Judgment

The usual silence hung over the Nijima sisters as they ate, only the sound of pens and chopsticks breaking the air. Sae tried to focus on the casework in front of her, but she sighed and closed the folder, making Makoto look up. “What’s wrong, sis?” “It’s…” Sae ran a hand through her hair. Normally she could hide her emotions a lot better, but this time, she couldn’t. She had to be the pillar of strength for them since Makoto relied on her so heavily for everything but… “Sis?” Sae looked up at her sister who was unable to hide her worry. She sighed and looked away again. She really was transparent at the moment. “It’s my new partner. I haven’t seen him eat lunch since he started.” Akechi always ate an apple, but she didn’t really count that. He’d worked through lunch break each day over the past week without stop. With the amount of paperwork and his struggle with kanji, she could hardly blame him. She did what she could to help, but she was extremely busy herself, so there was only so much she could do. And, of course, that didn’t even touch how unhappy he was sitting for long hours… She was similar herself in that but even so… She looked back at Makoto who fell silent and nodded. “Well, I could pack a lunch for him if you want me to. What sorts of food does he like?” “Unfortunately, I don’t know. I’ve not seen him eat and he’s…quiet.” Ever since that first day, it hadn’t been hard for her to tell he was unused to any sort of attention. She greeted him in the morning as quietly as she could and just fell silent unless she could tell he needed serious help. Makoto nodded as she thought and the pair returned to their usual routine. After finishing, Sae headed back to her messy office, but it lasted only a short time. She just couldn’t sit still, so she headed to the gym. ♦ Sae knocked on the office door when she saw Akechi there before her for once. Even for as soft as the knock was, the nervous boy still nearly jumped out of his skin. He started at her with wide eyes, shaking, face pale. She frowned a bit and sat the bento on his desk, pulling her chair over. She paused for a moment, thinking back to that first day. He’d been completely unable to speak when this spooked. He was extremely kinesthetic and obviously uncomfortable speaking. This was definitely going out on a limb but… She raised her hands slowly and started signing. Akechi-san, what’s the matter ? She might be hellbent on prosecuting wrongdoers but that didn’t mean she was incapable of empathy. Akechi stared at her with owlish eyes and she started cursing herself mentally for attempting this, but he raised his hands. Just…a difficult night . Sae nodded a little. Given his behaviors, he seemed to have a pretty bad case of post traumatic stress disorder. I’m so sorry. If you ever need a friendly ear, I’m here . He looked away, so she changed gears. I notice you don’t eat lunch, so I brought you one. I don’t know what sort of food you like, so Makoto took a shot in the dark . Akechi looked back at her, then the bento, a small frown etched on his face. It was almost like he’d never… Who would treat him so badly? Are you sure it’s not a bother ? Her heart sunk from the crestfallen look on his face. He resembled a puppy someone had kicked then tried to drown. She hesitated for a moment, then held her hand out. She didn’t want want to do anything that would make him feel more unsafe than he already did. He just looked a scared, confused puppy and she felt a bowling ball drop into her stomach. ...I know this is probably a lot to ask of you right now, but would you trust me to do one small thing for a moment ? A heavy tension fell over them for several seconds and he looked ready to shrink away, but he gave a tiny nod. The swallow didn’t escape her notice, but she ignored it. Slowly, she raised her hand and placed it on his head. He blinked and looked at her as she gently rubbed his head, giving him a soft smile. It took only a split second for him to lean into the gesture, a tiny smile on his face. It was the first genuine one she’d seen him give. She simply continued that for several minutes until she looked at her watch and he deflated after she stopped. Sorry, but we really need to get to work. Akechi gave a small nod and retreated to his paperwork, a small cloud hanging over him. It didn’t take long for him to pass out on his desk. Sae simply brought some of his work over to her desk. Hers could wait for a little while longer. ♦ “Akechi-san.” Sae gave his shoulder a gentle shake and he jumped out of his seat, retreating to the nearby wall, looking like a cornered rabbit. She just smiled and held the bento out for him. After a moment, he took it and returned to his seat. She’d already pulled her chair over and was opening hers. “I can tell you’re more comfortable with JSL, but it’s kind of hard to sign when eating. Are you okay with verbalising or would you rather me leave you alone?” “Talking’s fine.” His voice shook and he was hard to hear, but it didn’t die like the other day. His hands trembled and she opened the bento for him. The chopsticks tumbled from his shaking hand, so she held her hand out again. After a small nod, she rubbed his head a little and it steadied him enough to eat. He blinked at the first bite and she glanced at him. “It’s really good..” He was acting like he’d never… “...Is this your first homemade meal?” The question made him freeze, but he gave a small nod. “...Foster kid that came from an abusive home…” That…explained so much. He’d likely survived on little food and, even when he could get it, it was either instant or crappy sandwiches… “Well, you’ll get a nice, homemade lunch everyday as long as you work with me.” She gave him another soft smile and he managed one himself, tiny though it was. The look on his face was one of a child just offered a cookie fresh out of the oven. He was so sweet and gentle. She really didn’t understand how anybody could be so cruel to him… She’d do whatever she could to help and protect him.