Re: [B&B: Nishka and Atticus]
Atticus barely remembered being young. Was a long time ago. Remembered college as an escape into books. Didn't remember the social aspect as something positive or desired. "Haven't been young in a long time." Wasn't sure how old she was, but he was in his early 40s. Felt younger since the wolf, but felt older too. Was hard to explain, and he rubbed the back of his neck with a thick hand and gave her a lazy, late-night grin. "Can't turn back the clock. Enjoyed being young?" He chuckled. "Wouldn't go back there for anything. Hated being a teenager." God, did he ever hate being a teenager.
Lifted a shoulder lazily. "Assumed." That there had been someone else in the car. "Mentioned closure. Closure usually involves losing someone." Didn't sweat or stress. Wasn't lying, entirely. Took another drag. Took a final swig. "Take that explanation or leave it." Simple. Said she didn't believe in ghosts, so he didn't come right out and bridge the gap for her.
Never came right out and talked about the haunts. Talked about the wolf more than he talked about the haunts. But wasn't feeling particularly cautious that night. Maybe he was tired of being cautious altogether. Pointed the empty beer bottle at her. "There's something about you...," he added thoughtfully, and he left it at that. Turned and walked to the garbage can, and he tossed the beer in. But he didn't depart. Returned. Lit another smoke. Waited.