#including herlock of course

[aletheialed]

CASUALLY ADDING YUUJIN TO MY MUSELIST.... AS A TREAT..............

[alynnl]

I have one more Great Ace Attorney AU that I actually came up with as I was actively playing through case 2-3 (Return of the Great Departed Soul.)

My notes aren't quite polished enough to share the long version, but I have a few key ideas I can share.

It all started with a question. "What would happen if Albert Harebrayne got kidnapped and held for ransom?"

And Barok van Zieks gets the ransom note

Only the demands aren't for money, but instead for Van Zieks to get a guilty verdict in an upcoming trial

Kazuma has gone off on "personal business" so he's not Van Zieks's co-counsel this time around

Ryunosuke and Susato are the opposing counsel, of course

The trial is a murder trial because in Ace Attorney, it's always murder

In this case, it's the murder of someone who'd been recently reported missing

The defendant is a young Italian stage magician who was just making his debut (who I really want to come up with a pun name for)

Herlock Sholmes is there. He's been investigating a string of missing persons cases in the background

Stage magic + missing persons cases = a great idea for a title. Adventure of the Great Vanishing Act

After a very stressful first day of trial and additional investigation, Ryunosuke and Susato approach Van Zieks because they know he's not himself

It takes some effort on Ryunosuke's part, but Van Zieks comes clean about the ransom note, and how he doesn't want to lose one of his friends the day he was supposed to get him out of England to save him from the Reaper's Curse

Sholmes arrives and he's heard everything. And he reassures everyone that he can rescue Albert, since he's close to cracking the missing persons case

There's a major moment (reminiscent of Farewell my Turnabout) where Ryunosuke, Susato and Van Zieks agree to prolong the trial as long as they can to give Sholmes enough time to get Albert out of danger

I'm floating the idea of Iris being Sholmes's investigation partner during that part of the story because you can't have a Dance of Deduction solo

Albert takes matters into his own hands and sets off a small explosion (on purpose this time) just to let people know where he is (when in doubt, blow something up!)

This explosion tips Sholmes off to his location, and after a brief reunion, the Great Detective whisks Professor Harebrayne away to the Old Bailey

Ryunosuke and Van Zieks have given it their all in the courtroom. Van Zieks has no doubt that the young magician is not guilty. Sholmes hasn't arrived yet, but there is no other way to stall the trial. He knows he couldn't live with himself, nor would Albert forgive him if he sent a perfectly innocent young man to the gallows

"The Prosecution... Rests."

Ryunosuke can't come up with anything else either. "The Defense... Rests."

Mere minutes before a verdict is called, there is a last minute "Hold it!"

Sholmes arrives, with Albert in tow. "Forgive my tardiness, ladies and gentlemen! I had a very important promise to keep!"

The Judge asks why they're even here, since the trial seems to have reached its logical conclusion

Sholmes goes on to suggest that the proceedings can't end here, since it's possible that the true culprit behind the murder and the vanished Londoners might be sitting in the gallery.

Ryunosuke suggests that both Albert Harebrayne and Herlock Sholmes testify, since they are both important witnesses. "We have a survivor and... The Great Detective who discovered one of the culprit's hideouts!"

Van Zieks agrees to let them testify. He looks at Albert in particular when he mentions he fully supports the idea.

Their testimony and evidence (including the ransom note sent to Van Zieks) point out the actual mastermind

The culprit is desperate (and perhaps foolish) enough to try and attack the witnesses. Sholmes gets Albert behind him, and quickly has the suspect on the ground with a single blow.

The bailiff takes him away, much to the relief of everyone present.

When there's once again order in the court, the Judge finally calls a verdict of Not Guilty for the young magician, who can hardly believe what just happened in his trial

I'm still working on the post-trial scenes. (As much as the other scenes.) But I have a few details worked out.

The young magician will go back to Italy, both to escape the Reaper's Curse and reconcile with his family

Van Zieks doesn't directly thank Ryunosuke and the others but he recognizes their abilities. And he knows when they're in the courtroom, the truth will be brought to light

Albert apologizes profusely to everyone, feeling like he's just caused them all a great deal of trouble once again

Ryunosuke gets the feeling of de ja vu as he gives Professor Harebrayne the reassurance that none of this was his fault at all

Van Zieks can tell how tired Albert is and offers to take him home. "You need food and rest. You've been through a lot, Albert."

Ryunosuke is completely taken aback on how gentle Van Zieks sounds. He accidentally says this out loud and receives an icy glare in return

Barok and Albert share supper together at the professor's home. They also share a conversation.

Barok isn't proud of the way he first responded to the ransom note

Albert tells him "I might have acted the same way, if I was in your shoes."

In the very end, it's seen as the best thing for Albert to leave Britain after all (in this AU he was trying to stay to prove a point.)

Barok quietly agrees. Then he humbly asks Albert to write to him once he's reached Germany, and mentions that he will keep in touch.

At Baker St, Ryunosuke, Susato, Iris and Sholmes are having their own supper. Sholmes excitedly explains how he found a notebook with details about the other missing Londoners in the same building he found Albert Harebrayne. Since then, the rest of the citizens have been returned home

Ryunosuke couldn't believe how tough (and how personal) today's trial became, but he knows as long as he has the others to help him, he can overcome any challenges in the courtroom

Everyone at Baker St. shares a toast with Iris's tea, to victory and unbreakable bonds

[mostmagical]

nicole my love will you rank your top three or top five or top ten video games… whichever number you wish to gush about… i love you…

hi sunny..... oughh I have a tough time picking favorites.... I looked at this question like a homework assignment.. I did a top 10 and I put reasoning even though you did not ask for that but I'm putting it under this read more in case you want it... you don't have to read more though... but you can... i love you...

Top 10

Kingdom Hearts - Obviously of course. I don’t always even rank KH1 as my favorite KH game but basically this was my “oh games can be like that?” game. Until I played this, I mostly played simulator games and movie tie-ins and Barbie games, and I loved those but this one had a STORY I could bury myself in. I forced the friend I played this game with to sit and wait while I read through every journal entry and character file looking for MORE, because I was so immediately hooked on everything.

Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories - This one always ranks high not just because of the story, which I love, but because this was the first game I ever beat entirely by myself. A lot of people skip or can’t stand this game so I’m extra proud of myself tbh. But this is the game where one of my favorite characters became one of my favorite characters, so it’ll always have a special place.

Ōkami - I love this game so much… It’s so visually stunning, I love the unique game play, and Amaterasu is such an amazing protagonist despite the fact that she does talk outside of barking and howling and also she is literally a dog. But she’s so good. There’s a dedicated bark button, which is important. AND THERE’S FISHING!

Final Fantasy X - I’ve literally never sobbed more over a piece of media in my entire life. The game wasn’t even over yet. I had to fight a boss with tears in my eyes. This was my first FF game and oh my god. Oh my god. I can say no more.

Horizon Zero Dawn - I got so sucked into this game. It was all I could think about for months. I love the environmental storytelling and the world-building and Aloy is a female protagonist WITHOUT a love interest in this game and it’s so huge to me and ugh. UGH.,

Hades - This game is so fun… I usually don’t like games that make me feel like I’m struggling but they somehow made it such a joy to die over and over again and see what’s up in the house. The sheer amount of unique dialogue makes it impossible to get annoyed. And it’s just FUN. Full of complicated family dynamics and Greek mythology… Collectibles… WOO (also has fishing)

Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life - This is a really sentimental add, but it’s genuinely one of my favorites. I have so many memories of me and my childhood best friend staying up until the wee hours of the morning playing this game, only to go to bed and set an alarm to get up and play it again. AWL has some of the best NPCs of all HM/SOS games, and also the cutest cows. Ever.

Final Fantasy XV - FISHING. And also stories about bonds we build… friendship… ough.. I love sitting in the back of the car and letting Ignis drive and feeling like we’re all on a friendship road trip together. Random stops for pictures and bathroom breaks included. Luna deserved better but the hours I spent fishing made up for that.

Persona 5 Strikers - It probably seems silly to put this here and not Persona 5, but I really loved Strikers so much. It had such satisfying gameplay, completely different from the source material, yet still somehow felt like such an homage to the classic movesets. It was a really good adaptation to a new genre. I loved the story and the new characters, who MADE ME CRY! and I think it’s such a shame, because a lot of Persona players skipped this one!!! Ryuji gets to say fuck. Come on, people.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles - I love the characters in this game so much… I miss them… I love the original AA trilogy, but this one was so much fun for me. I love Herlock Sholmes… I love him so much I forgot that his real name is not Herlock Sholmes. All the characters are so dynamic and the cases are so fun… That was a game I wished never had to end.

Special mention to Animal Crossing: Wild World, Barbie Horse Adventures Mystery Ride, Secret Agent Barbie, Ni No Kuni, God of War (2018), Gris... I love video games. Damn.

[eleventhhourfactor]

Masterpost Incoming in 3, 2, 1...

So, just as the profile blurb goes. I'm Factor, or Sam, doesn't really matter which. Turns I've actually put out quite a bit of content, so this soon-to-be-pinned post is like a table of contents for all that stuff.

Gonna try to keep this in chronological order, most recent to least. Anything that I have purged from the web will not be included, so do not ask.

Aftereffects

Status: Complete.

Fandom: Super Mario Bros.

After overcoming a powerful curse, Mario’s left with zero memory of what happened, but plenty of physical reminders that something absolutely did.

Based on @wahooitsamee's Ancient Koopa AU, where Mario's dealing with becoming a half-human, half-Koopa hybrid and the changes and insecurities that come with that.

Part 1: Tarragon, Tails, and Koopa Scales

Click this link to go right to AO3.

It’s been a week and a half since Kamek cast a terrible curse, and Mario’s still having a hard time feeling okay with himself. What's a kingdom to do except lift his spirits?

Part 2: Literally Lovestruck

TW: sexual content

Click this link to go right to AO3.

It’s been a month since the curse was calmed, but Mario’s still holding Peach out at arm’s length when it comes to bedtime endeavors. What is a Princess to do, then, when her love wakes up feverish and clinging to her for dear life?

Figure out what's going on, of course.

Part 3: Sparks and Butterflies

Click this link to go right to AO3.

Time marches forth for Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom. He's finally marrying the love of his life, getting ready to rule alongside his Princess, and he couldn't feel any better. He's on top of the world and as comfortable as can be with himself.

Then Peach becomes pregnant, and some old fears come roaring back.

Revised on 08/29/2024.

The Fourth and Final Time

Status: Work in progress.

Fandom: Luigi's Mansion

Luigi takes a terminal spill, and Mario has to pick up the pieces.

Written in collaboration with @giddlygoat, originator of the Ghost Luigi AU.

Tumblr posts:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4 (coming soon)

Enjoy Your Stay at the Last Resort

Status: Complete.

Fandom: Luigi's Mansion

A weeklong stay at a faraway resort would normally be paradise. The idea really loses its appeal when there's ghosts involved.

Post-movie take on a Luigi's Mansion movie, with Luigi teaming up with some unexpected allies to save everyone and trounce the King of the Boos. Loosely based on @profbastard's Syncytium AU.

Off-Hours

Status: Complete.

Fandom: Super Paper Mario

Dimentio's endless interruptions normally keep Team Bleck apart. Throw in some snacks and a bad movie, however, and the jester just might have the stuff to pull them together.

Written for the Super Paper Mario Gift Exchange. Features a work of art by @snakeeyesdraws done for the collaborative nature of the exchange.

Factor's Art

An assortment of drawings and sketches done by yours truly. Contains fan stuff and original stuff.

Astrara (original art)

The main trio

Sort of an early style guide

Dumbass siblings dueling in the yard

Artfight 2024

Emily Sandstone for @effervescentmoth

Mycena Rosea for Banu

Lethe for @lovemail-s (TW: eyestrain)

Ace Attorney art

Mr. Wright Holy Fuck

Detective Herlock Peach

Dick Gumshoe energy

Doodle dump

Pearl really just appeared like that

Assorted art

The first and last time I draw gay mice

Halloween podcast

Turtle post

Bowser

Owl House/Warner Sibs mashup

Other highlights:

That time I made Wrightworth in the Sims 3

That time I needed an exorcist in Sticker Star

That time I thought about getting a custom printed soccer ball

[ana-chronista]

Favourite tv show of all time? Amaze me with at least three random facts about it!!

This is a hard one because my favourite changes over time! But Lupin is definitely consistently near the top of the list. Here's three facts around it:

The series is of course inspired by/based on the Arsène Lupin books by Maurice Leblanc. When he was writing them, he got into major trouble with Arthur Conan Doyle for trying to include Sherlock Holmes, which led to him renaming that character Herlock Sholmes and having his sidekick be Wilson instead of Watson. (Conan Doyle was still pissed off.)

There are several flashbacks to the 90s that show the roots of the present day story and include younger versions of the main characters. The casting for young!Claire is so spot on that even Ludivine Sagnier, who plays the present-day version, was apparently shocked when she saw her as well.

The exterior of the Pelligrinis' house also features in the film Intouchables as the exterior of Philippe's house. Omar Sy stars as a lead in both productions.

And as for a random TV and me-related fact for you, I used to be freaked out by Moomins as a kid. I don't know why. We just had no context for them here, I guess? (Apologies to Finland and I understand if this ends our friendship 😂)

[marvelousmop]

Mop's 2023

So, what have I gotten up to this year? Let's talk about this for far too long.

Jenny Over-There:

(Art by the [Complimentary Adjective] @aristidetwain)

Despite my initial assumption that Jenny Over-There would just be a one-off character I'd never used again, "Jenny Over-There - The 925 Universe" went on with five main-line stories, + 1 spinoff in the form of The Rhino Tower, and +2 Appearances in Arcbeatle Press Anthologies (The Cosmology of Sherlock Holmes and, more recently Coloth: Book of the Snowstorm)!

Over the course of the year, she's been relented to several frustrating situations including phone calls, a fake kidnapping (which I suppose is a step up from the real kidnapping that happened earlier), taking up the Man in Grey's job for the day and, worst of all, being relegated to the role of Side-Character in Lawyers and Tigers and Bears.

Speaking of, that Man in Grey sure did go through some developments, didn't he... There's some domino meme you could make that starts off with "Writing a novelisation featuring bootleg Cybermen" and ends with "Writing a human-presenting entity dating a giant humanoid mantis man"... Good for him!

The weirdest consequence of this has to be how this affected Doctor Know-It-All's character, since, in the Oz series, Professor Wogglebug is enlarged by a character named "Professor Nowitall" which, you may notice, is basically the same name... so Doctor Know-It-All is the Wogglebug's adoptive father now. Good for him! But this also changed the Professor's standing in Oz society, somewhat, since Oz does tend to put magic users in higher positions of power, which lead to the retcon in Lawyers and Tigers and Bears where it's revealed the Professor basically just asked his father to undo his banishment (as seen in A Series of Queer Events). Good golly.

Jenny Everywhere:

For the first time, I wrote about the OG Jenny in celebration of Jenny Everywhere Day! While The Rhino Tower features quite a few connections to the 925 Universe (featuring the 925 Universe's Jenny Everywhere, the Conan parody rendition of Grant Farrel/Thor, and even Albrecht D. Whipple, while not actually being from the 925 universe, is the nephew of the wizard cult leader, Artemas H. Whipple), I intended it to be readable without that knowledge.

Similarly, while it is a loose parody of the Conan story The Elephant in the Tower, it very much can be read without knowing that story (or indeed some of the other stories it references, including The Alchemist by H.P. Lovecraft, and The Black Tower by R.H. Barlow, the latter of which I wouldn't even reasonably expect anyone to get).

Also, I did a cover for it! Don't know where that blast of mild artistry came from, but I do know I haven't seen it since.

Work that has actually seen a competent editor:

While my talents certainly haven't gotten me far this year, I can always depend on Arcbeatle Press. For the April Fools anthology The Cosmology of Sherlock, I contributed two segments: Sherlock Versus Herlock (wherein Sherlock Holmes and Watson encounter Herlock Sholmes and Wilson) and Dark Dealings (wherein Watson takes a sponsorship deal from the Man in Grey - this was also referenced in Annals of the Jen).

More recently, I wrote the story Jenny Over-There's Wonderful Life for the anthology Coloth: The Book of the Snowstorm, wherein Jenny encounters a slightly overzealous angel who shows her just what the world would be like if she was gone (and if you think that sounds unoriginal, don't worry, I'm still working on a Christmas Carol pastiche).

I also contributed two pieces to the The Crew of the Copper Colored Cupids series: Crash Bang Wallop (a very very very very loose Fight Club parody - more of the book's writing style than anything), and Cupid Fact File - 150 Chaotic Crew of the Copper-Colored Cupids Chortlers (inspired by a video I saw of this terrible joke book claiming to somehow have "Over 150 Great Pizza Jokes" - you can tell they were really stumped on how to live up to this promise, since three of the jokes have the premise of throwing a pizza into a lake, with the punchline being a lake pun).

What's Next?

I wasn't joking about doing a Christmas Carol retelling, I am writing that one... and it's going to be a big one. And it's not really Christmas-related (unlike last year's "A Very Jenny Over-There Christmas"), so I feel comfortable just releasing it whenever it's finished. Hopefully soon.

It's also been advertised in the back of a few Arcbeatle Press books at this point, so I guess I can comfortably say that I have written for Academy 27 Season 2! I won't say much about this story, except for it being a sequel to "Hall Pass".

Of course, I never plan too far, but I do have hopes for what 2024 will bring. I hope I get to work with more of the wonderful associates I've met since I started writing professionally, and I hope I get to know some of the newer faces that have popped up recently. I hope I stay creative, even as my life gets busier, and I hope this output reaches people and they enjoy it. I know there's such a thing as just writing for yourself, but also I do want my work to be seen by an understandably small audience that gets a quick chuckle. I hope I read more, and I hope that the price for miscellaneous baked goods goes down.

Happy New Year (but only to people who could be bothered to read this far)!

[askaceattorney]

Dear Me,

Very interesting. However, it seems this picture errors in one specific thing:

Yujin Mikotoba isn’t and was never a Detective. He was a Doctor. The editorials of Herlock Sholmes will tell you as well. 

If you consider anyone that does the bare minimum of Detective work, then shouldn’t Mr. Naruhodo and anyone else that looks at an item and records it on records be included? Unless, of course, you’re counting anyone that partners with a Detective. In that case... Mr. Naruhodo and Iris should be included.

No worries, Dear Mikotoba appreciates the mention.

- Herlock Sholmes

[ask-dgs-221bbakerstreet]

Santa Klimt decides to correct Balmung’s, I mean Santa Paws unique gifts. He takes the bazooka that was intended to be Iris’s gift away. He replaces it with a bedazzler gun that will allow Iris to decorate things with glitter, jewels, sequins and the like. It’s completely safe and harmless. He even includes some googles to prevent any glitter from getting into one’s eyes. Yes much better than the bazooka. Much better indeed. He gets rid of the load of laundry that Herlock was supposed to wash for Balmung. What a naughty dog. He replaces the laundry with an Eye Spy book that will provide hours of endless fun for Herlock. He leaves Susato’s present alone. Candy canes and tea are a nice and acceptable gift. He gawks at the bird skeleton that Maria received. It’s quite morbid, something he may have found fascinating when he was alive and enjoyed hunting animals. Now however, he has no interest in such things. Though he finds it quite disturbing he decides to leave it, knowing Maria enjoys dead creatures. Gina’s gift of dog clothes for Toby as well as matching outfits for herself was a nice and thoughtful gift so he doesn’t do anything to that present either. At this point Klimt begins to wonder where Balmung got all of these presents from. He certainly didn’t buy him any of these gifts. Perhaps he asked Laura to go shopping for him, Klimt knows she has a hard time denying Balmung nice things. He bursts out laughing when he sees the corset that Ryunosuke was gifted. My oh my Balmung. “It’s to help with his posture. To help straighten his back.” Balmung says. Klimt tries to stop chuckling, but he can’t. The gag gift is too funny for him to replace. Yujin’s gift is certainly interesting. Though he’s not sure what use if would have for Yūjin, apart from piquing his interest. He decides to leave that gift alone as well. It’s obvious Balmung wrote these for Yūjin to educate him on dogs as well as ghosts. Perhaps he thought Yujin’s love of medicine would interest him into learning about dogs and ghosts. The self help book that Santa Paws gifted Kazuma is of course written by Balmung. He reads through it and he has to admit the material in the book is very helpful. Balmung is quite skilled at helping people. He would’ve made a good psychiatrist if he was alive and human. Though he isn’t sure that Kazuma will appreciate this gift. He decides to give Kazuma a fancy pocket knife with a lovely ornate blade. Though he does wonder if the book will be helpful to Kazuma so he leaves it as well. Barok’s gift is a vampire costume, because of course it is. It certainly is a lovely outfit, Klimt almost wishes it was his gift. He decides to leave the costume but to also give Barok some new records to play that contain gothic organ music. His brother has always adored gothic music, not to mention it fits with the vampire theme. Haori’s gift is downright funny. “Ghost Dogs are Real and they Want to Possess You” another book authored by Balmung. He reads through it laughing at the jokes Balmung makes. He knows Balmung doesn’t actually wish to possess Haori, so he decides to leave the book to confuse her. Wagahai didn’t receive a gift the first time around so Klimt decides to give her a cat tree. Have fun climbing around little one.

---

...well, thank you for the more sensible gifts.

!!! This is so much fun! Zuzu, come here!

Y-

AH! Iris!

Ehehe!

I don't think you'll ever be free of glitter, Kazuma-sama.

Oh, so I didn't get anything else? Iris, I don't think the Van Zieks side of your family likes me.

Don't say that! They just like to tease you, Runo.

Miaow! (Wagahai is finally leaving the Christmas tree alone in favour of the cat tree.)

[thesimpsbasement]

hii can i request headcanons for how tobias gregson would react around his crush who is really physically affectionate? like they love giving hugs to their friends and platonic cuddles and stuff like that

Fandom:Ace Attorney

Character: Tobias Gregson

Author: Mod Betty

Warning/tags: Gina/Herlock are also here as side characters, also Gina sees the reader as an older sibling/parental figure ,not proofreaded yet

Reader is gender neutral

Word count :552 words

___________________

-You were always known for your affectionate gestures, it was your way to communicate different emotions, be it excitement or satisfaction and all your friends were victim of your affection,Gregson included

-When you first hugged him, he was baffled, I mean he wasn't used to his acquaintances being all touchy, he was flustered and confused

-"___ what is the meaning of this!?" He asks clenching the bag of fish and chips in hands,cheeks red "Oh sorry I just like being affectionate to people I care about! Should've probably asked first" you say rubbing your neck nervously, He lowers his hat so somewhat hide his face " It's uh alright just warn me next time" he mutters loud enough for you to hear him but quieter than his usual tone

-The first couple of times you hugged him, he had mixed feelings,it was a new feeling but it did make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside

-He prefers it when you hug him in more private areas,away from prying eyes

-When watching you hug other people(* cough* Herlock) he can't help but feel slightly jealous but often tells himself that " they just do it in a friendly way"

-Speaking of the devil Herlock,using his good ol' deduction skills,he noticed Gregson's feelings for you and of course he teases the poor guy

-out of all the times to use his deductions skills he uses them here!?

-Herlock usually tries to get you to hug him,knowing how much your hugs can affect him

-" Oh ____ did you know that our dear inspector has bought you lunch?" Herlock asks,a smirk already on his face " Wait really?" You ask,turning to the man in question, he coughs,cheeks already starting to grow red " W-well I saw how hard you were working back there Unlike those useless buffoons so I thought I'd buy you something considering how you didn't have time to eat" he muttered,not looking into your eyes

-You smile " That's so considerate of you! Thank you!" You say before giving him a hug and took the lunch he had in his hands

"Oh sorry but I have to go,see you two later!" You say as you leave the 2 men alone

-"Can you shut your mouth for once Sholmes"Gregson asks looking annoyed " Oh but I was only helping! You're so mean Gregson!" Herlock cried out leaving Gregson even more annoyed

-Herlock wasn't the only one to notice Gregson's crush on you,Gina also noticed

-The way he talked to you,it was less harsh and more gentle almost

-Gina has taken a liking to you,seeing you as parental or older sibling figure to her so she has deemed you fit for Gregson

-And Gina was going to hype Gregson up and give him the courage to confess

-" Oi Sir dontcha think it's about time ya confessed to _____" Gina asked, crossing her arms " Gina now it isn't the time" he said taking a bite of his all time favorite food " C'mon mate ya 'ready stole their hear'!She said confidently " I mean haven't ya seen how they act aroun' ya,they are head over heels in love with ya!"

-Gregson just sighs and thinks about Gina's words,maybe he should confess to you,yeah he thinks he will

[squadron-of-damned]

you were quicker than me but:

Eeny, Sholmes and Barok? That or Ryu or Kazuma.

Enoch Drebber, TGAA version. Worth noting that I sitll haven't chewed through TGAA far enough to, you know, meet him in půerson either. Anyway:

First impression: Tolp, just this once, can you be normal about a tragic, snarky, white- and long-haired man performing dubious science who is heavily implied to rebuild his body to his own image?

Impression now: Of course you can't, who was I fooling?

Favorite moment: "...You are aware that's a bomb, right? It's going to kill all of us :)"

Idea for a story: I am still writing Angelus Ex Machina and Simon Blackquill's Field Guide, so. Those two.

Unpopular opinion: This guy did not have any sexual anything with Benbert Bobinbrayne. I see where you are coming from, but actually no.

Favorite relationship: He doesn't canonically have much of them, but I think that he and Iris would be An Excellent Problem For Everyone Else... once Iris would figure out which buttons she is not meant to push in him.

Favorite headcanon: He does magic. He doesn't know it. Anything he makes works the way he assumes it is going to work. That includes things that by regular laws of physics and/or logic should NOT work. For example his prosthetic hand.

Herlock Sholmes, or as I call him since 2022 - Sherlock Holmes:

First impression: I want a refund on this guy.

Impression now: I still want a refund on this guy, but for slightly different reasons.

Favorite moment: NGL, I actually liked it when he was mean to Natsume "Yeah, you left the wounded lady there like a coward and did nothing to help her." Like, for once in this franchise inaction is worse than action.

Idea for a story: I am mulling over how it is going to go when 14-15 years old Iris finaly Finds Out Her Heritage, feels completely betrayed and decides she is Done with her flatmate and kicks him out. And Sherlock survives by a string of miracles for, like, two months, until Iris cool down and starts having some regrets.

Unpopular opinion: Mycroft Sholmes should have come at some point and shake his younger brother down to stop being a nuisance for five minutes.

Favorite relationship: I am fascinated by Sherlock & and / Yujin. How much has to be wrong with a man to live with younger more hot-headed Sherlock without fixing his face with the floor?

Favorite headcanon: He takes so many drugs behind Iris's back. He's promised countless times to stop. He lied.

Barok van Zieks:

First impression: Oh shit, we have actually competent prosecutors who do their job?

Impression now: Holy shit we have one competent prosecutor who does his job! Give that man a cake!

Favorite moment: He throws the cape away. I, an asexual, am looking very respectfully.

Idea for a story: No. He's had enough. Leave him alone. No stories. No more shenanigans. I've done Lost in Translation, that's all he has to go through.

Unpopular opinion: His racism/japanphobia is actually very well portrayed as an actively and recently learned behaviour and there is a distinctive enough difference that I - socially denser than lead - could actually tell. And that's a good thing. Narrativelly, not personality-wise.

Favorite relationship: Idk if I like Barok & | / Benbert or Barok & Kazuma more.

Favorite headcanon: A portrait of him from the Reaper of the Old Bailey era hangs during the modern times in the National Gallery. Phoenix Wright, an Art Major, had to make a smaller copy of it as an assignment, and he has an incredible beef with the concept of existence of Barok van Zieks, because he had to use a million shades of lavender for hsi hair, and it's been the wort art reproduction assignment he's ever had.

[phiaships]

Selfship Intro Post!

Hello everyone, my name is Sophia, I’m 18 and I’ve finally decided to make a selfship blog after self-shipping (and lurking on the selfship community) since 2019. My blog is still under construction, (there’s still a few things I need to figure out; banner, long-term pfp, how tf do I make a carrd?) but I’m just wanting to put my intro out there so I can start interacting with the community and meeting mutuals (and hopefully friends(!)) within the community! I’ll probably move this over to a Google doc/ carrd once I figure out how to make one to keep it less messy but I’ll leave some basic info here for the time being:

•My only romantic (F/O) is Kazuma Asogi from the great ace attorney. I’ve loved him pretty much since I met him in game on the English release of TGAA on 27/07/21 so I consider that to be our anniversary (lol). Please do not interact in any capacity if you, or a mutual selfships (or ships an oc) with him romantically, post often about a ship with him and a canon character, or you like him in romantic capacity. And please, do block me if you share him.

•Whilst Kazuma is my only romantic (F/O) there are a few former (F/O)’s who I still care for lore/story-wise and will list them under my crush category. I’m fine sharing them but I’ll leave them listed out since I may gush about them from time to time and I don’t want someone with these (F/O)’s to interact with my blog without knowing.

•My interests include a lot of anime, manga and a few select video games, I’ll list out a few of my favourites/ the ones I’m most invested in below but if you have (F/O)’s from those sources please, please interact!!

Without further ado:

(F/O) list:

Romantic: Kazuma Asogi (thinking of a tag still)

Platonic (☀️ for my main comfort characters):

TGAA: Susato Mikotoba, Ryunosuke Naruhodo, Gina Lestrade, Herlock Sholmes, Iris Wilson.

One Piece: The entirety of the strawhat crew but especially Monkey D. Luffy ☀️, Yamato.

Golden Kamuy: Koito Otonoshin ☀️, Asirpa, Sugimoto Saichi

Arven ☀️ (Pokemon SV)

Katsura Kotaro ☀️ (Gintama)

Main Interests:

Ace Attorney, Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons franchise, Persona 5 (currently finally starting my play through and I love it), Pokemon, One Piece, Golden Kamuy, Dr. Stone and basically any anime /manga I’ve rated a seven or above on my anime list:

MAL: Lawphii (I had no idea external links didn’t show up in searches and I was still scratching my head tryna figure out why absolutely 0 people saw my post so oops.)

(Remember!! Please interact if you have (F/O’s from said sources, I would love to hear about your ships!!)

Former (F/O)/ crushes:

(Don’t really have feelings for, but might memtion : 🍂, may gush/talk about from time to time:🍃)

Trafalgar D. Water Law (One Piece) 🍃

Ukyo Saionji (Dr. Stone) 🍃

Haru Kato (Millionaire Detective) 🍃

Rei Furuya (Detective Conan)🍃

Dande/Leon (Pokemon SWSH) 🍃

Ogata Hyakunosuke (Golden Kamuy)🍂

Hijikata Toshizou (Golden Kamuy)🍃 *only the Golden Kamuy Ver. I have no interest in the real historical figure.

Kokichi Ouma (Danganronpa) 🍂

Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer) 🍃

(For the time being I’ve removed most of my DNI criteria as I have a suspicion the phrases I’ve used automatically blocked my intro post from appearing…?)

•I want to keep this blog as discourse-free as possible, of course there is probably some content out there that’ll make me uncomfortable, but I will not go ahead and start a witch-hunt for anyone who posts such things and I won’t interact with anyone who regularly engages in such conflict. Don’t drag me into discourse either, I wont entertain it and I’ll just block you if you do. If you don’t fit DNI criteria you are free to interact, but know that if I’m still uncomfortable with your blog I will probably not follow back, and possibly will block you if it genuinely unsettles me. No hard feelings, I just want to curate my space as best as I can.

•I would prefer it if TGAA fandom blogs did not reblog, only because I don’t want my selfship content making it out into the main fandom tags.

•Basic DNI criteria apply; racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and any form of bigotry etc are not welcome anywhere on my blog.

—

And until I figure out how to make a carrd/find the motivation to organise my blog I’ll keep updating this post if I think of anything important to add.

In this blog I hope to post mainly my selfship art, ramblings/gushing/musings, and shitpost about anything on my mind.

I’m very excited to get to know you all, I hope this post doesn’t get lost in the tags forever but if you manage to stumble upon my blog as a selfshipper please come interact with me! I would love to make some friends in this community!!

-Sophia.

[starburstgalexies]

heraso 17

kiss prompt 17: to distract (1125 words, b99/modern detective precinct au)

I am still taking prompts! (prompt list)

This ended up being long enough that I also put it on ao3.

“And that’s a hundred!” Herlock announces, jubilant, dragging a sullen woman in front of him by the handcuffs. “I must commend you, Detective Asogi - eighty-two is adequately close to a hundred. And by ‘adequately close’, I mean to say it is quite far; though you must find solace in the fact that most people would appear even more sluggish compared to a great detective such as myself.” 

Kazuma turns his chair, arms crossed as he leans back. The backrest bends almost halfway with his weight - he hadn’t realized it went that far, for he has always kept perfect posture while working. Not only does he not stop the smirk curling up his lips, he exaggerates it by raising his chin and squinting his eyes, carefully constructing an air of superiority. “And I must commend your skills in second-grade math, alas, you will find that a hundred-and-two not only exceeds the limit, it also implies that I have reached a hundred arrests before you.” 

Herlock stops in his tracks, mouth parting in a silent question as he eyes the whiteboard that still displays ‘Asogi - 82, Sholmes - 99’ in black ink. 

“Drug den bust,” Kazuma explains, a smug grin taking over his controlled smirk. “Five-star package deal, manufacturers and traders included. Fifty-three in custody, enough evidence to arrest twenty.” He presses two fingers on his temple - a clear gesture of I have outsmarted you. “Don’t worry, Sholmes, I was waiting for you to send the arrest report and officialize it. I want you to witness the exact moment your car becomes mine.” He feigns a thoughtful expression. “I was thinking of having it painted red. Beige is a tad too… Sholmes-y, don’t you agree?” 

There it is. 

Herlock, without his stupid, overconfidently lazy smile, dumbstruck against crushing defeat, his eyebrows knitted together as he, for once, has nothing to say. The car is only a plus, really. This dumbfounded expression on Herlock’s face is the actual reward, and Kazuma will go through security camera recordings later just so he can frame it. He will put it on his desk. On his bedside commode, to greet him in the mornings and ease his mind before sleep. He may even make it his phone background, and glance at it when goings get tough, reminding him that he is the victor- 

Hold on a second.

Herlock is awfully relaxed. 

Why is he relaxed?! 

In contrast, Kazuma’s body goes rigid, trying to rack his brain to catch what he missed while he was busy thinking about how to immortalize the moment. 

“Allow me to congratulate you, Detective Asogi.” Herlock steps closer, his expression once again frustratingly jovial. “One way or another, this concludes our little bet. Besides, it is quite the case you have closed. Do feel free to boast - I would like to know about how you secured an assignment of this caliber.” 

He stops in front of Kazuma, leaning forward until he can grasp the armrests on both sides of him. 

“I wouldn’t sink low enough to boast,” Kazuma objects, even though that was precisely what he intended to do until Herlock played into it. 

“Of course not,” Herlock coaxes, and he is far too close, too close to allow Kazuma to think. His blue eyes almost block Kazuma’s sight, puffy blond hair feels awfully soft against his forehead, and his lips-

It is much too hot. That much should be expected, what with Herlock invading Kazuma’s personal space, body heat and all, but he never realized such proximity would have him feverish. He is struggling to get a grip on his own thoughts, sensations flickering before they can become coherent.

Herlock must have laced his last smoke with something, and it is affecting Kazuma. That must be it.

He lifts his hands and holds it against the lapels on Herlock’s jacket. He will push him away, remove himself from this situation and possibly get a warrant against Sholmes because a drug with such potent effects can’t possibly be legal-

Herlock is kissing him. 

Herlock is kissing him, using Kazuma’s own grip as support. 

He can’t move. In some perfect equilibrium, his arms are locked - he can neither push nor pull, and he desperately hopes it’s physics and not the weakness of his own willpower. Each time chapped lips brush against his, it sends a jolt down his spine - dread, it must be dread, and the only reason Kazuma is angling his head and leaning into Herlock further is because he has been trying to cut off on cigarettes and the taste of tobacco with a hint of black tea entices him a bit too much. 

Herlock moves away, too soon, too late, and to his shame, Kazuma almost follows him. Only the self-satisfied grin on Herlock’s face reminds Kazuma that he would very much prefer to punch it instead, and he curls his fist to seek retribution for this unsolicited act of disrespect-

Bloop. 

Kazuma’s head turns just in time for the warning message on his computer to disappear, the form he prepared flying into oblivion with an obnoxious animation. 

“You-” 

“Ah, how clumsy of me. It appears I have accidentally deleted your mail.” Herlock is retreating to his own desk, a carefree shrug as he chews on his pipe that he cannot legally light indoors. “It must have taken a lot of time to prepare a report for twenty people! I cannot describe how sorry I am that you will have to do it all over again, whereas I only need to click… here to officiate my single arrest-” Herlock’s index finger falls directly on the left key of his mouse, slow enough to watch but fast enough for the dramatic flair he desires. “-and announce myself as the first one to hit a hundred arrests this year.” 

Kazuma jolts out of his chair, his fists slamming his desk hard enough to shake the entire cubicle. Rage - and embarrassment - rings in his head like a pair of disharmonious bells. He can’t make a sound through his gritted teeth, but he glares down at Herlock (who is getting too comfortable in his seat) with intent to murder. His message has been understood, but unfortunately, it only satisfies Herlock further, who has the gall to wink at him.

“Please, Mr. Asogi, allow me to make it up to you. Preferably on our god-awful date this weekend. I assure you, the stench of motor oil will follow you everywhere for weeks.”

“I will destroy you, Sholmes.” In other circumstances, Kazuma would be proud of how stable his voice is, because his whole body is trembling with enough fury that his vision is a blur. “I swear to you, I will ruin your miserable life.”

“I am looking forward to it.”

[jawsofbalmung]

Am asking about the dgs kids

YAY! restating my warnings from the previous post: explanation contains passing mentions of (trans)mpreg, all of my dgs polycule ships (but specifically homuryu and baroaso), and does mention rape (outside of the polycule ships). and dgs spoilers! putting under a cut for all that and cause its probably gonna be long! im gonna give profiles for each character like they are in the fangame au (which takes place roughly 20 years after the end of dgs2):

Ryuzou Naruhodo

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Occupation: Private detective

Parents: Herlock Sholmes and Ryunosuke Naruhodo

Descendant: Phoenix Wright

A wickedly smart, yet playful and trickstery young man who is very family-oriented, and very full of love. Because of the strange web of family he was born into, with so many lawyers and detectives and forensic experts, he became very desensitized to crime and murder and loves his life's work of investigating, though is scarily nonchalant about it sometimes. Makes friends very naturally.

Fun fact: Most people, including family friends, are under the impression that Ryuzou is actually Ryunosuke's baby cousin, since Sholmes is stealth trans, and covered up the time he was staying inside when he was pregnant by saying that he took a trip to Japan to retrieve Ryunosuke's cousin, who needed a new home. He looks a decent amount like Sholmes, but they brush that off as a coincidence.

Genshin & Klint van Karuma

Age: 18

Gender: Twin males

Occupation: Joint prosecutors

Parents: Barok van Zieks and Kazuma Asogi

Descendants: Manfred and Franziska von Karma

Twin prosecutors with highly refined sword skills who operate in tandem in court and are ruthlessly headstrong and quick as a whip. Klint is a conceited, scathing, and self-serving person in court, but down to earth and polite outside of court. Genshin is quiet and unpredictable, but kind and actually somewhat funny either way. They consider Ryuzou and Iris as their siblings, as their dads' polycule forms one big family.

Fun fact: They were named as they were because Barok and Kazuma could not agree with each other on anything, and this was the middle ground. Including their last name, which would become refined to von Karma later on. There's also an old Japanese legend that soulmates that die together will come back as twins in the next life. So. Peep those names 👀

Cordelia Blackquill

Age: 22

Gender: Female

Occupation: Prosecutor

Parents: Kazuma Asogi and Mael Stronghart (out of rape), adopted out as an infant to another family.

Descendants: Simon and Aura Blackquill

Cordelia is sharp-tongued, yet proper and upright. Her adoptive family loved her and raised her well, but she's still inexplicably a loose canon with a bone to pick with nearly everyone. But especially her birth "mother", whom she considers to be a coward for giving her up, since she doesn't know the full story behind everything. She taught herself swordplay specifically so when she finally tracked down her "mother", she could challenge "her" to a duel... Upon meeting her, Kazuma figures out pretty quickly who she is, and thinks this vendetta against him is somewhat hilarious. He is considering dueling her just for fun. Cordelia also gets along really well with Genshin and Klint, not knowing of course that they're half-siblings.

Fun fact: Growing up, Simon and Aura thought that the huge portrait of Grandma Cordelia in the foyer was absolutely awesome, and she must have been the coolest person in the world based on the absolute batshit stories they heard about her. Even into adulthood, Aura would scold Simon by saying "do you want to piss off grandma cordelia??"

Now for the non-love children of the fangame au:

Gabriel Victor

Age: 23

Gender: Male

Occupation: Defense attorney

A timid country boy from rural England, who moved to London recently to practice law, and make money to send home for his sick sister. A somewhat sheltered, but ultimately extremely normal young man who is completely culture-shocked not only by the city, but by Ryuzou and his incomprehensible family. Easily scared, but embarrassed about it.

Fun fact: He's the protagonist of this fan game :) Ryuzou is just his hired detective, since Gabe sucks at observational skills.

Elizabeth Foucalt

Age: 16

Gender: Female

Occupation: Weird Little Girl Judicial assistant

A quirky weirdo of a teen who works as one of Iris Sholmes's many lab assistants, and has a penchant for the macabre. Prodigy levels with math and science, kinda dumb with reasoning, and mostly just along for the ride for fun, and moral support.

Fun fact: She started following them around because she thought Gabriel was cute when they first met, but by the end of their first case together, she realized he was lame and dropped her crush. He never even seemed to realize. But court was fun, so she stuck with that.

Daesong Jun

Age: 28

Gender: Male

Occupation: Defense attorney

Descendants: Gregory and Miles Edgeworth

A strong-built, young, single dad from Korea. His daughter, Haneul, is only 4. Came to London after his wife died, and made friends with the protagonists by becoming a mentor of sorts to Gabriel. His daughter, as an adult, moved to America and married a man named Edgeworth, and had a child named Gregory.

Fun fact: Unbeknownst to Daesong, Ryuzou had a huge crush on him in the short time that he was in London, and even drafted out a letter confessing his love, but never worked up the courage to send it, nor the heart to throw it away. Generations later, Phoenix would find that letter in a box in his attic, and showed it to Miles, and they laughed about how their families were always meant to be intertwined :)

I don't need profiles for them cause y'all already know them, but our police detective is 38 yr old Gina Lestrade, with a packet of fish and chips, and an old green coat, and a big dog named Toby Jr. and our forensics expert is 30 yr old Iris Sholmes (Ryuzou and the twins' sister) with a whole lab full of kooky weird assistants and bubbling beakers and the like. She confuses and entrances Gabriel the most out of all of Ryuzou's family.

[youngbounty]

Family Reunion

Barok is expecting his family to pay him a visit by tomorrow. This leaves Kazuma stressed, expecting that he will not be liked or excepted for being the son of the one that killed Klint van Zieks. Thankfully, Barok, Herlock and Iris are more than happy to lift Kazuma’s spirits, including a surprise guest that crashes the reunion that day.

It had been almost a year since Ryunosuke left to return to Japan. Kazuma, of course, chose to remain in London to continue what was supposed to be his World Tour. This time, however, he would do so as a Prosecutor. Another thing that had changed was living arrangements. Originally, Dr. Mikotoba had assigned him to stay over at Herlock Sholmes' place, like what happened with Ryunosuke, but he decided to remain in Barok's estate. He had his own separate living space and was allowed the freedom to do whatever he wished.

Barok's estate included some housing, originally for servants, but he had dismissed a majority of them since his brother's passing. He offered one of them to Kazuma, while he suffered from amnesia. As payment for room and board, he was required to work for him as his apprentice. He had his very own kitchen, living room, furniture, training room, office, bedroom, storage room and anything he bought. It was nice and Kazuma preferred to have his own place over being cramped in an attic. Not to say he was an introvert, but he would always prefer having freedom.

Kazuma decided to use his kitchen to make himself some Beef Hot Pot. Of course, London didn't have the same ingredients as his homeland, but he made do with what was available. At least the stove was easier to use. As he sauteed the beef and veggies, he heard a knock.

“Come in!” Kazuma called as the door opened, revealing Barok.

“I thought I'd inform you that I will be expecting family to be paying a visit in the next few days for a week,” Barok announced.

“Really? That's good. I'm sure they will be happy to see you again.”

“Yes... forgive my curiosity, but what is that you're making?”

“Beef Hot Pot. It was my favorite dish at Yumei University. Unfortunately, this country doesn’t provide the same ingredients here, but it seems the substitutes they have are manageable. Thankfully, they have stock. It always beats the broth.”

“Hm... admittedly, it smells delightful. You Nipponese never cease to amaze me,” Barok replied, showing a slight smile as Kazuma showed a smug response.

“I'm hurt. I thought you considered me the exception to my countrymen,” Kazuma teased, his hands on his hips.

“You are, but you are taking ingredients from my countrymen. I wasn't aware Nipponese cooking was delightful.”

“Well, it isn't like the food here is something to be desired,” Kazuma insulted playfully.

“What is that supposed to mean!? We have delightful food here!”

“Chicken.”

“Doesn't count! Only YOU hate chicken!”

“Black pudding, Steak and Kidney Pie, Liver and Onion, Jellied Eels...” Kazuma continued smugly with his arms crossed.

“Now, you're just choosing our undesirables those bastard frogs mock us for!” Barok glared, looking very annoyed.

“Oh, and my personal favorite,” Kazuma said, his index finger pointed in the air. “Faggots.”

Barok sighed, facepalming because that was his favorite dish that was considered undesirable. Kazuma burst into laughter, enjoying his teasing. Barok almost missed the days when Kazuma was mute, if not for the fact that he had other ways of teasing the man without speaking. Doing small things such as hiding his first chalice for weeks before finding it gone, only to find his faithful student drinking wine out of it. Suffering from Barok throwing his metal chalice was worth every minute.

Kazuma was insufferable with or without his voice. Barok could not understand what it was about this man that would make him so difficult. However, he couldn't prevent himself from finding some charm to it. That charm grew to attraction, then...

Kazuma found a pair of lips pressed against his own. He couldn't hold back a moan as he returned the kiss, smiling and laughing while doing so. Barok intended on deepening the kiss when his lover turned and left.

“Need to make sure my food doesn't burn,” Kazuma said, making his way to the sauteed meat and vegetables. He took the food off the stove to pour it all inside the pot. Meanwhile, Barok was becoming more annoyed.

“Even while we... ugh. You're deplorable!”

“I'm hungry,” Kazuma said, stirring in the stock and spices.

“So, food is more important than me?”

“Yes. I thought that was obvious,” Kazuma replied offhandedly.

“You-” Barok seethed before Kazuma plopped a spoonful of the hotpot in his mouth. His glare deepened before slowly, but surely, his eyebrows began to relax.

“Well?”

“.... it's delightful,” Barok replied, his voice now softened with a dust of red on his cheeks.

“It is!” Kazuma bragged, then furrowed his eyebrows slightly. “So, what's your family like? I've only ever heard of your brother and er...”

“Iris, yes. That's actually why they're coming, especially now that Mr. Sholmes has finally told her,” Barok explained, his eyes gazing to the side. “My family consists of my mother, uncle, younger sister and my sister's husband.”

“Sounds like a bunch.”

“It is... I never told them about you... yet.”

“... why?”

“Kazu- they had believed your father murdered a beloved family member of theirs and many more. Now, they know that our family member was the Professor and... your father still...”

“I... no, you're right. Forgive me. I wasn't thinking about...”

“I know. You have a tendency to jump ahead without preparation. It's a marvel that you still have your hands and feet intact.”

“... I didn't tell mine about you either.”

“Hm?”

“I have family in my homeland, but... I couldn't bring myself to tell them the truth, even now. I figured I'd tell them when I got home.”

“Do they know you're intending to become a Prosecutor?”

“Not... really? Only that I'm alive and continuing my World Tour under you. As far as they know, father died from an illness.”

“... Ignorance is certainly a bliss.”

“Couldn't agree more,” Kazuma muttered.

Kazuma barely noticed Barok approaching him, holding him in his arms. Their relationship was already complicated as it was, but it seemed there would be further complications with Kazuma being the son of the man that killed their loved one. He still remembered the letter that disgraced the Asogi name. Did they also disgrace the Asogi name? Would they hate him? A thought occurred to Kazuma.

“Certainly... if I'm your student, then would that make me an exception?”

“I can't be certain. I have told them I have a student, but I never mentioned your name or... country of origin.”

“I... see.”

“Forgive the discourtesy of not informing my family before they meet you.”

“We both have our regrets, my lord,” Kazuma muttered quietly as he closed his eyes. Barok gazed directly in the direction of the Beef Hot Pot.

“Your food will get cold.”

“A little while longer.”

“...”

Barok knew his relationship with his student would most certainly make things complicated for his family. It wasn't just the fact that he was currently in a romantic courtship with Kazuma, but that there was any relationship at all. It was the fact that Kazuma, the son of the man that killed Klint van Zieks, was the proud student of Barok van Zieks. It was the fact that Kazuma was taken in under Barok van Zieks’ wing and offered a home in his estate that was once owned by Klint van Zieks. It was the fact that, much like Barok, his own family wasn't fond of the Japanese people. Though, Barok at least had tried to improve and had taken a liking to a few of them. Of course, Kazuma wasn't like the other Japanese. He was much more hotheaded.

------

Iris and Herlock had offered to help prepare for the van Zieks’ visitation. Both seemed optimistically excited about their visitation. Barok wasn't sure how to explain to the young girl that his family may not like Kazuma that well, though Herlock seemed sure she could handle it well. Barok figured that Herlock could take care of Iris if any drama was to ensue. Kazuma seemed optimistic himself, though as the days came closer, it was becoming increasingly clear that the nerves and stress were getting to him.

Barok knew how to tell when Kazuma was nervous or stressed. It always depended on the food he made. After the announcement, he baked biscuits, lots of them that were strawberry or chocolate. The morning after, he made beans and gravy, something that was common in an English breakfast, but never by themselves. Of course, Kazuma didn't care and claimed to just simply be in the mood for beans and gravy. Now, at midday, Barok decided to talk to Kazuma about his stress cooking.

“You realize Plum Pudding is a Christmas food, correct?” Barok said as Kazuma mixed the ingredients.

“I'm hungry.”

“And stressed.”

“I'm fine.”

“You're stress baking.”

Kazuma muttered something, then put down the bowl a little harder than expected. Barok sighed, placing his hand on Kazuma's head. He held his lover, gently massaging his scalp as Kazuma let out a soft moan. A smile appeared upon Barok's lips. His fingers did wonders with his massaging, moving them slowly to Kazuma's forehead as that furrow between the young man's brows began to slowly unfurrow. Then, fingers began to slowly move to the neck, making Kazuma moan even louder, then sweeter like honey once those fingers began traveling down his spine.

“It's never enough,” Kazuma muttered sadly, allowing himself to be held in Barok's arms.

“What do you mean?” Barok asked.

“It's not going to matter if I make a good impression or not. So long as my father is the bane of their hatred like he was with you, nothing I do will ever be enough. They'll only want more.”

“....”

“I was naive when I agreed to that assassination on Gregson. I thought that there'd certainly be something that would make me acceptable. Even so, Jigoku still threw me to the wolves. If being accepted by you won't convince your family, nothing I do will ever be good enough.”

“We don't know that,” Barok stated with a helpless voice.

“That tone doesn't sound good.”

“Kazuma.”

“I don't want to be told that I will never be good enough. I'm tired of it. It isn't fair that I'm expected to be perfect in every way, then told to my face that it isn't enough.”

“.... Kazuma.”

“What?” Kazuma asked, shooting a glare at Barok before feeling a small kiss placed upon his head. This kiss, from Barok, was enough to make Kazuma feel light.

“You've already proven yourself, while you had no memories. You are more than enough. If they cannot see it, then that is their own problem. They cannot tell me who to love or take in as my student.”

“Hmmmmmm,” Kazuma moaned, almost purr-like. His thin lips gaped slightly, tempting Barok to close them with his own pair of lips. They were so beautiful, how they shaped into a perfect O. He enclosed those lips with his own, tasting them with their lingering taste as a moan lingered long and beautifully.

“So wanting,” Barok said softly against those lips.

“Stop teasin-” Kazuma whined in a hoarse tone before his lips were taken by Barok's mouth, teeth scraping gently against his lips, that tongue providing a gentle brush and his voice shuttering in a moan from that very kiss. How did he become unresistant and captivated by that mouth, those lips, those teeth? 

“Only if you open yourself up to me and tell me you love me,” Barok smirked slightly, kissing Kazuma's tasty lips again, who moaned loudly and softly. Their tongues now melded together, Kazuma finally trying to talk through their kiss.

“I love yo- mmmmmmmmmmmph so- ahhhhhhhh! Ohhhhhhhh! Stho.... muuuuuuuuuch,” Kazuma moaned lovingly in the kiss.

“I love you too,” Barok replied softly in a coo voice, caressing Kazuma's face. “Better?”

“Very much. Forgive me for causing you to worry, my Lord.”

Barok shook his head, replying, “you are Nipponese and I have no doubt that has caused strife upon you, both from myself and the people of this country. The one who should be asking for forgiveness is me.”

“It is not my fault that you had believed my father had betrayed your trust.”

“That shouldn't extend to any one of his family, not even you and especially not your people. It is no more fair if my brother's actions caused Iris the same suffering. That is something my family should understand if nothing else. It isn't fair that we only now realized that Klint had a child that he purposely kept away, so she would not have to face the punishment from the public that would know her as the daughter of a serial killer. It's even less fair for you, whose father had done nothing, yet still suffered from the same repercussions.”

Kazuma sighed softly, allowing Barok to kiss him once more before they both heard a knocking. The door unlocked, and Barok already knew who it was. Sighing, he released Kazuma, then made his way to the living area.

“Ah, my lord, how are you and Dear Asogi fairing?” Herlock asked with his usual grin, Iris appearing behind him, performing a curtsy bow.

“Good day to you, Mr. Re- oh, I guess it's Uncle Reaper. Oh, but it doesn't have the same ring to it,” Iris said almost sadly.

“You seem almost nonchalant for someone that has just been told of our relation,” Barok stated bluntly.

“Oh, I actually knew for over a year now. I overheard everything after your trial with Runo!” Iris explained as Barok found himself taken aback.

“Originally, my Dear Mikotoba thought we could tell her when she was about 13, but... she confessed her knowledge of it just a little over a month ago,” Herlock explained, bursting out laughing. “She's a smart one, just like her old man.”

“That's right, Daddy!” Iris replied gleefully. She had since picked up the habit of calling Herlock Daddy since Barok's trial. The more he thought about it, it made sense when taking into consideration that she had known about her biological family the entire time.

“Ah, good morning, Mr. Sholmes,” Kazuma greeted. “I have some plum pudding cooking in the oven at the moment, if you all are interested.”

“Plum pudding? How odd. Isn't that often served during Christmas? Not that I'd complain,” Herlock grinned.

“I'm sure you already knew,” Barok stated.

“That, you are correct, my good fellow!” Herlock grinned.

“Stress baking. Seems to be the common norm. Of course, Daddy tends to invent and experiment when he's stressed or anxious about something. I'm more of the stress baker,” Iris shrugged.

“I could already smell the cooking from all the way in Baker Street, thus why we came along. That and Dear Mikotoba was worried about Dear Asogi when he heard the van Zieks’ were coming over,” Herlock explained before showing his more serious expression.

“Dr. Mikotoba was worried about me?” Kazuma asked, slightly frowning.

“He knows you well, my Dear Asogi. Even Mr. Naruhodo asked me to tell your mentor to make sure you were alright if we didn't find you here.”

“Heh, Ryunosuke, that devil.”

“I can tell you straightforwardly that partners will always look after each other no matter how far they may be,” Herlock stated, a pipe to his mouth.

“Indeed.”

“As grateful as I am that you cared enough for Kazuma to enter my abode, I hope you realize that my family isn't expected to appear until tomorrow,” Barok stated.

“Indeed. Not to say we can't help prepare or fancy ourselves to Dear Asogi's plum pudding,” Herlock said.

“I can help make my special blend of tea!” Iris grinned excitedly.

“I suppose I could use the help. Unfortunately, I don't have as many servants since the days when my brother was here,” Barok sighed.

“All the more reason for us to help. I'm sure Dear Asogi wouldn't mind the help with the cooking, so long as neither of you get too distracted,” Herlock teased with a slight grin.

“You...!” Barok glared, his cheeks flaring.

“We'd be delighted for the help,” Kazuma grinned, turning to Iris. “Perhaps you can help me finish the pudding, so Mr. Reaper can avoid any distractions.”

“You too and in front of a child!?”

“That would be wonderful!” Iris replied excitedly as she and Kazuma headed to the kitchen, Barok begrudgingly following with his face already as red as a cherry.

Kazuma was still a bit anxious, but having Iris and Herlock helping prepare the mansion for the van Zieks’ visitation released a chunk of it, including Barok comforting him periodically. By the time the next day came around, Kazuma made sure to dress in his Prosecutor's outfit. He believed his introduction should be by his lord's side to show where his loyalties lay. He never left Barok's side, even after there was a first knock on the door. One of the maids welcomed the first van Zieks, who was a young woman with her husband.

“Barok, my darling brother! It is delightful to see you again!” the woman greeted with a short hug. She wore an elegant, turquoise dress with some navy blue waving at the bottom of her skirt and hugging around her sleeves. There was also white lace located around the collar and edge of the sleeves. Her hair was dark and short with some curls, which could be seen under her navy-blue hat with a white feather.

“Mr. Binkston, Abigail, it is a delight to see you again,” Barok greeted, Kazuma following his lead. Kazuma could see Abigail's husband was slightly shorter than him with black frocks, top hat and dress pants, a navy blue waistcoat hidden underneath the frocks, a white ascot and brown boots. He wore short hair and sideburns that seemed to be a light coconut brown.

“Good day to the both of you,” Kazuma greeted, his nerves getting to him.

“Oh, hello there. What's your name?” Mr. Binkston asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Kazuma Asogi. I'm my lord's apprentice.”

“Oh, he's your student?” Abigail asked, her expression shock-filled.

“He's brilliant in his work and a delight to have in the Prosecutor's Office. He's currently residing in one of the empty houses at the estate, since there are not many desirable lodgings available, among other things,” Barok stated.

“Hm... I see. Quite the surprise. I didn't think you'd ever take anyone. He must be quite brilliant for you to take him in,” Abigail replied, showing a delightful smile.

“Thank you. It's quite an honor,” Kazuma replied with a polite smile of his own.

Of course, Kazuma could see that Abigail was more surprised that her older brother took in a student that was Japanese and related to the man that killed their brother. While making her way, her mouth turned from a smile to a somewhat nervous expression. Kazuma took in some deep breaths, reminding himself that the young lady had reason to be nervous and likely distrusted him. Even Susato was skeptical of Barok at first. If she had known the Prosecutor prosecuted his father, she likely would have been much more skeptical and nervous. Even so, Susato trusted Kazuma wholeheartedly. It was likely Abigail shared that same trust.

The two were quickly lit up when they met Iris, who offered them a special blend of tea and some biscuits. She had the entire table set up with small snacks and desserts they all loved. Kazuma decided not to mention having made half of the food. Thankfully, they were all English foods. It wasn't like they'd know if it was from him, Iris or the servants. Kazuma chose to continue standing by his lord's side, feeling much safer and more comfortable there.

More of the van Zieks family came. The first was Barok's Mother and Uncle. They seemed delighted to see Barok. Barok's Mother seemed to share his hair color, which was short and curly with some ribbons and a small hat that was a dark red. Her dress was also the same color red at the bottom of her skirt over layers of black and a dark brown at the top half of the dress with long sleeves that wrapped around her arms. Her eyes were a striking icy blue that almost matched Barok's Uncle's eyes.

“You seem to be doing quite well for yourself,” Barok's Mother stated happily. “I can see that you don't seem as grieved as before.”

“Yes. It's a process, but I have done better for myself, you might say,” Barok said.

“Who is this Japanese man?” Barok's Uncle asked, turning his attention to Kazuma. He was much older, judging by the white in his hair under the lightly brown short hair and mustache. He wore dark-blue frocks and dress pants in a lightly-blue waistcoat and white ascot. His boots were black.

“M-My name is Kazuma Asogi, I am Lord van Zieks' apprentice,” Kazuma introduced, taking a bow.

“Asogi?” Barok's Uncle asked, turning to Barok, his eyebrows were seemingly confused.

“That would be Genshin's son. He's brilliant. I'm hoping to train him, so he may do well in his home country,” Barok explained.

“Is that so? I believe you mentioned taking in a student. How long did you say you've had him? I thought you said he was amnesic,” Barok's Mother said.

“He has since recovered about a year ago; three months after I took him in.”

“I see. My apologies, I wasn't aware. Still, it seems a bit of a coincidence that he turned out to be Genshin's son.”

“... not quite. It was under Lord Stronghart's orders and he has since been arrested for having given the orders that led to the deaths by the hands of the Professor and the real Reaper,” Barok explained. It was clear he didn't want to go into detail about the specifics, but it wouldn't be hard to connect the dots as to why him being given Kazuma wasn't a coincidence.

“I can only assume Lord Stronghart had intended on me meeting Barok under those circumstances. Thankfully, it wasn't for the worst. I'd like to think everything has since worked out alright,” Kazuma said, showing a small smile towards his superior.

“That's wonderful. All for the better, I suppose. Now, where is my granddaughter?” Barok's Mother asked.

“I have a grandmother!?” Iris squealed in excitement.

Kazuma could already feel some skepticism from Barok's Uncle's eyes. He took a deep breath as a hand was felt upon his shoulder. Barok signaled Kazuma to join the group, assuring he'd follow. Kazuma nodded, then walked inside the living room where Iris was meeting and greeting everyone. All the snacks, drinks and desserts were on the table for everyone. Kazuma decided to treat himself to Iris's tea. It was quite delicious.

“Mmm, I have never tasted this kind of sweet bread. It's like cake but isn't. Did you make this?” Abigail asked with a small piece of sweetbread with some lemon filling in her hand.

“Oh, that was Kazzy. He tends to cook randomly, depending on his mood. I think he went a bit overboard this time,” Iris replied, shrugging. “Worried poor Mickey too.”

“Erm... my apologies,” Kazuma replied, flushing.

“Mickey?” Barok's Uncle asked.

“That's my Dear Mikotoba, my good fellows. He's also Dear Asogi's guardian,” Herlock explained.

“Ah! Yes, your partner, right? I've heard of your adventures together,” Barok's Uncle said, turning to Kazuma. “You were raised by him?”

“Since the age of 14, yes. My... mother passed away not too long after my father,” Kazuma replied. He looked over to the side. “I owe that man everything and he’s the reason for me being here.”

“How very kind of him. So, tell me, what brings you here to London?” Barok's Mother asked.

“It was part of a World Tour I was assigned to at Yumei University where I lived. Originally, I was supposed to arrive here as a Defense Attorney, but… an accident occurred, which stripped me of my memories. In my attempts to find out who I was, I first ended up in Hong Kong, then I eventually worked my way to London illegally before ending up under Lord van Zieks. I owe him my life. He took me in when I had nothing, then helped me regain back my memories.”

“How awful. That must've been quite scary. To be in an unfamiliar country without memory,” Abigail said.

“Quite. Still, that was nice of you to help him through his crisis,” Mr. Binkston said.

“Thank you,” Barok replied.

Kazuma felt a little relieved since the van Zieks' seemed kind. Of course, they would appear kind and polite to him, but it was relieving to hear them taking interest in him. Dr. Mikotoba was known to them, so they likely felt relieved to hear Kazuma was raised by a kind and respected man. He couldn't predict how the rest of the week would go, but for now, this was good.

------

While the van Zieks family were no doubt very nice and polite to Kazuma, he could see there was too much distrust and skepticism about him. He couldn't blame them. After all, he was the son of the man that killed Klint. It didn't help that neither he or Barok ever mentioned their current relationship, which was beyond student and teacher. Usually, Barok never talked much about it to the public since it was considered a personal matter to him. Kazuma was often the one that mentioned it.

Iris enjoyed her newfound family, as expected. Kazuma would watch the young girl serve tea and show off the latest inventions she’d made. Kazuma sighed quietly, making his way to the training room where he distracted himself by training. He didn't have Karuma with him, but that didn't mean he didn't like his current sword any less. It had helped him survive and protect his Lord against those that made attempts on his life. Some good training was enough to break some sweat and get his adrenaline pumping.

After some training, he panted, hearing some talking and laughter from the family. They seemed to be talking and carrying on. Barok was with them and Kazuma couldn't help but feel left out. He wanted to join them, but even as he left the training room and approached them, he could already feel the intensity building up. He sighed, making his way out of the manor, but not before hearing an obnoxious knocking that stirred up the family.

“Who in the world is that? That is most certainly not the sound of Sholmes,” Barok said.

“Yeah, Daddy's a bit more of the knock-then-barge-in knocker,” Iris agreed before the maid answered the door. 

Behind the door was not someone Barok recognized at all. The man was Japanese, tall and a bit robust. His hair was black that reached down his back and pulled back in a ponytail with striking brown eyes. He wore a white suit and dress pants in a dark-blue waistcoat, matching boots and a three-layered jabot. A Japanese sword was worn around his belt. His eyes darted around the room, then right at Kazuma. 

“Raion-kun? How? I haven't...! I thought you moved to Germany!” Kazuma stated.

“Is that a way to treat your brother-in-arms? I heard about you staying here and came across the channel just to see you,” the man, Raion, smirked, wielding out his sword, which clashed with Kazuma's in one quick move. “To do battle with you!”

“This won't end well, if you keep this up,” Kazuma smirked braggingly before the two sheathed their swords back into their belts.

“Who is this friend of yours?” Barok asked.

“Raion Karuma: proud student of Genshin Asogi and brother of Kazuma-kun,” Raion introduced himself, taking a bow, before turning to Kazuma. “Where's Karuma?”

“I left it in Ryunosuke's hands until my return. I trust him with my life,” Kazuma replied.

“Honestly? The soul of the Asogi Clan!? You left it with some nobody rather than with me!?” Raion complained, drawing his sword, and pointing it at Kazuma.

“No offense, but you were in Germany at the time and, as I said, I trust him with my life.”

“Then, I will have to see for myself. It looks like I'll have to do battle with you another time,” Raion smirked, sheathing his sword again.

“Smashing, but honestly, how did you know I was here?”

“I knocked on your door and you wouldn't answer, so I figured you'd be in your lord's house instead. As for how I knew you were here, a bit of research and soul searching.”

“Uh-huh,” Kazuma replied knowingly.

“Eh-hem, about our guest...” Barok's Mother said, feeling much more awkward and uncomfortable.

“He's with Kazuma. He may do as he wishes with his friend. No sword fighting outside of the training ground,” Barok stated.

“Apologies, Lord van Zieks,” Raion replied politely.

“Would you like some tea?” Iris asked excitedly.

“Of course, Dear Lady.”

Kazuma led Raion to a seat, excitement filling him once more. Of course, he could feel the awkward tension from the other van Zieks’, but it didn't feel as overwhelming now. Raion was introduced to everyone and enjoyed his tea.

“I'm very glad you're here. I think Kazzy was feeling a bit left out. I thought he was going to bake more pudding,” Iris sighed.

“Oh, the humanity. I was hoping for some of that Hayashi Rice,” Raion said with a grin.

“They don't have a lot of the same ingredients from back home. Though, I am lucky enough to cook a few things such as my favorite Beef Hot Pot,” Kazuma stated.

“What's Hayashi Rice?” Iris asked.

“It's a hash beef with rice. We also have Radish Soup and Tofu Nuggets,” Raion replied. 

“That sounds so delicious!”

While the three of them were talking about food, the other van Zieks' kept to their conversations. It was very clear that neither of them wished to engage with Kazuma and Raion. Kazuma decided not to judge. After all, he and Raion were strangers to the family. At the same time, Kazuma knew deep inside that he and Raion were involved with Genshin Asogi, the one that killed Klint van Zieks. At the very least, Kazuma was thankful he wasn't alone.

It was only a moment before Kazuma realized Barok was gone. He got up, saying, “I'm going to look for Barok.”

“I'll come with you,” Raion replied, following Kazuma.

“I'll stay and talk with my Aunty and Grandmum.”

The two men found Barok in the garden sitting on a bench by the fountain. Kazuma sat right next to Barok, who sighed.

“Forgive my sudden disappearance. The company was... overwhelming,” Barok replied.

“Are you alright?” Kazuma asked.

“A bit. Yes.”

“I can see if the little lady has any more of that tea. That is some good stuff that keeps the pressure down,” Raion said as he grinned kindly.

“Er... thank you. You're... too kind,” Barok replied awkwardly.

“Are your folks always like this? This awkward I-don't-want-you-around-no-offense kind of people?”

“What are you...?”

“It seems like neither of you are used to having strange people around. Not to mention, the tension is through the roof here. Not exactly the most comfortable environment.”

“..... I'm... sure you know... about Genshin Asogi and...”

“You mean who killed who and what? Look, I ain't any happier about what happened and I'd have my sword to your neck if it weren't for Kazuma-kun. I know he loves you. Not to mention... you have my sympathy. Kazuma-kun and myself have had some bad luck on our end after he received that letter.”

“What letter?” Barok asked.

“Erm... there was a letter from one of the victims of the Professor that cursed the Asogi name and-” Kazuma explained before Barok's face completely twisted to shock and horror.

“You... You read that!?”

“.... What do you mean?” Kazuma asked, arms folded with a deadly glare.

“... I didn't write it, but... my mother... did. She never told me whom she sent it to, but... Kazuma, who was that letter for?” Barok asked, fear lingering in his eyes.

“F-For the Head of the Asogi Clan, s-s-so naturally I... it never said a specific name or anything!”

“... that's why there's so much tension. I can only assume it's a matter of the Lady not wanting to be caught for her dirty laundry. She probably wasn't expecting the next heir to be 14, though I doubt she cared at the time,” Raion stated, showing signs of anger building up.

“This was a bad idea,” Barok muttered into his hands.

“... I should probably leave. I can't deal with awkward tensions after hearing all of this,” Raion seethed, his arms crossed.

“I would not hold it against you. Please forgive me for your discomfort,” Barok said.

“I can't say I forgive you for what you did to my lord, but for this... I won't hold it against you. You're at least honest.”

“I thank you for your kind words,” Barok replied with a small smile.

“Take good care of Kazuma-kun and I might forgive you. I can see he's happier with you,” Raion replied with an honest smile.

“You've only been here for less than an hour.”

“And, that is more than enough.”

“Hmmm.”

“I'll see you tomorrow then. I'll be sure to be at my house this time,” Kazuma promised.

“I'll hold you to that,” Raion smirked before turning around to leave.

Kazuma sighed, leaning his head against Barok's shoulder, He muttered, “this is a disaster.”

“... I wish it was as simple as talking with them, but my mother isn't the talking type. She hates conflict and will avoid it when she can,” Barok said sadly.

“How sad. I'm more of the confrontational kind of guy. More with swords than words.”

“Obviously. Forgive me for not engaging you with my family.”

“No. I doubt having me join or joining with me would've made things any better,” Kazuma sighed, taking Barok's hand and lacing their fingers.

Barok and Kazuma looked up at the sky, only now taking notice that it was sunset. The clouds were already showing their color and the sky was beginning to darken. At that moment, Kazuma began imagining himself and Barok under the cherry blossoms, petals slowly falling onto their heads. Barok would likely find it strange, especially when Kazuma brushed the cherry blossoms from his hair. They were always beautiful during the springtime.

While thinking this, Kazuma felt something tucking behind his ear. He looked up, watching Barok place a small flower behind his ear. Kazuma felt his cheeks turn red.

“I... thought you would look nice with that...” Barok said awkwardly.

“Autumn Frost, hm? The flower for the Prosecution in my homeland?” Kazuma asked sweetly, leaning his cheek against Barok's arm.

“You're a brilliant Prosecutor, Kazuma and... it looks better on you than a sunflower.”

“Hehehe, is that so? Well, do you know what flower I think would look handsome on you?”

“What?”

“An English Rose. Red preferably.”

“Hm...” Barok hummed, a bit of pink dusting his cheeks.

“You know, despite how different you consider us Nipponese from your people, we have one thing in common.”

“Oh? And, what would that be?”

“Color. The colors of our flags are the same and so is the color of our national flowers.”

“... true,” Barok stated, after some thinking. “The two English Roses, red and white, become pink like cherry blossoms.”

“Indeed,” Kazuma replied softly, gently stroking his index finger, tracing something on Barok's arm. Barok furrowed his eyebrows curiously.

“What are you doing?”

“Writing your name... in my language.”

“I don't have a-”

“Yes, you do. We pronounce it as Ba-ru-ku, Barokku Banjikusu, and we can spell it in Kanji.”

“Unbelievable!”

“You've made yourself well known, Mr. Reaper,” Kazuma teased.

“... what would you call me, in your own native speech?” Barok asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You call me 'Lord,' yet in your home country, you have your own honorifics. It's no different with your Nipponese friends. Mr. Naruhodo's assistant calls you 'Kazuma-sama' and Raion calls you 'Kazuma-kun.' I wish to know what honorifics I'd be given.”

“I thought you hated anything Nipponese,” Kazuma smirked.

“I have exceptions, in case you haven't guessed.”

“Hm... you'd be... Barokku-kyou.”

“kyo?”

“Kyou. It's an honorific we give to the Lords and Ladies of our land. All honorifics have a specific purpose to call them that. Judicial Assistant Susato calls me sama because I am considered head over her.”

“I see. What an honor. Might I hear that again, my name with your honorific?” Barok asked, gently lifting Kazuma's chin.

“Barokku-kyou,” Kazuma whispered - only a moment - as their lips brushed against each other before small footsteps were heard.

Kazuma quickly separated himself from Barok before spotting Iris running to the garden with urgency on her face. She seemed completely shaken up. Herlock followed right after her, his facial expression was seemingly serious. Something told Kazuma that something happened. Concern was on his face at the same moment as Barok's.

“What happened?” Kazuma asked.

“Kazzy, your friend, he...” Iris said, completely shaken.

“Raion-kun? Is he alright? What happened to him?”

“Your friend is fine, but... I'm afraid things turned sour the moment Lady van Zieks mentioned his leaving. Your friend has quite the temper,” Herlock stated with an expression that made it seem like he couldn't decide whether or not to be concerned.

“Explain what happened. I want the full story,” Barok said bluntly, arms folded.

“W-Well, as Daddy said, Rayo was about to leave unexpectedly when Grandmum asked why he was leaving. He... said the atmosphere was a bit discomforting and thought to come back another time. After he closed the door, my great uncle said something about if it's normal for the Japanese to leave as soon as they come. I... suppose Raion overheard that. He came right in, then completely lost it. I... I left quickly afterward,” Iris said, her eyes watering.

“I'm sorry about that. Raion-kun does have a temper. We discovered something that left him in a rage. He thought to leave to cool down,” Kazuma explained.

“No worries. I figured that was the case. It's why I signaled to Iris to leave quickly,” Herlock assured. “Can't say I didn't see it coming.”

“I'll see to it to control the situation,” Barok stated.

“Same. You both stay here. Thank you,” Kazuma thanked as he and Barok made their way inside the mansion.

What Barok and Kazuma found in the room was more people, everyone shaken up. It seemed that Raion had already left, but not without leaving damage in his wake. Kazuma stood by Barok's side, deciding to be there to help out with whatever was needed.

“What happened?” Barok asked. “Iris came to us shaken.”

“S-Sorry, it's... our guest was leaving and...” Abigail started.

“The man completely lost it! Yelling at my sister-in-law something about disgracing the Asogi name! I've never heard of the likes!” Barok's Uncle mentioned with folded arms, obviously upset.

“Where is Raion-kun? I'll see that I talk with him. I apologize for his behavior,” Kazuma asked.

“As should! I never want to see that savage in my midst.”

“I beg your pardon, but I suggest you hold your tongue.”

“Wha- how dar-”

“No, I'm afraid neither of you have any room to judge his behavior. Ever since your arrival, both of you have barely talked with me and often shunned me from any conversations. The only conversational people I've met, aside from Raion-kun, were Iris, Mr. Sholmes and my Lord. It doesn't make things better to avoid your true feelings about me and instead bottle up any resentment. Really, I find it much crueler, especially since one of you in this room had sent me a letter disgracing the Asogi name, as Raion had stated earlier,” Kazuma said, glaring coldly at Barok's Mother's direction.

“What in blazes are you talking about!?” Barok's Uncle asked, clearly confused.

“Mother...” Barok said, looking at his mother, who avoided his gaze with a slight glare. “My apprentice is a man that has crossed swords with me and has seen me at my worst. I'm sure he can handle anything you have to say to him. Personally, I'd rather you get it off your chest than keep it in.”

“Klint was a brilliant young man. He was the pride and joy of the van Zieks. Perhaps, I was cruel in writing that letter while you were in your youth; I was not aware the next heir was a boy. Even so, I can't forgive anyone associated with the man that took my boy away. Klint... he spoke of his admiration for Genshin,” Barok's Mother said, fists shaking and tears rolling down her cheeks, staining her eyeliner. “You don't think I see the same going on between the two of you!?” The room went silent as Kazuma stood firm, hearing every word of grief coming from the elderly mother. “Give me one reason why I should believe you wouldn't take away the only son I have left.”

“You've seen my father's sword, haven’t you?” Kazuma asked.

“Klint told me about it. Karuma? Y... You don't have it?”

“No, because I lent it to my most trusted friend. Like my father, I have a demon inside that almost got the better of me during the time I was searching for answers about my father. As a result, I betrayed and broke the trust of those that I loved. I intend on slaying that demon once and for all before retrieving back Karuma.

“I won't say or prove I'd have done anything differently from what my father did. He made the decision to allow Klint to have his duel, but not by his own decision. That was Klint's choice. Had it been my father, he would have given him this,” Kazuma stated, retrieving a small dagger from inside the sleeve of his coat.

“Kazuma, what is that?” Barok asked, his face completely awestruck.

“In my country, when any of us have committed a crime that brings us dishonor, we are required to perform an action called seppuku. It means to cut one's stomach with a dagger. It is an action us samurais do as an honorable and merciful act to cleanse us of our sins to the gods,” Kazuma explained as the family's expressions turned to pure horror. “I carry this with me because I intend on serving my Lord until the bitter end, regardless of our relationship.” He returned his dagger inside his sleeve. “My father allowed Klint to decide how he wanted to die, even as dishonorable as it was to him. He did that because he truly cared for your son. Had it been me, yes, I would have done the same. I would allow my lord to decide how he wishes to regain back his honor, even if I found it to be in the most dishonorable fashion.”

The room was quiet, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Barok couldn't find it in himself to say anything. It seemed that, even after that blasted trial, there was still more he had yet to learn about Kazuma. Barok's Mother turned her face away, then got up.

“I'm going to look for my granddaughter. Please excuse me,” Barok's Mother said, treading toward the garden.

“You should get back home too. I'll come join you tonight,” Barok promised.

“Of course, my lord,” Kazuma replied quietly, taking a bow, before leaving on his way back to his house.

---------

Kazuma knew today had been a disaster. Though, he'd be lying if he said he didn't see it coming. With all the tension in the air, things were going to get out of hand sooner or later. He only wished he hadn’t lost his temper. Unfortunately, Kazuma was just as much of a hothead as his lord. Perhaps, he should have left the moment things turned sour. Now, he felt guilty for the way he acted.

Hearing the door open, Kazuma already knew who it was. He just continued to cook the rice, even as arms snaked themselves around his waist. He placed the lid on top of the pan.

“I'm not angry at you, you know,” Barok said.

“... I apologize for my behavior,” Kazuma muttered.

“Don't. You were right. Mother should not have bottled her true feelings and caused you grief. I had a talk with her about it and... our relationship.”

“I suppose she doesn't give her blessing?”

“It doesn't really matter if she does or not. She didn't like Lady Baskerville either. She's a very critical woman and she has a strong distaste for the Nipponese.”

“As expected from my lord's mother,” Kazuma replied with a slight smirk upon his lips.

“Hm...” Barok hummed, planting small kisses on Kazuma's neck. Kazuma moaned as those kisses trailed up to his ear before he turned his head, so those kisses would be planted upon his lips.

Kazuma could get lost in Barok's kisses. They were sweet, yet firm with a touch of tenderness to them. The taste of Barok's mouth was so sweet on Kazuma's tongue. It left Kazuma wanting more, moaning for more. He looked at the rice that was still cooking, trying to separate himself, but the kisses continued with Barok's insistence. He could only get out muffled words that moaned into Barok's mouth.

“My mthmmmmm~ My lorphmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned in the kiss. Was Barok intentionally keeping Kazuma busy away from the rice?

Barok slowly parted after a while, whispering, “allow me to spoil you tonight. I shall finish the rice and make you a bath.”

“A bath? Whatever for?” Kazuma asked, smiling lovingly as he slowly began running his fingers down Barok's arms.

“I was hoping to accompany you.”

“Hm... sounds lovely. I thought you don't associate with Onsen.”

“Only when it's with a friend. A lover is completely different,” Barok whispered onto Kazuma's lips.

“I see,” Kazuma whispered as Barok kissed him lovingly on his lips. “Surprised you're in this kind of mood after tonight.”

“Hm... perhaps it's me wishing for you to no longer remained stressed or grieved,” Barok said, taking Kazuma's face into his hands, then kissing his lips quite fiercely. Kazuma made a helpless moaning into the kiss, squeezing Barok's arms as if wanting to be closer.

“You're making me more stressed by leaving the rice unsupervised,” Kazuma stated with his eyebrows furrowed.

"You're impossible,” Barok sighed, moving to the rice to check on it. As a reward for checking it, he received a kiss on his cheek.

“If I am the sun that rises and you're the sun that never sets, would that mean our sun shines brighter than any star in the sky?” Kazuma asked, laying his head on Barok's shoulder.

“Hm... perhaps. Personally, I prefer just saying the words, 'I love you.'”

“Hm... doesn't sound as nice and sweet.”

“Then, how about this?” Barok asked, turning, kissing along Kazuma's jaw, then whispering in his ear with such a low seductive voice. “I love you.”

“Hmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned, his eyes fluttering closed. “Don't ever set tonight, my sun.”

“I'll warm your bath very soon.”

“Please do~”

Barok led Kazuma to his couch, laying a kiss on his head before heading back to look after the rice. Kazuma chuckled, watching as his lover finished his rice before heading to the tub to run the bathwater. He looked at the time, seeing it was already 10:00 at night. He swallowed while hearing the water pouring into the bathtub. Was Barok truly in the mood to be doing that tonight? Kazuma was certain that he'd be upset after tonight. Though he did seem insistent with the kisses, Kazuma took that as his lover trying to comfort him.

Once the water stopped running, Kazuma watched Barok appear in the living room, picking him up into his arms and kissing him senselessly. Kazuma found himself wrapping his legs around Barok's waist, combing his fingers through Barok's hair, while the kiss deepened. Oh yes, Barok was most definitely in a good mood today.

“What's with the mood? I-I was certain that... tonight... I-” Kazuma asked before being cut off by the lips and teeth grazing his throat. “Ooooooh~”

“I did say I was not angry at you? What you did made me very happy.”

“I-I-I-I di- ahhhhhhh~ mph,” Kazuma tried asking before feeling those teeth and that tongue graze up his neck, feeling his earlobe being abused by tongue, mouth and tongue.

“You said that you would allow me to regain my honor in whatever fashion I choose, whilst you intend on doing the same with the trust that I would allow you that liberty,” Barok stated, then grazed his tongue around the shell of Kazuma's ear before finishing his sentence with a, “despite its rather dark implications.”

“Mmmmmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned throughout the licking. That tongue, those teeth. He wanted more. He wanted Barok. “My lord.”

“Call me by the honorific you'd call me from your nation's tongue.”

“Barokku-kyou, could you...?”

“Shall I spoil you today?”

“P-P-Please~” Kazuma pleaded, hearing Barok's pleased chuckle.

Barok took Kazuma to the bathtub. Kazuma could most definitely count this as the best night of his life. To be spoiled by his lord like this. What a privilege! One thing was certain, he was most definitely not going to be sleeping alone tonight or waking up alone the next morning.

[bailey-reaper]

Can you write about Iris hanging out with the ghost of her father? It’s sad these two never got to know each other in canon.

Apologetic Apparition

Notes: It's very sad that the story unfolds as it does and that we know so little about Klint or Lady B (it's an utter travesty that Capcom couldn't even be bothered to give her a name or some sketches in the artbooks). Perhaps if we'd gotten to see more of Iris's parents, it would have given us an idea of what they'd have been like as a family...

Content Warnings: angst; GAA spoilers

"Well here we are!" Iris announced proudly as she took off her welding goggles and looked down at her latest creation, "They're finished at long last, now I only need to test them to make sure they work!"

"I say, Iris, you've been busy at that crafting table of yours for some time," Herlock observed as he reclined on the chaise lounge in the centre of the room and propped his legs up on the fortified, locked trunk that acted as their coffee table, "What have you been up to, dear girl?"

She twirled around in her spinning chair so she could regard her roommate, "I've made something quite marvelous this time, Hurley!" in her hands were a pair of goggles.

"Goggles?" they hardly seemed 'marvelous', but he knew better than to assume such things; after all, one cannot judge a book by its cover, for to do so is to ignore the richness that lies within, "And what is special about this particular pair?"

"They should, if I've calibrated them correctly, give me the ability to see the lingering remnants of the deceased!"

"Oh ho! So you've crafted glasses that will enable you to see ghosts, have you? Quite an interesting idea, dear girl! Whatever inspired you to do such a thing?"

Iris fell silent for a few moments, then offered a small smile, "Oh... just a little personal project. I should very much like to test them! Could you possibly do me a favour, Hurley?" she tilted her head and looked at him with pleading eyes.

"...." how could he resist the dear girl's plea? Iris was the only person he truly considered family (of course his partner occupied a place that was quasi-familial, but it was an entirely different beast). With a fond smile, he held open his arms and nodded, "Of course, what can I do for you?"

Her reply was not what he had expected...

──────≪⊰✥⊱≫───────

It was the dead of night, and they were crouched outside the imposing building where agents of the crown worked tirelessly to bring wrongdoers to justice –- or, the Prosecutor's Office by any other name. Hurley had his reservations when Iris told him where she wanted to go, but he also had a pretty good idea of where in the office she wanted to go and why.

He would not question it, this was something the dear girl needed to do.

After he had infiltrated the building and obtained a set of security guard clothes, he set about on a mock patrol of the premises; taking note of the number of other fellows currently present and making a few educated guesses with regards to their routes. It would be easy enough to smuggle the young girl inside if he did so swiftly and via the western exit.

It was as easy as he'd anticipated to bring her inside, "Right," he said softly, "Where are we heading?" despite already knowing, he would play the fool for now.

"Um... Hurley... would you mind if I went inside on my own?" she asked gently as they walked down a long corridor with numerous doors and plaques beside them. They had come to a stop outside one particularly imposing, nigh-medieval door; with a plaque that read: [Lord Barok van Zieks].

Sholmes smiled, "Of course... just knock on the door three times when you are finished, alright? I shall knock similarly if I sense danger. You must come with me without delay if I knock, alright?"

Iris nodded.

Then, she turned to the door and opened it with a key that Herlock had taken from the security guard's office. Stepping inside was a daunting prospect -- Mr. Reaper's Office was as imposing as him, perhaps more so in the dead of night with nothing but the moonlight spilling in through the large arched windows along the far wall. After taking a deep breath, she donned the goggles and activated them.

At first, nothing happened and she started to fret that maybe her calculations had been off and that she ought to have tested them somewhere more accessible before embarking on this particular visit-- then, she caught some faint glowing traces in the air.

She looked around the room and found a glowing figure stood with its back to her, looking up at the large portrait that took pride of place overlooking the office. It was difficult to tell anything about the form, save for that it was humanoid in shape.

"Why do you insist on keeping this portrait here, brother?" the figure said, in a voice that she discerned to be a male one, "Surely you ought to have had one of your own commissioned by now?"

"Um... excuse me? You there, by the portrait."

She'd never seen a ghost jump before, but this one certainly did twirl around with a start. As he turned, the form seemed to take a clearer shape and she realised he was the same as the man in the portrait – Klint van Zieks.

It was her father, just as she'd hoped.

"Goodness! You gave me quite the fright, young lady."

"Oh... I'm sorry," she looked down bashfully, only to be surprised when he laughed heartily.

"No, no, don't be! I'm simply surprised you can see me..." he cocked his head to the side, arms folded, "Might it be that curious apparatus you're wearing that enables you to see and hear me? No one else seems to..." she nodded, "Ah, I see... Pray, do forgive my presumptuousness, but, you remind me a great deal of my darling wife... I cannot think that is a mere coincidence."

It made her heart shiver to hear that, "... Um... yes, well, that would be my mother, sir, and you.. you are..."

"Then I'm... your father," Klint breathed, eyes wide, "Oh... So you are our sweet little starling..." for a moment he looked off to the side, smiling almost wistfully, "... Truly, you are a good man Genshin..." then he returned his focus to the girl, "Would you tell me your name, child?"

"Iris, sir, Iris Wilson..."

"Iris," he said, "A lovely name, very befitting of such a charming young lady. And, well, it seems you already know who I am..."

"Yes... I do," she knew full well, "I... I have so many things I want to ask you about..."

Klint nodded and walked over to the desk that had once been his and was now the place where his brother spent most of his time in stony silence, deeply engrossed in his work. He sat on it, legs dangling over the edge, "I'm sure you must have, I will try to answer to the best of my ability."

"... Thank you," she took a seat at the table that was currently home to the beginnings of a new diorama, presumably Mr. Reaper's latest case. For a few moments, she fell silent: her mind had gone blank. There were so many questions, but how to pick out just one? Where to begin?

"Perhaps I might start?" he offered, having clearly picked up on her overwhelmed state of mind. When she nodded, he started:

"As you know, my name is Klint van Zieks, I was born in North Devon. You've already met my little brother, Barok, your uncle, and much like you... he suffers a certain wistfulness when it comes to matters of family. It seems I've left you both somewhat at a loss. Do forgive me, Iris, I never intended to cause either of you the turmoil I have. I had always thought that keeping the truth from the two of you might spare you the embarrassment and stigma that knowing who I was would bring..."

She listened quietly, studying his face as he spoke. It was clear that his words were earnest, judging by their tone and the look of genuine remorse on his face.

"... I committed several heinous acts in life, and though I thought it was the right thing to do... it was misguided and naive. I sought to solve a problem by fighting fire with fire, but such an approach can only result in a destructive end. It cost me everything – including your mother, my darling wife... I was so thrilled when she told me she was pregnant, but at the same time I was terrified of what impact it might have had on her were I to tell her the truth. I did not want her or our unborn child to suffer... in the end, she died during childbirth. I cannot help but wonder if things would have been different if we'd been together in the family home with the necessary staff on hand to help her... I suppose I'll never know."

At some point as he spoke, tears had begun to bead in her eyes; then they spilled as she thought of the mother she would never know and the father who had tried to protect them – albeit with a limited degree of success.

"My apologies are meaningless, but I would like you to know how sorry I am for my failings as a man and a father, and the impact that has had on you, Iris... Your mother and I... we were delighted by the prospect of having a family, and I couldn't be more proud to see you before me as radiant as she was. You are so very like her..."

"... Thank you... I--"

Suddenly there were three sharp knocks on the door.

Iris covered her mouth, "Oh! I'm so sorry... I have to go!"

"Mmm," he nodded, "I understand, this office isn't the best place for a reunion... would you mind if I came to visit you at some point, so that you can ask me the questions you wished to?"

"... Yes, I would like that... please do come and visit me, I should like to get to know my father better -- not The Professor."

Klint blinked, then stood up from his perch and bowed, "As you wish..."

[holmes-cringe-compilation]

Yusssss I agree with last anon Dadlock=Bestlock how about pregnant reader Headcannons to keep up the trend? You can choose whether or not to include iris :) keep up the brilliant work!

a/n: ANON YOU'RE SO KIND PLEASE GDBFSGGDFS thank you so much....... once again i'll include iris in these headcanons !!

sherlock with a pregnant reader (she/her)

he's absolutely ecstatic when he finds out you're pregnant with his child !!

he's excited to have another holmes on the loose very soon in his flat !

so he's going to be extremely supportive and buy everything he needs.

he might go on a bit of a shopping spree as soon as possible out of sheer excitement but you have to stop him before he spends so goddamn much on products.

but he's so excited ! maybe you can let him indulge in a little shopping spree every once in a while.

his eyes light up as you say yes. but maybe accompany him as he goes off to spend his money on toys and essentials.

you tell him that he's capable of making things, so why not invest some time in sewing a couple plush toys together ?

he eventually agrees and thinks that it's the best idea, given he can make anything that comes to mind.

iris can sew tiny clothes for the baby too ! she's an expert in sewing and sometimes helps sherlock if he's in a pickle.

herlock gets super excited as they see your baby bump grow !! he is definitely going to ask to listen to see if the baby is kicking.

you laugh and say that it's a bit too early for the baby to be kicking but once the time does come, he's extremely happy and grinning from ear to ear.

he's definitely one to hug your bump (gently of course) and he gently gives it kisses and mutters how excited to be having a child with you.

you can't help but smile at the sight of sherlock being so soft and gentle, it's like he's maturing from his giddy and rowdy phase but you know that as soon as the baby arrives he'll be beyond excited to take care of them, the good memories are only starting !

he'll cater to your cravings and whatever you're going through. you're craving some weird combination of foods ? he's out to buy whatever you need. you're feeling ill ? he's bringing you to bed and getting you some water. he cares so much for you and would do anything for you, he's fallen so head over heels for you.

he doesn't even mind getting up so late in the night just to get you some chocolates, he just wants you to be happy.

iris will be asking you lots of questions as she is a typical curious kid, wondering when the baby's due and what gender the baby is. it makes you feel amazing, you have such a supportive and excited family.

knowing things like the gender of the baby helps iris create cute clothing for the baby, before she was used to making more unisex clothing which she'll keep creating because she finds them cute and fitting !

when the baby is almost due, you spot sherlock creating a kit of things to bring to the hospital. he brings everything, some essential and some not so essential but you can't bring yourself to tell him that those aren't necessary.

he probably brings a pack of playing cards so you two could play cards together when you arrive at the hospital early enough for the delivery, you never know, they're a time killer after all !

he forgets that you probably won't be in the mood to play go fish while you're in the hospital bed.

but it's the thought that counts in his book, it's sweet.

'it's best to come over prepared than under prepared' is all he says on the omnibus to the hospital.

constantly staying by your side asking if you need anything from drinks to snacks but you refuse.

okay maybe a little bit of water.

and a biscuit.

is eating before giving birth bad ???? i'm not sure. surely drinking water isn't bad.

anyways, he'll be holding your hand throughout the whole time you're there. he'll let you squeeze his hand if you need to. he doesn't care if he needs a bandage afterwards, all he wants is to be there for you and reassure you everything is okay.

and after many hours, the new arrival is here ! and you both can't be any more happier.

sherlock might even shed some tears, he's that emotional. it's been a long wait and now it's finally paid off as he stares at the newborn baby you're cradling in your arms, snoozing with a small smile on their face.

he'll offer to take the newborn into his arms as you sleep, peppering a kiss onto your forehead before doing so and he honestly feels like the luckiest man in the world.

no exaggeration here, he feels over the moon as his newborn child sleeps in his arms with you happily sleeping beside him.

he can't wait to show iris her new sibling once you all get home.