sholmes catchall

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I think it works because I know how they work now? I can cut through the fabric between the worlds and close them back up.

[ He thinks for a moment. ]

I could show you. If you want to see one of the windows.

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That's....

[INSANE????????? WILD????? HE DOESN'T HAVE WORDS?????]

[Also he's blinking...and I'm sorry, there's like, an instant delight coming from him.]

It...wouldn't hurt anything, would it?

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[ He shakes his head. He's there's so much relief and happiness coming from his end at the fact that Sholmes is so into this and sharing this secret he has. ]

It wouldn't, since I'd be closing the window. It's only when you keep them open that it causes problems.

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Okay. If only for a moment.

[meanwhile his feelings are going PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I WANT TO SEE THE WINDOW PLEASE]

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[ He nods, enjoying this eagerness and turns to point the knife tip out, concentrating. It's likely Sholmes can even feel this concentration and feeling of him focusing on the knife being a part of him.

Slowly, he starts to cut a window. A soft smell of grass and dirt filters in. Once the window is open enough to see in, the sight is a field full of long grass, it's a refreshing morning scene, a soft and cool breeze filtering in.

He brings the blade down and looks at Sholmes. ]

Another world.

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...

[Ah.]

[It's a beautiful scene. This feels like he's dreaming. Like he's going to pull himself awake, and the scene of flowers will be only in his head.]

[But it's real. It's so real that he's awestruck for a moment, before finally turning to the other man.]

...A pity we can't just go there. But to see such a thing...ah. [And he laughs to himself, suddenly.] No wonder you kept asking me what sort of worlds I would want to go to.

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It's like a breath of fresh air, right?

[ There's a small laugh and a nod. ]

I can't exactly decide exactly what world to go to next. It's more of... I have to make a choice between threads. A feeling. It's why I had to disappear when I was so injured before we left that world. I needed to make the choice.

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[...Even though the scene in front of them is beautiful, he's still staring over at Kotetsu.]

With our masked benefactors, yes? I assumed they had their own people within the ranks...what with that "Crier" business.

[sholmes like hello? ROLES???? WHAT IS THIS]

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[ His head tilts a bit. He... missed that? He's been really busy and tired. ]

Wait. "Crier?"

[ He looks absolutely clueless. There's a little nervousness that bleeds through. It's not that surprising he's not the only one tasked with things, but... ]

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Ah.

[He blinks, and nods.]

There was a most curious note that appeared last week, attached to a weight shaped like a cat's paw. Something like... "We heard your message, Crier. But I think that two heads can shout better than one. If you want, write back in your favorite color."

[He's pensive, thinking - you can practically see the gears in his head turning.]

So, I assume that this "Crier" was the one who slipped messages in everyone's rooms about investigating thoroughly. Like a "town crier", you know? Letting everyone be informed of the news.

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That might be true.

[ He ruffles his hair in thought. He glances between the window and Sholmes, and then softer, with a little anxiousness behind it. ]

Who knows how many other people have things they've been asked to do...? It makes it a little hard to know who to trust.

[ Even if he knew of other roles beyond his... this is something he felt was the right choice. Something he couldn't hide.

Finley still sits on the bed, watching the two of them talk, obviously very comfortable in this form around Sholmes. ]

[greatdeduction]

Likely several others. So while you have this role to play, others do as well.

[He pauses, considering - there's a quiet warmth underneath his inquisitiveness, and he reaches out to touch the other's cheek, gently.]

...I am honored that I am one you entrusted this with.

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[ With the touch, he leans into it just a bit. The anxiety being quelled just a bit. ]

You're the only one. And I plan to keep it that way for as long as I can. I know some people don't want to treat it like we're on different teams, but... with what I've been told about a lot of people getting hurt if the Temporals win, I can't openly share this. As much as I want to believe in everyone.

[ There's a bit of turbulence to his emotions. He doesn't want to doubt anyone, but they have factors beyond themselves playing here. He continues, a bit softer. ]

I'm so relieved that we're working together.

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...

[Again, he is astounded by the level of trust this man has in him. His fingertips curl, slightly.]

...I'm relieved as well.

[There's a swelling of warmth in his chest, like an urge that pulls him forward, but he lowers his gaze, as if embarrassed.]

I won't leave your side.

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[ There's a flutter in his chest. The feeling and those words make him lean forward, placing a simple kiss on Shomles' cheek. ]

Thank you.

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...

[...]

[It's a gesture like that which makes him stand for a moment, emotions from Kotetsu moving through him in waves. He had been wondering why such an effect was in place, but after some time, he felt like he didn't care. It was what it was. It felt natural.]

[He had been in such sync with one person for so long, that to do the same with another is almost nervewracking in its unpredictability. But it feels right, somehow. He's always needed someone at his side to set things right.]

[As Kotetsu pulls away, Sholmes lets out a small laugh.]

Ah, come now, couldn't you grant me more of that?

[A nervous fluttery feeling, and then he's leaning forward, using his hand to pull the other towards him to gently kiss him on the lips.]

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[ There's a bit of a surprise that comes from him. He knows they had been basically coming to this conclusion with the deepening intensity of their feelings, but he didn't want to assume too much. To push too fast. He wanted to make sure Sholmes was certain.

And this is the answer that was settled on. He does stand a bit awkwardly, trying to make sure the knife doesn't come in contact with either of them. He kisses back a moment before shifting enough to get the knife back in his holster so he can properly face Sholmes again and leans back in to catch him in another kiss. This time with a little more emotion and pressure behind it.

Don't worry about the little world chilling by you guys, I guess?

But Finley takes this moment to hop off of the bed and goes to find Irene, wanting to nuzzle against her. ]

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[He had been thinking one kiss would be enough, here, just like something to do while they're here in this very moment. Getting kissed back like this is a little surprising, but welcome - he moves his hand to the back of Kotetsu's head with the return of gentle pressure on his lips. Warmth is everpresent, and it feels more than just the warmth he feels on his skin from the window next to them.]

[Irene, in hare form, is here on the floor - she hops up to Finley with nose twitching, using her paws to gently pat the other daemon's face. You look different, friend.]

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[ Sometimes you just want more kisses when you get one. His hand comes up to rest on Sholmes' cheek, the other slipping around him. It feels nice. Relaxed. Natural. No doubts, no tricks. He wants to soak more of this feeling up. Just a little longer...

Finley pokes her nose against Irene's, still a big cat as she's a Maine Coon, but leans her nose forward to boop Irene nose-to-nose. ]

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[Sometimes your soul link partner opens a window with his gay ass knife and it's hot. (no)]

[But he's easing into it - before, he had been tense with the affection Kotetsu had been ready to give, but here, with the sharing of emotions, its easier to let himself experience it. He smiles a little into the kiss, fingers tangling in the other's hair.]

[Irene boops her nose back to Finley, before reaching up on her hind legs to lick the side of her face, grooming.]

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[ With that smile, he can't help but smile back into it. There's a certain giddiness to his feelings. His thumb gently brushes Sholmes' cheek while he holds him close. And he's grateful. To be able to share all of this. Despite everything, he feels actually at peace here.

In response to the groom, Finley starts to purr, rumbling from the attention. ]

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[He draws back for a moment, knocking forehead against forehead lightly. His cheeks are feeling warm - it's funny, to think of all of this as something natural. This isn't some grand curse that's messing up the senses, it's just him and Kotetsu, like it's how it should be.]

[He clears his throat, tilting his head to glance to the side. Irene keeps grooming, uninterrupted.]

...You should close that window, yes?

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[ There's some reluctance that comes through the bond. But he's right. He'll give Sholmes a small nuzzle with his nose and then lean to whisper. ]

We can always do more after.

[ There's a little mischief in his voice, but he mostly means that innocently. Probably? Either way, the light tease would be fun. He pecks Sholmes with a soft kiss on his cheek before turning back to the window. This time, he reaches out with his bare hand, tracing along the edges in concentration. Basically, he's pinching the window closed with his hand until that other world is no longer visible.

And Finley is just like. Yes, please keep showering with affection. ]

And that's what I've been doing. Closing these in each world.

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Kotetsu...

[Now he's just raising a hand to cover his eyes and cheeks a little. His heart feels like it's fluttering in his chest like a little bird. It's hardly fair.]

[But he lowers his hand so he can watch the other do his work. It's impressive, really. Just to reach out and close it, just like that.]

You make it look easy. But I suppose no one else can do such a thing, correct?

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[ Yeah, he's not really fair at all. ]

I think because I learned how to use the knife, I learned how to do this.

[ He thinks, and wonders. ]

The next time I go... I could ask if I could teach you. If you want. I'm not really sure how that works.