Disclaimer: Toei's, not mine
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Nothing could break Tetsu's concentration when he was at work, even if it was something as mundane as filling out reports. However, the sound of Umeko barging into the room, snarling in frustration proved to be the exception to the rule.
Used to the unorthodox behavior of the Earth Branch now, Tetsu looked up from the console without so much as blinking. "What's wrong, Umeko-san?"
Her lips curled upwards, but it was by no means a smile. "Oh, nothing's wrong! Like Hoji-san always says, I'm such a carefree child, it's like I don't have any problems!"
"I don't think you're a child."
"I don't need you agreeing with Ho-- what?"
Tetsu gazed at her levelly. "You always put all of yourself into the mission. You make mistakes, but you fix them. Sometimes I think you're more determined than senpai."
"Oh." Umeko fidgeted. "Well, I have paperwork of my own. I'll leave you to finish yours." He nodded politely and continued the task at hand, oblivious to what had been a simple fact to him meant to her.
Umeko felt strangely awkward as the doors closed behind her. She was still furious with Hoji, but what Tetsu had said... it made her feel a little better. She wasn't entirely sure why, but it did.
Maybe she had just needed someone else's perspective.