Then don't carry this alone. It isn't your sin. This whole war is to blame. I won't let a beautiful, bright star like you get destroyed by them, Sholmes. I know you don't feel that and you might not believe me, but... please trust me.
I have your soul in my arms, Sholmes. I have felt the depths of your feelings. I have seen you fight so hard. You've shown me parts you've never showed anyone. And the same for me to you. I have faith in you. I will never regret that I've put my life in your hands by sharing my secrets.
[ He holds him so tenderly. Both parts of him. Body and soul. ]
Susato. She's missing. And... we think she's still alive, but we've had people looking. We're sure we can't see her because of the perception being altered. I... Sholmes, I'm so, so sorry.
Maybe I should have told you first, but I couldn't. Not with how hollow you looked.
[ He nods, weakly and moves his hands to Sholmes' face. ]
All we can do is hope she lasts until tomorrow morning. We'll go to the ice mazes immediately to find her. That's what it sounds like, at least. I'll make sure to bring my items. Maybe... we can hope that one of them can save her life.
[ He doesn't know if it'll work, but he wants to believe. But what happens to the trial if that happens...? Who knows. ]
[ He returns the favor, making sure not to crush Irene. And, in fact, Finley is leaning her head over to pick up the girl so they can be closer. While minding Sholmes' injury, of course. Finley snuggles back in against Sholmes, immediately starting to groom Irene once they're settled in like this. ]
I promise you. I know it's hard to believe, but... they say it's always darkest right before dawn, right? Let's hold out for that light.
[ And he plants a few more kisses on Sholmes. ]
Hold on to that. You've helped me to keep believing that.
[Irene is instantly snuggling up against her girlfriend, who is stronger and softer and better than a gross old man any day. She's grooming Finley in return.]
...Alright. If you believe in that...then I'll believe in it, too.
[He presses a light kiss against the other's cheek.]
[ Good. Finley is Happy. She just also thought stinky old man holding her would be good for the other stinky old man. Sometimes the bodies have to be reassured, too. ]
I do. I have to.
[ Because if this was all for nothing, what then? He doesn't even want to think about it. And he turns his head to properly kiss Sholmes. It's soft, but reassuring. ]
He softly nuzzles him in the kiss, making a soft sound before he breaks the kiss. ]
I have something I want to give you.
[ He whispers softly against his lips before giving one more smooch and apologetically pulling away from him. It isn't far and it isn't long, setting his bag on the bed by them and digs something out. It's... a watch? ]
I know I haven't been wearing it much around here, but it's something I've always worn at home... I want you to have something on you that's from me. You know, as a sentimental token.
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I couldn't save Miss Rika. I tried so hard, along with Allen and Mr. Joonghyuk. I feel like...I failed her.
She died alone, in that terrible cage.
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[ He won't leave him. Never. All he hopes is that he can give him some kind of light so he doesn't keep holding this weight alone. ]
Should I be blaming myself like this over A-Qing dying? For choosing to try to save my daughter and leaving her behind? And ultimately failing that?
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[He presses his face against the crook of the other's neck.]
No. For any of those questions.
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I have your soul in my arms, Sholmes. I have felt the depths of your feelings. I have seen you fight so hard. You've shown me parts you've never showed anyone. And the same for me to you. I have faith in you. I will never regret that I've put my life in your hands by sharing my secrets.
[ He holds him so tenderly. Both parts of him. Body and soul. ]
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[Irene nuzzles against the other's chest, safe. Comforted.]
[His words are so quiet, meant for Kotetsu, and Kotetsu alone.]
I love you so very much.
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The same to you, Sholmes...
[ Finley nuzzles Sholmes, warm and affectionate. ]
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[And then kisses him on the forehead. Kisses him on the cheeks, on either side. Kisses him on the nose. Then on the mouth. The chin.]
[Gently placing them, like marking him as his treasure.
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But that hint of a smile drops. ]
Sholmes... I hate to do this to you. When you've just got your footing. I need to tell you about the missing person.
But you'd be mad if I waited any longer.
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[Oh.]
[Right.]
What...what day is it, anyways?
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[what is TIME]
Then...tell me. Who is...who is gone?
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Susato. She's missing. And... we think she's still alive, but we've had people looking. We're sure we can't see her because of the perception being altered. I... Sholmes, I'm so, so sorry.
Maybe I should have told you first, but I couldn't. Not with how hollow you looked.
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A-AGAIN?!
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All we can do is hope she lasts until tomorrow morning. We'll go to the ice mazes immediately to find her. That's what it sounds like, at least. I'll make sure to bring my items. Maybe... we can hope that one of them can save her life.
[ He doesn't know if it'll work, but he wants to believe. But what happens to the trial if that happens...? Who knows. ]
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[No....no.............]
[Why her?]
[Why her, of all people?]
W-Why is this happening again...?
[He's trembling. What is wrong with these people who have it out for her?]
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I don't know. I don't know why any of this. But please... please... don't let this place break you.
We'll get them back, remember? I'll do whatever it takes to get them all back. Fix all of this.
[ He leans to kiss his forehead, then down his nose. ]
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[He closes his eyes as Kotetsu kisses him, and he doesn't know how to feel. Lost. Angry. In despair.]
[Another day, another trial.]
[His arms wrap around the other man, and he lets out a shaky, weak sigh.]
We have to.
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I promise you. I know it's hard to believe, but... they say it's always darkest right before dawn, right? Let's hold out for that light.
[ And he plants a few more kisses on Sholmes. ]
Hold on to that. You've helped me to keep believing that.
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...Alright. If you believe in that...then I'll believe in it, too.
[He presses a light kiss against the other's cheek.]
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I do. I have to.
[ Because if this was all for nothing, what then? He doesn't even want to think about it. And he turns his head to properly kiss Sholmes. It's soft, but reassuring. ]
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...Thank you.
[Is what he murmurs, quietly, before kissing the man back. His hand reaches up to thread through his hair.]
[Warm, like always. Just like it should be.]
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He softly nuzzles him in the kiss, making a soft sound before he breaks the kiss. ]
I have something I want to give you.
[ He whispers softly against his lips before giving one more smooch and apologetically pulling away from him. It isn't far and it isn't long, setting his bag on the bed by them and digs something out. It's... a watch? ]
I know I haven't been wearing it much around here, but it's something I've always worn at home... I want you to have something on you that's from me. You know, as a sentimental token.
[ It's no ring, but. ?????? ]
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[He just. Stares at it for a moment. And then looks up at Kotetsu.]
That's...isn't that the watch from that memory? The one that...counts down your power?
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[ Which means, yeah, he's always had it on him, adjusting his times... But it's been something important for him with his powers. ]
And I want you to have it.
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[THAT'S IMPORTANT, BRO]
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