Opinions without 3.1415 are just Onions (Week1 post trial)

[ghostricked]

After everything, the house seems almost too still and too mundane. At least as long as the doors to that room remain closed. One by one those covered in what was once their teammate are lead to the showers or change in silence. There is no warm meal waiting for them. No words of encouragement.

Life goes on, regardless.

Comments

[notbymyside]

Stay here. I'll bring you some.

[At least they have plenty of hot water and tea bags? But yes, a few minutes later he returns with a teabag seeping in a cup of hot water, which he sets in front of her.]

[accessorytomurder]

[When he comes back, he'll find her flipping through her notebook again.

There's a detailing of the trial's twists and turns, and then a single line for the execution:

Todd put the bomb into him, and used it.]

...thank you, Ango-san.

[She holds the cup as much for the warmth as it steeps as it is to keep her hands occupied. Still, even then she looks a bit... lost.]

...I think... I'll do the laundry, tomorrow.

[notbymyside]

That would be a good idea. We need to clean everything here.

[At least they seem in agreement on that. And on writing down notes, it seems.]

Are those your notes from the trial?

[accessorytomurder]

Yes.

[The other option doesn't bear thinking about.]

Oh, um... my notes on everything so far, really. What was in the rooms I inventoried, the thing with the piano and Battler, the... the... O-Olympia, and... and the trial, yes.

[notbymyside]

You're very diligent with your note-taking, you know. It's admirable.

[Even if a bit distressing, given recent turns.]

If you find anything to be too much for you though, let me know. 'Taking records' was a part of my job, back home.

[accessorytomurder]

It's—habit. And habit...

[She struggles to find the right words.]

Habit h-helps a little, right now. If... that makes sense.

[notbymyside]

Trust me, I understand.

[It's how he copes as well.]

[accessorytomurder]

I-I don't... I don't know w-what I'm supposed to do, Ango-san.

[notbymyside]

[...ah. Well. That's something he can still remember, at least.]

It's normal, to not know what to do in a traumatic situation. Everyone's first time at seeing someone die will cause such a response. You do have the right idea though, finding a routine and working through it helps.

[accessorytomurder]

...

[She looks down at her cup, as it darkens and darkens.]

Will it... get easier?

[notbymyside]

Time and distance helps. Once you're out of the situation and have time to breathe, it will get easier. You never truly forget, but the reminders come less often, and it's easier to keep the reactions hidden.

[accessorytomurder]

Good.

[There's a faint firmness to her words.]

Even if it hurts... even then, I-I donn't want to just... to go numb. That's—that's not fair.

[notbymyside]

If you want to keep moving, then you'll keep moving. Overcoming trauma like this is largely about perception.

I would say you have the right personality to make it past this.

[accessorytomurder]

I... I suppose you would know better than me.

[It's an encouraging thought, even if she's not sure he means it.

She gives him a small, weak smile, anyways.]

[notbymyside]

[Well, his smile seems at least somewhat genuine?]

You remind me of one of my employees, you know. Someone who recently hired into my department.

[accessorytomurder]

...really? Me?

[notbymyside]

She's very earnest, like you are. Very kind too. She had trouble finding her footing at first, my department takes on a lot of tough cases. But she had the perseverance to stick around, and now she's a valuable member of my team.

I see that same perseverance in you.

[accessorytomurder]

...I'll do my best to live up to that, Ango-san.

[notbymyside]

I have faith in you, Yachi-san.

In the meantime, thank you for writing such concise notes. They will be helpful for later, when we have to file a report on this incident.

[accessorytomurder]

[Oh.]

...yes.

[Oh, this is like the crab dinner promise, isn't it?]

When the time comes, I'll be happy to lend them to you.

[notbymyside]

[It sure is. Friends think alike, after all.]

I appreciate it. We're going to be buried in paperwork when this is over, so anything to speed up the process is welcome.

[accessorytomurder]

...right.

[Her smile strengthens, a little.]

Hey, Ango-san? Can I ask a favor?

[notbymyside]

Of course, what is it?

[accessorytomurder]

Can I hug you?

[notbymyside]

...why in the world do you want to do that?

[He's just. So ?????? It's not a no but he looks confused.]