𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆 .

Fussy huh ... what new kind of patronizing get-up was this? This new HUMILIATION ritual that she is being subjected to! Izzy tugs and fixes the collar of her shirt, buttoning, and rolling the sleeves up. " I don't think that's the word that .................... wholly encompasses the mood. "

Embarrassed, irritated, MORTIFIED even at the reality of the situation. The truth that she has opened her already scarce wallet to splurge on the fantasy of a pretty man (or two) - how irresponsible she was. It was all for fun but now look at her! Shaking with her credit card statement in hand, the new information that her beloved host is clung onto Daejeon ... It really was all too much for one night. She knew the clubs were for some fun but now she can't even relax there !

- It's just weird to sit with a man who your best friend fancies. Feels ... like shes a huge loser.

SHE WAS ONLY ONE WOMAN! Battling a slew of negative emotions at every turn. Izzy balls up the statement and she drives it into the bin. " I'm feeling a bit .... " She deflates with a sigh. " A bit foolish. I need a drink, will you go with me? Please? "

It was a heap, her life, a big heap of trash. She would see a shovel and proceed to dig straight down until she couldn't reach the top anymore.

" Hello! - " WHAT WAS HER NAME?! GOD... the words are lost and she panics. It was only one ... maybe two? times? that she's seen this girl. She was swell enough but Izzy had a job to do and the other had this uncanny way of appearing when Izzy needed it the LEAST.

" - You.. " A hand pats the top of her head in affectionate recognition. " You're quite clingy today? Did something happen? Come on you can walk with me while I get to my destination. How have you been? "

It would be harder to exchange awkward goodbyes, might as well drag her along. " I'm seeing much more of you lately, haha! You stalking me? "

❝ Ms. Sabine! ❞ Zenigata greets her with a grin, his fedora pressed politely to his chest. ❝ Happy New Year! I know I'm a little late, but... I'd like you to have this. ❞ It's a homemade osechi-ryori, bundled up nice and neatly in a black and gold bento box!

The holiday ... it blitzed by WAYYY too fast! She was already slumped over in her office chair, tapping her pen against the edge for light amusement. It's a shame she was already back, but it's not a normal day in the office. Today was the rare occasion Daejeon was gone, so she had an even RARER opportunity to slack off on paperwork. Oh to concede to the baser parts of herself, the one that wishes to lounge about and take it easy for once -

Then she is startled to attention, years of being near authoritative figures cause her to tense as she hops up with much vigor to stand erect. She had no idea who it was .. but what if it was a BIG BOSS??

" Ms. Sabine! Yes - that's me! " Twirling behind her flurried expression pauses and relaxes. It's just the inspector - a man she did not give square shoulders to. " Inspector! My goodness - FOR ME?! "

She holds the box, astounded at the flawless way it's packed ( How did he manage this with those large hands? ) The amount of time and care it took surely must have been no small job .. he really was the best man huh? Her heart can't take it! It's melting right out of her chest! How long has it been since someone has just ... been so kind to her?! AGES. Her eyes grow steamy as the water wells up in the corners.

Izzy grabs him, attacks and climbs as she is clung onto his large frame. " You gotta be kidding!! Inspector ZENIGATAAAAAA!! **SOBSOB** THIS IS SO NICE OF YOU ... !! " She continues to cry from happiness and leaves a wet spot on his chest.