[ Apollo knows he shouldn't say stupid things like nothing will go wrong. There are time when things have gone so far beyond wrong for the Authority that it felt laughable to think that things would ever go right for them. But it's what Midnighter needs to hear (even if he doesn't believe him) and Apollo is only too happy to provide that extra bit of reassurance. Even if it's a ridiculous thing to promise.

But he's beaming at Midnighter now. Resolutely Apollo keeps Midnighter's hands within his own even as they fall away from his collar; he shifts his grip so that instead of the loose fist he had around Midnighter's wrists he now just holds them gently, warmly. Rubbing each thumb over the back of his fingers, enjoying the feeling of skin where there's usually a leather glove. ]

I'll come back to you. Promise.

[ The oath is hushed, gentle. It's not the one that Midnighter's asking for but it's close - and in a way, it's more important. There are so many times when it's been Midnighter leaving and Apollo is the one left at home - left while Midnighter goes off on his own little missions, righting wrongs and getting things out of his system - without knowing whether Midnighter is going to come home again. Apollo is determined to not let that happen here. ]

Just don't tear the station apart while I'm gone, all right? [ He's joking but only a little bit. ] And don't solve any mysteries without me either.