Smoking a cigarette.

Simon smiled.

"You're just saying that~"

Simon shrugged.

"Some would argue there isn't. Still, wish I could've pummeled that twat when I had the chance."

Simon looked around curiously. A couole animals came up to greet him, but he paid them no mind. He was focused on the parrots.

"Oh, wow a macaw. I'm surprised they've got one here. And are those budgies??"

He was nearly vibrating with excitement.

— shouldn't have left the country he should've been executed—

He dropped his head into his hands and began to sob, mumbling barely coherent apologies.

Simon wasn't paying attention to either of them. He flinched when he felt Nahyuta, then leaned into them.

"I'm sorry. . ."

The tears began again. Nahyuta would have to tell Apollo what happened. Apollo would probably think he was a monster. He *is* a monster. He shouldn't have left that cell he —

— took the bottle from Nahyuta, opened it and sipped from it. While Nahyuta and Apollo talked Simon tried to make himself as small as possible. In a way that would probably set off Apollo's bracelet.

Simon nodded and took a deep breath to try to relax. He got out of the car and followed Nahyuta inside. He then sat on the couch and wrapped his arms around himself. At least he could relax with just Nahyuta and—

"Justice-dono??"

He couldn't tell if he felt relieved or embarrassed. He silently —

Simon nodded.

"Exactly. What's the point putting them away if they're going to reoffend when they get out? The system needs an overhaul."

That seemed to perk him right up.

"I had no idea. . . May we go see them?"

Oh he was pissed. It was great.

"And your new best friend used to be on death row. You really know how to pick 'em."

Simon couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oh, I know. With how much I cover the noodle runs."

He lightly nudged Athena.

"It's settled, then."

"I want to shift focus more towards rehabilitation. Make things a little easier for those in the clink. I know a lot of them are in there for fucked up shit, but they're still people, you know?"

Simon looked at the various animals each inmate had. A thought occurred to him.

". . . Are there birds? I've always wanted one."

Eh. He took the hint after I lobbed a ball of wet toilet paper at his head. You should've seen his face.

"Yeesh, you should raise your standards."

He poked Klavier's nose gently.

"Or else you'll be stuck with twats like me."

Simon let them take his hand, then sighed.

"I love you too. I'm. . ." He bit his tongue before he apologized again. "It's just been a lot. Especially so far from home. I. . . I don't want to leave. I just, I dunno. . ."

He began to pick at his nails.

That seemed to relieve some of the tension in his shoulders.

"That's alright with me. Tell them I promise to feed them."

"Yeah. Trying to reform the prison system. It's not easy, but I'm making progress."

Simon lifted his head.

"What is it you do?"

He thought he could get some in line to you through me. No matter how many times I told him to fuck off he'd keep pesturing me.

"I dunno what you're talking about."

He lightly tugged on Klavier's hair, watching it bounce back up.

"I'm just some guy that likes to pick on ya."

Simon followed Nahyuta and eventually climbed into the car with them. He kept his head down the entire ride, his unkempt hair falling in front of his face.

". . . I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause more trouble for you."

He began to scratch at his wrist absently.

Simon flinched and dropped his hand.

"Yeah."

He turned to her then.

"You think you could talk Justice-dono and little Wright-dono into helping too? The more hands the better."

Simon shrugged.

"Can't be helped. What's done is done. At least we're out now."

Simon shook his head.

"Solitary inmates don't get jobs. They haven't said a word about that to me."

He wouldn't get off my dick when he learned I got my license back. Completely insufferable.

"Like I said. . ."

He gave Klavier a gentle squish.

"You'll find your person. Someone who doesn't give a fuck about your status and just wants you."

Simon followed without another word. He nodded, then began to gather his things. Nahyuta barely unpacked, thankfully, so he only had to focus on his stuff. Once it was gathered up he brought it all over to Nahyuta.

"Ready."