sholmes catchall

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[greatdeduction]

...It's a surprise you can think with that lack of brain you have.

[It's an insult that's delivered in almost a lax, deadpan way - there's no actual sincerity behind it, just a vaguely amused tone.]

But more seriously... [And he looks down at the hand on his shoulder.] I cannot say I can bring much to the shared table, here, Mr. Kotetsu.

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And what's that supposed to mean exactly? I need it a little more straightforward.

[ Unless he shakes him off, he's not removing his hand just yet. ]

[greatdeduction]

We can't...

[He starts, stops. Almost looks pained, for a moment.]

I can't repeat the things we did. [...] And quite honestly, I don't know what I can offer you in return.

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[ There's a moment's thought here, but for the moment he just grabs his arm. If Sholmes will allow it, he's going to be dragging him into the Solar. To that painfully familiar couch to sit down with him. But if Sholmes puts up resistance, he'll stop. ]

[greatdeduction]

W-What are you doing?

[After getting over the initial surprise, he is dragged until he sees that couch - but the sight of it makes him frown and he resists, trying to pull himself out of the man's grip.]

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[ He lets go, but since they're already partially in there and the couch is in sight. He points at it. ]

Are you sure you're not just running away?

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...

[He looks at the couch, and looks away almost instantly.]

I can't do this.

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Why not?

[ He's staring hard at him. He feels he deserves some answers, at least. ]

[greatdeduction]

...Van Zieks, for one, but.

[Now, he just looks pained.]

I have someone...someone dear to me who I will always wait for, despite the utter fool that I am. One simply can't...look away from that.

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[ He'd forgotten about him for a moment. But of course... Sholmes wouldn't. He looks down now as he lifts his hand to look at his finger with the ring. He feels his chest squeezing tight at that and takes in a slow, almost shaking breath. This topic still hurts, but... ]

I'd never ask you to look away from that. But I wanted to be honest with you here. Wanted to... not run away. For Tomoe's sake. It still hurts, the shock of having gotten the call that she died while I was out doing the duty. She made me promise to keep doing my job.

I still love her deeply and I'd never forget her. But I also know that she wouldn't want me to try to reach for happiness.

[ His shoulders go slack and he drops down on the sofa, staring at the ground. ]

But it'd be selfish to make you do anything.

[ He does slowly lift his head and gives a weak little laugh. ]

For what it's worth, I said I wouldn't leave. I won't force it, but just know you're not alone.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He listens to all of that quietly. Kotetsu's wife...yes. A deep source of pain. He can understand that. But understanding doesn't make it easier.]

[He just runs a hand down his face. He feels..,tired to his core.]

I repeat myself, Mr. Kotetsu. I have...nothing to offer you.

[He doesn't think he can. Why would he? He may be a great detective, but that's hardly something notable in circumstances like this.]

I don't think I have the happiness you deserve to reach out for.

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[ He reaches out to take Sholmes' hand. He knows it might be very personal to touch him like that, but the touch is... soft. Akin to what he'd shown him over the last two days, but not as intimately toned. ]

That's the assumption you keep going on. Like you're expecting me to want something grand or some kind of show. I've seen under that mask of yours and I wasn't disappointed in what I saw.

If anything, that's what made me stick around.

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There's no mask.

[Of course not.]

[He looks down at their hands. His own grip is still loose.]

If you keep looking at a man who will always look at another, how will you be happy?

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[ Oh, of course there isn't. ]

I'd be making my own choice and went with what I thought was right.

[ An idiot that is all for self-sacrifice. This shouldn't be that surprising. ]

[greatdeduction]

You'll just make yourself suffer.

[His eyebrows are furrowed.]

Why would you want that for yourself?

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Maybe it's because of those lack of brains.

[ It's said a little wryly. ]

I don't know if I can really answer that in a way you want. Maybe I'll suffer, but I'm pretty resilient. I can handle a lot.

[greatdeduction]

Yes, you're an idiot.

[Now that is said a little more harshly.]

Don't...make decisions based on some trick of the mind. Save yourself. Look towards better horizons.

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That's kind of my point here. Sure, I hate the fact that something did that to me, but it doesn't mean I wasn't acting on my own toward you.

[ His hand tightens on Sholmes'. ]

I've had my memories messed with before, I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about with making my choices.

[ He brings his other hand up to wrap around Sholmes' hand. ]

I also don't want to run away from what might be the right direction just because you think it'll hurt me.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He's gritting his teeth now.]

There is no right direction here! How many times do I have to tell you this, man? You might as well tell yourself that as you run off a cliff!

[He's trying to tug out of that grip now.]

Smash your heart into two for all I care. But don't do so on account of me.

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[ His grip tightens a bit. He'd been giving in every time so far, but right now, he insists on keeping that hold. His gaze is firmly set on him.

Finley is also staring hard at him, her whole body tense, showing he's not as relaxed as he tries to present. ]

Why are you so upset if this is my choice? I'm not telling me to look back at me. I'm just saying I'll be there anyway.

[greatdeduction]

[He opens his mouth.]

[He closes it.]

[And then frustrated, he opens it again. Irene, sitting nearby, has her ears flattened against her body.]

...Because...because people have been hurt when I'd inadvertently looked over things. And to have you behind me means that...

[Again, a pause, Again, he's trying to tug away.]

I'm not going to chance such a thing.

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[ Nope, he's not letting go, sir. He refuses. ]

You think I don't carry that same regret? I've let people down. Lives have been lost because I couldn't do more.

Just because you're a great detective, that doesn't mean you can see everything. You're still human. You've still got those flaws just like the rest of us.

[ Then, a bit softer. ]

I'm able to handle myself. And this way, at least I can watch your back.

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...

[He doesn't want flaws, thank you very much. And this is all some grand mess of a web he's somehow pulled this man into.]

There's nothing you will get in return.

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[ Well, too bad. And he realizes he has those flaws. Like, actual flaws. ]

That's fine with me.

[greatdeduction]

[His shoulders slump.]

[His tone just sounds...almost helpless.]

You're a fool.