Happy Accidents

Chapter 2: First Day

Doing her best to forget the embarrassing incident from the day before, Sakura got herself up and ready for work that morning, energetically prepared to tackle the day. She was sure nothing entirely insane was going to happen on the first day; after all, most of it would just be brushing up on policies and procedures and getting herself settled. Sakura made her way to the autopsy area to settle into the mostly empty office, juggling her bag over her shoulder, tea in one hand and a bagel in the other. Setting the drink and food down on the desk, the doctor turned to get herself settled... except someone was standing there.

Tall and handsome would be putting it mildly. The detective stood at least five-foot-ten, perhaps pushing six feet, with dark hair framing his face on either side, tousled in the back and on the top. He wore it a bit long, but the length looked good on him; it gave him a rugged and very masculine look. He was clean-shaven, with eyes dark like shimmering onyx and eyelashes that could make any girl jealous. Though his expression appeared neutral, there was a hint of mystery in his eyes; almost a bit of sadness, if Sakura were to describe it emotionally. Just the faintest air of quiet melancholy surrounding him despite his brusque appearance.

"So you're the new coroner." It wasn't a question but a direct statement; his voice almost gave Sakura chills. Was this the new guy Ino had been talking about? Tall, dark, and handsome... oh, her friend's description hadn't done it justice, if that were the case.

"Ah! Yes, that's me," she said, metaphorically picking her jaw up off the floor. If he'd noticed her staring, he hadn't said anything; something told Sakura that he was probably used to it if he'd looked like that all his life. She reached out a hand to shake, and he hesitantly took it, his larger, leather-clad hand almost engulfing her smaller delicate one. Something told her he wasn't one for physical contact, even hand-shakes.

"Dr. Sakura Haruno," she introduced.

"...Detective Uchiha," he replied with that same hesitation. He wouldn't even give his first name; it seemed like he was inclined to keep things from getting too personal.

"I was told I'd be working with someone in the field as well since I'll be serving as the local pathologist and anthropologist. I also have a degree in criminal psychology--"

"Yeah. Me." He cut her off before even letting her speak. He was... rude if she was honest. That, or he didn't care about her credentials in the slightest. "We'll be working on major crimes. And we have a case already."

"Wait--already?" She asked, looking a bit overwhelmed.

His expression turned flat, almost annoyed. "Yeah." A curt reply was all she got before he seemed to scoff under his breath. "Hn... annoying," he muttered.

Did--he call her... annoying? What a jerk! What a pompous, self-serving, uptight, self-righteous assho--

"Are you coming, or are you going to stand there and look stupid?" He asked, giving her a look... as if he thought she was stupid or something. "Let's. Go."

"Okay, okay, sheesh, I'm coming," she replied, grabbing her jacket as she heard him sweep out of the room, his long coat swaying behind him. He was making his way up the stairs as she scrambled to put on her jacket, running behind him and haphazardly carrying her bag and coffee--and even forgetting her bagel. She followed him up the stairs, scrambling to catch up. He certainly wasn't going to wait for her. Ino had talked about his looks, but clearly, she'd missed the part where he was a total jerk in her 'researching'!

"Will you slow down?!" She demanded, her shorter legs struggling to keep up. "You've got at least a foot of height on me, so my legs are not as long as yours, you know!" He seemed to pause for a minute, glancing at her before adjusting his pace wordlessly, though he looked annoyed at having to do so. Huffing as she shrugged her jacket on, she reached for her car keys before he cleared his throat.