Soapbox on… The “Sherlock Getup”

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“I’ll clear the air right here and now: I do not typically wear the deerstalker cap and Inverness cape as seen in the photograph above.

"The costume (as it is) was originally intended for a single-time exclusive interview. My agent at the time pushed for the look in order to raise publicity for my work. Sensationalism, really. As it was London, we were met with (mostly) great success. Those who didn’t care for British cliches rolled their eyes and continued to ignore me, while others absolutely lapped it up.

"The headline and photos were very attractive, but the article itself did little to really outline the parallels between myself and Holmes… not that I am actually in any measure as fine a detective as he was reported (in fiction, of course) to be. But as an obvious tie-in, it made for a very nice little addition to their magazine. 

"My agent further perpetuated that it would be appropriate to use the same look for other venues and, so, it became a sort of a signature outfit, though even then I only wore it to events of a public nature. Most of my detective and police work is conducted in standard business suit and tie. Nevertheless, the photographs used in the newspapers were usually from that same photo shoot instead of from actual crime scenes.

"Although that agent and I have parted ways and I’m now represented by someone else (with a much happier working relationship, I might add), I do still have the costume. It was well-received for my sendoff from London, but I’m not certain how much good it did for my reputation when it came to my debut in Japan…  Unfortunately, I think it came off as more arrogant and otaku than intended. 

"Regardless, I only wear it when requested by clients which, again, is typically only for public events and functions. Some seem to think that it’s a charming uniform. I don’t mind so much either way. I know that it isn’t accurate – it wasn’t ever specifically mentioned in Doyle’s writings, but rather in the illustrations starting with my favorite story, The Boscombe Valley Mystery, and caught on from there. Subsequently many stage plays, films, and parodies use this look to identify Holmes (despite its unofficial nature) and so on ever since.

"It’s not meant as disrespect of any kind, nor as an endorsement for an inaccurate portrayal. It’s an iconic symbol and publicity gimmick, meant for entertainment, and nothing more.

30 Day Challenge (Day 03)

Day 3:


Choose a different time period and describe what your character would have been like in that time period.

Let’s step back into 1885, where after having seen The Mikado, Marion decided to marry that young, travelling Japanese police man, oh so serious and oh so exotic. Soon after, they had a son – Saguru James – who was greatly influenced by the various movements at the time.

Just before the turn of the century, he left home and traveled to Paris, the place that he loved most, intent on seeking out, living, and writing about the bohemian lifestyle.

Truth! Beauty! Freedom! Love! All such wonderful things that Hakuba wanted – no, NEEDED to explore and experience! 

…and then he met a can-can dancer with a secret double life, and everything changed. 

[source]

30 Day Challenge (Day 02)

Day 2:


How do they usually dress? What do they wear to sleep? Do they wear jewelry? 

Hakuba normally wears suits, dress slacks, dress shirts, ties, etc. Very formal, very businessy. Even when he’s being casual, it’s very nice slacks and polos, or short-sleeved collared button up with tie and sweater vest. He’s a fan of layers. 

For sleep, it’s pajama bottoms or just his boxers, depending on the situation and how comfortable he feels. In situations with other people, it’s pajama bottoms or sweat pants (gasp) and a loose dress-shirt. Yes, with buttons still. 

Jewelry… yes. He has a silver cross that he wears on a chain around his neck, underneath his clothing. He also carries a silver pocket watch with an engraving of a crest with a horse on it. 

Is there anything about their appearance they wish they could change? 

Sometime he wishes that he weren’t a ‘halfer,’ though that’s less to do with having issue with his appearance and more with societal stigma at his mixed heritage. He’s generally fairly pleased with how he looks. The scars going away would be nice, though. 

How would they look as the opposite sex?

Shorter, with mid-length, thick, curly/wavy hair. Always a bit rosy in the cheeks. School uniform or skirts and blouses and still very formal. Ties. Still all of the ties. 

Actually, I bet he’d look kind of like Kureha Touka from Shining Wind, whatever that is. (Google search revealed lots and lots of very cute pictures.)

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What do they smell like? Why (do they wear the scent or does it occur naturally)?

Vanilla, sandalwood, fresh laundry, tea. Think very clean, earthy/home. He does wear cologne, but only a little. 

Do they have an accurate mental picture of their appearance (how they see themselves versus how the world sees them)?

Physically? That depends on where he is. He knows that he’s handsome and that his features are considered desirable, at least by enough people that he feels confident about it. He has a lot of fangirls, basically. In Japan, though, he wonders if it’s just that he looks ‘exotic’ rather than actually appealing, as his appearance really does make him stand out which is generally a Bad Thing™.

[source]

30 Day Challenge (Day 01)

Day 1: Basics and cosmetic


Age: 17 (depending on who he’s played with)
Date of Birth: August 29th
Hair color: Sandy Blonde
Eye color: Brown (chocolate/caramel/butterscotch/honey – very warm)
Skin color/nationality: British/Japanese (mostly pale English complexion) 
Accent (if any): British (English), Just a liiittle bit too formal Japanese
Height: 5’11"
Weight: 174lbs
Tattoos: None
Piercings: None
Birthmarks: None
Disfigurements: None
Scars: Around two dozen marks on his lower back from a firepoker (welts, scrapes, a few deeper gashes) from 7+ years ago; various small nicks and scrapes over his body, but all fairly faint. 
Do they have any nicknames? Where did they come from? Guru (Janus & Emi came up with these independently), Holme-tantei (media), Haku-kun (various Kaitos), Schatz (Janus), Saguruliostolopolous (Emi), Young Master (lol Baaya)

[source]

…Why’re ya coverin’ up fer me, mmn? What use does a detective have in helpin’ out th’ criminals they put behind bars?

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“I know that you’re not the biggest fan of Sherlock Holmes, but I think you might find the answer by reading my favorite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s works – the The Boscombe Valley Mystery.

If you have further questions after reading, assuming you’ll oblige, I would be happy to discuss it with you, mon cher baron. Or, if you prefer, the essay that I’m writing on that very same story will be published relatively soon on the subject.” 

Relationships (ooc)

…seriously this character sleeps around and flirts with /everyone/. But once he gets into a mutually committed relationship he will be ultra loyal and dedicated because that’s what he /wants/ more than most things and the empty, one night stands are him lying to himself. So, no cheating. But since he’s been burned badly before, he’ll keep his options open as he can, to protect himself… which breeds alternate timelines like no one’s business holy cow. He’s just so good at wiggling his way into people’s hearts- especially if they resist!

Speaking of which, I should have him send some sweet nothings today to some of his crushes…

Anyone want one?

((Also ps this is not going to stop Hakuba from being jealous OOCIC, but I never said he was /reasonable/… just hypocritical.))

Hakuba’s crush on Kaito (a simple guide)

(taken from skype club):

progression of hakuba’s feelings for kaito:

damn KID is going to he hard to catch -> damn KID is freaking hot -> wait KID is Kaito -> Kaito is so annoying how is this even possible -> seriously how can Kaito be KID when one is obnoxious and immature and the other is sooooo ooo oo ooo oo *incredible*?  -> Okay they are the same person. Kaito is just really good at acting. Let us observe what he does throughout the day. -> Okay so he’s good at fooling most people but there is really some serious stuff going on here. -> ….Damn that Kaito is… really interesting and… dedicated… -> Wow yeah I can see the Kaito in KID -> Woah how is he able to keep this up day after day -> Kaito really is adorable -> I saw that look of sadness on your face Kaito don’t even lie to me -> asdlkfjdsafa whatever it is he’s looking for must be so important to him…  -> *sigh~* Kaito…

because you all needed to know

How would you describe your current financial situation?

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“I’d rather not discuss my finances with anyone as it is a personal matter. However, as it is blatantly obvious that I am not, by any means, poor, I will say this: 

"Both of my parents come from rich families and have their own inheritances. Both have careers at which they work very hard at and do a very good job. Both my father and my mother routinely receive gifts of cash from various sources. They also donate a very sizable amount to each charity that they sponsor. And more.

"That said, I come from a rich family. I also have inheritances. My parents have set up a savings account for me, which they continue to put funds into. These are funds that I do not touch; even the ones that I have access to. It is certain that I will… barring some bizarre circumstances, of course… never have to worry, financially speaking, for the rest of my life.

"…I am very much like my parents in many ways, including working. The money that I spend is all money that I have earned in my work  as a detective, or related to such. Unlike many of my colleagues, I do charge for my services. Every time. Of course, I am more than willing to work with those who have need but not the ability to pay, but even then I do expect a fair trade of time or service for what I do. What “fair trade” is depends entirely on their situation, but it must be worth both of our time and efforts for a healthy professional relationship.

"So, each month I send out invoices for monthly retainers and hourly charges, including expense reports for the work that I do for them.  I also receive checks for magazine, newspaper, and televised interviews. I am not paid for my work with the police force as it is considered an internship, but I certainly benefit from such a relationship. All of these often come with bonuses when I’ve done my job well.

"And that is, primarily, where the plane tickets come from so that I can travel back and forth between my parents at any given time. It’s also how I purchased my car, how I afford such fine clothing, and am able to rent out hotel rooms whenever there is a need.

"Best of all, I’m able to make my own charitable contributions to causes that I deem appropriate. These I am careful about, as I know from personal experience how easy it is to turn nice, considerable people into horribly controlling monsters when they know that there are financial avenues to be tapped.

"…I tend to reserve it for criminals, honestly, who have a desperate situation that they cannot attend to while serving their sentences. But, ah, don’t spread that information around… I’m not certain how my colleagues would take it. I just cannot stand the thought of a family, for example, now without a father and breadwinner at home, unable to feed their children because he made a huge mistake. They shouldn’t have to suffer. Thus, assigned a caseworker and a budget for a couple of months… Groceries, a nanny perhaps, so that the mother can find employment…

"God, I’m turning into my parents.”

where does “j” come from in s.j. hakuba, saguru-chan???

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“Ah, my dear reader, I’m glad that you’ve asked. The J stands for James, which is my middle name. My mum wanted me to have a good, strong Christian name, while my father desired a more traditional Japanese name. In the end, they compromised on my name as it is now… which has been very useful during my travels overseas when I wish to go by a more localized moniker. Most of my mates in London know me as James Hakuba, for example, not Saguru.”

((Note from the Mun: His middle name has helped him avoid a lot of teasing, too. I mean really can you just see British kids calling him variations of ‘Saggy Roo’? How horrible is that? Hakuba would be loathe to admit this, however. But, this is also why he prefers to be called ‘Hakuba’ above any other name, even with very close friends.

You can read more about this and other headcanon items by going here, as well: http://whiteknighthakuba.tumblr.com/headcanon 😀 ))