thelotusflowerfiles:

“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. 

thelotusflowerfiles:

The smile was too forced …no to practiced to be natrual and after the one he had seen when they spoke of Holmes he knew it was a lie.

“If you’re in pain we can always take this to my home. It is close and you can relax a bit more there.” He paused and tried to think of the simplest way to explain why. “No unwelcome eyes, if you will.”

Aha, he’d been caught… not that Hakuba was really surprised by the fact, though having been called out on it was admittedly a little unsettling. Despite this, he was glad of it, both because it meant his analysis of Shinichi’s character thus far was accurate, and that his trust had been well-placed– especially given the convenient out provided. It was appreciated. Admired, even. 

Amused and relieved, he lifted the teacup with a little less tremor and smirked. 

“I’d be very grateful to visit your home, Kudou-san, but all in good time. I’ll be fine for a little while, yet.” He chuckled, letting a more genuine, but pained smile through. “Several of the doctors I’ve seen are convinced that it’s more psychosomatic at this point, anyway…”