(Untitled)

[remem_b_er]

*Standing in the hallway is a familiar, if rather bundled up, B. Dressed again in his smart green suit jacket, this time over jeans and a white shirt, B looks both ways up and down the hall, trying to decide which way to go. After a moment he snaps his fingers, and the scarf and mittens he had been wearing vanish, leaving him in just the normal

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[firm_detective]

*He pauses, watches, and doesn't immediately speak.*

... You're back.

*His hand strays to his mouth, and he begins to gnaw at his thumbnail: the only outward sign of his agitation.*

[remem_b_er]

I'm not here to hurt anyone.

*He's different. More composed. Less human.*

[firm_detective]

*He modulates his voice to flatten its tone.*

What brings you back?

[remem_b_er]

My friend.

[firm_detective]

*He hazards a guess, still running his teeth under the edge of his thumbnail.*

An A?

[remem_b_er]

No, I told you. Near. Have you been well, L? You look quite concerned.

[firm_detective]

*He raises his eyebrows.*

You'll have to forgive me if my memory of that conversation isn't quite what it should be.

I'm fine.
*He continues to tap his lip with his thumb. It wouldn't do to remove it from his mouth entirely.*

Where did you go, exactly? One minute I was speaking with you, and the next, the room was empty.

[remem_b_er]

You can't know that, I'm sorry.

[firm_detective]

But you were able to return at will.

*He sighs.*

I told Misa what you said. She appreciated it.

[remem_b_er]

Good. She's well, I take it?

[firm_detective]

Yes. As well as ever. She's moved in with me.

I can't know where you went -- but your situation has improved? Permanently?

*He may be less threatening, now, but there is something unsettling and alien about the ghost.*