[tenacquity]

PINNED POST!! (finally bc apparently taking two minutes out of my day to write this is just too much for my laziness to comprehend)

this is an independent roleplay blog for RYUNOSUKE NARUHODO of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. includes verses for fandoms such as genshin impact and pokemon (among others).

RULES – INFO – VERSES

loved by sammy (30+), a gal who’s relieved to finally be writing a muse she doesn’t have to apologize for each time he opens his mouth (at least not often). thanks for checking us out! 😊☕

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Vincent Charbonneau (Dead Plate) || Sasha (NIGHT/SHADE) || Martin Blackwood & Elias Bouchard (The Magnus Archives) || Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) || Leo Valdez (Heroes of Olympus)

[fluffypichu876]

ryunosuke's weakass slap will always be the highlight of this case for me

[plasticblisss]

no offence but do i look like i understand anything

[jlinebeck]

Woah, one of those Western vessels

[judicarried]

"Hmm." That ever stubborn, frigid part of Barok instinctively wants to recoil from the idea of it - letting people help, that is. He's got as far as he has by keeping to himself and trusting no-one, and the burden he's been carrying for so long isn't one he's ever wanted to inflict on anyone else.

But really... what good has that done him? When he thinks about everything Ryunosuke's managed to accomplish, and how he's had people to support him by his side along the way... well, it does strike him that maybe that's the difference between them. Things don't have to be the same as they've always been, now.

And while instinctively, Barok can't help but blame himself, seeing that difference as yet another mistake he's made that proves his foolishness... maybe it's best to set that feeling aside for now. Ryunosuke certainly wouldn't stand for it. And what reason does he have to doubt his friend's words, after all this time?

"...You very well may be right." he admits, and strangely feels lighter for having done so. Another smile ghosts across his face - they've become more common as of late, haven't they? - one that he directs at Ryunosuke without hesitation. "Though you shouldn't forget to give yourself credit, too. That great detective would be all too eager to take it all for himself, otherwise."

[tenacquity]

It was not long ago that Ryunosuke might have shrank under that steady stare, that he might have course-corrected . . . or at the very least just reworded his bold statement into something less imposing. The way van Zieks looks at him is a stark reminder of just who he’s talking to. Rather, a stark reminder of who he once thought he was talking to: a man whose countenance could freeze most anyone in their steps, and the man who scarcely needed more than a word to send Ryunosuke’s already fleeting confidence packing for Japan. For the barest moment, he felt those misconceptions climb to the surface, instinct tightening a flinch in his shoulders—

But it doesn’t follow through. No, not anymore.

Because even when sharp, calculating eyes pierce straight into him—and, goodness, even in this proximity—Ryunosuke no longer feels that telling chill down his spine. (There is perhaps something he feels down his spine, though the sensation is of a vastly different nature.) He doesn’t hold his breath waiting for a verbal lashing. He just waits. Calmly. Almost challengingly, as if daring the man to argue with his sentiment. Much to his surprise, van Zieks doesn’t.

And, much to his continued surprise, van Zieks smiles at him. Even now, it’s rare. Even now, it still throws Ryunosuke for a loop, ignites a fluttery warmth in his chest. And he meets it with a wider one of his own, stretching to crease his eyes while a soft chuff breaks through his lips.

“He would. And he has on numerous occasions,” he agrees. “Though, it is all simply to get a rise out of people, you know. Sometimes it’s better to just let him have it: path of least resistance.” It’s with fondness that he says all this, and which carries the equally exasperated shake of his head. “But, um . . . I— Thank you. I will try to remember that.”

[miaowzieks]

Part 2

[tqtc-art]

Doodle from a few months ago I forgot to post

[howthesleeplesswander]

There his partner went again: giving him far more credit than he deserved. "I wouldn't be so sure about that," Kazuma chuckled at his own expense. He wouldn't make excuses for his past decisions, but he was nothing if not a fast learner. He would never make those mistakes again.

And yet he certainly felt a fool beneath Ryunosuke's gaze. It was nothing short of dangerous how the attention of those eyes made the city around them fade away as heat crawled in their wake. He couldn't be anything but a fool for not realizing that this should have been his purpose all along. Not vengeance; simply the desire—no, the need—to prove himself a man worthy of the adoration in that stare. How could anything else have ever mattered more than this?

Again: he wouldn't repeat that mistake, either.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that sounded suspiciously like an invitation," Kazuma teased with a twinkle in his eye. In all fairness, he supposed both of them were well past the point of caring about scandal, all things considered. Still, he'd be lying if he said that Ryunosuke's fearlessness in the face of it didn't excite him. He quirked a brow at his partner, almost in a dare. After all, Ryunosuke's assessment was spot-on: Kazuma didn't care in the slightest. Why, he could imagine the headlines now...

But before he could do anything rash, mention of their...escapades in the Yumei University library triggered a devious thought. "Neither have I." The agreement rode out on a heated tone; one that would surely be deemed inappropriate for the public, if London's citizens ever paused their bustling long enough to overhear. His gaze lingered on that impish smile.

"You know," he began, words slow and thoughtful, the creep of lava across scorched earth, "there is a library in the Old Bailey. I'll admit that's a bit...generous of a term for it; it's only one room, full of legal tomes and reference books so the staff have easy access." Releasing one of Ryunosuke's hands allowed him to hold the other in both of his own. He barely resisted the desire to kiss his fingertips as he drew it towards himself. Instead, one grip slid down, cradling his wrist as he held Ryunosuke's palm over his heartbeat, the opposite thumb gently caressing across his knuckles. "Perhaps I should show you once we've had our fill of the Exhibition. See if we can't recreate some of those memories from university, hm?"

[tenacquity]

He rested his case.

Kazuma was not the fool here, no.

Because there, in the space of a breath (goodness, that was really all it ever took with this man) Ryunosuke found himself wholly forgetting the world around him in a way the rational side of him would readily admonish the next opportunity he got. He was so abruptly swept up in the devastating storm that was his partner—in the unrelenting hurricane that shook his foundations, that lifted the tide and dragged him down with scarcely a second to react—that he very well might have let anything and everything happen right then and there. Kazuma could have pulled him closer. He could have claimed what both of them so urgently and clearly wanted. And the reality of passersby witnessing the spectacle would’ve been little more than the faintest pinprick of light in that storm reminding the fool that was Ryunosuke to get ahold of himself.

Rather than getting that hold on himself, however, he clung to every syllable shaping Kazuma’s lips. They fuelled what memories already scorched the far reaches of his mind, back to a time when things felt so innocent but so very not; and Ryunosuke remembered then how fervently he had communicated their behavior to be unseemly despite going along with it—interesting to see now how it was encouraged. As Kazuma followed suit and calmly (but heatedly) explained an opportunity to repeat that, Ryunosuke should’ve been at least somewhat more ashamed than he was . . . that it coaxed the skip in his chest, the rush of heat no doubt visible in his cheeks.

How ridiculous a notion, truly. The university library was one thing, but a library at their place of business—? (Ryunosuke had been banned from law practice once before; did he really want to tempt fate again? Yes.)

When he exhaled, it trembled out of him, giving away what the darkened pallor of his face already had. He allowed Kazuma to guide his hand to that broad chest, where he could properly feel a quickened beat behind his ribs—and how gratifying it was to know he wasn’t alone. “Perhaps,” Ryunosuke agreed, purposefully remaining vague both for the sake of his own sanity (giving that aforementioned rational side of him the chance to wrangle whatever this side of him was), and to keep Kazuma on his toes. “Let’s see what the day brings. The Exhibition will be a lot of walking.”

He glanced down to that splash of red fabric against Kazuma’s white, and now with both hands, he began idly adjusting wrinkles that didn’t need to be adjusted. “You may be too tired by the time we’re done.” Said so incredibly confidently by the man who tired the easiest. Even so, Ryunosuke flashed his partner a playful grin, bringing with it an equally playful tug to his cravat. “But I’ll keep it in mind.” Then, finally for the sake of breaking this spell, he pulled away, walking briskly past the other with full intent on getting to their destination.

Even if many other things would most assuredly be “in mind.”

[amusingvenue]

A scoff escapes from his chest as his mouth opens ajar from feigned offense. "Very funny, as if you had anything valuable to copy from in the first place," Kazuma's wit playfully snaps back as curious eyes take a quick glance over Ryunosuke's shoulders. At least Kazuma's paperwork had evidence of his failed attempts starting the assignment. And yes, even stellar students have their own shortcomings and weaknesses.

Pursed lips hum together as he also leans back and takes a slow and delectable look at Ryunosuke, his eyes sharpens with an undercurrent of sarcasm as he finds an opening to strike. Two can play this game. "Besides, I am surprised that between the two of us, the English Major seems to have a difficult time starting this assignment," his shoulders shrug nonchalantly before giving a subtle smoulder to the other.

But Kazuma is never one to play coy, he loves to cut to the chase, and so his collected appearance is quickly overshadowed by the sudden curiosity glinting in his eyes. "But tell me, Ryunosuke, what is holding those intricate words of yours hostage in your mind?" he whispers fervently as he leans in a little too close into Ryunosuke's personal space.

"Because in mine, The Importance of Being Earnest holds my mind hostage to recite the play's lines. If I dare submit those lines for the assignment, that would be plagiarism," Kazuma candidly admits as he leans back again and rests his weight on his hands behind him. Although he may not be an English Major like Ryunosuke, he does have an eye and appreciation for the arts. And with a farcical comedy about romantic affairs, Kazuma thinks it is a joke in of itself how he hides his earnest feelings behind the scripted lines of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Like the flowing ebb of the Pacific, Kazuma plays this game of pulling towards and away from Ryunosuke, to see how long it may take to fluster and erode at the other's composure. And while he is known to be competitive and consequently hot-headed, Kazuma can be patient if it means he would win this game. "For were I fortunate enough to be Mister Naruhodo's pupil, I would hang upon his lips," his confident voice recites the revised line in a factual tone before pausing for dramatic effect to see Ryunosuke's reaction. A line spoken from the reverend that expresses how smitten he was for the governess he mentions in the scene. With the way Kazuma boldy recites these lines, it could not get more obvious than this.

And like the oscillating waves on an ocean, Kazuma leans in towards Ryunosuke once more, his lips hovering close behind one of his partner's ears. "Oh...I spoke metaphorically," Kazuma's voice drops to a low, husky whisper. Although he may not see Ryunosuke's eyes, he wonders what kind of reaction his partner's irises would reveal from this very moment. "My metaphor was drawn from bees."

[tenacquity]

He’s already pleased with himself, certainly. For as soon as Ryunosuke lightly chastises his friend (and let’s for now ignore that his brain stutters on the word “friend”—like one shifts uncomfortably in a jacket that doesn’t quite fit right), the barest smile stakes a claim on his lips, that which only grows at the very moment Kazuma’s scoff retaliates. His eyes remain stuck but not focused on his paper—both to properly put forth the ruse of concentrating fully and to continue feigning ignorance toward Kazuma leaning partially over him . . . specifically the way even that proximity stirs the faintest something.

In the future, Ryunosuke may look back at moments like this and nearly hurt himself rolling his eyes. How obvious it all is!

But, we’re not quite there, yet—are we? And so, that resilience remains. (Or perhaps “ignorance” would be the more appropriate term.)

It’s only when a parried accusation hits him that instinct whips his attention back to that smug face. Before he can think to stop himself, that is—because some part of him can already feel the way Kazuma looks at him again, and he knows the self-destruction that will be the result of looking back. And, indeed, though he’s captured a breath for himself, prepared to leap to his own defense, it’s the smolder that gives him pause, that snags every last word he may have expressed there in his throat before a single syllable can make it out.

A sound does make it out, though: some sort of embarrassing squeak that heralds his eventual response . . . once Kazuma has appropriately expressed a curiosity that is not only his own.

“Well, it’s hardly a simple question!” he blurts, a bit louder than he’s intended. (Which he corrects with a little dip of his chin, volume decreasing to something more suitable when he speaks next.) “It wouldn’t be a very good assignment if it was.” That last part is almost grumbled, as if Ryunosuke finds it oh-so-despicable that the university would actually ask something difficult of their students. His lips are somewhat pursed as he peers down again, absentmindedly futzing with a slight crease in the notebook page. But he ought to be grateful, really, that Kazuma presses forward with admitting his own hang-ups.

He’s surprised, to say the least. No different than a man casually commenting on the day’s weather, he expresses what Ryunosuke cannot help but wonder if . . . he realizes he expresses. Kazuma has never not been sure of himself, confident in his ambitions, admirable in his pursuit of them: it would surely only make sense that he be just as confident in endeavors of romance, and somehow still . . . he catches Ryunosuke off-guard. Truly, what would not be the last time today, Ryunosuke is stunned into silence. (But, please, let’s be grateful it’s silence and not that flustered noise from before. There’s still time for more of that.)

As Kazuma nevertheless recites a line, shamelessly (the man apparently always is) integrating Ryunosuke’s name, it’s all Ryunosuke can do to keep his lips firmly pressed together. And, yes—there it is again—it’s all he can do to keep from visibly squirming when Kazuma draws near: as unnecessarily close as the sudden huskiness blanketing his tone . . . and inciting the minute shudder up Ryunosuke’s spine.

“Kazuma,” he begins, mostly to buy time. (He’s not even sure where to begin.) Shuffling in place, it’s with a telling trace of reluctance that he angles his head away from the warm breath tickling his ear, enough to meet Kazuma’s gaze with as much conviction as he can muster. “That’s not the line.” Obviously. They both are well aware. But Ryunosuke chooses then to be difficult. “Besides, I hardly see how I should be the one teaching you anything.”

That smile returns, and perhaps it’s without those lips hovering by his ear that he can relax enough to laugh. “Have you always been such a romantic?” Ryunosuke inquires (born from more than just simple curiosity). He tilts his head while looking the other over, a hum rising in his throat. “I never would’ve guessed.”

[tenacquity]

Dearest Partner,

I see you are studying hard, I'm proud of you! This means I will not have to be called to whip you into shape. A shame, it is something I miss doing the most. Do not fret too much, I would be happy to read your thoughts... only I might scold you for the lack of form. Just a bit. Don't overthink it, Ryunosuke, just use simple words, remember?

I shall do what's right and tell Apprentice Inspector Lestrade upon our next lunch. Although, I heed a warning, that as time goes by I may grow more selfish and want to keep those letters all to myself... do not tell me if you write to others.

I take your advice to heart, but may I give a confession? Part of cannot forgive the Great Detective. Not due to his scheming itself, no, I understand why he did so, in a similar way I understand why my father did what he did despite not agreeing with it, that is water under the bridge.

No, what I cannot forgive is that he came between us. He separated us. He took you away from me, my partner, and I cannot find it in me yet to forgive anyone for this... you have always been the strongest one, I applaud your kindness which I can only learn from.

However, it made me realise something. That without you, I am lost. Do not worry, for I am training to grow so fully accomplished and can more than stand on my own without holding you back.

Please enjoy the weather to the fullest, from dawn to night. And should your heart ache with doubt, look up to the sky, and know I am looking at the same one, believing in you. 月が綺麗ですね The moon is beautiful, isn't it?

I hope the gifts I send are suitable, and that you may enjoy the tea and snacks. I was taught almost under pressure quickly how to ascertain english goods of quality... probably something that has to do with associating with him and making sure only the finest is picked? I would say I'd like you to be the only one to partake in them, but knowing you it might only bring more anxiety to hide those from others, so feel free to give some to everyone.

Yours, Asogi Kazuma

@dainihogyo || 😩😩😩👌

Dear Kazuma,

Are you grading me on my ability to write letters, now? Surely there's better use for your time. That, or you're not nearly busy enough! (Know that I could not help but smile while I read that, everything considered. It's oddly comforting that you haven't changed in this way. You always did have a knack for slapping my wrist even when you're not present to do so.) Perhaps this will become easier, as time goes on. I am, after all, far more accustomed to speaking to you face-to-face. Forgive the sloppiness until then, if you believe you can survive it.

I understand why you would feel that way about Holmes. You have every right to, and I would never imply that you should forgive someone you are not ready to forgive. Even if you never find yourself ready, that is okay. I regret that I left London so quickly before I myself had the chance to fully digest my own feelings surrounding it all. The distance has given me proper room to breathe, which only makes me wonder how you are doing, still surrounded by a city that carries with it all of that weight.

Please do take care of yourself, Kazuma. If I could ask just one thing from you, that would be it.

If we are in the business of reprimanding each other, then allow me the opportunity to express how outlandish it is to believe you've held me back in any capacity. That couldn't be further from the truth, and when I claim I can put together novels of sentiments on just how grand of an influence you've had on me, I am hardly exaggerating. You are not lost, Kazuma. We still share the same sky, as you've observed. I am right here, thinking about you always. It is endlessly flattering to know I cross your mind to the same degree.

Thank you for the gifts! As always, you know precisely what I like, and, due entirely to your instruction and not my own selfishness, I kept at least a few things to myself. Maybe not everything needs to be shared, right? I enlisted Susato's help in putting together a package for you in return. May these treats from home bring you comfort when you need it most, along with the, as you say, form-less letters I keep sending.

Yours, Ryunosuke

[amusingvenue]

Despite the towering shadows behind Alexandra, snickers and giggles escape from the lips of the Kambal as the bodyguard twins subtly elbow each other from the endearing apology. The older sister, on the other hand, keeps a stern expression as her eyes narrow in warning towards her brothers. "Psssst!" her lips firmly purses together as a warning until the twins immediately straighten and silence themselves in almost a similar fashion as Ryunosuke's.

Although there is an air of intimidation around Alexandra, the detective reciprocates a reassuring smile in etiquette. "No need for apologies, Mr. Naruhodo," she shakes her head as she gradually makes her way towards the young defense attorney.

Heeled leather boots gracefully carry Alexandra's tulip skirt across the marbled floor of the Prosecutor's Office, with each click echoing longer than the last, as if an impending change was inevitable to the world of the younger individual's ignorant bliss. "To answer your question, I believe so."

As she stops to meet Ryunosuke in the middle, a white delicate blouse seems to be rolled up Alexandra's elbows. Despite presenting herself as a proper lady to the English's standards, a set of calloused hands and faded scars running up her arms states otherwise. "I was invited as a consultant to answer Lord van Ziek's inquires, but..." her words trail off before her lips purse again in concern. "Well, it looks like I may need to be more involved after a recent discovery was brought to my attention."

As if on queue, Alexandra’s hand casually waves the photograph with unintentional temptation. That is until her wrist snaps the photograph away Ryunosuke and towards her chest. "Careful now, Ryunosuke, as the English would say," her voice ominously cautions the defense attorney before her hand reluctantly presents the haunting scene captured onto the photograph for Ryunosuke's eyes to see.

"Curiosity kills the cat."

[tenacquity]

Had time and exposure not made Ryunosuke so terribly accustomed to the demeanor of the two whose conversation he had (inexcusably) unwittingly interrupted, he would’ve shrunk back beneath the seemingly cold pairs of eyes pinning him to the entrance. Miss Trese and Lord van Zieks were cut from the same cloth in that way; until meeting them, Ryunosuke was never quite sure how to properly describe “if looks could kill”—now, it’s easy. But, with practice under his belt, and no doubt bolstered by the pleasant smile claiming the former’s lips just then, Ryunosuke knows better.

. . . in one area, perhaps.

As the so-called curious cat, however, he can’t help himself. And in the same vein of growing “accustomed” to particular things that used to perturb him, he should be more surprised that he’s not only eagerly leaning forward to get a look at that photograph once he’s granted permission, but not nearly as bothered by its contents as he once was. He inches closer, but keeps his hands to himself while absorbing the troubling scene. All at once, his reason for being here loses itself on his next exhale, and Ryunosuke tentatively casts a glance to the prosecutor before looking to Alexandra again.

“This is, ah . . . How recent is this—?” comes a soft inquiry, unhesitating despite his not fully knowing precisely why he’s asked. (Only that, well, all of the sudden his motivations have shifted to the point of involvement.) More relevant, as if some resolve has snapped into place in his head—a sort of acceptance and therefore lack of shame toward his own nosiness—he further presses, “Is there something exceptionally odd about the photograph?” Which seems silly, in hindsight, as the detective has announced that the case requires more attention . . . at the same time as she’s waving this piece of evidence in the air—

From his cursory observation, though, Ryunosuke himself has yet to discern much at all. His only conclusion thus far: whoever happened to take the photograph hadn’t the mind to account for what looked like some sort of glare in the lighting. . . . Had they not thought of getting a better one?

[pietmeon]

What are they talking about I wonder...

[tenacquity]

Dear Partner,

I hope this reaches close to your person by the time you port at our homeland. How was your trip? I hope the accommodations were appropriate and that you enjoyed a trip with plentiful meals and a comfortable bed. A lot happened around your leave, and although part of me wished to remain by your side and set ablaze the streets of London together, I understood and respected your decision, thus not expressing it out of respect. It is only as dust settle that I find myself indulging in a moment of weakness to express my feelings and, hopefully, it only comes out as a witness of my affections. I know you will do well by our home, and I could see no one else better suited to make sure it is safe in the hands of justice.

I won't be in court for quite some time, as paperwork keeps piling up due to the incident from which I cannot stop expressing the gratitude of your involvement. My mentor is in the process of renewing both his license and his resolve, and so as a foreigner I can only do so much to support he and his goal. It brought me to roam the streets of London as I investigate with Inspector Gina how far the demons' reach has been, and if any other individual were wronged and in need of reparation. I cannot help but wonder, every time I experience this city, if you set foot in this cantine, this shop, on this bench, on the particular brick of this street. And when homesickness strikes me as it is a normal happenstance, I picture your expression when experiencing those wonders for the first time, and my heart finds itself at ease.

I saw the way Susato looks at you now. In a different way she used to look at me. You were never good at reading women, weren't you? As she is family to me, I leave her in your care, and whatever happens, you both have my blessing. Talking about family, Mr. Holmes has invited me for afternoon tea. I do not wish to impose, but thinking about how fond of Mikotoba-san he is, as his student I might consider take him up on the offer, what do you think?

I am sure our paths will cross sooner than we might think. Your reach for trouble seems to go beyond oceanic borders, after all. Maybe once I visit France or Germany I will hear of a legendary ace attorney shaking the very foundation of the whole of Europe courts?

Please take care of yourself, so I may witness you at your most beautiful the next time we meet.

Yours, Asogi Kazuma

@dainihogyo || my heart was not ready for this 🥺

Kazuma,

If you only knew the number of drafts this letter went through before I was satisfied, you'd be laughing that laugh of yours I already find myself dearly missing. You do know, after all, that I have never been a perfectionist . . . perhaps until your influence—and how that persists even when it feels like you're a world away. (I'll leave the guessing up to you, but surely Susato would be more than thrilled to give you the details, whether you ask her or otherwise.)

After the jarring trip to London, I sincerely doubt there is too much to complain about with the return voyage. Though, might I be bold enough to express that the freedom to not hide myself away in a wardrobe has been pleasant—? (Perhaps I'd trade that, however, if it meant you were there with me.) Your letter was a welcomed comfort when I reached these shores: almost as if you were here waiting for me. I am not ashamed to admit I have reread it many times, even in the perpetual busyness that has claimed us both. It's my personal wish that this might provide the same for you in return.

Through your endless gratitude, Kazuma, I find myself at a loss for words. "You're welcome" won't suffice. In fact, if any response is close enough to illustrating how I feel, it'd be something as simple as, "Of course." Because that's as simple as it gets: Of course I'd do this for you. And I'd do it again. And again. Without a second thought, or even a first one. You know I'll always stand by you no different than you've stood by me, and I only hope that you can find it in yourself to trust me as time goes on. Truly, I never wish for you to face any of these hardships alone ever again. You have me. No matter what.

It brings a smile to my face hearing you acquaint yourself with the people I've come to call my dearest friends. Would you extend my well wishes to them, next chance you get? Gina would no doubt like to hear that Susato has been asking after her. I do hope she's been well, and the very image of you two digging up secrets together is warming, to say the least.

I'd encourage giving our famous detective a chance. He's unlike any man I've ever met, but once you get past the eccentricities, there's a nobleness beneath. I can assume his invitation is in good taste; just make sure you've prepared yourself mentally. (I say this with endearment, of course.) After some of the questionable things he's done, Kazuma, I would not hold it against you if you couldn't bring yourself to be in his presence, but if you have the heart to, try hearing him out. I'll leave you to it.

The problem lies now in my inability to stop writing. It's a beautiful day here, and nothing but birdsong and the pleasant breeze carrying it has kept me company since I started this. I could go on forever, I feel. Perhaps I understand now how novelists can lose themselves in their words. But I'll put my pen down, satisfied by the idea of this bringing you the same joy your letter brought me.

I have much to do now that the day's started. You'll be on my mind, though, as you always are.

Take care, Ryunosuke

[amusingvenue]

Alex chuckles to herself at the sight of the exasperated greeter, playfully rolling her eyes as she shakes her head in sarcastic dismay. "Wooow, way to make excuses, Ryunosuke," Alex jests as she steps inside the apartment before looking back to Ryunosuke with a reassuring smile. "But thanks for welcoming me in after an entire millennia."

As Alex starts to lead the way upstairs to the "Sholmes Suite," she could not help but be surprised at how normal she feels about it. Places like 221B was something that people all over the globe would travel to in order to see them in person during the Modern Century, to be able to see a romanticized version of Sherlock Holmes' residence frozen in time. And yet, despite how the Sunken has punished her to travel centuries back in time, she gets to see this place over and over again for what it essentially is - a realistic home, full of vibrant character & whim. "And you said everyone's exceptionally busy this morning, yet you're not. Did today feel like a needed rest day for you, or did something else come up?"

Once the marble fireplace properly welcomed Alex into the suite, the younger lady continues her way towards the makeshift coffee "table" and lays the basket away from the fire. There were some things in this room that still existed in the Modern Century equivalent, like the bullet holes that spelled "VR" around Herlock's area of the suite. However, seeing how it was prim, proper, and pink over on the other side of the apartment, Alex couldn't help but feel giddy, as if she was in on a secret that no one else from her time would know.

"Actually, yeah, let's put the kettle on," Alex replies to Ryunosuke's offer as she begins to unfold the blanket that covered the top of the basket. Although Alex knows that it sounds normal for her to say that, the younger lady felt her eyes subtly wince a bit in cringe. Sometimes she forgets how her contemporary language stands out compared to the seemingly-proper Victorian English of this time period.

A waft of apples, berries, beef, and bread began to fill the air as Alex spreads the the collection of baked goods over on a clean handkerchief. "I'm sure a warm drink will go well with these baked goods I got for you and everyone else here," Alex continues as some of the glazed sugar and golden egg washes glisten from the flickering flames. "Some fruit charlottes, pudding tarts, jam turnovers, cornish pasties, and chelsea buns," she lists as she generously places a couple of each around the chest for hungry residents to enjoy.

Although Alex is not one for aesthetics, she could not help but smirk to herself as she looks down towards the indulgent breakfast spread of savory and sweet pastries. "Look, I did make sure to have one savory option here in case all the sweets were too much-" she starts to explain before cutting herself mid-sentence with a subtle mischievous grin. She did buy enough pastries for everyone, after all, and since it looks like she bought too much for five people to enjoy, let alone two-

"-but by golly," Alex mockingly expresses her surprise as she covers her mouth before putting both her hands on her hips, "it's quiet as a mouse here, and it's too bad no one else is home to enjoy all this food but us."

Finishing it off with a nonchalant shrug, Alex takes a peek towards Ryunosuke's direction, seeing if he would be the type to fall for this tempting debauchery. "Oh well, I wouldn't want all the extra food to go to waste, so I guess it looks like we can stash some of the extras for ourselves, huh?"

[tenacquity]

In Ryunosuke’s defense, if Alex had chosen to call out first, then he’d have been alerted in a heartbeat and they wouldn’t be in this mildly awkward situation spawned from his negligence to pay attention to his surroundings . . . but, certainly, that doesn’t stop him from being apologetic. As she playfully pokes at his obliviousness (understandably so; it’s not as if he can really hold it against her), the smile on his face sharpens to amusement. Never one to pull her punches, he all but expects the teasing by now, and it rolls off his shoulders in a heartbeat as he takes one more glance outside—as if to double-check Alex hasn’t brought anyone else with her—before closing the door behind them.

He notices the basket draped over her arm, by the way. Oh, he notices that. Curiosity has already been ignited and steers his attention toward what mysteries lie within (and from the slight aroma wafting out of it, good ones), but Ryunosuke remembers his manners where he otherwise lacks awareness. . . . And with admirable patience, he addresses her first before sticking his nose into the obvious treats.

“What makes you think I’m not included in that ‘everyone’?” is his easy response, one laced with a hint of jest to match the tone she’s presented him. “If I wasn’t busy, you’d probably have found me still in bed.” He’s willing to admit that; if Ryunosuke had his way, every morning would be spent as slow and sluggish as possible. He may not be out and about, but he’s up. He’s studying (and my, wouldn’t Kazuma find that oh-so-shocking?). He’s taken advantage of the quiet to actually manage to do that . . . and yet, Alex’s interruption is a welcome reprieve. Perhaps more welcome than it should be: an excuse, even—

Catching the way his own words likely sound, however, he’s swift in making one correction: “Not that you’re a bother in the slightest.” Courtesy dictates that he not further add, —especially when you’ve brought treats. And in the same second as Alex agrees to the offer of tea (in that particular . . . Alex way of speaking that Ryunosuke’s grown accustomed to), he’s already setting it up. Quickly—but carefully—so his undivided attention can be brought back to the basket’s goods.

. . . the whole lot of them—!

It’s in stunned (and awed) silence that he watches her meticulously set out the pastries, as if she were putting on a formal display at a bakery of her own. Ryunosuke shuffles in closer to get a better look, and though he has eaten a mere hour ago, he’s confident he could indulge in more than just one in the spread before them. “Do you intend on feeding the whole street?” he asks, the passing thought of just where she’s acquired the funds to do so carrying his sidelong glance. He blinks, watching the mischievous creases form around her eyes before she meets his gaze. And Ryunosuke’s put that thought to the back of his mind for now. . . .

Shaking his head, he lets out a soft laugh, then. “Well, it’s certainly not as if they can miss what they didn’t know they had,” he raises while taking a seat and contemplating what currently looked the most enticing. “But, then again, this is Sholmes and Iris we’re talking about.” Another glance to his current company, marked by a playful arch of his brow. “Hiding anything from them has to be one of the most impossible tasks. . . . You’re willing to take the fall for that?”

[cindrawing]

“Why put yourself in such a difficult position?”

“For Kazuma. He said there was something he had to do in Great Britain. “

[amusingvenue]

It's another normal day inside Sholme's Suite on 221B Baker Street, and with Alex hanging out with @tenacquity after another long day of work, she dramatically reclines onto the red Victorian chaise, arm and hand laid out above her to reach towards Ryunosuke's direction, and sings, "Darling, hold my hand!"

A couple of seconds of silence, and Alex then follows her mischievous gaze towards Ryunosuke, seeing if he would actually hold her hand.

[tenacquity]

He doesn't realize he's spacing out. Again. And so, Alex very well could have said practically anything at a high enough volume and Ryunosuke would've jolted like some startled mouse—

It's just that this particular interruption to the previously calm quiet manages to confuse him as much as it catches him off-guard.

He blinks a pure bemusement (once he's come down from the fright, naturally), stares at her outstretched palm for a prolonged pause. A hand lifts as if to take up the offer, though hesitation curls his fingers into a loose fist. “ . . . why—?”

[tenacquity]

ryuu has a pretty high emotional intelligence except when it comes to romance

and this means he's a heckin dunce from both sides not just with understanding his own feelings

but he will absolutely not pick up on any cues from an interested party unless that person just grabs him point-blank and screams in his face "i am madly in love with you"

and even then he'll probably be like @^@ ???? why didn't you say something sooner–? //disregarding the fact that said person may have been attempting to court him for years

[tenacquity]

bringing this back bc i've been thinking about it again and like

i actually do think some part of him buried deep deep down is aware of romantic feelings but, subconsciously, he ends up convincing himself they're not there

it's like the equivalent to feeling like you're conceited for assuming someone has a crush on you, y'know???

he's not consciously thinking to himself, "huh this person might like-like me but that would also be cocky to assume so it's probably just friendliness" but more of an innate response than anything else

all the evidence is there

all the signs are there

but ryuu is not and that's the problem :|c