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[superoptimistic]

[Sawako stands at the stove in the kitchen, happily stirring a pot of curry. There are various serving plates and bowls with different foods lined up along the counter buffet-style. She's humming to herself too, and there might even be sparkles and bubbles. And hexagons and diamonds, for whatever reason. She gives it one more stir, before

Comments

[rationalist]

[Sherlock sits at the counter, not taking a bowl but eyeing it anyway.] There's no need to be nervous. This is an excellent method of luring out answers.

[superoptimistic]

I - I guess you're right. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

[she smiles, his words encouraging enough to make her relax and her nerves seem to evaporate, too.]

[Sherlock-sama wouldn't lie, so it must be true. Although he does look very cold. He must have traveled somewhere very icy.]

You should sit down, Sherlock-sama. I'll make you some hot chocolate and get you some soup. That will help you get warm.

[rationalist]

[He pauses before sighing and running a hand through his hair.] Sawako-chan, do you see ice?

[superoptimistic]

[she nods] I do! [she gets up to put on a kettle to make hot chocolate, and starts ladling out some soup for Sherlock] Were - were you somewhere cold?

[rationalist]

No, I don't- [He pauses, trying to think how to explain it.] It seems to be a side-effect of the way some things here are manifesting.

[superoptimistic]

[she sets the soup and hot chocolate in an empty seat for him] Oh, I see. Does - does that mean you're not really as cold as you look, Sherlock-sama? [she sits back down, looking up at Sherlock]

[rationalist]

[He sighs and takes his place there. He picks up the hot chocolate and just holds it.] No. Why do you see me that?

[superoptimistic]

[and she goes back to eating her soup] I - I don't know. I guess it can't be helped the way we see people. Someone else has seen you like this, too?

[rationalist]

Yes. [He frowns.] There is a difference between seeing someone as you do and what they actually look like.

[superoptimistic]

I - I guess..but I don't see everyone the way I see you, and someone else saw you this way, too. So - so it must be something very unique to you, Sherlock-sama.

[rationalist]

[With a scoff before he drinks some hot chocolate.] Then it says something about me.

[superoptimistic]

I - I don't think it's so terrible. Even though you seem very cold, there's still a warmth that's melting some of the ice away.

It's - it's a very nice look for you, and it's nothing to worry about. I just wanted to help in case you felt too cold.

[rationalist]

[Almost muttered.] Melting ice is a structural weakness. John will appreciate blankets, though, I'm sure.

[superoptimistic]

You look very solid underneath. I'm sure it won't cause any damage, Sherlock-sama.

[she nods]

I'll make sure to collect blankets and pillows. Is there anything else you two will need?

[rationalist]

[He laughs a bit.] I won't need much. My 'sleep' is usually after a few days on a case when I manage to reach the sofa.

[superoptimistic]

This isn't a normal case. You should make sure to rest so you'll be at your best. You'll be - you'll be no use if you're too tired to think clearly, Sherlock-sama.