PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

Comments

[winebar]

It is at least heartening news, if somewhat inconclusive.

Well, I think first off I should... confess as to something I told miss Mikotoba.

[greatdeduction]

...

[Just. Looking at him.]

And what may that be?

[winebar]

[Listen. Don't look at him.]

I imagine you can deduce it. I didn't... if I had known Asogi was like a brother to her, I wouldn't have agreed to your terms.

[greatdeduction]

...

[He's tipping his hat forward, hiding his eyes.]

Of course. He was your apprentice there for a little while, wasn't he? [And a laugh - but its a laugh without feeling.] Still. Do you think it was your truth to tell?

[winebar]

[He's frowning.]

I do not know. But after experiencing her memory of his "death," and how she felt...

You can't understand how it feels. I couldn't... I know it must have upset her, but if the roles were reversed...
[He would have wanted to know.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[His smile twitches.]

I took no pleasure in deceiving her. But I couldn't leave things up to chance. [He shakes his head. His words just sound...tired.] I couldn't allow my farce to become reality.

[winebar]

I'm well aware. I know this knowledge will create complications. But the truth is important. If I could go back in time and prevent myself from learning who Klint truly was, I would not have done it. Even though it is painful to know it.

In any case. It is done. I am informing you because I know she may come ask you about it.

[greatdeduction]

[He lets out a long-suffering sigh.]

Well, at least you have the grace to tell me ahead of my grand reckoning. [...] I suppose I could only put it off for so long.

[winebar]

Indeed.

[A pause. He makes his move. I'm not describing more chess but it's happening.]

On a more... personal note. I did talk with the lieutenant.

[greatdeduction]

...

[INSTANTLY ABANDONING DETECTIVE ANGST HE'S LEANING FORWARD LIKE >8O!!!!!!!!]

You did? Oh! Tell me, tell me, tell me-!

[winebar]

[STOP WHY ARE YOU SO EXCITED.]

It... came up... somewhat organically so I asked him... and apparently he is... the same as us.

[Him just assuming Sholmes is gay and not bi, since I'm sure he doesn't know bi people even exist.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[looks at himself]

[looks at van zieks]





T...........all?

[NO?]

[winebar]

Are you an idiot?

[LIKE, YOU KNOW KIM ISN'T TALL YOU'VE MET HIM.]

[greatdeduction]

Come now, even I struggle to think of similarities! I bet we don't even have the same favorite color!

[MISSING THE POINT]

[winebar]

What we talked about, Sholmes! He prefers the company of men!

[WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!!!]

[greatdeduction]

.......Oh.

[Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.]

Ah! Well! That's great for you, isn't it?

[winebar]

... I... suppose? In that it is heartening to know even someone as upright as the lieutenant may share these... interests.

[Sholmes he did not ask him out.]

[greatdeduction]

Oh, please. You make it sounds like we're dabbling in devil worship.

[yeah let them summon satan together]

Did you talk about anything else?

[winebar]

What do you mean?

[greatdeduction]

...You know. Like...hobbies? How the day is? Or did you just find out he likes men and left instantly?

[winebar]

O-Of course not! How impolite do you take me to be!?

[greatdeduction]

Well, you're not telling me what you talked about, so I can only assume...

[winebar]

What we talked about is none of your business! You should be grateful I'm giving you any update at all!

[greatdeduction]

Aw...

[Sulking........]

Ah, but at least it is a blessing to hear the great Van Zieks starting to reach out to others.

[winebar]

I suppose. I do not know if he has any interest in anything beyond working together, though. I fear I have made a fool of myself in front of him rather frequently.