Shusei had stayed a little while longer with Emiko and had her explain what she had been through, her memories stop just short of her graduation from school. She remembers her test scores and aptitudes but after that her memories only pick up from waking up in the hospital bed lost and confused. She admitted to him how sad she was about not remembering her graduation ceremony, and how frustrated she was at how she didn't know where any of her friends were. For the past few days doctors have been explaining her injuries and how she got them-but she honestly couldn't remember at all what she was doing with an enforcer in the factory districts.
She stayed for a couple more days in her hospital bed, the doctors insisting that she needed more time to recover and that her memories would come back. When they didn't they moved her to the rehabilitation center where Shusei had come to meet her, she was put in her own private room which she had laughed and called her 'cell', which made Shusei grin since the Emiko he knew was coming back. After that many people came to visit her, friends and family but she explained they all felt like strangers to her since they weren't like how she remembered them.
She apologised to Shusei again for her behaviour, and he could see how embarrassed about it she was. He assured her everything was alright, and she was going to be alright it was just going to take time until everything would be normal, and he honestly meant it. As he was walking out she stared up at him, "Can you come back?" she had asked him and he froze surprised his foot just hovering in the air through the doorway. She was playing with her hands in her lap, unable to look up and meet Shusei's eyes, but decided she had to. He turned and glanced over at her staring up at him, "Can you promise me that you'll come back?" she repeated staring up at him with her large doll eyes that were unwavering.
"Why would you want me?" he asked her, wanting to know what her answer would be. He couldn't understand what someone who wasn't a fellow enforcer or an inspector would want with him. He couldn't understand how she wasn't afraid of him.
She shrugged and glanced away twirling her hair around her finger again her nervous twitch, "I can't remember you but I feel like I can trust you with everything. I'm not sure I want to remember what I've forgotten but I do want to get to know you… I suppose to make up for forgetting you." She added as she turned back to face him a smile just playing at the corners of her lips.
He grinned, "You do know that I'm a latent criminal right? I'm a hazard to be around, your psycho pass might get clouded." He cautioned her in a friendly and teasing tone, he didn't want to get his hopes up about seeing her. This was the final test, if she said yes, if she was willing to look past what he was he'd fight tooth and nail to be there for her, if she said no it'd hurt but he'd be able to walk away and just pretend that she died.
She looked up and smiled wide at him, "Don't worry about me, my psycho pass has always been a solid ten, I never waver. Anyways you don't look all that scary to me." She laughed and he smiled, it was refreshing to see her back to her usual self. The exchange was pretty similar to one of the ones they shared on her first week as an inspector.
He winked at her, "I'll do my best to come back here hot stuff." He assured her and she smiled back waving. As he resumed his departure he couldn't help but beam, Emiko wasn't gone, she was right here waiting for him-he didn't lose her just yet, he could make up for what he'd done.
"Until then!" she chirped as the door to her room closed a smile still on her face, and even though she still knew nothing about the enforcer that came into her room she felt like they'd known each other for an eternity. When he realised that she couldn't remember who he was he'd looked grief stricken as if someone had told him someone important had died. And though she could only remember what she'd been told about enforcers he was nothing like what she had been told. He wasn't a criminal or a threat, he was nice and caring, and she was looking forwards to seeing him again. Shusei turned to face Ginoza who stared at him with a stern face. The inspector hadn't even stepped in the room much less greeted Emiko, it seemed as though since she couldn't remember him he wanted nothing to do with her.
Ginoza hmpfed at the sight of Shusei, "Are we done here?" he asked impatiently, putting no effort into trying to hide his impatience at being held back from work. There weren't any urgent cases at the moment thankfully but it didn't mean that he didn't have any work.
Shusei smiled and nodded, "Yep." But his smile quickly vanished to be replaced with a serious expression, "But I'm coming back here." He stated stubbornly. Ginoza quickly opened his mouth to insist it wouldn't be possible and wouldn't happen but Shusei didn't let him, "It's fine if you don't want to do it, Kogami'll arrange for someone to take me-he at least liked Inspector Hara." Shusei interrupted.
Ginoza snorted, "It's not that I didn't like her, it's that she's irrelevant now. She can't come back and work for us, even if she regains her memories it's unlikely we can take her back." He explained, in his books he considered Inspector Hara to be dead-there was no point in looking back, looking back would only mean pain.
"She's more than just a co-worker-I don't know about you but she's a friend. She doesn't even remember me, and knows what I am and wants to see me again." Shusei stated glaring him down, "She's a good kid and bad stuff happened to her-it just isn't right to leave her all alone." Ginoza stared at Shusei silently knowing it was pointless to argue, he'd never get his point across. Shusei meanwhile knit his brows together, "What are you going to do if she regains her memories huh? She remembers who you are and then realises you never once came to see her?" he challenged.
Ginoza sighed and turned his back to Shusei, "Fine I'll take you back here next week." And with that said began to walk down the hall at a clipped pace, "I'm not waiting for you so you better hurry up." He cautioned Shusei who scrambled and chased after him. In the back of the paddy wagon Shusei leaned back a grin stretching out across his face, despite Emiko's condition she was doing just fine, and as long as he pulled Ginoza's strings just right he'd be able to keep coming back. He began to think back though to when Emiko was his inspector and all the fun they got up to-just because Emiko was an inspector didn't mean that she didn't get up to trouble. She got up to plenty of mischief most of it though for a good cause and a good share to entertain Shusei.
He thought back to one of his favourite times with Emiko where she almost lost her job just to make him smile, and when she was in trouble managed to smile and laugh through a scolding from Ginoza and came back from a meeting with the higher ups as chipper as ever. It had all started in the middle of winter on a day where snow was gently spiralling down from the sky. All day Shusei had been distracted by the snow, he always loved the stuff despite how miserable it made Ginoza and Kogami. He figured he loved it so much simply because he never really got to see it or deal with it but loved it anyways. To try and distract himself Shusei was playing video games to get his focus somewhere else, but his longingness hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Shusei want to take a walk with me?" Emiko asked the orange-brown haired enforcer having noticed how he stared longingly out the window as the snow slowly fluttered down outside. Personally she hated the cold and winter in general, everything just seemed so sad in winter, all the trees were dead and bare, and it was always so quiet outside because all the animals were gone or hibernating. It always seemed dark and silent, and time seemed to be suspended when the snow fell ever so slowly.
Worst yet it was cold, and Emiko was never the sort of person to produce heat, she was constantly cold even in summer and could catch colds easily. But one look at Shusei and how desperately he was staring outside made her forget all about that, he looked like a small child who'd never seen snow.
Despite the discomfort it'd cause her, she swallowed it down knowing it was better to do something for someone else. Shusei jumped from his seat and whipped around to face her hopping that it was just his face heating up and that a blush hadn't set in. But a light pink blush was indeed dusting his cheeks as he laughed trying to cover his embarrassment, "Pssht no I'm fine really… I mean I've got a lot to do here." He said coming up with a lie on the spot and awkwardly gesturing at his computer, Emiko frowned and squinted as she leaned in towards his computer.
"A lot of video gaming maybe… c'mon it'll be fun, it's snowing and the stars are out… we could stop for warm drinks on the way back. You've been locked up inside all day just stretch your legs." She responded not wanting to call him out on his obvious lie thinking it might make him feel bad if she did.
Shusei twirled around in his chair to put his back to her as his blush deepened, she'd read him like an open book both on his desire to go outside and on the lie. It was getting harder with every passing second to refuse her offers, "Really I don't-" he started to be cut off by her.
Emiko jumped forwards catching his hand, "C'mon let's just go have fun!" she insisted, and without waiting for him to reply she dragged him from the chair and started on her way to go outside. Shusei allowed himself to be towed along by the smaller inspector, he really had wanted to go outside but was too embarrassed to admit it. He never really got to go outside just for fun, it was always for work. And snow just looked so fun to play in, he never got to play in it and wanted to just for once. Suddenly he found himself at the front doors and Emiko flashing her badges and making up an excuse to be taking Shusei outside.
"I just need someone to help me with this errand, I'm not sure I can carry everything back on my own and there might be a storm so it might not be safe to be out on my own." Emiko explained cheerfully with happy grin and giggle, "I was going to ask another inspector to come but they were held up and Shusei was super awesome and volunteered to help."
The guard glanced up at Shusei and gave him a warm smile, the doors clicked open and the duo walked through. Emiko rushed ahead twirling in the falling snow, "See it's so nice out here, aren't you glad to be outside?" she asked him giggling.
He chuckled back feeling the cold flakes land on him and melt, "Yeah it's great." Emiko rushed back and took his hand towing him along. They dashed forwards bolting down the street, Emiko giggling like mad, some people stared but neither of them really cared. Shusei's legs scrambled to keep up with Emiko's pace surprised she could run so fast. She came to a sudden stop in front of the park and Shusei collided with her back not having expected the stop. She turned around to face him throwing her arm out wide, "Ta-daa! We've reached the destination of my very important mission!" she announced cheerfully.
Shusei chuckled and stared at her confused, "What are you talking about?" he asked her not fully understanding what was happening right now.
She smiled and nodded her head, "Operation get Shusei outside!" she announced and then playfully put a finger against her lips winking, "So top secret that not even inspector Ginoza knows about it. Very classified and very important to complete." She added with a warm smile.
"What are you talking about?" Shusei asked her a second time still not clear on what was happening.
She continued to laugh care freely, "I wanted to get you outside so you can enjoy life!" and with that began to spin round and round with arms out wide laughing, "As long as I'm with you, you can go outside right? So just stick by me and you'll be fine."
Shusei smiled but worry ate away at him, "What if Ginoza or Kogami catch on?" he asked.
"Kogami won't care-he gave up on me a long time ago." She laughed care freely, "And I'll just accept whatever Ginoza throws at me-after all I'm doing this for a friend." Still spinning around, her face flushed from the cold and her excitement.
Shusei rammed his hands in his pockets as he flushed in embarrassment, "Don't be getting in trouble because of me." He muttered but Emiko ignored him continuing her circles as she laughed. Shusei began to get frustrated with her for her carefreeness, "This is ridiculous! You're going to lose your job! And for what taking me outside?!" he yelled at her and she stopped spinning to stare at him confused and worriedly. Shusei continued with his angry rant, "And it's not like I asked to be out here either! You just up and took me outside!" he yelled and opened his mouth to continue to suddenly be slammed in the fast with something hard and cold. He stood stunned as another snowball connected with his face.
"Just shut up and enjoy being outside!" Emiko yelled at him another snowball in had ready to throw, "Hurry up and get armed enforcer your guard is down!" and with that invitation Shusei jumped down scooping up the snow and mashing it in his hands to make a frozen ball. Emiko threw hers and he easily dodged it throwing his at her.
It got her right in the face and not having expected it was knocked back into the snow, falling hard on her backside. He stared at her worriedly until she sprang up laughing adjusting the red muffler around her neck. "Oh no you don't we're not even!" He shouts and runs after her knocking her back into the white mess. People strolling past regarded the two young adults at first with confusion but most of them softened their gaze as they saw how much fun the two were having.
Emiko managed to wriggle away and broke free scooping up a handful of snow as she ran away, "You'll never take me alive!" she yelled out playfully as she formed a snow ball, Shusei jumping to his feet to chase after her a competitive smirk stretching across his face.
"Yeah! Guess I'll just have to kill you then!" He shouted back snatching up his own handful of snow hurling it with all of his strength. It whistled straight past Emiko smashing into a tree and exploding, she skidded on a sharp turn and ducked behind a tree. Shusei skidded to a stop and tried to back pedal away only to be pelted mercilessly by Emiko.
Stunned that she could unleash such an attack he stood dumbfounded for many seconds before trying to retaliate, but he couldn't get a hit on her because she was hiding behind that damn tree. Frustrated he rushed straight for her, "Face wash!" he shouted as he knocked her to the ground, she squealed and he quickly shoved her face in the snow and ice. He rubbed it in and laughed mercilessly until she smacked his hands away.
She sat rubbing her face that was bright red and soaking wet, her lip was trembling and she sniffled quickly swiping at her eyes to hide the fact she wanted to cry. It had honestly hurt to have her face rubbed in the hard packed snow and ice, and she couldn't get the taste of side walk salt out of her mouth. Shusei's grin faltered, realising he'd gone too far and had been too rough, "Sorry are you alright?" he asked her feeling guilty that he'd gotten too caught up in the moment.
She looked over at him smiling through the pain, "Just fine." She insisted to him understanding he'd gotten caught up, "Wanna go get some hot chocolate?" she asked him and then flushed pink embarrassed, "Or like tea or something." Realising she had just asked a grown man if he wanted hot chocolate.
Shusei laughed, "Hot chocolate's just fine." He insisted grinning cheekily, he liked the fact Emiko was still childlike and innocent it didn't make him feel so alone in the division having someone close to his age and maturity.
Emiko grinned back at him revealing her small bright white teeth that looked like a doll's, "My favourite place is just over here." She said snatching his hand and leading him forwards. Shusei once again found himself scrambling as she lead him down the city streets, since it was evening and getting dark all the bright lights were springing to life. Emiko happily pointed out stores and shops and landmarks to him, making special emphasis on places she liked to visit or where funny stories happened.
"Oh and over here I was going to see a movie with all of my friends, but when I go up to the ticket counter the clerk stops me and actually ID's me because he doesn't believe I'm old enough to go to the movies alone! Can you believe that?!" she exclaimed staring at Shusei with enormous wide and excitement filled eyes, "and then this other time this guy brought a giant and I'm talking about a giant container of banana yogurt into the theater with him. I don't even know who wants to eat yogurt during a movie but the whole place smelled of bananas." She rambled on excitedly, her cheeks were flushed and if Shusei were to describe her right now he'd say she was drunk on life.
Shusei snickered, "How big was it?" he asked her, the moment right now was bitter sweet. Emiko was one of those people whose smiles and giggles and overall excitement lit up an entire city street and was easily infectious, fighting it was impossible. And seeing her get so worked up and excited to share was bringing a smile to his face-she was doing all of this just to make him feel normal, to give him a taste of the outside world. But at the same time the jealousy within him was growing with each passing second, he couldn't help but think about how it was unfair that he couldn't be walking these streets and regularly visiting all these shops and buildings. How his freedom had been wrongly taken away from him.
He was snapped out of his train of thought when Emiko exclaimed her response "Enormous, like I would need a duffle bag to sneak it in! I don't even know how he got it in there!" and began madly waving her arms in the air, she always had a flare for the dramatic when she got to talking with someone. Her hands and arms would flail and try to act out what it was she was trying to say which at times had interesting results.
"You trying to fly somewhere?" Shusei teased seeing how her arms flapped up and down not quite sure of how to respond to what she had been saying since he had zoned out in the middle of her rambling.
She stopped immediately and looked down at her shoes like a scolded child, "Sorry I just got excited." She muttered.
Shusei shifted his hand from hers to wrap it around her shoulders drawing her in close, "Hey I was just teasing, it's doing things like that that make you likeable." He called, "So where's this place we're headed to anyways?" he asked her trying to cheer her up.
She pointed straight ahead, "This café here." She looked up at him and winked, "I'm making a personal house call for a friend so we can say that was the very important errand I had to run." They quickened their pace because all of a sudden the temperature had dropped from night falling officially. They crossed the busy street quickly and rushed inside the store cheeks blazing red and still stinging from the frost nipping at the exposed skin. Emiko quickly unraveled the wet red muffler that was hanging from around her neck to toss on the coat rack in front of her. Her navy blue coat soon followed and her bright red mittens were stuffed into her big coat pocket. Shusei followed her in stripping off his outdoor clothing, copying Emiko as she tapped her boots on the welcome mat to get unwanted snow off.
He turned to speak with her when she glanced up eyes lighting up with happiness, "Nagisa!" she shouted happily and dashed headlong at one of the waiters catching him in a tight embrace and giggling madly as he spun her around. Shusei sulked and a small pout found its way on his face.
His irritation rose and he already didn't like whoever this guy was, his instincts were kicking in and there was something he didn't like, he trudged over to where Emiko was being put back down on her feet. She turned to look at him smiling cheerfully, "This is Nagisa my best friend from high school and Nagisa this is Shusei he's one of my co-workers. You know that really nice guy I was talking about."