Prompt: temperance

The companion piece to the previous!

Antiseptic and soap.

The paralysis was wearing off, and slowly, he opened his eyes. He had long accepted there wouldn't be quaint visits, but the new Inspector was at his bedside. Tidy and neat, Tsunemori Akane really did look like she was fresh out of school. He could read her expression easily: shame, regret, contemplation. She apologized sincerely, and with her shoulders raised, she was prepared for a scalding admonishment.

But she wasn't wrong. She had tried to plead, to stop a mindless pull of the trigger, and she'd only shot him as a last resort. It was his fault for daring her, though he didn't regret it. His new boss had remained in control the entire time and proven her worth as a detective. A detective, who would protect people. For the first time in two years, he felt like the invisible leash wasn't as tight. He said as much, and her tears came as readily as her smile.

It was no wonder her Hue was so clear, and he initially believed it would be interesting to work with her. Her perspective was hopeful and pure; the unit would appreciate that.

And as he later realized, so did he.

Rice wine and incense.

At dusk, the group retreated into the ruins for prayers and dinner. The men on guard were switching off, chatting and laughing, passing rolled cigarettes. He must have been eyeing the pinpoint flames, because Tsunemori offered her own pack again.

"Thanks." He took one, but she pushed the box insistently towards him.

"You can have them all. I don't actually smoke, I only light them."

"So you won't get addicted like me?" It was just like her, to act with caution and self-restraint. He suppressed a grin as they hiked up the worn stone steps. "Spinels, huh?"

"You can have more if you return to Japan." She lightly said. "Not just your favorite cigarettes. We can negotiate terms."

"That's quite the offer." He paused, sparing her a glance. "But it isn't tempting enough."

She shrugged, unaffected. Her composure was stronger than ever. A breeze tossed her shining hair as her eyes shifted to the setting sun, liquid orange and wreathed in rosy clouds. The bright glow cast over her face, and she murmured. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah."

She could've fired the gun anytime, but she didn't. Instead, she was patiently waiting for the moment he was willing.

Colorful daisies and freesia.

Her desk was inundated with flowers and sticky notes of well wishes. In the past, her space was carefully organized, never as explosive as this. However, her fingers flew across her keyboard, not bothered by the clutter. As the door slid shut behind him, she looked up and offered a sweet smile.

He cleared his throat. "Hey. For a second, I didn't see you there. You're certainly popular. Are you keeping this?" He reached for a garish bloom, the synthetic petals bending.

"How could I get rid of everyone's feelings? It's a little embarrassing, but they cheer me up."

"Even the last minute scribbles?"

"Yes, those too." She was being modest, as always.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead. "Anything else I can do for you?"

"No, I'm just going to finish this report and then I'll leave."

"I can wait."

"Then, I'll be motivated to work faster." She lifted a fist for emphasis, and he soundly clapped her shoulder for encouragement.

If the foxes underestimated her temperate demeanor for docility, they'd be sorely mistaken. With steadfast conviction, Akane would deliver their judgment, nothing more and nothing less. He looked forward to it.