MISPER

To Offer Comfort

Natsume was sitting on one of the hospital chairs whit a doctor pulling out the bullet that hit him. It was not a huge injury, but it stung, and he will have to be careful with his arm for the next few weeks.

While the doctor (it was a woman in her late forties) took care of his wound, Natsume was deep in thought. He thought about Yuka and Mikan, and he thought about Persona. They did not catch him. He was still out there, creeping after women. The police station was in a buzz, going crazy because of the man. And even the reporters got wind of it. Not the whole story but they all noticed the uproar that day.

Persona was a huge mystery and an even bigger criminal. Natsume wished to catch him.

But now he had to find out why he was doing this, and why did he keep Yuka alive. Where does he keep the girls? There were no traces in that building that would indicate any forms of torture. So where did he bring them? What did he do? Once again, why? Why the hell? According to the psychologist that treated him during his stay in prison, he was not a psychopath. Persona was calm, collected, calculating. He was very smart. So what was it that made him do such things?

''All right. Off you go.'' The doctor told him and patted his shoulder with a smile.

Natsume stood up, gently touching his arm. No pain. ''Thanks. Can you send the papers into my office?''

''Of course. We've got a huge map of your injuries already, Mr Hyuuga. I suggest you take care of yourself more.''

Natsume chuckled. ''I'm trying.''

The woman rolled her eyes. ''You policemen are all about kicking and screaming. I don't understand you.''

''I promise that next time, I'll only have a jammed finger.''

''I hope so.'' She accompanied him to the door. ''Now, the woman you brought here is at the end of the hall. Two doctors are responsible for her. She went through a lot so I'm not sure she'll be able to answer your questions.''

Natsume nodded. ''I'll just have a look. Maybe her daughter could help.''

''Ah yeah, that poor girl. Since they arrived she was crying. When is she actually due?''

''Uh… Not sure. In two months maybe.''

''Nice. All right. Down the hall and left. Your men are keeping an eye on the door.''

Natsume made his way down the hall, already noticing his men.

They nodded at him when they noticed him and one of them scratched his head. ''It's quite loud in there.''

''What do you mean?''

''The daughter is crying and the mother has panic attacks. The doctors are with them.'' The old man explained, showing sympathy for the women.

Natsume thought about leaving them be for the day, but he had to at least see them to write a thorough report. And he wanted to see a certain someone; maybe offer comfort.

He knocked at the door and opened it.

As he walked in, the situation had already calmed down. Mikan was sitting next to her mother's bed, her hands clasping the sleeping woman's hands, her gaze turned to the window. Two doctors were leaning over a heap of papers on the other side of the bed, and discussed a few things, not loud enough for Natsume to understand. Yuka, on the other hand, was sleeping. She was bandaged all over and had tubes and cables connected to the piping machine.

Once the doctors noticed Natsume walk in, they greeted him and walked closer. Mikan did not react.

''How is she?''

Both doctors sighed. The younger one started speaking. ''Well, for one, she's traumatized. Can't handle if anyone comes one meter near, and has strong panic attacks if being touched. We made her sleep, so we could treat her.''

Then the other doctor spoke up. ''Physically; however… There were a few broken ribs, her face suffered several punches, and the injuries on her lower part of the body, legs, thighs and vagina show that she had been raped. These injuries will all heal; luckily she did not get pregnant. Her mental state; however… We'll have to wait and see.''

The three men were silent for a minute, glancing at the sleeping woman.

''Did she say anything yet?''

''She was mumbling something, but mostly screaming.'' The younger said.

''I think it's best to leave her sleep, and then talk to her in a few day.'' The doctor glanced at a dazed Mikan. ''But you should talk with the daughter. She's… I think you should involve a psychologist. It must have been hard for her these past months.''

Natsume nodded and thanked the doctors. They walked out, leaving him and the women alone. Natsume was not sure how to approach her. If he followed the protocol, he should start asking questions, using certain psychological techniques to keep her talking. But he seriously just wanted to comfort her.

He walked to her and stopped next to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. She did not flinch. ''Sakura-san.''

She did not look at him. ''Hm?''

''Please talk to me.''

''Mhm.''

''How do you feel?''

She finally glanced his way and smiled a little. ''I found my mum.'' She whispered, looking at Yuka.

''You know that Persona is still out there. We'll protect both of you until we find him.'' Natsume promised her. Mikan nodded, not saying anything. Natsume pulled a chair next to her and sat down. ''How do you feel, Mikan?'' he asked again, trying to help her get out of her shocked state.

She kept silent for a few seconds, then her eyes welled up. She sniffed and turned her face away to hide her tears. She cried softly, trying to not make any noise. Natsume caressed her back to calm her down and let her cry. The poor girl let it all out, although subtly.

Her shoulders were shaking and tears were running down her cheeks like waterfall. But she did not let him see her face directly. She needed a few minutes and in the end she sniffed and wiped her face. She cleared her throat. ''I'm sorry. And thank you. I'm… fine…''

''How fine?''

She glanced his way, her eyes red and wet, her lips trembling. ''I still can't believe she's here. I'm very happy. I'm so happy I can hardly breathe. But what he did to her…'' she caressed her mother's cheek. ''

''She's very strong. She stayed alive.'' Natsume added and Mikan nodded. ''You're strong too.'' He told her. She looked at him. ''You kept it together until the end and never gave up. What you did, not many people are able to. You're very strong.''

She stared at him, thinking, then nodded. ''Thank you. For everything. You trusting me helped me a lot. If it were any other cop, I think I'd… I don't know…'' she faced the other way, hiding her blushing cheeks. She could hardly tell him she was attracted to him. It was not appropriate and definitely not the time. She felt ashamed to feel that way, while her mother was in such a state.

''It's all right. I'm happy you came to me. Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to do anything at all. You'd be a great detective.'' He complimented and waited for her to look at him again. He wanted her to look at him. ''Hey.'' He nudged her, a little impatient to see her face. She glanced his way. ''Smile. You're ok. Your mum is ok. The police is on your side. And I'll help you.'' He smiled gently, taking her hand.

She felt her heart speed up, but she did not show her excited state. She smiled back. ''I know. Thank you. I'll rely on you.''

They had a strange moment of comfortable silence and holding hands. They gazed at each other, forgetting about their surroundings.

Someone knocked on the door. Natsume let go of her hand and stood up quickly. A nurse came walking in. ''Good evening. I need to see the patient, so if you'd please give us a moment.''

Natsume nodded, walking to the door. He looked back at Mikan, who stared after him. ''Good night.''

''Good night.'' She whispered back.