PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

Comments

[winebar]

[ARE YOU DRUNK? Anyway as soon as he sees Sholmes coming he looks like he wants to bolt, but that would more obviously make him a coward, so he can only resort to his usual Frowning.]

I do hope this is related to the mysteries at hand, because I know miss Mikotoba would not have failed to give you my instructions.

[greatdeduction]

[wow whatever gave you that idea]

[and no! he's smad! and angry!]

It is precisely the reason that you are a fool for getting her involved in these affairs! Are you mental? Did you let your brains leak out on the way here?

[winebar]

[If you're not drunk why are you staggering!!!! He looks away.]

I did not wish to speak to you, and I trusted her to be discreet. That is all. I certainly did not tell her what happened.

[greatdeduction]

You! Are! A grown man!

[Pressing a finger into his chest.]

Do you not have a mouth? I am ever as sure as the sky is blue that yes, indeed, you can speak without having to use young ladies as your messenger pigeon!

[winebar]

[Looking down at the finger, affronted. Don't touch me, poor person. He slaps Sholmes' hand away.]

If that is the grievance you wish to file, then I assure you I will apologize to her, now leave my sight!

[greatdeduction]

Oh, so what? So you can hide here in your emotional castle?

[And now he's sighing, pinching the bridge of his nose.]

...If you have something to say to me, say it so directly.

[winebar]

The only thing I have to say to you was included in my letter.

[He is just going to Choose To Not Percieve.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[He just looks at him for a moment.]

For someone making such a grand fuss about Mr. Kotetsu being weak-willed, I would task yourself to look in the mirror.

[winebar]

[He is getting Fed Up!]

Why does it matter!? Surely you must feel the same way! To have done something like that-
[LOOKS AWAY.]

Given your prior... arrangements.

[greatdeduction]

...

[His head hurts. Maybe this is how Van Zieks feels having to deal with him.]

What are you talking about?

[winebar]

.... With Mr Kaburagi?

[greatdeduction]

...

[He makes a very frustrated noise.]

I do not know how to say this, but...I will say it bluntly. I was cursed twice.

[winebar]

....

[Ah. That thought hadn't even occurred to him.]
You really seem to have terrible luck with those.

Still, the bulk of my point stands.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He shakes his head.]

Can I ask you a question?

[winebar]

I can't imagine it would actually stop you if I said no.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He is a bit wobbly on his feet. A long pause. He doesn't seem like he likes what he is about to ask.]

Do you or do you not still have feelings for me after all of that?

[winebar]

[It's tempting to just offer a flippant "no," but...]

I... hold more respect for you than I would care to admit. But I don't have... those sort of feelings, towards you, no.

Are you quite alright?
[WHY are you wobbling.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[He looks up in the sky with an expression that could be either muted relief or a very long-suffering exhaustion.]

No. I did take a note from your book.

[winebar]

[HE IS DRUNK.]

And what does that mean?

[greatdeduction]

[Mimes pouring a drink and drinking it?]

[winebar]

......

Why are you drunk? It is not even past noon yet.

[greatdeduction]

[ANGRILY GESTURES TO HIM??]

What do you think? This whole blasted business, I do believe!

[winebar]

If you had simply followed my instructions there would be nothing to be concerned about!

[WE JUST REPRESS IT AND MOVE ON AND RETREAT BACK INTO THE CLOSET.]

[greatdeduction]

Oh believe me, there is much to be concerned about here. There is another man tangled up in this mess, after all.

[winebar]

Then go talk to him and stop bothering me. I am trying to remove certain thoughts from my mind and your presence isn't helping.