PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

Comments

[winebar]

[Fuck I didn't plan this. What book IS he reading.]

Oh, just a novel. A little light reading every now and then is good, I think... We haven't exactly been given further instructions.

[greatdeduction]

[He's smirking, plucking the book from the other's hands.]

Ah, that's a surprise. No big thick textbooks of law for you to peruse?

[winebar]

[I've decided the novel is a horror novel. But definitely not about vampires.]

... I've already looked for those. There aren't any of any relevance to our current situation.

[greatdeduction]

[wow reading up on your horror movie enemies i see]

How unfortunate. Did you ask our masked benefactors if they had some?

[winebar]

[Yeah.]

I haven't, though I would hazard a guess that they're unable to supply us information as usual.

[greatdeduction]

Perhaps yes, perhaps no. People reveal things even if they are not wont to do so.

[He looks around, silent for a good moment.]

Are you making friends with the rest here, my dear fellow?

[winebar]

... I do not know. I suppose I've never had much skill for that. I am far more used to working relationships.

[He will reach for Sholmes' hand, though.]

[greatdeduction]

Ah, well, it's something to work on.

[He'll do Van Zieks one better - he'll go to sit by his side on the couch, taking his hand.]

You shouldn't close yourself up.

[winebar]

[Nice.]

Even before... everything that happened, I wasn't particularly good at talking to others. I was only able to become close with Albert because he engaged me first.

[greatdeduction]

And he's your friend now, isn't he?

[Just entangling their fingers together.]

You see, it worked out for you.

[winebar]

I just don't know how to.... get closer to others. Outside of business discussions.

[Which implies he's been trying. Fingers entwined, he rubs the back of Sholmes' hand, idly.]

[greatdeduction]

Well, it takes practice. And practice makes perfect.

[A low hum.]

You already do your best in court. I'm sure this is nothing compared with being the grand Reaper of the Old Bailey.

[winebar]

[Compliment....]

I hardly think those skills transfer, Sholmes. If I were to speak to people the way I speak to witnesses in court...

[greatdeduction]

You just need to switch them up a little, my dear fellow. Just put more warmth into your words, for one.

[winebar]

[Hmmm.]

Warmth....
[He does not know how to do that.]

[greatdeduction]

You speak to me with warmth, don't you?

[He's pulling their hands up to kiss their entwined fingers.]

You need only do a little bit of the same. Show your happiness. Show kindness.

[winebar]

[Hm.]

Even when I try to protect the others, half of them seem to take it as some sort of affront.

[greatdeduction]

Well that is because you say things that make it sound like you're talking down to them.

[winebar]

Perhaps they should demonstrate a better ability to follow simple instructions.

[greatdeduction]

And maybe you should give people a chance instead of shutting them down right away. Not everyone is perfect.

[winebar]

You say that as if anyone here is perfect.

[greatdeduction]

I am?

[SPARKLES???]

[winebar]

[He also kisses their entwined hands.]

You are a man with as many flaws as you have admirable qualities.

[greatdeduction]

Come now, you can give me some praise, can you? Maybe more admirable qualities than flaws?

[winebar]

[Hmmmmm.]

Maybe. Though I feel you certainly act on your flaws just as often.