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. ]
[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.
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.
[ 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.
[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.
[ 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.
[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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[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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[ 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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[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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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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[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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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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[He looks up, staring at him.]
Very well. A minute is yours. And then I shall go.
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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.
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[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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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.
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[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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[ 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.
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[He just. Looks at Kotetsu for a moment.]
You really are a good man, you know.
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Thanks... But I'm just doing what I can.
[ Because beyond that, he's not sure how else he should respond to that after everything. ]
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[He glances down for a moment, thinking.]
[And then he just reaches out to tap the other man on his shoulder before he turns to leave again.]
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And back to his patrol he goes. ]