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Bobby woke in total darkness. He felt his breath hitch, and instinctively started folding in on himself. He could still hear that horrid, horrid voice ringing in his ears. He shut his eyes, pressing his hands to the sides of his head, trying to silence it. But it didn't matter, it was always there-pressing, pressing-
And then, just as suddenly, it stopped.
Bobby couldn't believe it at first. He opened his eyes, but nothing was there. He asked who was there, but it simply faded into the dark abyss, a faint echo the only sound. He tried again, but it didn't even echo that time. Just….nothing.
And, as suddenly as it stopped, it was back, louder, stronger, clearer-
"In Justice We Trust!"
Bobby screamed.
Simon didn't hesitate to fling the door open, not even bothering to turn on the light. In the time it took him to cross the small apartment the screaming had shifted to sobbing, and he paused in the doorway, eyes adjusting to the scene, courtesy of Fulbright's dim night light. He stepped closer, approaching.
"Fulbright?"
The man lifted his head, swallowing, before slowly shaking his head "No..no you can't."
Simon frowned, stepping back slightly. "Can't…?"
"You can't be him! It won't work-I-I won't let you! I'll tell everyone, I'll-I'll-"
As Fulbright spoke, understanding broke through Simon's mind. He stepped forward again, making sure his movements were slow and gentle, hands up, palms out.
"Fulbright, it's okay. I'm not him."
Fulbright sniffed. "W-what?"
"I'm me. Really." He was next to Fulbright now, and didn't dare get closer without permission. "Would you like to check?"
Fulbright had scooted away from him, to the far side of the bed, dragging the blankets with him. He looked skeptical, but nodded slowly. Simon gently took Fulbright's hand, raising it up to his own face. He didn't pull away as Fulbright pulled, twisted, and even dug his nails into Simon's skin, before finally relaxing just a smidge, and leaning onto Simon's figure, pulling him close.
Simon sat with him awhile, letting Bobby calm. It was Bobby who finally broke the silence.
"Where are we Sir?"
"In a bedroom. Do you remember whose?”
“.....no…”
“That’s alright. Shall we figure it out together? Or would you rather I told you outright?”
“Oh, please just tell me…”
“Yours. It is your room. Do you see anything of yours?”
Bobby squinted into the dark room, before nodding. “That’s my wallpaper. And my closet. And….and my bowling ball.”
Simon smiled. “That’s right. Anything else?”
“My night light…it's shaped like a dinosaur..and my glasses next to it.”
“Excellent. Do you hear anything familiar?”
Bobby sat up a little straighter, listening. “Hmmm…not much…the building is creaking a little…and my clock is ticking…and…” he paused, and swallowed before finishing. “And your heartbeat.”
“Good. What about touch? What can you feel?”
Bobby made an exaggerated sigh before answering. “Oh, you’re using psychology on me aren't you. Well, I feel warm. And the blanket is soft. And the bed is firm. Oh but not too firm!”
Simon chuckled softly. “Guilty as charged, detective. Do you know where you are now?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then pray, shed light on the matter.”
“Don’t tell me you forgot!” Bobby sat upright, bumping Simon's chin on the way up, before scowling at him.
“Not at all. But it’s good to check in.”
Bobby huffed a little, before laying back down. “We’re in the apartment. Our apartment, that I split with you.”
“That’s right.” Simon rubbed Bobby's shoulder in small, circular motions. “And do you know who I am?”
“You’re Simon Blackquill, prosecutor, and friend.”
“Quite. And now, the million dollar question.”
“Hm?”
“Do you know who you are?”
There was a pause before Bobby answered. When he did, it was a small, almost strangled voice.
“I’m Bobby Fulbright.”
Simon looked down at Bobby, who was carefully avoiding eye contact. “Yes. that is exactly who you are.” Simon leaned down, wrapping Foolbright in a hug. “You, Bobby Fulbright, are one of my closest friends, and I’ve no intention of letting you forget it.”
The two lay there, holding each other for a long, long time. When the silence finally broke, it was with a request.
“Please don’t go.”
Simon buried his face in Bobby’s shoulder, and shook his head. “Never.”