#i'm screaming shouting losing my mind gnhjaodghnjao this is so incredible

[tenacquity]

Standing this close to the Reaper of the Bailey would’ve—many, many months ago—been rightly terrifying and very likely a sure sign Ryunosuke’s time in London was going to be cut short (if not by the hand of Lord van Zieks [nothing gruesome, mind you, but just his ability to make the defense lawyer look like a clown in the courtroom], then by Ryunosuke himself ducking and running). Even at a distance—especially behind his podium—he’d always carried that sinister aura: a man who wouldn’t be trifled with. A man who had it out, from the beginning, for that “upstart” of a student who had the gall to assert himself in any manner.

Without so tight a hold on his determination, on his loyalty to his best friend, Ryunosuke often wondered just where he would’ve ended up. (Would the Reaper have successfully frightened him back to Japan with enough of those debilitating looks, those icy remarks? I ought to thank both Kazuma and Susato-san for lending me the strength I needed, he mused briefly.) As things were, though, he had no regrets. And when he closed even that minuscule shred of distance between them, that little tingle behind his sternum had nothing to do with fear.

Oh, Ryunosuke liked to think he was getting to know this man. Piece by piece. Little threads left for him to pick up and weave together—and most assuredly without intention, most of the time. He was less of a mystery now, more of an overwhelming curiosity that bled into all of his advances, into that confidence that drove him to not only stand his ground, but press forward. Too closely, Ryunosuke watched those shifts in demeanor, listened to the weight carrying out van Zieks’s latest sigh. It wasn’t annoyance.

Hm…What was that?

He wasn’t bothered by the other’s announcement of lacking all “obligations” to him, not at all deterred by what could have—in the past—been a sign the conversation was over: nothing left to discuss. Instead, Ryunosuke maintained his attentive silence as he waited for the prosecutor to say more; somehow, he knew there would be more. And yes, there after a few awkward pauses, a fresh sentiment eased into the air—something that was… well, surprising in an entirely new way. Enough for Ryunosuke to lose his grasp of any coherent words with which to answer him, momentarily.

Hopefully, he’d wiped the genuine surprise off his face swiftly enough to not be too much of a display. “That’s… awfully generous of you, Lord van Zieks,” he breathed, humbling himself then with a grateful dip of his head. “And, I might add, very easy to take advantage of, but— I-I’ll not do that to you.” Anyone close to him would vouch for his propensity to be indulgent, given the opportunity. He didn’t plan on bringing van Zieks into that particular circle of knowledge. (What was he to do if this man suddenly started doting on him?)

A smile snuck back onto his features, as he then in that moment realized one particular thing he would very much like. “Well, now that you mention it, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble,” Ryunosuke ventured, “I’d be interested to see if we might find time outside the courtroom to spend in each other’s company.” There, again, his confidence stuttered, forcing him to briefly glance away. “I-if— that would be okay, of course. It wouldn’t have to be immediate, but… I’d rather like that, should it be possible.”

Naruhodo raised his head at last. Good. A better look on the lawyer than those anxiously darting eyes or the usual self-deprecatory sag of his shoulders. He much preferred to see Naruhodo's eyes — though they were so worrisomely wide that Barok wondered if they might pop from their sockets — rather than the top of his head.

( ... What a bizarre thought, when he had wrongly despised the man only months ago. But Naruhodo seemed exceptionally skilled at bringing out the strangest impulses in him. But it wasn't so unusual, was it...? Of course he would rather that Naruhodo didn't fear him. )

❛ I assure you, it's nothing against you, my learned friend.‏‏‎ ‎❜ Not anymore, at least. But therein was the very root of the problem. ❛‏‏‎ ‎I simply exercised common sense. You of all people know better than anyone that I haven't always been... kind to you and your countrymen. Inviting myself seemed inappropriate at best.‏‏‎ ‎❜

Cruel, at worst. No way to return Naruhodo's grace, after all the man had done for him. But it was Naruhodo who had come back to the Old Bailey despite it all, and it was him who had invited Barok here to the defendants' antechamber. He couldn't know what had spurred Naruhodo on — it would be a feat indeed, to claim to know the workings of that man's mind —but Barok could be sure now that his presence was neither overwhelming nor unwelcoming. He would not squander what time Naruhodo had left in London.

It was only a step, but Barok felt as though Naruhodo had suddenly swarmed him. They were much too close now, more than they had ever been. ( Enough that the smell of lavender assaulted his senses. Was that the smell of Naruhodo? ) Were Barok not cornered, he might have stumbled back. As it was, there was no way to turn his eyes elsewhere without effectively backing down. Naruhodo really had become too confident.

He shut his eyes — the better alternative to averting his gaze from Naruhodo's — letting the cloak fall entirely as he crossed his arms and huffed a practised, weary sigh.

❛ Do not misunderstand me. I am under no impression that I hold any obligation to you.‏‏‎ ‎❜

God forbid that Naruhodo suddenly believed himself in possession of some ridiculous, newfound power over Barok. There was perhaps only one other man in the world who could be less trusted with that sort of dangerous assumption. Thankfully the great detective, attached to flatmate's hip as he usually was, had not yet arrived to make a nuisance of himself yet. But Barok hastened their conversation nevertheless; one could never be so sure.

( And the sooner they moved on, the sooner Naruhodo would uncage him. Then he would break free from those eyes, that glowing smile, and that mesmerising scent of lavender that was making his head spin.

❛ ... This is my own choice entirely.‎ ❜ A chance to extend a final thanks to the man that Barok had so horribly misjudged, before Naruhodo set off to Japan. For whatever reason, he had been given this opportunity... and he did not intend to waste it.

Don't be ridiculous, he was tempted to retort. What have I ever done for you? Naruhodo's habit of spinning cheery tales from nothingness was all at once impressive and bewildering. But Barok fought the urge and held his tongue.

❛ Anything that you want, Mr Naruhodo — if it is within my power, then consider it yours.‏‏‎ ‎❜ Within reason went unspoken, but surely Naruhodo understood that much.