(Untitled)

[noirneath]

[TODAY IN THE LOBBY there are two familiar looking faces dressed in unfamiliar clothing-- unless you're familiar with Victorian fashion, that is-- seated in the plush chairs next to the coffee table. Kaito is resting his head on said table, clearly dazed and yet still grinning lopsidedly as he takes in his surroundings with interest. His (bloody,

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[fallen_tantei]

[It's been so long since this particular Shinichi has visited the mansion that he was beginning to think it was a honey dream. Extinguishing his candle as he meanders down the passage way, Kudo pauses as he catches fragments of conversation and the sound of familiar voices.

You don't need to pass a watchful challenge to put these pieces together.]

Medusa's head?

[noirneath]

[Kaito isn't quite convinced it isn't a honey dream-- or at least a remodeled version of the Royal Bethlehem Hotel (which is a shame, really, the older version had such nice architecture, and you really couldn't beat that fountain). So once the familiar voice he knows he hasn't heard in quite some time reaches his ears, he lifts his head off of the table and blinks blearily at Shinichi]

Perhaps at one point in time~ But it certainly isn't anymore. [that smile isn't going anywhere despite the way he stumbles over his words, and he lifts his uninjured arm in a half-hearted wave]

Good evening! Or good morning. Or even good afternoon! [a beat] I haven't quite decided what time of the day I'd like for it to be yet.

[fallen_tantei]

[Is that an attempt at changing the subject? Kudo raises an eyebrow at the stumble but there's no denying Kuroba's ... persuasive ability and he drops the subject.]

That's certain. Welcome to the mansion, Kuroba, Nakamori. It comes complete with it's own time. [Man, wait till they hear about the weather.]

[noirneath]

[Perhaps on a normal day it might be. Right now, it's just the mumbling of a poor man high on narcotics

One who's smile is fading into a frown as he flops back onto the table, brows knitted together in concentration]

Did they rename it, too? A shame... I really should have a few words with the manager, I much prefer the Royal Beth-- Bleth-- Belthli-- [he stumbles over the syllables so much that his mumblings turn into incoherent babble, and his grin returns as he breaks out into a series of snickers at his own fumbling]

[mukashi_no_ran]

[A Samurai's daughter does not need to be afraid to walk alone. As a Mouri, Ran's known that her entire life and she's never been afraid of anything bar spirits and Shinichi getting into more trouble than he can deal with.

Being a wife has subtly changed things. She finds she does not like if Shinichi is away more than a couple of hours and finds excuses to put off his trips to Edo or Kyoto. She is fonder of his attention and doesn't get so irritated when he insists on taking over chores that should be hers as she once did -- she finds she tires more easily. Then there are the other changes. She is off-balance and knows it, and is not well pleased to find herself in a place that seems to delight in putting people off-balance.

She pauses as she catches the conversation in the lobby but not recognising the voices, doesn't pause in her search for a familiar face. She is attired in a kimono more womanly than those she usually wears in the Mansion, although there is a sheathed katana hanging at her side. Her bump is slight but

[noirneath]

[Somehow, during his own hazy examinations of the mansion, Kaito's gaze falls upon Ran. In hindsight, her appearance should have tipped him off that something was... different, here. But coming to this conclusion through the haze of poisonous narcotics was nearly impossible.

With a lopsided grin, he lifted his free hand in a wave, more amused than confused with her appearance. His speech still slurred, words running together like water, he called out to her]

Ah, Miss Mouri! I had no idea you had such exotic taste! [His gaze flickers toward the unmistakable bump on her stomach with a sly grin]

Nor did I know that you and Mr. Kudo were moving so quickly. These are the things you have to tell me, you know.

[mukashi_no_ran]

[Ran paused at being hailed. The man calling her was a surprise -- as was his curious resemblance to Shinichi. A relative? If he belonged to Kudo's side of the family all was well, but if it was Yukiko he took after ...

Kaito's familiar greeting did not endear him to her any, nor did the free way he eyed her figure put her at ease. Ran's hand settled on the hilt of her sword.]

I do not think we have been introduced, and that being the case, I do not know that you have the right to make so free with me in your speech.

[Inwardly, she doubted. Exotic tastes? Had Shinichi tricked her?]

[azurebeneath]

[....well this is a strange development. Going to pause in her needle extraction]

Don't mind Kuroba, Miss Mouri; he's rather indisposed at the moment and prone to being more of an idiot than usual. [as Ran should recognize, but then again... Ran doesn't normally have quite so strong a taste for the Orient, much less carry a sword] Is everything all right?

[vulpine_hijinx]

[. . . okay, druggie-version of himself.

if this wasn't a comment to his possible abuse of sleeping berries and alcohol...

waaaatches from safety distance. in noticeable orange]

[azurebeneath]

[that is quite an eye catching orange, though his features are rather difficult to make out with the distance and the shadows]

Can we help you, sir?

[vulpine_hijinx]

... no, thanks, I'm fine. And you're busy taking care of those needles.

[because really, that glint of silver could be many things, but the manner that Kaito is speaking in reveals their nature.]

[azurebeneath]

[...well that voice is certainly familiar, if with a strange accent]

Ah... we should be done shortly... are you a friend of Mr. Kuroba's?

[or perhaps a relative, though Kudo's voice is also a fair match and they're fairly sure there's no relation there...

Still steadily working the needles out while she talks. Without looking, even. It's pretty obvious she's done this before]