15 >> {voice}
{It was funny. He knew he'd die.
Didn't expect to wake up in an alley, though, least of all that alley. Malfatto recognizes it the moment his eyes flash open, the brick, almost the scent, though what comes new of it is the sheer, crippling pain when he tries to move, tries to turn on his side. Rasping a breath, lungs searing, he cries out ( Read more... )
Didn't expect to wake up in an alley, though, least of all that alley. Malfatto recognizes it the moment his eyes flash open, the brick, almost the scent, though what comes new of it is the sheer, crippling pain when he tries to move, tries to turn on his side. Rasping a breath, lungs searing, he cries out ( Read more... )
Wonders never cease.
But this? To say he doesn't remember? She doesn't believe it. He's a liar, of that much she's certain. And even if it is the truth, she's sure he'll get his memories back.]
So you don't remember?
[Forgive her if she sounds extremely skeptical.]
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{Or at least... that's the card we'll play.}
You'll have to specify.
Don't remember how I got here? No.
{She's forgiven! Who wouldn't be skeptical?}
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Do you remember me? Do you remember my voice?
[Do you remember cutting me? Do you remember my death?]
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I've heard you speak over the Forge before... I saw you at a gathering once, as well. But that was quite some time ago, bella.
Why?
{I remember your eyes spilling down shredded cheeks, yes. Fondly. And if I'd had the thought at the time, I'd have snapped a photo of it and sent the thing out as a Christmas card.}
{Heck, Bella would have liked it.}
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Is that all?
What about the alley? I suppose you don't remember it either.
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... what more do you want?
I'm in one. Is it significant? Not to seem needy, but... I certainly would appreciate some help piecing together what's happened here.
{And oh, it's so tempting to mock. To tell her "I remember, and I've no regrets". But... not now. Not now. Maybe later.}
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You don't have to pretend, Malfatto. Just between the two of us, the truth. We were intimate, after all.
[Few relationships are more intimate than that of a killer and the victim whose life he took with his own hands. She doesn't sound much like a victim now, though.]
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... oh, how we were.
{A sigh, then, laced with a whimsy born of fond nostalgia.}
When is our next date then, hm? I look forward to it.
How are those eyes of yours? They grew back proper, I assume?
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I'm ready to meet again whenever you are.
[Emphasis on ready.]
My eyes are perfect. I don't even have a scar.
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{Laughing now, the girl's so eager!}
Shame. I suppose we can try harder next time, though.
... have you been here lately? Most of your blood's been washed away. It took some time to scrub it from my mask! What an inconvenience you were!
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I wouldn't want you to feel as if you were at a disadvantage. Take your time, of course. I'm not going anywhere.
My apologies. I'll try to keep the bother to a minimum next time by not bleeding.
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Disadvantage? Tut. Far as I recall, between the two of us, the only one remotely disadvantaged was the one lying like a sack of bloodied meat at my feet.
I'm thinking a clean snap of the neck next time. How does that sit with you, dear?
{Hilariously, he really has no qualm with her. He's just reveling in his (brief) victory.}
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[She's smiling so broadly that the amusement translates into her voice.]
I say you are welcome to try.
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{Truth is, he is, too. Not sure why, though. Killing her again would only mean returning and... well, he wouldn't be able to try this lie again, would he? Not likely. But he does want to see her.}
Then you are welcome to approach me. Shall we arrange something?
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[Which is part of the reason why she's not afraid of you anymore. You're not even half as scary as her last boss's little kid.]
Gladly. Name a time and place.
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{Eh, doesn't matter. Scaring something after you've killed it is kind of redundant.}
In a couple days, then? In the evening. You can choose the place.
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