Apollo decidedly spent some his afternoon helping Phoenix clean. Phoenix had protested and Apollo objected, stating it gave him something to focus on other than the dark thoughts in his head; he was in a better mood and anything to keep it that way helped. Phoenix had tried to lightly approach the subject of Apollo now living with him. Apollo admitted he'd felt uncomfortable with the idea at first; but the more he'd thought about it as he wiped down the kitchen counters, the more he accepted it and was thankful towards Phoenix for looking out for him. Apollo was left sheepish when Phoenix had told him that he was also taking time off to help him get settled in and that he'd spoken to Apollo's clients and his Honour; excusing him from work for the time being with a quick 'All I want you to be concerned about right now is getting better.'
Phoenix also revealed that he would be taking over his files until further notice. Apollo had tensed when it sunk in that Phoenix had spoken to several people; what did Phoenix tell them? Phoenix sensed Apollo's reservation and smiled weakly at him. 'I just told them that you came down with the flu.' Apollo smirked back, thankful Phoenix had covered for him, even if it was a lie. 'However,' Phoenix continued. 'The Court knows. They've put it together. You needing time off, Klavier being arrested... Athena and I being the ones to ask for adjournments on your behalf, Miles' meddling, if that's what you want to call it.' Apollo choked. 'Not to worry, his Honour is taking this seriously and has ensured a publication ban is being strictly followed, Miles just made sure the adjournments wouldn't be a problem.' Apollo relaxed slightly. 'But, his Honour does need to see me later this afternoon. He did mention that if you felt up to it, he'd like to invite you to Chambers for tea.' Apollo sighed with slight relief and looked up at Phoenix. 'I think I'd like that.'
The rest of the afternoon passed quietly. Between opening up to Phoenix and a good night of sleep, Apollo found himself in better spirits. Apollo decided that he needed to do something to keep him occupied when they'd finished cleaning and set about at least getting his files in some sort of order, so when Phoenix looked at them, they were not a complete mess. Phoenix continued organizing his own things, getting things ready for Apollo to move in.
At quarter to four, Phoenix called for the cab. The ride was quiet, Apollo seemed uneasy. Phoenix could tell he was conflicted. He'd wanted to go, but he looked disordered. Baggy clothes, his marred face, bruises on every visible patch of his skin. They got out of the cab and Phoenix handed the driver his fare, indicating for him to wait a moment. 'Are you sure you want to do this? If you don't want to, I'll pay to send you home. You don't have to do anything you don't want to.' Phoenix queried. 'No,' Apollo replied. 'But I need to. Not for anyone else, but for me. Besides, his Honour might be offended if I brushed his him off.' Apollo smiled weakly. Phoenix smiled and gave Apollo a quick hug as they walked up the steps.
The Courthouse was nearly empty. Nonetheless, the few who were around still looked as their shoes clicked noisily against the marble floor of the atrium. Apollo hid insecurely behind Phoenix, keeping as close as possible, trying to avoid curious stares. When they'd come to the end of the hall, Phoenix knocked on the ornate door as he heard his Honour's voice reply with a short 'Come in.'
His Honour looked up from his desk, pen in hand, working away on something. 'Mr. Wright, thank you for coming. Mr. Justice, nice to see you.' Apollo weakly smiled. 'Thank you, your Honour.' Apollo sat in the corner shyly while Phoenix and his Honour poured over a fair sized stack of documents. Apollo had tuned out the world, he'd become strangely positioned between dread and apprehension. The Courthouse still brought on mixed of frame of mind and Apollo found himself listening for ticking noises, ready to jump.
After nearly an hour, Apollo had dozed off, curled into a ball in the comfortable chair after finally being able to calm down, when he heard his name. 'Mr. Justice.' His Honour called him. Apollo snapped awake. 'Yes, your Honour?' He replied hazily, accepting the cup he was being handed. 'I'm sorry this happened to you. Hopefully you are feeling better soon.' Apollo smiled, sipping the liquid in his cup. 'Thank you, Your Honour.'
The drive back to Phoenix's was quiet, the trip exhausted him, even though he hadn't done much to warrant it. He napped as they drove, the movement of the car swaying him to sleep. Phoenix left him be, absorbed in some text conversation he was having on his phone.
Arriving back at the Agency, Apollo was surprised to see Athena, Simon and Trucy sitting on the steps out front. Apollo smiled. They looked like a little family, Athena and Simon were intently watching Trucy, who was showing them some new card trick. Phoenix reached the trio first. 'Thank you for coming.' 'Not a problem!' Athena chipped as Trucy grabbed Phoenix and embraced him a tight hug. 'Hi, Sweetie.' Phoenix returned the hug and ruffled her hair.
'Shall we get moving?' Simon addressed Phoenix. 'I suppose we should.' Apollo shadowed along as they piled into a small moving van Simon had picked up. The drive to Apollo's was short. The rest waited as he ascended the few steps and unlocked the door to the rundown dwelling Kristoph had set him up in yeas ago. The place was in disarray. Apollo hung his head as he crossed the threshold, the mixed memories of his former home consuming him. 'We'll take what you need for now and get the rest later.' Phoenix noted, coming up beside Apollo, realizing he was crying. 'Are you alright?' Phoenix placed a hand on Apollo's shoulder, Apollo stood, looking expressionlessly across the room. 'I'll be fine.' He replied as he moved forward into his living room that also had happened to be his bedroom, clicking on the light.
His clothes lay in a pile on the corner. His bedding a mess. 'This is where I belong. I don't deserve anything more than this dank hole in the wall.' He thought to himself while he gathered his things into a pile. Apollo had so little he cared about. He needed clothing, his toiletries, sure, but what else really mattered? Apollo sighed as he pulled a tattered shoebox out from under a small table beside his makeshift bed. 'I can't forget this.' He thought, as he looked at his untidy writing. He had been young when he'd written 'Memories' on the box. He wanted to open it, but he didn't think he could. He knew what lay on the top of the few cherished keepsakes he had in the box. Opening it would bring up recollections he didn't feel he could face. He clutched the box as he walked across the small room to his kitchen.
The others had moved in to collect his pile of things when Phoenix came up behind him, his voice low. 'Apollo?' Apollo turned to his name, snapping out of his haze and jumping with a startle. 'Almost ready to go?' 'Almost.' Apollo hadn't realized he'd been standing in the same place for several minutes. He shook his train of thought and moved around his apartment, gathering small things. A book he'd been given years ago, one of only a few birthday presents he'd ever received. A small photo album from his childhood and his most valued possession, something he took great care to hang onto, something that spread warmth inside him when he hugged the small frame to his chest, remembering Clay. The picture was the only thing he'd truly cared about, happy to see Clay's smiling face again.
Apollo walked back to the others, who had placed his possessions in the van. In his hands, his box of memories and the photo. Phoenix caught sight of it and smiled. He could tell Apollo was really missing his friend and was happy to have him back, even if it was such a small memento. 'Ready to go?' Phoenix asked, coming up beside Apollo so the others could not hear them. Apollo looked back at his old home. He was happy to be leaving, but he'd miss it all the same. 'Yes.' Apollo said quickly as the others left and he locked the door. 'Not that it matters.' He thought to himself. 'I have all I care about right here.' He clutched the box tight, following Phoenix.
Athena and Simon stayed most of the evening to get Apollo set up. Apollo thanked them endlessly and offered to buy dinner as a thank you, but Phoenix had interposed, he'd already called for takeout while they'd set up his bed. Apollo wasn't really hungry, but he knew he should eat something. After catching the scent of the food, he found his stomach feeling awfully empty as he shovelled as much as he could in. He turned to the others, thanking them and insisting he'd settle the debt for their time, energy and resources in helping him. He'd never really received attention or help, he wasn't sure how to repay his friends, but he'd find a way.
Athena and Simon left shortly after nine. 'Have a good night, Apollo.' She bid him, hugging Apollo tight. He hugged her back. Affection was still something he craved, and it was still difficult accepting it. Even more so when the normally curt Simon gave him a quick hug. Apollo suspected Athena had a lot to do with it as Simon let him go and strode off.
'Well, I guess we better turn in for the night. I'm wiped!' Phoenix yawned. 'I'm not tired, Daddy!' Trucy stretched. Apollo smirked, the bracelet on his wrist constricting. 'Liar.' He tossed playfully back at her. 'Now, now children.' Phoenix put into words nonchalantly as Apollo raised an eyebrow at him. Phoenix smirked inelegantly and hugged Trucy before he sent her off. 'Good night, Apollo.' Phoenix said, giving him a quick hug, before making his way to bed.
Apollo stood in the small room that had been set up for him. He smiled weakly. 'I owe you so much, Phoenix.' He thought as he changed into a clean shirt and boxers before climbing into bed, taking in the sweet smell of the clean linens and grabbing the stuffed animal Trucy had given him, holding it close; not caring that this was more of a child's thing and he was an adult. It was still a sign of how much they'd cared about him and he'd take it without hesitation. He was exhausted and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he fell asleep. Now, he could do so without worrying about the safety and security of his surroundings. Phoenix may not be right beside him, but his presence nearby offered the shelter Apollo desperately needed.