From the Skies to the Heavens

Third Prompt: Pizza

Word Count (for drabble only): 600 words

Ema stumbled past the broken elevator in the Prosecutor's Office, four boxes of pizza in hand as she climbed the stairs. She asked herself against why she'd ever chosen to wear heels on the job.

Today was not a good day. Sure it started happy enough, with her first case as a forensic investigator and breaking away from the glimmerous fop, but no one told her her first case would be against Trucy Wright, of all people!

At least the new guy was nice enough, even if it was hard to understand him. She hoped she could convince him to drop the charges against Trucy, or at least change them back to manslaughter. She'd known Trucy for years. Ema was sure that she wasn't the type to kill someone.

"Alright, everybody! Dinner is served."

A few prosecutors slipped into the open at her announcement, thanking her as they took slices for themselves. They didn't stay long, being as busy as they were. But Prosecutor Debeste was polite, asking her how her new job was and if the foreign guy was treating her well. Soon after Debeste left, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi himself appeared from behind a closed door. Just looking at him swept her away.

Without warning, her mouth went dry. Ema reached for her water before speaking. "Mm... You want some pizza, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi? I brought it up for the whole building."

"How kind of you," he replied, tone unreadable. He was studying the food as though it were evidence from a crime scene. "Do you have the lab analysis I requested with you?"

"I do," Ema said, handing him the folder she'd also carried on her way up. He took it from her. "Are you not hungry?"

"Perhaps somewhat." He opened the folder, eyes scanning the results at a rather rapid rate. "This food. Is this another component of the typical American diet?"

"Pizza?" Ema had to think about that. "I think it started in Italy, but it's pretty popular here. Do they not have pizza where you're from?"

"They don't." He gingerly lifted a slice of the cheese pizza to his lips, careful to spread any grease on herself. She'd never seen anyone look so dainty while eating pizza.

"You like it?"

"Hm," he commented. "It's quite… different. I'm afraid I may prefer your nation's burgers."

Oh, so he knew what burgers were, but not pizza? "Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, do you have a minute?"

"Time is not something to be possessed, but a gift given to achieve one's goals. That is what the Holy Mother says." He finished off his pizza, looking her in the eye. "Is there something you need for the trial, Detective Skye?"

Wow, he was pretty. Focus, Ema! "No, but about the trial… it's the defendant, Trucy Wright."

His eyes narrowed, almost imperceptibly so. "I've been told you're personally acquainted with the accused. Is that so?"

"Well, yes. But-"

"I do hope she isn't attempting to use your friendship to escape her fate. That would be quite dishonest of her. And quite the mistake on your part. Is avoiding conflict of interest not a rule of conduct here in America?" His expression softened. "You've been a wonderful partner so far, Detective. I'd hate to request a new investigator over this issue."

He turned towards the stairwell before she could respond. "Please inform me when the defense attorney is known. Until then, may the Holy Mother watch over you."

Ema stuttered, then sulked. Well, that went well.

A/N's: Taking it back in time for this one, before these two were as familiar with each other. This drabble has reached the maximum word count for the challenge/KM prompt. But this time, it isn't AAI3 I'm avoiding (that was updated recently), but ERB:AA, who's overdue for an update. I may just ditch the mass battle idea and drop the participant number down to three. But I definitely want to update that before continuing EWW:PW:AA.

...If you don't read my other fics, these notes must be very confusing. Ah well, I hope you enjoy the fic anyway.

Thanks for reading, please review, thanks to AAHB for reviewing, I recommend the new chapter of Turnabout Anniversary to everyone, and I'll see you on the far side.