[Louis came in when the water was still hot, carrying a small bag that contained all his few effects, mostly clothing. He had grown up with wealth, but even so, this penthouse gave ostentatious a fresh definition. Iris' benefactor was generous, to say the least of it, and he couldn't help but wonder how she'd met such a man. Clearly, there were people who saw in her all the things the rest of them didn't, anymore, or who loved her despite them.] Hello. [He could see her on the counter, facing away from him. He made a beeline for the kettle, because the room smelled of tea, and he could see the bright satchets calling his name.] I wonder if we all are honor bound to take Iris back, after this gesture of generosity.
[He dropped the duffle bag on a chair and stepped around the counter toward the stove. He looked tired, if anything, dark circles impressed under his eyes, and relieved, glad to be sheltered again. Even travelling across town right now was a stressful exercise in looking over his shoulder, hoping he hadn't miscalculated the risks, that things really had blown over.
He poured hot water into an expensive black mug, then plucked it up from the counter and turned to face her. He intended on starting in on where she'd been and what she'd been doing. Instead, he stopped dead in his tracks and stared.
He stayed still for a moment, expecting the vision before him to disappear - wishful thinking, or his eyes playing tricks on him. A new haircut, maybe, or a different outfit? Not so. There was a ghost at the kitchen counter.]