Apollo stirred to the sound of steady beeping and dim lights, sick to his stomach and light headed while someone moved around him. It appeared to be late in the evening, taking him a few seconds to remember where he was or what had happened. Then it came flooding back. His despair, the attack, his humiliation, being found practically naked, very nearly dying.
Apollo stared off into the distance, breathing unevenly while the nurse checked on him, taking readings from the machines, adjusting them as required before injecting something into his drip line. His body still had a dull throbbing to it but he found he could bear to slightly move to a more comfortable position. With a great deal of effort, he struggled to roll onto his side when the wires covering his body and the needle in his wrist pulled his bruised, sensitive skin. He whined as his eyes finally focused and he spotted a figure dozing in the chair beside his bed. 'Phoenix?' Apollo managed quietly. The sleeping man stirred to the sound of his name and leaned over to him, placing his hand under Apollo's cheek. Apollo let his head fall into Phoenix's hand, closing his eyes while Phoenix ran his thumb over Apollo's skin. 'Shh, it's ok, it's ok. I'm here for you.' Phoenix whispered, doing his best to try and console Apollo, now stroking his head lightly, sweeping his hair away from his eyes. Apollo relaxed as Phoenix moved closer to him. Apollo wanted to move closer too, he wanted to thank Phoenix for being there for him but he couldn't bring himself to follow through, his throat dry and raw.
Apollo sighed as his emotions overwhelmed him. Phoenix moved his hand down the back of Apollo's head several times before moving behind his ear, following the line of his jaw to stroke the tears from his cheek with his thumb in an effort to calm him. Apollo hesitated with the show of affection, still finding Phoenix's touch awkward, but he welcomed it all the same, knowing someone cared. He clutched at Phoenix's wrist as he sobbed. 'Shh, go back to sleep. You're ok, you're ok.' Phoenix whispered softly to him. Apollo whined in response while Phoenix continued to stroke his cheek, speaking softly to him. The warmth of Phoenix's hand soothing him while he relaxed, Apollo drifted off, the dose of medication began to take effect.