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In retrospect he should've expected it. One does not (indirectly) get the leader of a black magic cult (and your brother) convicted for murder without repercussions and the fact that they took their sweet time to exact their revenge should never have let him drop his guard. At least Apollo was safe in their apartment, even if he would have been much safer with his dragon family in Khura'in (and that had been one hell of a surprise the first time he visited them). At least he had enough warding spells to keep any unwanted company out. So yeah, his only real problem was the painful residue of magic pounding inside his chest from where he hadn't managed to completely deflect their attack. He made a face. Ouch.
Didn't matter, he'd deal with that later. He sent a blast their way, buying himself enough time to conjure a portal that dropped him off close to his apartment. Downside of intruder-proofing his place was he couldn't teleport inside so he had to walk the rest, his hog unfortunately still at the courthouse where they'd attacked him. Setting out at a brisk pace he conjured a quick glamour to hide himself from prying eyes. From muggles, he thought with a giggle, adrenaline-rush making him giddy. Oh, how his brother had hated those books and their completely inaccurate portrayal. He may or may not have gotten Kris a Slytherin mug for Christmas that one time. Clenching his fist until a bright purple light burst through his fingers he whispered a message and when he opened his fist a glowing bird shot into the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye. The council needed to know after all, even if his assailants would probably long gone by the time they showed up.
He rubbed at his chest, drawing a deep breath against the sudden spike of pain and massaging the spot before turning the key inside the lock. The reaction was instantaneous as there was a golden retriever doing her best to sit and not bowl him over in a love attack (dog slobber included) and a cat bumping his head into his leg to show how much he'd been missed in the scant six hours since he'd left. Usually he'd take this as an excuse to drape himself over his boyfriend and (playfully) whine about how their pets loved him more than Apollo did but today he used it to collect himself.
“Schaaahaatz, I'm back!”, he called out into the silent apartment and got a muffled answering shout of 'kitchen' which he followed. Whatever Apollo was getting up to it smelled great. Opening the kitchen door, two eager companions in tow, Apollo turned to greet him, his smile dropping when he caught sight of Klavier. Spatula clattering into the frying pan he closed the distance between them and Klavier turned off the stove with a wave of his hand just as Apollo grabbed onto burnt fabric of his shirt.
“What happened?”, he asked, voice high-pitched and filled with worry and for a moment Klavier regretted not hiding the evidence. But that was just selfishness talking. He wouldn't protect Apollo by lying – not that that would work on his perceptive boyfriend without any form of mind control anyway – he would only be trying to make his own life easier and use Apollo as an excuse. No, Apollo deserved the truth, had told Klavier that no matter how scary he'd always prefer it over a comforting lie and he wouldn't abuse his trust like. Which left him in the uncomfortable position of explaining this.
“Would you believe me if I told you it was like this when I put it on this morning?” A little humor to lighten the mood couldn't hurt.
“Klavier.” Apollo's voice was dismayed with an undercurrent of worry. Tough crowd tonight, better luck next time.
“Okay, so I might have run into a few of Kris' old friends.”
Apollo's eyes narrowed and suddenly he was on the witness stand. Name and occupation please, tell us exactly what happened and don't leave out the bit about the scratch on the floor that the janitor made three years ago. “What friends?”, Apollo asked, derailing Klavier's much more entertaining train of thought.
“The black magic kind. But it's okay,” he rushed to add when Apollo's eyes widened, concern shining bright in his doe-eyes. “I deflected their attack, this is just collateral, nothing to worry about, really. Plus the council already knows and is looking for them as we speak. So everything's fine.”
Apollo huffed, fingers gingerly touching the burnt fabric. “That's my line.”
“Well, then it must be true given who your namesake is.”
Apollo rolled his eyes just like he hoped he would. “I never should've have told you about that. If I had known you had no idea I would've kept quiet forever.” His voice dropped an octave at the last word and Klavier's lips twisted into a smile as he cupped Apollo's cheek with one hand.
“You can't blame me for never having a Greek pantheon phase, something I shall rectify in the near future.” He brushed a kiss over Apollo's lips. “But I was a dinosaur kid.”
“Really? Would've thought you were a human kid but that just goes to show what I know.”
Klavier's grin widened as he leaned down again. “Really, Herr Forehead? You know this relationship has only room for one little shit and that position is already taken by Mikeko.”
“Not you?”
Klavier closed the distance between them, capturing Apollo's lips in a proper kiss this time and molding his body to Apollo's. “No, I'm an angel and you're lucky to have me.”
Apollo hummed appreciatively, chasing Klavier's lips for another kiss.”Maybe. Now do you want to eat or did you just plan to make out in the kitchen?”
“Is that a trick question?”
“Yes, because I am hungry and we're eating.” Klavier pouted, batting his eyelashes at his boyfriend who was completely immune to his masterful manipulation as he was already setting the table. Dinner was tasty though, despite the occasional spasms in his chest and the exhaustion settling into his bones. Or how his heart still seemed to be beating out a faster rhythm than was necessary for someone lying on the couch with his head in his boyfriend's lap and Apollo running his fingers through Klavier's hair. But that certainly wasn't a reason to worry, right? Right. The rest of the evening passed in a blur and he was only vaguely aware of Apollo herding him toward their bathroom to brush his teeth and afterwards to bed. He decided to maybe get this checked out the next day and then he was out like a light seconds after his head had hit his pillow.
The next morning was… different. He realized something was off before he had even opened his eyes as it felt like he was buried under a mountain of covers – head included – and not just one. Squinting and ignoring how wrong his purple covers looked and lifting a hand to push them off his face and froze. That. Was not a hand. Twisting out of under the covers he stared at the furry little paws that were attached to furry little legs that were attached to the rest of his furry little body. He yelped and it came out as a yowl. A yowl that woke his bedmate, blissfully sleeping until the unexpected noise, and now Apollo was blinking at him, sleep still clouding his eyes.
“Hey there, kitty,” he mumbled holding out a hand. “How'd you get in here? Did Klavier find you?”
I am Klavier, he said but what he heard was a plaintive meow. His tail swished. Oh boy. Closing his eyes he tried to reach the magic deep inside himself, feeling it fizzle pitifully under his touch, merely a spark where there should be a raging fire. Oh. Boy. Whatever had turned him into a cat had also sealed away most of his magic, leaving him trapped in this form. And this, children, was why you never combined multiple spells without knowing how they'd interact. He needed help to get out of this one and to get help he'd need Apollo. Planting himself on Apollo's chest, and blessing the fact that Apollo had had Mikeko long enough to be completely used to cats being cats, he rubbed his head against Apollo's. They had a strong bond and if he could just hijack it with the bit of magic he still had access to then Apollo should be able to understand him. Hopefully. A small spark passing between him and Apollo, a little flicker, and he blinked. This should work.
Sitting back he looked at Apollo expectantly. I am Klavier, he repeated and it still sounded like a meow to his ears. Apollo's eyes widened, perfect little o's of disbelief before he rubbed them with a groan.
“Ugh, I'm having a weird dream, aren't I?”
Nope.
Apollo raised his head to look at him and maybe he should've waited until the poor man had had his coffee before he revealed himself. Whelp. The usual Being woken up by your boyfriend sitting on you scenarios didn't include this.
“You're Klavier?” Apollo asked and his voice was a desperate plea for sanity.
'Fraid so. Seems like 'tis wasn't but a scratch.
Apollo groaned, grabbing his pillow to cover his face. “We talked about this, no obscure reference before I had my coffee," came the muffled reply from where he was trying to suffocate himself.
If you recognized it it can't be that obscure.
The pillow lifted enough for him to be subjected to Apollo's unimpressed glare. “I'm not arguing about what counts as obscure with a talking cat.” He blinked. “Wait, you are talking, right?”
Kind of? You're the only one who can understand me. He paused to scratch his ear with his hind paw. Everyone else will just think I'm meowing.
“Awesome.” Apollo sat up, hands cradling Klavier before he could slide off his chest. “So how do we fix this?”
No idea. Our best bet is probably hitting up Ema – if we can figure out what spells they used on me we might find a way to undo it. Being held in Apollo's arms was nice and he had a sudden appreciation for why Mikeko liked it so much. He also had the strong urge to purr.
“Fine,” Apollo sighed, swinging his feet out of the bed. “First breakfast, then I'm texting Ema.” Though once they were inside the kitchen another problem presented itself.
I'm not eating cat food , he said from his position in Apollo's arms while Mikeko and Vongole were already sitting in front of their respective dishes, their eyes following Apollo's every move. Because ostensibly they hadn't been fed in years, the poor things. Bunch of liars.
“Yeah, I think we have some chicken in the fridge. I could cook some for you.”
That would be lovely, he purred rubbing his head against Apollo's cheek. You're the best.
Apollo sat him down on the counter as he started pulling out cooking utensils. “Yeah, and you better remember it next time I pick a movie to watch.”
Hey, I never complain about your choices. I am a supportive boyfriend.
“No, you don't. But if you don't like my choice you plant your head in my lap and are asleep with in five minutes. You don't even give it a chance.”
Duly noted. Next time I'll start making out if you instead. His ears flicked. Also if I had the appropriate facial muscles right now I would wriggle my eyebrows suggestively.
“Well, I think I dodged a bullet there. That's not an expression I'd ever want to see on a cat.”
Not even Garfield?
“Especially not Garfield.”
Apollo moved around the kitchen while the chicken boiled, making coffee, getting Mikeko off the counter, cutting himself slices of bread, pushing Vongole out of the way, getting Mikeko off the counter again, setting a plate for himself and one for Klavier and throwing their pets out of the kitchen altogether. Human Klavier's absence and cat Klavier's presence seemed to be rather confusing but also fascinating.
After breakfast, and Klavier had only tried to take a sip of Apollo's coffee once and was still receiving glares as he sat next to the almost empty mug, Apollo shot off a quick text to Ema before grabbing Vongole's leash. Magic mayhem or not, if they didn't want a present on their carpet the Golden Retriever needed her morning walk. Once Apollo opened the door Vongole hopped past him wagging her tail as she bounded ahead and Klavier followed suit only to be stopped.
“What are you doing?”
I'm coming with you. His tail swished. Why?
“You can't come, what if anyone sees you?”
Then they'll think I'm adorable.
Apollo rolled his eyes. “Let me rephrase, smartass, what if the people who tried to hurt you see you?”
Klavier rubbed against Apollo's leg. Then they'll think I 'm an adorable little kitty cat. Meow.
Apollo's eye twitched. “Did you just say meow or am I having an aneurysm?”
Possibly both. Now, come on before Vongole has an accident. With that he brushed past Apollo and Vongole out into the hallway, leaving the other to squawk after him. Though with his short legs they had caught up to him in no time. Was this how Apollo felt? Maybe this was why he was power walking 90 percent of the time. He hummed; this new form was already giving him fantastic new insights, maybe he should've experimented with Transformations years ago. Though looking up at the elevator button there were some limitations he could do without.
Schaaahaatz?
“I'm coming, jeez, you're worse than Mikeko. At least I can't understand him.”
I'm sure I could find a spell for that. The elevator started moving and Klavier's whiskered twitched. We could sit next to each other and both scream for attention and then you can properly judge who's worse.
“Hard pass, thanks.”
A quick elevator ride later and Klavier strolled out, waiting for Apollo to open the building's door and then they were out in the open. Everything was so much taller and louder. He scurried ahead, resisting the urge to crawl under parking cars just to see what it was like while Apollo and Vongole trailed after him. Had the trees always been this big? No wonder cats got stuck in there, they were huge. He looked ahead and stopped. Also huge was the Great Dane coming their way and he scrambled backwards into Apollo's legs where two hands picked him up. Vongole wagged her tail and went to greet the other dog unimpressed by this hulking menace.
“Oh, is this your cat?” the dog's owner cooed. “How adorable, I hope Bobby didn't scare her.”
“Naww, he's fine.” Apollo adjusted his grip and let Klavier climb onto his shoulder instead of holding him like a baby. “I think he just didn't expect a dog this big.”
Ja, he's humongous.
“Aww, don't worry kitty, Bobby would hurt a fly,” the young woman patted her dogs head. “What breed is he anyway? I've never seen one with quite so golden fur.” Huh, he looked down at himself. She had a point.
Maine Coon mix?
“Uhh, we think there's some Maine Coon in him?” Or was he too small to be Maine Coon related? Probably.
“Oooh, that would explain the long hair. What's his name.”
“Klavier.”
“Really? Like the musician?” she asked and he swore he felt Apollo folding in on himself, as if wanting the ground to open up and swallow him.
“Yeah, like the musician,” he croaked.
“I love Klavier so much! What's your favorite song?”
Yeah, what's you favorite song? Apollo's hand came up to scratch him behind the ears in what probably looked affectionate but could only mean 'Please, for the love of god, be quiet'.
“I umm, don't mean to be rude or anything –” Apollo stammered. “– but we kinda need to get going, because, um, we'll be late and-” He stepped around the woman, pulling Vongole along. “But it was really nice meeting you!” he shouted already power walking away, faster than strictly necessary.
That went great.
“Are you kidding? This was a disaster!” Apollo shouted, people turning to stare, and he lowered his voice to a hiss. “ I'm no good at this.”
At what? Talking to people? You're a lawyer, you talk to people all the time and you're great at it.
“I have a cat on my shoulder and everyone's staring!”
Klavier rubbed his cheek against Apollo's with a purr. Only because I'm adorable. He jumped off Apollo's shoulder. Let's keep going, bit of exercise never hurt anyone.
Apollo sighed, clearly defeated and not happy about it, and traipsed after them.
In the time it had taken them to complete their morning walk – Klavier more than happy to let Apollo carry him on the way back, he had little legs after all – Ema had texted them to meet up at her place so that was where they went. The door hadn't even opened fully and already Ema was pulling them inside, pausing to glance outside and check to see if they had been followed, he assumed, before slamming it closed and turning the full force of her glare on them. Or maybe just him.
Meow?
“That him?” Ema didn't wait for Apollo's confirmation, hand grabbing the scruff of his neck and pulling him off Apollo's shoulder. “You are reeking of residue magic, Glimmer. What the hell did you do?”
I didn't do anything! They attacked me!, he yowled as Ema dropped him in the middle of a chalk pentagram on her kitchen table.
“Yeah, I don't speak cat.” She put a bowl of powder (ground up butterfly wings, sawdust and a few herbs from the look of it) in front of him, ripped a few hairs out of his fur and added them to the bowl. Rude.
Apollo speaks cat.
“I understand him,” Apollo said, watching them with wide eyes as Ema set the bowl on fire and it, and the lines of the pentagram glowed with blue fire.
“Really? That's good. What spells did they attack you with?”
The ouchy-murdery kind. I was too busy defending myself to pay attention to that.
“He says he didn't see,” Apollo translated with a raised eyebrow at Klavier.
“Figures. Did you use Winston's Shield?” The fire had died down and Ema was spreading the ashes between her hands, a line of blueish black levitating in between before she slapped them back together. Klavier sneezed.
I used Clio's Mirror, trying to reflect their attacks back at them. One broke through.
“He says he used Clio's Mirror? To reflect their attacks but it broke.”
Ema rubbed the residue between her fingers with a frown. “And when he got home did he have burns anywhere?”
“Yeah, his shirt. Right above his heart.” Apollo's voice hitched he hopped out of the pentagram and into Apollo's arms, rubbing his head against his cheek.
Ema rubbed her hands on her kitchen towel with a calculating look in her eyes. “Okay, I think I know how to fix it but I will need to get a few supplies. And I need you guys to get a book for me from the library since it's on the other side of town. You can take my card.”
“Okay? Isn't there going to be a problem with me not being a wizard and all?” Apollo asked even as he shifted Klavier to one arm so he could take the card Ema held out to him and put it in his pocket.
“Pah, no one will notice, trust me. I need Sullivan's Treatise on Shields and Synergy. The conclusive guide, not the handbook. Glimmer will know which one.”
Yep, got it. Thanks, Ema.
“Yeah, thanks Ema, you're a lifesaver.”
Ema rolled her eyes. “Thank me once Glimmer has the right number of legs again. And now shoo, these things get harder to break the longer they are allowed to fester.”
Apollo started, pressing Klavier tighter to his chest. “And you're telling me now?” he shrieked. “We have to go!”
Klavier stretched his neck, head bumping against Apollo's chin as the other pushed the door open. Relax, a few hours won't matter.
“So you say, but you also said it wasn't anything serious and now you are a furball. A furball, Klavier.” Apollo dashed down the stairs, taking two steps at once.
Alright, I admit there may have been a slight miscalculation on my part, mea culpa, but there's no need for you to break a leg. He purred, one paw reaching up pat Apollo's face. Beside the bus isn't going to change its schedule just because we're in a hurry.
Apollo stopped and stared at Klavier. “What do you mean?” he panted.
Well, we're not going to catch that one, are we?, Klavier purred pointing at the bus driving past them.
Apollo lifted Klavier, burying his face in the fur and screaming.
We could always take a cab?
“No," came the muffled reply from inside his fur. “They'd insist on putting you in a carrier.”
So five minutes of waiting, twenty of driving and three selfies with people who thought he was the most photogenic cat in existence – which he was, thank you very much – later they were standing in front of the public library. Apollo frowned.
“I really would've thought your books wouldn't be available to the general public.”
And they aren't, Klavier chirped from his position on Apollo's shoulder. Which is why we're taking the side entrance.
Around the corner was an inconspicuous door, looking like a delivery entrance at best, small and unimportant. But with a card-reader. And when Apollo swiped Ema's card the door opened, letting them inside. They barely made it three steps before someone bellowed after them.
“Where do you think you're going?” The librarian stalked toward and Klavier flattened himself against Apollo's shoulder.
“We – I am just gonna get a book sooo-”
“All familiars must be kept on a leash or stay outside.” She pointed at the sign hanging by the entrance. Whoops. “So what's it gonna be?”
Tell her I'm your emotional support cat.
“I, well-”
Your therapy pet.
“Shut up,” Apollo hissed at him and the librarian sputtered.
“Excuse me?” she snarled and Apollo raised his hands with a startled yelp.
“No! I wasn't talking to you!” he screeched, face red as beet. “I meant him. I- uh- I've forgotten my leash but-”
“No 'buts', young man. Either leash or no go.”
There was the sudden urge to make a sly remark about the usage of the word 'but' except Apollo looked about three seconds away from hyperventilating and he gave the librarian his best pleading face instead, big sad eyes and included.
Meow?
She sighed, clapping her hands together and a leash appeared. “And I better not catch you without this.”
“You won't! And thanks.”
Jumping off Klavier sat down on his hind legs, waiting for Apollo to fasten the leash.
Oh look, it has a little bow tie. Does this make me cuter?
“You're adorable,” Apollo deadpanned picking him up and holding him in his arms again. He looked uncomfortable, his eyebrows knitting together and his brown eyes clouded so Klavier pushed his head into Apollo's chest again in lieu of a hug. A finger stroked the fur between his ears. “I'm sorry about this.”
About what?
“The leash.”
Oh, but Herr Forehead, Klavier purred. You can tie me up any time. Please imagine the suggestive eyebrow wiggle.
Apollo screeched in dismay, clapping a hand over his mouth and glaring when a variety of angry 'shhs' were thrown their way. “You know what, forget I said anything,” he hissed as he hoisted Klavier up on his shoulder and stalked deeper into the building. “Just tell me where the book is.”
I don't know.
Apollo stopped and turned his head oh so slowly, the weird angle mitigating the usually impressive effect of his stare and Klavier purred.
But you see, there is this new invention – maybe you even heard of it – called a computer where you can look up everything and-
“If you want to walk you can just say so,” Apollo muttered as he stalked towards the computer and hammered in the book title with more force than necessary. “Would just ruin your day having to use your legs like the rest of us. Meanwhile I'll need a chiropractor once this is over from your weight on my shoulder.”
I'll give you a massage when I have hands again. He kneaded the shirt beneath his paws and purred as Apollo set off with a piece of paper and the shelf number. But I can walk if it's too much.
“Nah, it's fine. Besides I always wanted a shoulder cat, tried to teach Mikeko but he didn't feel like it.” Apollo snorted as he climbed the stairs to the floor to the Shield-spell-section Klavier bouncing with each step. His balance had certainly improved since he'd switched to a four-legged gait.
Probably good thing, too. Imagine if he demanded shoulder rides with the same frequency as he did for scratches. You'd walk like Quasimodo within a week.
Apollo snorted. “No, I wouldn't. I'd make you carry him. All. The. Time.” He punctuated each word with a gentle poke into Klavier's side and Klavier reached out to bat at his finger.
Cruel! Herr Forehead is cruel and does not care for me or little Mikeko. He yowled and let himself droop over Apollo's shoulder, front legs hanging off. Oh, how can we ever thrive in such a hostile environment.
A hand on his back steadied him even as Apollo huffed in that way when he thought Klavier was being ridiculous but was also amused by it. Klavier liked to call it I-can't-believe-I'm-in-Love-with-this-Idiot-No.-3, with 95 percent chance of eye-rolling and a fond smile when Apollo thought Klavier couldn't see it. He was about to really lay into the cruel and uncaring angle when he noticed someone lurking behind a shelf. Bowler hat, dark trenchcoat and a distinct lack of interest in any of the books. His tail swished. The man was staring at them, more accurately at Apollo despite his adorable kitty-self perched on his shoulder and that didn't bode well. Looking over his (and Apollo's) shoulder he saw another man in a nondescript coat following them.
Schatz, could you do me a favor and get behind that shelf? He pointed to the right. I'll explain in a minute.
“Okay?” Apollo frowned at him but did as he asked. “Why?”
I think we're being followed. By the unfriendly kill-now-ask-questions-later-type.
“What?!” Apollo twisted so suddenly Klavier had to bury his claws on his shirt to avoid falling off.
Shhhh, it's okay. Just get out of their sight. Tail whipping from one side to the other he watched them approach slowly even as Apollo stalked toward the next row of shelf, the line of sight finally broken and he nudged into Apollo. Grab a book and rip out a page.
“What book?”
Any. Just do it quickly, he urged. Looking back to check they were still out of sight. You know what's scarier than a black magic cultist?
“Really not the time for riddles,” Apollo sniped as he tore a book out of the shelf, opened it and closed his fist around a page. White light surrounded them, the room twisting and swirling.
A librarian, Klavier chirped just as they rematerialized in front of the reception and a pissed librarian.
“You again!” she hissed. “What did you do?”
Hi, there's at least two AS cultist in this room. Call Archchancellor Edgeworth immediately or you will be charged with obstruction of Justice.
“Erm, yes. There's two ass cultists in here, or more, and you need to call archchancellor Edgeworth. Um, right now please.”
The librarian put her hands on her hips, face drawing together like stormclouds and she drew a deep breath. “If you think your nonsense will distract from the fact that you-”
Hey, Klavier mewled into Apollo's ear. Don't you have Herr Edgeworth's number? Call him and put him on speaker. He jumped off Apollo and onto the receptionist's desk meowing loudly and insistently, distracting her as Apollo fumbled with his phone. Not long enough for her to completely miss what Apollo was up to enough but enough to that she couldn't do anything before the call connected.
“Edgeworth speaking.”
“Ah, Chief Pro- I mean, Archchancellor Edgeworth, this is Apollo Justice. I'm with Klavier at the library and two cultists followed us here and-”
“I'm on my way,” Edgeworth said and the line went dead. And then he was suddenly standing next to them and Apollo shrieked, almost falling over and pressing a hand over his heart while Klavier meowed a hello.
“If you would be so kind as to wait outside with Detective Faraday,” he said.
Apollo nodded, dropping the book with a muttered apology while the librarian stared at Edgeworth in awe and then he scooped Klavier up and power walked outside, clutching him to his chest. He stretched his paw to pat Apollo's cheek.
It's okay, just breathe.
“How did they find us? I thought they wouldn't recognize you?”
He stretched, standing on Apollo's arms and putting one paw on one side of his neck, his head and the other paw on the other in the best facsimile of a hug he could manage. I don't think they were looking for me, I think they were after you. His tail swished. I'm sorry, I should have expected it.
Finally outside Apollo stopped with a sigh and rested his chin on Klavier's head. “Not your fault,” he said and Klavier felt the vibrations in Apollo's throat against his face. “Not like you could have known.”
He should have, he thought, but didn't say. No point in fighting over this. Instead he crawled back onto Apollo's shoulder, rubbing his head against his face and purring when Apollo's hand came to scratch behind his ears.
“Yo, is that Klavvy?” His head shot up and he saw Kay sauntering towards them. “Ema wasn't kidding.” She leaned down and poked his forehead – his furhead, hah – before straightening again. “You are one golden retriever cat, you know that?”
Thanks?
“Anyway, I'm going to drop you off at Klavvy's and you're not allowed to leave until we give you the all clear.”
The book, Klavier went at the same time as Apollo spoke.
“Could you get a book for us, please?” He held out the piece of paper. “We need Sullivan's Treatise on Shields and Synergy to turn Klavier back.”
Kay took it and shrugged. “Sure, just wait in my car.” She pointed her finger at Klavier. “And stay there, no shenanigans.”
Why is she pointing at me?, he complained as Apollo got in on the passenger side. You're the one sneaking into crime scenes.
Apollo shrugged before reaching up to sit him down in his lap and removing the leash. “Must be your glimmerous persona.”
You are spending too much time with Ema. He reached up to bat a paw against Apollo's cheek before a yawn interrupted him. Hope she'll be done soon because I'm getting tired.
A hand scratched the underside of his chin and he leaned into it, eyes closing. “Well cats do sleep up to sixteen hours a day, so you're a few hours short.”
And you didn't even let me have coffee, he purred curling up in Apollo's lap.
“Yes, yes, I am cruel, woe is you,” he heard Apollo huff and then the car started moving, a muffled conversation happening somewhere above him and then suddenly Apollo was nudging him and telling him to wake up even though he really just had to closed his eyes for a second or five. He yawned and stretched before curling up again.
Are we there yet?
“Yes, and I can't get up with you in my lap.”
Fine, he purred and climbed on Apollo's shoulder, brushing against the back of his head and lying down again, letting his legs dangle like a living furcollar. There, you can go now.
“Because walking yourself would've been too much to ask,” Apollo snorted, one hand coming up to rest against his side, keeping him steady.
I have short legs, have pity. The jingling of keys told him Apollo was opening their front door and the meowing and ticking of claws on hard floor meant they were being expected.
“Oh no, how do short people ever manage in this world?” Apollo tossed the keys in the bowl by their entrance, putting the book next to it and headed toward their living room.
Is that sarcasm I detect?
“Noooo, never.”
That's a relief. And just to show you how much I appreciate your sacrifice I'll even let you pick the movie to watch while we wait for Ema. He jumped off Apollo's shoulder onto the couch and patted the seat next to him and Apollo narrowed his eyes.
“Are you going to fall asleep within the first five minutes?”
He tilted his head, putting on his best innocent face. No?
Unfortunately Apollo wasn't buying it, crossing his arms and glaring at him with those big brown eyes that seemed to see more than other people could. “Are you sure about that? Because your tail is awfully twitchy.”
What tail? This old thing? He curled his tail around his legs, blinking at Apollo. I promise I won't fall asleep?
Apollo uncrossed his arms with a huff and flopped down on the couch. “Okay, but we're watching an anime and you're not allowed to sleep until we reach episode five.” He opened his arms and Klavier immediately took up the offer, settling back in Apollo's lap and purring while the other switched on their TV pulling up Netflix.
He had to admit, the show was good, starting out silly but gaining depth the further it went. Although his eyes were getting heavy again, with Apollo's lap being nice and warm, his fingers running through Klavier's fur on autopilot – thanks to years of cat ownership – and their home was so heavily fortified, it would take on army of black mages to break in. Focus, no falling asleep. Rolling onto his back to give Apollo better access he pointed one paw at the screen just as pink-haired anime-girl messed up her guitar-solo.
Is that why you wanted me to stay awake? Because they're forming a teenage rockband in this episode?
“I figured you might appreciate the musical aspect of things. Also, the plot doesn't really start until episode five, so...” He shrugged and the hand on Klavier's chest paused.
She's right, you know, playing guitar and singing at the same time does take practice. He reached up to nudge Apollo's hand and it started moving again.
“So you like it?” The earnest excitement in Apollo's voice had him roll onto his feet and rise up to butt his head against Apollo's cheek.
Ja, it's cute. Though not as cute as you. And Apollo groaned and roll his eyes just like he knew he would.
“How can you even say that with a straight face?” he groused and Klavier purred.
Wanna know the secret? He beckoned Apollo closer with his paw. Lack of facial muscles, he whispered and Apollo fell back against the couch with a dull thud.
“You are the worst,” he groaned but he was smiling as he said it and Klavier purred.
That's why you love me, he chirped and planted himself right on Apollo's chest.
“Yeah, you're lucky I do otherwise-” The doorbell rang and whatever adorable threat Apollo was about to make got interrupted as he scooped him up to answer the door. It was Ema with a bag of supplies in her hands and a scowl on her face.
“I send you to get one book – one – and you still manage to run into trouble. Did you at least remember to bring it? Never mind, I see it.” She grabbed the book then waved her entire bag at them. “Where do you want to do this?”
The kitchen.
“The kitchen?” Apollo repeated, eyebrows drawing together even as he carried him to the aforementioned room. Ah yes, he was someone not yet familiar with the most magical room in every household.
This is going to leave a mess and the tiles are easy to clean.
“Seriously? That's it?” Apollo set him down on the kitchen table as Ema pushed past them, drawing a chalk circle on the floor, adding a hexagram to it and placing bowls with herb powders at the corners. He would've loved to offer his help but without hands (and opposable thumbs) there wasn't a lot he could do and Apollo didn't know the first thing about magic.
Would you rather get a new carpet for our living room? He scratched his ear watching Ema put on the finishing touches and flip through the book until she reached the page she was looking for and started muttering.
Actually, do you want to redecorate? We could get a new couch to match the new carpet? He hopped off the table and sat down at the center of Ema's circle looking at Apollo expectantly.
“We're not getting a new carpet.”
You sure about this? Maybe we could try a new color-scheme we could-
“I'm ready,” Ema said, standing and clapping her hands together once. “You might want to put these on”, she continued handing Apollo a pair of safety goggles and putting her own on. “Glimmer, you keep your eyes closed.”
Yes, ma'am. Not that she'd understand but any questioning looks or eye rolling were lost on him as he had just squeezed his eyes shut. Ema was getting started on the spell, he could feel the magic gathering beneath his paws, bright lights visible even through his closed eyelids and his entire body started tingling when Ema's started the incantation. It got worse, not outright painful but certainly unpleasant and he would've been tempted to lean away from its source but his body wasn't listening to him anymore, moving on its own, and the tingling was more of a pull now and he was shifting, the floor suddenly a lot colder and the bright light disappeared. He sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
“Well, that was unpleasant.”
“Klavier!” Apollo slid down to the floor, throwing his around his neck and hugging him tight. “Are you alright?”
“Ja, I'm fine. Were you that worried?” He ran his hands up and his boyfriend's back, feeling the tension ebb from the small form bit by bit.
“Of course I was. People tried to kill you and then you were a cat and then you were writhing on the floor like you were in pain and I couldn't even do anything.”
He pressed his lips to the crown of Apollo's head. “You did plenty, don't you ever doubt that. Also, Ema thanks for the-” He looked up to see her pointedly looking away. He snorted. “Too much PDA?”
“You're not wearing a shirt,” she said which didn't come as a surprise since he'd transformed while he was asleep and was now only wearing pajama pants.
Okay, he so may be risking getting a book chucked at his head but- “You're saying that as if you've never seen me on the album cover for Guilty as Charged. Or haven't been reading magazines.”
“Well, your hair wasn't-” She stopped, glared at him and grabbed the book. Not chucking it at his head. “You know what, I forgot you had no sense of shame. Forget I said anything. I'm expecting a month's worth of Snackoos as my payment and you better get some of the exotic flavors as well. Also you're grounded.” She threw her bowls into her bag and stuck her tongue at him. “Both of you, Chief's orders. They got the two in the library but are currently checking up on leads and someone will contact you tomorrow.”
Klavier grinned. “On a scale from one to ten how much did you enjoy telling me I was grounded?”
Ema matched his grin with one of her own as she tied up her bag. “Twenty, it'll keep me warm during cold nights.”
“Wait, what?” Apollo turned enough to give Ema an incredulous look. “You can't be serious. Do we really have to wait here if you got the guys?”
“Sure am. If anything happens to you that's gonna be an international incident and no one wants that. So, at least for one day you'll have to behave.”
Klavier rested his chin on top of Apollo's head, humming thoughtfully. “Stuck inside all day, whatever shall we do Herr Forehead?” he purred suggestively. Too bad the angle made any eyebrow wiggling pointless but the indignant squawking beneath him let him know his message had been received. That and Ema made exaggerated gagging motions.
“I'm leaving before I see anything that would make me want to wipe my memory. So have fun. But please give me five seconds before you start.” Giving them a little wave Ema turned on her heel and stalked out before he could even untangle himself from Apollo.
“Soooo,” he started tightening his arms around Apollo. “Are your muscles still tense? Because I heard a nice hot bath can do wonders for that.”
Apollo snorted and pressed himself closer. “Just so you know, I am rolling my eyes at you right now. You could at least buy me dinner first.”
“Ach Herr Forehead, always assuming the worst of people. I have no ulterior motives whatsoever.”
“Uh huh.”
“Okay, you got me – I'm also covered in leaf powder and that's really the only reason.”
“Oh, we can't have that.” Apollo stood and held out his hand. “But if there's still cat left in you don't expect me to save you from the icky water.” And Klavier laughed even as he let Apollo pull him to his feet.