Office by Alex Penny
The desk of Misanori Shirogane
Yes… that would be correct. There is a reason that I’ve brought this issue to your attention. [She pulls her arm out of the television and offers Misanori an apologetic look. Perhaps she’d said a little too much too quickly. In her fear of becoming tongue-tied or hesitant to speak, she’d said as much as she could as quickly as possible — like pulling off a bandage. It seemed the best method.]I believe that it goes without explanation that this is something which cannot leave this Estate. Ever. But…
[she pauses, unsure of how to explain] Perhaps it is simply best that I show you instead.
[walking back over to the door, Naoto opens it and leans out for a moment, talking in a hushed tone so that Misanori would not be able to hear]
Other-me, Noir… it’s alright. Please do not be frightened. I believe the bulk of the shock has managed to settle well for him. We’re ready for you now. [she extends her hand out for the Shadow to take] Come inside; I won’t let go unless you request it.
Noir had been standing just outside the study with her back pressed against the doors as the two talk. She can hear what they were discussing faintly through the thick polished wood, and flinched at certain part of the story, especially the part involving herself. She’s at least grateful Naoto left out the battle…
When the door opened from behind her, she jumped and took a step back. This is it… She looked Naoto in the eyes, and taking a gulp to swallow the thick nervousness in her throat, she reached out to the hand offered to her with a nod.
The first step into the study was a hard one. She was, of course, familiar with the layout of it, and being in physical contact with Naoto always helps. But nothing at all will ever beat the sudden wrench of fear shooting through her being as she looked up at Misanori. Grampa.
She stood a step behind Naoto, almost wanting to hide behind her counterpart but clenched her free hand into a fist and stood still. It was all she can do to resist the urge to just turning around and run away.
[Misanori’s eyes widened a fraction at the sight of a doppelganger of his granddaughter walking into the room behind her. He stared silently at the two of them for a few moments before slowly standing up.]
So… I assume she is the main reason for this discussion, correct?
[Without further delay, Naoto enters the room and bows her head politely before she removes her cap and sets it down on a small table near the door. She approaches her Grampa’s desk and stands beside the chair opposite his rather than sit, her gaze serious.]There is something I wish to speak to you about, though I am afraid the context of this issue will be… most shocking, perhaps even on par with the impossible. I only ask that you listen to the entire story and take into account all the evidence to be offered with it, and to please understand that I have a limited amount of information I can give because of secrecy promised to others.
[The aged detective looked at his granddaughter curiously as she spoke, then nodded slowly.]
I understand, Naoto. Though I must admit I have doubts to there being things that I would deem impossible at this stage in my life. I have seen a great deal, but the fact you would think there is peaks my curiosity a great deal.
[He shifts in his seat slightly.]
I give my word that I will listen to your entire story. I’m quite interested to hear what you have to say.
[The odd urge to laugh rises in Naoto’s chest, but she suppresses it quickly. As much as she believes her Grampa’s words, there is no doubt what she has to share will likely make even some of the more bizarre stories he’s shared with her before.]
Several months ago, as you know, I was assisting in the solving of the Inaba murder cases…. [she pauses and takes a deep breath before launching into a detailed explanation of the events that followed. She avoided the details pertaining the events of Izanami and Ameno-Sagiri (as she severely doubted her Grampa wished to hear that she’d almost died once, then died saving the life of Souji Seta the second time, and somehow been brought back to life. Yes, that much should be avoided) and ends with the explanation of her own Shadow. That was perhaps the most awkward. She avoided the details about a battle and only spoke of the verbal confrontation and kept her summary of Personae brief, but with enough explanation to grasp a basic understanding.]
I… I realise this is a great deal to take in. [she sighs as she approaches the television in his study, standing beside it] And I know that offering such… unique evidence so abruptly must cause you some shock, but… [placing her hand against the television, Naoto feels it slip past the screen as if she were touching naught but water and stops once it reaches her elbow]
…I ask that you please believe me.
[Misanori had been about to speak, but his words died in his throat when Naoto placed the lower half of her arm into the television set. His eyes widened in surprise as he merely stared at her arm, not a single word escaping his lips for several moments. Eventually, he leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.]
Some shock… I would say that is more of a bolt of lightning, Naoto…
[He turns his head to look at her again, still sitting back in the chair.]
It… explains a great deal about the nature of the case… and how you so quickly became acquainted with Seta-san and his friends…
[His expression changes, however, as he leans forward, resting his elbows on his desk as he stares at Naoto intently.]
However… I must ask what has brought you to share this with me. It… hardly seems to be something one would bring up as casual conversation. Least of all the… confirmation of this information as truth you have provided.
(Source: shadowraygun)
She don’t doubt Naoto’s words, but less positive in her thinking. Grampa won’t toss her out of the house precisely because she look identical - and is identical, mostly - to Naoto. Grampa would probably think up a list of damage the Shadow can do if she goes around as such.
No, what she imagine is Grampa might react more violently to an imposter. Or maybe that’s just her growing fear of this encounter is saying.
On the other hand, she really want to meet him regardless. And all this hiding, traveling between worlds is causing a noticeable effect. She does want to put a stop to it at times, but she never found the will to utter the idea to Naoto. Perhaps this is her chance now?
“… I hope you are right.” She gave Naoto a smile, trying to hide the nervous excitement at the idea. “So… when shall we do this?”
He is currently downstairs in his study. It would be best to get him on one of his days off, should we wait until tomorrow, it is possible that he will have another case and his mind will be distracted. Taking on as much information as we will have to offer could hinder whatever case he might be on.
[Stepping forward, Naoto takes Noir’s hand in her’s and gives it a reassuring squeeze before leading the other outside and into the hallway and down the stairs. The study is only a short walk away after that, and the sleuth stops outside the door to turn back to her Shadow] I will enter first and explain as much as I am able. It would be best he is at least a little prepared before seeing both of us at the same time.
Don’t run… Please trust me; I won’t allow anything negative to occur. It won’t take long.
[She turns to the door and knocks three times, waiting only a moment before she speaks] Grampa? May I come in?
[Misanori looked up from the casework on his desk at the sound of the knocking. His lips curl into a smile when he hears his granddaughter’s voice.]
Yes, you may come in Naoto.
[He neatly stacks the papers he had been intently examining and closes the few open folders before sitting more attentively for when Naoto enters.]
[Without further delay, Naoto enters the room and bows her head politely before she removes her cap and sets it down on a small table near the door. She approaches her Grampa’s desk and stands beside the chair opposite his rather than sit, her gaze serious.]
There is something I wish to speak to you about, though I am afraid the context of this issue will be… most shocking, perhaps even on par with the impossible. I only ask that you listen to the entire story and take into account all the evidence to be offered with it, and to please understand that I have a limited amount of information I can give because of secrecy promised to others.
[The aged detective looked at his granddaughter curiously as she spoke, then nodded slowly.]
I understand, Naoto. Though I must admit I have doubts to there being things that I would deem impossible at this stage in my life. I have seen a great deal, but the fact you would think there is peaks my curiosity a great deal.
[He shifts in his seat slightly.]
I give my word that I will listen to your entire story. I’m quite interested to hear what you have to say.
She don’t doubt Naoto’s words, but less positive in her thinking. Grampa won’t toss her out of the house precisely because she look identical - and is identical, mostly - to Naoto. Grampa would probably think up a list of damage the Shadow can do if she goes around as such.
No, what she imagine is Grampa might react more violently to an imposter. Or maybe that’s just her growing fear of this encounter is saying.
On the other hand, she really want to meet him regardless. And all this hiding, traveling between worlds is causing a noticeable effect. She does want to put a stop to it at times, but she never found the will to utter the idea to Naoto. Perhaps this is her chance now?
“… I hope you are right.” She gave Naoto a smile, trying to hide the nervous excitement at the idea. “So… when shall we do this?”
He is currently downstairs in his study. It would be best to get him on one of his days off, should we wait until tomorrow, it is possible that he will have another case and his mind will be distracted. Taking on as much information as we will have to offer could hinder whatever case he might be on.
[Stepping forward, Naoto takes Noir’s hand in her’s and gives it a reassuring squeeze before leading the other outside and into the hallway and down the stairs. The study is only a short walk away after that, and the sleuth stops outside the door to turn back to her Shadow] I will enter first and explain as much as I am able. It would be best he is at least a little prepared before seeing both of us at the same time.
Don’t run… Please trust me; I won’t allow anything negative to occur. It won’t take long.
[She turns to the door and knocks three times, waiting only a moment before she speaks] Grampa? May I come in?
[Misanori looked up from the casework on his desk at the sound of the knocking. His lips curl into a smile when he hears his granddaughter’s voice.]
Yes, you may come in Naoto.
[He neatly stacks the papers he had been intently examining and closes the few open folders before sitting more attentively for when Naoto enters.]
Misanori smiled at the little girl. “Yakushiji left an hour ago on an errand. I had intended to make myself something to eat, and I would be more then happy to share.” The detective stood up, holding Naoto’s small hand. “Have you ever tried sushi? Or, specifically, California Rolls? I’m rather fond of them myself.”
“Sushi?” Naoto repeated, tilting her head to the side. “Papa used to make that for Momma as a boxed lunch a lot. I never tried it myself.” Her curiosity had been peaked for the dish a number of times, but she’d never managed to work up the nerve to ask her father to make some for her as well. Sushi seemed to take some preparation, and more than once she’d seen her father getting frustrated with the mat he used to roll it all together.
“She always told me it was very good…”
“Well, you’ll have the chance to decide that for yourself then.” he said to her, taking a small step towards the door without releasing her hand. “If you’d like, you could even help me prepare it.”
Misanori smiled down at the little girl, wiping away the last of his own wayward tears.
“You’re more then welcome, Naoto.” he said, kissing her on the forehead. “Now, would you like to get lunch with me? I’m rather hungry and would like to have company while I eat.”
Looking up at her Grampa, Naoto hesitated. Her room had become something of a safeguard; somewhere she felt at ease—at at least as at ease as she could be. Stepping out of it would be strange, as she’d never been in this house for an extended period without her parents there as well, or at the very least, the knowledge of their return sometime later that month.
With a small sigh, the young Shirogane nodded and shyly took Misanori’s hand, trying to hid her face behind her long bangs. “…I’m hungry,” she admitted softly. “I’ll come. Did Yakushiji-san make something yummy today?”
Misanori smiled at the little girl. “Yakushiji left an hour ago on an errand. I had intended to make myself something to eat, and I would be more then happy to share.” The detective stood up, holding Naoto’s small hand. “Have you ever tried sushi? Or, specifically, California Rolls? I’m rather fond of them myself.”
Misanori stayed silent while Naoto sobbed, trying his best to comfort her. When she mumbled her question, he sighed sadly.
“I wish I knew, Naoto.” He said to her, his voice thick with sadness as he held her. “I truly wish I knew…”
“It’s not fair…” Naoto said, hiccuping. “It isn’t fair at all.” The young girl pulled away from her Grampa and began dabbing at her eyes with a sleeve again, sniffling. “…They didn’t do anything wrong. They weren’t supposed to go away…”
Nearly a full hour passed before Naoto managed to calm herself down to something she felt was ‘acceptable.’ Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot, but overall, she seemed much calmer now that she wasn’t holding everything in. Though she was far from ‘happy’ with the current situation, the young Shirogane felt as if she were less likely to erupt at any given moment.
“Grampa…?” she asked softly, looking up at the elder man. “…Thank you for making me feel better.”
Misanori smiled down at the little girl, wiping away the last of his own wayward tears.
“You’re more then welcome, Naoto.” he said, kissing her on the forehead. “Now, would you like to get lunch with me? I’m rather hungry and would like to have company while I eat.”
“Even adults cry at times, Naoto.” He said to his granddaughter, a tear rolling down his cheek. “It’s not a sign of weakness. There is a time and a place for tears, and knowing when is part of being an adult. But do not hasten to grow up… It will come in time.”
He tightened his arms around Naoto a small fraction. “I’m here with you now, Naoto. Cry all you wish, I will not think any less of you…”
Pressing herself closer to her Grampa’s chest, the sleuth choked on the words she attempted to form. Her shoulders began to tremble heavily as she scrambled to keep control of her emotions, but between the amount of emotional built-up she’d accumulated over the past week and the embrace of her grandfather, it was too much.
The young Shirogane began to sob. The sound was soft and muffled, as she still tried to keep it as quiet as possible, but the dam had broken and she just couldn’t seem to stop.“Momma… Papa…” she mumbled, “W-why?”
Misanori stayed silent while Naoto sobbed, trying his best to comfort her. When she mumbled her question, he sighed sadly.
“I wish I knew, Naoto.” He said to her, his voice thick with sadness as he held her. “I truly wish I knew…”
Without a word, Misanori moved forward and pulled Naoto into a tight embrace. He’d suspected that it was part of the reason, but he’d hoped it hadn’t been the case.
“I miss them as well, Naoto…” he said sadly. “But I don’t think they would want to see you acting this way…”
Hiccuping, Naoto wrapped her arms around her grandfather’s neck tightly and buried her face in his broad shoulder. Her small body began to tremble, but she refused to allow the tears to fall. She knew better; even her Grampa had just said it. It didn’t occur to her young mind that it wasn’t at all what he’d meant.
“I know…” she mumbled, fighting to keep her voice straight. “I-I won’t cry; I won’t throw a fit. Momma and Papa said they were proud of me… I won’t be weak. I’m okay… I’m really alright, Grampa. I’m… an adult, I can be an adult too…”
I’ll make Momma and Papa proud… I can be strong. I won’t cry. Please don’t let me cry…
“Even adults cry at times, Naoto.” He said to his granddaughter, a tear rolling down his cheek. “It’s not a sign of weakness. There is a time and a place for tears, and knowing when is part of being an adult. But do not hasten to grow up… It will come in time.”
He tightened his arms around Naoto a small fraction. “I’m here with you now, Naoto. Cry all you wish, I will not think any less of you…”
Misanori’s frown deepened slightly. “I shall, but when did you last eat the food he brought you? He said you hadn’t for some time, Naoto.”
His expression changed from tense to worried, placing a hand gently on the shoulder of the young girl before him.
“You know I will listen to anything you have to say, Naoto.” He said softly. “I love you a great deal, and will do whatever is within my power to help you through your troubles. Please don’t bottle your feelings…”
“…” Naoto winced a second time and gave the floor a hard look, clenching her fists. She didn’t want to lie, not anymore. A detective didn’t lie; they were meant to seek the truth. What kind of sleuth did that make her? “…I don’t remember. It was a few days ago…”
Hunching her shoulders, the young girl tried to ignore the tight feeling that was building in her chest. It was quickly rising to her throat and she just wished it would all go away. She didn’t want to cry, not anymore. She couldn’t… she just couldn’t…
“I-I’m okay, Grampa,” her voice hitched as she spoke. “I… I just…” Why wouldn’t this feeling go away? She just wanted to make her parents proud; she wanted them to know that she would be alright, that she could handle herself on her own. They didn’t need to look down at her and see her sad—that would just make them sad, but…
“I…” she hiccuped and began rubbing her eyes with her small fists again. The next sentence she uttered was in a soft, broken voice. “…I miss Momma and Papa…”
Without a word, Misanori moved forward and pulled Naoto into a tight embrace. He’d suspected that it was part of the reason, but he’d hoped it hadn’t been the case.
“I miss them as well, Naoto…” he said sadly. “But I don’t think they would want to see you acting this way…”
