What you're name ?

Chapter 29 Cross Examination

Made by @cataclysmiceve1 on Twitter!
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Content Warnings: Descriptions of violence, panic attacks, night terrors, etc.
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The recess is ending.

Taneda is kneeling in front of where Chuuya is sitting on the couch, eye level with him. "We prepped you for your father's original counsel—Mr. Takamura is unfamiliar territory for us."

Chuuya's fingers twitch anxiously. "Is that a bad thing?"

"I've never had a case against him," Taneda sighs, "I don't know his style. We've built a strong case—but it all hinges on your credibility as a witness. And the testimony of Captain Tachihara."

Chuuya nods, a little shaken.

"He's going to try to make you contradict yourself."

"If you ever feel confused—just say you aren't sure. If you don't like the premise of the question, tell him you don't understand." They've been through this before—but it feels more stressful now. "And do not , under any circumstances, let him get inside your head, alright?"

Chuuya nods, and the bailiff appears at the door. "I'll be right there if he asks something out of line, alright?" Taneda pats his arm. "Let's go."

Chuuya doesn't want to see that witness box for another thousand years—but he sits down again.

"This court will now resume."

Chuuya is sworn in again—and this time, the defense attorney stands up, moving towards the lectern. He's young—maybe in his early thirties. He's handsome too, thick, dark hair swooped to the side, an expensive suit.

"Good afternoon, Nakahara-san, or—I apologize you said you prefer to go by Chuuya, correct?"

Chuuya nods, trying to keep his expression relaxed.

"Then I'll refer to you by your first name from now on, if that's alright with you."

Chuuya nods again, and the attorney smiles. "Thank you—and I would also like to thank you for choosing to be here today. Regardless of the outcome of this case, it's clear you've been through quite an ordeal."

His expression is sympathetic, and—Chuuya doesn't know what to think."You're..." his eyes flicker to Taneda, and the prosecutor seems tense . "You're welcome." Chuuya mutters, looking back at the defense lawyer.

"I'm not going to linger too much on events outside of that night. But you did say one thing in your testimony about your father that I found interesting." He leans on his elbow. "His parenting style."

"You said his parenting style was 'strict.'" The defense attorney, Takamura, gestures air quotes with his hands. "But in light of your later testimony, I have to ask," he sets down his pen. "Do you think your father is abusive?"

It's a trap. One Chuuya almost falls right into.

His knee jerk response is to say 'No, of course not. ' To downplay it. To try to make it seem like it didn't happen.

"..."

"If you don't like the premise of the question, ask for clarification."