Even though Apollo knew what to expect, he still wasn't able to find the motivation to get out of bed. The empty, flat feelings, the lack of interest, the general sense of lethargy; no matter how hard he'd tried to tell himself otherwise, that it wasn't him, it was the medication; around nine thirty, he finally managed to force himself to get up. He despised the feeling, regretting the decision to take the pills. Part of him had hoped they'd changed over the years he'd been off them, now only taking away the hopelessness and not the few moments of joy he could find in his life.
Once finally ready to face another day; Apollo found Phoenix on the couch, absorbed in some talk show. 'Not going to have fun on your last day off?' Apollo asked, stretching while he walked towards the older man. 'No, probably just going to take it easy.' Phoenix yawned, sipping at his coffee. 'Might as well.' Apollo replied helping himself to the brew, making himself comfortable and getting lost in the noise of the talk show Phoenix was watching before he leaned into Phoenix. Phoenix placed his arm around Apollo as the young man closed his eyes, without any reason feeling like he wanted to cry and listening to the host talk about some new gimmick product.
Phoenix was slightly taken back by Apollo's abrupt affection. He hadn't hesitated in placing an arm around him as the younger male snuggled into him. If Apollo wanted to be cuddled, Phoenix wasn't going to turn him away. He knew Apollo was still doing his best to recover and still needed reassurance, if this was how he'd needed it, Phoenix wasn't going to deny it. He didn't think Apollo was sleeping, he was simply focusing on the support he'd needed at the moment. Phoenix heard Mia in the back of his mind 'Phoenix, people trust you.' Mia was right, he did seem to ease people into a position where they could trust him. Apollo now seemed to pick up on this, attaching himself to Phoenix. Phoenix gently moved his hand as Apollo shifted.
Phoenix knew he was already attached to Apollo.
The day passed lazily. Time seemed to drag. Apollo, finally restless; decided to head back to his room and straighten up just for something to do. After closing the door behind him and picking up his clothes, he fished under his bed for the box he'd stowed there no longer interested in cleaning. He knew Phoenix wouldn't disturb him, he'd probably thought Apollo had gone back to sleep. Retrieving the box and settling on the edge of his bed, contemplating opening it, he was not sure if he wanted to look back on his past. After a few seconds, he decided it was time.
Inside lay an assortment of items Apollo cherished. Memories, some happy, some sad, but sweet none the less. He reached in and took out what he was looking for. He turned the object over in his hand, studying it. The object was part of him, something he'd never been without through the worst of his life. Apollo stared at the item in his hands, second guessing himself before he'd decided yes, this was something he needed to address. Locked in his room, he studied the piece carefully. Finally done, he placed it back in its box and stowed it safely under his bed.
Trucy had come home her usual animated self. Apollo still couldn't break through the detached void, but hugged her all the same when she'd wrapped herself around him. Friday night was usually a quiet affair in the Wright household and Apollo decided for him, it would be a quiet evening as well. Trucy had wanted to go out, but both Apollo and Phoenix looked at her as if thinking the same thing. 'No, it's not safe.' Apollo and Phoenix echoed one another. 'You're no fun!' She pouted, taking off to her room and closing the door.
Phoenix looked at Apollo. 'You're starting to sound like me.' Phoenix laughed. 'I guess, a little, maybe? But big brothers' got to look out for little Trucy, doesn't he?' Apollo stuttered, running his hand through his hair when Phoenix raised an eyebrow at him. They both knew what they were thinking. But both left it unsaid. This was something that really didn't need to be brought up again.
Athena and Simon had shown up early Saturday and spent the weekend at the office. Trucy seemed to be growing up far too fast for Phoenix's liking and Athena was a little too willing to play the part of female role model that Phoenix couldn't be to his daughter. Athena had decided to show Trucy how to apply the new makeup she'd purchased while Simon watched intently, almost fascinated, as if he'd never seen it before. Trucy quickly got bored and tried to smear eye shadow on Simon, who laughed and held her back half-heartedly several times before finally letting her win. Phoenix smiled. The fresh air and freedom were doing Simon some good. He'd still had his sour, manipulative attitude in court, but seeing him let his guard down and act as if he hadn't a care in the world was amusing. A side of him Phoenix knew was there, but he seemed reserved to show it. Trucy's magic was much more than just card tricks and flashes of light; everyone around her always seemed to be infected by her upbeat nature and like it had done for him in his disbarment and for Apollo, it seemed to now be doing for Simon.
'He looks ridiculous.' Apollo smirked, leaning over the back of the couch, watching as Trucy and Athena gathered Simon's hair into pig tails. 'Yeah, but they're having fun. We should let them at you, I think that green eyeshadow is your colour.' Phoenix teased, nudging Apollo. 'Yeah, no.' Apollo laughed. Simon looked absolutely ridiculous. Apollo watched intently while Phoenix took out his phone, ensuring the volume wasn't going to be a problem. Apollo observed as Phoenix steadied the device, trying to conceal it, waiting for Simon to turn around. 'All done!' The girls laughed. Simon had gotten quite a treatment. He stood up and turned around, striking a pose alike the best of divas. 'Suits you!' Phoenix laughed. Apollo snorted. Simon looked more like a drag queen than anything as he went to wash the smattering of goo off his face. 'I got that on camera.' Phoenix whispered to Apollo. Apollo leaned closer. 'I've got to see this!' Phoenix titled the device, allowing Apollo to see the screen. He was right. If this ever got out, Simon would be not only lose his repute, but his dignity along with it. 'Our secret.' Phoenix whispered. 'Absolutely.' Apollo whispered back, giggling; hoping the others hadn't noticed Phoenix documenting the 'evidence'.