un: ultra_deduction

[sweetsleuth]

Is anyone in the Yoshiwara dorm still awake?

I'm bored and cold and I can't sleep.


[It's a power outage!! And also a bit past midnight. Those still awake can reply, or head to one of the shared living areas to find Ranpo curled up and shivering by a window, lit up only by moonlight.]

Comments

[telltaleschemer]

[Poe chuckles darkly. Then he gets up to do just that.]

1/2

[sweetsleuth]

...are you serious?

[Ranpo just. Sits.]

[And when the lights go off? He sits. And continues to sit.]

[And sips his drink in complete silence. See, he's totally fine!!]

2/3 I lied

[sweetsleuth]

[At least until Karl decides to grab at his foot from under the kotatsu, at which point Ranpo practically launches himself across the room with a decidedly feminine whimper.]

[sweetsleuth]

[Of course, it only takes another two seconds to realize 1. he's spilled hot chocolate all over himself, and 2. that was most definitely just Karl.]

Th-That's cheating!!

[telltaleschemer]

I see. I wonder if that reaction would be the same with the light on.

[casual call out. Poe definitely gives Karl a treat for that but it's dark so there's deniability there.]

But that did get out of hand... it's sounds like you might have spilled your hot chocolate...?

[Good thing the light is off because his cheeks redden .]

...Do you need to borrow a shirt?

[sweetsleuth]

I'm putting your hand in warm water while you sleep tonight!

[THIS IS A REAL THREAT??]

[But also hm. There is the sound of some shuffling around in the dark.]

Just-- turn the lights back on already, you made your point. I'm wearing an under layer -- I'll just take everything else off. It's warm enough in here.

[Which means, yes, Ranpo is currently stripping in the dark. How much does the under layer cover?? Only Poe's imagination can answer that question, unless he turns the light on.]

[telltaleschemer]

[THAT THREAT... Poe covers his laugh with a cough. First of all he doesn't sleep well often. No way he's sleeping first with Ranpo here.
But at least Poe turns the lights back on. Bro I am looking away respectfully.]

Ah, I believe that prank was debunked. It doesn't work. Not when it's only the hand.

[Taking the tragically emptied mug out of Ranpo's hands is prime opportunity to side glance at Ranpo without him realizing it hopefully. Somehow, seeing Ranpo in this far too relaxed setting doesn't fluster him as Poe thinks it should. It's familiar- somehow? Definitely risking getting caught staring here.]

[sweetsleuth]

Okay, then I'll just dump a bucket of water on you in the morning.

[He's so mad??]

[But also, hope Poe enjoys the view. Because as Ranpo strips down, he gets as far as the under layer (essentially just a thinner white kimono, in two pieces) before realizing that layer is wet too!]

[So off it goes. Leaving him in what's essentially just a white wrap around his waist. Enjoy his nerd bod, Poe.]

I didn't even get to drink most of it... could you go get me a shirt or something?

[telltaleschemer]

[RANPO IS SO MAD... It's not like he's intimidated. Still, Poe lifts his hands in surrender. Sorry, though, still like... a little smug. A little bit. It's real bastard hours. Usually it's Ranpo who is being the gremlin so he gotta.]

I'm sorry Ranpo-kun. Although you weren't going to admit it yourself I still wanted to confirm my suspicions...

[Poe clears his throat again and gets up really abruptly after realizing his eyes have started to follow along Ranpo's nerdy little collarbones.]

Excuse me, I'll-... I'll be right back.

1/3

[sweetsleuth]

[Oh, how the turntables...]

[But uh]

[Hm.]

[What was that just now?]

[sweetsleuth]

[A chance for revenge?]

[sweetsleuth]

[And thus, when Poe comes back, Ranpo is now posed "seductively" in front of the kotatsu, still only just barely kept decent by the cloth around his waist. Because clearly-- that reaction was because Ranpo showing this much skin was uncomfortable for him, right? They don't have good ol' skin ship between bros in America!]

Poe-kuuuun... did you find me something to wear?

1/2

[telltaleschemer]

2/2

[telltaleschemer]

[Look at that- Poe's got the extra shirt (that's way too long to fit Ranpo well) held up against his chest like a shield when he returns. He chokes out the first part of his question? Accusation? Life is a struggle for Poe today.]

Yes, of course I did! Why are you sitting like that.

[He's quick to drape it over Ranpo. Modesty blanket.]

[sweetsleuth]

What? I saw you staring and thought you wanted a better view?

[Naturally, Ranpo is only teasing and has no reason to believe Poe was staring because he was interested, because his mancrush on Ranpo is a secret to nobody except Ranpo himself.]

[But he'll put the shirt on the moment it's given, regardless of his teasing! ...it's so oversized on him, he looks ridiculous.]

[telltaleschemer]

[Ranpo is right but he shouldn't say it! ...Unless? Is this some shameless attempt at flirting? It wouldn't be the first time- wait, why wouldn't it be the first time? Is he remembering the same things Poe is? If that was his response surely that means...]

...

[Poe re-takes his seat next to Ranpo. Suspiciously silent considering he's being teased.]

[sweetsleuth]

...er... was that too much?

[Suspicious silence is very suspicious?? He leans in a little closer, trying to catch a glimpse of Poe's expression.]

[telltaleschemer]

No, you haven't done anything wrong.

[Poe clarifies. Nothing too subtle about the way he ducks his head to hide his flustered and at a loss expression. Almost immediately his voice starts to lilt high with nerves.]

Truthfully there remains something of a disturbance on my mind. Since... This morning, really. I'm not sure if it's been the same for you or if it would have the same affect if i asked outright so would you- indulge me? For just a moment.

[He's had memories(?) tickle his mind every time Ranpo has done anything. So maybe if Poe does something in return...?]

[sweetsleuth]

[...well, that sounds serious. The expression on his face shifts as well, taking on something more neutral.]

[But there's a sense of foreboding as well. Just yesterday, he had a rather curious conversation with a young man who claimed to have met Ranpo in another world. Could this be related somehow? What would that mean?]

[But he'll refrain from making any deductions yet, instead just nodding.]

Sure thing. What do you need me to do?