[Astaroth has to think before he answers. He doesn't like having to do that, not at all, for any situation in which he doesn't have the answer immediately at hand is far from ideal. While he does manage to school his face into a neutral expression, it's clear at least for a moment that he's not quite as sure of himself as he usually is.]
I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
Edited (whoops how did that 1/2 get there this is a one-parter only) 2013-01-07 05:22 (UTC)
[ the slight off balance of him in that time taken to think doesn't go unnoticed. he's glad for it, really, the knowledge that he's given Astaroth pause. looks like he's unwittingly developing a knack for making even the most self assured people take a second to think things through. ]
Thanks.
... Shit, right. I'm going to have to go and assess the mess and do some damage control. I'll keep you posted if anything goes too awfully, but if you don't hear from me, assume we're in the clear until further notice.
[Despite the please, it's more a command than anything else. He pauses then, considering something else.]
If you wouldn't mind telling me just one more thing... How was it, exactly, that your flatmate came to notice it? [He had thought surely some romantic liaison would spot it first, if not John himself, but Sherlock Holmes? This could be the cause of some even greater worry.]
Whether he deduces it or not, given the protection I swore for your service, Mr. Holmes is as much a concern of mine as you are. If there is anything I feel I must know about him to ensure that protection remains whole, I will look into it.
[Of course it isn't all about protecting Sherlock, not entirely. Astaroth is beginning to feel that he may well pose a threat to him, or at least to his mortal cover.]
[ it's hard to know what to do with that, because it's both a distinct statement of a good solid chunk of John's reasons for making this agreement in the first place and something that grates at him further - what possible link could knowledge of Sherlock Holmes's... personal pursuits have to do with his protection? except, no, it's not even as though Astaroth's pursuing it as a broad question. so what difference would it make? John's completely aware that any time Sherlock spends in the actual company of human beings in Rapture generally amounts to time spent in the flat with him, at least recently. in the shadow of that, whether or not they're... well, it seems sort of irrelevant.
it softens him slightly, though (i'm getting what I paid for). there's a little more humour in his tone despite the scathing words as he replies; ]
Maybe I'll slip a little spycam into his coat later. I'll let you know if I catch any decent footage of him with his pants around his ankles.
[That humorous tone brings him back to a more usual state of mind, lets him slip right back into his self-surety with a slow smirk and narrowed eyes. It's good to be back on top.]
Your initiative is duly appreciated, but I think those might be a little hard to come by in the 1950's. [He'll leave it to John to decide whether or not he's kidding.]
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I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
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Thanks.
... Shit, right. I'm going to have to go and assess the mess and do some damage control. I'll keep you posted if anything goes too awfully, but if you don't hear from me, assume we're in the clear until further notice.
no subject
[Despite the please, it's more a command than anything else. He pauses then, considering something else.]
If you wouldn't mind telling me just one more thing... How was it, exactly, that your flatmate came to notice it? [He had thought surely some romantic liaison would spot it first, if not John himself, but Sherlock Holmes? This could be the cause of some even greater worry.]
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[ pause ]
[ looking at you ]
[ judging you ]
[ what are you trying to say ]
I was changing. He invited himself in to let me know he'd got home.
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I needed to be sure. That's all.
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How it's any of your business anyway I don't know.
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[Of course it isn't all about protecting Sherlock, not entirely. Astaroth is beginning to feel that he may well pose a threat to him, or at least to his mortal cover.]
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it softens him slightly, though (i'm getting what I paid for). there's a little more humour in his tone despite the scathing words as he replies; ]
Maybe I'll slip a little spycam into his coat later. I'll let you know if I catch any decent footage of him with his pants around his ankles.
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Your initiative is duly appreciated, but I think those might be a little hard to come by in the 1950's. [He'll leave it to John to decide whether or not he's kidding.]
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On that note, I think 'll get on.
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In that case, I wish you the best of luck. [Even though what he really means by that you is both of us.]