[ the bitterness is tangible enough to taste, but Holmes revels in it. a step forward, and then to the side, and Holmes begins his tendency to pace, because staying still is boring and it's much more fun to impersonate a vulture. ]

Oh but James, I hate seeing your mind go to waste. What if I said I could cure your boredom and find your friend? [ he throws him a smile, and he's attempting to be friendly, he really is. it's just, well, his eyes don't light up as he does it, and there's something twisted in the intention of the gesture. ] Would you be interested then?