012 | dictated | back dated to the 7th

[solar_absorber]

[Usually when Apollo doesn't see his husband for a few days it's because he's lurking around the town knocking out the teeth of anyone who dared to engage in criminal activity. So when a week went by without word, it didn't bother him. But as time went on he got increasingly more worried, until one day he decided to check for sure.

He really should have expected it. He's seen the way this place drags people in, only to eventually discard them. In time it was eventually going to be either the Midnighter or him. Selfishly, he just wished it would be him. A few hours later, after giving the news time to sink in-he wasn't brooding, he doesn't do that-he opens the journal to make the announcement.]

For those of you that knew him, the Midnighter has been sent back home. [There, short and sweet and right to the point. He didn't have the energy for anything more.]

[Filtered to Jenny Sparks]

I could use a drink. You in?

[/filter]

Comments

[solar_absorber]

[He snorts.]

If you're looking for a good, healthy life Van, you're in the wrong place.

[peacockherald]

I am in the wrong profession, to be honest, but I try.

_{[You've seen his body, haven't you Apollo? It's riddled with scars.]}

[solar_absorber]

Yeah...that too. Maybe you should re-prioritize what you want in life.

[peacockherald]

I wish I could. But... there's this thing, pulling me. I couldn't stop doing what I do if I tried. I just... it's not in my to quit.

[solar_absorber]

But does it make you happy?

[peacockherald]

_{[He looked at him, and he had to wonder. Did it? In a way, yes. In other ways it made him tired, weary, and had brought him more pain than anyone in the world deserved.]}

There are times when I think the gods have a special sort of cruelty set aside for me.

[solar_absorber]

[He grins bitterly and stares up at the ceiling.]

Tell me about it. I feel the same way sometimes.

[peacockherald]

_{[He looked over at him and leaned against him.]}

But we have to work through it somehow, don't we?

[solar_absorber]

[He sighs and then, very slowly, nods.]

Yeah, we do.

[peacockherald]

_{[He sat up and reached down, taking his hand again.]}

You can talk to me, about anything Apollo, really. Just know that, okay?

[solar_absorber]

[He gives Van's hand a squeeze and smiles.]

I know. Thanks for coming over.

[peacockherald]

It's what friends do for each other, this world or another.