PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

Comments

[winebar]

...


I don't recall.

[]

[greatdeduction]

Oh, come now, let me spark your memory. Inspector Gregson, looking more jolly than I had ever seen him. You, ten years younger, bright-eyed, smiling. And...well. I hardly need to tell you who the third person was.

That young man in that picture was a far cry from the sullen person I see before me today.

[winebar]

That young man would not have lasted these past ten years in court. Not with the sort of criminals I've had to face.

[Van Zieks: Younger me was a WEAK NERD who SUCKED I'm GLAD he's SPIRITUALLY DEAD.]

I was never an outgoing person. I've never known how to talk to other people. That was one of the reasons I stuck so closely to Klint's side. He never struggled with such things.

[greatdeduction]

[VAN ZIEKS YOUR WEAK NERD BABY SELF, NO]

It's one thing not to be outgoing because you're naturally that way, and quite another to shut yourself in a metaphorical cage. Did you ever wonder how Klint did it? Why he had success?

[winebar]

I believe it's something one might refer to as "having different personalities"?

[Now he's getting snarky???]

[greatdeduction]

Oh, don't use that excuse. You made a friend even with your so-different personality. What stopped you from making friends after that?

[winebar]

No one else approached me.

[I firmly believe he did one nice thing for Albert once and Albert just decided they were friends after that.]

[greatdeduction]

And? You were a grand noble from a high-standing family, even compared with others. I'm sure that alone would've intimidated people.

[winebar]

And I am simply answering your question!

Enough of this. I have impressed upon you several times now that I don't require the company of others.

[greatdeduction]

And I have impressed upon you that you are an utter loon who's making a fool of himself with this blasted "I don't need the company of others" nonsense!

[RATSHAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

You want kindness. You want friendship. I know you do. You were so happy for those two days. Don't you want even a semblance of it back?

[winebar]

[He blinks hard, and looks away. He has been!!!! Trying not to think about those days!!!!]

It is not that simple and you should full well know that.

[greatdeduction]

It is not simple, no. But you have to start somewhere. Small steps. You just have to take them, my dear fellow. Give yourself a chance, already.

[winebar]

...

Perhaps I already have. Perhaps I am having little success.

[greatdeduction]

Oh?

[:o]

I'm glad for you. Tell me, is it as excruciatingly painful as you imagined it to be?

[winebar]

Given that, as I said, I am failing to make the connection? Yes, I would say so. I feel my deficiencies being thrown back in my face.

[greatdeduction]

...

Who is it with? The Lieutenant?

[winebar]

[DON'T JUST READ HIM LIKE THIS.]

I hardly think it matters.

[greatdeduction]

[I SEE INTO YOUR HEART AND I KNOW IT'S GAY]

It does. And...hm. Now he's a bit of a hard one. But that is a man who is solid and true. His lack of reaction may make you seem that he's not connecting, but I wouldn't give up. Just ask about him, his city. Try to talk about things with the man that is outside of work and investigation.

[winebar]

[STOP HE DOESN'T HAVE A CRUSH ON KIM]

... And what if he feels I'm invading his privacy? Or interrogating him?

[greatdeduction]

[not YET]

Has he told you that? Or are you assuming that? Just ask the question, and let him answer. If he doesn't want to talk, believe me, he will make it very evident.

[winebar]

[LEAVE HIM BE DON'T WISH ONE SIDED CRUSHES ONTO HIM HE'S SUFFERED ENOUGH.]

... Very well. I will, hypothetically, take this under advisement.

[greatdeduction]

[makes him suffer more]

...Good. [And he lets go of Van Zieks.] And...always a reminder, but you have me at your side. I'm all ears for your troubles! As much as two ears from a great detective can be.

[winebar]

... I truly do not understand why you persist with this behavior.

[greatdeduction]

Come now. Isn't it obvious?

[winebar]

It isn't. There is absolutely no reason for you to persist in concerning yourself with me.