ayyyyy

Apollo drums his fingers on the side of the car, leaning back into the seat and groaning. He's always been patient, especially when he's waiting for something as serious as this, but he's really starting to wish he'd brought something to do. It feels like nothing has even moved since Klavier left, slamming the car door behind him and sliding his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose to tell Apollo that he'd be back in a second, ja?

Apollo's getting antsy- although, to be honest, who wouldn't be, in this situation? A prison parking lot doesn't really inspire a slowed heart rate. It's far from a deserted island beach, that's for sure.

Apollo turns his head to look out the window, because really, there's nothing else to do. It hasn't changed. It's the same near-deserted rows of parking spaces, same sparse trees all around in a desperate attempt for scenery. Nothing interesting has happened since the sun set, and even that had a very limited entertainment value.

Although, if he tilts his head just right, Apollo can see a reflection of himself in the window. He studies it, frowning, and his hands immediately go to comb the stray brunette hairs falling on his forehead. Goddamnit, this is what happens when Klavier "borrows" too much of his hair gel!

Speaking strictly about the morning routine, the man was a royal pain to live with. Even if Klavier didn't feel like kissing Apollo awake the moment he himself woke up, his various hair and beauty products are loud enough to do the trick. Not to mention how early he woke up, in order to get himself ready. Some days he was awake before the sun was up (which translates to: far too fucking goddamn early, in Apollo's book). Although, Apollo has to admit, there was something to lying in the sheets, watching Klavier curl his hair with a lazy smile. He's very watchable, in his fluid movements, his shiny gold hair and his irresistible smile.

Apollo frowns at his reflection. He can't stop his eyes from looking widened, like a deer caught in the headlights, alert as though he's being hunted. It looks weird, especially since he's not really the one who's in trouble here. If anyone has the right to be worried, it's Klavier.

Apollo really wishes Klavier didn't feel the need to visit his brother. After all the bastard's done, they really don't owe him anything. But Klavier insisted, so here Apollo is, a shoulder to cry on to the very end.

Apollo sighs and leans forwards, facepalming into the steering wheel. He just wishes that- fuck that's loud he hit the horn!

The horn is screaming, and Apollo jerks backwards, shushing it as though it can hear him. Fuck, does everything have to go wrong today? Klavier and Apollo are on edge as is, they really don't need clumsy mistakes like this.

Apollo looks around to make sure that no one saw him. The parking lot is empty, thankfully, and he gives a sigh of relief. He isn't sure if he could deal with judgmental stares right now. It's hard enough to anticipate the aftermath of the Gavin brothers' meeting, the tears he'd have to wipe away and the self worth he'd have to rebuild.

Fuck. Apollo really wishes Klavier wouldn't see Kristoph anymore. It's the first time after the Misham trial, sure, but really, did Klavier ever have to see Kristoph again? Apollo doesn't want to call his boyfriend fragile, he deserves some credit after all he's been through, but Klavier really doesn't need Kristoph's influence right now. Apollo can still remember what it's like to see him every single day, the cold smiles and patronizing remarks hidden in the guise of politeness. It's nerve-wracking, to say the least.

As for Klavier… Apollo takes a deep breath. He's getting better, but considering where he was before, better isn't really saying too much. He has less nightmares now, though, he sleeps through nearly every night and doesn't lie about how bad it was the next morning. He's starting to accept that Apollo can love him, he's starting to see that it's alright to mess up and that it's alright to be fucking human.

Apollo's fists clench. He's still very pissed about this, and he probably will always be. Klavier deserved ages better than what Kristoph gave him- and probably ages better than what Apollo is giving him now- but still, he definitely didn't need to be groomed into a fucking mental case about perfectionism. Kristoph was characteristically shrewd when he dealt with Klavier, carefully choosing his reactions and words- because Klavier feels like everything he does is for Kristoph's sake, for some little bit of praise or recognition that's never fucking coming. It's a brilliant system- Klavier works himself to the bone for Kristoph's recognition, for some tiny ounce of love, and all Kristoph has to do is not give it- all he has to do is nothing at all.

Apollo slouches in the car seat, arms crossed. It's been too many years since Kristoph's had his claws in Klavier for Klavier to be worried about what Kristoph thinks, that's for sure. Apollo really wishes that he never had to think about fucking Kristoph Gavin again.

It's only then, in the moments of frustration and irritation, that Apollo notices how quiet it is, all around him. It's not the calm kind of quiet, either. It's the sticky kind of quiet, when everything is muffled into foreboding and anticipation. It's the calm before the storm, Apollo realizes, and his fists unclench.

He isn't sure he wants to know what's coming next.

aight it's been too long since I've done a multichapter thing lezzgo

amazing update time! the new cover is fanart by Nessie McCormick, an actual goddess on Earth. Check her and her seriously awesome art out, it's breathtaking. You won't regret it! (until you start crying because wow this and the Gavin angst god damn it)