sholmes catchall

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[greatdeduction]

[His face falls, instantly.]

A-AGAIN?!

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[ 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. ]

[greatdeduction]

Miss Susato...

[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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[ This is absolutely the worst. Sholmes having to experience losing Iris and now the daughter of the man he was waiting for so long...? ]

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. ]

[greatdeduction]

I...

[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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[ 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.

[greatdeduction]

[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.]

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[ 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. ]

[greatdeduction]

[The lesbians are valid in wanting to comfort their terrible old men bodies.]

...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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[ They are. Best girls, in fact.

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. ?????? ]

[greatdeduction]

....?

[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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It is.

[ 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.

[greatdeduction]

Are you sure you don't need it?

[THAT'S IMPORTANT, BRO]

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[ He shakes his head. ]

I don't need it here. Not really. But I'm giving it to you because it's important to me.

[greatdeduction]

I...I see.

[He's sitting up. He really doesn't know what to say, but he gestures for the other to come closer.]

Here. Let me try it.

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[ He shifts closer to him, holding it out, but also... ]

Want me to put it on you?

[greatdeduction]

Yes.

[A nod. A small smile.]

Why not.

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[ He leans to give Sholmes a kiss, then taking his hand to have him hold it out before putting it on him. Since he normally wears it on his left, he'll be putting it on the very wrist with the mechanical hand, unless Sholmes protests and wants it on the right. ]

[greatdeduction]

[This left arm is just going to be super technological, huh.]

[But he smiles and admires it after the other puts it on.]

It really is exquisite.

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[ Apparently! ]

I'm glad you like it.

[ And he reaches out to brush his hand over Sholmes' cheek. ]

[greatdeduction]

[He kisses that hand, his cheeks flushed a little.]



Oh!

[SUDDENLY! He'll pull away to go to his own satchel.]

I do have something in return! Hold on a moment.

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[ He tilts his head very curiously. ]

Oh yeah?

[ But he'll wait patiently. He's actually... really happy to see Sholmes bouncing back from all of this. It isn't easy. None of it. But he's glad his spirits are lifting, despite the odds. ]

[greatdeduction]

Yes, yes, where was it...ah.

[And he's pulling out two little charms - the bunny is only around a few inches big.]

[He hands the man the bunny.]

For you, to hold. [And a nod.] They both have a little secret to them, you see.

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[ He looks at the bunny for a long bit. He recognizes this from the little doodle Shomles made when they talked about Iris that night after their first trial. The matching charm being the same, too. He lifts his head, a little awestruck. ]

Secret...?

[greatdeduction]

Well, yes! More than one secret, actually, but unfortunately, they do not retain all their functions. You could use them as those..."walkie talkies" you all use in trial. But alas, no sound is projected through them. However...!

[He gestures.]

Pull at the hare's ears....but gently! And see what occurs on my end.