XX. The Adventure of the Metallic Infection {Video, Open}

[so_meretricious]

{Holmes has spent the day since the endgame alternating between stewing and brooding. It's been an exceptionally selfish day, and his thoughts have rarely strayed from himself. He's in his sitting room, smoking his pipe.}It has been fairly interesting the past few days, for which I suppose I should be thankful. My condolences, of course, to

Comments

[Private]

[so_meretricious]

Intact, I should think.

{Private}

[so_meretricious]

{Holmes sighs, as this feels suspiciously like Talking About It.}

Indeed, I have not.

[empirical_data]

...Mr. Holmes? [He wants to know if he's alright, but doesn't want to mention any infections because... they don't talk about things.]

[so_meretricious]

Yes, Commander? {And here he is, the picture of Not Talking About Things. He's quite cheery suddenly, which is really quite suspicious.}

[empirical_data]

[What is this cheeriness thing.] I am glad to see you are feeling well. [They not talk about things well.]

[so_meretricious]

{It doesn't quite vanish, the cheeriness, as much as it mutates into some languid charm. Less conspicuous, but still rather out of place.} Your concern is appreciated, Commander. I trust you are also unharmed.

I AM COMPELLED TO THE SPAM

[so_meretricious]

{It takes some moments, but eventually there are the sounds of footsteps and Holmes' door opens, with Holmes on its other side, stone faced. He looks entirely unimpressed, and his body language couldn't present a better wall if he tried.}

Do you require assistance, Mr. Nygma?

IT'S FULL OF STARS

[so_meretricious]

On the contrary, {Holmes says, avoiding eye contact with the most supreme contempt,} neither subject is fitting discussion.

{The wall does not budge.}

[inhumandog]

In order to give condolences, you should properly feel regret. Or sorrow.

Do you?

[so_meretricious]

When one wishes another good day, does one indeed mean the pleasantry?

[inhumandog]

No. But it's a waste of air to go out of your way to lie in such a manner.

[so_meretricious]

It is not a lie to observe social conventions.

[stopthat_destro]

[Rex doesn't want to talk to anyone, not even you... BUT HARPER GAVE HIM HOMEWORK THAT'LL GET HIM ONE OF HIS SNAKES BACK, AND IT INVOLVES TALKING.]

You were uninjured? [Awkward. Talking is AWKWARD.]

[so_meretricious]

{Talking is the worst. His tone is rather flat.}

I am indeed. I concede victory to you, Doctor Lewis.

[stopthat_destro]

I'm... glad you weren't hurt. [Ugh talking.]

[so_meretricious]

You are a clever and resourceful man. It is a shame.