“I hope I have changed a little in my years ….. of solitude.” He had almost spoken of Conan. He swallowed and squared his shoulders. Years of self preservation kicked in and he instantly started coming up with back stories in case the detective decide to ask questions. Azuza slipped by the table and placed their orders down.
“Is there anything I can do for you guys?” She said hopefully.
Shinichi looked up to her and smiled. “Not for me, Hakuba-san?”
Perfect timing.
Hakuba looked down at the tea, first, then back at the woman with a small nod. “Nor for me, either, this is perfect. Thank you.” After putting his watch away, he picked up the little tea spoon to begin stirring, waiting for the woman to leave so that his forced, polite smile could relax. He wasn’t about to pry with Kudou, not after the earlier warning about their setting, but he was curious…
…besides that, his back hurt. Nerves and all else aside, he really couldn’t go very long at all before the ache set in, so he was very much looking forward to the tea. Tea always helped, and he had to admit that he had missed authentic Japanese matcha– he could never quite do it justice in London. Even without waiting for her to leave, he lifted the cup, hands trembling, and took a sip. Ah.
Surely, Holmes was the safest topic to discuss, particularly with the change in atmosphere. He only needed an opportunity to pick up another thread.