Dropping his gaze back to the photo in his hands, Apollo's shoulders sag a little. Of course Alex is a family man - he's warm, caring, friendly... all the kinds of qualities that would make him an excellent dad. But Apollo knows better than most how none of those qualities can protect a family from breaking up. No matter how sweet, sometimes families just don't work out. But it doesn't stop them from being any less loved. That's what Apollo had told Jenny, at least. That's just human nature, princess.

Because that's what had nearly happened to him, twice, when Midnighter had left their little family. Once because he was scared, the second time to find himself or whatever that meant (as if Apollo didn't know exactly what that meant). And both times, Apollo had been left, forcibly cut out from whatever introspective journey Midnighter threw himself in to, with only that sickening loneliness, and fury, and overwhelming sadness, and...

Suddenly the picture feels heavier than it is, more precious and fragile. Apollo slowly puts it back down on the bar counter top, ignoring the way his heart seems to have found itself in his mouth.

"Where did it come from?" He asks, choosing to focus his attention on the easiest thing about it all. "The station just... gave it to you?"