Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas to Gigi B (@wockys), I was your secret santa for the @aasecretsanta2017 !! I visited your blogs and I could tell how much you loved Franmaya so I decided to draw them, which was an extremely fun experience because Iâve never drawn them before :D I hope you enjoy your gift, I had a great time drawing them! I originally only planned to draw franziska and maya but then I saw asougi and ryu on your list and I couldnât stop myself cause Iâm so weak for those two. I tried to include all the prompts given and hopefully I didnât mess it up! Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!
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happy holidays @adriandoesstufd! i was your secret santa for @aasecretsanta2017! i hope your holiday season is going well and that this snuggly franmaya kiss brings you some extra warmth. <3
hey everyone i got @brbaltering for my aa secret santa !!!! they wanted athena/juniper which while i havenât played aa5 yet seems like a Very Good ship so i wanted to draw them having a nice winter-y date ... happy holidays!!!
Title: Stolen Hearts.
âšPairing: Ron Delite/Desiree Delite
âšWarnings: None!Â
âšSummary: âšDesiree Delite never thought about marrying anyone. The whole thing seemed to be something from fairy tales. She had things to do, people to see, goals to get to, and she never considered it.
But then he was there.
âšWords: 911
Notes: This is my piece for the Ace Attorney holiday exchange for @qqideest! I saw you liked Ron/Desiree so I wanted to write something about them, since I never write anything soft. It was a lot of fun! I hope you like it and I hope you have a fantastic holiday!
Also fun fact: itâs always been a headcanon of mine that Ron took Desireeâs last name.
Desiree Delite had never fallen in love. There was always teasing, and going on dates, but never love. It wasnât her style. She preferred laying back, getting done what she needed to. Only meeting people who helped her with that goal.
But then he was there.
Working at the Lordly Tailor wasnât the ideal job. She wanted to be a therapist, but with money always being tight and the inability to finish school; it was the best she could do for now. She was great at sales, a little bat of the eyelashes, a small wink, and a large sale would come naturally. Sure, the store was always a mess and the customers were rude, but it was a living.
The holiday rush meant longer hours and more security. Then it happened. Like something out of a movie. Everything freezing, a fuzzy blur of people and shelves, lining the solid metallic structure of the building. The lights seeming to focus in, like a spotlight for her eyes alone. Him.
Sheâd never call it love at first sight, sheâs never been into that cheesy stuff. More like appreciation, or adoration. The light shining off his red hair, curled into cinnamon rolls on the side of his tiny face. He was perfect, and Desiree knew.
Her whole shift was a blur, people coming and going in lines of faded colors, yet he stayed shining strong- the focus of her sight, the way he seemed to be an oxymoron, so confident and yet so cowardly. The way he paced back and forth, caring, yet serious. The kind of man that you could know your whole life and still not know everything about. Mysterious, yet kind and open. She was completely and utterly in awe. Day after day went by, and observing turned to distraction as she watched him like a school girl with a crush on the little boy on the playground. Looking away every time their eyes accidentally met. Distracted.
Closing shifts were always her least favorite. It left the store in a chilling aura, lights shutting off as people still moved about, music shutting off as the workers clean, the scent of dust and cardboard boxes. Populated yet abandoned. Then, all at once it came crashing down. Her arms gripped in a strangerâs hands, while the other one reaches into her pockets, in search of something, anything. Her kicking in protest, black boots wriggling in the air as a stance of dramatic yet ineffective fight.
But then he was there.
Screaming. Wailing until heâs purple and red in the face. âPlease!! Let her go!!â echoing through the empty store, bouncing off the metal shelves. Itâs unconventional, and yet charming. Itâs not the heroic rescue she thought it would be. Her fantasy of the type of guy he is changes all at once, and she stares in silence at him, just wondering.
-
Ron stares at the red motorcycle in front of him. Three dates into their life, and heâs debating running away. But riding down the highway, arms wrapped around her waist, and the wind blowing through his hair is enough to change his mind. Watching as her brown hair seemed to shine in the sunlight. And suddenly, he knew he would do whatever it took to make her happy.
-
Desiree had kissed people in the past, friends sheâs gotten too close to, boys in high school, quiet moments that meant nothing. Just a kiss.
But then he was there.
Theyâre sitting on the back of her motorcycle, a quiet hill away from the city. Japanifornia was big and beautiful, but the mountains always drew her in way more than the skylines ever could. The stars seem to flicker quietly and they seem to sit there forever, talking about their hopes and worries, and their futures. Ron is kind, and cowardly, but heâs well meaning and he loves his job. Desiree talks about her goals of being a therapist, and the way sheâs tired of money always being tight.
Then it happens, her sentence interrupted by the feeling of his lips on hers, and sheâs not upset he cut her off. âAh⊠sorry,â he seems to stutter out nervously. She grabs him by the back of the neck and returns it. And the two sit in silence a little longer. Just enjoying each others company.
And Desiree canât stop thinking about it for the rest of the week.
-
Theyâre laying in their oversized bed and watching some cheesy Japanese thief show, and she watches as his eyes seem to sparkle every time thereâs a robbery. She wonders what itâs like in his head - heâs so mysterious, yet so open, and she knows no matter how long she spends with him thereâs so much she doesnât know.
âMarry me.â
Itâs quick, and itâs firm. Like an order rather than a request.
Desiree Delite never thought about marrying anyone. The whole thing seemed to be something from fairy tales. She had things to do, people to see, goals to get to, and she never considered it.
But then he was there.
He nods, and instantly, everythingâs changed. Sheâs suddenly the person sheâs vowed she would never be, and somehow. Thatâs okay.
-
Ron comes home the next day with a diamond ring. Itâs large, and sparkly, and Desiree wonders how he could afford it. He gives a small smirk, and says heâd steal the stars out of the skies for her.
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This is for @nyappykid, I was your Ace Attorney Secret Santa! I hope you like it!
Title: Christmas in Khuraâin
Pairing: Klavier/Apollo
Rating: T
Warnings: Mentions of crimes/murders, mentions of death
Additional Tags: Made-up Khuraâinese words, Apollo is a lovestruck fool
AO3 Link
December 22, 2028
Justice Law Office
âHorned Head! I command you to help me this instant!â Rayfa shouted as she attempted, with little success, to hold up a huge stream of prayer flags. Her small frame was barely visible with how much she was holding, and Apollo was actually quite impressed.
âI got it.â Apollo lessened the load for Rayfa by taking half the pile in his arms. âI honestly didnât think Christmas was celebrated here.â
Rayfa let out a pronounced âhmphâ. âIs that what you call it in America? Here, we call it Khuâkhurist. Itâs an ancient tradition brought upon by the Holy Mother herself as a means to celebrate all that we are thankful for. And while you selfish Americans demand gift offerings, we hold a giant festival for all to enjoy.â
âAnd on the day of the 25th, we conclude by lighting the candles of prayer around the giant halâabad tree.â
Apollo and Rayfa turned to see Nahyuta entering the Justice Law Office with a box of decorations. âAnd while we generally donât hand out gifts as Rayfa said, it is not uncommon for couples to exchange a small token of their love for each other.â Nahyuta chuckled as he set down the box. Apollo took a peek and saw that there were a bunch of unlit candles, as well as holly, a wreath, andâŠoh god, was that what Apollo thought it was?
âAh, and I did some research on American customs as well. Apparently, Americans hang some kind of plant called âmistletoeâ in a doorway, and whoever ends up under it has to kiss someone.â Nahyuta held up the mistletoe in his fingers and tried to find a perfect spot for it. âI thought it would make Apollo feel more at home.â
Apollo grimaced. So it WAS what he thought. âI donât think something like that is necessary.â Besides, there is literally no one here who he would want to kiss, and heâll be damned if he had to kiss someone likeâŠDatz. He shuddered at the thought.
Rayfa crossed her arms. âHow barbaric. So this is what America is like during the holidays?â
âNO.â Apollo shouted a lot louder than he intended. âPutting something like that up in the office is just asking for bad luck to happen!â
And as if things couldnât get any worse, Datz Areâbal burst through the door and almost tripped over the rug. He managed to catch his balance as he skidded to a halt right in front of them. âDid you guys hear?! They managed to get some hot shot musician to sing at the festival!â
Nahyuta and Apollo stared at Datz as if he grew a second head. Rayfa in contrast smirked.
âAh thatâs right! I heard from MotherâŠIâI mean Queen AmaraâŠâ Rayfa blushed at her blunder. âThat she sought to find a form of American entertainment, since this would be Horned Headâs first Khuâkhurist with us.â
Why did Apollo feel so uneasy? âDare I ask who this musician is?â
Rayfa pondered the thought. âUhâŠI believe it was Klavier GavinâŠ?â
Apollo was stunned into silence. He hadnât heard from or spoken to Klavier for more than a yearâŠnot since that incident at Themis Legal Academy. And if he were to be completely honest, he thought that Khuraâin would be the LAST place he would ever run into the fop. Did this mean that Klavier was reviving his musical career? He recalled last time they spoke that Klavier was going to focus more on his prosecuting, especially after Daryan Crescend was convicted of murder and the Gavinners were disbanded. He recalled that to be a dark time for Klavier, and no matter how much the man showed off a smile, it was clear that underneath it was sorrow. Of course, a lot can change within the course of a year. He wondered how Klavier was doingâŠhe didnât even think that Klavier knew that he was in Khuraâin.
âEarth to Apollo!â
Apollo was snapped out of his thoughts by Datz waving his hand ferociously in front of his face. Apollo slapped the hand away with mild annoyance. âSorryâŠjust that hearing the name Klavier Gavin brings back old memories.â
âDo you know him?â Nahyuta questioned, to which Apollo nodded.
âAfter a fashion. Heâs actually a prosecutor who I fought against on many occasions.â
Rayfa tilted her head. âSo heâs a friend? Maybe itâs a good thing heâll be the one performing, then.â
Could Apollo consider Klavier a friend? Sure they were on good terms both outside the courtroom and inside, but itâs not like they ever took time out of their busy schedules to have a chat over coffee. Apollo sighed. âWhenâs he supposed to arrive?â
âActually, he might already be here. His plane landed yesterday and should be staying at Tehm-pul Templeââ Before Rayfa could finish her sentence, Apollo dashed out of the office, leaving behind stunned and mildly amused expressions.
âSomething tells me this will be an interesting Khuâkhurist indeed.â Nahyuta chuckled.
.
.
.
Apollo panted and wheezed as he stopped in front of the temple. He hadnât run that fast in a while, it felt like; but his exhaustion soon wore off when he caught sight of the familiar silhouette of someone he hadnât seen in a long while. The purple jacket, those ringsâŠthat platinum blond hair.â
âK-Klavier?!â
Said figure turned around, revealing crystal blue eyes peeking out from behind black shades. The look of shock on Klavierâs face was very apparent.
âH-Herr Forehead?â Klavier rushed to Apollo. âMein gott, why are you here?â
Oh, thatâs right. HeâŠnever told Klavier that his new residence was in Khuraâin. âIâve been living here for a few months now, actually.â Apollo explained awkwardly. âItâs a long storyâŠâ
âOh? So youâre no longer employed under Herr Wright? What did you do that caused him to fire you?â Klavier chuckled.
If thereâs one thing he didnât miss, it was Klavierâs sharp tongue. âThatâs not what happened! I told you it was a long story.â
Klavier grinned. âWell, we have plenty of time to catch up. Maybe over drinks?â
Apollo wanted to protest, but a part of him couldnât bring himself to refuse. It was probably that smile. That annoying, pretty boy smile. He didnât like talking about the events that transpired earlier in the year, but he supposed he owed Klavier an explanation for disappearing from the courtrooms in Los Angeles.
And as if things couldnât get more depressing, Apollo decided to tell Klavier about his adoptive father, Dhurke Sahdmadhi, and the events that sparked a revolution here in the Kingdom of Khuraâin. Which, of course, included the details surrounding Dhurkeâs death, as well as his biological fatherâs murder at the hands of the former Queen of Khuraâin. It was still rather difficult to retell the events that haunted his memories, but he knew that he would have to get over it eventually.
âIâm really sorry to hear about Kristoph.â Apollo looked at Klavier with sympathy. âRegardless of what heâs done, Iâm sure it mustâve been hard for you.â
Klavier sighed. âThe past is past. I canât waste time feeling sorry for myself.â He smiled sadly. âItâs strange, reallyâŠhe had done some cruel things that ruined him, and I pitied him. But as his brother, I couldnât help but feel sad. He wasnât even a supportive brother to begin with.â
âThatâs only human nature.â Apollo took a sip of his herbal tea. âTo me, he was just my boss; but to you, he was family.â
Klavier chuckled. âHow about we change the subject to something moreâŠcheerful.â He rested his chin on his hands and smiled. âSo am I to understand that you inherited your adopted fatherâs law office? You sure are making a name for yourself, Herr Forehead.â
Apollo laughed awkwardly and scratched his cheek a little. âSomething like that. I wanted Dhurkeâs dream to live on, so I made the tough decision to stay hereâŠat least until the justice system in this country gets revived.â
Klavier hummed. âDo you still keep in contact with FrĂ€ulein Magician and FrĂ€ulein Cykes? And what happened to FrĂ€ulein Detective? I havenât seen her in quite some time.â
âEver the romantic, arenât you.â Apollo rolled his eyes. Ema was probably over the moon over not having to work side-by-side with Klavier. âItâs pretty expensive to talk over the phone, but I send them letters whenever Iâm able to. Trucy apparently promoted Athena to her magical assistant.â Apollo thanked the stars that he no longer had that position. âAs for EmaâŠI think sheâs here in Khuraâin, actually.â
That earned him a raised eyebrow, so Apollo explained further. âThe prosecutor in this country has taken a liking to her, so sheâs here for as long as I have helping us with cases.â
âIâm amazed that someone could tolerate the detective for too long without stepping on her toes.â Klavier chuckled.
Apollo shot him a deadpanned expression. âIâm sure she was only like that because she had to deal with you on a daily basis.â
Klavier feigned hurt. âWay to strike me where it hurts, Herr Forehead.â
Of course, Apollo knew that the real reason behind Emaâs sour attitude back then was due to her having failed the forensics exam. Now that she was a certified forensic scientist, she was in much higher spirits.
âSo you must be the musician that will be performing in a few days?â Nahyuta questioned, to which Klavier nodded. Nahyuta smiled. âA pleasure to make your acquaintance. Any friend of Apollo is a friend of mine.â
Apollo crossed his arms. âKlavier, this is Nahyuta Sahdmadhi. Heâs the prosecutor for this country. And the girl next to him is Rayfa Padma KhuraâinâŠcrowned princess of Khuraâin, as well as a holy priestess.â
Klavier whistled. âYou sure have friends in high places, Herr Forehead.â
âHerrâŠForeheadâŠ?â Nahyuta chuckled, and Rayfa smirked.
âI see that Horned Head has many titles.â
Klavier bowed to Rayfa, took her hand in his, and kissed it. âItâs an honor to meet the princess of this country.â
Rayfaâs face turned a dark shade of red and Apollo thought for a moment that she had short-circuited. And as expected, Rayfa hastily pulled her hand away and pouted. âYou will cease this inappropriate behavior at once!â Her voice slightly cracked at the end, which didnât help her case at all.
âI see youâre still an insufferable charmer.â Apollo rolled his eyes, to which Klavier chuckled.
âI have no idea what youâre talking about.â Klavier then took Apolloâs hand and did the same thing. âUnless itâs working, of course.â
Apollo stood there, frozen like a statue. âN-Now youâre just trying to be annoying.â However, the fact that he hesitated to pull his hand away caused Nahyuta to chuckle. Thankfully, Klavier didnât notice as he stood up.
âWell, I think I will head back to my room. I think jet lag is finally catching up with me.â Klavier smiled. âGood to see you again, Herr Forehead. Maybe weâll see each other tomorrow. My number is still the same.â And with a wink, Klavier walked back in the direction of Tehmâpul Temple without looking back.
After a few minutes of saying nothing, Nahyuta cleared his throat. âSoâŠjust a friend, you said?â
Apollo snapped out of his trance. âUhâŠwhat?â
âYou and Klavier Gavin seemed very close.â
Apollo was silent for a short moment, before looking to the side. âHe and I have known each other for a while. And while I hate to admit it, heâs helped me out with my first few cases as an attorney.â
Nahyuta nodded in understanding. âSo your relationship is strictly professional?â
ââŠWhat are you implying?â
âYou reacted the same way that Rayfa did when Mr. Gavin kissed your hand.â Nahyuta smiled sweetly. âAnd unlike her, youâre not a small child vulnerable to precocious crushes.â
âHey!â Rayfa pouted next to Nahyuta, but he ignored her.
âHmâŠmaybe that mistletoe will come in handy, after all.â
Apollo wasnât impressed in the slightest. âYouâre just imagining things, Nahyuta.â However, that did nothing to stop his heart from racing at an unnatural pace. He desperately wanted the subject to change. âSo if you two are here, whoâs watching the office?â
Rayfa crossed her arms. âDatz, of course.â
The color from Apolloâs face drained away and he rushed back in the direction of his office, all while grateful for that embarrassing conversation to end.
.
.
.
âWhoa, you must be in deep trouble if youâre willing to pay for a long distance phone call, Polly!â Trucyâs voice chimed through Apolloâs cell phone. âYouâre not in trouble with the law again, are you?â
Apollo frowned. âNo, nothing like thatâŠand what do you mean âagainâ?!â He huffed. âIf you must know, Klavier is here in Khuraâin. To perform for the Christmas festival.â
He could practically feel the amount of glee seeping through Trucyâs voice. âOooooh, so thatâs where he went! Weâre actually babysitting his dog for him while heâs away. I wanted to tell you, but by the time the letter would reach you itâd probably be too late.â
Well, he appreciated the thought, he supposed. Though that still did nothing to calm his heart down. It felt like it was about to explode, and there was no way in hell he would ever admit to the reason for it. âI wonder how Ema would react to seeing him here. Sheâs been so busy with work that I doubt she even knows about the festival.â
Trucy giggled. âItâs just like you to change the subject like that, Polly.â
âI admit nothing.â
âWell, Iâm sure Ema wonât be as grumpy as she used to be, now that she can legally take peopleâs fingerprints!â Trucyâs voice faltered all of a sudden, and soon after there was a loud crashing noise in the background.
âAre you alright, Trucy?!â Apollo began to worry.
Trucyâs voice sounded distant for a moment, before it came back to the phone. âSorry about that, Iâm practicing a new magic trick but Athena keeps messing up her part. Sheâs enthusiastic, but she doesnât have the same charm that you did.â
âAnd I donât miss those days for a moment.â Apollo deadpanned. âI hope Athena isnât bleeding to death right now, otherwise Mr. Wright will not only have to find a new attorney, but also deal with Mr. Blackquillâs wrath on top of that.â
âNo no sheâs fine! For the most partâŠâ Trucyâs voice trailed off. âMight have gotten a few paper cuts but nothing serious! Besides, Pearl is helping out too. Sheâs our resident first-aid kit for Athena.â
Apollo sighed. âStop bringing other people into your convoluted magic tricks.â
âI canât hear you, Polly!â Trucy sing-songed. âSo back to your reason for calling. I think your situation desperately calls for some Christmas magic. Like a clear starry nightâŠor mistletoe!â
âEnough with the mistletoe!â Apolloâs chords of steel made its appearance in the form of a grating shout. âItâs not like that.â
âAre you sure about thaââ
Apollo could hear a commotion on the other end, followed by some protests from Trucy. Seconds later, a new voice popped up.
âOkay listen up, Apollo, I was listening to the entire conversation!â
Apollo scowled. âDidnât anyone ever tell you itâs impolite to eavesdrop, Athena?â
Athena scoffed. âWhatever, just listen. You canât keep your feelings inside you for so long. Iâm practically on the other side of the world and I can still feel your emotions loud and clear! And if you think Iâm not willing to give you a therapy session over the phone, youâre sorely mistaken.â
âAlright, alright I get it. So what are your ears picking up, exactly? Because I have no idea.â
It sounded like Athena grabbed something from the other end. âGlad you asked! Now, as your resident therapist, I suggest you first admit your feelings for Klavierââ
âWait wait what, WHAT?!â Apollo practically screamed.
âOh please, Apollo, it was obvious to me since you made that huge tangent about those roses Klavier sent Trucy earlier in the year.â Athenaâs voice was flat, and Apollo could just about picture her eyes rolling. âYou donât have to tell the man, but admitting to yourself that you have feelings for him will definitely ease the tight feeling in your chest.â
ââŠâŠâŠ..Goodbye, Athena. Tell Trucy I said goodbye, and if she asks, you are the reason Iâm cutting this conversation short.â
Before Athena could protest, Apollo hung up his phone and let out a loud, drawn out sigh. He lied back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling.
(Feelings for Klavier, huhâŠ)
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.
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December 22, 2028
Wright Anything Agency
âI canât believe you, Athena!â Trucy huffed with her hands on her hips. âI didnât even get a chance to say goodbye to him!â
Athena felt only slightly guilty. âItâs not MY fault he refuses to admit his feelings for Klavier!â
Trucy crossed her arms. âPollyâs a boy, Athena! They donât admit things like that so easily, if at all!â
Athena frowned. âI would think he would have outgrown that behavior by now, heâs in his mid-twenties!â
âUmmâŠguys?â
Both Trucy and Athena looked in the direction of the voice to see Pearl standing there with an apologetic smile. âSorry to interrupt, but I just got off the phone with Bonny. She was wondering if you wanted her to get Mr. Hat ready for tomorrowâs Christmas showâŠâ
âOh!â Trucy ran to grab her notes that were sitting on the coffee table. âYeah, if sheâs able to!â
Athena toyed with her earring. ââŠDidnât Bonny mess up Mr. Hatâs positioning during that one caseâŠ?â
âYeah, but I trust her! Besides, Betty is there too to supervise.â Trucy went back to practicing her magic trick, and Athena grimaced.
(Wasnât Betty actively trying to sabotage you, too?!)
.
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December 25, 2028
Justice Law Office
It was finally time for the festival, and Apollo was absolutely floored by how beautiful the bazaar was. Candles illuminated every corner of each store; people selling small candies colored in silver and gold. Khuraâin even had their own version of Santa Claus, although it was an overly long name that Apollo couldnât even try to pronounce if he wanted to. Apparently this version of Santa Claus was a holy priest who dedicated his life to making children happy; he awarded those who practiced his religion with devout faith, and punished those by sending them to a dark abyss where they would face eternal suffering. A bit excessive, Apollo thought, but he canât say he was surprised.
He hadnât seen Klavier since the other day. He didnât want to pull Klavier away from his rehearsals for later tonight. Klavier did however text him that he would be performing âThe Guitarâs Serenadeâ after the candles are lit on the halâabad tree. It was customary for an hour sermon to be recited during the lighting, followed by up to three hours of prayer. Apollo was grateful that he wouldnât have to participate in that; he wasnât sure if his back can handle being in a hunched position like that for three whole hours.
He walked through the bazaar, admiring the lights and little trinkets hanging from the rafters with a carefree expression. It wasnât often that he can enjoy something like this without thinking about a case in the back of his mind. Ever since the abolishment of the Defense Culpability Act, his office has heard no end to cases involving wrongful convictions; and while he was more than happy to right the wrongs done by a twisted government, it was nice to have some time to himself.
His eyes fell upon Nahyuta and Ema by a fruit stand. Ema had a very confused expression on her face while Nahyuta was holding up a bizarre-looking fruit with pink skin and purple splotches, all while making a gesture with his hand. Surely he was giving Ema some kind of lecture about the significance of that particular fruit, and Apollo couldnât help but shake his head and chuckle at the scene. He walked a little further and noticed Datz selling someâŠwere those lizards? Surely not the same lizards that he had hanging in the office at some point?! Apollo couldnât walk fast enough when he saw that Datz noticed him and egged him to come over.
When he finally made it to Tehmâpul Temple, he stared in awe at the huge halâabad tree with what looked like thousands of candles on each branch. This seemed like a fire hazard, but who was he to question a sacred Khuraâinese holiday? As he walked closer, he noticed Rayfa standing in front of the tree looking at a piece of parchment. He wondered if Rayfa also had an important part in the ceremony; it made sense, her being the royal priestess and all.
A quick glance to his left, and his gaze landed on that of Klavier Gavin, clad in his normal wear and going over some of the vocals for his song. He even had a guitar in hand. Apollo couldnât help but think about the conversation he had with Trucy a few days ago, and he immediately felt tense. Is this how witnesses felt whenever he perceived them? It was such an uneasy feeling, and it sent a chill down his spine.
Klavier mustâve noticed him staring, for he called him over with a smile and wave. Apollo feigned a scoff and walked over.
âIâm still surprised they decided to get a foreign performer for such an important day.â Apollo commented, to which Klavier chuckled.
âBelieve me when I almost refused the offerâŠuntil the queen herself asked, and well, who can say no to royalty?â
Apollo shot him a small smile. âUnderstandable.â His gaze drifted towards the sky, where a bunch of stars danced in the night. ââŠYou know, weâve known each other for a while, and while I hate to admit itâŠâ He sighed. ââŠYou were part of the reason for me lasting this long as an attorney. Going against you has taught me many things, andâŠI guess Iâm saying Iâm thankful.â
Klavier had a dumbfounded expression on his face for a split second, but quickly recovered. âWhile I appreciate the sentiment, Herr Forehead, that was entirely your doing. I just pushed you in the right direction.â He smiled. âWe were both aiming towards the same truth, were we not?â He looked up at the sky as well. âAch, I do have to say that I miss our days in the courtroom. Itâs just not the same without you on the other side.â
Apolloâs heart made an involuntary leap and for a second, he thought he would faint. âUhâŠr-right. And here I thought you only saw me as a naĂŻve greenhorn who needed to be spoon-fed evidence.â
The light laugh that escaped Klavierâs throat was intoxicating. âOf course I thought that at first, but that was before I got to know you. I always wondered what kind of attorney you were, after you bested my bro in courtâŠand I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.â
ââŠOf what?â
Klavier looked back at Apollo. âEverything, I guess. But most of all, that determination you had to find the truth, and undying faith towards your client. Despite being your boss, you turned out to be nothing like Kristoph.â
He hated to admit it, but he was starting to feeling butterflies in his stomach. He hated it when Athena was right, especially about something like this. ââŠListen, Gavâuh, KlavierâŠâ
Klavier raised an eyebrow, and it was then that Apollo realized that this was the first time he ever referred to Klavier by his first name. And upon realizing this, it became much more difficult to form the correct wordsâ
âHey, Horned Head. Iâm unsure of where to put this, but Nahyuta handed it to me and now Iâm stuck with it. What are the customs for this in America, again?â
Apollo turned his head up behind him and saw Rayfa standing there, a blunt expression on her face...holding a bundle of mistletoe in her fingers and dangling it above where he and Klavier were sitting. He was mortified. He dared to glance at Klavier, who was merely chuckling, his chin propped up by his hand and staring at him.
âThe frĂ€ulein wants to know what people do under the mistletoe. Would you like to help me show her, Herr Forehead?â Klavier smiled, and Apollo couldnât take it anymore. He grabbed hold of the front of Klavierâs shirt and pulled him in closer, giving him a forceful kiss that couldnât have lasted more than a few seconds. When he pulled away, Apollo got up from his seat and stormed off, not even bothering to look back. Why did he do that?! He was such an idiot, and the worst part was he couldnât tell which part he regretted more, the kiss or leaving right after. It wasnât until he heard someone shouting his name that he came to a halt and turned around.
âYou know itâs bad taste to leave without a word after kissing someone, ja?â Klavier panted a little. He must have ran after him shortly after what happened.
Honestly speaking, Apollo acted on impulse. It was a spur of the moment decision brought about by everyone taunting him; first Nahyuta, then Trucy and AthenaâŠhe let out a frustrated sigh as he turned his head to look back at Klavier, who was running his fingers through his hair.
âIâŠI just did what people normally do under mistletoe. Itâs what everyone wanted of me, right?â Apollo bit out.
Klavier tilted his head with a mildly concerned expression. âI was just humoring the young frĂ€uleinââ
âWhat do you want from me, Gavin?â Apollo cut Klavier off.
Klavier took a step toward Apollo. âI should be the one asking you that.â Klavier reached out with the intent to rest his hand on Apolloâs shoulder, but stopped when he saw how the other man recoiled. âIs there something bothering you? Ach, did I do something to offend you in any way?â He grew more concerned by the minute. âPlease talk to me.â
Apollo hesitated. His gaze darted back and forth between Klavierâs face and the hand that was ever so slightly reaching out to him. There is no turning back once he speaks the words he desperately wants to get out. But really, why would someone as famous as Klavier, the rock star prosecutor himself, even think about reciprocating his feelings? Sure he was making a name for himself in Khuraâin, but back in the States he was just a defense attorney working under the legendary Phoenix Wright. Hell, Klavier witnessed Apolloâs very first cases as a defense attorney, and all the embarrassments that came with being a greenhorn.
He never could take rejection very well; his mind was already settling on the worst possible outcome before anything even happened.
âApollo?â
Apollo was dragged out of his thoughts by Klavierâs voice, and when his eyes focused in front of him, he realized that Klavierâs face was much closer to his own than before. He could feel his own face getting hotter and hotter, despite his efforts to stop it.
ââŠWhat do you think of me, GavâŠKlavier.â Apolloâs voice broke a little. âPlease, I need to know.â
Klavier stared at Apollo for what felt like an eternity, before he finally answered. âWords cannot even begin to describe how I feel about you, Apollo.â His expression was somber as he glanced around at the lit candles illuminating the bazaar. âYou remember when we first met?â
Apollo slowly nodded. âI could never forget that caseâŠâ Although he would be more than happy to forget about stolen panties. âTrucy noticed you standing in front of your motorcycle, waving to a bunch of your fans.â He let out a chuckle. âYou were the one who made it possible for me to investigate the crime scene.â
Klavier smiled. âI probably didnât look like it to you, but I wasâŠsuffering back then. Emotionally, and mentally.â
ââŠWas it because of Kristoph?â Apollo already knew the answer, but wanted confirmation.
Klavier nodded. âMy bro was certainly one of a kind. But behind closed doors, he was just as manipulative and scheming as how he was in the courtroom. Every waking hour growing up with him felt like there was a noose around my neck, and he was the judge, jury, and executioner.â He let out a sigh. âAnd thenâŠthat case happened. Kristoph set me up to destroy Phoenix Wrightâs career. I had my suspicions of course, but with all my heart I really wanted to believe that there was no way my own brother could do something that cruel. And then you came along and pulled the covers from my eyes. And thanks to you, I was finally able to confront Klavier on equal footing; I was no longer afraid of him.â
Apollo didnât know what to say, but Klavier continued. âWhat Iâm trying to say is that, in a way, you saved me back then. Without you there to accuse Kristoph and bring him into the courtroom once more, I donât think I would have ever been able to face my demons.â Klavier looked at Apollo and smiled. âYou mean a lot to me, ApolloâŠmore than Iâm sure you can even begin to imagine.â
A small breath escaped Apolloâs mouth as he was rendered speechless.
(Câmon, say something, damnit!)
âI would like to know what you think of me, tooâŠif thatâs alright.â Klavier asked thoughtfully. He just gave Apollo an opening, one that he decided to take.
Apollo let out a breath of air. ââŠIf it werenât for you, I donât think I ever would have made it this far as an attorney.â
Klavier was about to say something, but Apollo held a hand up to stop him. âBefore you tell me how thatâs not true, just listen for a second. I was a novice, my former boss was sent to prison on murder chargesâŠI had nowhere to go until the Wright Anything Agency phoned me. And the last thing I expected was to be immediately thrust into investigating a murder from stolen noodle carts and panties.â
Klavier chuckled, which Apollo responded with a chuckle of his own. ââŠWas it your intention to give me all those hints? When we were in court, it felt like you were guiding me along to finding the answerâŠI might have gotten a Not Guilty verdict, but at the time, it still didnât feel like a victory to me.â
âIâm sure youâre already well-aware of this, Apollo, but the most important thing for me was to find the truthâŠit wasnât about winning or losing, or a personal battle between attorney and prosecutor. And as a rookie defense attorney, I was positive that you probably wouldnât have understood that.â Klavier explained, to which Apollo nodded.
âYou were right, of course.â Apollo glanced away. âBack then, I didnât know what it meant to find the truth. I didnât know what it meant for an attorney to be working together with a prosecutor and share evidence. But you helped me see that the way I was brought up was wrong.â He hesitated to bring up the next thoughts on his mind, but it was now or never. He had to do it.
ââŠI-I know I always acted like you were the most annoying person on the planet, but I want you to know that I never thought of you in that way.â
(Breathe, Apollo. You can do this.)
When his eyes met Klavierâs, he saw the light shining from the candles reflect on Klavierâs pupils. It was beautiful.
âYou mean a lot to me, more than you probably realize.â
Klavier smiled. âYou repeated what I told youââ
âIâm not finished.â Apollo bit his lip, and stepped closer to Klavier until they were mere inches apart. Klavierâs eyes widened, but Apollo paid no mind as he stood on his toes and pressed his lips softly onto Klavierâs. It didnât last long, but he just wanted to get the message across.
YouâŠmean a lot to me. More than you probably realize.â
Klavier just stared at Apollo with his mouth slightly agape, before he finally snapped out of it.
âApolloâŠhow long?â
Apollo shook his head. âHonestly, I probably couldnât tell you that. But if I had to guess, it probably started developing around the time you invited Trucy and I to your concert.â
âAnd you never told me?â
Apollo grew frustrated once more. âItâs not that easy, okay?! For someone like you who has people confessing their love to you on a daily basis, maybe. But for someone like meâŠâ
Klavier watched quietly as Apollo tried to stop his body from shaking. When a few minutes had passed, Klavier took the opportunity to pull Apollo in closer. Apolloâs eyes widened.
âThose people who you say confess their love for me? Theyâre just fans. They probably say the same thing to their other favorite celebrities. Contrary to popular belief, Iâve never even had a girlfriend or boyfriend.â Klavier smiled as Apollo huffed.
âI donât believe it. Not even when you were starting out as a rock star?â
Klavier shook his head. âKind of hard to trust people, you know? Are they dating me because they love me, or are they dating me because Iâm famous? Trust is one of the most important factors in a relationshipâŠto me, anyway.â
Apollo looked down. âI seeâŠâ
He felt a slight pressure on the top of his head; it took him a moment to realize that Klavier had kissed his head very softly.
âI trust you, Apollo.â
ââŠWhat are you saying?â Apollo glanced back up at Klavier, who tilted his head and smiled.
âIâm saying that I feel the same way about youâŠif youâll have me.â
Apollo didnât hear anything else; didnât see anything else. All of his focus was on Klavier. He wasted no time pulling the other man in and kissing him under the candlelight, just as the snow was beginning to fall once more.
.
.
.
âHappiâraki Khuâkhurist!â
A chorus of shouts and cheers as the people of Khuraâin witnessed the lighting of the halâabad tree, welcoming Christmas with open arms and many prayers. The concert was a big hit, with many of the younger citizens practically begging Klavier to visit again, which he was more than happy to obligeâŠalthough it was probably mostly due to his new boyfriend being the revolutionary defense attorney in this country.
Rayfa was overseeing the festival of prayers, where everyone knelt down in prayer for hours on end until the candles on the halâabad tree burn out. It was mildly amusing seeing how serious Rayfa was while looking over everyone, but every now and then she would glance at the children with their parents enjoying themselves and huff. Apollo decided maybe heâll buy her a festive pastry later.
Nahyuta was helping Rayfa with her duties whenever possible, but for the most part he was done with the festivities and decided to go back to Justice Law Office to rest up. He wasnât alone, however, as Ema, Ahlbi, and Datz were also enjoying themselves in the warmth of the office. Didnât Khuraâinists enjoy the cold? Or maybe they were just enjoying each otherâs company, which Apollo thought was far more plausible.
All in all, the festival was a success. His first Christmas in KhuraâinâŠApollo now had more memories to share with Trucy and Athena, and everyone else back home in the States. And of course, more memories to come with Klavier.
âSo just out of curiosity, Herr ForeheadâŠwhat did you REALLY think of me when you first saw me up on stageâŠ?â
YES, ITâS ME, AT 11:30 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BRINGING HOLIDAY TIDINGS TO @birdboyjustice for @aasecretsanta2017 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you asked for... Concern.... iâm a weenie though i hope you donât mind :âD
last year on christmas i went ice skating for the first time in forever and half the rink was just water because it was an outdoor rink in texas. hopefully klavier and apollo know some nicer places than that. Hopefully
Hi Sara @hiighnooning! I was your Ace Attorney secret santa @aasecretsanta2017 for this year, and I hope that you are having a happy holiday and great times!Â
Hereâs a fluffy drawing of Apollo getting some forehead kisses from Klavier. I thought it was fitting, since Klavier is always calling him Herr Forehead! It was a pleasure drawing for you, and I hope itâs to your liking!Â