PC CATCHALL FOR VAN ZIEKS

[greatdeduction]

Comments

[greatdeduction]

Who's to say this isn't proper behavior for a place such as this? My dear fellow, perhaps if you change from that debauchery of an outfit, you'll insult the leaders of this grand city?

[like that would be a thing]

But I understand, I understand. Your reputation and all. Nobles clearly have so much on their plates to chew.

[winebar]

if the Nipponese aren't expected to change their style of dress when visiting a foreign land, why should I be? Being a proper host requires you to understand the customs of your guests.
[Please someone tell him to not say Nipponese I'm in tears.]

I hardly expect my station to be of any relevance here. It's a matter of comfort.

[greatdeduction]

Perhaps you have a point there! I will give you that. But then, why indeed, are we in these outfits in the first place, hm?

[I'M SAD TO SAY SHOLMES WILL NOT GO OUT OF HIS WAY TO STOP HIM ON THIS i hate this]

So, are you finding anything of comfort yet?

[winebar]

[This is your version of me struggling with not being able to judge Sholmes' cocaine addiction.]

No. The clothes here are just as insufficient, if perhaps less ludicrous and sacrilegious.
[Holding up a bright green polo shirt with a look of distaste.]

[greatdeduction]

Oh, that color in and of itself is sacrilegious. But perhaps it might suit your pale complexion.

[terrible]

I do have to ask, though. What were you doing before you arrived here?

[winebar]

It's the only thing on this rack that's large enough that isn't multiple colors.
[Glances at a collection of technicolor neon windbreakers. Why was the 90s the way it is. In any case.]

Before I arrived here I was tying up lose ends with Asogi before he was taken in for further questioning in regards to what happened to Gregson.

[greatdeduction]

Well, either shrink yourself, or be bold. No other options here, I'm afraid.

[And that makes him muse for a moment, thinking.]

Mmm. So that trial...was it finished?

[winebar]

[SIGHS.]

Yes. I take it that is not the case for yourself?

[greatdeduction]

Oh, it is, in fact. That's quite fascinating, actually...

[Does he elaborate on this?]

[No, he's just standing here looking like a ho.]

[winebar]

[Why are you like this. He is pointedly not looking at you. He is now finding himself some pants. All he is going to find are jean shorts.]

I spoke with miss Mikotoba earlier, she had only just returned from Japan herself. What is the last thing you remember, Sholmes?

[greatdeduction]

It's very, very interesting. A little conundrum, if you will. See, I was told that, as well. But....ah, as Shakespeare would say, there's the rub.

[And he leans his head back, smiling.]

I was just seeing her leaving for Japan, myself.

[winebar]

[Nodding.]

Asogi had told me she and Naruhodo were to be returning to Japan. I'm uncertain what to make of these disparities.
[But boy is he tired. His daemon shifts, shrinking and changing shape to a Russian Blue cat, that snakes around his ankles, rubbing against his leg.]

[greatdeduction]

There's quite a list of things that could be considered "disparities", yes. One that includes the cute cat you have at your feet. Quite adorable for the Reaper of the Old Bailey.

[winebar]

[At being acknowledged, the cat seems to dissapear?? But no, a sharp eye will spot the odd little arachnid scurrying up van Zieks's leg, coming to rest at the inside of the collar of his shirt.]

I don't recall giving you permission to speak about Adelheid.
[SHE'S SHY.]

[greatdeduction]

Adelheid? A German name...and oh, there she goes.

[Now extremely adorable, even if it is...a spider.]

Well, if that's the case, you can talk about Irene here all you want! Go on! Here she is!

[Taking the hare off his shoulders just to hold her out! Look at her!!!]

[She looks a bit Done.]

[winebar]

[Technically the harvestmen, or daddy-long-legs, are not spiders, they are more closely related to mites.]

It's a Dutch name as well. [Which... his family must have some sort of Dutch heritage.]

Even she seems to be tired of your nonsense.
[God.]

But... While you're here. There's something I want to ask you.

[greatdeduction]

[look he thought snakes drink milk give him a break]

Oh, she's not, I assure you. [Putting her back on his shoulder and giving her head a pat.] And....mmm? What, pray tell, do you need?

[winebar]

....

[Ugh he hates to have to ask Sholmes for anything, but.]

I wish you to tell me about Iris.
[My NIECE that you KEPT from me.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[His expression is a bit unreadable, and although he doesn't have his characteristic hat, he just raises a hand to sort of shield his eyes a little. Ah, yes. Of course he'd be interested.]

That's a high order of a question, even coming from a prosecutor like you. What about her do you wish to know?

[winebar]

... I hardly know the first thing about her.
[He sounds almost guilty??? His NIECE....]

Anything you have to tell me, really. I don't know where to start.

[greatdeduction]

You do have eyes, yes? You have seen her in court, alongside that brilliant Japanese student.

[And a huff.]

But she is brilliant in her own right, you know. She got her medical degree only around...a year or so ago? Yes.

[winebar]

A medical degree already at her age?
[HELLO????]

Certainly that’s proof positive of some great brilliance...
[An askance look like he’s wondering how someone like the farcical great detective raised her to such great results.]

Before trial the other day she was speaking of bespoke tea blends. I suppose that’s related... Perhaps there’s some instinctive nature in her to do what she can to help others.
[Like Klint. Just directed differently.]

[greatdeduction]

...

[Yes, of course. He's thinking about his brother. And now, knowing what he knows....whether he can see part of his brother in her, somehow. The ghosts of the pasts, lingering.]

[Also wow, don't give him that look, he's a good father. Somehow.]

She's a sweet girl. [A pause. He's looking away now. His voice sounds thick.] Truly, I could not ask for...a kinder daughter.

[winebar]

[Listen maybe if you didn't act like a clown he wouldn't have to give you this look. At least he's polite enough not to say anything.]

So it would seem.
[She went out of her way to offer him, the Hated and Feared Reaper of the Old Bailey, her special tea. An invitation to her home.]

I trust you will continue to keep her well and cared for. I... there is little I can do for her now.

[greatdeduction]

[Sometimes a clown gotta clown, okay.]

...

[And he manages to collect himself, looking back at Van Zieks.]

But of course. I may remind you that there is little I can do for her now, while we are both stuck in this place of all places. I haven't seen her around, so I can only suspect she has been left behind. More "hope" than "suspect", perhaps.