Disclaimer: The characters of Psycho-Pass belong to Production I.G. and Funimation.

Day Four

Artificial light streams through the hologram of curtains, penetrating through her eyelids. Akane opens her eyes and slowly blinks several times to get the cobwebs out of her eyes. Then she notices that there is something suspiciously warm under her hand.

She feels her face heat up.

While she was sleeping, it seems her treacherous hand reached out to hold his on its own.

"Good morning, inspector."

Akane almost falls out of the chair. She would rather be chased by Makishima than be caught groping him red-handed. Hastily retracting her hand, she stumbles back, "G-Good morning, Kougami-san."

Kougami smirks.

Oh how she has missed those familiar curves on his face.

Thrilled by the improvement in his condition, she temporarily forgets her embarrassment. "You can speak now! I'm so glad! Can you move?"

He seems to be testing his body here and there, but as far as she can see, nothing has moved.

"Oh, maybe it'll take a little more time." Her face falls a bit, but a happy smile returns in no time, "but at least we can talk now."

He looks quite surprised. Has he always thought she does not appriciate his company?

Well, she will have to rectify that notion soon.

Before she can say anything further, the metal door slid open, letting in a drone carrying a breakfast tray. It stops at her side.

The message is very clear.

Feed him.

Akane almost faints at the idea, but she steels herself. If this can fasten his recovery, she has no choice but to take the responsibility. She bets Karanomori-san is having her merry time in the analysis room observing her play mommy to their stoic detective.

Kougami seems to be appalled by the very idea, his complexion paling several shades.

Sighing mentally, Akane takes the tray and spoons the porridge up.

"Open your mouth, Kougami-san."

"No."

"Oh don't be silly. Being fed by your female boss won't hurt your machismo that much."

He stares at her blankly, the expression on his face nearing what she might describe as his version of stoic pout.

Akane almost bursts into peels laughter, small giggles escaping her lips. Maybe it is time to practice some womanly wiles. She tries to imagine what Yuki might do.

"Please."

"No."

She tries again. "Pretty please?"

"..."

Fluttering her eyelashes, she repeated sweetly, "Pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top?"

It seems she almost gives him a heart attack.

"Alright, alright! Stop doing that ...thing now."

She smiles. "I know you're a reasonable adult, Kougami-san. Now say ahh."

Sighing heavily, he complies.

She carefully put the spoon in his mouth and back to the dish. Repeating the process is somehow relaxing despite all the butterflies in her stomach caused by their proximity.

Then it suddenly occurs to her that she does not even know what his favourite food is.

Although they have been working together for some time now, she practically knows next to nothing about him. This fact stikes her like a blow.

It seems he can sense the subtle shift in her mood.

"What's the matter, inspector?"

"What do you like to eat?" she blurted out before she could help herself.

"...huh? Why?"

Embarrassed with her big mouth, she looks away, her cheeks flushing pink. "I- I was just thinking that I knows nearly nothing about you."

An awkward moment of silence falls over the room.

"Hamburger."

Surprised, her widened eyes fly to his face. Is he taking her words seriously?

"Really?"

His brow quirks slightly. "Why are you so surprised?"

A bashful smile curves her lips. "That was quite unexpected."

"What else would you like to know?"

Warmth blossoms within her. Her timid smile now turns into a full grin. "Are we playing question and answer?"

He almost shrugs. "I have nothing to do anyway."

Now she feels like a girl in a candy wonderland. "Alright, let me think..."