sholmes catchall

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That's what tipped it off.

[ He slowly picks up his hand to reach out toward Sholmes, to try to touch his cheek. ]

And why I couldn't just let you leave.

[greatdeduction]

[He huffs, closing his eyes. Still, he seems conflicted.]

My feelings will stay the same whether you make me stay or let me leave, you know.

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[ He steps a little closer, placing his other hand on his neck. ]

Why won't you just take the chance?

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[He raises his hand to hold over the other's, as if to pull it away.]

...

I can't. Van Zieks is here, but besides him, I... [His face becomes sullen.] I can't throw away over fifteen years I've had with my dearest friend in the world for...for this.

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You can't use him as an excuse after what we talked about yesterday.

[ His brow furrows a little. He doesn't want to dismiss the dearest friend, but nods softly. ]

I'm not asking you to throw anyone away. I also don't want you to deny yourself because of excuses and fear.

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He's not an excuse.

[He actually bristles at that, slightly, but that next part makes his head hang low.]

You say it like I can have my cake and eat it too. It doesn't work like that.

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I didn't mean it exactly like that.

[ It just came off worse than he meant. No surprise. And then he's going to shake his head. ]

I don't see why not. I'm still here trying to convince you, despite knowing this.

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Convince me of what, exactly?

[There's a level of frustration in his tone.]

I've only known you for several days, Kotetsu. You're a good man, but...I can't.

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Of something. Of anything. Not to run away and avoid me because of your fear.

[ He's trying to remain calm, but he feels a bit flustered, too. ]

I'm aware of the short time we've known each other, but you've literally held my soul and I've done the same to yours. You've gotten to see parts of me that no one has seen that I've known for years.

I don't care about the time. I'm listening to what I want.

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We weren't in our right minds.

[It was a spell. It wasn't real. None of it was real, wasn't it?]

I know what happened. And you, too, saw parts of me I would have rather kept locked away. But the fact stands. Whatever this is now, it was built on a farce done to...I don't know. Make us into entertainment, perhaps.

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Sholmes.

[ He's trying to keep calm and not let his emotions get the best of him because he doesn't want to end this on a poor note.

Finley is leaving Kotetsu's side to approach Irene, testing her waters with the hare. ]

I've had people mock me plenty for different things. Some probably think I'm just some joke. So it doesn't really bother me if that's what started it.

What I care about is what's there now. Can you honestly say you feel absolutely nothing here?

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[Irene twitches her nose as Finley approaches, but then turns, hopping behind Sholmes's feet.]

[The detective himself is silent for a good moment.]

...It doesn't matter. If something is there, if something is not there. What will an answer like that give you?

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[ Finley droops a little, but doesn't sulk back by Kotetsu, just laying down on the floor and watching her. ]

Now that's kind of rude. It matters to me. If it didn't, I wouldn't have stopped you from walking out.

[ He takes in a slow, uneven breath. ]

It would give me something more solid from you. So, tell me.

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...

[Again, just silence.]

[I'm sorry, Kotetsu, but Sholmes is a rude binch and yes, he may need to be shaken to get any answer out.]

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[ Normally it's Kotetsu being shaken for answers and he grabs Sholmes' face. ]

You found me, knowing exactly what I wanted to talk about. You could have ignored me. So, why didn't you?

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I wanted to put the whole thing to rest. That's all.

[He says, automatically, his eyes snapping to Kotetsu's face. He's trying to pull himself away.]

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Well, that didn't happen.

[ He's going to keep his hands on Sholmes' face to keep him looking at him, unless he's pulling away too much. In which case, he'll step toward him. ]

Is there something here or not?

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You didn't allow me to leave.

[He's trying not to struggle too hard here, but the more Kotetsu tries to keep him here, the more his eyebrows furrow, something sharp in his eyes.]

If I say there isn't, would you leave me the well enough alone on this matter?

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Would that be your honest answer? Because if that was, I don't know why you didn't lead in with that from the start. Everything's been vague and trying to get me to be the one to leave.

[ He frowns at the fact that he's struggling so hard to get away. ]

I already promised I wouldn't do exactly that.

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And you are a fool for doing so.

[For staying. What's the point? There's no point. He has nothing to offer, here.]

What if I said yes, hm? What would that do for you? Give you some mote of satisfaction? Give you some small amount of hope, never to come to fruition? What's the point? You've stepped into this trap. Don't keep walking deeper into it, man.

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[ He shakes his head a bit. ]

I want to know because I care about you. Yeah, I'd be lying to both of us if I said that it wouldn't get something selfish out of it, but that's not the only reason I'm here. It's not for some ego boost. Maybe there is no point. Maybe nothing will happen.

[ But he shrugs. ]

And I've stepped in a lot of traps before. I'm the type that keeps pushing forward.

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Nothing will happen.

[That's just how it is. He can't allow himself to consider any more than that.]

Nothing can happen. [And now he's just quiet.] Whatever I feel for you...that's it. That's all there is. Merely lingering effects.

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[ He considers that for a moment. ]

In that case, stop pulling away for a minute. Listen to me. And put your trust in me. Even if it's only for that minute.

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...A minute?

[He looks up, staring at him.]

Very well. A minute is yours. And then I shall go.

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[ Since he has him settled down for that minute, he hopes he really does just let him do this. He cups Sholmes' face in one hand, staring at him and steadying himself. ]

The other day was the happiest I've been in a long time. The most comfortable I've felt with anyone. That wasn't just some silly spell. If it was, I could laugh about it and tell you that we had fun and to take care. Maybe share a drink for fun. Who knows?

But that wasn't happened. If it was all fake, I don't think Finley would have taken to you like she had. That was something deep down you managed to touch. It might have been a stupid catalyst, but it still was one.

[ His other hand rests on Sholmes' other cheek. ]

Taking a risk isn't something I'd regret. Since I'm being honest here, having you walk away from this for good would hurt a hell of a lot more.

Sorry, I can't pretend it never happened. Even if you tell me to go away for good after all this, I don't regret being honest with you.