Of Light and Shadow: Life After Sibyl

Chapter 1

Just because my path is different doesn't mean I'm lost.

-Gerard Abrams

"Everything will be fine." Akane repeated for the thousandth time. Maybe if she said it often enough it would become true. She looked up when she felt Kogami's eyes on her. While it wasn't obvious to the casual observer, Akane could see her tension reflected in his shoulders and in the lines of his face.

"There's still time if you want to cancel." He replied, trying to keep the note of hopefulness out of his voice.

Akane pursed her lips and gestured to the closed apartment door in front of them. "That's kind of short notice, don't you think?"

Kogami gave a nonchalant shrug. "Blame it on me. Your parents aren't exactly my biggest fans."

"Not true! My mom likes you." Akane protested, lightly swatting his arm.

"And your dad?"

Akane sighed. Kogami and her father were like oil and water. She suspected her father's dislike of Kogami had less to do with the man himself and more to do with her. He had never liked the idea of her working as an inspector with the PSB. After Sibyl had fallen, he had expected her to change careers and begin anew. She'd had the same argument with him after Yuki died. It had really hit home just how dangerous her job was. When she didn't resign and even started dating a coworker, her father hadn't been pleased. 

"He's...he just hasn't accepted that this is who I am...and I think he's taking it out on you." Akane took Kogami's hand between hers. "For that I'm sorry."

Kogami gazed down at Akane's earnest expression. He'd guessed as much at their first disastrous meeting. Underneath the open hostility, Kogami had seen the fear in her father's eyes. Fear of losing her on the job. Fear of entrusting her life to someone labeled as a latent criminal. Despite Akane's misgivings, Kogami had insisted on giving her parents an abbreviated version of his past. Though it hadn't gone over well, he preferred to be honest. He had plans for his future with Akane and he wasn't about to start off by deceiving her family.

Smiling wryly, he lightly caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "It's nothing I can't handle." Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Besides," He murmured against her mouth. "You're worth it." Akane surprised him by deepening the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself against his chest. He would never get used to the open and artless affection she offered him. He'd gladly drown himself in her love.

Suddenly, the door abruptly swung open, startling them both. Akane jumped out of Kogami's embrace, flushing under the ire of her father's hard stare. Kicking herself for behaving like a guilty teenager, Akane cleared her throat and greeted her father. Though he gave her a terse reply, his eyes never left Kogami's face. 

"Good evening, sir." Kogami bowed politely. 

Katsuro Tsunemori gave him a grunt of acknowledgement and ushered his daughter inside. Akane shot Kogami an apologetic glance over her shoulder. He blew out a breath and stepped inside the Tsunemori home. He prayed this dinner went better than the last. As he entered the small foyer, he was engulfed in a warm embrace. 

"It's good to see you again!" Akane's mother, Nanami, drew back and smiled up at him. It was a relief that at least one of her parents approved of him. However, his relief was short-lived as he noticed the lines of anxiety around her eyes and mouth. He recognized the expression. He'd often seen it on Akane's face during difficult cases.

"What's wrong?" He asked quietly, noting that Katsuro had quickly led Akane into the living room. There was a steady hum of conversation emanating from the doorway. More noise than he would normally expect for a small dinner party.