Sorrow & Mercy: a Great Ace Attorney AU

Strange Shadows

"I had the same presumption," Klint said. He stood and turned his head towards her. She could feel his stare, although she could not really see his eyes in the light. "You should be asleep. It does not do for a woman to wander a house at night. You are liable to fall, or else have your intentions misconstrued."

"Well I—I just..."

"You just? What?" Klint snapped.

Susato flinched. "I was just...going to make some tea...to see if it would help my nerves."

"What reason could you possibly have to be so troubled?" Klint said, voice low and dark. "Or are you merely spying on the household? Would you violate our good graces in such an impertinent way?"

"No! Lord van Zieks, I do not...I do not understand why you are saying this."

"Just go to sleep, Miss Mikotoba. There is nothing to fear."

"I do worry about your safety. Of course I do! Even if only corrupt noblemen have died, I am still unsettled!"

Klint strode towards her, but stopped shy of the shadow of her candlelight.

"Your concern is appreciated, but entirely unnecessary. I assure you."

"Yes...Lord Barok van Zieks said as much. I just...Everyone has seemed so troubled. I suppose it has played on my nerves as well."

"Do not allow our troubles to unsettle you, Miss Mikotoba. Our lives have nothing to do with yours."

Susato nodded, eyelids fluttering against a sudden threat of tears. "I am...I am just going to make some tea. Then I will go. Forgive me for catching you unaware."

Susato began to walk away.

"Miss Mikotoba?"

She froze, a sudden chill clutching her spine. With a harsh shudder, she turned. Klint was still several feet away, little more than a shape in the gloom.

"Would you prepare a cup for me as well? I will join you in the drawing room."

Susato bowed deeply and hurried into the kitchen.

***

Susato sat in the drawing room and stared at the steaming cups of tea she had prepared. She desperately wanted to drink in the soothing warmth, but she waited for Klint.

At last, he entered. Susato stood and bowed. Klint bowed stiffly back. He lowered himself into an armchair across from her and took a long sip of tea. With less space between them and more illumination, Susato now realised that Klint's hair looked dark and smoother, as if it was wet and in the process of drying. He had probably washed his face to try to calm his nerves, or else to clear away the sweat and musk of the forest before retiring to Lady Baskerville's side, she wagered.

"I apologise that I kept you waiting. I had to let Balmung outside. Although, I thought he deserved a treat for accompanying me at such a late hour first," Klint said.

"Of course. He's a wonderful dog," Susato said.

She gave him a small, unsure smile.

"This tea is excellent. Forgive my harsh words, Miss Mikotoba. You have...You have long been a fine companion and guest," Klint said. "I spoke to you unfairly."

"I understand, Lord van Zieks."

"It was most graceless of me."

"I will recover from the offense and the startle both."