[Fanfiction] Into the Dark
Title: Into the Dark
Fandom: Ace Attorney
Rating: PG-13 for mild swearing and violence
Summary: Three days after Kristoph's execution, Klavier gets into a traffic accident. Will he recover?
Notes: Medical bullshitting abounds in this fic. San Quentin really is where California's Death Row is, though.
The Tango Bar and Restaurant
3:47 A.M.
Kristoph Gavin was dead.
This was why Klavier Gavin found himself sitting in a bar, half-hidden in the shadows, trying to lose himself in his drink. He had promised himself he would hold himself together, that he wouldn't break down once the execution was over, but that seemed less and less likely to happen as the moments ticked by. The music in the bar wasn't helping, either.
“Dad, your boy who used to run/you taught him how to crawl/he left home to find his own/now all he had is gone”
Fuck that. Klavier Gavin was not a stinking drunk. He stood up, shakily, and paid for his drink. He wobbled out the door, over to his motorcycle. He shoved his helmet on, and started the engine. Turning left out of the parking lot, he picked up speed.
He almost didn't see it. The car had its lights off, and it was hard to hear through the thick helmet he was wearing and the roar of the engine. It was then that Klavier realized, horrified, that he was driving in the wrong lane.
'Oh... fuck.'
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
7:39 A.M.
Apollo had come as soon as he had been woken by Detective Skye calling his apartment four times in a row. He had answered with a sleepy “'lo? Who's this?”, and glanced at the clock, which read five in the morning.
“Justice. Hospital. Now. Gavin. Crash. Dammit, I can't have him die on me, it'll look bad on my report.”
Several hours and a few terse conversations later, Apollo sat next to Klavier's bed, trying to think of what to say. The prosecutor looked like he was sleeping, and the younger man had to wonder if Klavier was more peaceful like that. It was certainly a change from the tempest of emotions that defined a conversation with the former rock god.
And certainly a change from the last time he saw him.
~-~-~-~
Three Days Ago
San Quentin State Prison
12:50 P.M.
Everyone had flown into San Francisco the day before, and the car ride to the prison that housed California's Death Row had been tense and silent. No one had spoken, most especially not Klavier, who had surprised everyone by agreeing to ride with Apollo, Trucy, and Mr. Wright. The prosecutor's face had been stony and tight, as if he were forcing himself to stay quiet. He hadn't even been tapping a tune on his leg as he so often did.
They had avoided the reporters ('Mr. Gavin, can you comment on your brother's deeds?' 'Mr. Justice, how does it feel to be heading to the execution of your former mentor?') and shuffled into the small room. They had been briefed, and now all there was to do was wait.
Ten minutes later, when Kristoph had been strapped in (he looked too thin, too scraggly, too wrong to be Kristoph Gavin, it had to be someone else) and the needles inserted, Apollo had turned to look at Klavier.
The prosecutor was just sitting there, staring at his brother, lips moving slowly. Apollo could feel his bracelet tensing up, and he was able to figure out what the other man was saying.
'No, no, no, no, no...'
The defense attorney felt guilty, like he was intruding on something, and looked back at the shell of a man that was once Kristoph Gavin. Kristoph's eyes were closed now, and he didn't look to be in any pain, but it was still... eerie.
About half a minute later, Kristoph Gavin was declared dead, and Klavier had closed his eyes, tension visible in every muscle. He hadn't cried. He hadn't even said anything. He just sat there, for maybe five minutes, pain written on his face, while they had been debriefed.
No one approached him. No one wanted to risk hurting him, which may have hurt him more. He had just walked out to the car, and sat quietly while they rode back to the hotel.
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
7:05 P.M.
“How likely is it that he'll wake up, doctor?” Ema worried on a Snackoo while she spoke to the doctor in charge of Klavier's case.
“Well... it's too early to tell. He appears to be in a coma. His body isn't responsive to any external stimuli.” The doctor looked at his clipboard and shook his head. “The damage wasn't terrible, but it was enough.”
Munch munch mu- “What.”
“Surely you know what a coma is, Detective Skye.” The man looked over his glasses at the young woman.
“I... well... of course I know what it is! But... you're sure?” This was bad. If he didn't wake up... well, she hated to admit that she actually worried about the man, but...
“Yes. I'm sure. I think the only thing you can do is to make yourself comfortable, if you're planning on staying. I realize you're not family, but... I know he doesn't have anyone left.”
Ema sighed. “Thank you.” She pushed open the door again to see Phoenix handing Apollo a sandwich. Trucy was trying to distract the red-suited attorney with card tricks, but it wasn't working very well.
“Apollo.” Ema sighed. “You've been here since four in the morning. You need to get some sleep.”
“'Mfine.”
“No, you're not fine. You're falling asleep in your chair. Scientifically speaking, you're sleep deprived.” She grabbed his arm and hauled him towards the door. “I'll drive you home. Now move.”
“All right, all right! I'm going... Mr. Wright, you're going to stay here?” Apollo looked back at Phoenix.
“Yeah. I'm not worried about losing sleep, anyway. Take Trucy with you... get her home.” Phoenix nodded towards his daughter.
“Okay, Daddy. You'll be okay without me?” The teen smiled a little. “You know you don't eat right unless I'm with you.”
“I'll be fine, Trucy. You take care of Apollo.”
“Will do, Daddy.”
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
8:18 A.M.
Phoenix hadn't slept at all, just sat there and watched Klavier as soon as he was allowed back into the room. He wasn't sure how he felt about the prosecutor - on the one hand, he did get him disbarred, but on the other hand, he couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Klavier didn't really have anyone left... and for this to happen so soon after the execution...
Well, it wasn't really surprising. Apparently, when Klavier had come in, his blood alcohol was well over the legal limit. And Phoenix had lost a friend or two in high school and college to drunk driving.
He was pulled from his thoughts by a sound. It took him a few moments to realize that it was Klavier, murmuring something.
“Kristoph...”
... Of course. Phoenix shook his head and went to go tell a doctor.
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
3:27 P.M.
Throughout the day, Klavier had uttered the occasional word, and even opened his eyes once or twice. He seemed to be recovering, so at least the damage hadn't been terrible. The wounds on his torso seemed to be knitting together, and his breathing stayed steady.
Ema was taking her turn sitting next to Klavier, and she was reading a book. Suddenly, she heard a groan. Startled, she stared at Klavier.
“You awake, you glimmerous fop?”
“F... Fraülein... heh... can I have some... wa... water? My throat, ach... it is burning...”
“Don't try to move.” She closed her book with a snap. “I'll be right back.”
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
10:49 P.M.
After that first conversation, Klavier had been able to stay awake for progressively longer periods of time, usually about once per hour. The longest had been for about seven minutes, and now everyone was waiting for him to wake up again.
The prosecutor shifted, and opened his eyes. “Where am I?” He asked softly.
Phoenix chuckled. “You're at the hospital, prosecutor. You had a nasty crash.”
“I... the bar... and the... shit. What about my motorcycle?” 'Please let it be okay, please let it be okay...'
“Totaled.” 'Damn.'
“All right. Ugh... how long have I been lying here?” He felt stiff, and longed to stretch, but something told him that wouldn't be a good idea.
“About a day and a half.” Phoenix sounded almost amused. “You gave everyone a good scare.”
Suddenly, something registered in Klavier's brain. “Herr Wright?!”
“Who did you expect, the Tooth Fairy?”
“Sarcastic as ever, I see.” Klavier sounded grumpy.
“Wait right there.”
~-~-~-~
Three Days Later
California Hospital Medical Center
12:19 P.M.
“Are you sure you'll be all right by yourself, Prosecutor Gavin?”
“Ja, Forehead. I'll be all right. But... how about you come over this evening? I could use the company.”
Apollo was quiet for a few moments. “All right.”
~-~-~-~
Klavier's Apartment
8:53 P.M.
“And then I said, 'what are you looking at me for? Go find the monkey yourself!' Ah, but enough of stories from the road.” Klavier laughed, and nursed his cocoa, before looking serious. It had surprised Apollo when he had learned that cocoa was Klavier's evening drink, and not something... stronger. But to each his own.
Apollo shook his head. “You're okay, aren't you, Prosecutor Gavin?”
“Hm? Ah. Well. Not really, to be honest. But let's just say I won't be riding drunk for a while... mostly because I don't have a motorcycle anymore. But... ja. I miss him. He is... he was... a criminal, and a murderer... but he was my brother. And I love him. I will always love him. He is... my family. The only one of my family who would talk to me, anyway.”
If there had been a button over Klavier's head that said 'PRESS', Apollo would have pushed it then. “What do you mean?”
“Ah, well. My parents... let's just say they did not approve of my... lifestyle. They... disapproved... of my choice in bed partners, and they weren't terribly fond of the rock, either. Kristoph was the perfect one... he was even engaged to a woman that Mother and Father approved of. It was broken off, but still...”
Apollo was still stuck on the previous sentence. “M... Mr. Gavin was what?”
“Engaged, Forehead, or do you not know the meaning of the word?” Klavier looked amused. “Or did you think he was the gay brother?”
“Well, I... I mean... ...he painted his nails.”
“...There is such a thing as 'metrosexual', Forehead. In any case, ja. He liked women, I like both. He was especially entranced by female criminals. From what I remember he followed State v. Hawthorne quite intently... I suppose that should have been a warning sign.”
Apollo twitched as he remembered that name from Mr. Wright's records.
“In any case. Mother and Father don't speak to me anymore. They could be dead for all I know, it's not like they'll write me into either of their wills. I don't mind, though. They leave me alone and I leave them alone.” The prosecutor fell silent again as he nursed his drink.
“Family's important, though...” Apollo offered weakly.
“Ja. Family that cares. However, apparently I have no one left that falls into that category.”
“You could, though.”
Klavier raised an eyebrow over his mug. “What are you saying, Forehead?”
“...Well, they may not be family... but you have friends. Like me... and Detective Skye?” Apollo realized he sounded rather unsure, and cleared his throat.
“...Not quite. But if this is an invitation to get to know you better, then... ja. You should come over tomorrow, I'll make pasta.”
Apollo nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
Klavier raised his mug. “To dinner plans. And to not running into another car.”
They both chuckled.
Fandom: Ace Attorney
Rating: PG-13 for mild swearing and violence
Summary: Three days after Kristoph's execution, Klavier gets into a traffic accident. Will he recover?
Notes: Medical bullshitting abounds in this fic. San Quentin really is where California's Death Row is, though.
The Tango Bar and Restaurant
3:47 A.M.
Kristoph Gavin was dead.
This was why Klavier Gavin found himself sitting in a bar, half-hidden in the shadows, trying to lose himself in his drink. He had promised himself he would hold himself together, that he wouldn't break down once the execution was over, but that seemed less and less likely to happen as the moments ticked by. The music in the bar wasn't helping, either.
“Dad, your boy who used to run/you taught him how to crawl/he left home to find his own/now all he had is gone”
Fuck that. Klavier Gavin was not a stinking drunk. He stood up, shakily, and paid for his drink. He wobbled out the door, over to his motorcycle. He shoved his helmet on, and started the engine. Turning left out of the parking lot, he picked up speed.
He almost didn't see it. The car had its lights off, and it was hard to hear through the thick helmet he was wearing and the roar of the engine. It was then that Klavier realized, horrified, that he was driving in the wrong lane.
'Oh... fuck.'
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
7:39 A.M.
Apollo had come as soon as he had been woken by Detective Skye calling his apartment four times in a row. He had answered with a sleepy “'lo? Who's this?”, and glanced at the clock, which read five in the morning.
“Justice. Hospital. Now. Gavin. Crash. Dammit, I can't have him die on me, it'll look bad on my report.”
Several hours and a few terse conversations later, Apollo sat next to Klavier's bed, trying to think of what to say. The prosecutor looked like he was sleeping, and the younger man had to wonder if Klavier was more peaceful like that. It was certainly a change from the tempest of emotions that defined a conversation with the former rock god.
And certainly a change from the last time he saw him.
~-~-~-~
Three Days Ago
San Quentin State Prison
12:50 P.M.
Everyone had flown into San Francisco the day before, and the car ride to the prison that housed California's Death Row had been tense and silent. No one had spoken, most especially not Klavier, who had surprised everyone by agreeing to ride with Apollo, Trucy, and Mr. Wright. The prosecutor's face had been stony and tight, as if he were forcing himself to stay quiet. He hadn't even been tapping a tune on his leg as he so often did.
They had avoided the reporters ('Mr. Gavin, can you comment on your brother's deeds?' 'Mr. Justice, how does it feel to be heading to the execution of your former mentor?') and shuffled into the small room. They had been briefed, and now all there was to do was wait.
Ten minutes later, when Kristoph had been strapped in (he looked too thin, too scraggly, too wrong to be Kristoph Gavin, it had to be someone else) and the needles inserted, Apollo had turned to look at Klavier.
The prosecutor was just sitting there, staring at his brother, lips moving slowly. Apollo could feel his bracelet tensing up, and he was able to figure out what the other man was saying.
'No, no, no, no, no...'
The defense attorney felt guilty, like he was intruding on something, and looked back at the shell of a man that was once Kristoph Gavin. Kristoph's eyes were closed now, and he didn't look to be in any pain, but it was still... eerie.
About half a minute later, Kristoph Gavin was declared dead, and Klavier had closed his eyes, tension visible in every muscle. He hadn't cried. He hadn't even said anything. He just sat there, for maybe five minutes, pain written on his face, while they had been debriefed.
No one approached him. No one wanted to risk hurting him, which may have hurt him more. He had just walked out to the car, and sat quietly while they rode back to the hotel.
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
7:05 P.M.
“How likely is it that he'll wake up, doctor?” Ema worried on a Snackoo while she spoke to the doctor in charge of Klavier's case.
“Well... it's too early to tell. He appears to be in a coma. His body isn't responsive to any external stimuli.” The doctor looked at his clipboard and shook his head. “The damage wasn't terrible, but it was enough.”
Munch munch mu- “What.”
“Surely you know what a coma is, Detective Skye.” The man looked over his glasses at the young woman.
“I... well... of course I know what it is! But... you're sure?” This was bad. If he didn't wake up... well, she hated to admit that she actually worried about the man, but...
“Yes. I'm sure. I think the only thing you can do is to make yourself comfortable, if you're planning on staying. I realize you're not family, but... I know he doesn't have anyone left.”
Ema sighed. “Thank you.” She pushed open the door again to see Phoenix handing Apollo a sandwich. Trucy was trying to distract the red-suited attorney with card tricks, but it wasn't working very well.
“Apollo.” Ema sighed. “You've been here since four in the morning. You need to get some sleep.”
“'Mfine.”
“No, you're not fine. You're falling asleep in your chair. Scientifically speaking, you're sleep deprived.” She grabbed his arm and hauled him towards the door. “I'll drive you home. Now move.”
“All right, all right! I'm going... Mr. Wright, you're going to stay here?” Apollo looked back at Phoenix.
“Yeah. I'm not worried about losing sleep, anyway. Take Trucy with you... get her home.” Phoenix nodded towards his daughter.
“Okay, Daddy. You'll be okay without me?” The teen smiled a little. “You know you don't eat right unless I'm with you.”
“I'll be fine, Trucy. You take care of Apollo.”
“Will do, Daddy.”
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
8:18 A.M.
Phoenix hadn't slept at all, just sat there and watched Klavier as soon as he was allowed back into the room. He wasn't sure how he felt about the prosecutor - on the one hand, he did get him disbarred, but on the other hand, he couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Klavier didn't really have anyone left... and for this to happen so soon after the execution...
Well, it wasn't really surprising. Apparently, when Klavier had come in, his blood alcohol was well over the legal limit. And Phoenix had lost a friend or two in high school and college to drunk driving.
He was pulled from his thoughts by a sound. It took him a few moments to realize that it was Klavier, murmuring something.
“Kristoph...”
... Of course. Phoenix shook his head and went to go tell a doctor.
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
3:27 P.M.
Throughout the day, Klavier had uttered the occasional word, and even opened his eyes once or twice. He seemed to be recovering, so at least the damage hadn't been terrible. The wounds on his torso seemed to be knitting together, and his breathing stayed steady.
Ema was taking her turn sitting next to Klavier, and she was reading a book. Suddenly, she heard a groan. Startled, she stared at Klavier.
“You awake, you glimmerous fop?”
“F... Fraülein... heh... can I have some... wa... water? My throat, ach... it is burning...”
“Don't try to move.” She closed her book with a snap. “I'll be right back.”
~-~-~-~
California Hospital Medical Center
10:49 P.M.
After that first conversation, Klavier had been able to stay awake for progressively longer periods of time, usually about once per hour. The longest had been for about seven minutes, and now everyone was waiting for him to wake up again.
The prosecutor shifted, and opened his eyes. “Where am I?” He asked softly.
Phoenix chuckled. “You're at the hospital, prosecutor. You had a nasty crash.”
“I... the bar... and the... shit. What about my motorcycle?” 'Please let it be okay, please let it be okay...'
“Totaled.” 'Damn.'
“All right. Ugh... how long have I been lying here?” He felt stiff, and longed to stretch, but something told him that wouldn't be a good idea.
“About a day and a half.” Phoenix sounded almost amused. “You gave everyone a good scare.”
Suddenly, something registered in Klavier's brain. “Herr Wright?!”
“Who did you expect, the Tooth Fairy?”
“Sarcastic as ever, I see.” Klavier sounded grumpy.
“Wait right there.”
~-~-~-~
Three Days Later
California Hospital Medical Center
12:19 P.M.
“Are you sure you'll be all right by yourself, Prosecutor Gavin?”
“Ja, Forehead. I'll be all right. But... how about you come over this evening? I could use the company.”
Apollo was quiet for a few moments. “All right.”
~-~-~-~
Klavier's Apartment
8:53 P.M.
“And then I said, 'what are you looking at me for? Go find the monkey yourself!' Ah, but enough of stories from the road.” Klavier laughed, and nursed his cocoa, before looking serious. It had surprised Apollo when he had learned that cocoa was Klavier's evening drink, and not something... stronger. But to each his own.
Apollo shook his head. “You're okay, aren't you, Prosecutor Gavin?”
“Hm? Ah. Well. Not really, to be honest. But let's just say I won't be riding drunk for a while... mostly because I don't have a motorcycle anymore. But... ja. I miss him. He is... he was... a criminal, and a murderer... but he was my brother. And I love him. I will always love him. He is... my family. The only one of my family who would talk to me, anyway.”
If there had been a button over Klavier's head that said 'PRESS', Apollo would have pushed it then. “What do you mean?”
“Ah, well. My parents... let's just say they did not approve of my... lifestyle. They... disapproved... of my choice in bed partners, and they weren't terribly fond of the rock, either. Kristoph was the perfect one... he was even engaged to a woman that Mother and Father approved of. It was broken off, but still...”
Apollo was still stuck on the previous sentence. “M... Mr. Gavin was what?”
“Engaged, Forehead, or do you not know the meaning of the word?” Klavier looked amused. “Or did you think he was the gay brother?”
“Well, I... I mean... ...he painted his nails.”
“...There is such a thing as 'metrosexual', Forehead. In any case, ja. He liked women, I like both. He was especially entranced by female criminals. From what I remember he followed State v. Hawthorne quite intently... I suppose that should have been a warning sign.”
Apollo twitched as he remembered that name from Mr. Wright's records.
“In any case. Mother and Father don't speak to me anymore. They could be dead for all I know, it's not like they'll write me into either of their wills. I don't mind, though. They leave me alone and I leave them alone.” The prosecutor fell silent again as he nursed his drink.
“Family's important, though...” Apollo offered weakly.
“Ja. Family that cares. However, apparently I have no one left that falls into that category.”
“You could, though.”
Klavier raised an eyebrow over his mug. “What are you saying, Forehead?”
“...Well, they may not be family... but you have friends. Like me... and Detective Skye?” Apollo realized he sounded rather unsure, and cleared his throat.
“...Not quite. But if this is an invitation to get to know you better, then... ja. You should come over tomorrow, I'll make pasta.”
Apollo nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
Klavier raised his mug. “To dinner plans. And to not running into another car.”
They both chuckled.