Aftershock

by Shayla Zajac

When Kristoph goes to jail for the murder of Shadi Smith, Apollo's world is knocked upside down. He's not sure he can do this anymore. WARNING: self-harm UPDATED: Part 2. Apollo is finally starting to heal when he gets drawn into Vera Misham's trial. When the full truth about Kristoph comes out, everything starts to spin out of control.

2. Chapter 2

Quick A/N: And years after the first part, I've returned. I wasn't sure that I was going to continue this or leave it as a one shot, but I decided I was going to try my hand at a three short. That said, here's part two. It's set during and after 4-4 Turnabout Succession. There is hints of Klavier/Apollo (literally nothing happens though so don't get your hopes up) and mild Phoenix/Edgeworth.

Also, when writing the first part I didn't realize I had read the translation of Apollo's cat name and took it as her name. I'm going to go back and fix part one once I figure out how, but I did update it in this chapter to Mikeko.

I do not own Ace Attorney

---

October 8, 2026
Location: ?

Apollo stumbled out of the Wright Anything Agency in a daze. He could hear Mr. Wright calling after him but he slipped around a corner before he could catch up. He walked for what seemed like hours, his mind completely blank. Eventually he stopped in an alley, looking around to figure out where he was. The moment he stopped walking, the day's findings came rushing right back. Apollo leaned over where he stood and vomited violently.

"That night, Zak Gramarye was killed. He died as Shadi Smith, a mysterious traveler with a secret past."

"The truth revealed in that trial was only a sliver...and the impenetrable darkness that remained has taken another life. I knew what I'd have to do to push back the darkness for good. And it would involve paying that man a visit."

Apollo's knees buckled and he fell next to the pool of his own vomit. He couldn't...everything was...

He couldn't form a full thought. He was in such a state of shock that nothing felt real. Mr. Wright and his badge, Trucy's father, Vera's trial, Kristoph...even he, himself didn't feel real. It was like everything ceased to exist the moment Phoenix shared his findings with him. He stood up clumsily, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. It was like he wasn't in control of his body anymore.

Apollo stumbled to the end of the alley, looking out onto the main road. There was a drugstore right across the street. He brushed himself off and went in. He knew what he needed, what would help. He quickly made his purchase and crossed back over to the alleyway. He took the disposable razor out of the bag and methodically began breaking it to release the razor blades. With that done, he took off his tie and vest and unbuttoned his shirt, removing that as well, placing them into the bag. He rolled up his undershirt sleeve and didn't hesitate before pulling the razor across his upper arm. He made three cuts before leaning back against the wall, breathing heavily.

It hadn't made him feel better, Apollo thought vaguely. Normally when he was having trouble experiencing emotions, cutting brought him back into the moment to feel pain or guilt, but it wasn't working this time. He felt numb and empty instead. He slashed at his arm again, drawing two more cuts. He shivered as he finally felt some release, letting the bloodied blade drop into the bag with his clothes. He pulled out his button-down shirt again, pulling it on right over his fresh cuts. It should have stung but if it did, Apollo didn't feel it. He exited the alleyway again, this time taking note of the street signs of the nearby intersection. Clay. He was near Clay's apartment.

Apollo let his feet carry him there, the path so ingrained in his brain that he didn't even have to think about it. Before long, he was knocking on Clay's door.

"Apollo!" Clay cried as he opened the door. "Where have you—" he stopped as he got a full look at Apollo. His hair was a mess, he was missing his vest and tie, his shirt wasn't buttoned right, and worst of all, there was blood seeping through the left sleeve. Clay felt his heart drop into his stomach.

"Clay..."

"Come on," he said, grabbing Apollo's right hand and pulling him inside. "I'll clean you up." He shut the door and led Apollo over to the kitchen table.

"I have to grab supplies," he said as he sat Apollo down. Apollo just nodded as he stared blankly ahead. This was worse than Clay imagined. He walked over to the bathroom, pulling out his phone on the way and sending a quick message.

I have Apollo

Clay shoved his phone back into his pocket, not waiting for a reply. He grabbed his first aid kit from the medicine cabinet and went back out to Apollo. He carefully helped slide Apollo's arms from his shirt, tossing the bloodied article onto the floor. He went to the sink and grabbed a clean washcloth, letting cold water pass over it. He wrung it out and turned back to the table.

"Apollo, I'm gonna clean and bandage your cuts. Is that ok?" It was silent for a moment before Apollo finally nodded. Clay exhaled, grabbing another chair and moving back to Apollo's side. He carefully pressed the wet washcloth to Apollo's new cuts, getting a small chill as the cold water touched Apollo's skin. He worked gently in silence for a few minutes and then wrapped Apollo's upper arm with a long piece of gauze. It had been a while since Clay had to play nurse for Apollo, but he'd been nervously anticipating this since Phoenix Wright had called him earlier that evening. Clay put everything away and moved his chair in front of Apollo. He carefully grabbed Apollo's hand in both of his own.

"Mr. Wright called earlier. You kind of spooked him when you disappeared so quickly."

"..." Apollo didn't answer, too trapped in his own head.

"Listen, Apollo, I can see that you're really scared right now, but it's me. Look at me. You're safe with me." Clay spoke gently, but Apollo remained silent. Clay sighed, squeezing his hand before letting go. He pulled out his phone again, noticing he had a few missed texts from Mr. Wright.

Thank god

Is he ok?

Clay Im so sorry

I should have called you in when I told him about my investigation

trucy is worried, he's not answering her texts

is there anything we can do?

Clay's thumbs hovered over the keyboard for a minute. I know this is an important trial but is there any way to

He accidentally hit send early as he tried to figure out how to phrase it. Is there anyone else who can stand as defense tomorrow?

Phoenix responded almost immediately. I've been thinking about that since Apollo left but this trial is also a test of the jurist system. We're not allowed to change defense mid-trial, or the whole thing ends up in the trash and Vera ends up in prison.

Clay sighed. He'd figured it'd be something like that. He was kind of frustrated at Mr. Wright. He wanted the jurist system to be a success, for Vera to walk free, but to pin the hopes of the jurist system succeeding onto Apollo and Klavier, the two attorneys who will be the most affected...Clay knew Apollo wanted to see Vera declared not guilty, but doing so will most certainly lead to Kristoph getting the death penalty. A textbook example of being between a rock and a hard place.

Ok. I'll get him there tomorrow. If you see an opportunity to jump in and help...

I will

Do you have a key to Apollo's place?

Trucy does.

Do you guys mind at all heading over there and feeding his cat? I don't think he's going home tonight

We can do that

Thanks

This was going to get a lot worse very quickly. He exited out of the text thread and pulled up his conversation with Mr. Starbuck.

Hey mr. s, hate to do this over text and I wouldn't if it wasn't an emergency. I can't make it in tomorrow. Apollo has this case and I'm really worried about him. I think he's gonna need me in the courthouse with him.

No worries kid, I got your back. Let me know if Apollo needs anything. -SS

Clay snorted. He'd told Mr. Starbuck numerous times that he doesn't need to sign every text, but he was stuck in his ways. He also felt grateful for having someone like Mr. Starbuck as his mentor. He understood Apollo was family, and family came first.

I'm not really sure what to do. It's a family issue and it's kind of wrecked his mental state.

Keep doing what you're already doing. Be there for him. You always know exactly what Apollo needs, usually before he knows himself. But if you feel he needs professional help, don't be afraid to have that conversation. -SS

I know the last time Apollo was in a funk it was also because of a family issue. Is it his dad (?) again? Foster father? Sorry, I can't remember how Apollo addressed him. -SS

Clay was surprised. Apollo didn't speak to many people about Kristoph, and he certainly didn't go into detail about their relationship.

Yes. I'm not sure how much or what apollo has told you? I just I don't want to overstep.

There were a few times when you were busy with training that Apollo came looking for someone to talk to. He spoke about how his ? killed someone and that he was struggling with his mental health again.-SS

Yeah well it turns out that he not only murdered another person but he was also the one responsible for mr. wright losing his badge. mr. wright is apollo's boss. mr. wright just sprung all this on apollo which I get but also i'm kind of ticked about it. He could have done it more gently or something

I understand your feelings, because you're thinking about Apollo. Like I said, you always know what he needs. But I don't really think there was an easy way to tell him. It was going to be hard for him to hear no matter what. It's going to be a hard day in court for him, absolutely. You make sure he remembers all the people he has in his corner. He'll get through this. You'll get him through this. And you both remember I am always here if you need me. Love you both. -SS

Clay almost teared up, but he didn't have time to cry in appreciation of his mentor. He had a best friend that needed him.

"Mr. Starbuck says hi. He said let him know if you need anything or if you want someone to talk to." Apollo blinked slowly a few times and then finally focused on Clay.

"Clay?" Clay twitched up in surprise. He gently grabbed Apollo's left hand and squeezed.

"There's my buddy," he said, relief evident in his voice. "I thought I was losing you."

"I...don't really remember coming here. Everything after leaving court today is kind of a blur."

"Mr. Wright asked you to stop at the Agency afterwards. Do you remember everything he talked about? About...Kristoph?"

Apollo swallowed hard. "I...do remember that. I don't want to talk about it right now. I...I think I'll have a breakdown if I do, and I still have to get through court tomorrow. I can't think about...him. But I don't remember leaving the Agency."

"Mr. Wright called after you left. He said you were as pale as a ghost and you got away before he could catch up to you. You turned up here a couple hours later. You don't remember...?" He trailed off, his eyes falling on Apollo's left upper arm. Apollo followed his gaze and saw the bandages. His heart clenched as he touched them.

"So much for almost five months clean," he said bitterly. Clay squeezed the hand he was still holding.

"Don't beat yourself up. Dr. Leigh told you it could happen if you got into another episode or went through something traumatic. Which, this definitely qualifies. And also, you should call her."

Apollo nodded. "I will. When this is over. I just need to focus on getting through tomorrow." He suddenly jumped up. "Mikeko! I don't think I—"

Clay pushed him back into his chair. "Relax, Pollo. Trucy is going over to feed Mikeko."

Apollo nodded in relief. "Good. Okay. Mikeko likes Trucy. She'll be happy to see her." An odd expression pass over Apollo's face when he spoke about Trucy. Clay put his hands on Apollo's shoulders.

"What is it about Trucy that's got you thinking and worried?" He pulled back and Apollo nervously ran a hand through his wilting spikes.

"It's just, the trial of Shadi Smith is going to be brought up tomorrow and exposed for what it really was...the murder of Shadi Enigmar, her father. And I'll be standing next to her worried about the fate of his murderer. How can I face her?" Clay moved his chair beside Apollo's and slung an arm around his shoulders. Apollo leaned into him, laying his head down on Clay's shoulder.

"No matter what Kristoph has done, you're still allowed to grieve him. That's all I can tell you. I think Trucy will understand."

Apollo nodded and then frowned, deep in thought. Clay let him stew it over for a minute before he finally voiced what was on his mind. "Should I warn Klavier?"

Clay knew this question was coming, but he wasn't quite sure how to answer it. "I'm... not sure. I think it's something you'll have to answer for yourself. As Klavier's friend, I'd say yes. But in the courtroom, your friendship is secondary. As the defense to his prosecution...maybe not. I know it doesn't seem fair that you know and he doesn't. But the trial should proceed fairly and unbiased." He was relieved to see Apollo nod in agreement.

"You're right. I just hope he forgives me afterwards."

"He'll understand. But it'll take time to get over something like this, for both of you."

"I know. But I'm done talking about it for now. At least until after the trial. I don't want to think about it. I don't want to think about anything." Apollo had that faraway look on his face again, so Clay put a hand on his arm.

"Hey. Stay with me. Don't go running away again. I know it's gonna be hard, but I need you here. Trucy needs you, and Phoenix needs you, and Klavier needs you. And Vera. You told me she's fighting for her life right now. Give her something to fight for." Apollo blinked rapidly, pushing off a fresh wave of panic and nausea. "Focus on me if you need to. I'm here for you, I'm always here for you. I love you."

"Safe," Apollo croaked out, his gaze now focused on Clay.

Clay nodded. "Yeah, like I told you earlier. You're safe with me." Apollo took a few steadying breaths and nodded.

"Thanks, Clay."

"I was there for you last time, and I'll be here for you this time. Every minute of every day if you need me," he said, his tone teasing, but Apollo knew he was sincere. He leaned back into Clay's side for a minute, Clay sliding an arm around his back. He was truly grateful to have Clay in his life. He wasn't sure what he'd do without him.

"So, what now?" he asked after a few minutes. Clay looked at the time.

"Now I think you should get some sleep if you can. Or we watch movies. Either way, these kitchen chairs aren't that comfortable."

"I think I'm too distracted to watch a movie right now."

"Bed it is then." Clay stood up, extending his hand to pull Apollo up. Apollo stared wistfully at his shoulder for a moment while Clay pushed the chairs back in. He'd never admit it out loud, but the cuts comforted him in a way. It was so much easier to focus on the physical pain from the cuts than the emotional pain of this trial's expected outcome. He shook his head to clear it. There's no way Clay will let him out of his sight any time soon, so there's no use in thinking about it.

Clay turned back around, looping his arm through Apollo's and lead the way to his bedroom. "So, do you want the Iron Man or the Spider-Man pajamas?"

"Spider-Man, obviously."

"I was hoping you'd say that, I really wanted Iron Man." Apollo chuckled as they entered Clay's room and Clay went over to his dresser to pull out said pajama pants, along with some fresh t-shirts. He tossed the Spider-Man ones to Apollo.

"Do you want to be the big spoon, or the little spoon?" Clay asked as they quickly changed. Apollo thought for a second, pulling the blankets down as he did.

"I think I'll fall asleep easier as the big spoon." Clay nodded and they hopped into the bed, putting their phones on the chargers. Clay always had an extra plugged in for Apollo. They settled in and Apollo wrapped an arm around Clay. Other people might not understand, or might assume things, but Apollo wasn't really concerned about what other people thought. And Apollo really needed the comfort right now, and Clay understood that.

Apollo snuggled in closer, taking in the scent and feeling of his best friend. It calmed him down immensely, being able to see and smell and touch Clay, and surprisingly, he drifted off much sooner than he'd expected.

---

October 9, 2026
Clay Terran's Apartment

Clay woke up the next morning to find Apollo beside him in his bed, still asleep. He was relieved Apollo had been able to sleep at all, but dreaded the moment he'd have to wake him up and bring him back into this hellish situation.

They must have turned over and switched positions at some point in the night, because he was now facing Apollo's back. He carefully removed his arm and one of his legs and slipped out of the bed. He grabbed his phone and saw it was 8:15. They'd have to leave soon if they wanted to get Apollo to court on time. His car was at the shop, out of commission at the moment, and Apollo of course refused to learn how to drive. Clay never understood it, but Apollo was fine with his situation. He sat back down on the bed and stared at Apollo, before laying back down and cuddling back up against his back.

"It's time to wake up, sweetheart," he said teasingly, planting a kiss on Apollo's cheek. Apollo reacted immediately, scrubbing his face to wipe it off and turning to face Clay.

"You could have just shook me awake," he complained.

"You know you didn't really mind it," Clay joked. Apollo shook his head at him, chuckling, and then seemed to remembered the situation he was facing today and instantly sobered up. Clay watched his eyes glaze over in pain and he rested a hand on Apollo's cheek.

"Apollo. I'm here with you. You're safe." Apollo shook his head again.

"Don't worry. I'm here. I'm wherever you are. I'll be okay for this trial...at least until it's over." He scooted closer, burying his face into Clay's chest, and Clay wrapped his arms around him. "Do we really have to get out of bed though? It's so warm and you're so comfortable," he complained.

Clay laughed. "Apollo, we live in California. It's warm outside too, ya know. And yes, we have to get up now to make it on time, or Trucy might try to keep Mikeko forever." Apollo groaned into Clay's chest and then scooted back again.

"Okay, okay. I don't really trust Trucy with Mikeko long term yet." He moved away from Clay and stretched. Clay rolled out of bed and walked over to his closet.

"Alright, so you're gonna have to wear a second day in a row suit; sorry, I didn't think to put it in the wash last night. But I have a fresh shirt and button-down for you," he said, pulling said articles of clothing out. He grabbed the bag Apollo had brought with him and pulled out his vest and tie as well. "These seem ok. This—" he said as he held up the bloodied button-down shirt. "I think there's no saving. We'll get you a new one. Or you can keep mine, I never wear that one anyways." Apollo grabbed his left shoulder as he stared at the bloodied shirt on the floor. He hissed with pain as he pressed down on his cuts. He'd almost forgotten his slip-up yesterday. Clay walked over with his clothes and set them down on the bed before gently pulling Apollo's hand off his shoulder.

"Hey. Don't worry about it. You'll be fine. You're Apollo Justice, and you'll be fine."

"Say it three times and it'll be true," Apollo said weakly. Clay smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Exactly. Now, you have exactly ten minutes to shower and dress, so you might want to hurry. Unless you want to share a shower and have 20 minutes together," he said, winking and laughing. Apollo shoved him away, laughing himself.

"I think I'll take my own shower this time, thanks," he said, grabbing the clothes and standing up.

"Your loss," Clay shrugged. Apollo laughed again and made his way into the bathroom. He turned on the water and undressed as he waited for it to get warm. He stared at his fresh cuts in the mirror, pressing down on them again. It was still painful. He realized that as long the pain bothered him, it gave him something else to focus on. He could use them during the trial as a distraction if he needed to. He just had to make it through the next few hours. Then he could be mad, or breakdown into tears, and it wouldn't matter anymore. He wouldn't matter anymore. He shook his thoughts from his head and stepped into the hot stream of water, trying to prepare for the day ahead.

---

They made it to the courthouse with only a handful of minutes to spare. Apollo was about to enter the defense lobby when Clay grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"Apollo. I know today will be hard, but I know that if anyone can do it, it's you. Just remember, we always have each other, no matter what. I love you," he said, pulling Apollo in for a quick, tight hug. Apollo squeezed back with enough force to crack Clay's back.

"I love you, too. Thank you, Clay, for everything." He pulled away and turned back to the door, pushing it open. Clay caught a quick glimpse of Phoenix and Trucy in the lobby before the door shut. Clay rushed over to the prosecution side of the gallery, wanting to be visible to Apollo from the defense bench.

Clay dug his nails into his arms numerous times during the trial. Every revelation shook him to his core, and although he couldn't see his face, he knew Klavier would be having a worse time with it. Apollo at least had half a day to prepare for this trial, while Klavier was faced with everything for the first time in the public eye. He felt bad he had suggested that Apollo not warn him, and made a mental note to subtly ask Klavier if he had a good therapist.

It was hard to watch Kristoph's madness play out in front of him. Being best friends with Apollo for years, he thought he knew Kristoph well enough by extension. It was becoming clear nobody truly knew him, not even his brother. He wished he could be by Apollo's side, but Apollo at least had Trucy next to him, although once in a while he would see Apollo subtly grabbing his left shoulder. He had a feeling Apollo was using the pain as a distraction, but he decided he wouldn't confront Apollo over it.

When Kristoph finally snapped over the revelation of Phoenix Wright's involvement in the Jurist System, Clay had to look away. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and looked up to see the man, Phoenix Wright himself, had taken the seat next to him. Phoenix was staring straight ahead at Kristoph, determination in his eyes.

"I'm sorry you have to see this. I'm sorry they have to see him like this," he whispered, nodding his head in Apollo and Klavier's direction, not taking his eyes off the witness stand.

"I won't accept...I can't accept...this is no court? Law...! The law is everything! Law is absolute! You'd let ignorant swine soil your courts?" Kristoph erupted, looking disheveled and nothing at all like the man who'd taken in a teenage Apollo Justice. Clay flinched at his statements and yet, he knew as hard as it was for him to hear, Apollo and Klavier were surely having a worse time on the courtroom floor. He wanted nothing more than to grab Apollo's hand and squeeze it tight, for both of their sake.

"Except for you, Kristoph," Klavier was saying. "You aren't changing. You've stopped. You're not needed anymore." Clay felt his heart break for Klavier. His emotions were raw, almost tangible. He was hurting and Clay didn't know how to help him like he did Apollo. He could only hope they all made it out the other side.

---

Clay rushed down the gallery steps after the verdict was announced, Mr. Wright still in the Jurists Chamber. He couldn't get Kristoph's final laugh out of his head. It seemed to be lingering, even as Kristoph was led out of the courthouse. He pushed his way through the crowd of people until finally he was on the courtroom floor, running straight towards Apollo. He grabbed Apollo's shoulders, looking at him. Apollo had that faraway look on his face again. Clay had a feeling if he wasn't holding onto him, Apollo would've bolted by now, the way he did yesterday. He wrapped an arm around Apollo's waist, leading him into the defense lobby, Trucy following close behind.

"Clay? Is Polly okay?" She asked once they were in the quiet of the empty lobby. He sat Apollo down on one of the benches, noticing a small amount of blood coming through his shirt at his shoulder. Clay took off his Gyaxa jacket and quickly put it on Apollo. If Trucy saw he was bleeding, she'd be even more worried.

"He'll be okay," Clay said, watching Apollo carefully. "I should probably take him home soon, though. Is there anything else he needs to do before he leaves?"

"No," a voice answered from the doorway. Clay turned to see Mr. Wright standing there. "He's free to leave. But can I talk to you for a minute?" Clay turned back to look at Apollo. Trucy could sense his hesitance and slid an arm through Apollo's.

"Don't worry, I'll watch Apollo for a minute." Clay nodded and turned back to Mr. Wright. They slipped out the door, letting it shut behind them.

"So, what happened last night? Is there anything we can do to help?"

Clay sighed. "Not really. I don't know. Maybe being around Trucy would help. He lost a chunk of time. He doesn't remember what happened between leaving the Agency yesterday and when he showed up at my place. I think this thing with Kristoph is too hard for him to think about, so he tries to just stops thinking and feeling at all. But that's not going to help him get over this. He needs to feel and to be angry and to grieve. Which I know is hard for you to hear, isn't it?"

"That someone I care about cares so much about Kristoph Gavin? It's not a great feeling, but I'm not judging Apollo. He's only human. We all are."

"...It's best not to push him, but it's also best if he's not left alone for too long, either, which is exactly what he's going to want. If Trucy wants to hang out with him, I think that'd be a great idea. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to spend every waking moment with Apollo, but he needs to learn he has more than just me."

"I'll see if she wants to call him up this weekend."

"Thanks, Mr. Wright."

"Will you be bringing Apollo to work with you everyday? Will your boss be okay with that?"

Clay chuckled. "Actually, Apollo and I have been close friends with my supervisor since high school. He won't mind at all. He's already expecting it." Phoenix was surprised. He supposed there was still a lot about Apollo he didn't know.

Phoenix nodded. "And what about you?"

Clay looked startled. "What about me?"

"Kristoph may not mean as much to you as he does to Apollo, but he was still a part of your life for a few years. I watched you during the trial. It's just as hard for you too. It's ok to ask for help yourself, you know."

Clay smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mr. Wright, but I'll be okay. I've got Apollo."

They turned and headed back into the defense lobby. Trucy was still clinging to the arm of an especially quiet Apollo while she babbled about who-knows-what. She stopped when she saw her father and Clay. Clay turned to Phoenix again.

"Can you give me and Trucy a minute?" he asked quietly. Phoenix nodded, heading over to the bench and helping Apollo into a standing position. He put an arm around Apollo's shoulders and led him out into the hallway. Clay made his way over to sit next to Trucy.

"How you holding up, Truce?" She shrugged, worry still evident in her eyes as she stared at the door her father and Apollo had left through.

"I'm okay. I knew about my daddy—my old daddy for a while now. I saw the picture in the paper when daddy got arrested. I hadn't seen him for a while, but I still recognized him. I knew daddy would never do such a thing, especially to my old daddy. That's why I tried to help him by giving Polly that card. I...didn't realize what it was, or how daddy had come by such a thing. I didn't realize Polly could've gotten in trouble over it...I never told him I was sorry about it. But I've known since then, that my old daddy was gone. I was sad, but daddy helped. Working with Polly helped. I've had time to get over it. I lost my old daddy, but I'm not alone. But...is Polly gonna be okay? He seems so lost. I can feel his sadness, but it's like he doesn't want to let it out. I want to help him, but I don't know what to do."

Clay smiled. "It makes me happy that you care about him. Apollo went for so long having no one in his corner. And then he had me and then he had Kristoph. I...the man I saw out there today is not the same man who'd invite me over for dinner, is not the same man who's house I stayed at so often. It's hard for even me to come to terms with what he's done. It's even harder for Apollo. He...I don't want to say too much. But Apollo struggles with his mental health. So it's going to be a difficult time for him, even with me and you in his corner."

Trucy nodded sadly. "I thought so. I have a friend...she has good days and bad days. Like Polly. And daddy had a lot of bad days after the trial with my granddaddy. I knew today would be a bad day for Polly."

Clay is astounded by the maturity Trucy is displaying, and he's also touched to see how much she cares. "Yes, I think Apollo is going to have bad days for a while. Like right now, he's here but he's not here. That's what happened last night. He's just in shock about everything."

"It was a disappearing act worthy of a magician," she said, frowning.

"It was. I promise to keep a better hold on him from now on, if you'll help me. I think it would do him a lot of good to know he has people other than me who care about him. I can't think of anyone better than you and your daddy."

Trucy nodded seriously, then hopped up, a bright grin on her face. "Don't worry, Clay, you can count on us! Or, you can count on me, at least. I took good care of Mikeko last night."

"Oh that's right, I heard you were debating not giving her back." Clay said, laughing as he stood as well. "Where is Mikeko being held for ransom?"

"I didn't actually take her. She doesn't like to leave Polly's. But I slept over so she wouldn't be lonely."

"Thanks for doing that. Apollo was worried about her. Speaking of, I think we should get back to them," he said, nodding his head towards the door. Trucy nodded, and then gave him the biggest hug he'd ever received. He was surprised, but returned it.

"I'm glad Polly has you," she whispered in his ear. His eyes welled up for a second. He was glad Apollo had her, too.

---

Clay unlocked Apollo's apartment, shoving said occupant inside. Apollo had remained silent the entire way home. Mikeko came running to the door, rubbing herself against Apollo's ankles. Apollo finally seemed to come back to himself as he picked up his cat and baby-talked her as he walked to the kitchen, apologizing for not coming home the night before as he fed her. Clay stood in the doorway for a minute, watching Apollo silently as he fed his cat. Operation Never-Leave-Apollo-Alone had commenced, even if Apollo didn't know it. He kicked off his shoes and moved over to the couch. When Apollo turned around, he was surprised to see Clay going through a stack of movies with his phone in his hand. He walked over and sat down next to him.

"I...blacked out again, didn't I?"

"You did," Clay confirmed, nodding. "As soon as the trial ended. I could tell you were struggling a lot. But don't worry, I had you this time."

"Thank you. What are you doing now?" Apollo asked curiously.

"Well, last time we left off on Thor. So I'm like 99 percent certain that the first Avengers movie would be next, but I was doubting myself so I had to look it up." Apollo snorted.

"Of course it's Avengers. Loki is brought back to Asgard in chains in Thor 2, and Iron Man 3 deals with Tony Stark post battle of New York."

"Yeah I guess, but where does Winter Soldier fit in?"

"After Iron Man 3, before Guardians." Clay consulted the timeline on his phone, nodding.

"Ok, freaky Marvel boy, you're right."

"Freaky? We've seen these movies a thousand times. I don't understand how you still don't know the order without looking it up."

"Yeah, well, I don't understand why we didn't fold your couch out last time we did a marathon. I was on that uncomfortable ass air mattress when you have a pull out sofa bed." Apollo took a breath to retort, then realized he had nothing. He let out a chuckle instead.

"You just want to cuddle again," Apollo accused. In honesty, he was glad for Clay's company; he knew it was probably going to be another rough night.

"You're right, maybe I can't get enough of that sweet ass," Clay joked, winking. Apollo threw one of his couch pillows at him. Clay laughed as he narrowly dodged it.

"You're impossible," Apollo told him, shaking his head.

"Yeah, but that's what you love about me," Clay said, throwing an arm around Apollo. Apollo cuddled into his side, the feeling of Clay's heartbeat keeping him calm and steady. Clay kept a careful eye on him, but Apollo seemed relaxed for the moment, so Clay relaxed with him.

Apollo eventually broke the silence. "I'm guessing I'll be stuck with you for a while." Clay hummed in agreement.

"You know what they say. For richer for poorer, sickness and in health and all that." Apollo snorted.

"Clay, we've been over this. Those are wedding vows. We're not married."

"Potato, potahto," Clay said, shrugging. They both stood up, Clay walking over to the TV to put the movie in, Apollo turning to open the couch up.

"In any case, I feel bad about your rent. Maybe we should've just stayed roommates."

"Umm, no. We both agreed that at some point we'd both have significant others and it'd get awkward. Aaaaand then you met Klavier, so, right call. We wouldn't want him thinking you're already Apollo Terran." He turned and blew Apollo a kiss. Apollo immediately turned red and began sputtering.

"I...Clay...I...do not...why would I...I'd never take your last name!" Apollo finally spit out. Clay laughed deeply in response.

"That's the part you're focused on? So you're not denying you have a crush on Klavier Gavin?" he asked, still laughing as he walked into the kitchen to put some popcorn in the microwave. He can feel Apollo having a nuclear meltdown behind him.

"Clay Terran!" Apollo huffed, walking in behind him.

"Apollo Terran!" Clay yelled back at him, pulling out a bowl for the popcorn. He fished one out just as the microwave went off.

"We're NOT married, Clay! And if we were, I would never give up Justice!"

"Clay Justice just doesn't have the same ring to it, though. How about hyphenating? Clay Terran-Justice?" he asked seriously as he poured the popcorn into a bowl. He walked back out of the kitchen as Apollo stomped along behind him.

"Whatever! I DO NOT HAVE A CRUSH ON KLAVIER GAVIN, CLAY TERRAN-JUSTICE!" he yelled, causing his downstairs neighbors to pound on the ceiling in protest of his volume. Clay set the popcorn on the coffee table, collapsing into a fit of laughter onto the newly made sofa bed. Apollo shoved him over so he could have "his side" of the bed, picking up the bowl of popcorn as he frowned at Clay. "What's so funny?" he demanded.

"So you don't have a crush on Klavier, but you do finally admit we're married! Where's my ring?"

Apollo realized his slip of the tongue. Instead of being mad, he laughed. Only Clay could distract him like this. He knew this good feeling wouldn't last, no matter how much he wanted it to, but for now he could enjoy quality time with his best friend.

"How could I have forgotten? I have it right here, dear husband," he said as he pulled open the drawer of the endtable. He pulled out a Ring Pop, unwrapping it as he got down on one knee. "Clay Terran, will you take me for as long as it takes you to eat your ring?" Clay laughed, accepting the Ring Pop.

"I do. You may now kiss your husband."

"Clay, I'm not kissing y—" he was cut off as Clay pecked him on the lips, both immediately laughing. "All right, all right. Let's get on with this marathon." They settled down next to each other, still sitting up while they ate the popcorn. Clay glanced at Apollo a few times during the movie, knowing that someday soon the pain would hit him, but for now he seemed ok, and Clay would still be there when he wasn't. He'd pull through. He was Apollo Justice, and he'd be fine.

---

October 10, 8:30 am.

A true miracle happened. Vera Misham opened her eyes.

---

October 10, 9:12 am.
Apollo Justice's Apartment

Apollo is woken up to the feeling of his phone vibrating from under his pillow. He tried to sit up, but stopped when he realized Clay was cuddled up behind him. He sighed, pulling out his phone. The sofa bed really wasn't meant for two adult males to have any kind of space between them. He stared at the display for a moment before it registered. Phoenix Wright, it read. He quickly answered it.

"Hello? Mr. Wright?"

"Heya, Apollo. Just thought you'd like to know...Vera woke up this morning. About an hour ago. She's ready for visitors if you and Trucy wanted to visit."

"Of course!" he exclaimed, sitting up quickly. Clay groaned as his arm was tossed aside. "Oh, sorry Clay," he directed over his shoulder, watching as Clay sat up, sleepy and confused.

"Oh good, Clay's still with you."

"Yes, and he has no regard for personal space sometimes." Clay stuck his tongue out at him.

"How am I supposed to give you personal space on this tiny sofa bed?" he demanded. Phoenix chuckled after hearing him.

"So you two are sleeping together. Guess I owe Ema ten bucks. Trucy had her money on you and Klavier."

"MR. WRIGHT I—"

"ACTUALLY WE GOT MARRIED JUST LAST NIGHT, MR. WRIGHT!" Clay butt in after figuring out who Apollo was talking to. "WE'RE REGISTERED ON AMAZON OR ACCEPTING AIRLINE MILES FOR OUR TRIP TO TOKYO."

"Ah, mazel tov! You know, I think Miles has some miles...actually, he probably has another jet he could charter..."

"CLAY AND I ARE NOT MARRIED AND WE'RE NOT SLEEPING TOGETHER!"

"DON'T LET HIM FOOL YOU, MR. WRIGHT, YOU SHOULD SEE THIS BIG ROCK HE GOT ME!" Clay bursts out laughing, followed by Mr. Wright, and Apollo realized they were both yanking his chain.

"All right, hardy har har. I'll swing by and grab Trucy, and we'll go to the hospital. I'm guessing you're not coming with us?"

"I'm actually just leaving now. Vera seems in better spirits and I know seeing the both of you will help. I have to meet someone soon, so I won't be back for a bit."

"Ok, I'll be there soon. Thank you, Mr. Wright."

"Nah, you did all the hard work, kid. I should be the one thanking you. I'll see you later though, ok?" Mr. Wright hung up before he could protest. Apollo shrugged and set his phone down, taking a minute to stretch before he swung his legs off the sofa bed. He turned to see Clay texting someone, his Ring Pop in his mouth.

"You're both incorrigible, you know," he said to Clay, giving his shoulder a shove. Clay looked up at him, a cheesy grin on his face.

"Yeah, but that's why you keep us around, right?"

"If you say so. You wanna come see Vera with me and Trucy?" he asked as he stood up, heading to the kitchen to feed Mikeko her breakfast.

"For her sake, I'm gonna pass. You told me how shy she is and I haven't actually met her yet. I don't want to scare her. Besides, I have to meet Mr. Starbuck for a little bit today," he said as he also stood up and stretched.

"On a Saturday?" Apollo asked, turning to him with a frown.

"I know, it's weird, but it's Mr. Starbuck," Clay said, shrugging. "I'll meet you at the Agency in a little bit. You'll be ok with Trucy, yeah?"

"You know she's younger than me and I don't actually need a babysitter."

"Not to babysit. You and I both know you're not over the trial yesterday. I just don't want you to be alone when it catches up to you. And it will."

Apollo frowned again, clutching his left shoulder. Clay knew this move. He was still taking comfort from his cuts and scars. Exactly what Clay didn't want. He took a few steps to close the distance between himself and Apollo and grabbed the hand clutching his arm, gently pulling it down.

"Hey. You still got me. You got Trucy, and Mr. Wright, and a certain hot German rock star. You'll be ok. We'll be ok. Just don't let yourself go there."

Apollo still looked a little uncertain, but nodded. "You're right. You're right. Anyways, we both need a shower. You want to go first?" he asked, the tension leaving the room.

Clay arched an eyebrow. "Who said we have to take turns? I think we can share the shower now that we're married," he said in a fake flirting tone, grabbing Apollo's hands in his own. Apollo rolled his eyes, shoving Clay.

"You already tried that yesterday, you pervert. And we're not married."

"This ring says otherwise," Clay said, holding up his Ring Pop. Apollo stepped back in disgust.

"Eugh, I'd take it back if it wasn't covered in spit."

"That's not the only thing I can cover in spit," Clay winked. Unable to hold it anymore, he fell back onto the sofa bed, laughing. Apollo just rolled his eyes again, turning towards his bedroom and the bathroom.

"Never gonna happen!"

---

October 11, 2026, 4:26am
Apollo Justice's Apartment

Apollo woke up, grabbing his phone off the charger to check the time. It was much too early to be awake on a Sunday, but he couldn't sleep. Every time he was in a deep enough sleep to start dreaming, he was jolted awake by nightmares. He was surprised he hadn't woken Clay with his restless sleep. Apollo carefully left the sofa bed, doing his best not to wake Clay with his movements.

He moved to the bathroom. His skin was starting to itch, practically begging to be ripped open again. He dug his nails into his skin, trying to hold it together. He couldn't cut again, he'd promised Clay; he especially couldn't cut again with Clay asleep in the next room. He flung open a drawer and grabbed a rubber band instead. He slid it onto his wrist, snapping it a few times, letting the quick stings wash over him. It wasn't enough. Apollo left the bathroom and stepped into his bedroom. He walked over to his dresser, pulling out a pair of shorts, an old Gyaxa shirt, and a hoodie. He dressed quickly and then grabbed his running shoes from his closet. Apollo was halfway to his front door when he stopped. He turned back to Clay's sleeping form on the couch. Clay would want Apollo to wake him up. So he moved back and knelt down in front of Clay, gently shaking him.

"Clay."

"Pollo? Wassit?" Clay mumbled, wiping at his eyes with his fists. Apollo shuffled anxiously.

"I need to go for a run, but I didn't want you to wake up and find me gone." Clay opened one eye to glance at the time on his phone. He was about to grumble about being up before the sun, when he heard the familiar snap of a rubber band on skin, so he sat up instead, sliding his feet to the floor.

"Okay. Let me grab some clothes." He got up and made his way to Apollo's room. He grabbed a few things from Apollo's dresser, feeling thankful he'd been wearing his running sneakers yesterday. He made his way back to the living room, noticing how restless Apollo looked.

"You don't have to come with me if you want to keep sleeping," Apollo said as he fidgeted with the rubber band on his wrist.

"You woke me up for a reason. Anyways, I could use the exercise," Clay said as he laced up his shoes. He grabbed Apollo's airpods off the end table, sliding in the left and handing Apollo the right. "Now, come on."

They ran silently at first, Clay struggling to keep up with Apollo at times. After a while, Apollo seemed to have expelled most of his restless energy, and Clay was able to keep pace with him. Apollo stayed quiet, seemingly focused on the road ahead of them and the music. Clay was relieved to see he was no longer fidgeting with the rubber band. He knew snapping a rubber band on his wrist was better than Apollo cutting himself, but that meant Clay knew Apollo was struggling with his self-harm tendencies. He could tell that was why Apollo was so desperate to go on this run so early in the morning. He just hoped it was because Apollo had stopped himself from cutting, and not just because he couldn't cut. Clay had carefully removed every sharp object from Apollo's apartment after he'd left to go see Vera. He felt a little guilty digging through all Apollo's personal belongings, but Apollo knew how to hide his tools. Clay had been relieved not to have found any newly hidden knives or razor blades.

Eventually, they were nearing Apollo's apartment again. Apollo slowed to a walk, sweat dripping off of him. He came to a stop at a bench in front of the park near his apartment and sat down, double tapping his airpod to stop the music. Clay followed his lead and sat next to him. They remained quiet until Apollo finally broke the silence.

"Thanks, for not questioning and just coming with me. I...needed that. I didn't sleep well. I kept having nightmares. It kind of frazzled my already frazzled emotional state." Clay nodded.

"I could tell. I see the rubber band is back," Clay said, nodding to Apollo's wrist. Apollo looked down at it himself, spinning it but not snapping it.

"I...really wanted to. My skin was crawling, like it was begging for the release. But I fought it...I couldn't, I didn't want to do it, especially while you were in the next room."

"You wouldn't have been able to, anyways. I went through your whole apartment before you and Trucy came back. I wasn't trying to invade your privacy, you know that." Apollo nodded.

"I expected that, to be honest. And I appreciate it." They were quiet for a moment before Clay voiced the question on his mind.

"What did you think would happen? If you really had broken down and cut yourself?" Apollo fidgeted with his bracelet.

"I was worried it would finally push you away. You've dealt with my shit for so long, Clay. Aren't you sick of worrying about me already?" It was one of the few nightmares he'd had that didn't involve Kristoph, Clay getting mad and frustrated with him and leaving him. He felt Clay wrap an arm around his waist.

"Apollo Justice. Don't you know by now? You're my best friend in the whole wide world. In the whole wide solar system, even. There is absolutely nothing you could do to make me love you any less, much less leave you. I'm here for you at your best, and at your worst. You mean everything to me, okay? If there's one thing you don't have to worry about, it's me leaving you. Got it?" Apollo nodded weakly. He really didn't know what he'd done to deserve Clay Terran in his life.

"Got it. But also, no offense, we're both pretty sweaty and smelly and you're too close," Apollo said, removing Clay's arm from his waist and standing up. Clay also stood up, huffing.

"You don't smell any better yourself, Justice. Race you to the shower?" he asked, running before Apollo could even answer.

"Hey!" Apollo called, chasing after him. "You're cheating!"

"You're just mad I'm winning!" Apollo caught up to Clay and beat him to the door by seconds. He laughed as he took out his keys.

"You know you can only beat me by cheating, that's why," he said as he unlocked the door, keeping his voice down since it was still pretty early. "But I'm feeling generous, and you can take the first shower."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, it's fine. I had the first shower the past couple days. I can catch the early news while I start the coffee."

"Alright," Clay said, heading to the bathroom. Apollo seemed to be doing okay. He let the hot water wash away the sweat and soothe his sore muscles. He hadn't run like that in a while, but he supposed he should get used to it. He knew Apollo often ran as a distraction technique. He finished his shower and stepped out, grabbing a fresh towel to dry off. He grabbed a clean set of clothes from Apollo's closet and headed back into the living room.

"I'm all done in—Apollo?" Apollo was standing next to the couch, frozen, tv remote in his hand, a broken mug and spilled coffee on the floor. Clay followed his gaze to the tv and felt his heart drop to his stomach. The news was showing footage of Kristoph being led from the trial, the headline reading "Former Defense Attorney Gavin Given Death Penalty."

---

The week following the news report passed by in a blur to Apollo. He went wherever Clay went, which was mostly to the space station. He didn't speak much, even to Clay; he just didn't feel like it. Mr. Starbuck gave him busy work which he appreciated. It gave him something else to focus on. Even Aura Blackquill was oddly kind to him; or at least she let him sit quietly in the robotics lab while she worked on "Hunk of Junk" as she called Clonco.

It was often quiet on the drive back to Apollo's apartment. Clay held Apollo's hand while he drove, understanding that Apollo just didn't feel like talking. Once they got home, Apollo would eat whatever Clay put in front of him to keep him happy. Truthfully, he hadn't had an appetite since before the trial. Clay seemed to understand this too, as he only pushed him to eat dinner. They'd curled up on the sofa bed for movies afterwards, until eventually they fell asleep. Sometimes Apollo would sleep through the night, and sometimes Clay would wake up to find Apollo getting ready to go for a run. He never left without waking Clay, though, and Clay never let Apollo run alone.

On Friday during his lunch break, Clay received a text from Mr. Wright asking if Apollo wanted to come over for the weekend. He debated to himself silently for a moment, leaning back in his seat. He glanced at Apollo, finally deciding he'd just let Apollo choose.

"Hey Apollo, Trucy wants to know if you guys are gonna hang out this weekend?" Apollo looked up from the book Aura had lent him. Clay wasn't sure if he was actually reading about mechatronics engineering or just using it as a decoy to not be disturbed. He looked thoughtful for a minute.

"Yeah. I think I'd like that," he finally said quietly. "You gotta be getting sick of me, anyways."

"It's not like that," Clay protested. "To be honest, I love all the time we're getting to spend together. I figured you might be getting sick of me, actually, and being dragged to the space station every day."

Apollo chuckled a little, surprising Clay. "I don't think it's possible for anyone to be sick of you, Clay. Least of all me. And I like it here. Mr. Starbuck is great, and Aura's...unique. I kind of like her."

Clay snorted. "Not surprising. You've always managed to make friends with semi-scary girls. Are you actually going to be changing careers?" he asked, nodding his head in the direction of the mechatronics book. He was surprised when Apollo just shrugged.

"It's pretty interesting. Law hasn't exactly worked out the way I thought. Aura was telling me about a certificate program..." he trailed off as he flipped the page. Clay frowned. He reached over and grabbed one of Apollo's arms.

"Apollo, you wanted to be a lawyer since I met you. Since before you met Kristoph. You can't just throw away your dream because of him. I mean, you're allowed to have a new dream. You're allowed to put your dream on hold while you take care of yourself. But can you really say you don't want to be a lawyer anymore?" Apollo closed his eyes, an unreadable expression on his face. Finally he opened them, shaking his head.

"I can't say that. But I'm also not ready to throw myself into new cases yet."

"And that's fine. Just keep sticking with me. I told you, you're stuck with me. But what do you want to do this weekend? Hang out with me some more or spend some time with Trucy?"

"...Trucy," he said firmly. "I know you said you're not sick of me, but you deserve time to yourself, too. And I actually kind of miss Trucy and her crazy antics."

Clay chuckled, pulling his phone back out to answer Phoenix and Trucy, both of whom responded almost instantly. He took a moment to read it before relaying it to Apollo.

"They're gonna swing by when Trucy gets out of school. She said there's an extra bed if you want to stay the weekend, if the two of us can manage to go without each other for a couple days. That's a direct quote, along with a few winky face emojis." Clay groaned while Apollo laughed.

"You can't let the Wrights bother you. They feed off of embarrassment, I think. I guess it would be easier if I stayed for the weekend..." he looked over uncertainly at Clay.

"I'll be a quick text away if you need me. It sounds like Trucy is really hoping you'll stay with them."

Apollo nodded. "Sure. I'd like that."

---

October 16, 2026
Wright Anything Agency

Friday night passed by fairly peacefully. Trucy excitedly showed Apollo a few new tricks she was working on, and Mr. Wright left them alone except to offer them takeout for dinner. When it got late, Trucy showed him the spare bedroom. Apollo set his backpack on the bed and noticed Trucy hovering in the doorway.

"What's up?" he asked her as he unzipped his backpack. She seemed hesitant, which was unusual for her.

"I just...wondered how you're doing, Polly."

"I'm fine, Trucy," he answered, determinedly not looking her in the eye. They both knew he was lying, though. He'd been quiet all day, just as he had been all week, but Trucy wasn't as used to it as Clay was. Apollo's silence was unsettling to her.

"Ok, Polly. I'm here if you...want to talk. Good night," she said as she backed out of the room. She knew Apollo was still holding everything in, but she didn't know how to get him to open up. She wasn't sure that he'd even want to open up to her. She hoped one day he would.

---

October 17, 2026, 2:38am
Wright Anything Agency

Apollo woke up with a gasp, drenched in sweat and heart racing. He sat up, reaching to shake Clay before he remembered he was at the Wright's. He could still feel the nightmare, like it had settled into his skin and he couldn't shake it off. He got out of bed and shakily made his way to the bathroom. He shut the door quietly and began pacing. This was bad. This was bad bad bad. He dug his nails into his arm. He snapped the rubber band on his wrist. It wasn't helping. He sat on the toilet, trying to take deep breaths. He gave up after a minute. He belatedly realized he didn't even know the last time he'd seen his phone, so he couldn't call Clay if he wanted to.

He continued to pace anxiously and snap the rubber band. Nothing was working. Nothing was going to work...except for the one thing he wasn't supposed to do. He'd promised Clay he wouldn't do it anymore. He'd promised that the last time was the last time. But he remembered how good it always felt, how relaxed he'd been after. But he didn't have any materials with him...

Apollo rummaged through the bathroom drawers and cabinets. There was a whole pack of brand new razors, and a full first aid kit. He took one of the razors and snapped it in half, separating one of the blades from the rest. He took off one of his socks, shoving the remainder of the razor inside. He didn't want Mr. Wright asking why one of his razors ended up in the trash, broken. He sat back down on the toilet, pushing up the leg of his shorts.

Just once, he was going to do it just once, and it would be easier to keep his thighs out of sight. He brought the blade down. Just one cut, just one, and he would feel so much better. The relief he felt as the blood pored out was almost intoxicating. The fear and anxiety from his nightmare just washed away. He focused solely on the stinging pain of the cut. He felt so much better, and that was just from one cut. Surely one more couldn't hurt...or actually, it would hurt, but that was the point. He drew another line across his skin with the blade. It felt like pure ecstasy. He didn't feel anything else anymore, and his head lolled backwards as he soaked it in.

He wasn't sure how long he sat there, blade in his hand, blood pouring down his leg, but he jumped up when he heard someone shuffling in another room. He grabbed some tissue and quickly rinsed the blood from his leg. He swiped some neosporin over his new cuts and wrapped it in gauze as fast as he could. He was just cleaning up the blood that had dripped on the floor when someone knocked on the door.

"I'll be out in a minute," he called as he flushed the toilet, getting rid of any bloody evidence. He scanned the bathroom as he turned the cold water on, rinsing off the blade. He dried it and wrapped it in a piece of tissue, and then put it in his sock with the other pieces. He took off his other sock and balled them up together.

Apollo finally opened the door to see Trucy standing there, bleary-eyed. "Polly? You ok?"

"Just had to use the bathroom," he said. Better a half-truth than a flat out lie, especially to someone who'd catch him lying in a second.

"Ok," she muttered, sleepily stepping into the bathroom. Apollo quickly went back to the guest room. He threw the sock ball into his backpack and sat at the edge of the bed. Now that the rush of cutting was over, he began to feel guilty. He'd broken his promise to Clay, he'd pretty much lied to Trucy...but he couldn't deny how much better he felt. Even just knowing he had some fresh blades nearby gave him an odd sense of comfort. He quickly fell back into a more peaceful sleep.

---

October 18, 2026
Apollo Justice's Apartment

The rest of the weekend passed without incident and Apollo returned home Sunday night. He entered his apartment to find Clay cooking in the kitchen, Mikeko near his feet clearly hoping for scraps. She ran over when she heard the door, rubbing herself around his ankles in greeting. He stared at Clay's back as he petted her, the guilty feeling returning. He was in the middle of deciding whether or not to mention it when Clay finally turned around, smiling widely when he saw Apollo.

"I was wondering what made her finally leave me alone for two seconds," he said as he crossed the room, tongs still in hand as he gave Apollo a quick hug. "I found your phone, by the way, it was under the couch. I put it on your charger."

"Thanks," Apollo said as he dropped his backpack on the floor.

"How long has it been missing and how the heck have we been listening to music on runs?" Clay asked, confused.

"My airpods automatically connect to your phone too, remember? It just plays whatever you were last listening to, which is usually Fall Out Boy, which I'm fine with. And I'm not sure when I last saw it...last week maybe."

Clay quickly connected the dots and understood Apollo must have lost track of his phone the day of the news report. "So, what'd you and Trucy get up to?"

"I crushed her at Smash Bros," Apollo replied, smirking. Clay laughed at that.

"She learned the hard way that you're practically unbeatable, didn't she?"

"Yeah, but she obliterated me and Mr. Wright at Mario Party."

"Aw, you should've told me, I would have got online to join. I love watching old people play video games." It was Apollo's turn to laugh.

"Mr. Wright said he'd only play under the condition that you weren't invited. Anyways, he wasn't that bad."

"Sure, sure. He's got you on their side now," Clay said, feigning hurt. Apollo just laughed and gave him a small shove.

"Impossible. Don't you know I'm glued to your side?" Clay slung an arm around Apollo's neck, pulling him to his side.

"Well then, glue, I do believe it's time to eat."

---

October 19, 2026 2:14 am
Apollo Justice's Apartment

Clay woke up when felt Apollo shoot up into a sitting position, gasping loudly.

"No!" Apollo cried out. He didn't seem to be fully awake yet, still trapped in whatever nightmare he'd had. Clay sat up quickly himself and grabbed Apollo by the shoulders.

"Apollo! It's me, it's Clay. You're safe," he said as Apollo woke up completely and collapsed into Clay's arms. "You're safe." Apollo shook violently, like he was freezing cold, so Clay held him tighter. He didn't seem to be calming down, which worried Clay. Suddenly, Apollo pushed away from him and ran to the bathroom. Clay followed after him when he heard Apollo begin to vomit. He got to the bathroom door just as Apollo flushed the toilet, looking weak. Clay knelt down next to him and grabbed a tissue, holding it out. Apollo grabbed it and wiped his face as Clay switched positions to sit beside him.

"Kristoph?" was all Clay asked, rubbing his back. Apollo just nodded silently. He snapped the rubber band on his wrist aggressively, every snap smacking against his skin louder each time. Clay winced at the red marks they were leaving but didn't say anything. He was about to ask if Apollo wanted to go for a run when Apollo finally spoke.

"And Dhurke." He hugged his knees to his chest and buried his face. Clay stopped rubbing his back, startled. Apollo hadn't mentioned Dhurke in years. "Kristoph had killed him, and Trucy. And he was going after you."

Clay understood Apollo's violent wake-up now. He put an arm around him. "I'm here, Apollo, I'm just fine. If you want, we could call Trucy and I'm sure she'd answer for you."

Apollo shook his head. "No, she has school in the morning, she doesn't need to be woken up worrying about me. You're right anyways. It was just a dream, I'm being stupid." Clay knew it was less about the dream and more about Apollo's abandonment issues. He understood Apollo's trauma. He'd never known his birth parents, Dhurke left him when he was nine, Clay's own father had passed too, and now Kristoph...it was enough to give anyone abandonment issues.

"You're not being stupid. Nightmares heighten and worsen pre-existing fears. Don't you remember all the nightmares I used to have about bees? You never told me I was being stupid when I'd wake up crying. And bees are a completely irrational fear."

Apollo gave a weak chuckle. "You used to make me check every inch of you for stings, and then make sure they weren't swarming your house." Clay laughed at that.

"I told you, I used to dream we had to stay lying facedown on the roof or else the bees would get us. But you see? I wasn't being stupid and neither are you. Kristoph hurt you, Apollo. It's going to take time to get over it." Apollo nodded slowly but stayed quiet. "Now, do you want to try to sleep again? Or do you want to watch the next few Marvel movies or go for a run?"

"What time is it, anyways?"

"About 2:30," Clay answered after checking his watch. Apollo thought for a moment.

"You wouldn't mind running at this time?" he asked quietly. Clay stood, holding out a hand to pull Apollo up with him.

"I don't mind as long as I'm with you," he said, arm around his waist. Apollo smiled faintly.

"Maybe...we could run to our spot and stargaze?" he asked. Clay grinned broadly.

---

October 19, 2026 7:59am
Cosmos Space Center

Apollo and Clay walked into the space center just in time for Clay's shift. They were both visibly exhausted after being up most of the night. Solomon took one look at them and knew he'd be covering for Clay all day. He normally didn't mind, but Cosmos seemed to be on a warpath today for whatever reason. He really didn't want Cosmos coming in and finding the two of them asleep at Clay's desk when Clay was supposed to be training.

"Hey boys," he greeted cheerfully. As expected, he only received grunts in return as they both fell into their chairs. "Fair warning, the boss is in a bad mood. You might want to hang out with Aura today," he directed at Apollo. Apollo nodded, groaning as he pulled himself out of the spare chair on the side of Clay's desk. He waved goodbye and headed out the door.

"Thanks, Mr. Starbuck," Clay said, trying to focus on some random paperwork he had on his desk on his desk. He knew it was something in space he was supposed to be tracking, but he was too exhausted to focus.

"Even the boss doesn't dare enter Aura's lab. How Apollo managed to tame the beast, I'm not sure."

Clay snorted. "You're telling me. It took years for Aura to even acknowledge my presence. Meanwhile, Apollo gets immediate first name basis." He gave up with the paperwork, choosing to lay on it face first instead. Solomon chuckled.

"Late night? What on earth did you two get up to, anyways?"

"Apollo had a nightmare."

"Ah. So of course, neither of you got any sleep after that."

"Not really. We went for a run and looked at the stars. He'd calmed down by then, but by the time we got back it was pretty much time to leave."

Clay was so quiet that Solomon thought he'd fallen asleep, so he was startled when Clay spoke again a few minutes later. "Why did Kristoph have to do what he did?" He stood up suddenly and paced, anger on his face. "Why did he forge that evidence, why'd he try to blame it on Mr. Wright, why did he kill those people, and why did he leave Apollo?" Clay was so angry he slammed his fists onto his desk.

"Clay." Clay collapsed into his chair, his anger spent, pulling his knees to his chest as Apollo had done earlier. Solomon moved to Apollo's usual chair.

"I don't know if either of you will get the answers you're looking for. I do know that however much I want to, I don't have answers to give you. I didn't know him that well. The only thing you can do is keep moving forward."

"I know. Sorry I got mad, Mr. Starbuck," Clay muttered into his knees. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I'd be more worried if you weren't feeling all the emotions, kid. And maybe someone out there has some answers for you, but they'll find you if they do. Don't waste your time and energy chasing after them." It was quiet afterwards. Solomon felt Clay's shoulder moving rhythmically under his hand, and understood Clay had actually fallen asleep this time. He gave him a pat on the back and moved back to his desk.

"Sweet dreams, kid."

---

Apollo stopped in the bathroom on his way to Aura's lab. Running and stargazing and not going back to sleep had helped in the moment, but now it was quiet again. He was left alone with his sleep-deprieved thoughts again. The nightmare flashed through his mind as he looked at himself in the mirror. Dhurke's bloodied body, Trucy in a hospital bed, not waking up, Vera's bottle of nail polish beside her...Kristoph hunting Clay like an animal. Apollo ducked into a stall. He removed his wallet from his pocket and pulled his pants down. He sat on the toilet, breathing heavily. He remembered the Mr. Wright from his nightmare. He was crying, and he was angry. Angry at Apollo. 'How could you have loved such a monster? It's your fault they're dead. My little girl...you'll end up the same way. He raised you, after all.'

It flashed through Apollo's head all at once. It overwhelmed him. He opened his wallet, shaking, and pulled out the blade he'd taken from the Wrights. He removed it from the tissue he'd wrapped it in and pushed the leg of his boxers up. He pressed the blade into his thigh and made three cuts before he even remembered to breathe again. He stared at what he'd done. He'd made another cut before he remembered he was at Clay's work. Apollo almost dropped the blade in shock. What was he doing?

Apollo grabbed some tissue and pressed it against his thigh. They weren't very deep cuts, so the bleeding slowed after a few minutes. He took some more toilet paper and wrapped it around his leg as a makeshift bandage. That would have to work for now. He pulled his pants back up and flushed the mess. He listened to make sure he was still alone before leaving the stall, moving quickly to the sink to wash the blade. He dried it and then wrapped it in a small piece of tissue again, his hand hovering over the garbage can. He should throw it out, he knew he should...he pulled out his wallet, shoving it back into the hidden pocket instead.

---

Apollo initially told himself he'd only cut if he really felt he had to. But as the days wore on, he found himself slipping off to the bathroom more frequently. He pushed away any qualms about doing it in the space center bathroom. It was really the only option he had during the week. He was often conflicted with himself. Part of him knew Clay was trying to help, but the other part of him felt like what he was doing was helping.

It was easier on the weekends he chose to visit the Agency. The Wrights didn't watch him as closely, so Apollo knew Clay hadn't told them about his...habit. He still wasn't comfortable being alone with Mr. Wright. He was still having nightmares most nights, and that one he'd had replayed itself most nights. He didn't have any problem being around Trucy, but for some reason seeing her father triggered the memory of Trucy lying dead in a hospital bed from his dream. You'll end up the same way...would he?

---

Clay could tell Apollo was struggling. They still woke up early to run almost every morning, but Clay felt like Apollo was getting even less sleep. The dark circles under his eyes and frequent stream of coffee certainly supported the idea. He'd noticed him pulling away a little, too. It wasn't unusual for Apollo to hang out with Aura, but lately he was spending at least half the day holed up in the robotics lab. Aura said he was reading through her mechatronics textbooks, that he was quiet and respectful unlike some people. It was the quiet part that concerned Clay, especially after Trucy had similarly texted him that he was often quiet. She'd also expressed that he seemed unwilling to be alone in a room with her father...Clay didn't say anything, just kept a close watch. There was no use being suspicious and treating Apollo like a criminal. Apollo would come when he wanted help. He always did.

---

November 17, 2026
Cosmos Space Center

Apollo swore quietly to himself. He'd took his usual bathroom break on his way to the robotics lab, but he'd accidentally cut himself a little deeper than he'd meant to. He'd held the tissue to the cut for a solid five minutes already, and still it kept bleeding. He was wearing his court suit...maybe he'd get lucky and no one would notice? He shrugged and started wrapping it with the toilet paper. It'd have to do. He carefully made his way to the lab after cleaning up.

"Hey," he greeted Aura as he entered the room. She nodded at him and turned back to her work. Apollo cautiously made his way across the room, but he managed to stumble as he was about to sit. He bumped the new cut and swore as he felt the blood flow down his leg. He lifted his pant leg slightly and sure enough, the blood was already dripping down to his ankle. He heard Clonco approach him before he could pull the pant leg down again.

"Are you injured? You look pale. Shall I help you to the sickbay?" He froze as Aura turned to look at them. She looked confused, then glanced down at his still exposed ankle. She saw the blood running down and jumped up.

"Apollo, are you okay? What happened?" she asked as she closed the distance between them. Apollo jolted and let his pant leg drop.

"Nothing. It's nothing. I'm fine."

"Bullshit, you're bleeding." She pushed him onto the trunk holding the emergency ladder and pushed the leg of his pants back up. "Where is this cut anyways?" She'd pushed his pant leg up as far as she could and still couldn't see where the blood was coming from. She was startled when Apollo yanked his leg back.

"I'm fine," he insisted. "Really. I nicked myself the other day and I must've knocked it back open. It's on my thigh, I think." Aura stared at him, expressionless. She pursed her lips.

"How many of those excuses do you have?"

"It's not an excuse!" he protested, but stopped as she pulled of her left glove. She pushed up the sleeve of her lab coat.

"Trust me, I know every excuse in the book." Apollo gaped silently at the scars running down her arms until she pulled her sleeve back down. "Now let me look at it."

She crossed her arms when Apollo fidgeted uncomfortably. "It's...kind of high up my leg." She sighed and moved over to the door, locking it and pulling the shade on the window down.

"The camera's out in the hall. Pull your pants down." She stopped at her desk, opening one of the drawers to pull out a first aid kit. She walked back over to Apollo, who hadn't moved. "Seriously. It's nothing I haven't seen before. So you can pull them down, or I can cut them off. Your choice."

Apollo reached for the button, pausing again for a fraction of a second before deciding Aura was serious. He pulled them down and then sat down, pushing the legs of his boxers up. To her credit, she didn't flinch. She took his right thigh in her hands, examining the bleeding cut.

"Little too deep on this one, but you shouldn't need stitches," she declared after a moment. She pulled a cloth from one of her lab coat pockets. "Clean, I swear. Clonco! Can you bring me my bottle of water?"

"Yes, Miss Aura!" The robot brought the bottle from Aura's desk. "Do you need Clonco to put the patient in the sickbay, Miss Aura?"

"Nah he's fine." She poured the water on cloth and cleaned the cut and surrounding area, and then held a fresh piece of gauze to it. It took almost ten minutes of firm pressure, but it did finally stop bleeding. Aura continued to work in silence, using butterfly bandages to pull the skin back together. When she was done, she poured some more water on a new cloth and gently wiped it down again, and also wiped off the blood that had dripped down his leg. She wrapped gauze around the cut when it had dried.

"It'll leave a nasty scar, but you already know that," she finally spoke as she cleaned up. She moved back to her desk, and Apollo quickly moved to put his pants back on. Aura turned back around and considered him. She'd felt an odd sort of kinship with Apollo when Clay had first introduced them, but she hadn't been able to explain it, even to herself. Now she knew. He was as broken as she was. She wasn't sure what happened, what kind of trauma he'd suffered, but it was obvious his mental health was shit, same as hers. Maybe...

"What you need is a distraction," she decided. He looked up at her. "Engineering keeps my hands and mind focused, distracted. You're obviously not working right now. Maybe you need to. I'd go insane if I didn't." She noticed his flinch at the word insane but chose not to pry.

"I don't think I'm ready to take a new case."

"I didn't mean you have to go back to your lawyering. I'm not saying you should give it up if you don't want to, I just think you could use something in the meantime. Being here with your boyfriend all day is giving you too much time to think."

"For the hundredth time, Clay's not my boyfriend." Aura rolled her eyes.

"I don't see you arguing my other points." He sat down on the trunk, fully clothed this time, looking thoughtful.

"I...used to wait tables in college." Aura nodded.

"There you go. Restaurants are always looking for servers and bartenders. Actually, I think my friend Steph is looking for someone to work lunches." She pulled out her phone and shot off a quick text. Her phone pinged almost instantly. "Yeah, she said 10-4, Monday through Friday. You're not going to find better hours, which I'm sure you know. You and Clay can still have plenty of not-boyfriends time, and it'll keep you busy. Just think about it? I'll text you the info." She turned back to her work. Apollo continued to sit, thinking. He had actually been in the restaurant business longer than he'd been a lawyer. It was the first, erm, technically legal job he'd held. And he couldn't deny the tips would be nice. He was uncomfortable being financially reliant on Clay, even if Clay said he didn't mind. If they were going to pay two rents despite sharing an apartment again, the least he could do was chip in. He at least made up his mind to discuss it with Clay on lunch.

---

They sat outside on one of the benches when Clay's lunch rolled around. Clay dug into his sandwich immediately while Apollo pulled out his phone. He stared at Aura's text again before pulling up the restaurant on Google Maps and social media. It had pretty good reviews, and the staff (those that were willing to be photographed, that is) seemed like a good crew of people. He put his phone away and turned to Clay.

"So, I've been thinking about waiting tables again." Clay turned to him surprised, mouth full of sandwich.

"Wach bru thppa on?" Apollo rolled his eyes.

"Swallow your food first."

Clay did as he was told and tried again. "What brought this on?"

"I think...it would do me good if I kept busy. And I'm not ready to go back to the courtroom yet."

Clay thought about it himself and finally nodded. "If this is what you want. But does that mean you're gonna go back to working nights and weekends? I barely saw you in the months leading up to the bar," he whined. Apollo laughed.

"You know it was actually studying for the bar that took up most of my time. And no. Aura has a friend looking for a lunch shift server, and weekdays to boot. It's actually not that far from here, assuming her friend actually hires me."

"You know what I say, you do you boo."

"You've never said that."

"Well, I'm saying it now. I understand wanting to keep busy, and if this is how you want to keep busy, then I'm not gonna stop you." Apollo nodded.

"I'm gonna head over there to fill out an application after your lunch."

"And thus ends the Clay and Apollo space stay dream team." Apollo laughed and gently shoved him.

"Maybe, but there's no ending the Clay and Apollo dream team."

---

November 18, 2026
Brew Brothers Bar and Grill

Apollo entered Brew Brothers Bar and Grill and walked up to the bar. The bartender was down at the other end, chatting with a couple customers. She had shorter brown hair, which she'd covered with a beanie, and a black choker necklace. She saw him sit down and held up a finger, and Apollo nodded. She grabbed new drinks for the guys she was talking to and made her way down.

"Hey! What can I get for you?"

"I'm actually looking for Steph?"

"Oh! You're Aura's friend! I'm Steph," she said, holding out her hand, which Apollo shook.

"Apollo Justice."

"Aura said you've waited tables before?"

"Yeah. I started as a host when I was 14. When I turned 16, they put me on the floor. I had to leave when I started interning in a law office."

"So you're a lawyer?" she asked, surprised. "Why come back to a restaurant?"

Apollo shifted uncomfortably. "I..." He tried to figure out how to word it, but Steph shook her head.

"No, I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that if it's too personal."

"I just...I had a few cases end poorly, and I need a break from the legal field." Steph nodded.

"I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. I'm gonna grab you an app, but can you start tomorrow?"

"Sure," he said, surprised. Steph noticed his expression and laughed.

"Aura has never sent me someone before. If you managed to make friends with her, then that tells me all I need to know. I'm not usually behind the bar, but my bartender is waiting tables," she said, nodding to another girl who was taking an order at a table. "We're just so short staffed without a daytime server, and the girl who works the weekend lunch shifts goes to school during the week. Let me grab you a shirt, as for pants and shoes, wear whatever you're comfortable with. Shorts are fine, too. Shoes preferably nonslip, but you know that I'm sure. Let me do a round and I'll be back." Apollo nodded as Steph walked away.

She came back a few minutes later with a few shirts in hand that read Brew Brothers. "If you're gonna work five days a week, you're gonna need more than one shirt," she explained as she handed them over. "If you end up liking it here and last more than a week, Andrea over there can customize them with your name on the back." She turned around and lowered her flannel, revealing the name Gringo on the back.

"That's pretty cool," Apollo nodded. "Aura didn't tell me much, can I ask why Brew Brothers?" Steph laughed as she turned back around.

"It's simple really. My dad and my uncle started Glendale Brewing, then they came into this place. My dad ran it for a while, but his passion is crafting new beers with his brother. I've been working here since I was '14'." She put air quotes around 14 and winked. "When I was old enough, I took over, and he went back to the brewery. He insisted I didn't have to, that I was free to 'walk my own path' or whatever, but I grew up here. I love it here." She shrugged, stepping out from behind the bar. "He still comes in, helps with the paperwork and stuff when I'm shorthanded like this. But it's pretty much all mine. If you ever want to meet them, the brew brothers are usually in Friday nights. So, can you come in at 9 tomorrow and I'll give you a tour and everything?"

"Sure."

---

November 19, 2026
Brew Brothers Bar and Grill

Apollo was surprised at how quickly he fell back into his serving routine. He had a steady pace of tables, enough to keep him busy but he never felt overwhelmed. Steph followed him to the first table but then let him be, happily declaring him a natural and a great team player. She went to the office to do paperwork and told him she was available if he needed her.

They hit a lull around 2:30. Apollo lingered in the kitchen, but there wasn't anything for him to do. The two cooks, Tim and Stacy, were pulling on hoodies.

"Hey, we're gonna step out if you want to join," Tim said as he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

"Sure," Apollo replied as he followed them. Tim held his pack out in offering as they stepped out the back door, and Apollo slid one out, taking the lighter Stacy offered. He lit it before his brain finally caught up with him. He froze with the cigarette still at his lips. He did smoke at his previous restaurant jobs, that was true. He'd hid it from Kristoph, and Clay had always hated it. He'd learned very quickly that the only way you got a break was if you smoked, so he'd picked it up. He hadn't smoked in years, though. He finally shrugged to himself and took a drag. He felt himself start to relax as the nicotine entered his system.

Apollo shook his head, tuning back into the conversation Tim and Stacy were having. He learned they were actually a married couple, and they learned that he was gay when he laughed after Stacy mentioned having a single girlfriend she could hook him up with. They finished their cigarettes and made their way back inside.

"Hey, Clay," Apollo greeted as he entered Clay's shared office. It looked like Mr. Starbuck was busy elsewhere.

"Hey man. How was your first day?" Clay asked without looking up from the star chart he was studying.

"Not bad. About 150."

"For a lunch shift? That's not bad. Aura was looking for you, by the way. First time she ever comes in our office and it's to look for you," Clay grumbled. "If either of you were straight, I'd think you were having an affair."

Apollo laughed loudly at that. "You don't have to worry about that."

---

November 23, 2026
Brew Brothers Bar and Grill

Apollo made it three shifts before he gave in and cut himself at his new job. He slipped into the men's room during the midday lull, fueled by a lack of sleep and a fresh supply of nightmares. He made a couple quick, shallow slashes on his thigh, not wanting to go too deep again. He wiped off the small amount of blood they produced and went back to his shift.

---

Date: ?

He'd been trying not to do it often at work, but his lack of sleep was affecting him more than he wanted to admit. The nightmares created such intense emotions that he didn't know how to handle. Apollo was a master at putting on a happy face for his tables and for Steph and his coworkers, even for Clay sometimes, but inside, he was crumbling. He'd been crumbling for a long time. He started stepping out for smoke breaks with Tim and Stacy more often, hoping the nicotine would distract him. It never worked and more often than not, he'd find himself slipping into the men's room after punching out to add to his collection of scars before walking over to the space station to meet Clay.

He was torn between wanting to hide his relapse from Clay and desperately wanting Clay to know. He considered telling Clay one particularly hard afternoon as he paced the length of the men's bathroom. He couldn't talk himself into it and finally gave up, hiding away in a stall to cut his skin open some more.

---

Date: ?

Apollo liked working in the restaurant, but he wasn't sure Aura had been correct in assuming that keeping busy would keep him from cutting. He never let on to her that he continued to cut himself after the time she patched him up, and if she knew, she never asked about it.

He liked working for Steph, and thus felt horribly guilty every time he'd cut himself in the Brew Brothers bathroom. Not enough to stop, but enough to add to his guilt. Combined with the guilt of hiding things from Clay, and from Trucy and Mr. Wright (they didn't even know about his restaurant job yet), he experienced a considerable amount of guilt. It just made him cut himself more.

---

Date: ?

He hated it. The feeling crawling around inside him. The overwhelming sadness. It wasn't just Kristoph, it wasn't just the nightmares. He knew it was his depression...but he couldn't bring himself to care. He couldn't bring himself to try. His depression wanted to drown him, wanted to suffocate him, and it was getting harder to fight it everyday. Sometimes it took everything he had to get out of bed when Clay got up, to go to work, to put a smile on for customers, and his coworkers. He was drowning, and he was having a hard time breathing, and nobody noticed.

---

Date: ?

Clay noticed. Apollo barely slept, but he also struggled to get out of bed. His smile was robotic, and didn't meet his eyes. He played a part, the Apollo he thought people wanted or expected, even for Clay. Mr. Wright had said in a text that Apollo often just laid on the couch at the Agency on the weekends, not even responding to Trucy anymore.

Clay had tried to talk to him, but Apollo just insisted he was fine, really he was fine. He was fine as the bags under his eyes grew, he was fine as he lost weight he didn't have to lose, he was fine when he went for a morning run after not sleeping all night, and he was fine when he called off work and slept all day. Clay knew he couldn't let this go on much longer, or he risked losing Apollo forever.

---

Date: ?

Sometimes his blade felt like his only friend. He knew it wasn't true, but he still took comfort in the feeling of it sliding across his skin, in the way his skin came apart in an effort to hold himself together.

Pretending he was fine was getting exhausting. Apollo was tired, so tired. He pretended to be fine during the week, smiling for Clay, for Mr. Starbuck, for the customers at the bar, and so he spent his weekends just lying on the couch at the Agency. Mr. Wright didn't bother him and had gotten Trucy to leave him alone once he caught wind of Apollo's moods. Apollo kind of appreciated it. It was the only time he stopped pretending to be fine. It was the only time he stopped being. He just stared at the ceiling and let Apollo Justice and his problems disappear.

---

December 10, 2026

Aura didn't see Apollo often anymore, since he started working for Steph. She caught sight of him once, when he stopped on his way home from work to wait for Clay. He looked awful. She took one look at him and knew he hadn't stopped cutting. Aura bit the inside of her cheek. She was reluctant to call anyone a friend, after what happened to Metis and Simon, but...there was something different about Apollo. She saw a bit of herself in him, she supposed. That's why it was so hard to see him losing to his depression. She made up her mind to talk to Clay after the weekend.

---

December 11, 2026
Wright Anything Agency

Apollo had been having a good day for once. He even felt good enough to take up Trucy's challenge for a Smash Bros rematch.

Phoenix returned to the Agency and was met with an odd sight. Apollo was squatting on the couch while Trucy was next to him actually standing, both with extremely focused and competitive looks on their faces. Then he saw the controllers in their hands and chuckled. Trucy was determined to beat Apollo at least once in Smash Bros, although she hadn't done it yet. He set down his briefcase and sat on Trucy's other side.

"Come on, Polly, at least admit I almost had you that time!"

"I still had two lives left!"

Trucy groaned in frustration. "I just don't understand how you're so good. Anyways, time for something else. Daddy, do you want—" she trailed off as she finally got a good look at her father. "Daddy, why are you wearing your old court suit?" she asked as she retook her seat in the middle. Apollo slowly sat back down as well.

"Well..." he glanced sideways at Apollo. "The board has been reviewing some old cases. They finally found something that proves I had nothing to do with the forgery. From seven years ago, that is. They called me in to discuss their findings, and what it means for me."

"What does it mean for you?" Trucy asked.

"They said if I want to, I can retake the bar exam. I can get my badge back." Phoenix almost expected the silence in the room. He expected Apollo to look away; Apollo could barely stand to be alone in a room with him these days. He did not, however, expect Trucy to break the silence by blowing up.

"So that's it? You're going to be a lawyer again? I barely saw you when you were investigating your case, what happens now? What happens to me? What happens to us?" She cried and fled the room, slamming her bedroom door behind her. Phoenix ran after her, unaware of Apollo taking the opportunity to slip out of the agency.

---

Apollo wasn't sure where he was going until he found himself back at Brew Brothers. He'd finished his shift only a few hours ago, so Steph was surprised to see him sit down at the bar.

"Apollo! Can't get enough, came back for a drink?" she teased. Apollo just nodded, shaking off his hoodie. "Well, what are you drinking?"

"Jack and Coke," he said, pulling out his card to start a tab. Steph returned a few minutes later and set his drink in front of him.

"You haven't stayed for a shift drink since you started. Normally, I'd love to ask the occasion, but we're actually kind of swamped and I have to make rounds. You want a menu?"

"Nah, I'm good. Thanks, Steph." Apollo sipped at his drink as she walked away. When Phoenix had made his announcement, he wasn't sure how he felt. He should feel happy for Mr. Wright, he should feel concerned about Trucy's unexpected anger, but he couldn't bring himself to be. His only instinct had been to run, so he did. He should call Clay. He should call someone, he shouldn't be drinking alone, and he definitely shouldn't be drinking on an empty stomach. He knew this, but he didn't care. His first drink was gone before he knew it, and one of the other bartenders placed a new one in front of him.

Tim and Stacy clocked out and joined him as he finished his second drink. They got a round of drinks and then covered them with a napkin, heading out the front door for a smoke. Apollo took one from Tim without hesitation, lighting it and inhaling deep. He knew he was tipsy, already on his way to drunk after a lack of food, but he still didn't care. Drinking was making him feel better in a different way than cutting did.

"So Apollo, what brings you back out this way?" Stacy asked curiously as she took a drag.

"Just felt like a drink," he answered simply, shrugging.

"Trouble at home with your boyfriend?" Tim guessed. Apollo laughed at that.

"I've told you guys, Clay isn't my boyfriend. We're just best friends. And no, we're fine." His stomach twisted with guilt. Things weren't fine and Apollo knew it, but Clay wasn't the reason he was out drinking tonight. Luckily, Tim just laughed and let it drop.

They made their way back inside and sat back down at the bar. Apollo took a few sips of his new drink while Tim and Stacy chatted about some fiasco that had happened during the dinner rush. He felt his phone buzz as he finished his third drink.

apollo where the hell are you

If Apollo had been sober, he definitely would've answered Clay. But Apollo was buzzed and showing no signs of slowing down, so he shoved his phone back into his pocket and flagged down the girls for another drink.

---

Clay paced Apollo's living room, growing more irritated and concerned by the minute. It was almost one in the morning and Apollo still hadn't answered his texts. It had been hours since anyone had seen him. He wasn't even sure how long it took Mr. Wright to notice Apollo had left the Agency. He pulled out his phone, debating if he should call 911, when it buzzed in his hand. He opened it impatiently only to see it was from Aura. She never texted him this late. He opened it curiously.

Hey. My friend Steph said Apollo's super wasted. You should probably go get your not-boyfriend, they're trying to close up.

The anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach grew. Apollo didn't drink often. Apollo also hadn't been eating often lately. Apollo also had mental health issues. Not really a great combination.

Thanks so much aura. Been looking for him. Clay was about to put his phone in his pocket when he saw Aura was typing a response. He stared at it curiously as the three dots kept disappearing and reappearing, like she was deleting and rewriting.

I wanted to talk to you in person after the weekend but...I think Apollo needs some help. You should know

The text cut off, like she'd hit send before she meant to, but it took another minute for the next one to come through, like she wasn't sure what to say.

I'm just worried about him.

They were clearly long overdue for a talk, if Aura was so worried she admitted it to Clay. He pulled on his jacket and wondered if he shouldn't have insisted Apollo get help sooner. He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to feel guilty. He had a hammered Apollo to peel off a bar floor.

---

Clay didn't know how true that was going to be as he entered Brew Brothers. There were only a few people left at the bar and Clay was pretty sure they were all employees. A girl with a flannel and a beanie walked up to him.

"Hi, you're Clay? Aura told me she texted you."

"Yeah, you must be Steph," he guessed as they briefly shook hands. "Where's Apollo?"

"He's in the bathroom. Tim's with him, to make sure he's still breathing. But Apollo said his legs don't work anymore and refuses to try to get up." Clay could see she was a mix of amused and concerned.

"I'll get him out of your hair. Sorry about this."

Steph waved off his apology. "Please. He's not the first and he certainly won't be the last employee to get drunk here. I just appreciate he was off the clock."

Clay nodded. "Has he closed out his tab?"

"He has his card on file so we can run it and close it out, if you'll sign for him." Clay nodded again and Steph went the computer and came back with Apollo's bill. Clay glanced at it before adding a generous tip and signing Apollo's name.

"You've done this before, haven't you?" Steph asked as she inspected Clay's perfectly forged signature.

"We both have. It's funny, considering he's a lawyer," he laughed. "Well, let me start getting him. Might take a few minutes."

Clay made his way to the bathroom, unsure what he'd find. He entered the bathroom to see Apollo passed out on the floor, his face near a toilet, with a tall man standing over him, who turned when he saw the door open.

"You must be Clay. Apollo's best friend slash not-boyfriend."

"Why does everyone keep calling us that?" Clay wondered aloud. The man laughed.

"Apollo talks about you a lot, so we incorrectly assumed you were his boyfriend. He was quick to correct us, so now it's just fun to tease him about it. Tim," he introduced himself, and Clay shook his hand. "One of the cooks. My wife and I came out of the kitchen for a drink after our shift, and I could tell Apollo was having some kind of night. He doesn't usually stay for a drink." Clay nodded. "I tried to convince him to go home, or at least eat something, but..." he shrugged.

"He can be stubborn. Thanks for looking out for him."

"Think you can get him upright okay?"

"Yeah, I should be fine."

"Alright. I'll stick around out there just in case," Tim said as he left the bathroom. Clay turned his full attention to Apollo and sighed. Of course, there's been nights like this before, even if they've become infrequent since they left college. He walked up to Apollo and gently kicked one of his feet. No response. He squatted down next to him and crinkled his nose. Apollo reeked of whiskey and cigarettes and vomit. Not a great combination.

"Apollo," he said as he touched one of his arms. Apollo still laid unmoving. Clay sat on the floor of the dirty bar bathroom and put a hand on Apollo's face.

"Apollo," he said again. Apollo twitched this time. It took another minute, but then he opened his eyes. He squinted at Clay like he was having trouble focusing.

"Clay? Wherrrwe?" he slurred.

"At Brew Brothers. Your boss Steph got ahold of me." Apollo still seemed confused but tried to sit up quickly. "Go slow," Clay warned, but not in time. Apollo got himself upright in time to lurch over the toilet and throw up. Clay stood and grabbed a paper towel from the dispenser, holding it out to Apollo when he finished. Apollo took it gratefully and wiped his face.

"Thanks." Clay just nodded, studying him.

"Are you ready to try standing?" Apollo shook his head, still looking a little green in the face. "Okay. Then let's talk."

"Abou' wha?"

Clay sat back down on the floor next to him. He wasn't sure that Apollo was in the right state to be having this conversation, but he knew drinking would make Apollo more open to it right now. "You're an adult, Apollo, you're allowed to be drunk, but you also know that drinking to run away from your problems isn't going to solve them."

"I know bu' it made me feeeel better."

"It made you feel better in the moment. In a few hours, you're going to remember that alcohol is a depressant and combined with your own depression, you're going to feel worse than you did before. And have a headache. What made you want to drink?"

Apollo was quiet for a moment, contemplating. "Mr. Wright," he finally answered.

"What did Mr. Wright do?"

"It's not so much he did anything. He gets to get his badge back. I should be happy for him. It's jus' not..."

"Not?"

"Not fair. He might not have forged evidence in the Gramarye case, but he did forge evidence. And I can't tell anyone about it. And he upset Trucy."

"Mr. Wright did?" Clay asked, surprised.

"She said he's too busy when he's investigating. She's worried she'll see less of him. And I hate both of them for it."

Clay was startled by the tone of Apollo's voice, rough with drinking and anger, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Everything always came back to it, the thing, the person. Before he could say anything, Apollo continued.

"I just...she just doesn't know how lucky she is. To have him. I watch them, you know. When I'm over there. It's funny. Two sets of lives, in similar circumstances. One gets ripped apart, but nobody cares. I shouldn't care. He's done terrible things. I just...they don't know how lucky they are. They still have each other."

"You're upset because Mr. Wright is getting his life back together while yours and Kristoph's falls apart," Clay said slowly, catching Apollo's flinch when he said Kristoph's name. "You're upset that Trucy doesn't appreciate having her father around, while you can only visit yours at approved times."

"...Kristoph isn't my father."

"No. But he was family to you. Like I'm family to you."

"...

...yes," Apollo finally admitted. "He's family, and I don't even go to see him anymore."

"You're allowed to still visit him, you know."

"How can I? After what he did? To Mr. Wright, to Trucy and her father, to Vera? To Klavier? To me?" he cried out, tears streaming down his face. "He's a monster. And so am I."

Clay was stricken. "How are you a monster?"

"Because he raised me to be one!" Apollo exploded.

"Apollo—" but Apollo continued before Clay could interject.

"I worry about it every day. All the time. What's stopping me from turning out just like him?"

Clay grabbed one of his hands. "You are. Apollo, listen to me. Just because you grew up with Kristoph doesn't mean you're going to turn into him. And neither is Klavier. You're both your own person. Kristoph made some bad choices, but you're allowed to make your own. The difference is you. You're a good person, Apollo. I've known you longer than anyone, including Kristoph. Let me tell you about my best friend. He's kind, and generous, and has a strong sense of justice. He loves helping people. He makes some dumb decisions sometimes, sure, but at the end of the day, he'd never do anything to hurt anyone. I know that, Apollo, I say it confidently. Please trust me on this. You try your best and you'd never hurt anyone. Well, except maybe yourself."

He meant it as a morbid joke, but then he finally sees it. The way Apollo jolts and looks away. The way Apollo unconsciously rubs a hand over his thigh. He sees what he's missed all these weeks, what Apollo's been carefully hiding from him. Sadness washes over Clay, and guilt too. He should've known, he should've suspected. He should've insisted Apollo physically go back into therapy, none of that over-the-phone crap. But it's not the time for could have or should haves.

"Apollo," he said gently, taking his hand again. Before he can ask, Apollo takes the hand Clay isn't holding and pushes one of the legs of his shorts up. His thighs were always covered in scars, but now they're covered in cuts, too, in varying stages of freshness.

"I fucked up," Apollo said simply, quietly. "I'm sorry."

Clay pulled Apollo in closer, wrapping both arms around him. "No. I'm sorry. I should've seen it."

"It's not your fault. I didn't want you to. I didn't want to stop. I didn't want to admit I screwed up again." Apollo tried to look away from Clay, ashamed, but Clay wouldn't let him pull away. Instead he pulled Apollo closer, resting their foreheads together.

"I've told you before, and I'll tell you again. You didn't screw up. You're human, Apollo. You're grieving. You just haven't chosen the best method. And yes, you're allowed to grieve." A tear rolled down Apollo's cheek and Clay gently wiped it away with his thumb. "But you're my best friend and I need you. I need you here with me. Will you come back to me?"

Apollo nodded. "Always." They stayed there for another minute, foreheads pressed together, until Clay cleared his throat.

"They're trying to close up. We should probably head home," he said, pulling away from Apollo. He pulled Apollo to his feet, an arm safely tucked around his back. A good thing, too. Apollo may not be slurring his words as much anymore, but he was still very much drunk, almost toppling over as they stood.

"Whoa now, I got you. Actually, it'll be easier this way," Clay said, abandoning trying to get Apollo to walk and instead picking him up bridal style. Apollo wrapped his arms around Clay's neck for support and pressed his face into Clay's chest. Clay chuckled.

"Your coworkers are definitely not going to believe you that we're not dating," he said in an amused tone. Apollo just shrugged.

"Who cares? I can never come back here," he moaned as Clay opened the door. Steph happened to be right outside the door, fist raised as if she'd been about to knock. She jumped at the sight of them.

"I was just going to see if we needed to call 911."

"He's fine. Just whiney. I'd say he's learned his lesson but does anyone really? I don't think he'll be drinking for a while though, right Apollo?" Apollo just groaned and buried his head further as Steph let out a snort of laughter. Then she seemed to register what Apollo had been saying earlier.

"Hey! What do you mean, you can never come back?" she demanded. "You better be here on Monday!"

"See, Apollo, she still wants you here."

"And it's not just me! My dad specifically said I wasn't allowed to fire you, ever, for any reason."

"Your dad?" Clay asked, confused.

"My dad and my uncle were in. The Brew Brothers. I don't know what they were talking about with Apollo, but he must have made quite the impression. In any case, Apollo, like I told your boyfriend—"

"He's not my boyfriend," Apollo and Clay protested at the same time. Steph just looked amused.

"Okay, then as I told your friend earlier, you're not the first employee to get drunk here and you won't be the last. It's a bar, it's the industry. It happens. No big deal. Take him home," she directed to Clay. "And we'll see you Monday." Tim and Stacy waved goodbye, along with the bartender, as Clay carried him out the door and over to his car. He opened the passenger door, gently placing Apollo inside. He jogged over to the driver's side and hopped in himself. As he buckled himself, he noticed Apollo was leaning his head against the window, nearly asleep again. He shifted into gear and smiled as Apollo sleepily grabbed for his hand. He'd get through this. He'd be okay.

---

December 12, 2026

Apollo woke up the next day (later that day? He wasn't quite sure.) alone in his bed with a pounding headache. He groaned, trying to remember what happened. He looked up to see Clay coming in with a bottle of ibuprofen and a glass of water.

"I figured you'd be waking up soon," Clay said as he handed Apollo the glass of water. "How are you feeling?"

Apollo took the two ibuprofen Clay offered and contemplated as he swallowed them. "Terrible. I feel cleaner than I expected, though."

Clay rolled his eyes. "Well yeah, I showered you off. You were passed out on the floor of a bar bathroom. I wasn't about to subject your bed to that, least of all when we're sharing it. Do you remember anything?"

Apollo shrugged. "Bits and pieces."

"I'm not surprised. You haven't been blackout drunk since you passed the bar. Well, I'm sure your coworkers will regal you with tales when you go to work on Monday."

Apollo groaned and flopped back down. "I'd rather not."

Clay laughed at him. "Too bad. Steph said you have to, she said she has some kind of blackmail material." Clay sobered up and moved to the other side of the bed to sit down. "Do you remember our conversation?" he asked gently. Clay saw a jolt of recognition pass through Apollo's expression before Apollo closed his eyes, thinking. He watched Apollo swallow hard.

"I do. I know what you're thinking too."

"You need to go back to therapy, Apollo." To his surprise, Apollo just nodded.

"I know. I...went off my meds again," he admitted. "Before...the trial, I thought I was fine. I thought I didn't need them anymore. I was already crumbling when I found out about Kristoph."

"I didn't know you went off your meds."

"I was barely holding it together by that point, honestly. I was about to tell you, but then Mr. Wright told me about Kristoph. I just felt like nothing mattered after that. But last night...you reminded me what I'd been fighting for. For me, for you, for us. For Trucy and Mr. Wright. For Vera, and Klavier. I never meant to keep secrets from you, Clay. I just...I felt like I was drowning. Like I'm drowning, and I'm kicking up a storm to keep myself afloat, but the water keeps washing over me and pushing me back down."

"I'm sorry Apollo. I could tell you were struggling, but I didn't know it'd gotten that bad. I should've seen the signs."

Apollo sat up and scooted closer to Clay, resting his head on Clay's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself. I didn't want you to know. I didn't want help. But...I saw how much I've been hurting you. I pushed you away, I hid things, I lied to you. That's not how I want to treat you. You're my best friend, Clay. The most important person in my life. So...I want to get help."

Clay wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I'm glad you want to get help. I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you say that. I'm always there for you, Apollo, and I always will be. You can push me away all you want, you know I'm going to stick to you like toilet paper on your shoe."

"Yeah, I realized that once you said you bathed me," Apollo teased.

"Pure dedication and love, baby. Besides, it's nothing I haven't seen before."

---

December 19, 2026
Wright Anything Agency

Apollo was once again lying on the couch at the Wright Anything Agency, staring up at the ceiling lost in thought. He wasn't trying to stop being like he'd done in the past, for once he was just deep in thought, thinking about something Dr. Leigh had said. He jolted when Mr. Wright nudged his foot. Apollo sat up and slid over to give him room to sit down.

"Alright kid. I think it's time we talked. I've been trying to give you space, but then I remembered something Clay told me."

"Which is...?"

"He said not to push, but also not to leave you alone for too long." Apollo looked away. "I would also like to apologize for springing my news on you last weekend. I hadn't expected you and Trucy to be playing games on the couch. I'd planned to talk to you two separately, but then I ended up blurting it out. And that wasn't really fair to either of you, so I'm sorry."

"Mr. Wright, you don't have to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. I truly am happy you're getting your badge back."

"Then why'd you run out of here so fast?"

"..."

It's ok, Apollo. I already know. It's why I'd wanted to talk to you seperately."

"..."

"I put you in an awkward positon, and I guess I've been doing that to you ever since we first met. And I've been watching you since that last trial, and I have been waiting and waiting for you to talk to someone. To Trucy, to Clay, to me, to anyone. But you've been bottling it all in, and it's not healthy, Apollo. Trust me, I know. I've only survived these past seven years because of Trucy, and Edgeworth, and my friend Maya. I understand that you're probably not comfortable talking about it to me, or even to Trucy, but I can tell you haven't talked about it to Clay, either. You can't hold your grief in like this, Apollo, so please. I might not understand your relationship with Kristoph, but I understand grief, and I can listen, and I can try to understand."

Apollo was quiet for a long moment "...I went back to my therapist this week, actually. It makes it a little easier, having someone on the outside."

"I didn't know you had a therapist," Phoenix said with mild surprise.

"I'm realizing there's probably a lot of things you don't know, and that maybe it's time to change that."

"Apollo, you don't have to tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable."

Apollo chuckled at this. "Mr. Wright, life is uncomfortable. And it's time for me to stop avoiding uncomfortable conversations, especially with you. You and Trucy have treated me like family, and I've been keeping you at a distance. Dr. Leigh said it's natural, given my history with family dynamics. My father died when I was a baby, and I was abandoned by the family that took me in when I was nine. I was in an orphanage until I ran away when I was 14. I...was living on the streets when Kristoph found me. And we all know how that turned out," he said bitterly. Phoenix was quiet for a moment, trying to absorb the differences between the way Trucy and Apollo grew up. He didn't know Thalassa's first husband had passed; he didn't think she knew either. His heart broke just thinking about a teenage Apollo alone on the streets. He himself would have been 25 at the time...he wished he would've been the one to find Apollo, instead of Kristoph. Then again...

"How come you didn't stay with Clay?"

"We tried. After I ran into Kristoph, Mr. Terran found me and brought me to their house. He tried to petition the state to adopt me, but they said he wasn't financially stable enough for two kids and they turned him down." Phoenix nodded absently; it was only Edgeworth's influence that kept him and Trucy together. "The state was getting ready to send me to New York before, well...I called up Kristoph. I'm not sure what would've happened, where I would've ended up if I had been sent away."

"Well, no matter the history between us, I'm grateful that Kristoph took you in."

"Mr. Terran was grateful too. They got along well enough, considering how different they were. But I was always welcome in their home, and Clay was always welcome in ours, and I think Mr. Terran appreciated Kristoph's quiet assistance. It was hard for him, becoming widowed so suddenly, raising his son and his troublemaker friend alone. Having Kristoph around alleviated some of the stress for him."

"His troublemaker friend? You're talking about you?" Phoenix asked, his eyebrow raised.

Apollo laughed, and Phoenix realized it'd been a long time since he saw Apollo laugh. "Yeah, I mean me. I cut class, I got into fights. The teachers loved Clay, and always told me I was a bad influence on him. But he hung out with me anyways, and his dad tried, but it was Kristoph who finally got me in line."

"That explains why your uppercut packed such a punch," Phoenix said laughing, rubbing the area Apollo had punched him. Apollo looked sheepish for a moment before Phoenix shrugged. "To be fair, I one hundred percent deserved that. But...have I done something recently? You're always running out of the room when I come in."

Apollo sighed. It felt silly, now that he'd spoken to Dr. Leigh about it and finally got some better quality sleep. But he figured he owed Mr. Wright an explanation.

"No, you haven't. I haven't been fair to you either, Mr. Wright. I...I've been having a lot of nightmares, since the trial. There's one that I've had almost every night. Trucy, lying on a hospital bed, with Vera's nail polish bottle beside her. She doesn't wake up. Vera offered Trucy her nail polish, you know, before the trial. That's what made it feel so real."

Phoenix looks stricken. "I didn't know that."

"You were so angry at me. You said it was my fault, that I would end up the same way as him. You said we were both monsters."

Phoenix put a hand on Apollo's arm gently. "Apollo, I promise that I do not and have never thought that about you."

Apollo nodded and took a breath. "I know that. I knew that, logically I knew that, but I was so sleep-deprieved that my nightmares were starting to take over. Everytime I saw you, I'd just remember what 'you' said. It just kept playing in my head, and I started to wonder if it was true. Has Kristoph turned me into a monster too?"

"No, Apollo. He hasn't. You know why?" Apollo turned to look at him. "Because I don't think Kristoph Gavin is a monster either. I think he's sick, maybe irreversibly so, but what I do know is a monster would've never taken in a kid off the streets, given him a home and schooling, clothed him and fed him, much less extending the same kindness to the kid's best friend. Don't get me wrong, I will never forgive Kristoph for what he did to me and Trucy, but I just can't think of him as a monster, knowing what he did for you.

"It's not my story to tell, but you know, Prosecutor Edgeworth grew up in a similar situation. Except Manfred von Karma is the definition of cruel and evil. He only took Edgeworth in to twist and warp his views. He tried to make Edgeworth as cruel as he was, and for years convinced Edgeworth that he'd killed his own father. If you want to talk about monsters, Manfred von Karma is at the top of the list.

"That's why I was so worried, when I met you. I didn't see Apollo Justice and Kristoph Gavin, I saw Miles Edgeworth and Manfred von Karma. I thought forcing you to see the truth of the matter would free you, like it did Edgeworth, but...Kristoph was never cruel to you. He didn't force you to be a lawyer, you chose it. I saw how hard it was for you during that trial, and I regretted it. I should've never brought you into it, and I'm sorry. I wish I could've spared you this past trial, but I actually wasn't in charge of choosing the attorneys. And once the trial began, we weren't allowed to change; trust me, I tried. But I still wish like hell that I would've brought Clay in before I told you about my investigation. Maybe it would've made it a little easier for you."

"Maybe a little, but I probably still would've struggled. The truth is," he took a deep steadying breath. "I was diagnosed with depression when I went in for the mandatory physical to start high school. That's why I ran away from the orphanage. They said I was too much trouble."

Phoenix took in a sharp breath and put an arm around Apollo's shoulders. "I'm sorry you had such shitty people in charge of you. Tell me these people aren't running an orphanage anymore."

Apollo smiled faintly. "No, they've all served time now. Kristoph would never confirm anything, but they closed down not long after he took me in. He also made me see a therapist."

"And you've been seeing one since?"

"Well," Apollo frowned. "After Kristoph got arrested, I dropped out of therapy. I didn't want to go to a therapist he'd paid for. When Clay found out, he said I was being stupid and made me find a new one."

This matched up with the timeline in Phoenix's head. Apollo had dropped off the face of the earth after that trial. He just hadn't realized how far that had extended.

"You said you went back to therapy 'this week'. So you hadn't been going recently?"

"...Before Vera's trial, I went off my antidepressants. I convinced myself I didn't need them anymore. After the trial, I made Clay believe I was having weekly phone sessions, so he wouldn't get on my case. I don't know why, I just...I couldn't ask for help."

"Depression doesn't always make sense, Apollo, especially combined with grief. So you're back to having real sessions and back on your medication?"

Apollo nodded. "Yep. It's gonna be slow progress, but I plan to put in the work this time."

Phoenix gave his shoulder a squeeze and released him. "I'm glad to hear it. I know you said you struggle with a family dynamic, but you'll always have me and Trucy, whenever and however you need us. I hope you know that."

"Thanks, Mr. Wright. I appreciate everything you've done for me. Being able to talk about all this...I know it's hard for you, to hear about Kristoph and to have to talk about him, but it actually has helped a lot to get some of it out there."

"You're allowed to talk about whatever you want, whenever you want to, Apollo. And I hope you know you can count on Trucy, too. I know you only just learned the truth about her real father, but she's known about it since it happened. It's not as raw for her anymore like it is for you, and she knows what Kristoph meant to you. She's not gonna hold it against you if you want to talk about it with her."

Apollo nodded again. "I'll keep that in mind."

"So, were you thinking about something earlier then? You looked deep in thought."

"Something Dr. Leigh and I were talking about. I...I haven't gone to the prison since the trial," he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Phoenix understood what he meant.

"To visit Kristoph?"

"Yeah...we were discussing if it'd be a good idea for me to go back there, or if I'm better off cutting all contact completely." He glanced at Phoenix nervously, but Phoenix didn't seem upset by the question.

"It's your decision to make, Apollo. If you want to see him, then go see him. What does Clay think about it?"

"He and Dr. Leigh both agree that I should only go if I want to, and that Clay has to come with me. None of us are sure how Kristoph will respond, though. He might have taken me off the visitor's list, or be hostile if I do show up." He began to twist his bracelet nervously. Phoenix considered him for a moment before reaching over to still him.

"He's asked for you," Phoenix admitted. "Edgeworth just told me a couple days ago. According to the guards, he's been asking for you. I don't think he'll be hostile to you if you do go."

"He's...asked for me? How does Mr. Edgeworth know?"

"Well...if you can keep this between you and me. You can't tell Trucy, although she's probably figured it out, and you especially can't tell Klavier. Edgeworth is about to be named the Chief Prosecutor of the district. He was at the prison to speak with the Chief of Police, who informed him of a few things going on there. In any case, I think that if you want to see him, and he wants to see you, then you should go, Apollo. It's not going to hurt my feelings or make me mad, if that's what you're worried about."

"...And what about Trucy?"

"Trucy is a special, smart girl. She knows exactly what her Uncle Valant did to her father, and she still chooses to visit him every week. If you told her you wanted to visit Kristoph, I know she'd understand. Visiting Kristoph doesn't mean forgetting what he's done or even forgiving him for it. I think it's a chance for you to get closure. Besides," he said, glancing at the date on his watch. "It's almost Christmas. I think everyone deserves to spend time with family on Christmas."

Apollo smiled. "I guess you're right."

"I'm ALWAYS Wright, Apollo!" Apollo groaned, but he was also laughing. "Speaking of spending time with family on Christmas, when are you and Clay stopping by?"

"Probably late afternoon. We have a few other stops in the morning."

"Are you bringing Klavier? I've tried to get ahold of him to make sure he knows he's invited, but I haven't been able to reach him."

Apollo jumped slightly, startled to realize he hadn't really thought about Klavier since the trial. "You haven't been able to reach him? What about Mr. Edgeworth?"

"Klavier hasn't been to work all week."

Apollo jumped up and grabbed his coat from the rack. "I'm gonna go check on him. Thanks for everything, Mr. Wright!"

Phoenix just shook his head and smiled.

---

December 19, 2026
Klavier Gavin's Penthouse

Apollo got off the elevator at the top floor and crossed the hallway to the door of Klavier's penthouse. He raised his hand and hesitated for a moment before he knocked.

"Klavier?" No response, but the doorman said Klavier was home. Apollo knocked again.

"Klavier? It's Apollo." It took a few moments, but Apollo finally heard shuffling footsteps approaching. He heard the door unlock and it swung open to reveal Klavier, looking more unkempt than Apollo had ever seen him.

"Herrrr Forrrrehead," Klavier slurred. He reeked of liquor. "To wha do I owe theeee pleasurrre?" Apollo moved past him into the apartment and shut the door behind him. Klavier was swaying, unsteady on his feet. Apollo wrapped an arm around his waist, leading him to the couch. Klavier stared intently at the arm on his waist.

"Your arm is on my waissst. I ammm wasted," he giggled as Apollo sat him down on the couch. He then sat down himself on the armchair facing Klavier.

"Well if this isn't like looking in a mirror," Apollo muttered to himself. "I came to see how you were doing," he said to Klavier. "Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth said they haven't been able to get ahold of you, and I realized I kind of vanished after the...trial."

"It's all wunderbar, ja? My best friend is in jail and my brother is being sentenced to death. I feel guilty that I'm more relieved than sad that my bruder is being punished for his crimes. Which also makes me feel even more guilty when I think about you, who has always held mein bruder on a pedestal. And, of course, the Gavinners have decided to call it quits."

Apollo frowned as Klavier let his drunken thoughts spew out. He's pretty sure there's no way Klavier would have been so blunt if he was sober. He reached over and laid a hand on Klavier's arm.

"Klavier. Your band is breaking up?" he asked gently.

Klavier used his other hand to play with a strand of his hair. "Ja. We all decided it was better if we split up." Apollo's bracelet reacted to this, and he quickly perceived it was the phrase 'we all decided' that set it off, but he decided it would be kinder not to press it. Either way, it's clear why Klavier would be upset enough to be hammered at three in the afternoon.

"Will you continue to make music without the rest of the band?" he asked, ignoring Klavier's statements about him and Kristoph. That was a discussion to be held with a sober Klavier.

Klavier gripped his necklace. "Nein. I mean, how could I? Even if I started a new band, Daryan and I co-wrote all the Gavinners songs. I hold the rights, but I could never play them again without...without thinking of him."

"You could always write new songs. You love music, and you love performing."

Klavier stayed quiet, deep in thought. "...I'll think about it. But Herr Forehead, I thought you hated my music. Why do you care?"

"Because it matters to you. And actually...I don't hate your music," he mumbled quietly.

Klavier dropped the strand of hair he'd been playing with and Apollo's hand at once. He stared intently at Apollo's face. "What?!"

Apollo turned away. "I don't..." he started. "I don't hate your music. It's just a bit heavier than the pop punk stuff I listen to."

Klavier's face lit up. "Herr Forehead, this changes everything! Alexa, play State Champs!" He tried to get up when Alexa started the music, but stumbled and fell back onto the couch.

"Alexa, stop," Apollo commanded as he stood up to help. He sat next to Klavier, putting an arm on his shoulder to keep him seated. "Klavier, I'm probably the worst person to be giving any advice. I'm also the last person who should lecture you about being wasted when I just got hammered last week but trust me, drinking doesn't help and won't solve your problems. It just gives you a hangover." Klavier turned to face him in surprise.

"I didn't even know you drank."

Apollo chuckled darkly. "It's definitely been a while. At least you saved yourself the embarrassment by staying home. Clay had to peel me off the floor of a bar bathroom." Klavier was vaguely curious if his brother had anything to do with Apollo's night out, but he's drunk and tired and not in the mood to ask. They sit there in silence for a few moments before Klavier's head eventually fell onto Apollo's shoulder as he drifted off. Apollo turned to look at him and let out a breath of laughter when he saw Klavier really had fallen asleep. He shifted his arm to reposition it, and Klavier unconsciously snuggled further into Apollo's side. Apollo hesitated a moment before wrapping the arm around Klavier's shoulders. He leaned his head back and within moments, fell asleep himself.

---

Klavier woke up confused. His head was pounding to the point he could literally hear it buzzing. It took him another minute to realize it wasn't his head, it was a cell phone vibrating. He cracked open an eye and reached out for the phone, answering it without looking. The person on the other end started talking before he could even say anything.

"Apollo, what the actual fuck. We just talked about how you were gonna stop pulling your disappearing acts! I guess I should be grateful you answered your phone this time. Where are you?!"

"...Clay?"

"Klavier? Is that you?"

"Ja, of course it is. Why..." he trailed off, noticing for the first time that he was curled into Apollo's side, who was still asleep. He vaguely remembered Apollo coming over and realized they must've both fallen asleep at some point. He pulled the phone away and stared at it before putting it back to his ear. "This is Apollo's phone, isn't it."

"It sure is," Clay said. Klavier noticed he sounded pretty gleeful all of a sudden. "I'm assuming he's at your place then."

"Ja, hold on," Klavier said as he nudged Apollo in the side. Apollo's eyes fluttered open and he looked at Klavier, confused. Klavier held up his phone.

"Your boyfriend," he said simply, shifting to lay his head in Apollo's lap as Apollo took his phone. "Tell him he's too loud," he complained as he closed his eyes again. Apollo shook his head, trying to clear out the grogginess, and put the phone to his ear.

"Clay?" he asked confused.

"He said I'M too loud!?" Clay demanded on the other end. "I'm the quiet one out of the three of us!"

"Let's face it: we're all loud," Apollo said diplomatically. "Sorry, Clay, were you looking for me? I should've texted you."

"Yeah, you kind of disappeared. AGAIN. But I suppose I can forgive you for losing track of time since you're with ~Klavier~," Clay sung. Apollo groaned internally. Clay wasn't going to let this drop in the near future; maybe if he was lucky, he wouldn't tell Trucy.

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry to worry you. I'll be home soon," Apollo said, hanging up the phone. He shook his head. He looked down at Klavier and remembered why he'd come in the first place. But before he could say anything, Klavier beat him to the punch.

"So. You and Clay are living together now?" he asked, his eyes still closed. Apollo snorted.

"Don't ever phrase it like that in front of him, or he'll spit out like thirty perverted jokes. He's been staying with me, though."

Klavier wasn't quite sure what to make of that response. "Why's he been staying with you?"

"For the same reason you got drunk at three in the afternoon. I just…I'm sorry, Klavier."

Klavier suddenly felt cold. He sat up and shifted his body to look at Apollo. "Sorry?"

"I'm sorry about the trial. And I'm sorry for being a bad friend afterwards. I should've come by to check on you, but…" he trailed off, and Klavier felt himself grow angry.

"Stop, Apollo, just stop. Stop apologizing for him! It's not your fault, it was never your fault. The only one to blame here is Kristoph! He's the one who should be apologizing, to both of us!" he spat out. He waited for some kind of reaction from Apollo, but Apollo just kept staring at him calmly, which just infuriated Klavier more. "Why are you never mad at him!? How can you just keep forgiving him, and apologizing for him? What does he have to do to actually piss you off? If he killed Clay, would you forgive him for that, too?" he asked furiously.

Apollo felt like Klavier dumped a bucket of ice on his head. How could he say that, like he hadn't watched Kristoph kill Clay over and over in his nightmares for the past few months? He stood up and angrily strode over to the door.

"Fuck you Klavier." He slammed the door behind him, feeling all the progress he'd made in the past week shatter along with his heart.

---

He'd promised Clay he was done running away from his problems, yet here he was again. He was literally running. He wasn't sure where he was going, if he was just running away from Klavier or running with a destination in mind. He just kept running.

He finally stopped, bending over to put his hands on his knees and catch his breath. He stood up to see where he was so he could call Clay for a ride (after Clay killed him, that it). He stopped breathing for a moment. He'd run all the way to the state penitentiary.

He walked to the front gates. He wasn't sure anyone would let him in; it was way past visiting hours. He'd made his way to the front desk before he turned around suddenly. They weren't going to let him in. Before he could walk back out, though, he heard someone call his name.

"Mr. Justice." Apollo turned around to see Miles Edgeworth standing there, his glasses on and a clipboard in hand.

"Prosecutor Edgeworth," he greeted nervously. Miles Edgeworth had always held an intimidating air about him, which was now amplified by the knowledge that he was about to become the Chief Prosecutor.

"It's rather late for a visit."

"Yes, sir, I realized that. I guess I'll have to come back another time."

Edgeworth studied him for a moment. "You came here to see Gavin." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, sir." Edgeworth studied him again.

"Does Wright know you're here?"

"At this specific moment, no. He is aware that I'd planned to visit Kristoph in the near future, but he doesn't know I'm here at the moment. Although, like I've told Klavier, I'm under no obligation to run my actions past Mr. Wright," he said as he gritted his teeth.

"You are correct, Mr. Justice. I just know Wright worries about you, that's all. It's quite annoying, isn't it?"

"…"

"Why are you here so late, Mr. Justice?"

"I hadn't planned to. Not today, anyways. I wasn't thinking clearly. I didn't notice the time." He rubbed at his shoulder nervously and for a brief moment, the sleeve of his shirt pushed up enough for Edgeworth to notice a few scars that were too perfectly horizontal to be natural. He knew what they meant. He thought back to that time after Damon Gant was arrested and how everything he thought he knew, Gant and von Karma and Lana Skye, it all came crashing down all at once. He remembered feeling the lowest he ever had, leaving that note that he didn't think Wright would ever see. He remembered being unable to actually go through with it. He remembered Wright's reaction when he came back, how he took a page from Wright's book and bluffed; how he'd reassured Wright and Franziska and Gumshoe and numerous others that he'd never intended to actually commit suicide.

He remembered all this as he stared at Justice, Wright's willing and unwilling (it really seemed to depend on the day) protege. But he hadn't always been Wright's. It was hard to remember that sometimes, because the kid really exuded Phoenix Wright energy. But no; at one point, Justice had been raised similarly to Edgeworth himself. Similarly, but not the same. Edgeworth never visited von Karma in prison. The connection between them had severed when Phoenix Wright proved who really shot Gregory Edgeworth. Nor did he feel any sadness or remorse when Manfred von Karma was given the death penalty. Of course, Manfred von Karma never asked about Miles Edgeworth ever again. He had even refused Franziska's efforts to see him. He had died alone and unloved.

The same couldn't be said for Apollo Justice and Kristoph Gavin.

"Hold on one second, Mr. Justice." Apollo watched as Edgeworth walked back over to the front desk and spoke to the officer manning the desk. He saw the officer glance in his direction before looking back at Edgeworth and nodding. Edgeworth made his way back over to him.

"Come, Justice. You'll have twenty minutes."

"What?"

"I'll be escorting you because they're not staffed for visits this late at night. Don't worry, though, I won't be listening to your conversation."

Apollo was quiet as he followed Edgeworth through the prison. They were near Kristoph's cell when Edgeworth stopped.

"I'll wait here. You won't be able to enter his cell, but you'll be able to speak to him."

Apollo nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. Umm," he shifted uncomfortably. "Can you please have Mr. Wright get ahold of Clay? I was supposed to be home by now."

"Sure." He pulled out his phone as Apollo went around the corner and dialed Phoenix's number.

"Miles? I thought you were gonna be home soon?"

"Yes, I was on my way out when your protege walked in."

"...Apollo?"

"Yes, he asked that you inform Mr. Terran where he is."

"Ah, Clay's gotta be going nuts. You're still at the prison?"

"Yes."

"...So Apollo's visiting Gavin then."

"Yes, I asked them to make a special allowance. He's got twenty minutes and then I'm taking him home."

"When I told him he should visit Gavin if he wants to, I didn't mean today and I didn't mean he should go after 11 at night."

"Yes, well...he seemed upset about something. Distracted. He came here because he obviously has something to say to Gavin. I thought it might help to allow him to say it."

"...Thanks for looking out for him, Miles. I owe you one."

"Nonsense. It was the least I can do. I'm kind of surprised you're not angry that he's here."

"That he wanted to talk to Gavin? That Gavin will talk to him? I stopped trying to figure out Gavin a long time ago. It wasn't healthy for me. Family dynamics don't have to make sense to other people. Look at you and Franziska. After what von Karma did to you, you could've shut out the whole family. But you didn't. Apollo has every reason to be mad at Kristoph, to hate him. But he doesn't. I don't understand it, but I'm not going to worry about it. I can't stop Apollo from living his life. I don't have the right to. I will support him in whatever he wants to do, even if that's visiting Gavin. When I first met him, I didn't exactly go about things in the right way. I've been trying to learn from my mistakes."

"Becoming a father has matured you, Phoenix."

"Heh...I guess it has. Well, I better give Clay a ring before he calls the cops. I'll see you when you get home. Love you."

Miles smiled into the phone. "I love you, too."

---

Apollo reached Kristoph's cell, but he stayed silent. Kristoph was lying on his cot, facing the wall, so Apollo wasn't sure if he was awake or not. He was probably sleeping. Apollo wasn't even sure why he'd come. Maybe he should come back another time, with Clay like he was supposed to. Before he could make a decision, Kristoph turned suddenly, like he'd sensed Apollo's presence.

"Apollo?" Kristoph got up and walked to the bars of his cell. He was dressed like an inmate now, some of his privileges stripped after the last trial. Apollo stayed where he was, a few feet away.

"Apollo? Is it really you?"

"It is. It's me," Apollo finally said.

"I didn't think you would ever come back."

"I wasn't sure I would either. I didn't think you'd want me to."

Kristoph looked confused. "Why wouldn't I want you to?"

"It sure sounded like you never wanted to see me or Klavier again after that last trial."

"The trial...ah. The trial is a little fuzzy to me. I was off my meds."

Apollo almost fell to the floor in shock. "Meds?" I went off my meds again. He'd just said the same thing to Clay a week ago.

Kristoph cleared his throat, realizing he needed to explain. "They told me I'm sick, that I have some kind of psychosis. The psychiatrist here mentioned breaks in reality and delusional episodes. I'm not sure when it started. When you first visited me, I was confused. I didn't know why I was doing what I'd been doing. Your visits and the pills they gave me, they allowed me to cling to my sanity. But I also hated the pills. I didn't like the way they'd make me feel. I started secretly throwing them away instead of taking them. I'm told this is why I suffered a psychotic break in court. I'm not trying to make excuses; I know what I did was inexcusable. I will never be able to apologize enough for the way I treated you and Klavier."

Apollo absorbed this, his hand on his bracelet. It stayed loose; Kristoph wasn't lying. It did make the situation make more sense. He knew what it felt like to take meds you hated, and to quit them cold turkey. He looked back up at Kristoph.

"I didn't know you were taking medication. You're back on it now?"

Kristoph nodded. "A different kind, yes. It seems to be working a lot better. Not that it matters much, at this point."

Apollo's stomach knotted briefly as he thought about Kristoph's impending execution. Kristoph took the moment to study him. He was mildly surprised to see he wasn't wearing his typical work suit, instead wearing a pair of shorts with a hoodie. Despite the bagginess of the hoodie, Kristoph could tell Apollo was thinner than the last time he saw him. He studied him for a moment, worry growing in the pit of his stomach.

"Have you been eating?" he asked suddenly.

The question threw him. Kristoph sounded geniunely concerned. "Some."

"Not enough. Clay hasn't been feeding you enough," Kristoph insisted.

Apollo let out a small chuckle. "He's been trying."

Kristoph noticed something else. "Those dark circles under your eyes...you haven't been sleeping well either." He wasn't sure how to proceed. He didn't have any right to comment on how Apollo lived his life...but he was still worried.

Apollo stared at him for a moment, thinking. He'd been so nervous to come here, scared to see if Kristoph had turned into the monster from his nightmares...he crossed his arms, snuggling into his (or rather, Clay's) hoodie to stay warm, but also to keep ahold of himself.

"I've been going through an episode," he finally responded truthfully. "My depression got pretty bad."

"Have you seen your therapist?" Kristoph asked gently. He remembered when he first took Apollo in, the struggles he'd had. He'd sent Apollo to the best of the best...ironic when he thought about it. He spent so much time making sure Apollo was okay, when he'd been falling apart himself.

"I just went to her yesterday. It was the first time since the trial..." he admitted, trailing off.

Kristoph felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. "Have you been hurting yourself?" Apollo looked up, too shocked to answer. "You were not always careful enough to hide your...scars when you and Clay would be out drinking, but I had my suspicions when we first met."

Apollo looked away again. He rubbed his hands over his thighs, debating. Finally, he pulled up the legs of his shorts. Kristoph inhaled sharply, taking in the marks covering Apollo's thighs. He started to reach out through the bars, then stopped himself, pulling his hand back awkwardly.

"Does Clay know?"

"He does now."

Kristoph stared at the many cuts and scars on Apollo's legs. He thought about what Apollo had said, that he'd just seen his therapist for the first time since the trial, that he'd been depressed and cutting himself...

"I did this to you." Kristoph leapt back in horror. "Apollo, I'm...I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you, or Klavier. But I did...I'm sorry."

Apollo stared at him emotionlessly. "If you didn't want to hurt us, you had a funny way of showing it. What did you think would happen? You left us, Kristoph. You left me." He ignored the way his voice cracked at the end, looking to Kristoph for any kind of response. He was taken aback by the genuine sorrow he saw in Kristoph's expression.

"I'm sorry, Apollo. I truly am. I think about what I could have done differently all the time. If I'd gone to a psychiatrist sooner, if I hadn't stopped taking my medication, if I'd told you or Klavier about all the jumbled, messed up thoughts in my head...I'd give anything to take it all back. To be able to watch you and Klavier take over the courts, to watch Clay go on his first trip into space. If there was anything I could do, I would do it. But I can't. The damage has been done. All I can do is say I'm sorry, Apollo. I hope you know how much I mean it."

Apollo didn't need his bracelet. He could see the tears rolling down Kristoph's cheeks. He couldn't remember ever seeing Kristoph cry before. He realized he was closer to the cell than he'd been originally, but he didn't remember moving. He lifted his arm, reaching out for Kristoph. He could just touch his arm.

"I forgive you, Kristoph."

---

Clay threw his arms around Apollo the second he came through the door after Edgeworth dropped him off.

"You were supposed to wait for me," he said into Apollo's ear. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, Clay, really," he said as he returned the hug. Clay backed them up to the couch, pulling them both down ungracefully. Apollo slid off Clay's lap and shoved him. "Well I was until I landed on your bony hips."

"Hey! I'm not bony, I just have a great metabolism and I'm very toned. But what happened? How did you end up at the prison on your way home from Klavier's?"

Apollo sighed. "Klavier and I got into an argument. I did what I just promised you I wouldn't do and ran away."

"We'll come back to the running away thing, I promise you we will, but what on earth did you argue with Klavier about?"

"He's pissed off at Kristoph and he got mad at me for not being pissed off at Kristoph."

"That's not enough to make you run. What did he say to you?"

"He said I forgive Kristoph too easily. Maybe he's right, Kristoph keeps killing people and I keep forgiving him. I just forgave him again, by the way. But Klavier suggested I'd forgive him even if it was you he killed."

Apollo's tone was icy, and Clay understood now. How many times had Apollo had that nightmare? Clay sighed.

"Alright, so Klavier was being an idiot. Next time though, you should probably talk to him before you run away. Use your words. Klavier's not a mind reader, you know. He's just upset at Kristoph. He's not going about things the right way at the moment, but neither were you. You both kind of closed everyone off, including the people who just want to help. You need to get Klavier to realize this."

Apollo was quiet for a moment. "Klavier was drunk when I went over there. Mr. Wright said that he hasn't been to work all week. It was three in the afternoon."

A look of concern flashed across Clay's face. "So you're not the only one who leans towards self-destructive behavior."

"That's the thing. Kristoph's told me before that Klavier doesn't drink. I remember that because I thought that was kind of odd for a rock star."

"Huh. Well, that's another thing for you to talk to him about. You need to call him tomorrow." Clay's phone started buzzing and he pulled it out of his pocket. He chuckled as he looked at the screen. "Speaking of...Klavier is asking if you made it home okay. He said he's tried to call you a bunch of times but it's been going straight to voicemail."

Apollo looked surprised. "Oh...it must be turned off. Or dead." He watched Clay tap out a message.

"I told him you're here and you're fine but your phone's dead. And that you want to talk tomorrow."

Apollo sighed. "Clay—"

"No, no, none of that. I know you. You'd keep finding excuses to push off this conversation. But it's gonna happen." His phone buzzed again. "Tomorrow at 1pm. And in the morning, you have to call Dr. Leigh."

"Anything else, Mr. Secretary?"

"...Do you want to talk about the visit?"

Apollo sighed again and snuggled into Clay's side. "I do. But not yet. Add it to tomorrow's agenda. Right now I just want to watch Winter Soldier with my best friend."

Clay put his arm around Apollo's shoulders. "We can absolutely do that. Chris Evans is good for the soul."

---

December 20, 2026
People Park

Klavier hopped to his feet the second he saw Apollo approaching. "I'm sorry about what I said last night. I wasn't at my best, ja, but that's no excuse."

Apollo sat down on the bench Klavier had just leapt off of and motioned for Klavier to sit back down. "I'd say I forgive you but I've been told recently that I forgive people too easily." Apollo's cold tone and demeanor made Klavier nervous that he'd gone too far, but then Apollo sighed and everything shifted. He just looked exhausted, but not angry.

"Clay has reminded me that most people aren't mind readers and that I need to use my words more. The truth is, I've been having this recurring nightmare since the trial. A nightmare where Kristoph does, in fact, murder Clay. So when you said that last night..."

Klavier felt like he'd been slapped. He wished Apollo actually had slapped him instead. He took in Apollo's appearance more fully. He was certainly more dressed down than Klavier had ever seen, in a pair of Gyaxa joggers and a Gryffindor hoodie, that right now looked two sizes too big. The dark circles under his eyes emphasized just how exhausted Apollo truly was. No wonder he'd snapped at Klavier last night.

"Apollo, I'm truly sorry. I was angry and still half-drunk when I said those things, but that's no excuse. I've just been...struggling. I've been so angry at Kristoph ever since the trial, and it started to cloud my judgment. But I never should've taken my anger out on you. I truly am sorry."

"I've been struggling since the trial, too. Clay said we both closed ourselves off from everyone else, including people who are trying to help, including each other. I'm not mad at you for being drunk and being angry. Fuck, I was just drunk and angry last week. I got upset with you because...I was worried you might be right. If he had murdered Clay, would I have forgiven him? I didn't have an answer for that. I still don't have an answer now. The facts are that Kristoph is in jail, and Clay is alive. The facts are that Clay would never be in any danger. Kristoph would've never gone after him, just like he would've never gone after Daryan. You can believe whatever you want; I know you probably don't agree with me, but in my heart I know it's the truth."

Klavier was quiet as he thought about what Apollo had said. This was exactly what made them different. After everything Kristoph had done, Apollo still trusted him too much. Klavier knew the trust was born from a place of love, but that's what bothered him. Kristoph was his brother. If anything, their positions should be reversed. But instead it was Klavier who was pissed off at him, and Apollo had clearly already forgiven him again. He'd reacted poorly last night, though, none of this was Apollo's fault. Apollo wasn't the reason he was mad and Apollo wasn't the reason he'd drank himself stupid yesterday (and maybe more than just yesterday) for the first time in a long time. He sighed, knowing he owed Apollo more of an explanation.

"I really am sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I've been having a harder time than I wanted to admit since the trial. I wasn't mad at Kristoph initially, I...well, I was shattered. And then when they announced the death penalty...I took it hard. I was overwhelmingly sad, but I wasn't allowed to grieve. I wasn't allowed to show any amount of remorse for my brother, or else the press that constantly surrounds me would have ran with it in a completely different way. If I showed that I cared for my brother at all, I'd be labeled as a psychopath sympathizer. They'd say maybe I knew about his crimes the whole time, that I was complicit in allowing them to happen. I wasn't allowed to be sad, so it was easier to get angry instead. Anger is a destructive emotion, but it's easy.

"In any case, between Daryan and Kristoph, the amount of negative press got to be too much for the rest of the Gavinners. They wanted to take a break. And how can I blame them? So I agreed and then I left them and bought a bunch of alcohol and got rip-roaring drunk for five days."

Apollo flinched at that. "Five days? You were drunk the whole time?"

"Ja. If you hadn't shown up yesterday, I'd probably still be drunk now. It's...a part of myself I don't like talking about."

"Does it have to do with why you don't usually drink? I asked Kristoph about it once and he was very adamant that you don't drink. But if you don't want to talk about it, Klavier, you don't have to."

"Nein, I trust you, Apollo. The truth is, I have problems with alcohol. I'm an alcoholic. I am...I was 10 years sober," he said bitterly, pulling a bronze coin out of his pocket. Apollo glanced at it and saw the Roman numeral X in the middle of a triangle. "Daryan sent this to me, actually. We were in rehab together, that's how we met. I should've known it would be cursed." He pulled his arm back to throw it, but Apollo grabbed his wrist. He pulled Klavier's arm back down and opened his fist to take the chip.

"I didn't realize...I forgot how much you're in the public eye. I didn't think about how much the press would affect you. I'm sorry about the Gavinners, Klavier. I know how important the band and your music is to you. And I'm sorry you had a drink. But don't throw this away, Klavier. You made a mistake. We both made mistakes. I'm...I actually just recently started over. I suffer from depression and I had a really bad episode after the trial. I was struggling and I was drowning and no matter how hard Clay tried to pull me to the surface, for a while I was content to just let myself drown. Because it was easier. But I decided I'd rather get better. It's going to be hard, but it's going to be worth it. You can decide too. You can keep getting drunk, or you can get better. You can start over, and work to earn this chip back. It's a choice only you can make, though. If you want my opinion, though...I care about you, Klavier. I'd rather see you get better." He held the hand with the chip out flat and waited. Klavier stared at it for a moment before closing Apollo's fingers around it.

"You keep it until I earn it back." Apollo smiled as he tucked the chip into his pocket. He was startled when Klavier threw his arms around him and pulled him into a hug. "Danke, Apollo," he whispered into his ear. Apollo returned the hug after he got over the initial shock. When they pulled back, Apollo's face was as scarlet as his hoodie. He cleared his throat nervously.

"So what needs to happen now? Do you have to go to a meeting, or call a sponsor or something?" he asked. Klavier frowned.

"Ja, I'll have to find a meeting private enough, I haven't been for a while. My sponsor...well, my sponsor was Daryan. I highly doubt he wants to talk to me."

Apollo looked thoughtful. "Well, you said Daryan sent you this chip. I'm not sure he would've done that if he was holding a grudge. I don't think it would hurt to try, if you wanted to."

"...I'll think about it. The first thing I need to do is dump the liquor I have left in the house."

Apollo stood and held out his hand. Klavier took it, giving him a confused look as Apollo pulled him up too.

"Come on, then. I'll come with you. And if you don't mind cats, you're welcome to stay with me and Clay for a while. Sometimes you need to get out of your own head and remember you have people that care about you."

"...You have a KATZE? WHY didn't I know this!?" Klavier demanded.

Apollo laughed. "I'm assuming katze is a cat. And yes, her name's Mikeko."

Klavier pretended to think about it for a minute. "Okay, but I DEMAND to meet Mikeko at once. Even though you are a Gryffindor. Let me guess, you're both Gryffindors?"

Apollo laughed again. "No, Clay's a Hufflepuff."

"Ah, another dachs!" Klavier said approvingly. He chuckled when Apollo looked confused. "Sorry, another badger. Hufflepuff is my house. I should've figured Clay was also a puff, he's more loyal than a dog."

Apollo snorted. "So now I'm the one outnumbered. Anyways, we've been rewatching Marvel movies. We just finished Winter Soldier so we're up to the first Guardians."

"A katze and the MCU. You better be careful, Apollo, or I'll fall in love." He laughed as Apollo blushed again, then grabbed his hand and ran down the path, pulling Apollo along behind him. Talking to Apollo had taken a huge load off his shoulders. He knew there were hard days ahead, for him and for Apollo, but he felt better knowing they'd face them together.

---

A/N: I had some terrible writer's block after the final Apollo and Phoenix conversation and so I'm not too sure about the ending yet. I might eventually go back and edit it, but for now I think it's fine as is. Let me know what you think.

Part three, if you couldn't guess, is going to follow the death of Clay. It will probably take me forever to write, but I don't plan for it to be as long as this part.

Speaking of Clay, I'm not apologizing for how affectionate and close I made them as friends lol. I think I was trying to use him while I can because, well, we know his fate. Fun fact, his bee nightmare is one of my own from my childhood. Nobody's ever understood my severe phobia so I passed it on to Clay I guess.

See you for part 3. Review if you want