bakerstreet

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A QUESTION FOR A QUESTION

YOU MAY KNOW EACH OTHER ALREADY - OR YOU MAY NOT. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU'RE NOW PASSING THE TIME ASKING EACH OTHER QUESTIONS. IT'S A GAME! A QUESTION FOR A QUESTION. YOU START OFF ASKING YOUR OPPONENT A QUESTION OF CHOICE AND IF THEY ANSWER IT, THEY'RE ALLOWED TO ASK YOU A QUESTION IN TURN. THE RULES ARE SIMPLE, ONLY AS LONG AS YOU ANSWER THE OTHER PERSON'S QUESTIONS ARE YOU ALLOWED TO ASK QUESTIONS YOURSELF, BUT THERE IS NO EXPECTATION OF TRUTHFULNESS HERE, LIE IF YOU MUST OR WANT, JUST KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.

How to play -
1. Comment with your character's name, fandom and preference.
2. If you want, leave a question in the comment field that your character is asking their opponent. Or don't. I'm not the cops.
3. Pick other characters to question and have fun!

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Ha! I suppose there is. It's not even warranted. Completely overblown.

Isn't it obvious how I'm entertaining myself?

Completely, they are still more likely to die in an automobile crash, or by the Batman's stupid armored car, than to be randomly killed by the Joker.

Quite. It took a moment before I realized. [ Yet, he's not put his novel down yet. Just turning another page.]

The girls too busy for you?

Mmh, his ego is lucky the idiots around here don't realise that. Both their egos.

[More importantly-] You're getting slow there, Jon.

[Edward's cane hooks over the top of the book and tugs it down so Jon can appreciate his smirk.]

Would you rather I call them in to keep me entertained?

I'll give you that one.

[ He murmured about the egos, though he looked up with half a glare, that became a full glare when Edward hooked his cane on the book and tugged it down. ]

I am not slow, you'd have left by now if I was. And secondly, you know I wouldn't.

[ The book tossed aside to one direct and the cane nudged.]

So, what is today's game then, Mr. Nygma?

[Edward's smirk grew in response to the glare and he arched an eyebrow cockily.]

I said getting. Some degree of mental deterioration is reversible, so I hear.

[He wouldn't know, of course. Watching the book get tossed aside, he took the nudge as an invite to flick the cane up and twirl it like a baton, stepping closer to Jon as he did. It hooked back down, over Jon's shoulder this time with a little tug as Edward stopped right in front of him, head cocked to the side as if in thought.]

Hmm, since you ask... How about a guessing game?

I accessed the patient files from Metropolis' new phobia clinic. If you can guess the condition from the patient photo and information I provide, you win. Well? What do you say, Jon?

[ That smirk was nothing but trouble, and still as devilishly attractive as it had been the first time he saw it. He just hated it pointed his way at his expense. ]

That is technically true, and yet, I could make an argument against it.

[ If Jonathan knew about that dip in the Lazarus pit, he could have made a comment there, but alas.

Jonathan knew Edward wouldn't hurt him without prompting. This and a lack of fear response kept him from flinching when Edward twirled the cane and hooked it over his shoulder. He leaned forward some as Edward came t o stand before him. His eyes taking in the cocked head. ]

Oh, darlin', I can certainly do that. And what will my prize be, Mr. Riddler?

[That deterioration didn't count, the cause being entirely different. Lucky for him, only two other people even knew about that incident, and they both tended to have other things on their minds when they crossed his path - for better or worse, considering Elliot and Jon's continued relationship.

It was almost a shame to get no reaction from Jon to his very dangerous and impressive, thank you, cane. But that wasn't today's game.]

Your prize? Isn't winning its own reward, my dear doctor?

[He sighed exaggeratedly.] But if you require more, I could allow you my services for an evening, in whatever way you wish them.

[Yes, that included being Jon's test subject if he chose - but that would only be an issue if Edward lost.]

[ Jonathan would keep working with Thomas Elliot too, and at a reduced rate to keep the man from going after Edward. Not that the money mattered to Elliot, it was the principal of the matter.

It was a very nice cane. ]

Never. And you know it. You're the exact same way, Edward.

[ That order got a grin across his features. He'd word hard to keep the toxin away from Edward since their first valentine's day. Oh he was going to bring his A game.]

And if I ask if you would allow me to test a controlled and weakened toxin on you? Hypothetically speaking, of course.

I'm not the exact same as anyone, Jon.

[That grin was a little worrying but really, Jon was being overconfident. He'd lost enough of their games before (yes, he'd occasionally won too but those were flukes).

A little more worrying was the request but Edward had made his offer, he wasn't going to take it back. Or have to follow through.]

If you somehow manage to win and offer your assurances it will be controlled. I'm not dying of a heart attack so you can get off. Then, yes, I said in whatever way. But you have to win first, my dear. So. Are you ready to play?

As to always wantin' a prize? Yeah, you are. Don' lie, you'd expect a prize if I brought up a game o' riddles.

[ Oh, but Jonathan Crane had all the faith in himself when it came to his first and truest love. Fear.

Holding a hand out to shake on it. ]

You got yourself a deal, Mr. Nygma. And, you, can have anything at all you'd like if I lose. Fair 'nough?

[ If Edward shook or not, he'd be sitting back a few seconds later and nodding as he crossed a leg other the other. ]

You can begin.

In regards to feeling my brilliance deserves reward, then, yes. But unlike most, I'm correct to think so.

[Taking Jon's hand he shook it firmly, smirking down at the man.]

Fair, although seeing you lose is plenty rewarding, my dear.

[Draping himself across the couch with one leg tossed over Jon's and his cane leaning against his shoulder, Edward nodded and pulled out his phone.]

Very well. First patient.

[He flipped his phone around to show a picture of a well-dressed dark skinned woman with bleached hair.]

An immigrant from Kenya, she 'overcame' her criminal youth and is now a social worker and equal rights activist. She lost both parents in a tragic accident when the family home collapsed. As part of her work, she's visited numerous disaster zones in the wake of hurricanes, tornados and other such events and has frequently been exposed to them herself.

So, Dr Crane, what phobia is our patient being treated for?

[ Giving Edward a dubious look, Jon took his hand back once the shake was finished, and dropped his hand to rest on Edwards leg where it crossed over his own.

Listening closely as Edward explained the first patient. Interesting, at least. ]

Two choices come to mind with that cornucopia of information you have given, thanatophobia makes a certain amount of sense. A heavy loss leading to wanting to help others, but I do not think that fits here. No, not so much.

Now, lilapsophobia, the fear of natural disaster, and a strong work need to prove one's self could make sense. Furthermore, I would assume the house collapsing was due to such a disaster that killed her parents, and likely scared her beyond mentally. Her work would place her in the path of that phobia and help cure it via immersion. Well, Edward?

Oh, not enough for you to-

[Edward cut himself off as Jon went on, his smug expression not slipping at first. His grin faded when the second phobia was named, turning huffy. When Jon finished speaking, he flicked some imaginary lint off his sleeve, humming idly.]

Yes, I suppose I did make that one a little too easy. It's the second, of course. I thought I'd be generous and not embarrass you immediately, but if you'd prefer a challenge.

[He's not mad, it's only the first question.]

Next one! This young man- [He flashed Jon a picture of what looked like a college student.] Is studying at Gotham University. He lives on campus and catches the train to his dull part-time job. His mother has driven down to visit him several times from his miserable little hometown since he began his studies, but he's never set foot back there after getting off the bus in Gotham. There was an accident in his teenage years that resulted in an extended hospital stay, but he's since had few health issues besides the condition that brought him to the clinic.

Your diagnosis?

I would bet good money that the patient does suffer from both, even if only listed as the one. Often times fears manifest in different ways, darlin'.

[ He still sounded amused, Giving Edward a knowing look as he relaxed back more. His other hand resting over the first on Edwards leg.

Jon's eyes rolled over the picture a moment. ]

What was the accident? Or is that cheating? I feel this is relevant to the diagnosis. I could guess now, but this could change depending on the accident.

We're talking about the official diagnosis, dear, not yours. Unless you're planning on getting your license reinstated and starting your own clinic.

[He smirked at Jon as he recovered himself, nudging his lover with the toe of his shoe.]

I could tell you... It may well help you on the road to the answer, but I don't want to wreck the challenge for you.

[He couldn't help himself sometimes, even if the clues were too obvious.]

Do you have an answer for me or not?

Bite me.

[ Jonathan narrowed his eyes at his lover. Edward always knew what buttons to press.

That phrasing felt like a hint.]

I would guess Agoraphobic, but as they are taking the train and attending school, no. Perhaps, Amaxophobia? Even Dystychiphobia, is a choice.

Go on, tell me I am wrong, this one is curious, I want to hear what he was given.

Later, Jon, we're in the middle of something.

[He did love to push those buttons; it was just too easy sometimes.

Waving a hand dismissively, Edward huffed in reply.]

The professional diagnosis is indeed Amaxophobia, although I suppose the latter could also be true after the car crash that hospitalised him, you'd have to talk to the actual doctor about that.

Should I count that as a win for you? You did offer multiple choices; I'm not sure that's within the spirit of the game.

[And he can't be losing here.]

Promises, promises.

[ He grumbled without his usual bit. Two could play that game. ]

He's not going to get better without some form of immersion therapy. Best hope he stays in Gotham. For as shitty as this city is, the public transit isn't bad.

No, let's call that a tie. I have three answers, give me another. These snippets make it more of a challenge than just looking at the patient. Want more coffee?

[ Jon was already pushing off the coach to go pour himself another cup.]

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