— LIKE A BULLET — ✏

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion vii #beauvier #E: WINTER BALL.#RIFF.

IT’S A RELIEF, seeing him breathe out laughs. Klavier puts a hand on his shoulder with a smile spread on his face. It’s nothing flashy like his signature, but rather gentle and clement.

◤ “It would be a lie if I dared to disagree.” ◢

He laughs as well, in an attempt to ward off the visible tension-- but there’s the decision of ‘whatever he likes’. It’s not about what he likes, is it? Klavier wouldn’t have had to be pulled aside if this wasn’t something important...

◤ “Shall we return to the ball, Munkherdene?” ◢

Remembrance of times past (Closed - Klavier Gavin)

Heh…hearing Klavier suggest going out and having fun on theirreunion is solid proof, had he still assumed this to be nothing morethan a dream or hopeful, childish fantasy, that it most certainlynot: his friend is still very much the same person who actuallymanaged to get him to have ‘fun’ in his life that he knewback then. That behavior is too vivacious and genuine to ever be somedream: truth be told, he honestly sometimes envied such a spiritedoutlook on things.

Even if it was so radically different from the serious facade heusually put up, but you know what they say - sometimes the mostopposite of folks are most likely to be friends. His facade wasn’tthe ‘real’ him anyways. Ah, but that is neither here northere. “It would be a real shame if we wasted the rest ofthis opportunity, yes. Sure, let’s go to this ride you mentioned:wouldn’t be the first time I got dragged along on some shenanigans,huh?”

There’s an almost playful look in Hugh’s eyes, at that rarebit of light-hearted teasing he reserves for only friends - as muchas he makes out the stoic and pushes strangers away, he really didmiss being able to open his true self up to people. Also, his bit ofteasing is true: how many times DID Klavier drag him out on mishaps?Quite a lot, the other knows it too.

All the same, he’ll willingly be dragged around this time, for his friend’s sake.

#themisarcher #t: themisarcher i #RIFF.

THAT’S THE HUGH he knows and loves. With that, he’s on his feet, eyes shining with a playful light to match his friend’s, thumbs in the pockets and fingers tapping away at his own sides. This place may be depressing, and he can’t say that he’s had the best of times here, but that doesn’t mean he nor Hugh can’t siphon as much fun as possible out of Hive City.

◤ “That’s the spirit! The amusement park should be... this way,” he says, gesturing to the left. “You’d better keep up the pace, ja?” ◢

devilofknowledge-deactivated201

The man was probably miffed that he couldn’t see his number one idol, because he does listen to stuff outside his genre a lot of times. Its not like though he gets the chance to show case his stuff when more talented song writers are in the area.

“Hey, we’ll find a way out of here and than you can go see that singer. And you two can sing a awesome duet together like you always wanted.” He doesn’t call out the obvious hesitance because that would imply something he doesn’t want to. And he’s too high strung right now to care about that for now.

#detectivegeeter #t: detectivegeeter i #RIFF.#i'm real sorry friend i got caught up w exams...

IT IS CLEARLY difficult, now noted by experience, to hold back sighs. Daryan provides his biggest of smiles, taut in what appears to be snark, but perhaps in the slight hope that they’re actually going to be let out of here. Klavier’s always found that being honest with people gets the best results, and a lot of things off his already crowded plate.

◤ “Sad to say, but that actually might not be the case. I’ve been here since May last year. They haven’t let me go since-- not even once. People do get to leave, but I doubt that we’re one of those people.” ◢

His eyes are half closed until Klavier asks his question, and he looks up at him just under the hood of his hamster kigurumi.

“… I feel a little strange, but…”

With a deep breath, he rolls over on top of Klavier in order to look the other man in the eyes.

“And you? What’s on your mind?”

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion v #beauvier #E: THE FEVER.#RIFF.#gdi rev now i have to change all of my beauty tags JCAJSDNANF #tbt...

BREATHE DEEP, KLAVIER, for it may be your last. He finds time in the seconds to think, clear his head, and maybe try to fill it with something-- oh, and Beauty just has to ask a question in return... It’s not as if he’d expected a one-sided conversation from him, but still...

◤ “It appears that I’ve lost my thirst for blood,” he says, the words spilling out of his mouth. Oh, good job. “... You know, because the costumes aren’t... Ach, you’ve got me.” ◢

Remembrance of times past (Closed - Klavier Gavin)

Eh…? Despite the fact he probably looks a wreck, a pathetic mess being dragged into a place like this - Klavier does not see it as laughable? Blue eyes move up and down, as if carefully gauging if he actually heard that right: but there is no dishonesty on his old friend’s face. He knows him well enough to catch when he’s lying, if he didn’t trust him explicitly as he does Sebastian - as he does Junie and Robin, too - after all.

Instead, he mused about the positives of the matter, that there was indeed an academy here - and a law office that didn’t require passing the bar exam. Like a fresh start, he called it. “…It would be selfish of me to try chasing my dreams here. You know the reason for that just as well as I do.” A hand carefully moved to grip at the friendship necklace around his neck - Klavier had been there for that mess of a trial, he’d seen the new friends Hugh had grown to trust as much as him and Sebastian in their absence.

“I promised…that we’d all achieve our dreams together. I’m still going to keep to that, even if I have to wait forever. You know me, right? Always loyal to a stubborn fault with those I drop my mask with and all, but…you are right about this city meaning we get to meet again, yes. For what it’s worth…I’m glad to see you, friend.”

Friend was not a word Hugh used lightly, so hopefully Klavier would catch his relief and quiet gladness of meeting him again without things getting ‘sappy’, at least.

#themisarcher #t: themisarcher i #RIFF.

EVER THE LOYALIST. Klavier isn’t sure why he expected anything else-- not in pity, but in pride for his friend. There are some things you shouldn’t leave behind, and he discovered this far too late, far too late to do anything about it... While Hugh probably bashes himself for not having it all together, Klavier silently commends him for having it far more together than he ever did. And to still be part of that lineup of friends-- those blessed by his undying companionship, even after all these years, blessed by the rare sight of Hugh O’Conner showing he gives a damn-- is a relief.

◤ “I’m glad to see you too, Hugh,” he says. “Since we’ve both missed each other dearly... We should catch up and have some fun like old times, ja? Achtung! There’s no use in moping around on a sunny day like this. There’s this one ride in Sector 5 that I’ve been wanting to take for ages...! What do you say?”◢

It’sa sudden drop in temperature between the dance hall, the door, and theoutside. Beauty shivers and pulls hiscoat tighter, as if that will help. Hespares a glance up at the sky as his breath comes out in a cloud.

Whatfuture is written in the stars of this world, if any? Not that he has the time to worry, andKlavier’s proximity is enough to keep him from venturing too deeply inexistential dread. As for the reason hepulled Klavier away…

Thisis foolish – what he’s about to say is ultimately meaningless, but it meanssomething to him; Klavier will understand that, won’t he?

Hetakes a deep breath despite the chill air because he can barely bring himselfto speak. This is one taboo he has neverbroken and it still has power over him.

“Myname is Munkherdene.” He cannot lookdirectly at Klavier when he says it; he’s still waiting for some punishment tofall on him for acknowledging his first life.

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion vii #beauvier #RIFF.#E: WINTER BALL.

MOUTHING THE WORDS, he casts his glance at how Beauty tenses.

He figured. It wasn’t bound to be a name, despite it being so fitting, and it wasn’t bound to be something he could live with forever. He’d made his peace with not knowing who Beauty was by what he had been called, because he’d convinced himself that it didn’t matter-- that if it’s what’s on his phone, and if it’s what rolls off his tongue naturally, then it’s his name.

But clearly, as Beauty’s body seems to seize up, and his eyes shine in what is fearful light under the onlooking night sky, there’s weight to it. Klavier realizes that this is the first window to the mystery that is who the hell he’s dating, and he’s put his head out, not sure if he’s ready to jump into it-- but if Beauty is, then he’d gladly follow.

The first question he asks is of clarity rather than its brother, curiosity. Besides-- it's the most important question.

◤ “... And what do you want me to call you?” ◢

He shifts, hesitantly wrapping his arms around Klavier’s waist. The rustle of fabric resounds in the quiet stretches between either of them speaking.

It all feels vibrantly real.

“Stay with me…” he says. He does want this; he wants to be warm.

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion v #beauvier #pda-/#RIFF.

◤ “Alright.” ◢

And so he does. There’s a few more seconds of passing silence. As relaxing as this is, there’s still the lodge in his throat-- a seed of doubt.

◤ “Are you okay?” ◢

devilofknowledge-deactivated201

There is something wrong here, never has Klavier ever ever look at him with such hate in his eyes, no, not hate. Something more subtle, something that made him realize that maybe this city had changed the man he once knew.

Oh honey if only you knew. The detective knows that there is a fine line being crossed around here, being drawn without him knowing anything at all.

“Hey… whats wrong? You made that they took you right a month before your big trip to Borginia or something? Speak to me man. Your eyes aren’t exactly being friendly here.”

#detectivegeeter #t: detectivegeeter i #RIFF.

WHAT CAN HE say? He’s stressed down to every symptom. Fidgety hands. Sweaty palms. A distinct pounding headache beginning to make itself prominent. Ah, the joys of this city. A Clay Terran with a beating heart, a Phoenix Wright who doesn’t recognize him, and a Daryan Crescend who has no idea what he’s done.

As tempting as it is to leave Daryan to sit with it-- to not let it be his problem anymore, and move on as if this encounter never happened-- it’s too difficult to get the words out. And Klavier is not the type to snub.

◤ “Ja,” he says. “That’s it.” Daryan can always tell when he’s lying, but he’s feeling up to chances today. ◢

ninjactionews-blog

“Dunno, you might make it pretty far if no one expects you to try pulling anything with it.”

Shrug. It wasn’t like he actually expected that to be the case, though. It was just one of those things that begged to be asked at least once, he figured.

“But… yeah, I was just curious. Couldn’t quite figure why else you’d have it coiled that tight.”

Says the guy with paint on his face every day.

#ninjactionews #t: ninjactionews i #RIFF.

IT’S NOT A question he’s been asked before, but when you’re famous, people tend to doubt your sovereignty over style significantly less. Now, he can’t tell whether Sasuke’s trying to bite at him or simply asking a question-- but Klavier Gavin never passes up an opportunity to be all matter of fact.

◤ “It’s one of those trends that didn’t die as easily as the others,” he says. “Long hair does look nice messy, but it’s a lot better to be stylish and practical, ja? I’m not sure if the same can be said about that war paint of yours...” ◢

devilofknowledge-deactivated201

@tracktwo

“Woah! Your here too?! Did they take the whole band or something in this place?” Surprise did not begin to cover it, but there was sincerity in his voice as he walks closer to the former singer. Unaware at which point he came from in the time lines.

“But hey, didn’t expect them to kidnap you too. Those scientist must be big fans of us.” He jokes.

#detectivegeeter #t: detectivegeeter i #im gonna yell omg .... GET READY FOR DEATH #RIFF.

BIG FANS OF us. Oh, they would say that about everyone. The police letting them in on cases they weren’t assigned to. Lab results getting back to them at half the time they usually do. Airport security letting them go straight to the lounge without the frisk and business. Daryan Crescend and Klavier Gavin! Everyone was such a big fan.

But as Klavier’s eyes find themselves twice lidded-- the tops out of doubt, and the bottoms out of spite-- and as his blood begins to boil, his fists curl-- it’s clear that he’s not a fan at all.

He stares at Daryan with the utmost contempt. It’s clear that they’ve pulled Daryan Crescend from before his inevitable conviction. It doesn’t matter. Sins are sins. And while there’s a sermon running through his head, he can’t bring himself to say anything.

Inthe absence of the usual G necklace, Beauty rests his head against Klavier’schest while he listens. His ownheartbeat is faint and slow, not ideal for keeping tempo – he’ll borrow Klavier’s. Dancing with a partner is something new tohim, he realizes with a little reflection. That makes up for only knowing a formal dance or two, doesn’t it?

He’sfaintly aware that he’s probably taking Klavier’s attempt at instruction tooliterally, but from where his head is and his eyes half-closed, he can’t seethe rest of the dance floor and he can’t see how they compare to anyone else onit. It’s ridiculous and silly, but itdoes feel like how it’s described in his books; where all the world recedesinto the darkness and leaves only the warm feeling of connection with someoneelse.

It’san indulgence perfectly in line with the atmosphere.

Naturally,when the song ends, he lingers against pulling away.

“…Do you want to go somewhere more private?” he asks as he presses his cheek closerinto Klavier. Klavier’s jacket rustles.

“Ihad something to tell you tonight. Willyou hear it?

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion vii #E: WINTER BALL.#RIFF.#beauvier

AND IT’S NOTHING short of romantic. Compared to every other atrocity the city has thrown at them, this is serene-- this is something he can sink into. You start the summer with an apocalypse and end the year with a night under the stars. It’s a compensation. Though the paranoia seems to be making jabs at him, he’s got immunity-- he won’t give a care in the world. The world is warm. The world is dimly lit, like specks of hope.

◣ “I had something to tell you tonight. Will you hear it?” ◥

◤ “Then we should move somewhere more quiet...” And he tilts his head to the exit, with the faintest smile. ◢

He has a choice. Letting go and seeing Klavier to the door is one option, a valid option. There is no reason not to; they would see each other again and they could continue with wherever they were going.

Or… It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, and then he pushes himself off.

“Or you could stay here.”

There is a pressure in his chest and down the sides of his ribs. He wants this and is afraid of wanting it at the same time.

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion v #E: THE FEVER.#RIFF.#beauvier

AT THE MOUTH of the death of his doubts, he finds himself frozen. Lingering on the teeth. Basking in the breath of it, but hesitant to take whatever riches there may be in a plunge. It’s been this way since he’s gotten here. No, at first it was rushing, and then it was hesitance. How could he forget? The two were so distinct. So jarring. Yet forgotten.

Even now, he’s not sure if he’s actually awake.

◤ “If... that’s what you’d want.” ◢

There’sa part of Beauty that really, genuinely tries not to smile; the gaps in histeeth hurt and his tongue keeps playing at them.

Butthat part of him fails the moment Klavier bows.

Hesteps forward – stiffly, half of him still aches even though his clothing hidesthe bruises – and takes Klavier’s hand. It’swarm – he’s always so warm – and Beauty brings Klavier’s hand to his mouth tokiss his knuckles.

“Youare forgiven, but…” He turns his head ashe listens to the music, counting how many beats it has. The tempo is fast, and he’s not familiar withany of the dances currently on display on the floor.

“You’llhave to show me how this one goes.”

Hepulls Klavier a pace closer and brings a hand to rest on his shoulder. There’s already a slight sway in his steps – Klavier may lead, but Beauty does like to think of himself as a (delightfully) insufferable student.

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion vii #beauvier #E: WINTER BALL.#RIFF.

HE THINKS HE sees something, but it could easily be the light and its tricks-- that playful light that likes to show shadows passing behind him in the bathroom mirror, people looking at him when they don’t actually notice him at all, and gaps in Beauty’s teeth where he knows whites should be. It’s the lighting. So he doesn’t let it visibly worry him, aside from a slight flinch-- but it’s bare.

Instead, he sways to the music all slow and steady, getting into the groove once again. It’s hard to teach someone to feel it in a modern context. With traditional ballroom dances, there’s steps and timing-- with dancing to club music, you just have to follow your gut.

Of course, Klavier has never been good at relaying instructions. What he says is just another rendition of Classic Gavin Obscure Metaphors.

◤ “Instead of listening to a poor teacher, you should listen to your heart, ja? Follow the music. See where it goes. Let it take you to another world...” And with that, he’s craning his neck to get a look at the others on the dance floor, and he’s moving only slightly more deliberately. “Do you feel the music? It’s humanity’s secret universal language. It speaks to our souls instead of our minds, the most vulnerable parts of our being... And thus, we can’t help but obey what it whispers to us.” ◢

@tracktwo

He was so tired.

He’d been mostly sleeping since… before Christmas. It may not have been like himself to be inside so much, but the ball counted as an outing, didn’t it?

(It did.)

Still, for a night like this, he had to put on a good face. After all, at the ball last year things had gone well, hadn’t they? He’d stolen the better part of a roast beef and met… met… nevermind.

But the decorations were lovely, and he’d grabbed a yellow poppy from one of the many, many displays.

“Well…~” It was a weak sing-song, but it was there, although he couldn’t quite smile to go with it.

“Where do you want to start?” Although with eyes on the buffet, it was clear where his own inclination lay.

#thebeautyfoundinoblivion #t: thebeautyfoundinoblivion vii #YOU DONT NEED TO MATCH LENGTH THANK U FRIEND #beauvier #E: WINTER BALL.#RIFF.

THERE’S ART IN just how well the ball is done. The stars blink down at him, risque celestial winks to a stargazer easily seduced by the mere concept of raw romance. He’s in it for the aesthetic, and he commends their ability to fulfill his dreams. The lighting only faintly glows, as if they’re truly under the night sky. It’s generous of the scientists to give them a chance to feel as if they really are living-- it’s generous of Busy Bee Flower Shop to complete the last day of a heavy year with the chance to feel new. He’s pulsing, like the soft petals on his lapel against his chest, to the beat of the music, to the beat of his heart...

ohhh, wind me up tight, convertible nights with you ohhh, I'll give you romance, a hundred last chances too

He turns to Beauty. No matter how pretty the lights are, they’ll never be more beautiful than the man before him. And nothing more fitting than his title-- and nothing more amazing than the mere feeling of being with him, despite everything that’s happened. That tonight, they will finally be okay. It’s a new year. A new story...

Yet, Beauty feels distant. Like one of those faux stars up on the ceiling. And Klavier only slightly falters, just to pick himself back up, and smile for him. He’s probably tired. Who can blame him?

sometimes you make it impossible but I wanna go and get lost with you, my love

◤ “The dance floor doesn’t wait,” he says. And he gestures to it. Everyone’s on it, doing their own thing-- awkward, lively, traditional, stealing the spotlight-- Yet Klavier knows they’re all going to disappear, however the power of romance wills it. “And this is a good song... Forgive my manners. Do you want to dance?” And a flourish of a bow-- just for show. ◢

notthatspiky-blog

@tracktwo

He could almost feel the stare he was receiving. Even though the place was a bit crowded, he could see someone on a corner; just staring at the attorney like they saw a ghost or something. After a while, it was getting kind of hard to just ignore and pretend it wasn’t there—Phoenix wanted to know why that person was just… looking at him.

So he approached the man, who kind of looked like a rock star or something. They just looked… so cool, which made Phoenix a bit… confused, but he couldn’t tell why. Not wasting any time, he asks.

“Sorry, but why were you staring at me? Do you need something?”

#notthatspiky #t: notthatspiky i #RIFF.

IT’S ALMOST SHOCKING seeing that man here again. Almost. But oh, does Klavier expect it. He’s the Phoenix Wright that Klavier had left in the dust, to be forgotten for seven years. Where did they take him from? Had he just been disbarred? Had he not met Klavier Gavin yet? And all his questions? To be answered, as Phoenix makes his slow steps towards him, and he’s not sure if he wants to know.

◣ “Sorry, but why were you staring at me?” ◥

The most quiet sigh of relief.

◤ “Entschuldigung. I was simply frozen in awe. I’m Prosecutor Klavier Gavin. It’s nice to meet you, Phoenix Wright,” he says, offering a hand to shake. “You’re famous back where I’m from. The entire legal industry knows your name.” ◢

Remembrance of times past (Closed - Klavier Gavin)

Despite Hugh’s utmost of hopes that he’s dreaming this, that such a blast to the past shouldn’t be stuck in this forsaken experiment as well - to say the least of knowing that someone who was - still does - hold friendship for them was stupid enough to get themselves caught in it too: any attempts to stand from the bench and shake off the delusional daydream were halted at the other’s approach. Of course things wouldn’t be so simple as to let him just walk away.

The person directly adressing him is enough proof this is no dream as well, and Hugh sits at the bench as well, despite wishing to walk off. No, this is no dream. As much as he were to wish otherwise, walking away and ignoring it would be cowardly. He’ll at least have SOME form of self-respect (him and self-respect after his guilt over upsetting his friends in the Themis Trial? Ha ha hah. That really is funny. Funny as in not funny at all) to do that much.

“I could say much the same for you, Klavier Gavin. Though, to be honest - as glad as I am to see you, old friend, I had hoped we wouldn’t meet here. Not like this. It’s laughable, isn’t it? That I got stuck in this mess too.”

How many times, when they’d been friends going to the same school - had he boasted to his two other friends he’d be a great lawyer someday? Now, the ‘great lawyer’ was stuck in an experiment city.

Not to mention what had happened with the Themis Trial, which the other no doubt knew all too well about given Courte had been his teacher as well. At very least, Hugh wasn’t trying to use his stoic mask and keep everything away here.

Despite everything, he honestly was glad to see one tolerable - and trustworthy - face, and felt rather touched inwardly that the other still remembered, too, after all this time. Yet that latter part was kept to himself.

#themisarcher #t: themisarcher i #RIFF.#i got the problem fixed...!

THERE’S SOMETHING BOTHERING Hugh. Klavier, taken up with determination to read people like Apollo Justice did-- not exceptional at it, not past the level that a celebrity and lawyer should know, but still well-practiced-- senses the tension in Hugh’s movements. The furrow in his brow. How contorted his face is, even with how old they’ve grown. They were once young, smiling boys, talking about dreams. Hugh’s dreams didn’t spring into motion. Klavier’s accelerated straight into hell.

Where’s Sebastian Debeste? Hopefully, the man’s off much better. But in the tragic world that is California, he can’t be too confident.

( Ach, don’t be so depressing! You should be lifting O’Conner’s spirits. )

◤ “Not laughable. Nein. It may seem a little tragic, and I can’t say the scientists are benevolent gods. But there’s an academy here with the best teachers from all across the universe. And a law office,” he says, with a pause, “if you’d like to get some field work in. They don’t require you to pass the bar exam. ◢

◤ ‘This city is like a fresh start, ja? It’s a little funny, really. When I first got here, I’d looked for some way to escape. Now, if you’d ask me whether I’d want to return... Haha. I’m on the fence. Because of this city, we can reunite outside of that... disastrous trial. Turn over a new leaf. You just need to look at the brighter side of things.” ◢

archive-iustixia

“I’ve had similar injuries in the past

He pulls up a chair across Klavier, closer to the coffee table so he can continue inspecting the medicine for

“Do they? Well I’ve told Dio to go to a hospital if he needed help, they do have psych wards. I tried to give him advice but instead I’ve been called an idiot. I wonder what will they do to him though.”

Even if it’s someone like Dio, the thought of anyone being experimented on directly is a cruel thought. No one should be subjected to that horror, no matter how much you dislike the person in theory. Just the mere thought of wanting someone to be punished like that is what makes a person walk closer to the path of a monster. He wonders if these scientists are already walking down that path. What’s he thinking, of course they are.

“I’m fine, a bit disoriented because of how eventful this week has been.”