#Elder Care Attorney

[odenskylaw]

How to Navigate Long-Term Care Resources in Texas

Long-term care planning in Texas ensures you and your loved ones are prepared for future healthcare and personal care needs. It involves creating a strategy to cover costs, manage resources, and select the right care options, including home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. Proper planning can help protect your assets, qualify for Medicaid, and provide peace of mind for your family. Whether you're planning for yourself or a loved one, professional guidance can simplify the process and secure a comfortable and dignified future. Start planning today for a worry-free tomorrow.

[lawofficeofpatricia]

The Law Office of Patricia Keyes, P.A. is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal services for individuals and families in Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach. We specialize in Estate Planning and Elder Law, helping you navigate complex legal matters with confidence. Our Services: • Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Asset Protection Strategies • Elder Law: Medicaid Planning, VA Benefits Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning • Probate and Trust Administration Patricia Keyes, P.A.: Experienced and knowledgeable attorney with a focus on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and protect their

Business Hours: Mon — Fri: 8AM — 5PM

Contact info: Law Office of Patricia Keyes Address: 111 N Pine Island Rd # 203, Plantation, FL 33324 USA Phone: +1 954–233–0682 Mail: info@mypklaw.org Web: https://www.mypklaw.org/

Follow On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawOfficeOfPatriciaKeyes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypklaw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-office-of-patricia-keyes-p-a/

[lemieuxjacoby1]

Top Guardianship Attorneys in Melbourne, Florida: Finding the Right Legal Support for Your Needs

Overview:

When navigating the complex and sensitive area of guardianship law, finding the right legal support is crucial. For residents of Melbourne, Florida, Lemieux & Jacoby stand out as premier guardianship attorneys who offer personalized and professional legal services. Their deep understanding of both the legal and emotional aspects of guardianship cases makes them an invaluable resource for families seeking guidance and support. Here's a closer look at how Lemieux & Jacoby can help you with your guardianship needs.

Why Choose Lemieux & Jacoby?

1. Expertise in Guardianship Law:Lemieux & Jacoby specialize in guardianship cases, which often involve protecting the rights and well-being of minors, the elderly, or those who are incapacitated. Their extensive knowledge of Florida guardianship law enables them to navigate the intricate legal requirements and processes involved, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible representation.

2. Personalized Legal Support:Understanding that every guardianship case is unique, Lemieux & Jacoby offer a personalized approach to legal support. They take the time to understand the specific needs and circumstances of their clients, providing tailored legal strategies designed to achieve the most favorable outcomes. Whether you are seeking guardianship of a minor, need to establish guardianship for an incapacitated adult, or are involved in a contested guardianship case, they are equipped to handle your situation with care and professionalism.

3. Comprehensive Services:Lemieux & Jacoby provide a comprehensive range of guardianship services, including establishing guardianship, modifying existing arrangements, and litigating contested cases. They also assist with related legal matters, such as estate planning and probate, ensuring that all aspects of a client's legal situation are addressed.

4. Compassionate Representation:Guardianship cases can be emotionally charged and stressful. Lemieux & Jacoby are known for their compassionate approach, offering support and guidance throughout the legal process. They prioritize open communication, ensuring that clients are informed and comfortable with each step of their case.

5. Community Reputation:With a strong reputation in the Melbourne, Florida, community, Lemieux & Jacoby are trusted legal advocates who have helped countless families navigate the complexities of guardianship. Their dedication to their clients and commitment to ethical legal practice make them a top choice for anyone in need of guardianship services.

How to Get Started

If you are considering establishing guardianship or need legal assistance with a guardianship issue, Lemieux & Jacoby are here to help. They offer initial consultations to discuss your case, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. Contacting their office is the first step toward securing the legal support you need to protect your loved ones and ensure their well-being.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call their office today. Lemieux & Jacoby are ready to provide the experienced, compassionate legal guidance you need for your guardianship case in Melbourne, Florida.

[wilsonmarshall]

A Comprehensive Guide to Wilson Marshall's Legal Services in Victoria, BC

Wilson Marshall is a reputable lawyer with Cordoba Legal Group in Victoria, BC. He has established himself as a reliable Senior Law Office in Victoria, British Columbia thanks to his years of experience and skill in a variety of legal fields. Because of his dedication to provide his clients the best legal services possible, he is a highly sought-after lawyer in the community.

Wilson has worked on a range of situations as an attorney at this reputable company, from criminal defense to family law. In addition, he has handled estate planning, personal injury and civil litigation on behalf of his clients. He brings a distinct viewpoint and a strong commitment to getting the best result for his clients to every case.

Building solid and trustworthy relationships with his clients is one of Wilson's main legal talents. He takes the time to hear their worries, comprehend their requirements, and create a customized legal plan that takes into account their particular circumstances. His clients admire and value him because of his empathic and caring attitude, and they frequently recommend him to their friends and family.

Wilson is committed to giving his clients the best possible legal representation in his capacity as a Senior Law Office in Victoria, BC. His extensive knowledge of the rules and legislation in the area enables him to represent his clients with efficiency. Wilson has established himself as a reliable lawyer in Cordova Bay and the surrounding Victoria region thanks to his education, expertise, and hard work.

Wilson Marshall at Attorney At Law Firm in Cordova Bay is the only person you need to contact if you need legal representation. He will make certain that your legal problem is handled with the highest professionalism and care because to his knowledge and dedication to his clients. Make an appointment for a consultation with Wilson right now to learn more about how he can help you with your legal issues. Give us a call at 250.385.8741 or visit us at: - www.wilsonmarshall.com!

[familyelderlaw]

4 Key Considerations When Selecting an Elder Care Lawyer in Florida

Are you looking for helpful tips to make sure your elderly loved ones get the right legal help in Florida? Elder law can be tricky, so it's important to find a lawyer who can protect your family and their rights. Here are four important things to think about when picking an elder care attorney Florida:

Specialization and Experience:

Look for a lawyer who specializes in elder law and has a good track record. They should know about things like Medicaid planning, estate planning, guardianship, and long-term care. Experienced lawyers can give you the best advice for your family's needs.

Reputation and Qualifications:

Check out what other people say about the lawyer and make sure they're qualified. You can ask past clients for feedback and see if the lawyer is a member of respected groups like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Also, make sure they have a valid license in Florida and haven't gotten into any trouble.

Personalized Approach:

Find a lawyer who listens to you and treats you like an individual. They should understand what you need and explain things clearly. Look for someone who cares about your family's well-being and works with you to find the best solutions.

Availability and Communication:

Pick a lawyer who is easy to reach and keeps you updated on your case. You should feel comfortable asking questions and getting updates whenever you need them. Good communication helps build trust and makes sure everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion

By considering these four simple points, you can find a reliable elder care attorney Florida who will look after your family's best interests. Don't hesitate to get expert advice to make sure your loved ones are taken care of.

[parentyourparents]

Miami Elder Law Attorney for Personalized Legal Solutions

Trust elder law attorney Miami services for expert guidance on estate planning, Medicaid, and guardianship. Our personalized approach ensures seniors receive tailored legal solutions with compassion and expertise.

[matterseldercare]

Access to trustworthy resources for eldercare information and assistance becomes more critical as we age. EldercareMatters is the best place to start if you are looking for home care services for elderly and need homecare services. Everything you need to know to provide outstanding care for older people is included in this comprehensive guide, from practical recommendations to advice on managing medical concerns.

[mooncalf87]

so I have been writing the ghosts for about two years now and I have actually gotten a good handful of people asking how I write each ghost so well SO I'm going to break each character down simply here!!!!

Thor: Thors first language isn't English, so its okay to make is dialog a little silly just like in the show. He's a big tough man but he also has a huge soft spot make sure to incorporate that if need be

Sass: Sass is the youngest main gang ghost- he died at 25. He is not a wise old elder, he is closer to being a kid then any other of the main ghosts. He is still learning new things every day and is still stuck in his nearly fully developed mind, remember that!!

Isaac: he's smart! He may seem silly and goober like at times- AND HE IS- but he is also very smart. He want to Dartmouth, he was an attorney!!! He knows what he's talking about!!! He is also from the 1700s so he doesn't really use words like "gonna" or "yeah" or modern slang as much as the other ghosts do

Hetty: Despite being the character i write the most, I think Hetty is the hardest to write. She has arguably had the most character development out of any ghost- ranging from her marriage, to her children, and even her death- Hetty is constantly changing and growing very visibly with the show. Apply that to her in writing! And just like Isaac she uses old-timey words and no slang. She also doesn't like vowels

Alberta: Alberta is from the roaring twentys. The years where everyone was throwing out the old and bringing in the new! Alberta is a party girl, she's outgoing and self obsessed (which is not necessarily a bad thing) but she also cares about her other ghosts, more then I think any of us can tell. She also moves a lot, her body language represents a lot of what she is thinking and saying- same for Hetty

Flower: Flower died high, but she is still a person. I've seen lots of people, including myself, dehumanize her and treat her as some sort of puppy. She is, sometimes, like a silly little kid- but she is also a fully grown woman who can do things for herself!! Flower got into law school, she is incredibly smart!!!!!

Pete: Pete is a father. He is a parent and a protector, he is constantly guiding his troop and his family! He is the second oldest of all the ghosts and has always been the troop leader, he is constantly in the background of everything and he ALMOST NEVER chooses sides. But he isn't just a wet towel, we've seen him literally bitch punch Thor!! He is also a HUGE hand talker and is always shifting from foot to foot

Trevor: he is a bitch but he is also very incredibly smart, just like Flower. He worked on Wall Street, he went to Pen. He is much smarter then we give him credit for! He usually has his hands clasped infront of him like Pete, but he is also a hand talker! He cares a lot about everyone, especially the younger ghosts + hetty

NOW remember these are just what I make sure to apply to them while writing!!!! Remember to find your own writing style and character projections :3 you can find my ghosts fics on Ao3 under Mooncalf87!!!!

[tossawary]

Aw, I knew about the infamous parrot from "Ace Attorney", but I didn't know that her name was Polly. I hope they found her a good new home after everything. (An exotic pet rescue zoo / educational center, maybe? Because Polly cannot be safely released into the wild at this point.) Though I'm also currently imagining an AU where Polly actually gets begrudgingly adopted by Phoenix, who does actually try to provide good care for this complicated animal in the absence of any other suitable home, because Maya made some really big puppy eyes at him.

See, Polly looks like a mix between a scarlet macaw and a cockatoo, both of which are pretty long-lived species of birds, which means she could easily still be hanging around as part of the Wright family by the time that Apollo Justice comes into the picture. And doesn't Trucy sometimes call him "Polly" as well?

Trucy: "Daaaaad, Human Polly is here! Good morning, Human Polly!"

Apollo: "Why... why am I 'Human Polly'? Why can't the bird be 'Parrot Polly'? Actually, why do I have to 'Polly' a-?"

Trucy: "Because Polly was here FIRST, sheesh, Human Polly."

Phoenix: "It's true. Respect your elders, Human Polly. That parrot is twice your age."

[wealthplanning]

Top Reasons You Need a Medicaid Lawyer for Long-Term Care Planning

As people age, long-term care becomes a critical concern for both individuals and their families. However, the cost of such care can be overwhelming, which is where Medicaid can play a pivotal role. Medicaid is a government program that helps cover healthcare costs for eligible low-income individuals, including long-term care. However, qualifying for Medicaid, particularly for long-term care services, involves navigating a complex set of regulations and requirements. This is where hiring a Medicaid lawyer becomes essential. Here’s why:

1. Understanding Medicaid Eligibility

One of the most challenging aspects of Medicaid is determining eligibility. Medicaid has stringent income and asset limits, which can make qualifying difficult for many people. A Medicaid lawyer can help you understand the eligibility criteria and develop a strategy to meet them. For example, certain assets like your home might be protected, but liquid assets could disqualify you. A Medicaid lawyer will guide you on how to organize your finances to ensure you meet the criteria while safeguarding your family’s assets.

2. Asset Protection Strategies

For families, protecting assets while still qualifying for Medicaid is one of the biggest concerns. Without proper planning, you could be forced to spend down assets to qualify, leaving your family with fewer financial resources. A Medicaid lawyer can help you implement strategies like irrevocable trusts, asset transfers, and other planning tools to protect your assets from being depleted by long-term care costs. These strategies must be carefully implemented, as Medicaid has a look-back period of five years, meaning any transfers or changes made within that period may affect your eligibility.

3. Navigating the Application Process

Applying for Medicaid can be an overwhelming task due to the sheer amount of paperwork involved and the complexity of the rules. One small mistake can result in a denial or delay in receiving benefits. A Medicaid lawyer can handle the application process for you, ensuring all paperwork is properly completed, submitted on time, and complies with state and federal laws. This professional assistance minimizes the risk of errors and improves your chances of securing benefits.

4. Handling Medicaid Denials

Medicaid applications are often denied due to errors in documentation or misunderstandings regarding eligibility requirements. If you’ve received a denial, a Medicaid lawyer can review the reasons for the denial and help you file an appeal. They understand the complexities of the appeals process and can present a strong case on your behalf, increasing your likelihood of receiving benefits.

5. Protecting Your Spouse’s Financial Future

If one spouse requires long-term care, the healthy spouse may worry about losing their financial stability. Medicaid has spousal impoverishment rules designed to prevent the well spouse from being left with little to no financial resources. A Medicaid lawyer can explain these rules and help ensure that the healthy spouse can retain sufficient income and assets while the other spouse receives care through Medicaid. This can involve strategies like asset reallocation or income adjustments that comply with Medicaid regulations while preserving financial stability.

6. Long-Term Planning

Medicaid planning isn’t just about reacting when a need for long-term care arises; it’s also about proactive planning. A Medicaid lawyer can help you create a long-term care plan that takes into account potential future needs. This plan could include placing assets in trusts, purchasing long-term care insurance, or restructuring your estate to ensure you qualify for Medicaid when the time comes. By planning ahead, you can save your family from financial hardship and ensure that you receive the care you need without draining your resources.

7. Understanding Medicaid’s Look-Back Period

Medicaid has a five-year look-back period, which means any transfers of assets made within five years of applying for Medicaid could result in a penalty, delaying your eligibility for benefits. A Medicaid lawyer will help you navigate this rule by advising you on permissible transactions and ways to minimize penalties. They will ensure that your asset transfers are done in a way that doesn’t jeopardize your Medicaid eligibility, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

8. Estate Recovery Issues

After a Medicaid recipient passes away, the state may attempt to recover costs from their estate, which could impact your heirs’ inheritance. A Medicaid lawyer can help you plan your estate in a way that minimizes the impact of Medicaid’s estate recovery rules. This may involve setting up trusts or other legal tools to protect your estate from being claimed by Medicaid after your death.

9. Coordinating Medicaid with Other Benefits

Many individuals who qualify for Medicaid also receive other types of benefits, such as Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits. A Medicaid lawyer can help you coordinate these benefits to ensure you receive the maximum amount of financial support while still maintaining Medicaid eligibility. They will help you understand how these programs interact and ensure that you’re not disqualified from one program by receiving benefits from another.

10. Peace of Mind

The most important reason to hire a Medicaid lawyer is the peace of mind they provide. Medicaid laws are complex, and the financial stakes are high. By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your assets and secure the best possible care for your loved ones. An experienced Medicaid lawyer will ensure that your long-term care plan complies with all applicable laws and that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Conclusion

Long-term care planning is a complicated process, and Medicaid is a vital resource for many families. However, without proper planning and guidance, you risk losing assets, facing Medicaid denials, or leaving your family financially vulnerable. A Medicaid lawyer provides the expertise you need to navigate this complex system, ensuring your assets are protected and your loved ones are cared for. Whether you’re planning for the future or facing an immediate need for long-term care, a Medicaid lawyer can offer invaluable assistance every step of the way.

[jutenium]

Okay so basically this is JJBA and Ace Attorney crossover idea that stuck in my mind very hard

WHAT IF THE BEST CHAOTIC GOOD CHARACTERS MET!?!? UGHHHH CAN'T STOP THINKING

Just imagine how much in common Maya and Okuyasu have: (MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ACE ATTORNEY TRILOGY!!!)

🤝To lose an elder sibling, the only adult who cared about you, but to gain the most reliable friendship in your life

🤝Their last living family member tried to kill them (Okuyasu's brother and technically Maya's ant and OMG the evil spirit of her cousin Dahlia in her mother's body-- THAT'S TERRIBLE)(i know that there is also Okuyasu's father and Maya's little cousin Perl, but it's still terrible)

🤝THEIR LAST LIVING RELATIVES ARE TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER (Keicho tries to kill their father, and Maya's ant and newly discovered cousins are directly related to the murder of Maya's mother GOD, THIS IS AWFUL I'M FEELING SO BAD FOR THEM my poor little meows meows😭😭)

🤝TO GO THROUGH EVERYTHING IN LIFE AND SEE ALL KINDS OF SHIT BUT TO KEEP SHINING

🤝The two sweetest suns in the universes that could ever interact

🤝One of them is often mistaken for a criminal, and the other IS a criminal (MAYA DID NOTHING WRONG well except maybe robbing Phoenix's wallet, but even that could be considered almost consensual)(I'll describe this in more detail in the next part, with the interaction between Phoenix and Josuke)

🤝Hc on Okuyasu who can see ghosts after almost dying🤝Maya the medium

AND WHAT IF MAYA COULD CHANNEL THE KEICHO'S SPIRIT SO THAT OKUYASU COULD TALK TO HIM FOR A WHILE:

And of course...

🤝LOVE FOR GOOD ITALIAN RESTAURANTS WITH PRETTY ITALIAN CHEFS (well, one of is an impostor but that's not important)

"DELICIOUS!!"

"I told ya!!"

[cilil]

The Elder King's New Clothes

AN: Written for this thread by @feanope, based on @thecoolblackwaves' idea that Manwë could use his feathers as clothing. Might have turned out a bit naughtier than that, but oh well. My dearest fellow Manwë fans, take this as a tiny treat🤍

ഒ Characters: Manwë x Fëanor ഒ Synopsis: Manwë shows Fëanáro the true beauty of his fána. Fëanáro studies him. ഒ Warnings: Nudity, sensuality ഒ Quintuple drabble (500 words) ഒ AO3

"You asked me about my feathers, Fëanáro." 

"I did, my lord." 

Fëanáro turned when he heard the voice of the Vala and froze in place. 

Manwë was walking towards him, his fána unclothed. Bare were his pale feet that only just touched the floor as he went, bare were his lithe figure and slender waist that were usually concealed by flowing robes, bare were well-shaped shoulders and his swan-like neck, freed from collars and heavy jewellery. 

The only thing protecting the Elder King's modesty were his feathers. They were no mere accessories, they were part of his fána like his hair or his limbs, and had been grown and preened with great care to cover what needed covering. 

A second pair of wings had sprouted from the middle of Manwë's back, in addition to the mighty pair growing from his shoulder blades, and they hugged his form from behind, one covering his chest, one his crotch. Between long flight feathers Fëanáro espied a layer of soft down, reminiscent of a small cloud obscuring what lay underneath. Long tail feathers swayed from side to side as he walked, gently and elegantly. 

Fëanáro swallowed. "I take it I may study your form then?" 

"You may." 

"Good. I was hoping for that." 

Manwë smiled mildly in response. 

His wings were relaxed, Fëanáro noticed when he ran his fingers through his plumage. If he wanted to, he could surely move them and see what was underneath. Feeling bold, he pulled on the wing covering Manwë's chest, and it released its embrace, feathers rustling as it withdrew and folded by his side. 

The mysteries of the Elder King's fána were his to uncover. His mouth watered. 

"Should I remove my other wings too, Fëanáro?" Manwë asked.

Fëanáro couldn't help feeling like he was acting coy, though his mien betrayed nothing. Calm, serene, slightly curious at most.

Then again, he believed to have noticed in the past how little the Vala's mien shifted, always kind, always pleasant. Only strong emotions could change his demeanour. 

He would get a reaction out of him, Fëanáro swore to himself. 

"Yes, please," he said confidently. 

As if emerging from a flurry of white, Manwë revealed himself to him fully. "Like this?" 

"Yes. Perfect." 

Fëanáro was already walking around him, admiring the regal curve of his spine and backside. Intrigued, he reached up to place his hand at the base of Manwë's wings, soft down tickling his fingers as he traced bone and muscle underneath the skin. His efforts elicited a pleased hum that permeated the air around them, filling it with warm resonance. 

"Do you enjoy this?" he asked. 

"Very much, yes." 

So it was a sensitive spot, Fëanáro noted, then began rubbing, fondling and lightly scratching the area like he assumed a bird would do, and Manwë fanned out his wings in enjoyment. 

The sight alone was breathtaking. He could count every single feather if he wanted.

"Continue please?" 

And now he had the Elder King begging for more. 

Thanks for reading! I'm too tired to write more tonight, but if you want more of Fëanor fondling bird men let me know ♡

taglist: @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @blauerregen @elanna-elrondiel @i-did-not-mean-to @melkors-defense-attorney @saintstars @singleteapot @urwendii

[firstclassattorney]

Rockstar and Attorney, Klavier and Kristoph

Small fic for Kristoph and Klavier! If you could call it that? It's 1.4k words, lmao. 

Klavier feels unsure of his skills and whether or not the path he chose was the right one. Not knowing who else to turn to, he calls Kristoph in the middle of the night.

Hurt/comfort except the comfort is temporary. (If any of you make incestuous comments I WILL block y'all. ew.)

umm @jaydovekj you might be interested in this?!?!?!

It wasn't often that my sleep was interrupted before the sun had risen.

The loud ring of my cellphone from the counter jolted me awake. Groggily, I opened my eyes, a wave of frustration washing over me. Who calls a man at this hour? A high-end defense attorney needs his rest. But, well... he also has to consider that random calls in the middle of the night might be emergencies.

As I switched on my phone, the sudden light felt like it'd blind me. I winced and set it down momentarily, reaching for a neatly folded cloth to wipe the lenses of my glasses before putting them on. When I checked the screen again, my vision adjusted to the brightness, revealing the name of the contact: "Klavier." Expected, really; Klavier was the only one bold enough to disturb my beauty sleep. Still, I was a bit surprised.

I hastily answered, stifling a yawn. "Good morning to you, too, Klavier."

"Ach, I'm sorry for waking you, Kris. I didn't know who else to call."

"Is it another song idea you want to share?"

His laugh was dry, humorless, and a bit pathetic. A sound so pitiful it almost made me want to kick him. "Nein, it's a bit silly. I'm not sure why I called."

"Silly?" I echoed, hoping he'd elaborate.

"I'm just questioning a few things. Nothing I can't handle, but... we all have those moments, you understand, ja?"

We all have those moments. How odd. I never quite understood why some people struggled so much with their own minds, why they couldn’t simply snap out of it and see how ridiculous they were being. Klavier- and people in general- were always different from me. It baffled me to no end, a reminder that they were simply too human while I was perfect.

"Anyway, I'm sorry for interrupting you. I know you've been busy and--"

"Klavier." I cut him off before I could stop myself. "Do you want me to come over?"

"...It's too much work. It's late for both of us."

"Answer my question."

A beat of silence passed. "Are you sure?"

"Do I seem like the type to joke about this?"

Another pause. Maybe he realized how ridiculous he sounded, or perhaps the gears in his head were turning. Just as I was about to speak again, he finally responded.

"No, well..." As if remembering he was Klavier Gavin, he corrected, "Nein, you don't. You're right."

"Then I'll come over as soon as I can."

"Okay. Danke, Kris."

I hung up first and rubbed the bridge of my nose. I wanted to leave the topic alone, trust in his ability to "get over it", but he sounded so sorrow-filled I couldn't help myself. Klavier was like a stray puppy when he was sad, so beaten up and so so pathetic you simultaneously want to care for it and crush it between your palms mercilessly. Alas, it's my job as his elder brother to support him despite my own feelings.

..........

I couldn’t believe it. It felt surreal, getting dressed in the middle of the night to comfort my brother. I didn’t spend much time on my appearance; when Klavier visited, our meaningful conversations always happened in the dark, and I doubted tonight would be any different. Still, I wanted to maintain some sense of dignity as I drove there.

The road stretched longer than usual, or at least it felt that way to my tired mind. I tried to push away thoughts about the ridiculous scenario I was in; each time I did, I couldn’t help but think how I probably looked like a lemur with these dark circles under my eyes. Unfortunately, I was my own worst critic.

When I arrived, I knocked twice. The door creaked open, revealing Klavier with a weak smile on his face. It was a poor attempt at reassuring he was okay, given the redness around his eyes and the smudged mascara. I kept any emotions or judgement away from my expression, a skill I’d mastered over the years. Unlike a certain blond man in front of me.

“Ach, where are my manners? It must be freezing out there. Come in.”

I nodded and stepped inside. As expected, the room was dim, lit only by a flickering candle. I never questioned why we always spoke about personal issues in the dark, though sometimes I wondered if it made it easier to connect.

The first time it happened, I had awoken for a glass of water and found Klavier wide awake. We ended up talking until dawn. I never understood how he found the courage to share so much when he usually insisted he was fine. Perhaps, in the shadows, we lost our roles as Klavier and Kristoph, becoming just brothers- free from distance and formalities, able to talk openly when our faces were obscured by darkness.

“Kris?”

I snapped out of my daze. “Sorry. We shouldn’t waste time. What were you questioning earlier?”

“It’s… ridiculous, ja. I’ve been worrying. Wondering if this is the right path.”

My brow furrowed in confusion, but luckily, he couldn’t see it. It *was* ridiculous- he had no reason to doubt himself. I had taught him everything he needed to know; he was more than capable.

“I just…” He sighed, “There’s so much to do, and I have to keep smiling for the paparazzi. It gets overwhelming. You know that feeling, too, richtig?”

“I do." I confirmed, knowing he couldn’t see my nod. “But it’s not about skill. No matter how good you are, mistakes will happen.”

“I know, but sometimes I wish I could avoid them. Like- Like you! You always keep your cool, bruder, and I don’t know how you do it.”

I fell silent, not wanting to crush his spirit. Achieving my level of calmness was impossible for him. Klavier wore his heart on his sleeve, his emotions spilling into his voice and face. He would never be like me, no matter how hard he tried. It was a difficult pill to swallow... for both of us.

“…Klavier, you can’t be like me. Even if we share the same appearance and last name, we’re still Klavier and Kristoph- two different people.”

“Ja, but-”

“Let me finish, please.”

He shrank slightly, like a child. “Okay.”

“The thing is, I might seem put-together, but I have my moments of frustration, stress, sadness… that doesn’t make me any less capable. The same goes for you.”

I took a step closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. I could see doubt and uncertainty swirling in his eyes, and paired with his posture, it made him look like a child again. He’d always clung to me when we were young, asking me why the world was the way it was. I never had an answer, just the reassurance that we had to live in it, and somehow, that was enough for him.

“Klavier, you’re doing great. I’m proud of you. Whatever doubts you have are normal, but don’t let them make you falter.”

I didn’t know if I truly meant those words, but I knew they could provide comfort. I understood that he wanted nothing more than to make me proud and live up to my standards. I wasn’t a fool.

Klavier sniffed and wiped at his eyes with his sleeve. He smiled genuinely- a first for this night- and nodded his head. To stop him from further pestering me with concerns, I hugged him. It caught him off-guard, certainly, but eventually he relaxed and hugged me back.

"...You're much more affectionate today, Kris. I think you're going soft, ja." He chuckled. I felt like he could almost sense me hiding an eye roll. "But... thank you."

We sat there in silence for a few moments. It felt right. As most times of tranquility do, the hug ended and I let my arms fall to my side. Klavier copied.

"Ach." He suddenly spoke up. "I just realized how late it is. Do you want to stay at mine tonight?"

"For once, I'll take you up on your offer." 

"I could get you a plush if you're lonely. Do you remember that bear I had when I was-?"

"Don't push it, Klavier, or I might regret my decision..."

For the first time in a while, I smiled as well. Perhaps taking a break from being 'The coolest defense in the west' more often would do me good.