[ They had a dynamic before. Push and pull; kagari always pushing for something, for a reaction. Gino trying to pull away but never doing so fast enough. He always managed to get swept up in the jokes, the teasing. His skin has gotten thicker now and it means those prods aren't the same any longer. When Kagari complains, he just looks at him mildly, shaking his head. ]

You almost died. I'm not putting your recovery at risk.

[ In his seat, his fingers curl into fists where they lay on his knees. Bringing up death is so fresh, too fresh. Too painful. But he knows it won't do any good to avoid talking about it. ]

Mm. She's handling a bigger case in Shimotsuki's stead. It should be wrapping soon.

[ The hierarchy has changed again. Tsunemori now filling his shoes. It's weird but oddly comfortable. ]

I– are you certain? We didn't exactly... [ Gino trails off, lifts his gaze to Kagari. ] I wasn't exactly a forgiving person.