[It's not that van Zieks hasn't celebrated the holidays in the past ten years, exactly, but this year is particularly special, let's say. The combination of the truths he's revealed to the public at large, realizations about his family, and the weight of the Reaper being largely lifted from his shoulders makes his steps feel odd and almost uneasy as he browses London's markets for gifts and other holiday essentials. The scowl is still frozen on his scarred face as always, even if the bitterness behind it is beginning to thaw, bit by bit.
His instinct is to turn and leave, allowing his top hat and cloak to act as a wall between him and the man who's been a thorn in his side a number of times.
He does not do that. He calls out:]
... Mr. Sholmes.
[It's... a begrudging acknowledgement, obvious in the slow way it leaves his mouth, as if he has to drag the name out by force. The vast majority of him would much prefer to pretend he never saw the man at all, but recent revelations have crumbled most of his reasons for loathing the so-called great detective into dust. And... if he is going to have any sort of relationship with his niece, he needs to be cordial with the man who's raised her. Probably.
Only most of the reasons for his grudge have been proven irrelevant, though. It doesn't mean the man isn't aggravating, and he's found a small handful of new reasons to be cross with Sholmes, too! Even so... he is making... an effort. May God give him patience.]
6 aka please turn off the inner monologue and just use your words, barok
He's considering a brief spot of tea at the nearby café when he notices the detective's distinctive cap and coat in his peripheral, a scant few meters away.
His instinct is to turn and leave, allowing his top hat and cloak to act as a wall between him and the man who's been a thorn in his side a number of times.
He does not do that. He calls out:]
... Mr. Sholmes.
[It's... a begrudging acknowledgement, obvious in the slow way it leaves his mouth, as if he has to drag the name out by force. The vast majority of him would much prefer to pretend he never saw the man at all, but recent revelations have crumbled most of his reasons for loathing the so-called great detective into dust. And... if he is going to have any sort of relationship with his niece, he needs to be cordial with the man who's raised her. Probably.
Only most of the reasons for his grudge have been proven irrelevant, though. It doesn't mean the man isn't aggravating, and he's found a small handful of new reasons to be cross with Sholmes, too! Even so... he is making... an effort. May God give him patience.]