Session 1

"Takashi Shirogane," the receptionist announced as she opened the door to the therapist's office and ushered him in with a polite smile. Shiro stood still as the door shut behind him. A worn out couch sat at an angle that took up most of the room and he vowed there and then not to lie back on it; there would only be one reason for him to be sitting, sobbing his heart out, reliving his past like he wasn't already reliving it everytime he awoke from sleep every day since he's landed on Earth.

The only other piece of furniture was a wicker chair with blue cushion coverings, currently occupied by a woman that Shiro presumed was his therapist; she looked like a posh kid straight out of university who wouldn't be able to grasp the concept of life as an adult, never mind as a soldier.

He casted a glance over the rest of the room, taking in the plain colored walls and carpet, the clock with large, black numbers and a loud hand ticking away the seconds, and the open window behind the wicker chair with no blinds, just blue curtains that don't match the wicker chair coverings or the couch; cold air drifted in from the widow and Shiro's already unwanted desire to be here plummeted even further.

"Ah, Mr. Shirogane. I've been waiting for you."

Shiro focused on the therapist again and said nothing.

"I've heard you were a punctual man but I still didn't expect you…," the woman's eyes drifted to the clock and back on him,"... to be 15 minutes early." She steepled her fingers under her chin so that she looked like she's praying for patience, and Shiro reminded himself that he only had to attend five obligatory sessions with a psychiatrist.

"You shouldn't believe everything you hear," he replied, still standing, and tried not to think about the things he had believed in before the war.

"And yet, here you are in my office. Can I call you Takashi?" The therapist looked him over, from the toes of his Garrison-issued boots to the tips of his white hair, and smiled. It's a small, close-mouthed smile, but one that promised sharp, sharp teeth and something deep in Shiro's brian sparked to life at that hint of trouble.

"Will you sit," she asked, gesturing to the couch; the words weren't even out of her mouth when she was cut off by Shiro nodding no. He's done enough sitting, enough nothing for a lifetime.

A beat, two, passed where only the ticking clock hands were heard.

"Tell me about yourself," she said, tilting her head to one side like a curious bird.

"You've got my file," he replied and it already felt like eons since he's stepped into the room.

"I haven't read it."

"You haven't read it…," Shiro repeated, feeling slow, stupid, as if he was wading in lukewarm water. "But you've got my files."

"Yes, but I haven't read it."

Shiro felt like a circle was somehow completed with all the parroting they both just did and chose to sit down on the edge of the long couch instead.

He didn't lean back.

"There's really nothing you want to tell me, Takashi?" That smile was still on her face and he shifted minutely, aware that her eyes were on his arm, his hair, his scar across his face.

The curtains fluttered a bit before stilling.

"The name's Nira Shirani, since I doubt you bothered to find out. You're required to spend a further four sessions with me and if you don't want to talk to me now, you still have time. I'll see you same time next week." She stood up, face shadowed by the setting sun. "Try not to shoot yourself in the meantime."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Shiro said and he hated the way his voice sounded. Disused. Husky. Raw.

Shirani stepped around him and opened the door; in the closed space, Shiro had a sudden inkling that perhaps, she does know what she's talking about.

"Of course not. Therefore, I have nothing I'm obliged to report. Next week, Takashi."

"I've never tried," Shiro said quietly as he passed her on the way out. He's not sure why. But he did know why he added, "And call me Shiro."

- Shiro is ordered to go to therapy and so, he goes.

- Cover art is by elentori on Tumblr & Instagram

- I hope you enjoy! Reviews are much appreciated! :)