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When Barok arrived at 221b Baker Street to pay a call on his learned love interest Ryunosuke Naruhodo, who had come back with Susato for Iris's thirteenth birthday, he immediately took note that something about the younger man was...off. His face seemed like it was straining. Not to try to see something or to hold back a sneeze, but like he was trying not to open his mouth. Even when the lord gave a greeting it took Ryunosuke a good ten seconds before he gave a hard smile and greeted him back. Immediately suspecting something Barok turned to Susato to ask what was wrong. She gave a weary expression before explaining that Ryunosuke has been under a lot of stress - and he's slowly but surely coming to his breaking point. Along with helping her father Yujin campaign to become the new head of Foreign Affairs for Japan, teaching law, providing his testimony to hash out the conviction of a certain former Chief Justice and handling his own personal matters he's been dealing with a lot of flack from less than grateful people. And while Ryunosuke smiles and nods every time, Susato knows her friend and employer better. Rage is boiling within him and she fears for the unfortunate(albeit deserving) person who says one rude remark and opens the floodgates. She even tried to convince him stay in Japan to distress but Ryunosuke didn't want to miss Iris's birthday.
This of course stunned Barok - as Ryunosuke always carried himself with such a personable, serene and endearingly awkward charm. The idea that he could be unhappy, led alone angry, was an odd concept. None the less he thanked Susato for informing him of this and made it his goal to ensure that nothing would upset Ryunosuke further. Perhaps he could even get him to genuinely smile.
Later into the evening the entire party of people celebrating Iris's birthday went to the upscale restaurant that Herlock made reservations for(and no, it's none of your business how he paid!). They all took their seats at the table and Iris smiled brightly as she relished in the cheers from Herlock, Gina, Susato, Yujin, Kazuma, Barok and Ryunosuke. Barok was glad to see his niece enjoying herself. And to make things better Ryunosuke seemed to finally be unwinding from all of his built up anger. He made sure to give the man a reassuring squeeze of the knee to remind his learned love interest that he was here. But as the saying goes all good things must come to an end.
Not five tables away from them a particularly rude and rowdy patron who was getting belligerent with the waitress. He was swearing, literally and spewing curse words, that the woman got his order wrong despite the embarrassed people accompanying him trying to say otherwise. Something about his salad being too cold. Nevermind that salads aren't meant to be hot in the first place. Everyone at the Wilson party table looked disgusted by the man's behavior, and Gina immediately stood up saying that she'll handle this. But Ryunosuke instead stated that he would take care of the obnoxious man. In that moment Barok saw it. And by the shocked, worried faces of Susato and Yujin next to him they saw it also. A rage that was nearing the tipping point as evident by Ryunosuke's normally gentle black eyes looking like whirlpools of fury. Before Barok could protest and say that the Dame Inspector should handle it Ryunosuke walked off to the table. Everyone watched as the defense lawyer walked over there and based on his hand gestures dismissed the waitress, who bowed to him with a tearful look on her face and scurried off. The rude patron then turned his anger to Ryunosuke - even pushed him which made Kazuma, Susato and Barok jolt to their feet to defend him before Yujin, Herlock and Gina quickly convinced them not to do something they can't take back. As they watched on Barok saw Ryunosuke take the shove with a saintly form of patience, thinning as it was, as he brushed himself off and in no uncertain terms told the man that he was acting shamefully in a public setting and needed to either settle down and eat or leave. That regardless of who he is(a banker apparently) it doesn't permit him to treat servers so poorly. Further more they're here to peacefully enjoy a young lady's birthday and she's miles more mature than him, even at thirteen. The once rowdy man was silent now from embarrassment and even the people at his table chuckled at his thorough dressing down. Barok decided now was a good time to back up his learned love interest and walked over to tell the man that if he doesn't settle down he'll see him to the door personally. Puffing up in anger once again, and wanting to get in the last word, the rude patron spewed out this biting remark;
"Ah yes, you're the kin of The Professor. What will you do then, your lordship, if I don't go? Follow in your brother's footsteps and kill me?"
While he made the truth about his brother's crimes public it still hurt Barok to hear people speak of him that way. And to throw it back at him like that, as if he was a born killer by proxy, did admittedly get under his skin. But seemed like it didn't nearly get under his skin as much as it did Ryunosuke's...because the next thing he knew an arm flew past him and he saw the rude patron land on the floor with a bloodied and broken nose. Barok blinked shock as he turned to see Ryunosuke standing to his right, eyes wild and a bruised balled up fist stained with blood raised raised in the air. That was the straw that broke the camel's back.
The restaurant had first gone quiet when Ryunosuke first told the man off, then exclaimed in a joined gasp of shock as they watched the defense lawyer punch the rude patron. And before anyone could say or do anything Ryunosuke went off. He cursed, screamed, slammed his bloodied fist on the rude patron's table and even grabbed the man by the lapels of his suit to yell in his face. It was a side of him that no one, not even Kazuma, thought was possible for him to have or expected to see. As Ryunosuke swore Gina covered Iris's ears, Susato covered her father's ears and Herlock covered his own ears. Kazuma though watched the verbal lashing with a wicked smile – actually impressed by his normally demure friend's show of rage. And Barok? Stunned as he was by the display he was also touched. It was the second time Ryunosuke stood up for him, once in court and now here against this wretched man for his remark about Klint.
Finally after ten minutes Ryunosuke let go of the man, pointed at Barok and ordered him to apologize. The man did so without any delay and threw several pound notes at the table, more than what the dinner was worth, then ran off with his tail between his legs. His party stood up and placed some money of their own on the table and apologized to Barok themselves, saying that their friend has always been a tit but they don't excuse the way he acts. They also apologized to Ryunosuke and even said they were admirers of his defense style before leaving as well. The restaurant remained quiet as they watched Ryunosuke take a deep breath, exhale and then turn to address the rest of the patrons and staff to apologize for his outburst. He then calmly walks over to the party table and takes his original seat. Barok follows after him and asks his learned love interest if he was alright. Ryunosuke gave him a smile, a real smile, and proudly proclaimed;
"Actually yes! That was the best I've felt this whole week. I just needed to let it out."
Barok gave a small smile of his own as well as another reassuring squeeze to the defense lawyer's knee. Ryunosuke then apologized to Iris for being so angry on her birthday but she and everyone else at the table said how they were in awe at both Ryunosuke's restraint and his righteous fury. The birthday girl was hardly offended and neither were his friends. Herlock even suggested that Ryunosuke should put that left hook to good use as a boxer with him as his manager. The consulting detective got a resounding "Objection" from everyone at the table.
All in all, it was a fun birthday. And Barok was happy to give his niece her own custom chalice and even happier to spend the next day with Ryunosuke, who was in greater spirits.
It's been a few months since Lord Barok started to officially court Ryunosuke, and things have been coming up roses. Well sort of. Even though they're both men English courtship traditions are still heavily enforced by both Iris and Susato. They only allow the men to meet during court proceedings and the moment the trial is over or court is adjourned for the day - the ladies are quick to whisk Ryunosuke away before Barok can steal another glance. After all, they aren't even married yet! T'would be quite the scandal if it was discovered by the papers that a Lord of all people stepped out of courting traditions. Even if the one he's courting is a male Nipponese defense lawyer. But now Ryunosuke and Barok are at their wits end. They want to be able to enjoy a moment to themselves without having to worry about intervention from the well-meaning but meddlesome Susato and Iris. Or having the smug Herlock chaperon a meeting between them - who never failed to tease Barok even when threatened by a steel toed boot. So during the court proceedings of a petty robbery case the pair exchanged secret messages in "court documents" making plans to meet at night later that week.
This was a huge risk to take since a gentleman stepping out with his cherished one alone at night is the biggest no-no in English courtship traditions. Ryunosuke certainly never forgot since it was one of the first things Susato pointed out when the prosecutor started courting him and she made sure it was drilled into his head. But it would also be just as risky if not more so to meet in the day, plus Barok has a way of blending in with the darkness. So be in one another's loving arms, it was a risk worth taking!
So in the late hours of Merry Ol' England, Ryunosuke quietly left the suite of 221b Baker Street as he made careful sure not to awaken Iris or Susato. He needn't worry about Herlock since the consulting detective is notorious for being a heavy sleeper. In the secret messages Barok told him to meet Kazuma at the place where the science fair was held, where his peer would then walk him to where they would meet. Barok suggested this because in the event that Susato or Iris woke in the night and saw Ryunosuke's bed empty, he could easily pass it off as meeting with Kazuma without fear of reprisal. So off Ryunosuke went and was greeted by a very disgruntled looking Kazuma. Clearly he wasn't keen on being an accomplice for their romantic rendezvous so late at night. The defense lawyer expressed his gratitude to his friend and said he was greatly looking forward to spending some real alone time with Barok. And despite missing out on some much needed sleep Kazuma did give a tired smile, happy for his friend.
After walking for a bit Ryunosuke was finally brought to Barok who greeted him with a rare but sincere smile. With his mission done Kazuma gave a curt farewell and departed, very likely to rest his warrior's spirit on a feather bed. Once they finished exchanging pleasantries Barok took Ryunosuke into his private carriage - which the latter suggested he use as they couldn't take the risk of Iris having omnibus drivers keep her informed if Barok attempted to enter one alone with Ryunosuke. The carriage took them across routes of London that had a mysterious, yet ethereal beauty to them you don't tend to notice in the day. Ryunosuke appreciated the sights and the warmth of his lover as he leaned closer into Barok who happily embraced him. They gazed into each other's eyes for a while before leaning their faces closer together to share in a tender kiss.
Until....
FWWWWEEEEEEEEEEETTT, went the familiar sound of a constable whistle and soon the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Barok looked out to see what in blazes was going on and stopped short in his complaint when he saw none other than Dame Inspector Gina Lestrade talking to the carriage driver. And the young woman wanted to know if the driver at any point had picked up Ryunosuke! Barok ducked back into the carriage to tell his lover what was happening and he cursed under his breath. This was a variable neither of them anticipated. But given the way Iris had Gregson, may he rest in peace, wrapped around her inventive little finger it stands to reason that she would still have Scotland Yard and by proxy Gina in her back pocket. She must have told them to keep an eye on 221b Baker Street as well as Barok's comings and goings. They could hear the poor driver was doing his level best to give the Dame Inspector ambiguous answers to make her leave but Gina was not easily put off. It was only a matter of time before she stormed into the carriage. So Ryunosuke suggested the only thing they could do. Run. And when they heard footsteps come to the carriage doors, run they did.
Both men bolted out the other side and ducked down an alley before Gina could see Ryunosuke. Another blow of a constable whistle kicked up their adrenaline as Barok and Ryunosuke ran faster, with the prosecutor using his cloak to cover the defense lawyer so that Gina couldn't see him. They tried ducking down different streets but it was no use. Former diver that she was Gina knew these streets better than anyone. They had to think of something, find a distraction! Then as if God and queen answered their prayers Ryunosuke bumped into someone just as they rounded the next corner. And when he recovered to see who it was both he and Barok were stunned to see none other than Albert Harebrayne! Barok asked his only friend what he was doing out at this time of night to which Albert proceeded to go on a tangent about some new experiment harnessing lunar energy and how he got lost in thought while mapping out directions from where a potential factory would be built to what houses it could connect to in its vicinity. In that moment the sound of Gina coming closer could be heard, and in a flash Ryunosuke came up with a brilliant plan.
He cut off Albert before he could ramble further and told the scientist to trust him. The defense layer then asked Barok for his fountain pen which he gave, and before the prosecutor could ask his learned lover why he needed it Ryunosuke expelled the ink into Albert's hair then ducked out of sight just before Gina descended on them. In between hard pants the Dame Inspector demanded to know what's going on to which Barok, thinking on his feet, said that he was just helping Albert get the ink from his fountain pen out of his hair. There was an accident involving said writing utensil and Albert, in typical fashion, freaked out and ran from the carriage. So Barok followed after him to get his friend to calm down so he could help. Gina gave a disbelieving glare at the prosecutor before turning to the scientist to ask if this is true. Unable to trust his mouth Albert just frantically nodded. Gina then demanded to see this offending pen to verify if this alleged incident actually took place. Barok further lies by saying that the mess happened in the carriage, making sure to describe the blotches of ink in loud detail for Ryunosuke to hear from his hiding place and that the pen is empty and on the seat. Once the trio leave down the main path the defense lawyer sneaks down the opposite way to circle back to the private carriage where he squirts the remaining ink on the spots Barok described, places the pen on the seat and ducks under the carriage just as Gina, Barok and Albert show up. Gina checks out the carriage and begrudgingly admits that Barok was telling the truth but warns him if she ever busts him with Ryunosuke then Gina will go straight to Iris and Susato. Once the Dame Inspector leaves all men breathe a sigh of relief and Ryunosuke comes out from under the carriage while apologizing to Albert for squirting ink into his hair. However the scientist instead thanks him as it gave him an idea for new invention; dye you draw into your hair with a pen. Barok could only sigh and tell his friend to stick to math equations.
After dropping off Albert at his flat Barok's carriage dropped Ryunosuke off at a street not too far from Baker Street so he could walk back. Which would leave Susato and Iris none the wiser. The pair share the kiss they missed out on and before leaving Barok asks Ryunosuke when he wants to get married, because he doesn't think he can do with another scare like that. The defense lawyer chuckled and replied;
"Getting there is half the fun, my dear prosecutor."
Even though he knew it was tradition for Barok to be the one to gift him with objects of his affection during their courtship, Ryunosuke was a give and take type of person by nature. And it didn't feel right to take so many presents and not give him one. But a loophole of sorts was coming by the end of the week; Barok's birthday. Up until this year he's always spent it alone and drank down his sorrows. This time though Iris insisted that they have a big feast with a special tea blend she made just for her uncle. And with that pout of authority added with the rare stern face of Herlock from behind her, arms crossed and silently daring the man to make an objection, the prosecutor could hardly say no. Of course Ryunosuke was invited and as he thought of what kind of gift to get his dashing prosecutor, the sight of a man taking his dog for a walk appearing in his peripheral vision struck Ryunosuke like lightning. He knew exactly what to get for Barok. First though he would need to get some information.
Phase one involved speaking to Yujin, and making certain inquiries about the Baskerville family. He answered his questions just as the defense lawyer had hoped then brought up another name that could actually help with phase two. This name was none other than Evie Vigil - the ever devoted wife of her husband Daley Vigil. The man has long since been released along with his new redheaded friends Peppino and Fabien. And while their sentences were technically served in full...Susato did mention in passing that Gina expedited their release because she, quote, "Heard enough gabbin' from them weepin' gingers an' that gosspin' dandy". Regardless Ryunosuke sought Evie out who was all too happy to see the defense lawyer who cleared her husband's name. As they settled down to chat Ryunosuke asked her some inquiries, some of which were also related to the Baskerville family. Once again his questions got the replies he had hoped for - which allowed Ryunosuke to ask Evie a favor he's had on his mind. While the lady was initially surprised to hear the request she smiled kindly and agreed to it. This made Ryunosuke overjoyed which now brought him to phase three; going to a local jeweler to commission a very special finishing touch.
Five days later, we're at the final phase. The birthday party of one Lord Barok van Zieks.
Naturally it happened at the suite of Herlock Shlomes at 221b Baker Street and everyone was there. Even Albert was able to make an appearance while Toby and Wagahai were playing in the background. There was a lot of merriment and congratulations, which Barok accepted gracefully. Soon enough it was time for the gifts to be opened. Iris gifted him a tin with an array of different tea blends she made, Susato gave him a book of haikus from famous Japanese scholars, Yujin gifted a strong bottle of sake, polish for the steel of his boots from Gina, a strange apparatus that Albert called an automatic wine bottle opener, a new silk cloak from Kazuma and a bust of Herlock from the consulting detective himself. Although his lips never quite turned up his eyes did show a brightness from a sense of gratitude - minus the single glare he gave to the sculpted bust of Herlock - and Barok happily accepted each present. But there was still one gift left to present. One from Ryunosuke. Everyone looked at the defense lawyer with a sense of eagerness and Barok couldn't deny that he felt a wave of anticipation. What could his learned lover have gotten him, he wondered. Would it be something from his homeland like that curious but quaint little round doll? Or perhaps that interesting Japanese smoking pipe?
Ryunosuke looked at Barok, inhaled, exhaled and did that worrisome yet cute habit of smacking his face before speaking. He told Barok that he wanted his gift to be something special - something to match at least part of the endearing presents he's given to him as they've been courting. And at first he didn't know what to get. But for the past five days he's been putting together what he hopes to be a nice present. The defense lawyer then went to the upstairs room and rustling could be heard from below. The party guests started to whisper in eagerness among themselves what Ryunosuke could have gotten. Meanwhile Barok was feeling a sense of excited hope he hasn't felt in a long time. He almost wanted to follow Ryunosuke upstairs to see what it was. But he didn't have to wait long as he heard footsteps come back down. Ryunosuke walked into the room carrying a very large square gift box, the wrapping paper being a sleek midnight blue color with elaborate silver colored designs etched into it. And it was tied together with a thick black satin bow. Iris gave a pout as she said it wasn't fair that Ryunosuke got such a big present without them knowing. And Susato herself was just bouncing with curiosity. Herlock then started his Observation Spectacular but Ryunosuke told them to let the birthday lord open it so they can see for themselves. The defense lawyer carefully sat down the box before Barok and stepped back, smiling eagerly as he told him to open it.
Barok looked at the box with great curiosity and proceeded to unwrap it carefully as not to ruin the beautiful wrapping paper. As he did so he noticed there were holes on either side of the box, which was strange but Barok figured that perhaps it was meant to imitate those lanterns Ryunosuke spoke of. Finally he lifted the top off the box...and gasped. Inside sleeping in a curled up form was a puppy, but not just any puppy. It was a blue coated greyhound. The very same breed and color his dear late Lady was. Barok blinked a bit in surprise and slowly reached down to touch the puppy, as if to see if it was a figment of his imagination, and upon touching its side was startled to feel it breathing. Barok then looked to Ryunosuke and ask if this was his present. His learned lover nodded eagerly and explained that he saw a man walking his dog earlier that week, and knowing he used to have a dog knew he had to get one. So he started by asking Yujin what breed the dog he saw protecting Lady Baskerville was – which he said was a greyhound. And he added that she got the dog as a puppy from Evie's family who earned their wealth and reputation as one of Britain's best dog breeders of all English breeds. So then Ryunosuke went to visit her and ask for a puppy greyhound with a blue coat for Barok's birthday. And Evie was all too happy to deliver. Which then brought Ryunosuke to the second part of the present, the part that involved the local jeweler. Reaching into his pocket the defense lawyer pulled out a black leather collar with a single pretty gold tag on it. And on the tag was the name Ryunosuke gave the puppy.
"Mercy?" Barok asked tentatively.
"Yes, Barok. Something I think you've excused yourself from accepting for far too long. And I hope this will be a good first step for you to accept it." Ryunosuke said with a smile as he placed the collar in Barok's hand.
There was a heavy silence, but it wasn't anxious. It was filled with awe at the deep sentiment of the defense lawyer's gift and also wonder at how Barok would react. He looked at the collar, look at the sleeping puppy and then finally looked back to Ryunosuke. The prosecutor gently sat the box with Mercy in it down and moved in a flash...hugging Ryunosuke.
Then a small sound broke. Ryunosuke heard it first, and soon everyone else did. It was soft crying. Lord Barok van Zieks, the ruthless prosecutor of the Old Bailey and widely known as the Reaper, was crying. However they weren't tears of sadness or anger. For once these were happy tears. And while he didn't say anything Ryunosuke just hugged him back to reply in kind to his lover's unspoken "Thank you".
A little yawn from the floor made everyone look down to see Mercy had awaken and was stretching. Barok pulled away from Ryunosuke and knelt before the puppy, took off one of his gloves and cautiously called her to him. As if she had seen a dear friend for the first time in years Mercy eagerly bounded over to Barok and licked his outstretched hand. Then the second most surprising thing happened. Barok smiled! Not a smirk, or a barely there condescending upturn of the lips. It was a real smile which only grew as he put the collar on the puppy and took her into his arms to cradle Mercy like a precious treasure. And as all of the guests watched Barok with supportive smiles, plus Wagahai and Toby looking to see when they can meet their new playmate, Ryunosuke felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Along with dispelling the false image of the Reaper, he also dispelled the false image of the fierce Hound of the Baskervilles.