Stripes of Passion: Part 1

Epilogue: After the Case

Were this an ordinary case, around this time you would return to your lodgings, grab one of your diaries and write extensively about its conclusion, before treating yourself to a nice cup of tea and a good night's sleep, revelling quietly in a job well done. Tomorrow you would wake, dress yourself for a new day, and likely never speak of this situation again.

But this is not one of those occasions. You step outside of the Labyrinth, finding that both the Honey-Addled Detective and his Implacable counterpart are long gone. The gloom of London seems a little darker tonight; your remaining companions seem keen to put this situation behind them.

Speak to the Banded Sleuth
He has already recomposed himself - not that he ever lost his composure, of course.

Speak to the Urchin Detective
To say that she is happy about how the case ended would be a gross overstatement, but she does at least seem to be satisfied.

Habituated

You catch the tiger lighting another cigarette. You stay politely quiet while he takes a long drag from it; "Case closed." his tone is curt, and more than a little sarcastic. "One more case to the list. Maybe I'll call this one the Case of the Short-Sighted Beekeper." he manages a chuckle between drags, though it is short. "Don't think it will be a tale to recount over drinks."

He turns to you, from above his shoulder. "If I shed tears for every sad case I came across, I wouldn't have lasted long in this business." he takes another drag, before tossing the butt on the ground and extinguishing it with his pawpads. "Life moves on, as they say."

You now have 1 x Paws (hidden)

Potential

You see her contemplating something; it's clear that this is the first case she's seen which left her quite like this. The triumph of solving a complicated puzzle and finding the solution, undermined by the reality of the situation and what came of it. A melancholic, lonely, difficult feeling. You've been in that situation many times at this point.

You had your doubts at the start, certainly, but she proved to be invaluable to the solving of the case, even if her methods are less than ideal. You kneel down to her level, and work to taper over some of the more negative feelings in her chest with some praise; none of it is exaggerated, and she knows it. You give her a few minor points of sincere criticism, and points she could improve on, but you make sure to tell her that, if she continues as she is, she will be one of the city's best detectives in no time.

Under your words, however, you make it clear that this kind of case is not unusual in your line of work. If she is to continue, she will have to learn to live with situations where there is no possible "good" outcome, except perhaps, the least bad one, and that she should at least feel proud that in this case, that is the outcome you all managed to find.

She doesn't really talk, but you get the sense that your words sunk in, at least.

You now have 2 x Paws (hidden)

Epilogue: After the Case

The Urchin Detective says her goodbyes, though maybe less enthusiastically than she wanted. You last see her climbing a pipe and onto the roof. The Banded Sleuth, to your side, follows her with his gaze until she is completely out of sight. "She has a strong future, that one." he remarks, "Maybe not a bright future, but certainly a strong one." he lets out a small snort, "Who knows? Maybe one day, she'll threaten my job." his tone is sarcastic, though there is a little hint of pride in there.

Then, he turns to you. "And I must thank you as well, of course. Your reputation precedes you, though clearly not quite enough." he tilts his head is what can only be construed as a sign of respect. "It is refreshing to work with a consummate professional."

Bid the Banded Sleuth farewell
It is only polite.

Express interest in further partnership before departing
You thought he handled the case rather well.

Invite him back to your Lodgings
He seems like the type to deal with feelings by pretending they don't exist. At the very least, you don't want him to do that alone tonight.

Hearth and Home

The Banded Sleuth seems surprised at your invitation; you explain that your Chateau is only a short walk away. You can tell that, for a moment, he considers whether to be offended.

However, "I suppose a little respite would be welcome," he takes a pause, looking away from the city, and - perhaps coincidentally - in the direction of your Chateau. "it has been some time since I've truly winded down for an evening."

You invite him in when you arrive, and he makes sure to clean his paws as he enters, letting out a polite "Excuse me." when he walks into the home proper.

You can immediately tell he's not relaxed; you see him gazing around your Chateau as if searching for escape routes, though he does mask it well enough that a less perceptive person might not catch it. Perhaps he does not trust you fully, perhaps he's wondering why he even accepted.

You silently request that the Vicomte de V___ doesn't try anything tonight. "Don't worry my dear." you hear his whisper in your ear, "I would never dare harm one of your guests." there is a chuckle; though fortunately not a sarcastic one.

You have moved to a new area: your Lodgings.
You no longer have any Paws

Conversation

You offer to take his coat and hat, though he politely refuses. When he reaches your table, you offer to brew him some tea, but again he refuses. He has stopped looking around at this point, either he doesn't want to be obvious, or he's already found a suitable escape route.

When you ask him about one of his cases, he starts telling the story; this is the first time you see the signs of actual relaxation. His posture lays back a little as he recounts the Case of the Vanishing Empress - which he chuckles as it clearly becomes apparent that it's not as impressive as it seems (there is no vanishing nor an empress); once he's finished however, he asks you to recount one of your cases.

His demeanor is guarded, and he clearly doesn't fully trust you. He seems hesitant to leave, however.

Tell him one of your grander cases
The rule of first impressions apply even between equals -- especially between equals.

Tell him one of your smaller cases
It's best to start small before you build up to grander tales.

Tell the case of how you escaped New Newgate
You will have to be careful in how you phrase things, of course, to make it seem like you're not talking about yourself; but maybe you like to boast.

Early Beginnings

You tell him the tale of the Tattooed Courier's Contact; it was one of your earlier cases, before you were fully established as a detective, and he nods along with each observation you make. "Clathermont's can be a headache," he remarks, exhaling a little, "it's always full of spies and secrets. Easy to mistake it for something more nefarious." he raises an eyebrow, "And unfortunately, that also makes it easy to use as cover for something more nefarious."

"Still, it seems you got your career started early in your time here in London. I commend you; not everyone would have been able to navigate the Great Game with such ease at the start." You explain that you had an unfortunate amount of experience from your time on the surface, and he nods in understanding. "I see; noble blood then?" You nod, though it's clear you don't want to elaborate. He seems satisfied with the answer nonetheless.

The Banded Sleuth seems a little less guarded.
You now have 1 x Paws (hidden)

Conversation

He tells you the story of the Case of the Whispering Manager: the theft of a jewel, that devolves into a murder, that devolves into a second murder, and then a third; then the first murder again, "Just to annoy me." he adds.

It's an elaborate tale involving a chase throughout the Flit and more than one visit to Jenny's -- he can't help but snort when one of her signature stockings end up being crucial in the resolution. "Earned myself more than one enemy with that one."

His demeanor is a little relaxed. He doesn't seem to want to leave immediately anymore.

Tell him one of your grander cases
He's upped the ante, so it'd likely be best to do the same yourself.

Tell him one of your smaller cases
You'd prefer to not reveal your greatest jobs; at least, not just yet.

Tell the case of how you escaped New Newgate
You will have to be careful in how you phrase things, of course, to make it seem like you're not talking about yourself; but maybe you like to boast.

A small boast

You tell him the case of the Absentee Aunt. "Something about the Neath attracts aunts. Zailors possibly." The Banded Sleuth sounds a little contemplative for a moment; you would never tell him that these were the Implacable Detective's exact words.

You instead recount the case in detail, from trying to find her in honey-dens to scouring for every morsel of information. Your tale is not quite as bloody as his was, of course, but he seems more interested in hearing your deduction process. When you finish the tale by describing how you found the Aunt herself, he seems to be genuinely impressed.

The Banded Sleuth seems a little less guarded.
You now have 2x Paws (hidden)

Conversation

He tells you the story of the Case of the Eager Lover: A Bohemian of impressive renown having to deal with several far-too-clingy ex-paramours. You've heard of her before, though you do not tend to walk in the same circles.

The case was originally about finding things that would encourage those paramours to leave her alone. However, he quickly realized that there was more to this story: that she was attempting not just to blackmail them into silence, but to give them a small cut of their inheritances and fortunes. "I'll admit, using a detective for this was clever." he grins, "She's been one of my favorite clients."

His voice is growing a little rough; you expected he'd ask for a drink by now if he wasn't feeling awkward about rejecting one earlier.

Tell him one of your grander cases
His stories are already pretty tall, you need to match them accordingly.

Tell him one of your smaller cases
Pull back a little bit, give him just a morsel - a mere taste.

Tell the case of how you escaped New Newgate
You will have to be careful in how you phrase things, of course, to make it seem like you're not talking about yourself; but maybe you like to boast.

Search for the meaning between his words
There is something in his demeanor and his word choice that implies something. Is he testing you?

Not quite clean

He talks about the case with the same boast and gravitas as you would hear from a storyteller deliberately trying to sound humble; he explains the methods through which he found the information on each paramour, and how he set up the theatrics of making them aware of his knowledge. It is all standard, if you ignore the fact that he is describing how he aided a woman blackmail three men (though most would agree, they deserved it).

The fact that found this so quickly implies that he was not truly trying to hide it: no detective is above doing something shady occasionally; those that pretend otherwise simply do it so often they don't register it anymore - common amongst constables.

Eventually, as you cling to each word, you notice that he never mentions receiving payment from the Eager Lover; and indeed, he only briefly mentions spending time with her at all - and only to jot down the details of the case.

When he finishes the tale by telling you that she has been one of his favorite clients, you realize what he means: not only has he done several jobs for her, since then he's been one of her paramours; perhaps multiple times.

Once he sees the realization dawn on your eyes, an almost imperceptive smile crosses his lips.

You discovered a new facet of the Banded Sleuth.
The Banded Sleuth seems much less guarded.

Conversation

The tale of the Case of the Eager Lover hangs in the air, and you now understand its significance: He is, in a way, confiding in you, in the same way you'd confide in a friend.

He reaches up to take off his fedora, placing it on the table with some care. His struggle to not smile is admirable, though ultimately futile.

Tell him one of your grander cases
His stories are already pretty tall, you need to match them accordingly.

Tell him one of your smaller cases
Pull back a little bit, give him just a morsel - a mere taste.

Tell the case of how you escaped New Newgate
If he's so comfortable as to confide in you, perhaps you'd like to do the same yourself; though you'll have to play the same game he did, of course.

Reading between

You're careful to recount the tale of how you escaped New Newgate, through a pretend perspective of a detective. You give the idea of how a prisoner might escape, and you explain how you came to the (fake) conclusion that this prisoner had a partner. You posit, briefly, that either partner could have betrayed the other at any moment, but it seems that they didn't.

You then finish your explanation with a pretend-investigation leading to the partner in question, how you "discovered" he was a Devil, and how you never could find him after a certain point; positing that he took refuge in the Brass Embassy, far away from anything you or the law could do to him.

You leave the resolution in the air with all the usual implications: you went back to your client, got paid, and moved on with your life. You mention nothing, of course, and the Sleuth catches on quickly. You can almost see the clockwork turning quickly in his head, as he pieces together the gaps between your words. Eventually, with a full-toothed smile, he simply lets out: "Security in New Newgate is so lamentable." You nod with a grin.

The Banded Sleuth seems slightly less guarded.
You now have 3 x Paws (hidden)

Conversation

He takes a deep breath before giving a smile that could almost be misconstrued as sheepish, were it not coming from a tiger "If you're still offering, I would like that tea." You oblige him quickly, boiling a fresh pot and pouring it for both of you. He takes a deep breath of the aroma before sampling it, and you can see a real smile as he does.

After, gazes into your eyes before he starts recounting the Case of the Avid Urchin. He starts by saying it was one of his earlier cases, before he was truly established in the business; but the rest of the tale comes slower than you expect. He lingers on details he didn't before, details that would likely bore a detective of equal level. It was not, clearly, a particularly difficult case; the perpetrators were sloppy, and left a lot of clues.

He had been hired by an Urchin, who could pay him decently well for a job well done. He was not expecting that investigating an abandoned house would lead him onto the trail of the northbound; he did not expect to discover why the parents had abandoned their child; he did not expect to find crimes too lurid for even the most scandalous penny dreadfuls; he did not expect to feel sympathy for the perpetrators.

He did not expect to have to face the choice of whether completing the job was even the right thing to do at all.

He never tells you how the story ends. You can see it in his eyes that stare of someone gazing deeply into a regretful memory.

Tell him your story about the Comtessa
You have been in a similar situation.

Stay silent
Perhaps you have no desire to remember painful things, but you also don't want to dismiss his moment of sincerity.

Speak of unmentionable things
You know what he is talking about. You know what an opportunity looks like.
Game Instructions: This is a terrible idea.

Burned into memory

You breathe in and start to detail the story. A father who cared more for the money than his daughter, a daughter who ran away from a bad father, a clay man butler who cared for her more than anyone else ever did. Perfectly standard, perfectly Victorian. Boring, by most accounts. Pedestrian, even.

But he can tell that there is a reason this is the story you've chosen to tell him. When you mention the Clay Quarters, and when you mention finding the sculptor, before you even mention the statue, his eyes widen slightly, as if he already knows what's going to happen. You can't help but delve into the color of the Comtessa's eyes, and how you realized that behind that granite prison, she was screaming.

The Banded Sleuth stays deathly silent as you describe, in horror, your destruction of the statue. You don't bother recounting your return to her father.

When the Sleuth allows himself the privilege of breathing again, he slowly blinks his eyes, and simply nods in pained understanding.

The Banded Sleuth's guard is fully down.
You have shared a painful memory with the Banded Sleuth.
You now have 4 x Paws (hidden)

Conversation

For a moment, it seems that the light in the room has grown dimmer. You see him grabbing a cigarette and going to light it, before he catches himself; "Do you mind?" he asks, and you shake your head. He makes a point to puff the smoke away from you.

After a long moment of silence, he looks back to you. "You handled today's case in an... unexpected way." he starts, taking another drag, "I've heard quite a few of your stories by now; if you don't mind me asking: what is your goal in solving cases? What drives you to this?"

You want to help.
Some people can't hire personal investigators. Some people have no one else to turn to. Many can't trust the constables. You just want to help.

For the law.
Maybe you mean the laws of London; maybe you mean a more personal code. Whatever your meaning, you care that things that should be, are.

You enjoy puzzles.
Mysteries, puzzles, brain teasers of all kinds. You love putting the pieces together. You love the feeling of a solution, and a job well done - the higher the stakes, the better.

Turn the question on him
It is only polite that he answer the question first, no?

Duty

"It is my duty." He doesn't miss a beat. "I am a Tiger. Whatever Londoners and sensationalist hacks say, we are protectors." he exhales the last of his cigarette through his nostrils, "So I use what tools I have to protect: Be it my claws, my fangs, or my intellect."

The Banded Sleuth is a little more guarded.
You have learned what drives the Banded Sleuth.

Conversation

He lets that hang in the air a moment, before silently gesturing that it's your turn to answer the question.

You can see that he's a little tense, but it doesn't look like he's going to leave quite yet.

You want to help.
Some people can't hire personal investigators. Some people have no one else to turn to. Many can't trust the constables. You just want to help.

For the law.
Maybe you mean the laws of London; maybe you mean a more personal code. Whatever your meaning, you care that things that should be, are.

You enjoy puzzles.
Mysteries, puzzles, brain teasers of all kinds. You love putting the pieces together. You love the feeling of a solution, and a job well done - the higher the stakes, the better

Admiration

You talk about the helpless dockers wronged by their employers; you talk about the Gracious Widow and her constant charity - and that time it was threatened; you talk about the Urchins who occasionally ask you for help to find a missing thing that meant a lot to them; you talk about the people the Constables refuse to help - the Rubbery Men, the Tomb-Colonists, and anyone without money.

Your time is not endless, your energy is not unlimited, but whenever you can - you help. You take good payment when it's offered, you take nothing when it's not. Money has never been an object for you: it's the drive of knowing that, in some small way, you've made the world a better place.

"Naïve." he speaks when you finish, "But every dream needs a dreamer." He smiles.

The Banded Sleuth's guard is fully down.
You now have 5 x Paws (hidden)

Conversation

The light has long since dimmed, the tea is done, and the Sleuth seems to be fresh out of cigarettes. "Thank you for the evening." he says, not bothering to conceal a smile. "I quite enjoyed it. Perhaps we will meet again?"

Bid him a fond farewell
You don't know if you'll meet him again, but at least the evening was pleasant.

Bid him farewell, and express interest in further partnership
He's good at his job, and he clearly respects your work. You'd enjoy working with him again.

Say goodbye, but offer your friendship
He's good company, and you'd like to have him around occasionally.

Request that he stay
You have, perhaps, grown quite fond of the tiger. At the very least, you'd like him to spend the evening.

Confusion

He looks surprised when you ask, though he doesn't reject you outright. "Thank you for the invitation, but I already have a place to stay in the city." he takes his fedora back from the table, though he does not put it back on yet. "Unless, of course, you have something in specific you need to discuss?" his tone implies genuine curiosity, and also a hint of hesitation.

You make it clear that no, you don't have anything in particular you'd like to discuss, you just enjoy his company and would like for him to stay the night.

He visibly hesitates for a moment, "I suppose I could stay for one more cup of tea." he finally says.

The Banded Sleuth is a little more guarded.
You now have 6 x Paws (hidden)

Entertaining a Guest

You brew a fresh pot of tea, and bring it back to the table, to find the Banded Sleuth waiting patiently. You politely fill your cup and his own, and only after his first sip does he start speaking. "So, I believe I have been getting some signs." he looks you in the eye, "And I'm not against the idea, mind." he lets out a tiny grin.

"But..." he sighs, more than a little weary; "...well, this is a dangerous profession we share, yes? I've had more than one assassin try to take my life." a pause, "So, help me here. Explain to me why you've grown so interested."

His ability to destroy the mood is almost impressive.

Be direct
He's already told you that he's had dalliances before. The the more direct approach might be best.

Compliment his ideals
You happen to have a thing for protectors.

Mention shared trauma
Tonight was difficult for both of you, even if he wouldn't freely admit it. You want to at least help soothe his ache - and you think he can do the same for you.

Reconsider
Perhaps this was a bad idea after all.

Unfamiliar

You find him handsome and interesting to be around. Do you need another reason? "I suppose not." is his reply, though his tone indicates he was expecting a little more.

So you give him more: "I want you to destroy me." he blinks a few times in response.

The Banded Sleuth's guard is fully down.
He turns his gaze away to cough. Was that a blush?
You now have 7 x Paws (hidden)

A hint of pride

You explain that you find his ideals inspiring; you know what the Tigers do, and you hint at an understanding of their origins and what they fight against. Not only do you think that his duty is admirable, the fact that he extends said duty to places and situations beyond Parabola is even more so. You like people who help others, and you like them even more so when they do so because it's the right thing to do.

"It is what we do." The Banded Sleuth tries to keep an appearance of humility, though you can tell he takes pride in what he does, and he enjoys when it's acknowledged.

The Banded Sleuth's guard is fully down.
The easiest way to appeal to a feline is, evidently, by stroking their ego.
Your Paws has not raised because you have 7 (you needed 6 at most) (hidden)

A small crack

People in your line of work have to be tough, but no one is indestructible. Even the toughest stone will yield to water after enough time. A moment to soothe aches, both physical and emotional, will always be eventually required. After how tonight's case ended, you imagine you both could use a little healing.

"Sentimental." his tone is chastising, but his smile keeps, "But I suppose your logic is sound." he slowly uses his paws to straighten out his fur; the same spot stained by his tears.

The Banded Sleuth's guard is fully down.
A moment's respite is in order, for both of you.
Your Paws has not raised because you have 7 (you needed 6 at most) (hidden)

Entertaining a Guest

The Banded Sleuth is listening to you speak intently.

Invite him to your quarters
The tiger seems more than convinced by what you've said so far. He is eager to spend a long evening with you.

Reconsider
Perhaps this was a bad idea after all.

No more hesitation

The Banded Sleuth takes off his fedora and places it on the table, before slowly walking to your side. He doesn't speak as get up from your chair and lead him to your bedroom.

You help him take off his coat and place it somewhere he can grab by himself later. The tiger now wears little more than a shirt, and as soon as you take off your work clothes and sit on the bed, he tries not to look too eager to follow you.

Your "A Tiger's Hesitation" quality has gone!
Your "Paws" quality has gone! (hidden)
You are spending an evening with the Banded Sleuth.
Your "A Tiger's Conviction" quality has gone! (hidden)
Your "A Tiger's Secret" quality has gone! (hidden)
Your "A Tiger's Scar" quality has gone! (hidden)

A memorable evening

The Banded Sleuth is quick to make his first move, pushing you gently to the bed - though there's enough of his body weight behind it that fighting back would be difficult. He nuzzles your neck first, and you notice he's in a bit of an awkward position; trying to not put his entire weight on you - and distribute his body weight through the bed as best he can. You wager cabbies are not the only thing the weight of a male tiger can destroy if not handled correctly.

He is careful with his ministrations; his claws are sheathed, and his tail is kept to the best standstill he's able. You touch his body as well, though only through the fabric for now. There is a lot of muscle under there, which explains why he's being so careful with you - that, and the fact he's still trying to discover what you like.

Still, it's best to make a decision before this goes too far to back out. What exactly are you looking for tonight?

Pleasure, excitement, a night to remember
You asked to be destroyed and you goddamn meant it.

Affection, companionship, an exchange of caresses
His fur looks so soft and pleasant to the touch. And right now, that kind of feeling is exactly what you need.

Why do you have to choose?
You'll have both.

Greed, rewarded

The evening starts slow, with you two exchanging a lot of affections - a gentle touch here, a tiny kiss there. He lets you push him on his side - or more accurately, he gently lets himself fall on his side when you indicate that's what you want - and you hug him.

You two spend a long time simply enjoying the sensation of your bodies against each other, and by the time you carefully remove both of your clothes, he doesn't seem like he's expecting anything else to happen this evening. His fur is soft, and his muscles are soft enough that laying against them is like laying against a slightly hard pillow. He spends a long time purring in your ear, only occasionally interrupted by his little flinch of surprise when he finds a part of your body that catches him by surprise - you do have your share of body modifications, after all.

Eventually however, your touches grow needier, bolder, and greedier. He very quickly takes your hint, and that's when the growling starts. The evening is filled with many different sensations, some familiar, many new; the electric feeling of claws against your body, the slightly discomfort of a tongue, and the heavy weight of a male tiger.

You both wake exhausted, but pleasantly satisfied. The morning is filled with the sound of gentle purring, and you two spend much longer relaxing than some might consider productive; it is far into the afternoon when you finally get up.

Wounds is increasing...
You spent a memorable evening with the Banded Sleuth.
You awake to a new day, the Banded Sleuth at your side.

The Morning After

The Banded Sleuth clothes himself without fanfare. You get the sense that a part of him wants to complain that he woke up so late - and that said part is being silenced by many other parts. You offer him some food before he goes, and he accepts without hesitation. You quickly cook something fit for a tiger, and he eats with impeccable decorum.

When it is time to leave, you usher him out the door, and he turns to you before you go. "It was a very pleasant evening." he remarks, "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like for this to..." a pause, "...perhaps turn into a reoccurring thing?"

Oh. You weren't expecting him to suggest an affair.

Decline
The evening was nice, but it is best if you two don't get too entangled. Your professions are quite dangerous, after all.

Accept
Why not? You enjoyed the evening as much as he did, and you'd like to have it again.

Accept, with reservations
You want this to continue, though you also know there are some potential dangers. So long as he's aware of that - and everything it entails - it should be fine.

Accept, but make it clear it will be temporary
Eventually, your life as it exists will cease to be. You wouldn't want to break his heart.

A welcome change of pace

You tell him that you accept, though it will not last. He tilts his head in confusion, though he does not ask you to elaborate. "I will be in touch." he departs with a smile.

Later, he calls on you again. He wants to partner up for another case, he says, though when you are both done, he invites you to his lodgings instead. With time, this becomes more and more frequent, and eventually, he drops the pretense of asking your help with a case altogether; simply coming to visit you whenever he has free time.

When he does visit, it's not always to spend the evening. Sometimes, all he wants is conversation, sometimes, all he wants is help organizing his thoughts; and sometimes, all he wants is a hug, though he never says it out loud.

But sometimes, sometimes he wants a repeat of that evening. And you oblige him every time. He becomes quite familiar with your body, and occasionally asks about your body modifications in what seems to be genuine curiosity. You never give him the full truth, of course, but he never questions you further.

Your work as Mr. Cards makes things more complicated, of course, but the Banded Sleuth respects your privacy enough to never ask what you are doing when you can't attend to him - he is under no illusions about the fact that his is an affair, first and foremost.

Still, it is clear that this is good for him, and it is clear that this is good for you too. Neither of you have any regrets.

The case is closed.
You have started an affair with the Banded Sleuth.
A living story will begin soon! (hidden)