Apollo slept late into the morning, waking just before noon, expressively empty and guilty. He was glad to at least find Phoenix still dozing in the chair beside him, although he knew Phoenix would never just leave him as many others had. The remainder of the morning passed in a haze. Phoenix tried to comfort him, gently tangling their fingers together or rubbing his shoulder when he didn't resist during a breakdown. Apollo found himself uncomfortably enjoying the sincerity of the contact. It was strangely inappropriate accepting the affection from his boss. Yet, he longed for the closeness; just happy to have someone who honestly cared about him. Athena, Simon and Trucy came to visit just after the lunch hour, but Apollo couldn't bring himself to face them. It deeply bothered him, shutting them out; but, he needed to be alone. He needed time to heal, at least emotionally before he faced anyone. Phoenix picked up Apollo's unease and kept the visitors at bay, bringing back condolences and a small gift Trucy had brought for him. Apollo clutched the stuffed bear while he rested. He was grateful that Phoenix was close and that his friends cared, protecting him while he was at his weakest point; however, still perturbed that it happened to be his boss who had now turned father hen, at his side.

In the mid afternoon, the hospital had scheduled a counsellor to assess Apollo. Apollo despised the session, it dug into the wounds leaving him more raw and vulnerable than before. Even though he refused to speak, the man seemed to know so much about him. Phoenix sat in on the session without being asked and refused to leave, stating that as Apollo's guardian, he had the right. Apollo sat, a shivering wreck while Phoenix shut things down when he knew it had gone too far. Apollo could see the green stone in Phoenix's hand, watching him, knowing when the wrong things had been addressed and clearing out everyone so Apollo could let himself deal with the demons in his head without pushing him over the edge.

The next morning Apollo found himself forced into another session. It pushed him over the edge, breaking him down. He didn't want to talk about the attack, much less anything else, but the counsellor kept pushing him, trying to gather information, bringing up things Apollo had no interest in facing. Phoenix had tried to intervene and was promptly told to hold his tongue and leave. As soon as Apollo broke down, emotions winning him over, Phoenix aggressively put himself between the two, forcing the counsellor out. Phoenix held Apollo's head lightly to his chest; Apollo clutched Phoenix's shirt staining it with tears, trying to settle.

Phoenix drew Apollo closer as he calmed down. 'I'm going to see about getting you discharged, this isn't what you need right now.' Phoenix whispered and smoothed back Apollo's hair. Apollo thought about it for a second, offering up a silent prayer before answering with a flat. 'Thank you.'

Phoenix left and Apollo could her him arguing with someone. After a short while, he returned with a disgruntled looking nurse. The nurse removed Apollo from the monitors and drip wordlessly, helping Apollo get ready to leave while Phoenix packed up the few possessions Apollo had with him. Somewhere along the lines, Apollo's clothes had been cut away and the hospital had provided him with something to wear as he slipped into the baggy pants and shirt.

Apollo tried to walk, he became weak and nauseous as his vision faded. He collapsed. Phoenix tried to catch him, missing as Apollo crumpled to the floor. The hospital staff moved in while Phoenix dropped down beside him and helped him up. Apollo clutched Phoenix for support as they made it slowly to a car waiting outside. Mumbles of disgruntled nurses stating he wasn't ready for discharge following.

'Thank you, Miles.' Phoenix addressed, helping Apollo in and getting him seated before getting in himself. 'Don't mention it.' Miles replied. Apollo finally placed the unknown voice while he listened to the pair. The blood drain from his face. He must have dialled Miles' number, Miles must have rushed to get Phoenix and the others to go find him. Apollo buried his head in his knees. The jostling of the car causing his stomach to turn violently. The motion, combined with his embarrassment, knowing he'd disturbed Miles and been found by him, knowing one more person had seen him weak and vulnerable; especially someone who was used to seeing Apollo in full control of himself, dismayed him.

Apollo sobbed quietly when the car took a corner. The movement was finally too much, Apollo's stomached twisted violently and he retched. If Miles was upset with him, he didn't show it as he calmly pulled over and helped Phoenix clean him up. He acted neutral, if not a little more sociable than normal towards him. Treating him as if this was nothing out of the ordinary and not like the fragile child Apollo had let himself become. It seemed strained, Miles acted as if he desired to say something; but thought better of it as he dropped them off at Wright Anything Agency, Phoenix's office, turned home.

Phoenix made to help him out of the car, Apollo was determined to make this trip himself. He got steadily to his feet, feeling like he was going to pass out, dark shadows dimming his vision. He forced his way through the fog and managed a few uncertain steps. Apollo closed his eyes while he brought his hands up to protect himself as he fell. Phoenix was quicker this time, catching him by the scruff of the neck. Pain flared in Apollo's body, he yelped as Phoenix apologized and got a better hold on him, steadying them both.

Phoenix unlocked the door and helped Apollo to the couch where he collapsed, breathing raggedly, still weak and nauseous, clutching his stomach while he lay on his side. Apollo was glad he wasn't taken to his apartment. He didn't want to be alone. Afraid of what might happen to him if he was left by himself. At least with Phoenix and Trucy around, one eye on him at all times, they would hopefully intervene if his demons pressed too close. Apollo tried to remain optimistic; yet, he'd become sick at the same time. He longed for the company, also, he now wanted to be alone; left to close his eyes and cry himself to sleep, hopefully never to wake up. His thoughts subsided once Phoenix returned with a quilt and pillow, wrapping him in the heavy blanket and helping him get comfortable.

Apollo pulled the fabric tightly around him. Phoenix moved around his apartment keeping whatever he was thinking about to himself. The sounds of another person nearby were strangely consoling to Apollo as he rest his head on the thick, soft pillow. Phoenix clattered about in the kitchen, finally resurfacing minutes later with a mug of tea. Apollo struggled to sit up and avoid resting on his tender hips when Phoenix handed him the cup, taking a seat beside him. Apollo took a shaky sip and regarded the liquid, catching his reflection. His face was covered in scrapes and bruises, he noted sutures above his right eye, the swelling. Tears rolled down Apollo's cheeks. He loathed himself. His stomach tightened. Phoenix took the cup from Apollo as he sobbed and vomited down himself, repulsed by his reflection.

Apollo shook, horribly, guilty, disgusted with himself while Phoenix took a damp cloth and gently wiped his face. Phoenix in the position of a paternal figure, treating him as a small child, conflicted him. Apollo was an adult and had been forced to be one most of his life. Letting someone else take his responsibility brought mixed emotions. He was nervous, not use to being treated like this. But, knowing someone truly cared about him, something he'd wished for, a feeling he'd sought after ever since he could remember; the loving bond only a parent could have with their children; something he had been forced to live without and something that tore at him every time he saw a happy family, something that made him incredibly jealous of Trucy and something he had been denied his entire life; brought a weak smile to his face as Phoenix moved closer to him.

Phoenix keeled down, now level with Apollo, bringing his arms up. Apollo leaned forward, resting his forehead on Phoenix's shoulder. Phoenix grasped Apollo, patting his back, whispering to him, 'Shh, it's okay, it's ok.' Apollo sighed, his emotions mixed. Hearing Phoenix's words, the beating of his heart, his soft breathing, feeling the warmth of his body, brought him the one thing he craved. Accepting it from his boss, the man who he worshipped and respected, the man who gave him the chance to make a living, the man he looked up to and wanted to be so much like, made it difficult.

Apollo sobbed uncontrollably while Phoenix did his best to console him. 'Let's get you cleaned up.' Phoenix whispered softly after several minutes, letting Apollo go. Apollo wanted Phoenix to hold him again, to chase away his fears, his demons and to show him that humanity could be compassionate and considerate. Apollo knew Phoenix was right, he was a mess. He couldn't clean himself without help. He'd refused to bathe at the hospital, enough people had already seen his broken body and touched him uncomfortably.

Apollo sat on the floor while Phoenix ran a bath. When Phoenix got up and left to get clothing and towels, Apollo looked up. The soapy water was inviting. The thought of Phoenix seeing him, seeing his wounds made him hesitate. He sighed and removed his clothing, 'Clothes didn't stop the attack, why would they protect me in any way now? I can trust Phoenix, can't I?' Apollo contemplated, his mind hovering with doubt while he climbed into the water. The warm liquid encompassed him. Apollo was too tense to fully enjoy it, but he managed to relax slightly, letting the water warm his cold body. He brought his knees up to his chest and rested his head on them, staring down into the bubbles that now had a reddish tinge to them. Apollo closed his eyes, disgusted. Another heartbreaking sign of his abuse. This one may wash away, but the scars would always be there to remind him.

Phoenix returned a few minutes later, arms full of clothing and towels. He shut the tap off before taking a washcloth to Apollo. The warmth made him feel better and still uneasy. Apollo was thankful he didn't have to be the one to clean himself, he didn't think he could bear to look at his body. Phoenix carefully, almost paternally; or, as Apollo thought a parent might, cleaned the dried blood and dirt from him, not saying a word. Apollo flinched when Phoenix moved the cloth over a large gash on his back. Phoenix pulled away as if sensing Apollo's reservations, 'Are you ok? Do you want to finish alone?' He asked. 'No, and no.' Apollo whispered quietly. Phoenix moved closer and finished washing Apollo's body while Apollo wept.

Phoenix covered Apollo's eyes when he ran water over his head. Apollo hugged himself tighter. The touch was pleasant in a way and he still couldn't shake the guilty pangs in his mind. 'I can't believe I've sunk this low.' He thought to himself. 'Why does this feel so good, yet so wrong?' Apollo's mind continued. 'Because, you've longed for compassion your entire life?' A voice in his head replied to him. 'Now, you have it. You're at your weakest. Ready to let people close to you; to help you get better.' The voice continued as Phoenix thread his fingers through his hair, rinsing the soap out. 'Maybe,' Apollo thought. 'But I wish this had never happened, that this could be different, that maybe I'd just woken from a nightmare and this wasn't real. I wish my mother could be the one to hold me close and care about me, instead of my boss.' Apollo sighed.

Phoenix pulled the plug. Apollo watched the soapy, reddish-brown water flow down the drain, taking some of the filth he felt with it. Phoenix wrapped several towels around Apollo and helped him out of the tub. Apollo sat on the toilet while he dried off, enjoying the soft fabric on his skin. Phoenix waited before handing him some clothing. The items were too big and not something he'd seen Phoenix wear before, aside from that awful grey hoodie. Once he'd slipped it on, he knew why Phoenix liked it. It was warm and soft, offering a sense of security, even if was far too large for him.

Phoenix helped Apollo back to the couch and sat beside him. 'Something seems to be bothering you. Do you want to talk?' Phoenix prompted. 'Yes and no.' Apollo whispered, still unable to look at Phoenix. 'Just tell me what you're comfortable with, I won't push you.'

Apollo cried, finally able to find some release. He told Phoenix everything he could remember, keeping identities to himself, everything he'd felt, everything he'd seen. Apollo bled his heart to Phoenix, choking through tears as he went. Phoenix told him several times if he needed to, to stop. Apollo turned sick confiding in Phoenix, not sure why he was able to speak freely to his boss of all people and pressed on. It was relieving, yet embarrassing to share the agony in his soul, he couldn't stop. His mood lifted slightly; Phoenix sat and listened, not interjecting. He needed to talk about this, lay his emotions bare, hoping that Phoenix wouldn't see him as any less of a person. Hoping Phoenix wasn't judging him, about to turn him away or tell him he needed to look elsewhere for help.

Apollo finished, choking through tears. 'I'm so sorry, Apollo.' Phoenix whispered, fighting back his own emotions, putting an arm around Apollo, pulling them together before he ran his hand along Apollo's spine. 'Had I known this, I would have never let you walk out that door. I'm sorry I turned my back to you.' He inhaled as Apollo clutched Phoenix's shirt, letting the tears flow. 'It's ok, I'm here for you. Shh, it's ok, it's ok.' Phoenix tried his best to console Apollo, holding him, letting him cry, letting him stay pressed into him, letting him take solace in his embrace.

Phoenix felt responsible. He could tell Apollo had been hurting, but he hadn't known it was this bad. The assault now making everything worse. He stroked Apollo's hair before he took a deep breath. Apollo continued to sob, lost in his tears. Phoenix looked down at Apollo, he looked defeated. He looked lost. Phoenix hugged him tighter, Apollo, reluctant at first, sighed lightly and pressed himself into Phoenix. 'Thank you.' He whispered to Phoenix. 'Thank you for helping me.' He sobbed. 'I don't know if I could move on if I was alone. I'm afraid. No, I'm terrified. I don't know how to move on or how to deal with this. I don't… Want to be alone.' Apollo choked through tears.

'In time, just relax. For now, you're safe. I'll protect you.' Phoenix soothed him. 'I'm here for you now and I always will be.' Apollo looked up at Phoenix. 'Thank you.' He responded shakily. 'Thank you, Phoenix.' Phoenix looked down at Apollo, stroking his head, trying to take his fear and trying to show him the warm affection Apollo seemed to long for. Phoenix believed he owed Apollo at least that much. Apollo had always kept his distance, but seeing him injured and scared, brought out the protective instincts in Phoenix that had always been there, the fatherly side he showed to Trucy, that few others ever saw. He looked down at Apollo as he closed his eyes, not sure if he should say what he was thinking. He didn't know how Apollo would take it. He decided not to make things more awkward for him. He just held Apollo, offering his heartfelt embrace to his young employee, who now seemingly accepted him as some sort of support.

Apollo sighed deeply, it was late. He pulled back from Phoenix and looked up at him. Phoenix met his eyes. 'Something else is bothering you, I can tell.' He spoke softly. 'Yes,' Apollo replied, 'Where's Trucy?' Phoenix looked at Apollo. 'She's been staying with Athena and Simon. They agreed to watch her while I took care of you.' He answered. 'I didn't think you'd want her pressing you with questions.'

'Thank you.' Apollo replied, sitting up beside Phoenix. 'You're right, right now, even letting you close to me is hard. I can't deal with this on my own, but I don't think I could bear having too many people close at once. My head is still spinning. But at least she's safe.' Apollo pulled into himself, afraid of showing his emotion, but what did it matter, Phoenix had already seen him at rock bottom. 'I can't believe everything, I feel so lonely, so empty and hurt. I can't believe a friend, someone I thought I knew, someone I respected and trusted could or would do this to me.' Apollo couldn't hold back any more, he had cried before, but nothing like this. This was the worst he had ever felt. His soul torn in two, cold, vacant. When Clay had been killed, when he was still small, the memory of being told his mother gave him away because she didn't love him when he acted up at the orphanage, the years of abuse and neglect of his past, the feelings of abandonment and being alone in the world had never brought out this depth of raw emotion. Apollo shivered, letting himself go, letting it out. Finding for once, he could. He hated letting anyone see him like this, but he needed it. He needed to let go of the pain, he needed to deal with the suffering in his life. He needed to confront his years of repressed emotions and memories.

Phoenix reached out to him. Apollo leaned into Phoenix, accepting his embrace, the warmth, the closeness, the sound of Phoenix's soft, consoling words in his ears. He couldn't stop crying, even if he'd wanted to. He heard Phoenix breathing heavily, crying himself. 'Shh,' Phoenix whispered through his own tears, 'Shh.' He leaned back on the couch as Apollo followed, laying beside him, his head coming to rest on Phoenix's chest, crying himself to sleep. Phoenix held Apollo close, unable to sleep himself, but happy he could at least offer Apollo his comfort, making him feel safe and secure while he brought the blanket over Apollo, who had closed his eyes and fitfully drifted off.

Phoenix sat awake, thinking about everything Apollo had told him. He held Apollo while the younger male twitched and moaned in his sleep. Apollo shook violently, cried out and winced uncontrollably while the terrors in his mind took hold. Phoenix held him closer, the movement finally stirred Apollo, who jolted awake. He looked terrified, staring off into the distance, seemingly out of his body, unaware of his surroundings. Phoenix let him wake before saying a word. Apollo shifted and looked up, his eyes dilated, his breathing ragged, the look scared Phoenix, but Apollo seemed to snap out of it. 'Are you ok?' He spoke softly. Apollo swallowed several times, breathing heavy, 'No, no I'm not.' He answered, the fear in his voice causing Phoenix's hair stand on end. 'He was there, I saw it all again, felt the pain as he... As he violated me... as I was... Raped.' The anxiety in Apollo's voice disturbed Phoenix. The low, sordid tone didn't sound anything like the Apollo Phoenix knew. Phoenix sat in shock as Apollo pushed himself up. He sat, his elbows on his knees. Holding his head, breathing heavily, shaking.

Phoenix didn't know what to do. He sat, watching Apollo, he tried to move closer, but every time he'd moved towards him, Apollo shifted away. Several minutes passed, Apollo sat, head in his hands, breathing raggedly, a broken man. He looked beaten, pained, like someone had finally taken everything from him. After several minutes, Apollo broke the silence. 'I hate you.' He spat under his breath. Apollo seemed like he was in a trance. Malice contorted his face, he looked rabid, vicious. Phoenix swallowed heavily, scared himself. He'd never seen Apollo so angry and frankly, had never seen anything to suggest the younger was capable of such ire.

'A... Apollo?' Phoenix whispered tentatively. 'Apollo?' He called again. Apollo didn't respond. Phoenix couldn't tell if Apollo could hear him or if he was just ignoring him. Apollo snarled, digging his fingers into the sides of his head, his nose creased as he bared his teeth.

Several tense seconds passed before Apollo seemed to snap out of it. 'Phoenix?' He asked, confused by the perturbed way Phoenix looked at him. 'Phoenix, you're scaring me!' He cried out. 'Phoenix! Phoenix? Say something! Please!' He plead. 'Please don't look at me like that!' He cried. Phoenix finally calmed. 'Sorry, you startled me.' He spoke unsteadily. 'What are you talking about?' Apollo asked nervously. 'Do you not remember?' Phoenix pressed. 'No?' Apollo replied. 'Not a thing?' Phoenix looked at Apollo, he still had the flash of fierceness in his eyes and now, it looked more scared now. 'No?' Apollo questioned.

'You snapped,' Phoenix told him, 'You sounded like you were going to kill someone.' Apollo looked down as the nightmare came flooding back to him. He couldn't look at Phoenix. 'Sorry.' Apollo exhaled. 'It's just... I... I... I wanted him to feel the way I did... Afraid for his life, feeling like he was going to die, filthy, violated, powerless...' Apollo couldn't continue, he dropped his head low, crying, drawing heavy breaths. Phoenix looked at him 'Who did this to you?' Phoenix tested. Apollo looked up, contemplating whether or not he should say anything. 'If I tell you, will you promise me you won't say a word?' Apollo asked. 'I don't know if I can do that.' Phoenix replied. 'Please, please promise me.' Apollo begged. 'I'm already humiliated enough. I want to come forward on my own. I know they took his…Disgusting filth from me and the name will come out sooner or later, when the match is found. But I don't want this to go any further than it already has.' Apollo plead, 'I want him to pay, but I don't want that kind of attention. I'm ashamed enough. These things just don't happen to men.' He sobbed. 'I don't want people treating me differently, So many people already know. You, Athena... Simon... Miles...' Apollo could feel the acrimony rising in his esophagus, his pulse speeding up, his heart tearing, trying to force its' self out of his body. His head ached, the pain causing him to wince.

'If it means that much to you, I won't say a word, but I can't promise you that if I see the disgusting human being that has done this to you, I won't destroy him myself.' Phoenix spoke. Apollo looked at him. 'Thank you for caring,' he smiled weakly. 'You'll never know how much it means to me. You've done more for me than I could ever repay you for. If you hadn't been there for me, if I had have ended up back at my apartment, I... I... Might have done it.' Apollo steadied himself, his voice still shaking. 'I might have killed myself.' He said, straight as he could. 'I don't know where to go from here, but I can't be alone right now... I don't want to be alone right now... Not... Not with...' He drew a deep breath, contemplating whether or not he should tell Phoenix. 'Not with people like him... Pe... Someone I thought... thought was my friend...' Apollo wept, tears rolling down his face. 'People like...' He exhaled as Phoenix moved toward him to offer his support. Apollo drew a deep breath, he wasn't sure if this was the right thing to say. If he could trust Phoenix to hold his secret, but he needed to say it, he needed to confirm it. He knew the genetic material that was taken from his body would tell the same truth, but he owed it to Phoenix to tell him to his face. 'People like… Klavier...' When the name left Apollo's lips, nausea hit him, a sharp pain shot through his body. If he hadn't known any better, he'd have thought he was dying as he doubled over.

Phoenix sat, shocked. He never would have thought Klavier of all people would do this. The man, while somewhat juvenile, was well respected. He held such a position of power and trust. He'd seemed honest and respectful enough. Phoenix looked at Apollo. He was a mess. His body covered in wounds and bruises, he knew the scars would fade, but the memory and hurt never would. Apollo's body shook, tears rolled off his nose, unable to collect himself. Phoenix moved to touch him, but Apollo pulled away and slid to the floor. Phoenix placed his hand on Apollo's shoulder. He couldn't believe what Apollo had told him.

Apollo held himself, his world had finally collapsed. He had thought maybe by telling Phoenix the truth, that he'd feel better. But he now felt even worse. He trembled, unsettled, the soreness in his body, his mind unbearable. Apollo finally looked up at Phoenix, judging his reaction. Phoenix looked concerned and confused, something was conflicting in his mind. Apollo looked away. He shouldn't have said anything. He shouldn't have burdened Phoenix with his problems. He should never have reached for his phone and dialed the first number he came across. He should have kept his head down, let his body shut off, falling asleep, never to wake up.

Phoenix slid to the floor beside Apollo, he wasn't sure what he should do or say. He looked at Apollo, torn. He wanted to comfort him, but he also wanted to get up, grab his coat, track down Klavier and take him out. He watched Apollo who now had fell silent, barely breathing. 'Apollo?' He asked warily. When Apollo looked up, he looked awful. Every mark on his face, the line of sutures above his right eye, every feature of his face blurred behind the visible signs of violence and sorrow. 'Apollo...' Phoenix reached out to Apollo, unable to bring words forth, he didn't know what to say. He gently grazed Apollo, but Apollo pulled away.

'Sorry, Phoenix.' Apollo sighed. 'I'm sorry for dragging you into this, into my nightmare. I should be...' Apollo stared at the floor. He knew what he wanted to say and saying it was harder than the pressure in his mind, harder than reliving the attack every time he closed his eyes, harder than anything he'd ever done, ever had to say, no matter how true it was. 'I should be dead.'

'Apollo, please, please don't say that.' Apollo broke, he collapsed and Phoenix grabbed him, holding him tightly. Phoenix couldn't say anything, he was still in shock. He had never had to deal with anything like this, he wanted to be the one in Apollo's position. He wanted to take his pain and fear. Apollo hadn't deserved this. Phoenix knew Apollo's life had never been easy, even if he didn't know the full story. Phoenix had hoped that by giving Apollo his job, after he lost his last one when Kristoph's office collapsed, he was giving him somewhere to go. Many hadn't given a second thought to what had happened to Kristoph's young assistant after he'd been arrested. Phoenix's mind flashed back. He remembered seeing Apollo walking in the streets, dishevelled and misplaced before the memory of Apollo sitting before his desk, desperate, begging for a chance flooded his mind. Even though Apollo had a hard time expressing it, Phoenix knew the gesture had meant more to Apollo than he could ever express.

Now, Phoenix made up his mind. He couldn't abandon Apollo, he'd rescued him once before and he needed to be there for him again. He couldn't send him home, he couldn't let him be on his own anymore. He needed to step up and be more than a mentor to the young man. Apollo trusted him and had looked to him for support. Accepted him when he'd pushed everyone else away. Phoenix wasn't sure he could help Apollo, but he knew he would do his best. He helped Apollo up and led him to Trucy's empty room, laying him in the bed. He pulled the blanket over Apollo, tucking him in for the night while he sat with him, stroking his back as Apollo cried himself back to sleep.

When Apollo was sleeping soundly, he got up. Reaching the door, he looked back. Apollo finally looked like he'd shed some of his burden. He closed the door, leaving it open a crack to be able to hear him and rush to him if need be. Phoenix sunk into the couch and held his head, anxiously flattening his hair, contemplating weather or not this was the right thing to do. He looked at his phone sitting on the table. It was late, but Phoenix needed his own support. He needed advice. He picked up the phone and dialed, but couldn't hit call. Was it right? Should he call? He should respect Apollo's privacy. His finger hovered over the call button. He took a deep breath and the phone began to dial.

The phone had barely rang once when Miles answered. 'Phoenix? What's wrong?' Miles knew Phoenix would never call him this late unless it was important. 'I just need your advice.' Phoenix replied. He expressed his position, hiding the finer details. He told him how Apollo had opened up to him, how he had told Phoenix the truth. Miles listened quietly, not saying much of anything. Phoenix could hear the disdain in Miles' voice as he replied. 'Should we make an anonymous report?' Phoenix hesitated, 'Yes, I think we should. We need to prevent this from happening to someone else. I'm already having a hard time dealing with the fallout of one attack. What if he went after Athena...?' Phoenix swallowed worryingly. 'What if he touched...? Trucy?'

Phoenix relieved when Miles offered to make the report. Phoenix didn't think he could do it without telling the police every sordid detail or losing his temper and waking Apollo. Phoenix inhaled sharply. Miles had said he would call him back, but it seemed to take an eternity. Phoenix switched his phone into silent mode, so when Miles called, it would not make a sound and disturb Apollo. While he waited, he stared into the distance, thinking about the events of the past few days and where to go from his current position; when Apollo's terrified yelps broke through his contemplations. Phoenix rose to check on him. Looking in, Apollo was lying face down, clutching the covers tight, his fingers white. Phoenix moved closer while Apollo whimpered in his sleep. Reaching the younger male, Phoenix sat on the edge of the bed and watched him, not wanting to jolt Apollo awake and scare him.

Several tense seconds passed and Apollo seemed to get worse. Phoenix reached out, his hand hovering over Apollo's back, about to wake him when Apollo woke himself, he was panting heavily, the look in his dark eyes pure fear. Apollo didn't need to say anything, seeing Phoenix offered him sanctuary, realizing it was just another nightmare. Apollo whimpered and Phoenix lay down beside him.

Apollo clutched Phoenix's shirt, pulling the older man closer, seeking security. He still didn't feel right leaning so heavily on Phoenix, but he needed someone. Phoenix knew Apollo was in distress and placed an arm under and around the young man, holding him close while Apollo rested his head on Phoenix's shoulder, curling in tight to his side before drifting back to sleep. Phoenix looked down at Apollo, feeling the bond between them grow as he held him. While Apollo was not his and an adult, the paternal instinct to shelter and love him remained strong. Phoenix pulled the blanket around Apollo and began to hum to him. A song his mother use to sing to him when he couldn't sleep, a soft tune that had always made him feel better. Something that he had sung to Trucy to help her sleep and something he hoped would relax Apollo while Phoenix closed his eyes, drifting off himself, holding Apollo's body to his, listening to the soft breathing of the young man nestled into him.