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[cykedfists]

 [When the COMP is switched on, you'll see a close up of Athena's face. She was obviously in a good mood.]

Hey hey hey! Guess what everyone! Today I'm officially 19!

It's weird...  I don't feel any older, but I guess that's normal. Would anyone like to hang out today? If anyone is interested, just let me know.

'Kay bye!

[And just like that, she turned the COMP off. Apparently, it's also "throw a policeman at Apollo" day according to tumblr.]

Comments

[hawkattack]

I remember you being very frustrated. I tried playing with you, but I've never... been very good with children.

[Growing up fast kind of... didn't allow for tolerating much childishness.]

I also remember you taking my coat one day. Ponco ended up with it, if I remember rightly.

[cykedfists]

You still aren't.

[Punching him playfully in the arm as she teased him.]

Oh yeah... I was trying to dress Ponco up, but I needed a coat.

[hawkattack]

Hmph. The coat was a special import. The fabric was expensive.

[Not really that mad, but still.]

[cykedfists]

Like I knew that. Besides, you got it back didn't you?

[hawkattack]

Eventually, yes. I traded you a cookie for it, correct?

[cykedfists]

I think it was for more than just one measly cookie.

[hawkattack]

A cookie and a story?

[He remembers a cookie involved somewhere.]

[cykedfists]

[Giggling at the memory.]

That might have been it.

[hawkattack]

I remember Aura teasing me about not knowing many children's stories. I reminded her that her idea of a story was a chapter from one of her science textbooks.

[cykedfists]

Back when we got along better, she tried to read me a chapter from one of her science books actually... Needless to say... I didn't understand what she was talking about and it put my to sleep...

[hawkattack]

Computers have never been one of my stronger points. I know my way around them, but not the way she does. I took a few intensive workshops in them when I was thinking of joining Interpol, but ended up deciding not to pursue it further.

[cykedfists]

That being said... Why did you decide to become a prosecutor anyways?

[Look at them. If the court could see how easily they talk to each other like this they'd be stunned.]

[hawkattack]

[It's a good question. He looks a little bit awkward at it though, clearing his throat a little awkwardly.]

It... tch. I grew up reading stories about heroes, brave people who took on evil and foul injustice. Police work never seemed like it was something I wanted to do, and I always did well in public speaking classes. It was actually one of my teachers in high school who suggested it. I was somewhat aimless in my teenage years, and some of my teachers were... concerned about my behavior. They thought studying the law might focus me somewhat - and that perhaps studying something that caught my interest might motivate me to go to classes more often.

[cykedfists]

You behavior still hasn't gotten much better, but you wouldn't be you if it had changed too much, right?

But that's a good way to get into it.

[hawkattack]

... My name was not unknown by school administrators when I was younger, let's put it that way.

[He chuckles a little bit.]

I actually was not interested in psychology for a long time. I thought of it as a tool for studying the insane, not helping people on a daily basis.

[cykedfists]

[She could react to that... BUTTTT.]

Well, I'd say you fit that description well then. [JOKING.] Psychology is clearly the best tool in and out of court.

[hawkattack]

[Pfft.]

It's a useful tool, yes. But there are those that won't bend to it. Other tools need to be used at times.

[cykedfists]

It doesn't help when you lie to cover up another lie though.

[hawkattack]

No, it doesn't. Sometimes... it's necessary, though.

[cykedfists]

[Oh... Too far?]

I appreciate it... really, but now you don't have to lie for my sake or anybody else's okay?

[hawkattack]

It's fine. Like I've said, it wasn't a problem to protect you.

[cykedfists]

[He says that but... It still makes her feel bad.]

Well, I'm stronger now. This time, I'll protect you.

[Get used to hugs, Simon.]

[hawkattack]

[... He strokes her back gently, leaning his head down so his cheek rests against the top of her head. He doesn't say anything, but the firm squeeze pretty clearly conveys the message that he's not done protecting her, if the need arises.]

[cykedfists]

[They may be stuck here, but being able to be there for each other made her happy. She was happy to be around the people she loved. For them, she didn't mind this place, even if she was still currently out of a job.]

I might not have my mom around anymore, but I'm not lonely because I have you.

[hawkattack]

[... Don't say things like that Athena noooo.]

... You need better taste in friends.

[Nudge, nudge. His heart tells a different story though, even if it's muted. He really does care about her. He's just not comfortable with expressing it.]