Phoenix roused before Apollo, Apollo hadn't moved and was still nuzzled in close, snoring lightly, wrapped tightly in the blankets. Phoenix smiled weakly, gently hugging Apollo before he shifted carefully not to disturb him. Standing up, he looked down, Apollo looked peaceful, breathing evenly, deeply asleep. Phoenix got the impression that Apollo hadn't been able to rest this serenely in weeks and decided to leave him be. Phoenix stretched before moving into the kitchen and beginning the day. It was nearly seven AM and Athena would be showing up for work soon enough; Trucy should hopefully be getting ready for school.
Athena walked in just before seven thirty, over an hour early, Trucy in tow. 'Morning, Phoenix.' Athena yawned, not her usual jovial self. 'Morning Daddy!' Trucy beamed, running over to Phoenix and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. 'Mornin', Sweetie.' Phoenix replied, holding her tight, trying to shake the images of the weekend. While he'd cared for Apollo, his mind had tried to continually push in images of Trucy or Athena in Apollo's position. He hugged Trucy even tighter, trying not to let too much on.
'Long weekend?' Athena probed, finishing brewing the morning coffee, a task Phoenix had started and never finished. 'Very.' He sighed, letting Trucy go. Athena looked apprehensive, but asked anyway. 'How is Apollo?' Phoenix looked up and sighed. Before Athena could ask the question hanging in the air, he had to stop Trucy from going into her room. 'Why not, Daddy?' Phoenix heard as he led her back to the couch and sat her down, sitting beside his daughter. Athena sat across from the pair, worried. 'Sorry, Truce. Your room is a little occupied at the moment.' Trucy eyed Phoenix, confused. 'By who?' Trucy asked, curious. 'By Polly.' Phoenix paused, judging Trucy's reaction. 'He'll be staying with us for a while, he's very sick and hurt and can't be alone. You'll have your room back tonight, I'm going to get the spare room cleaned and set up for him.'
Trucy stared at him. 'Polly's moving in with us?' She sounded excited. 'I get a big brother!' Phoenix couldn't help but smile. He knew how much Trucy looked up to Apollo. She'd always referred to him as Polly, but a lot of times, when speaking to other people, her 'big brother' made it in before his name. She loved him unconditionally, something that always made Phoenix smile, seeing them interact, the way she idolized him and the adorable awkwardness Apollo had towards her affection.
Phoenix prepared a quick breakfast before seeing Trucy off to school. After she'd left, he sat at the small table with Athena. 'Thank you for watching her. I owe both you and Simon.' 'Don't mention it.' Athena replied. 'I knew as soon as you saw Apollo, you were not going to leave his side. That is why we offered to keep her occupied.' 'Thank you, Athena,' Phoenix smiled, it was strained, but still there. 'Has she asked any questions?' 'Too many.' Athena frowned back. 'But don't worry, we didn't tell her anything. We just told her Apollo wasn't feeling well.' 'So, she doesn't know what really happened?' Phoenix hesitated. 'No.' Athena replied. 'We don't really know either. We can't lie to her that way, you know she how she is when you lie to her, she always knows. That is why we kept our distance, if you told us, we knew she would pressure us, knowing we were holding something from her until we told her. Right now, she doesn't need to know the whole story.'
Phoenix smiled at Athena. 'Thank you.' He replied, looking deep into his empty cup.
'So...' Athena drew out. 'How is he?'
Phoenix hesitated, puffing his cheeks and exhaling slowly. 'Where do I even start? He's terrified, hurt, distressed… Broken, I guess would be the best way to put it.' Phoenix replied. 'He's in rough shape, not only physically, but mentally. He's told me everything. I'm having a hard time with it. I can't begin to imagine how he feels.' Phoenix poured himself another cup and drew a deep drink, clearing the lump in his throat. 'I can't let him go home. I know if I do, I may expect him to show up one morning and he won't. I know if that happens, I'll panic. I'll be torn to pieces. I'll have failed to do the one thing I promised him. I don't want to have to be the one to find him...' Phoenix choked, holding back tears, but pressed on. 'To find him... Gone.' The words left Phoenix, but resonated in his head.
Athena dropped her gaze. She too looked like she was on the verge of breaking. 'Do you really think he would do that?' She asked, shakily. Phoenix turned to face her. 'After all he's told me and what I now know... I don't know... And I really don't think I want chance finding out.'
Athena left for the courthouse just before nine, files tucked under her arm. Apollo was still sleeping soundly when Phoenix had checked on him. He left him be, Phoenix knew Apollo was exhausted and he had barely slept in the days since the attack and who knew how long before that. Phoenix smiled, content to finally see Apollo at some ease, not having to worry about his problems for the time being.
Phoenix spent the balance of the morning contacting clients and the courthouse to follow up on the adjournments Athena said she would ask for. After several calls, Phoenix wasn't entirely sure how, but he'd ended up on the line with his Honour, who apparently had asked to speak to him personally. His Honour had caught wind of the incident over the weekend and wanted to let Phoenix know that all of the adjournments Athena had asked for had been granted, leaving them open until further notice and Prosecutor Edgeworth looked forward to his return. Phoenix thanked his Honour when informed the trials would be held off as long as needed or until other arrangements could be made, under one condition. He'd had paperwork that could not wait, and would appreciate if Phoenix could stop by at the end of the day to sign off the stack. Phoenix agreed and left it at that, offering a silent thank-you to Miles, who he knew had to be responsible for such ease in adjourning not only his, but Apollo's matters.
Phoenix spent the rest of the morning listening to the news and cleaning, making room for Apollo and his belongings. Every channel was covering the arrest of Klavier Gavin. Phoenix listened intently, ensuring that the media respected the publication ban on the details of the victim. Apollo was traumatized enough without people knowing that he had been the one brutally violated. Every channel seemed to have repoters clamoring over the opportunity to interview anyone they could for information on the disgraced prosecutor. Reactions were mixed, torn mostly between horror that Klavier could or would do such a thing and others saying they were not surprised, given his 'rock star' lifestyle.
Phoenix turned to the program when he'd caught a familiar scowling voice, Simon was on screen and the media seemed desperate to talk to him. Phoenix tensed, would Simon say anything? Phoenix relieved when Simon promptly informed the reporter that she should consider minding her own business and the victim was probably just trying to relax and not see their gossip on every channel. 'Perhaps you should also consider vacating the Prosecutor's Office and letting people get their work done.' The reporter scoffed at Simon and moved on. If Simon had been any less intimidating, his low, guttural tone probably wouldn't have attained the result he desired. Phoenix couldn't be thankful enough that Simon had stood up for Apollo in his own way.
Phoenix picked up several more things, thinking to himself 'Does Trucy really own this much junk?' Shifting the bag of Apollo's possessions, on top, the bear Trucy had given to him slid to the floor. Phoenix lifted the stuffed animal and smiled. Apollo may be a bit old for the toy, but it was a thoughtful gesture none the less; Trucy's way of showing she cared. Phoenix checked in on Apollo, who was still soundly asleep and placed the figure next to him, hoping it would be a sign of support to Apollo when he woke.
Phoenix then turned his attention to the spare room. For such a small space, it had been packed full. Phoenix eyed the pile of possessions and got to work. Most of it was his. Things he'd stowed away so he hadn't had to look at them, some things of Mia's that he couldn't bear to let go. A lot of it was rubbish which Phoenix was more than content to finally have a reason to send to the curb or once again display in the office. Strangely, purging himself of the items had brought a sense of closure on parts of his own past.
Apollo finally woke around noon, Phoenix smiled at him while he staggered his way towards the washroom, wiping sleep form his eyes. Apollo didn't seem to notice he was being watched; his mind focused on one thing. Several minutes later he reappeared and sunk into the couch, curling up. He looked dejected in the light. Every visible inch of his skin marred. The gash above his eye red and swollen, it looked tender. Apollo looked up as Phoenix handed him a mug of coffee. Apollo accepted and drank deeply, draining the mug and setting it aside. He kept looking away from Phoenix, distancing himself, seemingly lost in thought.
Phoenix left him be. If Apollo wanted to talk, Phoenix resolved that it would be best if he let Apollo come to him. Apollo had already had enough people try to force themselves onto him and probably needed space. Phoenix took a break around one and made a quick lunch for them before handing Apollo a plate of toast. Apollo thanked him and nibbled the bread. Phoenix guessed he must be near starving; Apollo hadn't eaten since Friday night and now it was Monday afternoon. He needed to eat something and Phoenix supposed toast would be light on his stomach and easy to keep down. Phoenix was slightly surprised when Apollo only took three small bites and put the plate aside before laying down on the couch.
Phoenix let him be, returning to his cleaning. The room was nearly empty and only a few effects remained. Phoenix removed the last of the boxes, the room now clear of things. Light poured in through the dirty window, falling across the floor. Phoenix grabbed a rag and wiped the dirt. As he cleaned, he felt Apollo come up beside him and look out the window. Phoenix looked at him, expecting him to say something. Apollo seemed worn-out. He stood quietly and watched the street below while people walked by, going about their daily routines, a small child happily playing in the lane. Apollo smiled weakly, a tear running down his cheek.
Apollo turned and left, he moved slowly, shoulders hunched and picked up his plate, taking it to the kitchen. He returned to the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later, his face cleaned before he'd walked over to Phoenix, who was still wiping the dirt from the room. 'Phoenix,' Apollo spoke softly. 'Can you take me home?' He asked with a heavy exhale.
Phoenix looked back at Apollo. 'Uh, well, about that… I don't think that's a good idea. Um, sorry, but I've kind of decided this is your home now.' Apollo looked at Phoenix while the words settled in. He smiled weakly. 'Can you then please take me to my former home then? I'd like to get some clean clothes and my toothbrush.' Phoenix tossed the rag into the pail on the floor and walked towards Apollo. 'Of course.' He said. 'I guess we'll have to get all of your things if you're going to be living here now.' Apollo leaned forward and hugged Phoenix. 'Thank you.' Apollo mouthed into Phoenix's shirt; laying his head on Phoenix's shoulder, a silent show of his gratitude.