[ That doesn't mean those pulled in have to like it, damn it. Especially not when it's the picture example of domestic abuse. Give it a few months and Squalo might be walking home in a similar shape as Luci did from Lesedi. ]

[ Hopefully the sound of background music and dozens of conversations will hide them well enough. ]

I know him. I'm not waxing poetic or biblical here, I actually know him, from somewhere, or somewhen. [ He leans in toward her ear and does his best to lower his voice. This time he manages to get it down to a loud hiss. ] Hasn't it happened to you? Seeing a person in your head. Too detailed, too alive to possibly be the fruit of your imagination.