Athena was in the bathroom, putting her hair in a ponytail with a bright new, red bow to match her new outfit. Simon was sprawled out on the couch, flipping through channels, long black hair hanging over the side. This had become their typical Friday nights for the past few weeks. Athena asked Simon to move in when he was released from prison because he refused to stay at Aura's with all the engineering crap she had there. Her place wasn't terribly big and he was still waiting for the back pay from when he prosecuted cases but they got enough money together to get a pull out couch for him to sleep on and a cozy place for Taka to rest as well.
Tonight was going to be different though because Athena had a date. She nervously fumbled around in the bathroom, wanting to wear a little makeup for the occasion. She was nineteen and this was a first for her. Being a teenager in law school didn't really grant her many dating opportunities due to the significant age difference of her and her classmates, but with Simon free and being nicely settled into the Wright Anything Agency, it seemed like the perfect time.
She walked out of the bathroom, casually going to get her coat. She didn't really want to draw Simon's attention if it wasn't necessary. And he had a tendency to zone out when the TV was on.
"Where are you going?" He asked softly, without looking away from the TV
Damn his senses. She thought to herself. "I was just going out for a run."
This drew his attention and he moved to an upright position giving her a look over, noticing it was a new outfit. "That was a rather sad attempt at a lie. You wear a sweat suit when you're going out for a run."
"Alright, fine. I'm going out with a friend."
"Another noodle night with the coworkers?" He huffed, lying back down.
"Nope! It's a date!" Widget chimed in, just at the wrong time of course. If she would have remembered, she definitely would have taken the thing off.
"What did that thing say?" Simon asked, in a much more stern and serious voice.
Athena sighed walking over to the couch. "I'm going out with someone that Juniper introduced me to."
His eyes narrowed a bit. "Who is this someone?"
"He's a nice guy, his name is James Winslow, he went to Themis Academy with Junie, prosecutor course and unlike her friend Hugh he's actually 19."
Simon stared at her for quite a while in silence before returning his gaze to the TV. "Very well then. Just text me if you're going to be late so you don't have to walk home by yourself."
Athena put her hands on her hips, slightly confused. "…..That's it?" She hadn't expected for it to be that easy. When she was younger Simon was the very definition of overprotective, inspecting anyone who came into the space lab. She had expected all the samurai phrases to come out with the mention of a date. Maybe it was a delayed response.
"That's it. I have nothing to be worried about. Have a nice time."
There's not even any discord in his voice…he must be alright with it then. She slid widget off her neck, not wanting it to pipe in at a time that might be embarrassing for her.
"That's great! Maybe that means I can gossip about boys with you!"
Simon made a slight face at that suggestion. "Reserve that for female Wright-dono."
She walked past the couch, ruffling his messy hair on her way out. When she was gone, Simon got up from his position on the couch, turning the TV off.
"Why don't we get a little background info on this Winslow fellow, shall we Taka?" He hadn't been lying to Athena; she obviously would have picked up on that. Simon wasn't worried about her date at all. He was a prosecutor after all.
He grabbed his phone off the counter. "Rockstar-dono, are you still at the courthouse? I need you to find some information on a James Winslow for me. 19, recent graduate of Themis Academy and send it to my phone. Why I need this information is of no business of yours."
As he waited for Klavier to send the information, he had gone into the bathroom grabbing one of Athena's ribbons, dangling it out in front of Taka. "I think you're going to be doing a little hunting tonight, buddy." He smirked.
It only took about ten minutes for his phone to vibrate. He sat back down combing through the information. "Hmm, no record, graduated." He sighed a bit scrolling down further. There had to be a flaw there that Simon could use as justification to make sure this was his first and last date with Athena.
"Hmph, look here Taka. Says he's interning under the Payne's; unacceptable. Athena should be nowhere affiliated with those pathetic excuses of human life. Time to get to work, Taka, you know what to do." He smiled, feeling rather justified at the moment.
Taka fluttered off to find Athena once the window was open. Simon sighed contently and took his position back on the couch, turning the TV back on. A well trained hawk and access to public records made his life very easy.
At around 10pm, Taka flew back into the apartment, Simon was sitting on the couch sipping tea. "Ah, you're back which means that Athena's date is over. I trust you did an excellent job." He smirked, rubbing the back of the birds head.
Less than ten minutes later, Athena closed the door, shrugging off her coat in silence. Simon took note that she didn't seem all that pleased, which meant things went just as he wanted
He cleared his throat a bit, not wanting to show any excitement. "How was your date?"
"Ugh, the guy was a total loser. He was acting weird all night long and kept looking over my shoulder. He hardly paid me any attention." She pouted, coming over to sit next to him on the couch, taking a sip of his tea.
Probably because there was a two foot bird behind you all night. Simon thought, rubbing his mouth to hide the smirk he felt tugging on his lips. Taka had definitely earned himself a steak.
"Hmph, well then he's a fool because I don't know how any could be in your presence and not pay attention." He smiled, sliding his arm around her gently
"You're supposed to say things like that." She smiled, pushing his bang out of his face a little. "But I'm alright, really. He's not the last guy on earth. Anyway, I guess I'll go get ready for bed."
Simon kissed her forehead as she went off to her bedroom groaning at the thought that there would be more men like this fellow for him to deal with. "It would seem that my release from the clink was perfect timing."
Monday morning came and the Wright Anything Agency was having a slow day. Mr. Wright was meeting with one of his clients at the detention center, Apollo was cleaning the toilet while Trucy and Athena sat on the cluttered couch, gossiping.
"So he didn't even walk you home?!"
"No! He didn't even offer. He seemed distracted the entire night." Athena mumbled, slumping against the back of the couch.
"That's terrible! We should have Mr. Simon and Polly beat him up!" Trucy exclaimed.
"Have Polly beat who up?" Apollo echoed, taking off some rubber gloves. "And why do I always have to clean the toilet and all you two do is talk?"
Trucy decided to ignore the question. "Athena's date was a total jerk, you should beat him up!"
"No one is beating up anyone. It's not like I knew him all that well so I guess there's no need to be mad about it."
"Polly, how do you treat your dates?" Trucy smiled.
Apollo blinked. "Well…you know, I…definitely pay attention to them. I've seen Athena toss a police officer and smack me so I know she's not to mess with." He laughed awkwardly.
Athena thought for a moment. "Hmm you know, I've been working here for over a year now and I don't think you've ever mentioned going on a date."
"Well I've known him two years before that and I don't think I remember any dates either." Trucy added "Unless those times you hung out with Ema Skye count?"
"They don't!" Apollo answered quickly before sighing. "I guess, it's been awhile, but I've been too busy trying to become a better lawyer."
Trucy rolled her eyes and waved her hand. "Oh boo, that's the lamest thing I've ever heard. You have to have a life outside of work! Or you'll be boring and alone like daddy."
Athena laughed. "Be nice Trucy, I didn't have time to do any dating in Europe."
"Well daddy has his badge back and Mr. Simon is free, perfect time for you both to get out there and do some romancing."
"Don't worry about me Truce, I'm Apollo Justice and I'm single and I'm fine!" He smiled.
"Yeah, me too!" Athena shouted back grinning.
"Ugh, sometimes you guys are like one in the same." Trucy sighed, going off to practice one of her magic tricks.
