lawyer.”
“Maybe I just want to learn more about my parents’ home country.” Apollo turned to sort through some more clothes, only noticing after a moment that Dhurke had not answered yet. As he turned to look, his father had a strange look on his face. “What?”
“Hm? Oh, nothing.”
“Bullshit.” At least he was too old for Dhurke to call him out for his language. “Something is bothering you.”
“No, it’s nothing.” Dhurke shook his head. “I mean, it’s pretty natural that you’d want to find out more. I know I haven’t been able to give you much information.” If that was all, though, why would Dhurke not meet his gaze?
“Hey.” Apollo set down the clothes in his hands, turning to face Dhurke head on. “Stop that.”
“Stop what?” Yeah, really convincing.
“You are my father.” Dhurke probably tried to stop himself from flinching, but he couldn’t fool Apollo’s eyes. “You are my father, and Amara is my mother, and Nahyuta and Rayfa are my brother and sister. You’re all I’ve ever known, and that’s not going to change, regardless of whether I find out more about my biological family or not.”
“I wish I had some answers for you.”
“I know. I’d like to know more, too. But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy with what I have.” Apollo was not always very expressive with his affection, certainly not in the way of physical gestures. Now, though, he decided the situation called for a hug.
Unsurprisingly, Dhurke returned his hug with a fierce grasp that nearly forced Apollo’s breath out of him. “I love you, son,” he murmured. “Please never doubt that.”
“I never have,” Apollo assured him. “And even if I’d like to know where I’ve come from, I know where I belong now. And that is with my family.”
“You’ll come back.” Dhurke made it as a statement, but Apollo could still hear the underlying question in his tone.
“Always.” That, at least, was an easy promise to make. “Goodness knows this family needs at least one sensible person around, and there aren’t many qualified candidates if I’m away.”
“Really, now, Apollo. That was uncalled for.” Dhurke drew away from the hug, trying to frown only to break into a smile. “I’ll have you know Rayfa’s pet frog has a very sensible head on his shoulders.”
And then he wondered why Apollo would ever want to leave.
*
"Apollo, you are being unreasonable."
"I'm the unreasonable one?" He could barely believe his ears. Except really, there was very little he couldn't believe from his brother in an argument. "You can't expect me to just pack my bags and head back home after one inconvenience!"
"I'm afraid I agree with your brother, dear. This is hardly a minor inconvenience." Amara looked worried, hovering behind Nahyuta's shoulder to fit in the rather limited view of the video call. "Your own superior, a man we trusted to guide you, betrayed your faith in him. After such a blow, how can you claim to still be fine?"
"Look, I'm not saying it's not a big deal." Apollo sighed, running a hand over his hair. He still felt numb, thinking that Mr. Gavin would have… But then, dwelling on it wouldn't change the truth of the matter. "But I won't let it stop me, not so easily. This just proves that they need more good defense attorneys."
"But what are you going to do now?" Nahyuta asked. "You claimed you would be fine since you had a job lined up. Now you're unemployed, and I doubt any law office will be in a terrible rush to take you on after you got your last superior convicted, however deserved that might have been."
"I'll think of something." He wasn't sure what it was going to be, but he would find something. "I mean, it's not like I'm going to starve even if I don't find a new job right away. Unless you're going to cut off my allowance?" He made for a teasing tone, knowing the answer already.
"Of course not, dear." Amara smiled, though he could still see the worry in her eyes. "I'm sure your father could easily arrange for a new position for you, but that would most likely come at the expense of your anonymity. I know how important that is to you."
"Right. I couldn't exactly do my job if I actually needed security following me around everywhere." Apollo gave them his best smile. "How about this? It'll be the festival of Lady Kee'ra in a couple of weeks. I'll come home for a bit then, and we can talk about everything then. Just don't think that means I've given up."
"That would be acceptable, yes." Amara smiled, seeming about to continue, when a new voice joined the conversation.
"Now, let's not be so glum, everyone!" Dhurke grinned as he peered into the camera over Nahyuta's other shoulder. "What's going on in your life besides throwing your boss in jail, son? Anything exciting?"
"That isn't enough excitement for you?" Apollo huffed, though he couldn't help his lips twitching upwards. "Mostly I've been bothering Clay these past couple of days, not like I have a lot else to do. He's convinced me not to give up."
"Ah, yes. Your precious Space Boy." Nahyuta's smile was far too innocent. "Has being near him been everything you always wished for?"
"Very funny, Nahyuta." Apollo resisted the urge to stick out his tongue, because they were adults, and also because his father would probably make some stupid comment about it. "If you must know, he's been busy preparing for his screening exams. So, you know, for once it's him telling me not to distract him."
"Ah, yes. I seem to remember the roles were quite the opposite before your bar exam." Dhurke chuckled. "Though Nahyuta raises a good point. Have you enjoyed being closer to him at last?"
"Dad, not you, too!" Apollo groaned. "Clay and I are just friends! And even if I were interested in him — which I'm not, don't get any ideas — he's straight. So, you know, nothing would happen even if I was interested. Which I'm not."
It had been a running joke in their family for a long while, softening to good-natured teasing over the years. Ever since Apollo had met Clay when the Terrans took a holiday in Khura'in well over a decade ago, the two had been in touch. Apollo enjoyed having a friend who saw him as just another guy, rather than the younger prince, and Clay had appreciated having someone he could talk to about anything, especially when he had lost his mother. And, well, perhaps there had been something of a crush on Apollo's part at some point, but he was most definitely over it by now. Partly due to the whole Clay being straight thing.
"Now, now, boys, let's not argue about such things." Amara hushed Nahyuta before he could make any snarky comments. "Very well, Apollo. We will see you back home soon, at which point I'm certain you will have a plan ready for how you wish to proceed. And whatever it is you want to do, we will all support you without fail."
"I know." And he did know that. For all that they might tease and squabble and even argue, for all that Nahyuta seemed to enjoy making him flustered and Rayfa liked to act as though she were the eldest sibling, Apollo knew without a doubt that his family would always have his back no matter what happened.
He wasn't sure how he would have survived his current predicament without them, but he was glad he didn't need to try.
*
Really, it was all Apollo's own fault. If he didn't want to get poked, perhaps he shouldn't have zoned out right there in the middle of the office. Or possibly it was her daddy who was to blame, given that he had made Polly read something so boring that even staring up at their probably not very clean ceiling was the preferred option.
Whoever was to blame, Trucy was quite sure it couldn't be her as she reached over from behind the couch, poking her finger at the little red dot in the middle of Apollo's forehead. "Boop!"
"Hey!" Well, that startled Apollo, making him shout out loud enough to alert Phoenix, who had been not so very attentively watching TV. "Stop that!"
"Aw, come on, Polly!" Trucy grinned, bouncing a bit on her feet. "I just wanted to see if it felt any different!"
"Okay, first, it's rude to just touch people without asking. And second, if that was the real reason, you shouldn't do it while wearing gloves!"
Ah, Apollo was always so sensible! Trucy grinned and made to take off her glove. "Okay! Can I poke you again, then?" See? She was totally asking.
"Trucy," her father called out in what was very nearly a sigh. "Do we need to have a talk about that fine line between natural curiosity and cultural insensitivity again?"
"Aw, don't be such a party pooper." Trucy pouted, but put her glove back on, rounding the couch to flop down next to Apollo. "Say, where do you come from, exactly? I never could place your accent."
"You know where I'm from," Apollo replied, because for all that her daddy could be a pain Apollo was just the most boring person sometimes. "You've seen where I live, that time I got soaked in the rain and you wanted to make sure I made it home without catching a cold, remember?"
"You know that's not what I meant!" Trucy pouted some more. Clearly, her life was full of mean people who didn't understand her at all. To turn her gesture of caring into ammunition against her! It was despicable, really it was. "Where's your accent from? Or better yet, what's that language you sometimes mutter under your breath when you're distracted?"
"Well, you could have just asked." Okay, now he was definitely messing with her. "I'm from Khura'in. Well, I was born in the States, but I lost my birth parents as a baby, so I don't really remember anything before Khura'in."
"Khura'in?" Phoenix echoed. "Isn't that one of those tiny countries in the Himalayas? Had a revolution some time ago? I think it involved the legal system somehow, so it came up once or twice when I was a student."
"That's right." Apollo nodded. "My father — the adopted one, that is — was a lawyer before the revolution, so since things had settled down by the time I grew up I wanted to follow him. And before you ask, yes, I am fully licensed to practice law in California, even though I got my badge in Khura'in."
"So that's why it looks different!" Trucy leaned over to peer at Apollo's badge. It was quite similar at a glance to the one her daddy had worn once upon a time, but on closer inspection it was subtly different in design. "Hey, wait. Justice is an English name, isn't it? Or is that just a translation or something?"
Apollo shook his head. "Justice was my original last name. It became my middle name when I got adopted properly, when I was ten or so. My legal name is a bit of a mouthful, though, so when I came over here I decided to just stick to something easier for English-speakers to pronounce."
"That, and Justice is an awesome name for a lawyer, obviously." Trucy clapped her hands together. "So does everyone have tattoos in Khura'in?" She even resisted the urge to poke at his forehead dot again, even though it was obviously the perfect target.
"Not quite, but a lot of people do, yes. The design usually depends on who you are and what you do. What kind of tattoos you have and where can be used as a form of identification, even." Apollo paused, then added, "And no, I won't show you the rest of mine." And now that just made her all the more curious about that glove he always wore on his left hand. Unfair, really.
"Awww, you're no fun." Trucy thought about it for a moment. "Say, does it hurt a lot to get a tattoo?"
"Don't even think about it," her daddy called out before Apollo could even respond. "You're not getting a tattoo until either you're eighteen or I'm dead and buried, whichever comes first."
"But daddy! I'm just trying to be more understanding of Polly's culture!" Clearly this was an admirable goal, right?
Apollo rolled his eyes. "I don't suppose I could convince you it's against my religious beliefs to read dull paperwork on a Wednesday, could I?" He waved the documents still in his hand.
Trucy pursed her lips in thought, then shook her head. "Nah. I'm pretty sure you'd need, like, a signed note from your priest."
"My brother's a monk, will that do?"
"That depends." She grinned. "Does it come with embarrassing stories from your childhood?"
And, really, apparently Apollo didn't hate the paperwork quite that much.
*
Apollo Justice, Klavier decided, was a fascinating man.
Of course, it didn't help that he had first heard of the man as the lawyer who got his brother arrested for murder. Something like that was bound to make him interested. Then, however, he actually met Apollo, and found out that the little lawyer was interesting in countless more ways.
Now, Klavier could admit he was shallow enough that one of the first things he noticed was just how cute Apollo was. He liked to think of himself as a fairly composed man, and rather well practiced in the art of dealing with attractive people, yet Apollo's striking eyes and, ah, compact form very nearly made him speechless for a moment. Only nearly, though. He did have a reputation to uphold, of course. Even so, he couldn't help but comment on the very fine young man before him, a comment that did not seem to be appreciated. Ah, well, he couldn't win them all.
As it happened, though, it wasn't just a pretty face and a brother in prison that kept drawing Klavier to Apollo, of course. As he soon came to notice, Apollo was also very smart, had a firm sense of justice, and seemed utterly unimpressed by Klavier. Not actually opposed to his presence, mind, Klavier had better manners than to keep pushing himself somewhere he wasn't welcome, but Apollo was certainly far from the usual adoring fans.
Klavier was certainly glad that Apollo was standing opposite him when Kristoph's crimes came to trial once again. He wasn't sure could have made it through if he hadn't been able to trust his opposition.
Apollo was slow to warm up to him, but Klavier kept making progress. Little by little he kept unearthing more fascinating facts about his new friend, such as the fact that the small mark on Apollo's forehead was by no means his only tattoo, though Apollo seemed awfully shy to even talk about the rest, never mind letting Klavier see any of them. That was all right, though. It was enough for him to know that Apollo wasn't nearly as straight-laced as he looked, for all that Apollo kept claiming tattoos were not rebellious at all in his home country.
It was one of the few things Klavier had learned about the kingdom of Khura'in, really. For someone who probably still missed his home, and certainly hadn't left on bad terms judging by the fondness in his voice whenever he spoke about his family, Apollo was remarkably tight-lipped about his country of origin. Klavier, of course, was even more curious thanks to the added mystery. There were so many ways in which Apollo's culture shone through every time they met, whether it was in his accent that got that much thicker whenever he was annoyed or otherwise loud, the tiny tattoo and the tantalizing hints of others hidden away, or the attorney's badge that was just different enough to draw attention. If he wasn't ready to share, though, Klavier could wait. He had every intention of being Apollo's friend for a good, long while.
Clearly Apollo returned at least some of his fondness, as he’d managed to convince Apollo to go out to eat with him, though he hadn’t managed to make it clear that he intended it as a date. Their conversation was friendly enough, and Klavier was hoping to broach the subject of romantic intentions as he invited Apollo for a walk after the meal.
Which was, of course, when the skies tore open in a torrential downpour.
Any hope of a leisurely walk was trashed as they rushed through the rain, trying to find somewhere dry to take shelter. Klavier, struck by sudden inspiration, took Apollo’s hand and tugged him around a street corner. They were near enough that he hadn’t bothered to take his hog to the restaurant, so he was sure they could manage a quick walk — or, rather, run — through the rain.
Somewhat surprisingly, Apollo didn’t question him, following along through the rain. It wasn’t until Klavier led them into an apartment block that he finally spoke up.
“Where are we going?”
“My home.” Klavier started peeling off his jacket on the way towards the elevator, soaked through. “I can drive you home once the rain lets up, but for now, I’d like to get warm and dry.”
Apollo lifted his eyebrows. “Just a warning, I may have to take pictures. Trucy wouldn’t forgive me if she found out I saw your place and didn’t get evidence.”
Klavier laughed. “Not sure it’s all that exciting, but you can take all the pictures you want. First, though, let’s get more comfortable, ja?”
It only occurred to him in the elevator that this might have seemed a bit too forward, basically dragging Apollo along into his apartment. Apollo didn’t seem to mind, though, following him from the elevator to the apartment door with nothing but some grumbles about being wet and cold. Klavier unlocked the door and led them both in, turning to glance at Apollo once they were inside.
“Ach, you must be freezing, Herr Forehead. I’ll get you a towel and something dry to wear. Unless you’d like to take a shower?”
Klavier immediately wanted to slap himself for such a question, which probably sounded like he was just trying to get Apollo naked. Clearly Apollo didn’t see it that way, though, as he simply shrugged. “A towel and clothes would be great, thanks.”
“Got it.” Klavier rushed off in the direction of his bedroom, mentally going through his rather extensive wardrobe to figure out what clothes of his would fit Apollo. Or, at least, not drop right off his smaller frame.
Clearly he was not thinking about Apollo wearing his clothes. Not at all.
Klavier quickly shed his own soaked clothes and changed before returning to Apollo with a towel and a set of sweatpants and a matching top. To his surprise, he found Apollo already taking off his top, and Klavier was left staring.
He’d known that Apollo had a firm build to go with his short stature, but Klavier hadn’t realized just how muscular he was underneath his perpetual shirt and vest. He’d suspected something like this, of course, had spent many moments admiring Apollo’s very well-sculpted forearms, but the firm planes stretching under smooth, slightly tan skin still took his breath away. The next moment his eyes caught on the various marks on Apollo’s skin, the twirling lines of tattoos in red and black. Lines which, he couldn’t help but notice, were all but framing a couple of faint scars on Apollo’s chest, while following along the edges of larger, blotchy scars further down his torso.
Klavier didn’t realize how long he had spent staring until he was startled by the sight of Apollo’s hand reaching out towards him. “The towel, please?”
Klavier felt his cheeks heating up, thankful for his darker tones that at least partly concealed his blush. “Ah, jawohl. Here you go.” He handed off the towel, setting the clothes down before turning away. “I’ll, ah, I’ll get some coffee started.” And hopefully calm down a little. God knew he wasn’t up for any sort of intelligent conversation right now.
Thankfully Apollo was somewhat more clothed by the time he wandered into the kitchen, toweling down his hair. Klavier felt strangely conscious of his own still damp hair, which needed rather more than a simple towel to tame and was probably turning into a halo around his head even at the moment.
“I believe I was promised coffee.” Apollo leaned a hip against a kitchen counter, and really, he was being utterly evil right now.
“Ja, and you’ll have it as soon as it’s done.” Klavier cleared his throat, eyes fixed on the coffee machine. “Ah. I’m sorry. For, ah, staring earlier.”
“It’s fine.” Then why did he detect a hint of strain in Apollo’s voice? “I know I’m not exactly a delight to look at.”
“Was?” Klavier’s head snapped towards Apollo, eyes wide. “What do you mean?”
“You know. With the scars and… everything.” Now, Apollo was the one avoiding his gaze, and that just wouldn’t do.
“Herr Forehead.” Klavier used the most serious voice he could possibly muster up. “I assure you, the reason I was caught staring was because I find you gorgeous.”
Apollo flushed, frowning. “Don’t make fun of me.”
“I never would. Not like this.” Klavier shook his head. “I find you attractive, Herr Forehead. I’m not sure how you’ve missed that, I’m not exactly subtle in my flirting, but it’s true. And I assure you, nothing I have seen today has done anything to convince me otherwise. Quite the opposite, in fact.” He flashed his best flirty smile, though it was somewhat wasted if Apollo wouldn’t even look at him.
“How can you say that?” Apollo still looked half embarrassed, half angry. “I know you’re not stupid. You must have realized what you saw.”
“The chest reconstruction scars?” Bingo. Apollo flinched at the words, though he obviously did his best to look defiant more than anything. “Ja, I did. I also saw other scars, and tattoos, and all kinds of marks of the life that made you the man you are. If you wish to talk about any of it, I would be happy to listen, but even if you’d rather not share, please at least trust that my opinion of you has not changed.”
“Should I even ask what that opinion is?”
“Oh, haven’t I made it clear?” Klavier moved to get two cups out, figuring the coffee machine would be done soon. “I think you are a smart, honest, and very attractive young man, and I am honored to count myself your friend.” With a quick glance in Apollo’s direction, he added, “Not that I would mind being something more.”
“Shut up.” And yet, Apollo was flushing even further as Klavier poured them both coffee and handed him a cup, so clearly he couldn’t be all that repulsed by the idea.
Klavier honestly thought nothing would come of his offer to listen, knowing how tight-lipped Apollo was about anything to do with his personal life. The evening of the rain seemed to hold true to this expectation, with them discussing safer topics such as work until the weather finally allowed Klavier to make good on his promise to take Apollo home nice and dry. Klavier didn’t mind, of course, feeling mostly relieved that his admission of attraction hadn’t ruined their friendship.
Clearly it hadn’t, though, as when he finally managed to ask Apollo out for something more clearly a date, Apollo agreed. And not just once.
It was a few dates later, in the middle of a very comfortable afternoon spent lying on Klavier’s couch and making fun of legal dramas on TV, that Apollo finally took him up on his offer to talk.
“The other scars are from when I was a baby.” The reveal was sudden and blunt, but then, so was a lot about Apollo. “My father — my biological one — died in a fire before I was even one year old. The man who rescued me from the fire adopted me. I don’t remember anything about it, fire’s pretty much the one thing I’m not afraid of, but the scars never really went away.”
“I find it hard to believe that you would be afraid of anything, Herr Forehead.” Klavier took Apollo’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it, mostly to see his adorable blush. “After all, I do believe you are the most courageous man I have ever known.”
“Oh, shut up.” Apollo didn’t sound too annoyed, though, just flustered. “So, you know, it’s not like it’s some huge life-changing memory or anything.”
“I beg to differ. After all, those flames very nearly claimed your life, but instead you were given another chance.” Klavier still didn’t let go of Apollo’s hand, squeezing it gently. “So this would be the man you are referring to whenever you speak of your father?”
“Right.” Apollo nodded. “He was always open about how I came to be with them. Not that it would have been easy to hide, mind, since the rest of the family are all ethnically Khura’inese and I’m very clearly not. I’m not even sure what exactly I am, though he was pretty sure my biological father was Hispanic.” Apollo gave a small, wistful smile. “Still, it never made any difference to him, or anyone else. He said the Holy Mother must have led him to me in the fire, and because children are all gifts from her, that meant I was his son as surely as if I were of his blood.”
“That is a wonderful way to look at it.” Klavier smiled. “You are close with your family, then?”
“Yeah.” Apollo nodded. “They weren’t too thrilled with me moving so far away, but I call them regularly and visit for the big holidays back home, so they haven’t dragged me back home by force yet.”
“Gut. I would be quite cross if someone were to take you away from me, even if it were your own family.” Klavier reached an arm around Apollo to draw him closer. “Not that I would mind meeting the people who made you the wonderful man you are.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t say that if you actually met them.” Apollo snorted. “To say they can be a bit much wouldn’t even begin to describe it.”
“And you don’t think I’ve met people of, ah, dramatic personalities before?” Klavier lifted his eyebrows in question.
“My brother has threatened to come over here and give you a sermon about treating me right. He claims to have amassed quite a number of holy passages relating to the subject matter.”
“Oh? Your brother is a priest, then?” Klavier tried not to prod too much, not wanting to make Apollo shut off again.
“A monk, actually. I’m sure he’d be happy to inform you on the differences.” Apollo chuckled. “It’s something of a family profession, I suppose, since our mother is a priestess, but I’m pretty sure he would have become a monk anyway. Our little sister is currently training to become a priestess too. Father and I are the only ones in the family who have no clerical interests.”
“Really?” Klavier blinked. “I’m surprised. You never struck me as someone with such a religious background.”
“How would you even know? I doubt you know much about Khura’inism.”
“Ah.” Klavier tried not to feel too embarrassed. “I wouldn’t mind learning more.”
“I’m teasing you, you realize.” Apollo snorted. “I doubt it’s something that would actually interest you.”
“Oh, but everything about you interests me.” Klavier grinned. “Such as all those tattoos of yours. Which I’d be very happy to examine in more detail one of these days, if you are amenable.”
“Hush.” Apollo leaned closer, though, so clearly he wasn’t actually angry. “You could just say you want to see me shirtless.”
“Well, that’s certainly true, too.” Klavier chuckled. The next moment he lost his breath as Apollo moved, straddling his lap.
“Is it, now?” Apollo’s face was awfully close to him, now, arms reaching around Klavier’s shoulders.
“Yes, it is.” Klavier set his hands on Apollo’s waist, leaning forward to nuzzle him. “I think I’ve made my attraction towards you quite clear.”
“Even with… how I am?”
“You mean, even though you’re trans?” Never let it be said that Klavier shied away from a difficult topic. “I promise, that makes no difference to me.”
“Prove it.” And then Apollo’s mouth was on his.
Well. Klavier always did like a challenge.
*
“I had to go abroad to get the surgery done.”
“Hm?” Klavier blinked, reaching his arm across Apollo’s chest. “Oh, you mean this?” He traced his fingertips along the faint scars under Apollo’s pectorals.
“Right.” Apollo blinked sleepily, nuzzling closer. “For a small country in the mountains, Khura’in actually has pretty good healthcare, but something like that is a bit too specialized. I think the whole family would have come along if mom could have gotten away from work, but the rest of them certainly fussed enough to make up for her, too.”
“I’m glad.” Klavier smiled. “Not that she couldn’t come along, but that your family obviously loves you very much.”
“Yeah, I figured that’s what you meant.” Apollo chuckled. “So. You happy with your investigation of my tattoos?”
“Hmm, I don’t know.” Klavier grinned. “I think I might need a second look. Or a third. Maybe fourth.”
“Well, you’ve certainly proven your interest, if nothing else.” Apollo chuckled again, his breath warm against Klavier’s skin. “I suppose another time might not be entirely out of the question.”
And really, that obviously demanded Klavier to kiss the smirk off Apollo’s lips.
*
Staring up at the building, Athena wondered if she’d gotten the address wrong.
Well, it was clearly an apartment building, so that part checked out. It was, however, also way beyond what was supposed to be Apollo’s paygrade as a fledgling defense lawyer. Not that Athena was an expert in such matters by any means, but the shiny building with large windows and a meticulously tended garden were quite different from her own surroundings.
After one last glance at her phone to make sure it was, indeed, the address she’d been given, she drew a deep breath and walked in, clutching tightly the bag containing her delivery.
“Can I help you?” The man standing behind a desk in the entrance hall looked rather convinced the most help he could provide was guiding her right back out. Athena, however, wasn’t that easily deterred, putting on her brightest smile.
“Hopefully! I’m here to see, ah, Apollo Justice?” It came out as more of a question than she’d meant, but at least some of the man’s dubiousness melted away.
“Right. Name?” He was scrolling through something on his computer right now. Did he actually have a list of all visitors?
“Athena Cykes.”
After a moment, he gave her a curt nod. “Right. Floor twenty, apartment three. Please take the elevator on the left.”
“Right. Thanks!” Athena flashed him another smile before heading off in the direction of the elevators. Elevators which, she noticed, apparently weren’t all that easy to access, as the one she had been instructed to use had a green light switch on above it as she approached, the rest still lit up red.
Apollo had better have some explanations for this.
Actually getting to the twentieth floor did not requre a blood sacrifice or anything of the kind, thankfully, though Athena still almost expected a vengeful guardian spirit to pop up by the time she got out of the elevator. Instead all she saw was a fairly standard corridor, with one of the doors ajar.
“Apollo?” Athena headed in the direction of the open door. The number on the door was a three, at least. “Apollo, you in?”
“Here.” Apollo stepped into the doorway, looking rather under the weather. “Come on in.”
“Right, thanks.” Athena walked past him into the apartment. “Ah. This is a pretty fancy building.”
“I suppose.” Apollo chuckled, the sound turning into a cough. Well, he had told her he was sick. “You can blame my parents for that. They insisted I should live somewhere with proper security or they could not possibly sleep at night.”
“What, do they think everyone’s a criminal over here?” There had to be some pretty strong motivation if they were funding something like this for their adult son.
“Nah, it’s… personal, I guess.” Apollo shrugged. “My dad was pretty involved with the revolution, and some of the supporters of the old regime fled abroad. Between that and my mom and brother’s involvement with the church, they’re worried someone might come after me.”
“Some day you’ll have to tell me more about your family, you realize.” Athena didn’t bother trying to hide her curiosity as she glanced around the apartment. It wasn’t overly large, but it was definitely nice and spacious, especially for a single person.
“Believe me, you’re better off not knowing.” Another coughing fit stopped Apollo from making any more snarky comments. “Ah. You did bring the documents, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, but right now I’m not convinced I should give them to you. You look like you should be in bed!” At Apollo’s glare, Athena rolled her eyes, handing him the bag. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve got them. I also have snacks and other little things. Trucy’s convinced you won’t know how to look after yourself while sick.”
“Ah. Thanks.” Apollo flushed a little, looking embarrassed. “I don’t suppose it would help to tell her I’m actually an adult?”
“Considering how she gets when Mr. Wright is sick, I doubt that.”
“Yes, well, I’m not entirely convinced she considers him an adult, either.” Well, clearly Apollo wasn’t too terribly sick, considering he still had the energy to snark. “Tell her thanks for me, too.”
“Only if you promise to actually take your time to recover.” Athena crossed her arms over her chest. “You really shouldn’t be working while sick! We can handle things while you recover, you know.”
“I know. I just wanted to look over these papers, I promise I’ll get plenty of rest after that.”
“You’d better, or I’ll find a way to tell your mom.” And, without bothering to hide her sly tone, she added, “Or I’ll just take the easy way and tell your boyfriend.”
And really, if Apollo wanted to be subtle about this stuff, he needed to get all that flushing and spluttered protests under control.
*
“Dad, you need to calm down.”
“Calm down?” Apollo wasn’t sure he’d ever heard Dhurke so openly angry, and he’d listened to many a conversation in his childhood about the Ga’raan regime. “How can you expect me to calm down? Someone tried to kill you!”
“I’m pretty sure the explosion wasn’t aimed at me personally.” Apollo sighed. “It was just bad luck that I happened to be there.”
“Apollo, you can’t expect me to not be worried. You’re clearly not all right, and the situation is even less so.”
“Of course you’re worried. I’m not blaming you for that. But you’re acting like this was some personal attack, and it’s not. You sound like you’re on the verge of staging an invasion just because I happened to get caught in the crossfire.”
“You really shouldn’t be giving me ideas, Apollo.” Dhurke’s voice sounded awfully serious. “Your mother is beside herself with worry. She just might authorize it.”
“Don’t.” Apollo groaned. “Look, I’m… not in a good place now. I can’t talk, not until I’ve figured out everything. Don’t do anything stupid, not until I call you anyway.”
“You’d better call me soon, son.” Dhurke’s voice sounded rough. “I don’t like the idea of losing you while I’m half a world away.”
“I know. I’m not exactly happy to get hurt, either.” Apollo sighed. “Just… I need to finish this, dad.” Needed to find out the truth, no matter how painful it might be. “A dragon never yields, remember.”
“I could never forget.” He could practically see Dhurke glaring at invisible enemies. “Show them what my son can do, Apollo.”
“I will.” No matter what it might cost. “I will make you proud.”
“Oh, Apollo.” Dhurke’s voice softened, now. “You could never fail to do that.”
Well. He supposed it was good to know there was at least someone he could always trust, no matter what.
*
"How are you feeling?"
Apollo hesitated long enough before answering that Klavier almost thought he was still asleep. Finally, though, he heard a soft groan. "Honestly? Like shit."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Klavier walked closer to the bed from where he had been hovering in the doorway. In any other situation he would have been thrilled at the sight of Apollo stretched out in his bed, hair mussed and eyes bleary from a long night's sleep, but the reason why he was here didn't quite allow for such idle enjoyment. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Uh." Apollo looked thoughtful, taking the time to sit up in bed. "Food. And painkillers. My head is killing me."
"Ja, getting brained with a rock may do that sometimes." And he was doing his best not to worry about that overly much, thank you, but Apollo didn't exactly make things easy. For a guy who was so afraid of a fair few ordinary things such as water and heights, he had remarkably little in the way of self-preservation instincts. "If you feel up for it, we could go out for lunch? Or I can order something in, your choice. It's just that I don't think I have a lot of variety of food in my kitchen right now."
"Wait." Apollo blinked, staring at him. "How long did I sleep for? What time is it?"
"Around noon on the 21st. You must have been exhausted." And Klavier had been quite worried as he simply slept on, but since Apollo had at least seemed to be sleeping more or less peacefully, Klavier had decided to let him be. He certainly needed the rest.
"Damn." Apollo groaned. "I should have — everyone must be —"
"Oh, don't worry. I made sure everyone at the Agency knows you're here." And he would no doubt endure quite a lot of teasing for it later, but right now, Klavier didn't care. There was no way he could have let Apollo go back to his place all on his own, not with the injuries he liked to pretend had gone away even though it was impossible for him to have healed so quickly. It was bad enough that Apollo had more or less collapsed into bed as soon as they arrived, sleeping through most of the day and leaving Klavier checking on his breathing like a concerned parent.
"That's not what I mean. But thanks." Apollo sighed. "I didn't mean to sleep this long, you see. I was supposed to call my family yesterday evening. They must be going crazy with worry, after the whole mess with the bombing and such."
"So why don't you call them from here?" It seemed like the most sensible solution. "My laptop is perfectly capable of a video call so they can see for themselves that you're all in one piece. It's, what, ten in the evening in Khura'in? I'm sure they are still awake, particularly if they are waiting to hear from you."
"That… might not be a bad idea." Really, there was no need for Apollo to look so very surprised. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not. How about this? I'll order us some food while you get yourself more presentable. Not that you aren't adorable like that, but you do seem rather concerned with your appearance at times." Klavier smirked at Apollo's half-hearted glare, then went on, "You call your parents, we eat, and after that we spend a nice, peaceful day doing whatever you want. Even if that's just sitting on the couch and crying."
“I… think that might be a very real possibility.” Apollo sighed. “Right. I’ll, ah, I’ll get on it.”
“Gut.” Klavier leaned in, stealing a kiss from Apollo before standing up. “Let me know if you need anything, Liebling.”
Klavier was in the living room setting up his laptop when Apollo emerged, hair still wet and unstyled from shower. The t-shirt and sweatpants he was wearing didn’t do much to conceal the still lingering bruises and bandages, but at least he looked alert and awake, which Klavier supposed was a plus.
“Hallo, Liebling.” He smiled a little. “You’ll have to set up the actual call yourself, I don’t exactly have access to your contacts.”
“Right.” Apollo sat down on the couch next to him, looking a bit hesitant for some reason. “Ah… this might not go exactly how you expect.”
“What do you mean?” Klavier blinked.
“Just. Remember when I said my family can be a bit much?” As Klavier nodded, Apollo went on, “I meant it. My dad’s not just some overly fussy old man, even though he definitely is that, too. He’s… he was the leader of the revolution.”
Klavier frowned. "I looked the revolution up recently, you know. The sources I found said the revolution was led by the current prince consort."
"Your sources would be right." Apollo wasn't quite meeting his eyes.
"Wait." Klavier sat down, now, peering closely at Apollo's face. "Are you saying… your father is the Dhurke Sahdmadhi? The Dragon Defiant, father of the revolution, prince consort and the Minister of Justice?" So perhaps he had read up a little more than just the basic facts. There wasn't that much information available, really, but he had always been a sucker for a good story. The story of Queen Amara and her husband would have made an excellent ballad.
"That might be the case, yes." And now Apollo was actually blushing.
"…Which would make you a prince."
"Technically, yes. I mean, I don't have any royal blood, but my parents don't treat me any differently from my siblings." Apollo glanced at Klavier. "I'm surprised you would know that much about Dhurke and not have come across my name."
"The sources I found were mostly concerned with the actual revolution and the implications on the legal system. Since that was the part that interested me, I saw no reason to poke any further." Klavier shook his head in amazed disbelief. "Why would you keep something like that a secret?"
"It makes things easier. I didn't want to get treated special simply because of who my parents are. Besides, it helped me convince my parents I don't need constant security detail." Apollo finally looked at him, giving him a rueful smile. "Though I'm sure they are rethinking their position on that."
“Frankly, I don’t blame them.” Klavier set a gentle hand on Apollo’s arm. “Apollo, Liebling… for what it’s worth, that doesn’t change anything for me. You’re still the man I know and love, no matter what your background is. Though now I’m seriously starting to wonder if I’m good enough for you.”
“I’m pretty sure my sister’s convinced nobody could be good enough for me, but she’s thankfully not the queen just yet, so that shouldn’t be a concern.” And really, how could Apollo joke about that? “For what it’s worth, they’ve been quite curious to know more about you. Apparently they figured out I was interested in you before I did, just from all my rants about this annoying prosecutor I had to deal with.”
Klavier chuckled. “And you’re sure they won’t dislike me merely for being a prosecutor?” After all, the revolution had been fought on behalf of defense attorneys more than anything.
“Well, they seem fine with my brother being one, so I wouldn’t think so.” Apollo leaned against him, apparently more in exhaustion than anything. That was fine. Klavier was quite happy to be his pillar of support. “So. You sure you can handle facing my family?”
“Oh, Schatzi.” Klavier pressed a fond kiss to Apollo’s hair. “For you, I would face anything.”
Of course, he said this before the furious glare of Dhurke Sahdmadhi faced him from the laptop screen, but the sentiment remained the same.
*
It wasn't that Simon was entirely unaware of what happened in the Prosecutor's Office outside his own work. Even if he had sought to keep himself apart from the rest, as he had done sometimes, the likes of Gavin and Debeste simply wouldn't let him stay separated from everyone else. After his self-imposed isolation in the clink, he wasn't even entirely opposed to such things. And even if he had tried to make such an effort, he would have definitely noticed a message sent from the Chief Prosecutor himself to everyone currently working under him.
Even so, he had to admit the news of an official visit had quite escaped his mind until the moment he had made his way up to the twelfth floor to drop off a document with Edgeworth's secretary, only to very nearly run into a group of very orderly men in gray uniforms. What was more, they appeared to be armed, which, what. How was this allowed in the Prosecutor's Office?
It seemed the men took some offense to his presence, as he found himself immediately the target of several glares. Something told him weapons would not be far behind.
"Stand down." The voice that spoke up was clear like a bell, and in any other situation Simon would have perhaps spared a thought to how beautiful it was in his ears. Right now, all he cared about was the fact that he didn't feel currently threatened, even as the uniformed men parted to reveal one exception to their general greyness.
Simon had seen beautiful people before, of course. However, only rarely could he remember seeing someone who was so literally breathtaking. The creature before him almost seemed like some sort of a fey or a spirit, with gleaming silver hair and eyes like jade, dressed in white and gold.
Looking at the beautiful creature walking towards him, it suddenly occurred to Simon that the Chief Prosecutor had indeed warned them that the prince of Khura'in would be gracing the office with his presence.
"My apologies." The man — Simon was fairly sure it was a man — lifted a hand before his chest as though in prayer, fingers clutching onto a string of prayer beads. "I fear my guards are rather too intent on my protection, even in a space where no threat is offered."
"I suppose they are just doing their jobs." Not that Simon particularly appreciated being eyed like a suspect, but then, he supposed he was somewhat used to it. "Though you might appreciate their protection more. You never know who you might run into. All sorts of disreputable characters make their dens here."
"Such as yourself, I presume, Prosecutor Blackquill?"
Simon lifted his eyebrows. "I was not aware we had been introduced."
"Of course, I do apologize." The man gave him a small smile. "While I have other names, I am here in my position as Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, so I would have you refer to me as such. As for yourself, well. You may be aware the legal system in my home country has repeatedly been in turmoil within the last couple of decades. As such, I was naturally curious when I heard of similar uproar over here."
"Then you know I'm not exactly what most would call safe company." Simon smirked. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea, teasing visiting royalty, but the man didn't exactly seem to stand on ceremony with him.
"I also know you were cleared of all charges." Prosecutor Sahdmadhi looked up at him, though they were very close to equal in height. That was not a feeling Simon got with many people. "I have to say, you are even more impressive in person."
Simon couldn't help but chuckle. He supposed the straightforwardness was somewhat refreshing. "Impressive, am I?"
"Very much so, yes." That smile was doing things to Simon's insides that he didn't much appreciate. "I do so love a man with a firm… sense of justice."
Simon guffawed at such blatant flirting, and was about to respond, when he heard a familiar voice shouting from down the corridor. As they both turned to look, Simon found Apollo Justice standing some ways away. He was holding files in his hand, no doubt on an errand to the Chief Prosecutor. For some reason, he looked rather… annoyed? Simon wasn't aware he had done anything to offend the man as of late.
After a second Justice started striding towards them, and Simon very nearly shouted out a warning, knowing Athena would be upset if he simply stood by and allowed her coworker to be thrown to the ground by what had to be members of the Khura'inese royal guard. Before he could do anything, though, Justice had reached the loose circle of uniformed men, and to Simon's surprise they simply parted from his way despite his obvious aggressive stance.
Then Justice got even closer and started yelling, and Simon was very surprised to realize the harsh words were not directed at him.
Simon was so baffled, it took him a moment to realize Justice wasn't even speaking English. He caught on soon enough, though, especially when Prosecutor Sahdmadhi started responding in the same oddly lyrical language Justice was speaking. At least the worst edge of the yelling faded away soon, but those were still definitely raised voices.
The overprotective royal guards didn't seem surprised at all to find Justice very clearly arguing with their precious prince. In Khura'inese. And, come to think of it, that red dot on Prosecutor Sahdmadhi's forehead was very similar to the one on Justice's.
Curious. And even more so given that he couldn't understand a thing about what was going on.
"Hey!" Simon was feeling somewhat left out, which was not a feeling he appreciated much. "If you two insist on jabbering on in the middle of the corridor, at least do it in a language others can understand."
"Right." Justice still didn't take his eyes off the pretty prince, just straightened himself to his full, not very impressive height. "It's just that His Holy Highness, the First Prince of Khura'in, Shepherd of Souls, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi Khura'in here insists he's here on a mission from his father, the current Justice Minister. Which is obviously bullshit. While dad does sometimes meddle too much for his own good, I find it pretty damn unlikely he would actually send Nahyuta over here just to mess with me and flirt with pandas."
"Really now, baby brother." Prosecutor Sahdmadhi looked perfectly calm in the face of these accusations. "You know how disappointed mother would be to hear you use such language."
"Well, then maybe you shouldn't be lying to me, huh?"
Sensing that another argument was brewing, Simon stepped forward. The guards immediately turned towards him, only to stand down when Justice and Sahdmadhi simultaneously gestured at them. And that, that was definitely pretty disturbing, even without all the circumstantial evidence that was piling up at the moment.
"Right. Now, I would suggest you sheath your blades for the moment, lest we have a diplomatic incident right here in the Prosecutor's Office. Not that I'm not curious about what exactly you're both blabbing about, or why exactly Prosecutor Prince is calling you his brother, Justice-dono."
"Oh?" Prosecutor Sahdmadhi tilted his head to the side. "But I was under the impression you were acquainted with my dear Apollo, Prosecutor Blackquill? He has certainly mentioned your name before."
"An old friend of mine works with him." Simon shrugged. "We have spoken outside work on occasion."
"And yet he hasn't said a word? My, I know you were insisting on staying safe, but truly, you could have a little more faith in the protection of the Holy Mother, Apollo." Prosecutor Sahdmadhi put on a beatific smile. "Prosecutor Blackquill, as he has already given such a wonderful introduction of me, please allow me to return the favor. I would so like you to know my younger brother, His Highness the Second Prince of Khura'in, the Dragon's Eye, Apollo Justice Sahdmadhi Khura'in. I understand he has worked under an alias of sorts during his stay in your wonderful country, but I suppose there is no point in such subterfuge when we are obviously among friends."
For all that he liked to think of himself as fairly unflappable, for a moment all Simon could do was stare. Then he turned his yes to Justice, expecting to find signs of some sort of shock or protest. Instead, all he could find was a sort of resignation as Justice hid his face in his palm.
Well. Wasn't this interesting.
"Keh. He didn't see it fit to inform us of that, no. Not even his colleagues know, as I'm sure Athena could not have kept such a secret from me." Simon touched his chin, unable to help the smirk spreading on his face. "I suppose they will be most intrigued to learn of this."
"Indeed. It would be utterly unthinkable for me to end my visit here without having made the acquaintance of all the people who have taken such good care of my brother these past two years." Prosecutor Sahdmadhi tilted his head to the side, smiling even more brilliantly. "Including, of course, this young man of his I have heard so much about."
"I do believe I know the man you are speaking of," Simon replied, ignoring Justice's indignant splutters. Really, it was his own fault for keeping such trifling details as, oh, actually being royalty from his friends all this time. "His office is just two floors down from here, in room 1003. He should be there at the moment, if I'm not too mistaken."
"I humbly thank you for your assistance." Sahdmadhi bowed briefly, then turned the full power of his smile on Simon. A lesser man might have staggered back at the force of it. Even Simon found himself thinking of some rather uncharacteristic descriptions, 'angelic' being one of them. "And perhaps, if you are willing, we might have dinner together later as token of my gratitude?"
This was just blatant, and no doubt just a way of irritating Justice further. But, well. Simon had never claimed to be a kind man, certainly not after his time in the clink, and getting the defense attorney even more out of sorts seemed like a perfectly reasonable goal to him. "It would be my pleasure." With a quick gesture, he drew out a business card from his pocket, handing it over. "My contact details, Sahdmadhi-dono."
"I will certainly be in touch." Sahdmadhi nodded at him, then turned towards Justice. "So, Apollo. Would you like to show me to your dear partner's office, or would you rather I visit him without your presence?"
Simon, not particularly interested in hearing what was probably going to be another argument, headed down to his office. As soon as he was inside, he dug out his cell phone. There was work to do, of course, there always was, but some things took priority.
"Ah, Athena," he said as soon as he heard the perky greeting from the other end of the line. "I thought you might be interested to hear that Justice-dono's brother is in town." He smirked to himself. "And you can be the first person in the agency to know exactly who he is… on the condition that you do not tease me for considering a date with the man."
And, really. Given her own very sensitive ears, one would have thought she wouldn't have squealed quite so loudly right into the phone.
*
“I have to say, Trucy has a rather impressive set of lungs on her. And I say this as a former rock vocalist.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate your compliment.” Apollo snorted, burrowing even closer to Klavier under the covers. “I don’t understand why you decided to come along voluntarily. I’d have avoided the mess if I hadn’t been dragged along.”
“And miss the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness your coworkers meeting your brother? Never.” Klavier grinned. “I mean, I already got a pretty heavy dose of him during our videocall, and I was still taken aback by all that… radiance, I suppose. There was no way I could have failed to witness Fräulein Magician reacting to it.”
“Yeah, Nahyuta has a habit of that. I blame the spiritual power.” And really, how could Apollo speak of such things so easily? No wonder he’d never been fazed by even the quirkiest of trials. “Mom is even worse, but she’s at least learned to control it a little so she’s not quite so overwhelming all the time. Nahyuta either can’t or won’t, I’m not sure which.”
“It must have been exhausting growing up with them.” Klavier was used to big personalities from both of his careers, and even he had been taken somewhat aback by the sheer force of personality radiating from the apparently unassuming prince.
“Eh, you get used to it. People start to seem a lot less ethereal when you’ve seen them grumbling over breakfast with their hair a total mess.” Apollo chuckled. “Present company included.”
“Oh, please. I doubt you ever thought I was ethereal in any way.” Not with the way Apollo had been glaring at him. “I suppose it’s a good sign your brother was pleasant to me in person.”
“A very good sign. Even with the call and everything I’ve told them, Nahyuta doesn’t trust easily. Acting decent means he didn’t see any immediate reason to dislike you.” Apollo buried his face in Klavier’s shoulder, his voice taking on a sleepier tone. “Though you can bet he’s going to spend a lot of time evaluating you during his visit.”
“To make sure I’m good for you?” Klavier certainly worked hard to be so.
“That, and to report back to our parents.” Apollo yawned. “Who will probably insist that you should come along when I go to Khura’in to show them I’m in one piece, by the way.”
“Right. I look forward to meeting your family, then.” Klavier managed a tired chuckle. “Even if that means requesting an official audience.”
“Oh, please. You’re going to appear before mom whether you like it or not.” Klavier would have taken that as a threat, if not for the little grin Apollo was clearly trying to hide. As it was, he only took it as a reasonable warning.
But then, clearly being an actual prince was the least miraculous thing about his precious Herr Forehead.