[Kotetsu really is a hero. A grand figure that stands as the hope and dreams of many, he thinks. That's how he is. Sholmes is almost astounded. How could a man, despite everything he's been through, find strength to stand, and deliver such warmth to someone like him.]
[A shaking hand reaches up, finding hold on the other's shoulder.]
You are an idiot.
[Words said without bite. He closes his eyes. Pain, pain, pain. Heartache still, but there's something terrified underneath, mixed with a strange sort of loneliness and longing. Like a hungry child too afraid to reach for food because of the consequences.]
...Wouldn't I be betraying him?
[He says, quietly. Irene doesn't move, just shifting to lean back against Finley.]
[ It's funny because there was a point where he became just a joke to many. A washed up hero. But that's all a piece of his history, who made him. ]
Don't you think he'd want you to reach out for happiness if you had the chance?
[ It's not an ideal answer. He can't say "yes" or "no" to that answer. There isn't a way. If he said "yes," it'd just hurt Sholmes further. If he said "no," he'd feel like he'd be lying to him and also hurt Sholmes. It's a grey answer somewhere between.
Finley starts to purr faintly, trying to reassure Irene. ]
[He isn't Mikotoba. He cannot think for him. They are equals, and are on the same page, but even then...they are different people. He can only judge by words and actions. Nobody can know entirely who another person is, no matter how close they are.]
[He can't help but think of that moment, reaching out to Finley. Quite literally, to touch another's soul, with nothing holding him back, is...its a feeling that's not like anything else in the world. And hearing Finley purring now...there's a sense of comfort from that. He can't help it.]
[ In response, he turns his head, to kiss the side of Sholmes'. ]
Then you won't be.
[ All the feelings he's been pouring into him meet with this resolve. His hand continues to soothe along Sholmes' back, hair still being pet tenderly. ]
[Mikotoba left once. He left again. He cannot stay, and its understandable why. There's no fault to be brought against him for that. It is merely a selfish wish to keep him in place, but Sholmes knows its like keeping a bird in a cage. Their partnership is something that won't die, but the way it persists isn't...quite enough.]
[He shifts at the kiss to his cheek, turning his face just to draw back and look at the other man for a long moment.]
You're tempting fate with a promise like that in situations such as these, my dear fellow. [And a shake of the head.] But I can't say that...I disapprove.
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[A shaking hand reaches up, finding hold on the other's shoulder.]
You are an idiot.
[Words said without bite. He closes his eyes. Pain, pain, pain. Heartache still, but there's something terrified underneath, mixed with a strange sort of loneliness and longing. Like a hungry child too afraid to reach for food because of the consequences.]
...Wouldn't I be betraying him?
[He says, quietly. Irene doesn't move, just shifting to lean back against Finley.]
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Don't you think he'd want you to reach out for happiness if you had the chance?
[ It's not an ideal answer. He can't say "yes" or "no" to that answer. There isn't a way. If he said "yes," it'd just hurt Sholmes further. If he said "no," he'd feel like he'd be lying to him and also hurt Sholmes. It's a grey answer somewhere between.
Finley starts to purr faintly, trying to reassure Irene. ]
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[He isn't Mikotoba. He cannot think for him. They are equals, and are on the same page, but even then...they are different people. He can only judge by words and actions. Nobody can know entirely who another person is, no matter how close they are.]
[He can't help but think of that moment, reaching out to Finley. Quite literally, to touch another's soul, with nothing holding him back, is...its a feeling that's not like anything else in the world. And hearing Finley purring now...there's a sense of comfort from that. He can't help it.]
Where...do we go from here, Kotetsu?
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[ Perhaps not the proper response, but he keeps stroking Sholmes' hair and continues. ]
I won't say it'll be easy. But it's worth it.
[ The arm that was holding him so firmly turns more gentle, starting to rub his back gently. ]
I'll ask you again what I asked last week: What do you want?
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[What...does he need?]
[The hand on Kotetsu's shoulder tightens its grasp, his other hand finally joining the other to fully embrace the man.]
[It's funny, because he hugged someone just last week who needed it, wanted it. He just never thought he'd want it, himself.]
...I don't want to be alone.
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Then you won't be.
[ All the feelings he's been pouring into him meet with this resolve. His hand continues to soothe along Sholmes' back, hair still being pet tenderly. ]
I'll say it again. I won't leave you, Sholmes.
[ A vow renewed. No curses to dismiss it. ]
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[Mikotoba left once. He left again. He cannot stay, and its understandable why. There's no fault to be brought against him for that. It is merely a selfish wish to keep him in place, but Sholmes knows its like keeping a bird in a cage. Their partnership is something that won't die, but the way it persists isn't...quite enough.]
[He shifts at the kiss to his cheek, turning his face just to draw back and look at the other man for a long moment.]
You're tempting fate with a promise like that in situations such as these, my dear fellow. [And a shake of the head.] But I can't say that...I disapprove.
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Maybe I am, but I'm determined to defy that.
[ He traces his fingers thread through his hair, letting them rest on the back of Shomles' neck, just watching him fondly. ]
You've seen how determined I can be.