PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

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[winebar]

[For some reason van Zieks’s hair is cutely braidedon the sides today? Anyway Sholmes definitely snuck up on him since van Zieks has been avoiding him but he’s playing it cool.]

I don’t know what you are referring to. My legs are long because I inherited my height from my grandfather.

[greatdeduction]

Oh, please. You know what I'm saying.

[He's sitting down next to him, looking over those braids.]

You've been avoiding me, and you know it.

[winebar]

.... And so what if I have?

[greatdeduction]

You can't run forever. Come now, Van Zieks.

[His tone is a little softer, but stern.]

We need to talk about this.

[winebar]

...

[Huffs.]
What is there to talk about? Even though you are my friend, you often irritate me. You wanted me to not be so stiff, and it struck me as a good way to shut you up.

[greatdeduction]

...You know you could have just slapped me, right? Why did you go for a kiss?

[winebar]

The element of surprise.

[greatdeduction]

[Just raising an eyebrow.]

Slaps are also surprising.

[winebar]

Would you really have been that surprised if I hit you?

[greatdeduction]

...Yes, actually. You never have. And I don't count that little fight we had yesterday.

[winebar]

... Well then I miscalculated. But that doesn't change what happened.

[greatdeduction]

...

Do you regret it?

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I accomplished what I set out to do, didn't I?

[greatdeduction]

You did, but...

[A sigh.]

You do realize that has gotten everyone talking, haven't you? It wasn't as if it made everyone go blind.

[winebar]

[Oh right.]

... I was rather hoping not that many people noticed.

[greatdeduction]

They did.

[Just reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind the other's ear. Cuddle curse!]

The Lieutenant may have been looking, too.

[winebar]

I don't see why you feel the need to single him out. The lietenant and I are friends now. I asked him.
[He is a tinge pink but maybe it's just because he's a 33 year old man who felt the need to explicitly ask someone to be his friend.]

Anyway, if you are truly so concerned, I can clear the record the next time we are gathered as a group.

[greatdeduction]

I know you're fond of him. And that's good! I'm really quite glad.

[He's sincere about that.]

I've already had Mr. Kaeya attempt to give me some advice regarding some supposed relationship between us, you know. [And a huff.] But tell me. Van Zieks. What do you feel about this?

[winebar]

[MAKES A FACE.]
Mr Alberich should learn to mind his own business. He spoke to me as well.

[ANYWAY.]

About what, pray tell?

[greatdeduction]

...About me and you.

[A pause.]

Do you have any feelings for me, Van Zieks?

[winebar]

...


I have come to care for you as a friend. Kissing you is inoffensive because you are, objectively, an attractive man.
[Clearing his throat.]

But I am fairly certain that is all.

[greatdeduction]

...

[Blushing a little? HELLO? ATTRACTIVE?? VAN ZIEKS THINKS HE'S ATTRACTIVE????????]

[He. Clears his throat.]

Ah. Well. I would say you're quite the handsome fellow yourself. [ACCHEM.] But...thank you for telling me.

[And he's reaching out to hold the other's hands.]

I care for you as a friend, too. And I want very much for you to be happy. I want someone to be there for you like my partner was there for me. [A nod.] So truly, regardless of my teasing...I wish that for you, with all my heart.

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[OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING??? HE HAS EYES. Anyway wow why are there so many feelings in here. He will allow the handholding for now.]

It is not as if I don't want such a thing. It is just... even if I am told to disregard my station and my concerns for the family name, it is not as if I can do so easily. And besides I do not... I am not even sure I could recognize that sort of feeling. I'd never felt anything like what I felt under that curse.

[greatdeduction]

Its fine. You are new to it all. It is unfair that the curse pushed you to such a high level of it when...it should be something that blooms naturally between two people.

[A little reassuring squeeze.]

Sometimes it grows slowly. Sometimes it happens all at once. It could take time. And in my experience, it comes from friendship and mutual understanding. When you feel it, you will know. Don't rush it.

[winebar]

Apparently Mr Kaburagi knows who did it. But he refuses to tell me.
[HMPH.]

I certainly am not attempting to rush anything. The last thing I want to do is embarrass myself and proposition someone who isn't interested.