sholmes catchall

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[greatdeduction]

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.

[greatdeduction]

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.

[greatdeduction]

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?

[greatdeduction]

[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?

[greatdeduction]

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?

[greatdeduction]

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.

[greatdeduction]

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.

[greatdeduction]

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.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He just looks.......sad. He wanted to pull away, but now it just feels like the strength of it has drained out of him.]

[...He can't help it. Of course, he thinks of Van Zieks in all of this (thanks other love arrow), but he thinks of his partner more. Six blissful whirlwind years, and then he had gone. And then it was just him and Iris. And the letters during that time were good, and sweet, and...]

[Even seeing him again, after all this time, and knowing he had to leave again, that was...]

[(It hurt deep down, didn't it?)]

Ah, but, now it's...the other way around, isn't it?

[He murmurs to himself. Now he's the one who's leaving. But he has to, right?]

Thank you for your honesty. [He says, speaking up finally, his voice low.] I don't know. I need to...I need to think about all of this.

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[ He nods to him at that, keeping his hands there for a lingering moment, then lets them drop. ]

Sure.

[ He rubs his neck a little. ]

So, uh. Do we just act like we did before when we're around everyone? But for the rest. Think as much as you need. I'm just grateful you were willing to listen... and think about it.

[greatdeduction]

I'm honestly not quite sure.

[But he opens his eyes, and gives the other a nod. Yes, he'd think about it. They had to find a way out of this whole mess of a place, but...he would let himself decide what to do about all of this.]

But regardless...I would not care to dismiss you and your thoughts. Whatever...whatever I come to decide, as I said before, I am at your services.

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Then I'll take your lead. Whatever you feel's best.

[ He nods back at that. ]

And I want you to know you can still rely on me, if you need help. Regardless of what is or isn't decided on.

[greatdeduction]

...Alright.

[He just. Looks at Kotetsu for a moment.]

You really are a good man, you know.