[ Athena can get hurt all she wants, if it means the people around her will be happy. That's- That's just how she is. She wasn't like this; she used to be selfish and just wanted to be alone. Who cares about other people? Definitely not her.

But growing up, she's learned a lot of things, the most important thing being that you should put on your biggest smile at the toughest of times. Which makes sense. If you're hurting so much, you just have to make sure the people around you aren't affected by it.

Unfortunately, that logic may not pass with Simon Blackquill. Athena remains quiet for a while, thinking of a mature way to respond. Simon... he'd want to be with someone mature, wouldn't he? She's not the kid she used to be, nor does she want to be treated like the eleven year old she used to be. ]

I trust you, [ a beat .] with everything. Because... you're the only person I can rely on, for everything. And if you do hurt me or the people around me, I'd understand that it's because you're just doing what's best for me.

[ Her lips curl into a shy smile. ] I don't— I don't know what kind of answer you wish to hear, but... I'll accept whatever you want to say. As long as it makes you happy.

[ Even if it hurts her, but she doesn't think that it would be intentional if he does. ]

I can only say that I don't want to hurt you anymore than I already have, though... [ It's okay if she gets hurt, but she'd rather not Simon get hurt even more. ]