#rip phoenix

This had to be a nightmare. It had to. That was the only explanation that kept him from screaming.

Dahlia loomed in front of him, eyes empty and cold just as he last remembered her. Phoenix stayed frozen where he sat, barely able to breathe, hands unconsciously knotted in the couch blankets. (This is it, isn’t it? You’re finally going to get what you wanted, Dollie. Just don’t touch Tru-)

Dahlia extended one hand directly toward his face and he flinched, squeezing his eyes shut. When nothing happened, he forced himself to peek.

She was just standing there, holding a banana out to him.

Man and ghost stared at each other in silence. Neither moved for what seemed like forever. Slowly, Phoenix lifted one shaking hand and took the fruit.

Dahlia let out an ear-rending scream and swept past the couch, disappearing.

Phoenix sat there for several minutes, body still locked with trembling fear, banana wobbling in his grip. He finally let out an almost sob-like breath and went limp, letting his head loll back on the couch.

“Oh, hello, Mr. Wright! In justice we trust, haha! How are y-”

The detective gasped in surprise as the shorter man suddenly grabbed him in a hug, though he didn’t recoil or resist. He took it in stride within seconds and hugged back. Hard. In an all-engulfing bear hug.

“Oh my, this is so nice of you! I don’t know what prompted such a nice gesture, but thank you, Mr. Wright!” Bobby exclaimed with a hearty laugh. He gave Phoenix’s back a firm pat, still hugging tightly.

"I-I..."

Maria struggled to compose herself. He had sent Manfred to the pit so long ago, but she still found herself getting star-struck when he was nearby. Especially when he snuck up on her like that.