semi-closed catch-all; only I see all the diamonds

[empression]

Who ⬤ Haru Okumura and various individuals
What ⬤ Catch-all for Tanabata and beyond
When ⬤ Throughout August
Where ⬤ Anywhere and everywhere; locations noted in starter titles
Content Warnings ⬤ Nada yet, but I shall edit accordingly if anything comes up!


[ ooc: Closed starters! If you'd like one, feel free to reach out to me, either via PM or starswept! ]

Comments

[retroductions]

Now, now. My profession requires that I have sharp eyes, noticing each and every little detail. The fact that I missed you in the crowd is nothing but a failing on my part.

[And yet this does not appear to sour his good mood one bit. Sholmes places his borrowed violin under an arm and rests his bow across a shoulder. His smile is as bright as Haru's.]

But you are quite welcome, my dear. If you ever wish to hear another impromptu performance, you need only ask. I should hate for my musicianship to go stale in this hell of ours.

[empression]

Oh, whenever you'd like to play, I'd love to hear it!

[ very earnestly. ] I've attended a few musical performances when I was younger, but I haven't had the opportunity to hear much of it now. And if it gives you the space to keep your skills from rusting, I won't hesitate to request it.

[ It's not being selfish if he offers it first, right? ]

[retroductions]

[Not at all. Especially if a man likes showing off!]

Oh, taken to the opera on occasion when you were younger, was it? Or perhaps... to see an orchestral concerto instead?

[Mm, he does miss being able to hop on over to the local music hall for a violin performance or two. But perhaps he has simply not found one in the depths of their new hell yet?]

The space of New 221B [that's what he's taken to calling it] pales in comparison to such venues, of course, but you are always welcome to drop by when the mood strikes you. Myself and Mikotoba will make room for both company and performance alike!

[empression]

Both, to be honest. To educate me in behavior in such public spaces and to enrich myself through acceptable methods.

[ She sounds a little tired, though that's very quickly nudged to the side in favor of a rather fascinated blink or three in his direction. ]

I didn't know you and Mikotoba-san were roommates! Was that just a matter of convenience?

[ Well, she and Shinichi didn't know each other from home and it had just kind of come up as "we hardly have any money sure why not", though that won't last much longer. She has no idea who rooms with whom and why. ]

[retroductions]

[Acceptable methods? Word choice that rings as very specific for Sholmes, pointedly so. Something to shelve for later, no doubt, because he's quick to tear his focus back to the conversation at hand -- especially where recognition of his old friend is concerned.

Sholmes raises his brows, blinking once or twice, too, in faint surprise.]

Well, it is convenient. [He jokes, knowing that is not exactly her meaning.] But it is an old arrangement between friends, you see. Mikotoba was once my flatmate back in London, years ago. We thought that it would only make sense to recreate that same living situation here, for old times' sake.

...And for the necessity of splitting the rent, as well. Still! I would not have guessed that you were acquainted with him. This does require a visit on your part, indeed!

[empression]

We met nearly two months ago... he was having some difficulty with illusions, I believe, though that isn't my story to share. [ Honestly, with this revelation that he and Mikotoba were flatmates - oh my god they were flatmates - he probably knows far more about the man than she does. ]

But I'm glad to know you have someone you're already very familiar with here. [ with a softer smile. ]

Then, if it truly isn't imposing for me to visit one day, I'd like that very much.

[retroductions]

Oh, yes, that nonsense. [He waves the thought away with a swish of his bow, nearly hitting someone in the face as they pass by. But only nearly!] I do recall that happening, yes. Ghosts of the past, coming to haunt us in the present.

[Mm, but it is not quite his story to share, either. He continues.]

But of course, of course. You are more than welcome. I should invite you over now, but I am certain Mikotoba would scold me for not straightening up first, so perhaps we should make an arrangement for the near future? I shall leave a window open to air out the flat....

[Oh, he's rambling.]

However, I suppose I should offer some context. The man was my old partner, from my beginning days as a detective and onward. We have been through countless together, and more still, now that we are here. [He chuckles, and once again the conversation swerves slightly-] Do you have anyone from your home present in this world, Miss Haru?

[empression]

[ She's listening to him talk, a bit bemused, though something kind of darkens in her eyes at the mention of a detective. No reflection on Sholmes, of course. He's been a very genuine kind of affable, after everything she's learned to look for. But it's still a bit of a sore profession for her.

Still. She shakes her head, slowly. ]

Not that I'm aware of... and I would have to hope if that wasn't the case, they would have reached out by now.

[ She could be a little envious. Maybe she is, that he has someone so dear to him here. But it feels a little strange to think that. Certainly rude. And it's not as though she wants to put any of her friends through being here. ]

I am, however, relieved that both you and Mikotoba-san have each other. I suppose even Hell can't keep partners apart?

[retroductions]

[The small shifts in mood are visible to Sholmes. But they are spread over the breadth of the conversation, it is difficult to immediately pinpoint their exact causes. Mention of his profession, perhaps? Or the fact that her friends are not here?

Both?

His voice trends a little softer, barely noticeable.]

No, I suppose not. That said, the bond of knowing those from home is a strong one, yes, but not to be discarded for new ones here. If you are a friend of Mikotoba's, you are an immediate a friend of mine, Miss Haru. And I do make it a point to look after my friends should they need anything at all.

[empression]

[ She's not sure whether it's her imagination or not, the way his voice seems to gentle. Not enough for her to think as though he's approaching a wild animal or a sensitive topic, but something a bit more pensive. ]

Mikotoba-san and I are just acquaintances, Sholmes-san. I don't know if he would call us friends, though I do appreciate the offer. But if I were to earn your friendship, I would prefer to do it through my own merit, rather than through any perceived connections.

[retroductions]

[A brow raises on his end.]

Dear girl, I hope you do not take my meaning as some form of pity. It is a kindness, that is all, extended to one who might otherwise find themselves alone in this strange place.

[But he shrugs a shoulder, his expression still warm.]

If it is merit you are worried about, then I am sure that will not present an issue at all. You seem the capable sort.

[empression]

[ she absolutely did think this was pity. And she's still not entirely sure she doesn't think that, especially when it comes after being informed that she doesn't have anyone from home here, but... ]

... Thank you. That's very kind of you, and I can only hope that I continue to act as capable as I appear.

[retroductions]

[Pity and kindness are sometimes related, but not always. Indeed, Sholmes does not revel in the former as much as the latter.]

I am sure that you will. Now then, will you linger here? I am interested in seeing what act can dare follow mine!

[He laughs.]

[empression]

I'd like to continue to watch, yes. It seems to be a very diverse array of performances, and I've been enjoying being surprised!