Apollo tossed and turned in his bed. It had been like this for a while. He'd been in Khu'rain for about three weeks now. And though he was beginning to get used to day to day life, he found himself restless when the time came to sleep. No matter how much he wanted to drift off, sleep alluded him. And he knew exactly why.

His restless mind kept drifting to one person in particular: Athena.

He'd know when he had decided to stay that it would be difficult. He knew it would hurt Mr. Wright and Trucy. But what he had most dreaded at the time was telling Athena.

She had been understandably upset with his decision. But what killed him was that his decision would take him away from her. Away from the woman he loved.

He had thought of being selfish and asking her to stay with him. But he couldn't. And watching that plane leave with her aboard was perhaps the most painful thing he had ever done. The ache he felt in his heart rivaled the pain he felt in the weeks following Clay's death. Sure, he would see her again. He had promised to return. But he knew it wouldn't be for some time. That he had a lot of work to do in Khu'rain.

Sighing the man lifted himself up and pulled out his laptop, opening it up deciding to do some research on a subject involved in an upcoming case. A habit he had picked up from Nahyuta. However, he also decided to take a quick look at his Skype messenger, out of curiosity.

Given the time, he was shocked to see Athena was online. The time difference between Khu'rain and LA was only a few hours, she he had assumed she would be asleep. But her icon showed her to be online. His hand hovering over the button, he was tempted to click it. See if she wanted to talk. He wanted so badly to hear her sweet voice.

But he hesitated. For all he knew, Athena was still furious at him for staying. She probably didn't want to speak to him. And he couldn't blame her. Just as he moved his cursor to close the window, it suddenly changed. It now showed Athena's icon, a picture of two of them at a Gaviners concert that she had dragged him to. The usual tone also played. Athena was calling him. And a video call no less. Though he expected harsh words, he accepted the call.

The screen immediately changed to show Athena, dressed in a pair of orange pajamas and presumably sitting in her bed staring at him. Apollo stared back, completely unsure of what to say.

Athena was the one to break the silence.

"H-hey. Didn't expect you to be up."

"Y-yeah. Was surprised to get a call from you."

Silence fell again for a moment before they both opened their mouths to speak at the same time.

"Apollo, I-"

"Athena, listen-"

They both looked at each other before laughing at the moment.

"You go first." Athena insisted.

"Athena… I'm sorry. I really don't know what else to say. I'm just… Sorry. I know how much it must have hurt you all when I decided to stay. But I had to. Khu'rain needs someone who will stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves."

Athena listened to his words, possibly listening to the emotions behind them as well.

"Apollo… You have nothing to be sorry for. I mean, yeah, it hurt when we first got back and you weren't around. But that's natural. I was so used to seeing you every day. But you don't have to worry!" She flashed her signature peace sign. "I'm fine!"

Apollo stared at her for a moment. He wasn't wearing his bracelet, but he could still tell she was lying.

"Athena, your fingers are twitching. You don't need to lie to me."

The grin on Athena's face fell. "Guess I can't even fool those eyes overseas, huh?"

"Nope. You can be honest with me, Athena. I won't judge you or anything."

Athena let out a sigh. "Alright. The truth is I'm kind of a mess. I've had trouble sleeping ever since we got home. I just… I miss you so much, Apollo." Apollo's eyes widened as he noticed a tear begin to slide down her cheek. "Every day I walk into the office and see your desk, it breaks my heart. I just…"

"YOU'RE FINE!"

Athena jumped at the sudden shout from Apollo.

"You're Athena Cykes and you're fine!"

"A-Apollo…"

Apollo smiled at the girl. "C'mon, Tiger, say it with me. YOU'RE ATHENA CYKES AND YOU'RE FINE!"

"I-I- … Apollo, I'll wake up everyone in the complex."

"YOU'RE ATHENA CYKES AND YOU'RE FINE!"

"I-I'm… I'M ATHENA CYKES AND I'M FINE!" Athena finally shouted.

"Atta girl! YOU'RE ATHENA CYKES AND YOU'RE FINE!"

"I'M ATHENA CYKES AND I'M FINE!"

This continued for some time. Shouting their usual mantra over and over again, Athena not even caring who she woke.

The two chatted well into the night until Athena finally grew so exhausted; she passed out right there in front of him!

He knew he should respect her privacy and end the call. But he waited. Simply watching the beautiful girl slumber peacefully. Finally, deciding it was time to call it a night himself, he ended the call. But not before saying one last thing to the girl, despite knowing he'd receive no answer.

"Good night, Tiger… I love you."

Just before he hung up, Athena stirred just slightly. And even in her groggy state, she heard his farewell. And though he had already hung up, she replied.

"Good night, Apollo. I love you too."