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[righthemisphere]

You've reached Raleigh Becket, please leave a message.

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[righthemisphere]

Mm.. my mom used to say that all the time. She never did. I hope you do.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur senses some judgement and some reactionary defensiveness pricks up on the back of his neck.]

We're in hell anyway, so what does it matter?

[His tone implies he's not really interested in the answer, fingers itching to go for another cigarette, just craving the distraction and solitude of it rather than anything chemical.]

[righthemisphere]

You've got a point there. Not like it'll kill you here, huh.

[A shrug.]

Didn't consider that.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur's hackles lower and he sighs, staring down at a spot of dirt on his knee.]

I usually quit after a few months anyway.

[righthemisphere]

Mmf, you do you, brother.

[lazily slouching down into his couch, knees wide.]

That sounded judgy. I didn't mean it like that. Reflex from harpin' on my brother.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur raises an eyebrow at Raleigh.]

Pretty impressive you can even get judgmental with all those painkillers you're clearly on.

[righthemisphere]

Oh my god, I'm so high, man.

[smoothing his hand down his face. It barely even hurts! Amazing!

Raleigh snorts.]

Hey, you wanna hear something fucked up?

[specifiercity]

[Arthur shrugs and sighs.]

Sure.

[righthemisphere]

[Well gee don't let him twist your arm, Jesus.]

So there's this guy here, right. Owen Harper. He's a doctor.. he's the doctor who-

[Raleigh gestures to himself. Made the body good feel nice no hurt.]

Anyway he looks... Exactly like this guy I know from home. I thought it was him. I've been calling him Hermann for weeks now and the kicker is! This asshole! He let me do it!

[specifiercity]

[Arthur laughs, brow furrowing in mild confusion.]

But he's not a different version of this Hermann guy? He just looks like him?

[righthemisphere]

Totally different guy.

And the kicker is, he just went with it. It's not like he just never corrected me, he actively started pretending to be Hermann. Who he literally knows nothing about. What a dick move.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur laughs. What a silly situation.]

That is a dick move. You couldn't tell the difference?

[righthemisphere]

Not at all. But in my defense I'd only met the guy once for like a minute in an elevator.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur rubs his forehead, shaking his head and laughing softly.]

That is fucked up.

[righthemisphere]

Right? What a dick..

He's got good drugs, though.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur nods.]

That's good.

[righthemisphere]

[Raleigh takes a slow, heavy breath.]

I'm sorry man... I gotta lay down.

[specifiercity]

Yeah.

[He can't say he's surprised. He sighs and pauses before he stands, debating with himself on one last thing. Ultimately, he decides to ask.]

Raleigh, is this over?

[righthemisphere]

Over..

[Is what- Oh.]

I mean, pff... Yeah. Probably.

[specifiercity]

[Deep sigh.]

I hope so.

[No offense you look terrible.]

I'll see you around, alright? Call me if you need anything.

[righthemisphere]

I will.

[A beat. He turns to watch him leave over the back of the sofa.]

Hey Arthur? Thank you. You're a good friend.

[specifiercity]

[Arthur gives him a nod and an awkward smile, and then he heads out.]