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Entry tags:
TDM 003
| TDM 003: #BEACHBUMS |
I. BEACH  Welcome arrivals, new and old! The skies on Erku may be perpetually gray, but the weather has taken a sudden turn to summertime heat. Fortunately, soaring temperatures have chased away more of the strange fog that conceals so much of the island, unveiling a charming, sandy cove dotted here and there with rustic love shacks. These shabby little lean-tos are dusty and sparse, but they provide everything one (or two, wink wink) might need for a little relief from the sun. Just don’t wander too far... that fog has memory-loss properties. II. DRINKS  The 'bots are very apologetic about the whole fog incident, and they are trying to get on the new arrivals' good sides by giving out fancy drinks. Of course, they still haven't mastered the art of making things properly, so each drink has a little something... extra.
III. SNACKS  Lo! As you ask, the Augur shall provide. Thanks to the efforts of your organic predecessors in restoring the planet’s Eros energy, edible fishes and seaweeds have returned to the ponds and the shores of Erku. If you fancy yourself savvy to basic survival skills, why not fashion up a fishing rod and catch yourself dinner? Just be careful if you happen to hook one of the octopus creatures from the deeper waters - they can be quite forward with their tentacles! Or, if primitive angling isn’t in your repertoire, you can always trade some credits for a tasty catch from one of the food stalls along the coast. Most stalls are manned by 'bots, but there’s nothing stopping an enterprising arrival from setting up shop. No credits? No problem! The robots have also provided a bit of entertainment, and any volunteers to man the kissing booth, get dunked in the wet t-shirt dunk tank, or grill up some fish - among other opportunities - will find credits automatically loaded onto the payment app of their bracelet devices. The 'bots are recruiting especially hard for participants to work in the gloryhole tent! IV. SPARKLES  As dusk descends, the white sands of the beach suddenly come alive with glittering lights. It’s as if the darkened waters have carried a thousand shining stars from the depths of the sea to the shores of the cove. In actuality, each little twinkle is a bioluminescent plankton or jellyfish! Feel free to wade among them and admire their shine; even the sting of the jellies won’t hurt you... though they do pack a different punch. The tentacles of the jellyfish elicit a powerful aphrodisiac response, which gets the heart racing and the blood pumping for an intimate touch. The effects come on within a matter of minutes, and last for a few hours. Only time will relieve the symptoms, but a partner will help to make it more bearable. N A V I G A T I O N |
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apollo certainly isn't helping. klavier just kind of stands there when he listens, frowning, his brows furrowing deeper as apollo goes along. apollo himself seems to be saying all of this with the utmost sincerity, and up until now, klavier has had little reason to doubt him. witnesses could lie on the witness stand for a number of reasons—unless apollo is being coerced into it somehow, there was no reason for him to lie to klavier.
the rest of the story just seems ridiculous in a way that can only speak towards, uh, the slow onset of insanity? dehydration, maybe? a concussion? klavier knots his brow upward, looking concerned now instead of confused.]
Yellow... ostriches. All right.
[ he gives a little soundless snort, a breath of a laugh from his nose, and he shakes his head slowly at apollo. he sets a hand on his shoulder and offers him his drink with his other hand. ]
I hope you don't take offense to this, Herr Forehead, as this is coming from a place of concern. You may need this drink more than I do at the moment. How long have you been in this sunlight?
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I don't need a drink! Not unless there's a lot of alcohol in it.
[But Apollo already did his fair share of patronizing the bar in the city when it opened, and he's not that willing to go through the morning after again. He crosses his arms instead, peering up at Klavier with a frown.]
If you don't believe me, you can go take a walk into the city and see for yourself. Besides, do you really think that if this was for TV, that they'd kidnap me first? I wasn't even in America before I ended up here. So unless you were somehow vacationing in Khura'in, that's a lot of trouble to go through to grab the both of us.
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that's why he's going to try hear out the rest of what apollo has to say. apparently he's been here much longer than klavier even realized. he frowns. ]
You were in Khura'in? [ even more bizarre, actually. ] It is a stretch to think that someone would go to such lengths to kidnap a lawyer, albeit a sensational rookie one.
[ he shakes his head. ]
I had my own theories about why they would bring us both here... How long have you been on this island then?
[ and while apollo answers, klavier, after reminding himself of his drink, decides to raise it back to his mouth and take a drink. ]
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[And one he doubted would be much more believable than this situation they're in, but that's a bridge he'll cross once he gets to it. At least now Klavier seemed to be on the same page as far as how far-fetched this would be if they were still back home and not on some other planet entirely. Sex Apocalypse City might top the cake, but it's not the first time Apollo's wished that he had anything resembling a nice, normal life.]
Normally I'd be all for hearing some theories, but truth is stranger than fiction this time. I've been here for... not quite a month now. [Not that he'd been counting the days or anything.] That fog wasn't here when I arrived, and neither was some of the wildlife. But we have more food now? And there's a library that's, uh, kind of useless. I'll let you see that one for yourself.
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klavier's heart is beating hard; he can feel it rising to his throat. it should be embarrassing to him—klavier gavin, the man who could have anyone he wanted, feeling weak in the knees, but in the moment, he couldn't care less. what were they talking about? klavier should've been paying attention. he should be taking in every word apollo has to say, but he can't help staring, even watching his mouth.
when apollo finishes speaking, obviously waiting for a response, he takes a moment too long to answer as he meets apollo's eyes again. he smiles slowly, his mind slowly processing what he'd managed to hear as he takes a step closer to apollo. ]
Why not show me yourself? Anyone would argue that you're the closest thing I have to a confidant here, and you know the lay of the land better than I do. It would make sense for me to trust you as my guide.
[ boldly, he reaches out to push an errant piece of apollo's hair back into place behind his ear, smooth against his head. he can still feel bits of the product in it, hard at the roots, but even this is still enough to send a thrill up his stomach. ]
And besides, now that we have the opportunity, I would like to spend more time with you, without your Fräulein. [ alone is the implication. ]
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When he steps in closer, Apollo blinks up at him owlishly. The touch to his hair, though? That earns Klavier getting his hand smacked away almost instinctively, because that was crossing a boundary of personal space Apollo just automatically assumed would lead to more complaining about his hair. Even if he'd been weirdly gentle about it.]
Which one? Trucy or Athena? Normally I'm working, you know. [Apollo peers at him with a small, suspicious frown, not sure he likes any of what he's hearing. Was this a set-up for more teasing? Or was it just because they hadn't seen each other in a while (from Apollo's perspective)?
Beyond that, giving him a tour was a good idea. Apollo hadn't thought to use the futuristic bracelet-thing to take pictures of the various oddities and dangers in the city, but he could at least point them out in person. From a very safe distance.]
I'll show you, just... keep your eyes open, okay? It's not that dangerous if you know what to look for.
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when he mentions an unfamiliar name, though, that expression falls away. he lets apollo finish before he brings up the question suddenly spinning in his head. ]
Athena?
[ his eyes narrow, giving apollo his own suspicious look. ]
I'm afraid I'm not familiar. Not a girlfriend of yours, is she, Herr Justice?
[ klavier wouldn't know, but he's already clearly unhappy at the idea of competition. even though he's. never cared about anything like that before, and certainly not something that would usually spring to his head. ]
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You should be familiar. Athena's our new new lawyer in the Agency. She's the one you met at the Themis Legal Academy, remember? Yellow suit, red hair?
[Okay, this was beyond strange. He wouldn't expect someone like Klavier to forget all that easily, especially since that case was only about eight months ago. He also can't imagine why Klavier is looking at him like he's a suspect for some crime. Why would he act this way about about...
Apollo's eyes widen with the realization, and if what he blurts out next sounds accusatory, it's only a little by accident.] Are you angry that I hang out with girls?
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Themis... My alma mater? [ his eyes narrow even further. ] You see so many faces in one lifetime when you're in a business like mine, I suppose. I don't recall meeting anyone like that.
[ and when would he have told apollo, in court or not, about such a thing? they must not have made a lasting impression when he met them, but now they certainly do.
in his mind, it seems like apollo is avoiding the question entirely. in a better state of mind, he wouldn't jump to conclusions at all, but here... ]
That's not what I said at all, Herr Forehead.
[ he leans in, hand still at his waist, the other holding his offending drink. he might be a little too close for comfort. he studies apollo's eyes, which still make his stomach flutter. ]
Hang out with whomever you please. This new Fräulein of yours... Does she mean anything more to you?
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And intense was definitely the word. Casual eye contact was one thing, but Klavier was staring at him like he was the subject of an interrogation, or... or what, exactly? It's making sweat prickle at the back of Apollo's neck, but he's not one to back down from a fight, if a fight was what Klavier was even aiming for here.]
I'm only telling you this because we're far from a functioning courtroom right now. [Apollo lifts his chin to meet his gaze, jaw set stubbornly.] I'm gay, Prosecutor Gavin. So no, she doesn't. Beyond that, the details of my love life and whoever I might be dating is none of your business! I don't even get why this matters to you at all!
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he stays as close as he is, his eyes softening as he smiles again. run, apollo.... ]
Achtung! You're as bold as ever, aren't you? Just as cool as you are in the courtroom. You continue to surprise me.
[ the hand at his waist replaces itself in his pocket. he tries to take another step forward, either to get closer or to hopefully lead him back against a palm tree nearby for some privacy. run, apollo..... ]
It's just as you say, ja? We aren't in a courtroom. Even on this island, here, I am simply Klavier Gavin, and you are [ he chuckles ] gay man Apollo Justice. It means something knowing what my intentions are, if you catch my drift.
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[Apollo is feeling anything other than 'cool' right now. He was tight-lipped about himself while he was at work for a wide variety of reasons, and he's not all that happy about having to out himself to Klavier this way. And now the prosecutor kept getting so close that Apollo was forced to keep backing up just to maintain a little distance between them. Was this bullying? Where could he submit a complaint?]
I'm pretty sure all it means is that the universe has a bad sense of humor. And what happened to being worried that we were on the same island about five minutes ago?!
[This just didn't add up. Klavier had never acted so borderline aggressive before, and never out of the blue like this, in the middle of a- well, not a normal conversation, but close enough to one. Was it something he said?
Just then, Apollo's back hits the palm tree, making him jump. He hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings in the slightest, not since Klavier started trying to breathe down his neck.]
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I don't recall you making any indication of it in court. I might have had my guesses, but as you know, you can't make assumptions without any evidence.
[ apollo saying it in the most direct way possible was definitely evidence enough. regardless, apollo is brought against the palm tree, giving klavier some leeway to lean down and set his drink on the sandy floor. (whether it would stay upright was anyone's guess and certainly not any of his concern.)
when he stands up talk to see that totally exasperated expression, klavier is still grinning. he leans his forearm against the palm tree above apollo's head, his other hand at his hip.
and yes, he's uncomfortably close again. at least he knows better than to try anything (for now??) but he is trying to be obvious here. ]
If everything is as you say, there was no plot to bring us both together for the sake of drama. The rock star and the defense attorney who jailed his brother, trapped on an island together... It would be quite the story. Instead, you and I are both simply here, and I have the opportunity to get to know you better outside of the law. Why should I waste it?
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Apollo has encountered spiked food before - his first week or two in Erku left him eating what little rations he was able to get from the robots, most of which were laced with some sort of aphrodisiac. Not only did Apollo become all the more familiar with his hand, he's not entirely sure he didn't develop a Pavlovian response to canned food.]
Fair enough, [he mutters, looking back to Klavier... who is way too close, again. Apollo is standing stiffly in contrast, his head tipped back a bit to get a better look at the taller man, arms crossed over his chest.]
If you meant it, I wouldn't mind, but you're not yourself right now. You never cared that much before, so why would you start now?
[The hell of it was, nothing Klavier said has made his bracelet go tight. But even if he wasn't lying, there was no reason for him to take a sudden interest when Apollo knew full well that he didn't need his fame to have anyone he wanted on this island. No, something was definitely wrong here.]
Did that drink taste weird to you, Prosecutor Gavin?
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[ one can only imagine what their response to food and drink at all is going to be once they get out of here...
for now, regardless of apollo's stiffness and recalcitrance, klavier seems no less amused and enamored by him. even when his eyes slide sidelong to catch a glimpse of the drinks, he can't look away.
If you meant it, I wouldn't mind. that would be something interesting to remember later. for now, whatever spell that drink's put him under, he's only falling deeper into it. he's not lying at all, and apollo not entirely refusing or rebuking him is giving him hope he's reluctant to let go of. apollo's points make sense, but he's not seeing it. ]
Who am I, then? I was hardly given a moment alone with you until now. You think I have no reason to take an interest in you?
[ when he mentions the drink, he looks surprised, his smile fading only slightly as he glances at what he left on the floor. ]
My drink? [ he only regards it for a moment, tonguing his teeth and remembering the taste. he looks back to apollo. ]
Perhaps too sweet for my liking, but I didn't notice anything particularly strange about it. Would you like to try it?
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[Even if Apollo's theory happens to be wrong, he's not about to take any chances with it. He's almost tempted to go knock the bottle over, but while Klavier's attention is on him, it's not as much of an issue. He could accept being a little less formal if it helped keep the prosecutor from poisoning himself any further.]
Normally you're the guy that calls me Forehead, and now you're the guy that cares if I'm dating someone. Do you really not see the difference here? [But even Apollo knows he's dancing around the question. It's just embarrassing to say out loud when it should just be plainly obvious. Why did that stupid drink have to go and make Klavier lose all common sense?]
... Look, I know I'm not in your league. Not even close. You wouldn't be doing this if you weren't under the influence of... something. [Apollo's arms tighten over his chest, his gaze straying to a spot past Klavier's shoulder instead of meeting his eyes. He just doesn't know what to do other than talk some sense into him - not to mention that Apollo has no idea if letting him roam around in this state was a good idea. Assuming he could shake him off at all, that is.] Whatever it is, it'll wear off eventually.
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apollo has his powers of perception, but being this close, it isn't difficult for klavier to notice apollo turtling into himself and not meeting his eyes. it's cute, again, but klavier slowly loses his smile. ]
I'm not so sure of that. [ he should be... since apollo is definitely right... ] This unbidden lack of self-confidence isn't a flattering look on you. Your talk of being 'in my league'... I've been to many places, Herr Justice, but none so intriguing as the prosecutor's lectern across from you and your Fräulein. With all my years of experience, you have always had something that I lacked from the beginning. That alone is cause enough for envy.
[ which apollo should see also isn't a lie, and he should know what that 'something' is too. ]
If you mean appearances... While my look is quite different from yours, you know that you sell yourself short. You are young and handsome, despite any questionable hairstyle choices. Your glaring forehead included.
[ even if he likes apollo, he still has to take a dig at his hair. it's like a reflex. he smiles again. ]
A world of people, yet you've taken center stage in my eyes. There is a song that could be written about you yet. Maybe dozens of them. I doubt a feeling like this could be something shaken off so easily, ja?
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Th-Thanks. I still don't think there's anything that envious about me, but I can tell you're sincere.
[Sincere for the moment, at least. Apollo's still pretty sure that Klavier won't keep feeling this way, he's just not sure if it'll wear off in minutes or in hours. Knowing that is what's tempering Apollo's reaction to all of these compliments. Even if he meant a few of them once he snapped out of it, he wouldn't mean it like this.]
Do me a favor and don't start writing any songs just yet. You wanted to see the city, right? We should go do that. [And if he could get Klavier walking, they wouldn't be in close enough to be breathing the same air. All Apollo wanted at this point was to make this situation a little less awkward.]
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You're blushing. Forgive me, but allow me to enjoy the expression on your face a moment longer. The city will always be there. We can take our time.
[ klavier definitely doesn't want to move. he adjusts his arm propped on the palm tree above apollo, pointedly stealing a glance at his mouth. it would be insanely easy... ]
There is much about you that is enviable and alluring, whether or not you recognize it. Surely there is a way I could convince you of that, if you won't allow me my songs.
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He doesn't even need to see Klavier's gaze straying to know that this was probably going in a bad direction. So that's why Apollo puts his hands on Klavier's shoulders - not for the contact, but to make an attempt to push him further away. The prosecutor might be taller, but braced against the palm tree, Apollo can put his full strength into it.]
Hold it, Romeo. You don't need to convince me of anything. It's not like I've been totally unsuccessful here. [And that was all he was willing to stay on that particular matter.] Just... wait for now, okay? If you really want to prove it to me, you'll wait.
[Apollo is starting to feel like he's taking advantage of Klavier's altered state of mind with that one, but what else is he supposed to do? It'd be far worse if he let Klavier go forward with anything he wouldn't have done while sober. Letting him talk was a lot more harmless in comparison.]
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klavier is arguably heftier than apollo, but he's pushed back into his heels regardless, his arms dropping beside him. at first he's still smiling, like he had half-expected apollo to shove, but then apollo says something he didn't want to hear. his smile drops away briefly, and then he closes his eyes and shakes his head, seemingly defeated. ]
Ach! If you insist, though I'm certain it won't make a difference. And as much as I resent it, it's to be expected that other people here would chase after you. It only proves my point further.
[ he isn't hovering over apollo anymore, but he does lean down to meet him at eye level again, smiling with arms akimbo, still obviously totally charmed. ]
How long will I be waiting then? If I still feel the same, you wouldn't deny me?
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You might be certain, but waiting is an easy way to show you're sincere, right? Let's give it a day. If you still feel like this tomorrow, I'll take your feelings seriously. Promise.
[Able to relax more now that Klavier's finally backed off, Apollo readjusts his shirt and tries for the umpteenth time that day to push his ungelled hair back into place. He's confident that he's going to win this waiting game - a day was surely plenty of time for Klavier to get the effects of that drink out of his system.
And if by some slight chance that Apollo was wrong... they'd need to have a serious conversation, for starters. He didn't want to consider that possibility any further right now.]
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You can't really be expecting me to wait a full day for nothing to change. [ that's like agony!! ] You've made me consider, Herr Justice... What exactly is your opinion of me?
[ romantically, of course, since it's kind of a bummer that apollo doesn't seem to be as desperate for him as he feels for apollo. ]
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[Now that Apollo's satisfied with his appearance, he does briefly hesitate before answering. It almost seems stupid to say it after Klavier had so many compliments for him, but Apollo doesn't see the harm in being honest.]
I never thought of you as being available. It was mostly the thing with not being in your league, and facing you in court just seemed like another reason it was off the table. It wasn't personal! You're still a show-off, but you're a great guy, and I know you really care about the law. I guess now that I moved you're not really a coworker anymore, huh...?
[Apollo scratches the back of his head, considering that momentarily, until he takes another look at Klavier and realizes he picked up that spiked drink. Apollo freezes, before declaring a little too loudly,]
Pros- I mean, Klavier! I, uh, I am pretty thirsty after all. Could I have that bottle...?
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more importantly, apollo's answer seems sincere enough, even if it hadn't necessarily been accolades about his appearance or personality the way his praise of apollo had been. klavier even seems stunned, his eyes going wide as he processes what he's heard and the sudden, hard pounding in his heart.
they grow narrow once he remembers apollo's situation. when had he moved? klavier and the wright anything agency weren't exceptionally close, but he had at least thought they had something friendlier than a working relationship. had he not been worth even a notification of it, or could it have been his own fault? how was he blind to apollo for so long?
he's brought out of his thoughts, first when apollo says his name and then when his drink is mentioned. klavier feels the butterflies rising in his stomach, and another smile quirks on his mouth as he offers apollo the drink. ]
Danke. Here you are. ...Apollo.
[ and, if apollo doesn't do something like chuck the bottle far over the ocean, he adds: ]
Your reasoning sounds circumstantial. Without all of these conditions, you might have considered me. Is that right?
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