capeandcowl | twenty-three. voice.

[Katurian sounds tired and frail. His voice carries its usual tremor.]

As a human being-- like all human beings, I make a tremendous amount of mistakes. A tremendous amount. I'm not a role model. That isn't-- That isn't something I could say.

[Vocalizing those words nearly kicks his breath away. Pause. Then, feverishly:]

I wanted to apologize for the state I found myself in this last week, a state in which-- in which many of you saw me, and I wanted to let everyone know that it was my fault. I thank you for your concern, I really do, but the most important thing for any of you to know is that it was my fault. And I don't want pity, that's never something I want, even if it seems like a very easy thing to give, even if it seems like I deserve it, because I don't deserve pity and I don't want it either. That doesn't mean I deserve to be treated like shit, g-granted, I don't want to see anyone using that as a fucking excuse, but I-- I'm--

[He catches himself. Breathes.]

But I'm all right.

[Click.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[And if this was voice, he would sound bitter.]

Slowly. I imagine attempting not to think would be just as difficult for you.

I code my thoughts. Riddle them, you could say. It's a useful trick, when one lives in a world of casual telepaths and magicians.

I could, perhaps, help you in such a regard?

[There's a long, long pause.]

I could see the potential.

[And another.]

Why the generosity?

A favor for a favor, Mr. Holmes. You helped Katurian, after all.

[A favour that he had been planning to keep in the bank, just in case, but...]

I see. I'll admit your offer has its advantages.

[As Eddie assumed. It's much more pleasing, to him, to have the favor on his own unique terms.]

You could work without the trouble of having people know your mind. Having criminals see what you see.

[It's a couple of minutes before he answers. It's something he could learn himself, eventually, he assumes, but not without a large amount of trial and error... and annoyance. And letting Edward teach him would also mean Edward would be equipped to unravel them...

...But the chance to see into how Edward constructed his puzzles was a little too much to pass up.]

No need to sell it to me further. I accept.

Lovely. Then we should make meeting in person a habit, wouldn't you say?

I'll leave my calendar open. When should I pencil you in?

I have appointments until the fourth. Politics, you know.

Politics? No. I really don't. The fourth it is.

Good. Are you above coffee shops? We have to meet up somewhere relatively civil, at least at first.

I've always been partial to caffeine.

You're a man who likes his stimulation.

Anything to advance the work, Edward.

You don't mind the dependency?

People don't seem to mind the human dependency on food.

The two don't quite equate. Anything unnecessary to basic survival is considered additional -- and in excess? Addiction.

And my work is my survival, and stimulation necessary to the work. I get enough lectures on my health from other corners, Edward.

You justify your addictions, for whom? Yourself or others? Because I hadn't really taken you as an individual who was preoccupied by the opinions of others.

[A beat.]

Other corners. Like John?

You asked if I minded. Why would I mind something that increased function? Take it as a justification if you want, but it doesn't need one.

[And there's no way he's going to answer that question in a way that you can use falsehood, Edward.]

I'm sure you would love to know.

Increased function unnaturally. Your talents are not your own, if their highs are counterfeit. It's unimpressive.

[He shrugs, already losing interest.]

John Watson has been of interest to Desire. Not only because of your involvement with him, mind. Though I must say, that does hold influence.

I suppose I could make a calculated guess, that he is of that sort.

[He completely ignores the first part, considering the matter closed. But he pauses a while before answering the second.]

What sort.

[Not that he doesn't already know. Not that it hasn't already been discussed. But without knowing exactly what Nygma means, he isn't going to comment on it.]

The sort who cares for you. Emotionally.

[Good. Not as he feared.]

Does he. And why would that interest Desire?

encrypted;

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