Anticlimactic, the Baku thought dully, watching a horror become a charm. With whiskers. She released her hold on its scruff, the long, hard bones of her clawed digits melting and receding, until only a useless human paw--er, hand remained.
Still, it was a good sign that Death's heart could tame Death's dreams so easily.
"I've missed you too, mon chou." Impulsively, the Baku stepped forth and hugged the silly, precious boy. "You must quit this habit of worrying me so. It's quite vexing."
But she patted his back soothingly and did not look at all irritated when she finally stepped back, black eyes studying Alex's face. A gentle thumb traced the fragile skin under his eye. "You cried." A hand flattened against his cheek, cool and still. "Who taught you how?"