Chapter 21

Apollo

"So, what's next?" Apollo asked quietly, turning his head to look at Monique. She wasn't crying anymore, which made him feel decently better. She sighs, turning to him. "Best option, we work at the nearest police station, which is Kashima. The worst option, we all will have to be suspended with pay until they get it working again."

Apollo looked up at her, confused and worried. "What about the people who live here? What will happen to them if there is an emergency?" Monique gave him a grim look. "Then officers from the Kashima or Uto district would have to go and help the citizens."

It wasn't that he couldn't help, that wasn't the thing hurting him. Kashima and Uto aren't close to the city of Kumamoto, even if they're in the prefecture. It would probably take two times longer than it normally would just for the police to show up. Plus they would get two times the calls. It would be a mess. Behind him, he heard a car screech to a stop. Both Apollo and Monique turned around, to see Tori run out of the car. She ran up to Apollo, giving him a huge hug.

"Are you ok? I heard what happened! It seemed bad so I had to check on you." Oh right, she thought he worked. He hugged back quietly. "I know, I'm ok. Everyone's fine now." He gave Monique the look that said, 'please let me go', and she sighed, waving them off. "Go lovebirds, I have other stuff to deal with."

Lovebirds, huh.

Apollo pulled her towards the car. "Can we just go home?" She smiled and nodded. He hops into the passenger seat, as Tori got into the driver. As she started the car, she reached for Apollo's hand, holding it tightly. That's when a thought went through Apollo's brain.

Did he need Faline?

This love he was getting, this comfort, he had always had this. He just forgot. He took advantage of her because he forgot how amazing it was to be with her. He smiled. Yeah, that has to be it.

His eyes shut softly as he felt the soft rumble of the car as it drove down familiar roads. "I love you." He mumbled softly. He lifted their hand, with Apollo's wedding band still on, and kissed her hand. He doesn't need Faline. At least that's what he told himself to make him feel better.

Not soon enough did the car slow to a stop, parking in their parking spot at the front of the apartment. Hitori slowly let go of Apollo's hand, stepping out of the car, however, Apollo was focusing on his hand. It felt, cold.

He hopped out of the car, a soft smile on his face, however, all he could think of was convincing himself as to why he shouldn't date a guy in a gang. Why would he, he's a police officer. Those two occupations don't add up to each other. They never could, nor would Apollo allow himself to.

Faline murdered people, he let people murder others in front of his eyes, and he probably laughed. "Hun, you ok?" She asked softly. Apollo quickly nodded his head. He needed to stop thinking about Faline. He walked up to her, kissing her on the cheek. "Let's get inside, I have a feeling it's going to rain today."

She smiled and nodded, stepping back to let Apollo unlock the door. He opens it for her, watching her walk inside before he walks in. Though, something felt wrong. He shut the door behind himself, took off his shoes, and walked to the bedroom. He sat on the bed, looking towards the wooden tiles lining the floor.

He had one motto going through his mind; He was better without Faline. He stood up, walking out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. He saw his wife frown but forcefully turned it into a smile. "Hi, my love." He murmured, back hugging Tori.

She smiled, turning around in his grasp so she could look at him. She wrapped her arms around her neck. "Hi, baby. You've been so quiet recently." He shrugged softly, a small smile on his lips. "Some things have been bothering me, I'm not going to lie." But he did lie. He lied a lot.

Everything that made her smile, was a lie.

Tori nods her head happily. "Well, you don't have to tell me, since it's your business, but I'm happy that you are better now." But he's not better. He's not happier, he's only feeling worse. He sighs, hugging her tightly before letting go. Fake it til you make it, right?

Fake loving her until you love her.

"Are you going to cook?" He asked, watching as she turned off the faucet. He moves so she has room. "No, I was thinking we could go out." She says with a hopeful smile. "I heard about this new cafe downtown, I have been wanting to try it with you." He could see the begging in her eyes. They weren't crystal white like Faline's were.

"Of course." He says with a smile. She gasps happily, before clapping her hands. "That's perfect! Thank you!" She runs up to hug him. He quietly hugs back. "Ok, let me get ready!" She says, running into the bedroom. Apollo watches her runoff and sighs. His entire aura shifts back into a sad one.

He walked back over to the freezer, opening it to grab the ice cream, before remembering what happened last night. He closed his eyes and saw Faline when they were talking behind the aisle in the ruins of the corner store. His pale face, with only his nose red. His perfectly messy hair, and stylish outfit.

There, standing with the freezer opened did Apollo realize something important.