[He knows that all too personally, as well. Apollo lets that hang between them for a moment, raising his brows at her with a wry smile. Time to move on, he thinks.]
So? Studying in Europe? [Apollo gives her a verbal nudge while taking a seat on the old couch, leaving some space open for her if she wants to join him.] How'd that go?
[ Athena either doesn't notice or (more likely) pretends not to notice. She sits down next to Apollo. A grin spreads across her face whem he mentions Europe. ]
I loved it. Learning new languages, cultures, mannerisms. But studying different legal systems and philosophies was the best part of my studies.
Sounds nice. [He might sounding a little wistful. When you grow up in the foster system and don't have a ton of cash to spare as an adult, there aren't many opportunities for travel.]
You think you would have stayed there if Mr. Wright hadn't recruited you?
I miss it sometimes. You should go one day. I could always be your tour guide! [ She has already invited herself on a hypothetical vacation. You're welcome, Apollo.
[He smiles at her, something caught between a grin and a smirk.]
Are you offering to go with me?
[Honestly, he wouldn't say no if she was willing. With the HAT-2 launch so close, Clay isn't likely to have time for traveling, and Apollo figures having someone who knows the area would be helpful. It would spare him the pain of flipping through those unhelpful vacationer guidebooks, at least.]
[He lets out a short laugh, proud that it sounds more amused than bitter--it's a step up from how he used to be with reminders like this, he thinks.]
Maybe in a few years. I get by alright on my own, all things considered [especially when you considered how many cases the Agency took pro bono] but a vacation to Europe isn't really one of my top priorities right now.
[He smiles at her crookedly.] Think your offer will still be on the table when I work something out?
I've learned a lot with Mr. Wright. I've read his cases but they're completely different in person. He bluffs so convincingly that even I almost believe him.
Finding the truth is what you're doing now, too. You held up pretty well in court these past few days. Between the three of us, things should start looking up.
[ She knows he's not teasing her about her performance. Apollo might tease her from time to time, but his compliments are genuine. Athena has plenty of confidence, but it's nice to hear it aloud. ]
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[Apollo would be lying if he said he wasn't still a little leering of Phoenix now, but he thinks he gets his boss a little better now.]
He kept pretending like nothing was really a big deal.
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[ It's not like Athena knows this personally or anything. ]
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So? Studying in Europe? [Apollo gives her a verbal nudge while taking a seat on the old couch, leaving some space open for her if she wants to join him.] How'd that go?
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I loved it. Learning new languages, cultures, mannerisms. But studying different legal systems and philosophies was the best part of my studies.
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You think you would have stayed there if Mr. Wright hadn't recruited you?
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Athena's expression turns pensive. ]
Yes. I had always planned to come back.
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Are you offering to go with me?
[Honestly, he wouldn't say no if she was willing. With the HAT-2 launch so close, Clay isn't likely to have time for traveling, and Apollo figures having someone who knows the area would be helpful. It would spare him the pain of flipping through those unhelpful vacationer guidebooks, at least.]
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[ A pause. ] Why? Are you going?
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Maybe in a few years. I get by alright on my own, all things considered [especially when you considered how many cases the Agency took pro bono] but a vacation to Europe isn't really one of my top priorities right now.
[He smiles at her crookedly.] Think your offer will still be on the table when I work something out?
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Of course. It's not like I'm leaving the agency anytime soon.
[ Because that's the only way, in her mind, that she'd rescind her offer. ]
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Good. [He nods approvingly.] It's nice to have another face around here. Especially now that Mr. Wright's got his badge back, too.
[It's like they're a real agency now, who would have thought???]
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I read about his old cases, too. You think the bluffing is bad? He cross-examined a parrot once.
Still, you can't say his methods aren't effective.
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[ She teases him, but she does respect him. ]
Still, he found the truth when everyone stopped looking for it.
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[He smiles at her warmly.]
Finding the truth is what you're doing now, too. You held up pretty well in court these past few days. Between the three of us, things should start looking up.
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You think so? I mean, of course I'll do my best! Help make the Agency the best it can be!
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[In Apollo-speak that means, "Yes you did well, young Padawan."]
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Thank you, Apollo.
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Winning cases works up an appetite. I'm ready for some noodles.