“If you’re sure.” He replied not convinced by the detective’s words. He reached for his drink and took a sip from it.
“Take your time. No one is forcing you to heal as fast as you can. Sometimes the best thing is to go at the pace you can handle.” It took him four years. Four long lonely, painful years to heal from The Change. He blinked then gave him a pained smile.
“I apologize. You’ve probably heard that too many times now.” Embarrassed by his sudden step into therapy he took another sip and hope to god he didn’t just offend the other.
As comforting as the words were, facing his situation, even to such a small degree, was even more painful than the actual injury. Hakuba averted his gaze, looking to the tea cup, then pressed the rim to his lips for another quiet drink, taking his time. He didn’t want to admit that the other de- that the detective had hurt him; he knew it was unintentional, but the apology called attention to it.
Another sip.
“It’s all right.” It wasn’t, but Hakuba didn’t bother to change his tone to match the words. It would be useless against Kudou, anyway. “Perhaps once I’ve finished my tea. Do you have a car here?"
God, what a situation to be in. He had to stay calm, had to push the thoughts away. Relax. He took another sip of tea. He could be stable. This was no matter at all.
Twig nosed his leg and he blinked, shifting some to look under the table. She wagged her tail, ears back, and huffed. Hakuba managed a tiny smile, then straightened up again, train of thought successfully derailed.