…And Ends…

.'.

Time: 2:31 PM

Date: 26 December 2027

Location: Criminal Affairs Department

Ema was mortified. What the hell had induced her to act the way she had yesterday? And the more people smiled at her and asked her what was going on between her and Klavier, the more she wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

The only comfort she had was the endless array of reasons for said insanity: the craziness of the night, the generally magical atmosphere (the Christmas tree had been dazzling) and her own fear over losing her job. That's why she had allowed Klavier to take her away, asked him to teach her to dance and even… flirted with him?

Ema cringed. Oh dear God. How was she going to live it down?

And what did Klavier expect of her now?

"Take these to the Evidence Room," a voice behind her growled. "I won't tell you again, Skye."

Scowling at the sound of her superior's voice, Ema stood up and scooped the bags of evidence in her arms. When she spun around however, it wasn't just the Chief standing there — Klavier was standing right behind him, a frown on his face.

Ema's heart stopped. Oh shit.

"I do not deem it necessary to speak that way to a lady, Herr Chief," he said sternly.

Ema didn't hear the reply nor see a reaction. She was too busy staring at him.

What the HELL is wrong with me?

How could he look so… handsome?

Hadn't she just finished reminding herself that everything she'd felt the night before had been because of the way he was— NO! It was because of the Christmas tree. Christmas tree. CHRISTMAS TREE! It had absolutely nothing to do with that softness in his eye, not because he had chastised her superior simply for shouting at her… And certainly not because his mouth was lifting into that heart-stopping smile…

"Allow me to assist you," he said, taking all of the bags from her arms and cradling them in his own. "Shall we proceed?"

"Um..." Yeah, very articulate, Ema. "You took it all."

Klavier's eyes twinkled. "Ja. I will carry and you can open the door."

Ema didn't need telling twice — with that smile directed at her, and half of the department staring, she practically ran towards the Evidence Room. Upon reaching it, Mike Meekins jumped from his post to salute them both. Flustered and impatient to get away from Klavier's mind-numbing presence, she snapped at him to allow them entry.

"What is the matter, Fräulein?" Klavier asked several moments later as he unloaded the evidence into her locker.

Turn around and slap him.

NO, DON'T SLAP HIM! Do you want to give him the opportunity to blackmail you again?

….maybe?

WHAT?

"Nothing," she said in a voice at stark contrast with the screams in her mind. She locked the locker and turned around but refused to meet his gaze. "I guess I'm just tired."

"Did you not sleep well?"

Was that concern in his voice?

Ema shrugged. "I'm not used to parties. Especially not like the one you threw yesterday."

Klavier laughed softly. "I would say I am sorry but that would be a lie of proportions immense." He stepped closer. "I am infinitely grateful you were there. It was the best Christmas I have had in a long time"

Ema fought the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Whatever, fop-face," she mumbled. Then, realising this was her chance to do what she'd been meaning to all day, she hastily added, "I'll bring the dress by your office later on today."

"Will I have the pleasure of seeing you model it for me?"

Her head snapped up and she saw Klavier smiling down at her, the twinkle in his eyes growing by the second. "That's not what I meant!" she protested.

"I know what you meant," he said gently. "It was a gift, Fräulein."

"But—"

"My Christmas gift to you," he said, surprising her into silence by taking her hand in his own.

What is he…? Why am I not…?

Ema stared down at their joined hands; her skin looked paler than usual against his tanned one and for a moment she felt an odd sort of insecurity take hold of her but when she looked into his face to ascertain his honesty, it fled her mind instantly. His sincere eyes were fixed intently on her in a way that only made her heart skip a beat.

"I didn't get you anything," she said quietly.

"Indeed, you did not," Klavier said, a smiling as he tilted his head.

"I'm sorry," she said, her eyes darting between his and she felt remorse surge through her. She opened her mouth to offer him something before remembering that he was quite possibly the richest man alive. And, she thought, the pile of gifts he received last night probably means that has everything now.

What could she have to give to him? Ugh. She suddenly felt very small and inconsequential.

But, as usual, he appeared to read her mind: "If I ask for something, will you gift me it?"

Ema instantly became alarmed at the question and his tone of voice and she looked up at him with wide eyes. What if he wanted something impossible and out of her reach? Or what if he asked for something completely weird and—?

Hang on a moment. This is Klavier. You can trust Klavier can't you?

"Yeah," she heard herself say. "What do you want?"

Klavier smiled and lowered his face to her ear and for a moment he didn't speak. His breath tickled her neck and she felt a shiver run down her spine and when he finally spoke, she knew that he was mad, that she should simply return the dress and refuse his request but he was also charming and handsome and devilish and she was stupid and crazy and—

"Spend New Year's eve with me."

Ema had no control over herself. Almost as if she had been expecting it, she leaned back to look into his face. He was still smiling, his eyes still mischievous, but she saw something else; a vulnerability that she had seen only the night before.

And, just like then, she didn't think — only nodded.

.'.

Time: 11:32 PM

Date: 31 December 2027

Location: Klavier's apartment

"Achtung! I do not believe that for a moment," Klavier snorted, shaking his head. "Nein. No way."

"It's true!" Ema protested. "I never had time for boys!"

"You are telling me," Klavier started, muting the TV and turning to her, "that not a single man has, to this day, tried to kiss you?"

Ema raised an eyebrow at him. "Are we including you?"

Klavier laughed, not the slightest bit abashed. "No, not I."

"Then yes," she answered, taking a sip of her diet coke. "That is exactly what I'm saying."

"I do not believe you," Klavier said bluntly.

Ema scowled. "Don't believe me then," she retorted. "It doesn't really matter to me."

"You must have scared them away," Klavier said, his eyes fixed on her intently. "You are far too attractive not to be noticed."

Ema rolled her eyes at his flattery. "Whatever, Gavin." Then, as a thought occurred to her, she eyed him shrewdly. "No need to ask about your conquests. The way Lady Cinnia was fawning all over you spoke volumes."

Klavier waved a hand dismissively, looking unhappy at the mention of the woman. "I do not seek relationships with such shallow women."

"You can't tell me you've never slept with one," Ema said and was surprised by how sour the question felt in her mouth.

It was even more distasteful when he hesitated.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed, pointing at him accusingly. "You're a scoundrel!"

"Hardly," he smirked. "What man has not? In fact what woman has not?"

Ema arched an eyebrow again while staring at him pointedly.

"Aha ha," Klavier laughed. "You are not normal, Fräulein."

"Hey!" she exclaimed, straightening in her seat. That wasn't fair! Who was he to call her abnormal just because she'd never let a man near her…? "You're in—"

"Allow me to rephrase," Klavier interrupted. "You are a special case. You are special."

Um…

She knew she should have been annoyed and she most definitely shouldn't let him worm his way out of his comments but Ema found herself entranced by the smile on his face, the look in his eyes. It wasn't fair that he was so handsome it was all she could do to meet his gaze.

What must he think of me? she thought, beginning to blush when his scrutiny moved from her eye to the rest of her features. Is he noting all my flaws? Is he beginning to wonder what the hell he's doing here with me? I sure am.

Feeling the weight of his observation and no longer able to take it, Ema looked away.

"Oh wow," she said weakly, pointing at the clock. "Look. It's almost midnight."

"Ja," he agreed quietly. "Almost a new year."

Just then (and much to her relief) the sound of fireworks outside cut into the uncomfortable silence. Ema jumped out of her seat and sped to the window in her haste to put as much distance between them both as she could. Focus on the fireworks, she told herself as she pushed the curtain aside to look out. Focus on the fireworks. Focus on Klav—NO! FIREWORKS!

And then something happened that pushed all thoughts out of her mind, including Klavier's — the lights went out, leaving her completely bathed in the dark.

What the…?

And then she froze.

Ema might have been okay, might have been able to able to control herself if it weren't for the fireworks outside, flashing brightly just like… like lightning.

Just like that night.

And in a split moment, she was felt the past fly by as icy fingers clawed at her heart — she was 16 and back in Gant's office and her fear was rising.

"Fräulein?"

She barely heard him.

Flash, flash, flash… the darkness and light alternated faster and faster, disorientating and awful. He was coming… any moment now, he would come…

"Ema?"

That…that wasn't his voice. The concern was out of place and… wrong.

What...?

"Look at me, Ema."

And suddenly two hands — familiar but odd — wrapped around her arms. The world shook under their command and then suddenly the scene before her melted into one of oceanic pools reflecting a spray of light. Ema blinked, disorientated, as she focused on his concerned eyes.

"K-Klavier?"

The apprehension in his face confused her. For a split second she forgot the flicker of images that had paralysed her as she tried to understand his expression, tried to pay attention to what he was saying.

"Please talk to me," he murmured, his eyes flying between hers frantically.

"Um…" Ema looked away and blinked, trying to make sense of the craziness that had taken over her – it had all happened so fast and so suddenly that she had barely been able to register the shock of her flashback.

What the hell just happened? One minute I'm freaking out and now…

She bit her lip. Where was all her fear now? And… why was she suddenly so aware of his proximity?

"Ema, you—"

"What happened to the lights?" she blurted out, unable to take much more of his anxiousness and really not wanting to get the third degree from him. Too late, she realised that her question hardly deviated from the subject and she mentally kicked herself.

"I am so sorry, Ema," he said, his tone remorseful. "I turned them off so you could appreciate the fireworks. I had no idea you disliked the dark."

He… I…

Dislike the dark?

A wry smile crept on her face and she looked down at their clasped hands. For the second time in a week, he'd displayed a tact she hadn't expected and instead of the embarrassment she might have felt, Ema felt only a surprised sense of gratitude. Her fear melted away almost as quick as it'd come and she was silently thankful for Klavier's intervention — he'd prevented the fear from really taking hold of her.

"Fräulein?" Ema looked up at him to see his eyes boring into her face. "You are smiling?"

"I was just thinking..." She stopped, suddenly feeling shy under his scrutiny.

"You were thinking…?" he prodded.

"I have a phobia of the dark and you referred to it as dislike." She smiled again when he looked confused. "I… It's just…" she sighed. "Thanks for that. It was nice of you."

Klavier straightened then and, with a chuckle, he pulled Ema into a warm hug, dropping a kiss to her forehead. She waited a split second for the urge to attack him to come but when all she felt was his comforting affection, Ema found her arms folding against his chest of their own volition.

"You'll find that I am an exceedingly kind and friendly man," he said, his voice taking on the merest hint of a teasing tone. "When I am not being slapped, of course."

Ema felt the urge to protest then but when she drew back to do so, his face was so full of laughter that it infected her; she pulled a face and looked out to the window again where the fireworks started up again with vengeance.

"Is it…?"

"Ja." Klavier smiled down at her. "Happy New Year, Ema."

A mysterious feeling came over her and suddenly her throat closed up so she couldn't reply. With his eyes still on her and one arm still steadying her, the changing year and the lights reflected in his eyes, she felt something inside of her unlock. Something emerged from behind an unknown door inside her that slowly enveloped her mind – and heart – in its iron-grip

So when she moved, it surprised neither of them.

Her hand travelled up his arm and around his neck, her fingers slipping into his soft hair. With gentle pressure, and her eyes still locked onto his, she pulled. He needed no more encouragement – Klavier's lips descended on hers, soft and wanting, and Ema felt it shake her very soul.

"Do not move," he whispered, his lips brushing against hers delightfully and Ema shivered. "Remain still."

She watched him move back a fraction and stare at her lips as if he were assessing something and then he smiled. With his hand still in her hair, Klavier drew her closer and Ema's eyes closed when she felt his breath race over her skin. When their mouths met, her lips parted for him but he still didn't accept her invite. He breathed against her slowly and the heat of him scorched her veins, melting every last shred of resistance remaining in her body.

His fingers came to cup her face and he brushed a thumb over her cheek and down to her lips where he prodded them further apart. Helplessly, she complied and shivered again when he groaned, the vibrations sending electric jolts through her body and then he was kissing her tenderly. His hands slid to her hips and he enveloped her in his embrace until her body was pressed against his and she was lost in him. He was intoxicating, rich and she was drowning in his scent, in his taste. As one hand settled on her waist, the other snaked around her and settled into the delicate curve of her back.

She didn't know what he was doing, didn't know if his fervent kisses were for tonight or if they would last and, as his lips moved to trace her jaw line, she didn't care.

In this one moment, he wanted her and she felt like a queen.

And the last thought to cross Ema's mind before Klavier robbed her of her senses was the regret that it had taken her so long to do this.

.'.

Time: 5:51 PM

Date: 3 May 2028

Location: Prosecutor's Lobby

Ema was searching through her bag for a pen when she felt a hand yank on her arm. Letting out a yelp of alarm, she rounded on her attacker as he pulled her into another room and closed the door with a loud bang!

"Klavier!" she hissed in his smirking face.

His only response was to pull her deeper into his arms. "I missed you," he murmured.

"It's been half an hour," she reminded him with a shake of the head. "I'd have expected you to—" She broke off abruptly as she took in her surroundings and then turned on him with a scandalised look. "Klavier Gavin, this is the men's toilets!"

"I know," he said, flashing her a grin. "I do not care."

"Well, I do!" Ema slapped at his arm. "Now let go! You're supposed to be with the witness and I have to—"

"Kiss me."

"What?" Her heart skipped a beat and she felt a warmth course through her. Damn him. Why could he still make her blush?

He leaned in, his mouth pressing into the corner of her lips. "You have to kiss me."

Her heart stopped altogether as she stared into his eyes. Even after all these months, he still had the ability to look at her and make her heart race, to touch her hand and leave it tingling and to kiss her and leave her breathless. Ema told herself she should be careful — all of her happiness rested with this man and it was a dangerous thing to depend on him for every joy — but it was no use. She couldn't find it in her to doubt him. There was too much honesty in his eyes, too much fire in his touch…

"Fine," he said with a smile after a moment. "I will kiss you then."

And he did. Without hesitation, he captured her mouth in a passionate kiss and her arms wrapped around his neck, sinking into his hair. Her legs buckled under his assault and, as if Klavier knew she was about to fall, he pushed her until her back met the wall and he was holding her against it. His kiss deepened even as he moulded himself into the shape of her body until there was no space left between them.

Ema sighed against his mouth and a shudder wracked his body. His lips moved until they were kissing the curve between her neck and shoulder and when a soft sound escaped her, another more violent shudder passed through him. A proud smile curved her lips at his response; that this man who exuded strength and power, who spent every day trying criminals and was chased by endless women could be so thoroughly undone by her touch made her feel more special than she had ever felt.

"I love you," he whispered.

She wanted to tell him the same. She wanted look him in the eye and repay him with those three words he blessed her with every day but his embrace was too warm and she couldn't bear to put any distance between them.

Ema felt his lips rise in a smile against her throat and the movement sent spasms of pleasure down her back. "I know, sweetheart."

Yes, she could never doubt him — there was too much of his soul in his words.

.'.

Time: 3:11 PM

Date: 13 December 2028

Location: Everywhere

"Amidst speculation about Klavier Gavin's latest crush, the former star of popular boy-band The Gavinners, has retired to his old family estate. Ema Skye (who has worked with the young prosecutor on some of his most important cases), is a detective often seen in the company of the singer and is the younger sister of the former Chief Prosecutor, Lana Skye. Though there were no signs of a romantic spark between the two, recent reports of Klavier kissing his colleague have left his fans heartbroken… "