The next day, Aaron did not wish to go back home. He was hurting a little less, though he still walked and sat somewhat gingerly, but he stalled. He even tried to converse with Raphael a time or two in order to delay his leaving. he knew Raphael would probably let him stay, but he wouldn't do so out of the kindness of his heart for long. Soon, perhaps even tonight, he'd demand a price.
"You're still afraid to go back to your apartment." Raphael was rather observant, and also very blunt. "Kid, is someone after you?"
Aaron curled up into himself slightly. "...I don't know..."
The darker skinned man raised an eyebrow. "Well, someone put you in the hospital. You think they will come back?" Aaron didn't answer, and Raphael sighed. "How about this: I stay at your apartment and we surprise any badguys who come calling?"
Aaron swallowed hard. He didn't know if Raphael would be able to fend off whoever - or whatever - had attacked him the night before last. Was he willing to take that chance? Whatever Raphael was, Aaron didn't like the idea of getting him killed. "Do you... have any weapons?"
At this, Raphael smirked and got up. He walked into his bedroom and returned a short time later with a revolver, which he was loading rounds into. "Come on. Let us go meet this mysterious villain, shall we?"
And so, the two of them headed back to Aaron's apartment. Raphael tried to talk his way into sharing Aaron's bed - just to guard him better, of course - but Aaron religated him to the couch. Still, even with Raphael and his illegal weapon there, the approaching night made Aaron extremely nervous. Despite his soreness, he paced about and tried to find a hundred small tasks to keep himself busy. Yet, night came and he found himself too tired to stall any longer. He bid Raphael a good night and headed into his room to get ready for bed.
The moment he was alone, he felt the prickling sensation on the back of his neck. It made him want to burst into tears right then and there, but he steeled himself and closed himself in the bathroom to get washed up and changed for bed.