He stops for a second as her back hits that wall. It changed things oh so subtly. Athena really only had two choices now, and he didn't plan on getting shot today.

"Who are you scared for, darlin'? Because it's not me if you've got a barrel pointed in my direction with intent." He uses what he knows of the power of his voice, the soft calmness that could be a million things to those who didn't know him, and specifically him trying to understand to those that did. His next steps forward are careful and measured.

"Let me help you protect whoever you're worried about. Let me help you, Athena. That's all I've ever wanted to do." His hand comes down and grips the top of the gun and pushes it away from him as he reaches in to pull her against him with his other hand.