"Mr Wright!" Ema was frowning, rubbing her arm as she returned from the bathroom and Phoenix glanced over his shoulder at her, traces of worry wiped instantly from his face. "Did I just hear you telling Klavier what happened!" She demanded hoping against hope that she was wrong.

"Yes," Phoenix said calmly and Ema froze in her tracks.

"Why did you do that?" She said and she would have stamped her feet on the ground were it not for the fact that simply walking caused her enough pain. "Why would he want to know! What does – "

"On the contrary, he was very interested," Phoenix said stuffing his hands in his pockets and smiling at Ema. "He's on his way over."

Ema's heart nearly dropped and, for the first time in her life, she felt angry at Phoenix Wright. However, this unusual emotional toward the man dissolved into guilt just as quickly as it'd risen. She owed this man everything. She shouldn't be getting annoyed at him.

Ema wrapped her arms around herself, shivering, and Phoenix was by her side in an instant, rubbing her arms, shoving the clutter aside on the sofa and telling her to sit down. He produced a blanket from amid the various objects and draped it around her. She shivered again and squeezed her aching arm in an attempt to give it some relief.

"Ema, please let me call you a doctor," Phoenix pleaded quietly when he saw her gesture but she shook her head leaning back and closing her eyes.

"I'm not hurt, Mr Wright," she said for the umpteenth time and took a deep breath. "I just feel a little weak."

"Then let me make you some coffee or tea or – "

"I've just had the longest toilet session of my life because of the amount of tea you've made me drink," Ema said with a little laugh, looking at him. "I'm alright. Did Lana say how long she was going to be?"

"She's on her way right now," Phoenix said rubbing a hand up and down Ema's back in a comforting manner. "Edgeworth's bringing her."

"But why did you call Klavier?" Ema said pouting now. "There was no need to…"

Phoenix threw his hands up in the air and leaned back as if Ema had threatened to bite him. "Hey, it was Mr Cavatin's idea," he smiled. "Your boyfriend is very concerned about you." Yeah, I bet he is, Ema said, her expression turning dark. Worried I might spill the beans. "He said he'll catch the first plane back to LA."

Ema frowned at Phoenix. "He's not here?"

Phoenix shook his head, looking puzzled. "You didn't know?"

Ema didn't know; ever since she'd confronted him a few days ago, Deston had avoided her like the plague and she had no idea what he was up to. She had decided to give him space thinking that pushing him would do more harm than good however, she realised it would seem very odd if she revealed her lack of knowledge so she faked an expression of realisation and smiled, "Oh yeah, now I remember. I've had so much work to do it must have slipped my mind." She smiled at Phoenix again and looked away massaging her arm again. "Why did Deston ask you to ring Klavier?"

"He wants you to be protected and Klavier has the most power to arrange that right now," Phoenix said.

"Protected?"

"Ema, whoever attacked you… is still out there," he looked at her gravely and she almost gulped. "We need to keep you safe and we need to do it discreetly. Deston thinks it might have something to do with the Cadaverinis. He said you've been questioning Leo Cadaverini a lot recently?" Ema nodded. "Well, you know they're untouchable by the police. So we have to find another way to keep you safe until we figure out what to do about the situation."

Smooth, Deston, Ema thought looking away again. I expect nothing less from you though.

"I'd actually like a cup of tea, please," Ema said with a shaky smile at Phoenix. He smiled at her kindly and, giving her another soft rub on the back, moved towards the kitchen. When she was certain he was out of the room, Ema sighed and hung her head.

She was an idiot. She had thought she knew what she was doing confronting Deston but she had almost been killed by, what was most likely, someone hired by her 'concerned boyfriend'. She hadn't thought that her classy rock star boyfriend (she sneered at the term – didn't one need to have some semblance of a relationship in order to call a guy that?) would have actually turned into a common thug. He'd even gone so far as to leave the state while he got somebody else to do the dirty work for him. How clichéd.

Ema closed her eyes as another shudder ripped through her. She was transported back to an hour ago when she'd entered her apartment to find that her door was unlocked. As there was no sign of someone having broken in, she had simply assumed she'd left it open. It was when she'd been berating herself for being so stupid, thanking her lucky stars that nobody had realised and just walked in that she'd heard it – the unmistakeable sound of footsteps behind her. She had reached into her handbag casually and just as she had pulled out her gun, a large, rough hand had gripped her just above the elbow. Heart racing, she had swung her arm backwards with all the force she could muster; satisfaction and relief had rushed through her when she heard a grunt and the grip on her loosened. She had bounded over the sofa to the kitchen top and just as she'd turned around to face her attacker, the lights had turned off. Ema recalled the fear she'd felt in that moment; she had always been afraid of the dark and having to battle two demons put her at a lethal disadvantage. She had glanced this way and that, trying to discern the shadows cast by the walls from the ones created by the fiend sent after her. Ema didn't know how her mind had still been functioning in that moment but she had retreated to the window where the moonlight poured in giving her some form of aid. If he approached her she would know – yet, considering the small pool of light that had bathed her, had he actually got close enough for her to see his face, it would have been too late already. Luckily for her, the intruder didn't know her kitchen the way she did. He'd stumbled over something and the sound had been just enough – she'd moved to the right just as he flew at her from the left. She had heard the unmistakable sound of a knife clattering to the ground and she had no doubt that that one stumble had saved her life. He'd fallen atop her and crushed her to the ground but he'd been rendered weapon-less. She'd struck at him with the gun, not wanting to fire it in case the struggle caused it to turn on herself and he'd hissed in pain recoiling just enough for her to get out from under him and dash across the room. Whoever he was, he'd been fast – a moment later he'd managed to grab her again and thrown her to the ground. She'd landed on her side painfully and it was only the survival instinct kicking in that had given her the strength to lift her gun and shoot at him. Ema didn't know how badly she'd wounded him and it didn't really matter to her except that it had given her the time she needed to get up and dash out of her door, down the stairs and into her car. And she had instantly driven to the only place she'd felt safe – the Wright Anything Agency.

A tremor ran through her. Throughout the drive her eyes had been practically glued to the review mirror in the fear that she was being followed and it was only when she had stumbled into Phoenix's arms, exhausted and scared, that she had finally felt somewhat safe. He'd taken care of her since, checking her for any injuries (and she had not escaped unscathed), bringing her cup upon cup of tea and ringing her sister (and others he didn't need to, apparently).

Ema snorted. How disappointed Deston must have been when he found that the woman whose death he was anticipating had escaped and was now in the hands of the people he could not infiltrate. She smirked. Yes, Deston would have a hard time getting to her now. He probably thought if he had Klavier organise the security he could somehow slip through it but she was not the type to make the same mistake twice. She was on guard now and she intended on staying that way.

"Here you are, Ema," Phoenix said, making her jump. He looked at her sympathetically as he handed her a hot steaming cup of coffee and she winced at the pain that shot through her arm when she took it from him. "I'm sorry, we're out of tea. This was all that's left." He smiled, sitting down next to her.

Ema felt a twinge of guilt. "I'm sorry for finishing all your tea, Mr Wright…"

"Nonsense," Phoenix said firmly. "It's Apollo who finishes all the tea. His Chords of Steel are hazardous to my wallet as well as my ears."

Ema choked on the coffee as she started laughing. She was amazed that despite the way every muscle in her body was aching, despite the fact that she had almost been killed, Phoenix had somehow managed to make her laugh. She looked at him and he was chuckling.

"Thank you, Mr Wright," Ema said with a smile, setting the coffee down on the table. It even hurt to hold a damn cup.

"Phoenix, Ema," he reminded her. He opened his mouth as if he was going to say something else but was interrupted by a frantic knocking at the door. She stood up instinctively, ignoring the soreness of her body, ready to flee and Phoenix glanced at her with a worried expression. He placed his hands on her arms gently and looked into her eyes, ignoring the incessant sound coming from the door. "It's okay, Ema. You're safe here." When she nodded, he went to answer the door but she didn't relax even when she heard the familiar voice.

"Where is she?" he demanded and she frowned at Klavier as he stepped into sight. He froze when he saw her, wrapped in a blanket, and then he'd closed the distance between them in a few strides; he was before her, his hand on her arm while the one still bound in a cast rested on her shoulder. Ema stared at him, taken aback at by his obvious concern. He was bending down to gaze into her face, the fingers of his good hand fluttering over her skin and his eyes scanning her features and she was so surprised that she didn't resist his attention. "Are you okay?" he asked almost frantically. "Are you hurt?" He rounded on Phoenix who was standing apart from them, his hands back in his pockets. "Why has she not been taken to hospital?" he demanded angrily. "Surely you did not lose your common sense with your badge?"

Ema frowned at his tone, angry at him, and tried yanking on his arm but the movement only caused her pain, eliciting a gasp from her. He spun to face her again, touching her face. "What is it? Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, taking a deep breath and touched her shoulder where it had hurt. "I'm just sore. Don't take it out on Mr Wright. I asked not to go to the hospital."

"But why?" Klavier said angrily.

"It might not be safe for her there," Phoenix said and Klavier narrowed his eyes at him. "Please sit down, Mr Gavin. I'll tell you what happened."

Klavier obliged but he wasn't ready to listen until he was sure she was alright and when they were seated, Ema tried to ignore the way Klavier's eyes kept flickering towards her throughout Phoenix's explanation. She didn't understand why he cared all of a sudden given the last time they had… interacted. She was (somewhat annoyingly) touched by his apparent concern and she wondered what was going on. Why had he behaved like he was contemptuous of her and now could barely look away out of worry? She didn't understand any of it and she wished that Klavier would stop playing games with her. She couldn't handle the bipolar behaviour on top of everything else. Just as she was on the verge of snapping at Klavier for staring at her, the door sounded again and Phoenix disappeared once more to answer it. Ema dreaded the silence that followed hoping against hope that Klavier wouldn't try to talk to her and that Phoenix would return quickly. Thankfully, her prayers were answered as Lana rushed through the door, calling her name and Klavier rose from the sofa to allow the worried sister to sit down. The moment Ema saw her, the torrent of tears that had been held so stubbornly in check spilled over. Lana wrapped her arms around Ema as the younger Skye clung to her while crying into her shoulder.

"Ema, oh Ema…" Lana murmured running a hand over her hair. "It's okay, honey. It's okay…"

Ema couldn't stop herself. She was embarrassed to be crying in front of the men but she couldn't quash the tears that ran down her cheeks as she released all her fears, her sorrow and her burdens into her sisters embrace. It wasn't just that someone had tried to kill her – it was the fact that she knew who it was and she couldn't tell anyone because she had to protect him. It was the fact that the one she was protecting was hating her one minute and then rushing to her side the next and she didn't know what any of it meant. It was everything – and the safe haven she found in her sisters arms was the only place she could let it all go without saying anything.

She didn't know how long she cried or how long Lana held her and comforted her with her embrace and her gentle words. She didn't know how long the men stood there watching her in silence. When Lana moved back a little to look into her face, Ema found that, finally, the river of emotions in her had run dry and she felt lighter than she had in a long time.

"Are you hurt?" Lana asked, her fingers running over Ema's face the same way that Klavier's had. For a second, in the back of her mind, Ema marvelled at the similarity of the action.

"Just feeling a bit sore," Ema sniffed, wiping her tears. "I'm okay. Mr Wright has been taking really good care of me." She looked around for Phoenix only to find him sitting beside Mr Edgeworth.

"Mr Edgeworth!" she exclaimed.

"Hello, Ema," he said inclining his head. "It's nice to see you again… Although the circumstances are less than savoury."

She smiled at him.

"What happened, Ema?" Lana demanded, her gaze boring into her sisters. "Who attacked you?"

So Ema retold the events for the second time that night to the silent audience. Every so often, at a particularly difficult part of the tale, Lana would squeeze her hand as if to remind her she had nothing to fear and that everything was okay. She looked from her sister's worried face to Mr Edgeworth's sombre one and finally to Mr Wright's grave expression. Seeing the faces of the people she loved and cared about around her, looking at her with so much apprehension, was a comfort to her of such an immeasurable amount that she almost broke down again.

"It does sound rather deliberate," Edgeworth said after she was finished. She looked at him quizzically and he explained, "It doesn't sound as though you happened upon a burglary."

"Yes," Phoenix agreed. "We believe it has something to do with a case Ema has been working on."

"Case?" Lana said rounding on Ema. "What case?"

Ema didn't want to lie to her sister but she couldn't tell her the truth about Deston either so she was grateful when Phoenix spoke up, saving her the trouble of being deceitful.

"She was investigating a Cadaverini they had in prison a few weeks ago – they had to let him go, being so untouchable and all – but I'm pretty sure that an unhappy family member has something to do with it."

This statement elicited quite the reaction from Lana whose grip on Ema tightened almost painfully. Behind Lana, something fell and everyone's eyes moved to the forgotten prosecutor. He was staring at Ema, horrified, his hand clenched in a tight fist barely noticing the attention he'd drawn from everyone in the room

"I'm sorry," Phoenix said a minute later, breaking the silence. "Lana, Edgeworth… This is Klavier Gavin. Mr Gavin is Ema's boss," he said to nobody in particular. Ema was relieved when Klavier tore his gaze away from her and nodded at the other two. She was becoming steadily unnerved by his staring. There was a silence in the moment that followed as if they expected him to explain his reaction before someone's phone began to ring and Ema recognised the Steel Samurai theme on Phoenix's phone. Everyone's attention was drawn to him as he answered it.

"Hello? Ah… Yes, they're all here. Yes, he is," Phoenix said and Ema wondered who he was talking to. "Of course… No, I agree, that's a great idea." He glanced at Klavier. "Of course. One moment." He stood up and held out his phone to Klavier. "It's Mr Cavatin, he wants to speak to you about something. Oh and keep a grip on the back. The sticky tape is kinda loose."

Klavier took the phone without question and turned around as if silently requesting privacy from his audience. Lana pulled Ema into another tight hug, kissing her forehead. Ema looked away from him but she was still listening to what he was saying and was disappointed when he started to speak in German. She had no idea what to make of it so she just focused on Mr Edgeworth.

"How long are you here for, Mr Edgeworth?" she asked. To her surprise, he didn't answer, except to continue staring at the floor, and she glanced at Lana who was looking at him, a small frown creasing her forehead. She looked back at him to see that a curious expression was on his face and that he glanced at Klavier fleetingly.

"Miles?" Lana said and his eyes snapped to hers.

"Yes?" he said.

"Ema was asking you how long you're here for," Lana said.

He turned his gaze to Ema. "Pardon me, Ema. Sometimes I tend to lose awareness when I'm thinking."

"Getting old, eh, Edgeworth?" Phoenix said, smirking at his friend.

"I'm here for a few months," Edgeworth said ignoring Phoenix's jibe.

Ema smiled gleefully. That meant she was going to have more time with Lana! This idea made her feel so much better about everything that she almost laughed. If Lana was here, Ema would be able to handle everything no problem…

"What is it, Mr Gavin?" Phoenix said and everyone's attention was drawn once more to the prosecutor who handed the tattered phone back to its owner. Klavier cleared his throat and Ema was amused to see that he looked uncomfortable. Soon, she found out why;

"Deston has a proposition," he said, his eyes running over all their faces. "He asks that you remember Ema is in need of the highest protection." He paused as if expecting somebody to interrupt however when nobody did, he continued. "He says that it would be best for Ema to come…" he took a deep breath. "…live… with me."

A long and painful silence followed this statement in which Ema stared at Klavier incredulously as if unsure she had heard him right. She glanced at Lana who was frowning at the prosecutor and she almost smirked – that would teach him to suggest such a ridiculous thing. Well, actually, he wasn't the one proposing it really, it was Deston… Ema's eyes widened. Was he so certain he could get to her there? If she did agree to the proposition, it would mean that Deston would be the only one who could get through security without any questions asked… Did that mean he was now planning on doing the deed himself? And if so, how was he planning on getting away with it? Or did he assume that because of his status as a friend and member of the FBI he would be exempt from suspicion?

"There is no need for that, Mr Gavin," Lana's voice interrupted her thoughts and Ema refocused on the scene before her. "I will take Ema back to our home."

"I understand your desire to keep her close, Fräulein Skye," Klavier said inclining his head at her. "However, I can offer her maximum protection – "

"She will be perfectly safe with me," Lana interrupted coolly and Ema could tell that Klavier had annoyed her. Lana had probably taken offense at the insinuation that Klavier could look after her better. The sight of her fop of a boss being talked down to by her sister filled Ema with something akin to delight.

"Perhaps…" Edgeworth spoke slowly and Ema turned her gaze to him, "…it would be wise to leave Ema with Mr Gavin."

"What?" Ema and Lana said in unison.

"I think he's right, Lana," Phoenix agreed. "Mr Gavin's apartment is a very safe building with a lot of security."

"Every floor is guarded and one cannot reach the top without an authorization code," Klavier provided. "Further to which, I have my own personal security who have been subjected to systematic investigation – they are all reliable and trustworthy."

"It would appear that it is the safest place for Ema," Edgeworth said looking at the two sisters before he finally fixed Ema with his eyes. "Ema? If you want to stay with us, I can always hire security for the house and you will be very welcome. I do, however, believe that Mr Gavin's apartment is the safest place… for now. Until we find the one responsible at least."

Ema didn't answer straight away. Initially, her insides had twisted at the idea of having to live with Klavier but now, with Mr Edgeworth's advice, she was thinking twice about moving in with Lana. She looked at her sister who was eyeing her with an anxious expression as if waiting for her decision. She knew that whatever she decided, even if it was against Lana's better judgement, Lana would respect it. She stared into her sister's chestnut brown eyes and wondered what the hell she'd been thinking, wanting to move in with her. She would be putting her life, as well as Mr Edgeworth's, at risk and she wouldn't allow that. Lana deserved happiness after all that'd been through. She wouldn't subject her sister to more grief on her behalf. The SL-9 incident and the ensuing events had been more than enough.

She looked at Klavier who was waiting on her answer with an anxiousness in his eyes and she wondered why that was. Was it because he didn't want her to say yes? She could never tell with his ever-changing moods. One thing was for certain though – she would not risk Lana's life. She realised that by making this choice she was risking Klavier's but she hoped that maybe she was wrong and Deston was simply playing a ruse in order to establish his trustworthiness. She hoped, as she turned back to look at her Lana, that he would be far too cautious to attack her in Klavier's own home and would do so once she left.

"I…" she looked back up at Klavier. "Alright. I-I'll do it."

"You will come live with me?" Klavier asked, his voice tinged with the badly suppressed tone of disbelief. She nodded and everyone was silent once more. "Very well." He looked at Lana. "Do you want to accompany her to my…?"

"Yes," Lana said, never taking her gaze off Ema. "Ema, are you sure about this?" When Ema nodded, Lana sighed. "I guess that's that then."

She glanced at their faces and spoke to no one in general; "I need to get my things from – "

"You do not need to worry about that," Klavier said firmly. "I will have someone pick them up right now." He leaned down and picked up what appeared to be a phone and Ema suddenly understand what had fallen earlier. He had dialled a number and was talking to someone in an instant and Ema watched him, unable to believe that she was doing this. How was it that after everything she had found herself in a position where she was now having to live with him? She could not comprehend the idea of her sharing the same roof as Klavier Gavin. It was such an unbelievably ridiculous situation that she was sure if someone pinched her now she would find that she was dreaming… but the ache in her body made it plain enough that she was awake and that she was doing this. Well, the positive side to this was that she could keep an eye on him at all times now; she could protect him better and she was sure he needed protecting. She knew that whoever had tried to kill her tonight would almost certainly come after Klavier one day or another – and she would not let anything happen to him. She would not let Daryan and Deston's plan succeed

Ema was so busy watching Klavier that she didn't notice the three pairs of eyes watching her. Lana saw the fierce determination on her sister's face and swelled with pride at her courage. Surprisingly, it was Edgeworth, and not Lana, who saw beyond that veil of determination to the root of it – and upon seeing the nature of its birth, he turned to his childhood friend who smiled and nodded in confirmation. He glanced at the young prosecutor still talking into the phone and when his eyebrows rose, Phoenix nudged him discreetly with a wink. There was no need for words – Edgeworth understood everything now. And he approved.

It was almost two hours after her decision that Ema found herself in Klavier's impressive penthouse suite, hugging Lana goodbye as Edgeworth waited in the doorway for his now fiancée (Ema had noticed the ring on her finger). Lana had stayed with her for an hour helping her settle in after a shower and then sat with her throughout the medical examination of the doctor Klavier had summoned, promising to pick up the medicine he had recommended as soon as she could. Ema was going to be okay – there was no major damage to her except a few knocks and bruises. She was now holding on to Lana for a little longer than was probably necessary because the truth was that she didn't want to be left alone with Klavier.

"Now," Lana said pulling away first. "Make sure you take care of yourself and call me if you need anything at all. Okay?" Ema nodded and Lana's hand touched her cheek. "I don't feel right leaving you…"

"It's okay, sis." Ema smiled.

"Make sure you take good care of my sister, Mr Gavin," Lana said and nobody missed the warning tone of her voice. "I'm entrusting her safety to you."

Ema looked at Klavier who inclined his head respectfully, "I'll guard it with my life, Fräulein Skye."

Strangely enough, Ema didn't think he was exaggerating. In any case, she turned back to her sister, gave her one more quick hug, and walked her to the door of the apartment ignoring protests from Lana to stay in bed. At the door, Lana dropped a kiss on Ema's forehead and murmured, "Remember – anytime. I'll pop by in the morning."

"Goodnight, Ema," Edgeworth said with a nod of the head. "Goodnight, Mr Gavin."

"And you, Herr Edgeworth," Klavier said smoothly.

Ema stood in the doorway, watching Lana walk down the carpeted hallway and turn at the elevators to look back. She made a shoo-ing motion as if telling Ema to close the door and get inside but she didn't have the heart to do so. She was watching as the doors to the elevator opened and, upon entering, her sister waved while Edgeworth simply lifted a hand. When the doors closed and they were out of sight, Ema sighed and stepped back inside, closing the door behind her.

When Ema turned around, she saw Klavier standing in the middle of the vast room, looking at her with his hands locked behind his back. Ema ducked her head, her hair falling about her as she tried to hide her face and avoid eye contact. She moved past him muttering goodnight and made her way to her bedroom. Upon reaching it she closed it quietly and climbed into bed, her muscles screaming with relief once she relaxed. However, just as she reached out to turn off the lamp next to her, a knock sounded at her door and she felt the butterflies grow in her stomach. She had been hoping he would ignore her.

"Yeah?" she called. She stared at the door as it opened slowly and his frame filled the doorway. For a second, Ema was taken aback; the light of the lamp reflected off his face and platinum blond hair in a charming manner and the kind expression on his face seemed more pronounced than ever. She frowned; she wasn't accustomed to noticing things like this.

"May I come in?" he said quietly, his eyes fixed intently on her.

"It's your bedroom," Ema said with a weak smile.

"Do not think like that," Klavier said moving forward. "This is your home for as long you stay. Therefore, this bedroom is now yours." Ema was surprised at the welcoming manner of these remarks but didn't say anything. Instead, she watched him walk to the armchair near her bed and sink into it gracefully. "I have something to ask of you, Fräulein."

"Yes?" Ema said somewhat warily.

"I wish for your forgiveness."

Ema's eyes widened. "My… what?"

"Your forgiveness," Klavier said and he shook his head, looking at his hands before returning his gaze to her. "I put you in a dangerous position by asking you to interview Leo Cadaverini time upon time."

Ema was no expert on emotions except anger and stubbornness but she could recognise remorse and guilt and his voice was dripping with both. She saw it in his face too and she could not explain the sudden twinge she felt in her chest as if something had tapped her bare heart. The pang caused sorrow to slither through her being and she shivered. Klavier was on his feet and by her side in an instant.

"Are you cold?" Ema shook her head and forced herself up into a sitting position. She was not, of course, going to explain her shiver to him when she did not understand it herself. She was touched, however, by his concern and kindness. Whatever had caused his nasty behaviour in their last encounter seemed to have evaporated now and she was glad. Very glad.

"Are you certain?" Klavier asked. "I can fetch an extra blanket."

"No I'm fine," Ema said with another smile. "And there's nothing to forgive. I'm a detective. I don't exactly have the safest job, do I?" Klavier looked at her with a somewhat pained expression and she wished she knew what he was thinking. She looked away with a nervous laugh; "Besides I'd be annoyed if you just lumbered me with all the paperwork. I'm a practical girl." He chuckled dryly and she was sure that something else bothering him but she wasn't confident enough to ask him what and, really, it had nothing to do with her.

"There is…" he said after a minute and she turned back to him. "I have not been a gentleman." He looked up at her now and the piercing blue of his eyes was making her tingle again. "I am sorry for… the other day." Ema felt the butterflies multiply a hundredfold. "I was upset."

"Why?" She asked and then clenched her fists, wishing she hadn't said anything, wondering if she wanted to know the answer to that,

"I had a rough day," Klavier said and he held up his bandaged hand sheepishly. "I discovered something, broke a few fingers… Not that any of it excuses what I did to you." Ema wanted to know what he'd discovered to upset him so much and why he'd taken it out on her but she didn't know how to pose the question. "Please, Fräulein… forgive me."

Ema saw the guilt marring his features and she did. She let it all go and smiled at him, knowing that she didn't care about anything but the fact that this obviously meant he didn't hate her.

"I thought you hated me or something," Ema murmured and just as the words slipped out of her mouth, she bit her lip, horrified at what she'd just said. She ducked her head.

Klavier looked shocked; his eyes were wide and his eyebrows raised high. "Hate you?" he asked, disbelievingly. "I do not hate you Fräulein," he shook his head. "Wherever did you get a ludicrous idea like that? I was under the impression that my behaviour would induce a woman to believe the perpetrator was attracted to her." He was looking at her intently now and his voice had lowered. Ema took a deep breath and, with some difficulty, looked away.

"Well even if you had hated me, it wouldn't be that big a deal," she said shrugging. She wasn't going to let him run away with the notion that she cared about what he thought of her. She would die before she let him know that he had made her cry. She expected him to make a flirtatious remark, to try and say that she was just pretending she didn't care and that she secretly harboured a deep love for him. What she didn't expect was for his expression to turn to stone.

"I am keeping you awake," he said, blankly. "I will leave you now." Before Ema could register everything that had just happened, he had walked to the door and was closing it. "Sie hassen den, fűr den Sie mich halten," he murmured.

"What?" Ema asked and he looked at her.

"Nothing," he said, his face still blank. "Gute nacht, liebling."

The closing door bathed the room in the dark until Ema's confused face was overcome by the shadows of the night, leaving her feeling anxious, stressed and guilty… and she didn't even know why.