𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 - Akali x Male reader

Chapter 23

*** Akali POV ***

He then says it clearly again, "The matter of the case still stands - he can have a fragment of a case. The tapes need to be studied by the police before we can make a statement but I am just making it critically aware to you Miss Tethi that the damage you did to him can rule in an Imperfect Self Defense."

I sigh, "It shouldn't. He had plenty of hits on me, nevermind assault he would have had his way with me if I didn't defend myself."

"Proportional Response dictates that you are only to respond with the same level of force but it is twisted and hard to determine the nature of such an attack," he clears his throat as he pages through something.

"I am not saying you are in the wrong for defending yourself - the jurisdiction follows a Stand Your Ground law. I'd suggest using that in your favor as we can avoid a trial altogether. Your injuries are minor in contrast to his"

I rub my brow, "Then why mention all that making me worry about defending myself?"

"You have to be aware of what can surface from this case," he states again.

I just want to go home and avoid anything that has to do with me showing up in court. I don't want Ahri sitting behind me whispering I told you so every time I have to go up and defend myself. Let's just hope I can use this Stand Your Ground law and not have to stand at trials over this.

They are just reviewing the footage and then if everything checks out I should be able to just be over and done with it. I lift my knees to my chest, resting my hands around my calves as I stare emptily into the metal table in this interrogation-looking room.

The thought creeping in what would have happened if I could defend myself. The thought of a friendship was lost and the time that was wasted building it. 

Fuck man.

*** Normal POV ***

Answering my phone, "Yeah what's up?"

"You still at college? I thought you'd be in your room already shunning the world."

"Have some things to finish up - ended up spacing out so I am just copying notes from Grace then I will be home soon."

"Just making sure you don't up and disappear. I am going to the bottle store, want something to drink?"

I chuckle, "As long as it doesn't taste like shit then I am fine. Why? Are you planning on doing your super famous barbeque?"

"Nah. Just wanted to stand by a fire and just talk about life. You know those talks that drag onto midnight and you are just starving but the person in charge of the food is too busy talking about how his life sucks ass."

"Sounds about right," I let out a chuckle, knowing that we had been in that situation before.

"Matty will be making a stop along with Michelle. So feel free to ask Grace to tag along... so long she just stays on the opposite side of me."

"Will do."

He cuts the calls as I quickly return to finishing my work. Grace then walks into the area, dropping down next to me as she asks, "Any progress?"

"Quite a bit, thanks."

"Don't you mention it. So what's up with him? He is acting like you need to be looked after like a child you let free into the toy store."

I lift my shoulder, then states with a chuckle, "He gets like that sometimes."

"Don't know how he manages to be a good friend but a shitty human being," she rubs her brow.

"He does some stupid shit but he brought me far and without him, I'd probably still making scenarios on how to talk to people," then with a snort, "He just needs some help realizing what he is doing isn't smart."

"Fair enough. You are sweet for looking at it like that."

I twist my mouth to the sides, "I hate him sometimes - so it isn't fair saying that. I guess I also piss him off sometimes with how timid I can be."

With a sigh, "We do what we have to. Still..."

"Still?" I look up from the work.

"I didn't call you sweet because you can tolerate him but of how kind of a soul you are. You know how he can be yet you don't let that muddy your vision of him. Maybe too kind for your own good but I admire it."

"What... 

She rambles on,  "Not the blind kindness but knowing that someone is probably not better off but you have-"

"Grace? You are losing me here," I offer a weak smile with an awkward chuckle.

"Sorry. I," she sighs as she twists her mouth to the side, "I like you. Probably a little random-"

"Why?" is the only question I could find.

"Believe it or not you are easy to hang out with. You can call this me acting on a little crush I had on you since I met you back when you didn't really talk with me outside of my group - you had this serious look on your face but it falls away so easily when you are in a comfortable spot around people you trust. It felt nice to see you like that."

I nod, then let my smile fade, "I'm sorry, Grace."

She chuckles, "I know you don't really like me, well... in that sense."

"Sorry."

She shakes her head, lifting herself as she leans against the table, "Don't say sorry you will end up making me feel bad. Still friends, yeah?"

"I was almost scared it wouldn't be possible after that," I say as I try to smile.

"We can try at the very least," she then sighs, "It is her... isn't it?" she watches me through the corner of her eye, still wearing a smile, "If you try to reach her, I don't know what type of person Akali is but I am sure she is awesome."

I smile only for it to fade, I don't know what to say to her. She is here now and I don't even know if Akali is interested in someone like me. I playing with chances that I don't even know and right here and now is something that I can try to make work... something I know for certain.

But what's the point if my head and heart aren't here?

"She is."

"Don't tell me that. Even if it doesn't work out it will be a lot better than not knowing for certain," she stares emptily in front of her, she is clearly upset and trying to convince herself otherwise. I'd invite her but that would be a spit in the face... I can't find it in me to do that.

I finish up, handing her notes back. She steps closer giving me a quick hug, "Sorry and thank you. See you tomorrow."

I hate this.