the_campus | [Event] It couldn't last forever.

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[Event] It couldn't last forever.

[The lights going out had certainly surprised Henry, but he had been prepared for such a thing. He didn't fully understand the "electricity" that this place seemed to have, and thus, lacking that understanding, he had decided to prepare in case it disappeared.

Just like it had now.

Candles in that old-style holder and lit, Henry at least had some visibility despite the pressing darkness. Making sure to store away the others (at least after making sure Eleanor and Jack had ones themselves) he's started off into the Campus, looking for anyone lost in this darkness to help them find their way back to their dorms, or wherever else it was they wanted to go.]

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[He had been teasing, but... Thinking about it, he doesn't mind the idea too much.]

Oh? Heheh, Henry, you only had to ask!

[His teasing is almost playful, if quiet, as he starts to unfasten his armor.]

[Henry is... admittedly surprised by the acceptance, but even though the teasing grin fades, it's replaced by a genuine smile. Truthfully, being snuggled like this... it actually gives him as much comfort as he's giving Ryou. It reminds him of what this place is, that he doesn't need to keep hold of that kingly presence and attitude for so long. That he really can just curl up against someone dear to him and enjoy the presence...]

Perhaps next time, I will.

[His voice comes out as a bit more tired and happy than he intended, but oh well. He reaches down to unclasp his sword belt, bending slightly to place the sheathed blade on the table so Jack isn't pressed against it.]

Perhaps next time you won't have to. Who knows?

[Setting the armor aside, he places his own sword belt beside Henry's and sinks down onto the couch on the other side of him to Ryou. It's a little awkward, if he had to admit it. He's gotten so used to formalities by now that it's strange to discard them. But he isn't doing this because Henry is his king. He's doing it because he likes Henry.

Just to tease him a little, he nudges his arm for him to move it, and snuggles up against him with his head on Henry's shoulder. Henry can probably feel his shoulders shaking with laughter.]

[Henry does move his arm curiously, then has to bite back laughter himself as Jack snuggles close much like his descendant. He gives the other man a look, but he can't even pretend to be offended, especially not with Jack's shoulders shaking too.]

Comfortable?

I feel like a woman. I guess anyone who walked in would assume us to be a family right now. Mother, father, and their little boy.

[He grins a little. Despite the joke, this is actually surprisingly comfortable. He can't resist another joke.]

That or they'd assume something else entirely.

[Henry can't bite back laughter at that, trying to at least keep it quieter to not stir Ryou. He shakes his head a little, quirking an eyebrow at Jack with that playful smile firmly on his face.]

Heh. Well, while I won't speak for being married to you -- [Because while he does love you, Jack, no] -- I wouldn't be opposed to having a child. Not even for an heir... but just a child.

[He leans his head back against the couch, closing his eyes some.]

[Jack grins broadly, the idea being amusing.]

I'd not be the best 'wife' for you anyway, Henry. I don't know any magic to cause a man to bear child, and if I did, I'd not go that far even for you.

Though it seems to me that you may already have one.

[He teasingly reaches out a hand to play with his descendant's hair.]

I don't think anyone would... and I can hardly blame them. Not to mention what the commoners might think of such a thing.

[He glances down at Ryou, smiling warmly and petting the boy's head as well.]

It seems I do, don't I? He's truly your descendant, Jack... while it may not show so easily, he has more of your strength than I ever would have guessed for this time.

I'm quite sure my family would be confused at the production of another heir, also.

[He laughs a little but pauses at the last part.]

...? This boy?

[He sounds a little disbelieving. Not that Henry would lie, but... really? The kid looks weak as hell. He doesn't expect much from 'modern day' people but even by those standards, he doesn't look like much.

Ryou murmurs something unintelligible in his sleep, cuddling closer.]

That Spirit that plagues him resides in the Ring that he carries. That Ring will find him, no matter where it goes, but the Spirit just needs a host. When Ryou discovered the existence of that devil and how the Ring worked, he kept it.

He held onto it tightly, a reverse sort of protection -- for if the Spirit was with him, it couldn't take over another person. No matter how much his own body was abused or taken away from him -- no matter how many times he woke up with time lost, sometimes significant time -- he refused to release it. He took the burden onto himself so that others would be safe...

A burden that even many soldiers could never suffer.

[Jack's hand rests on top of Ryou's head for a moment as he mulls it over, eyes closed. That is strong... for someone so young to take on a burden like that. The young have so many desires, so many hopes and dreams. To have them forced aside like that is something that would break any child.

Poor soul...

When he speaks, his voice is soft.]

At least my family has retained some honor.

More than many have. I offered to train him to resist the Spirit and in our drills and swordsmanship. Even if just for endurance, to strengthen his body, he was eager to learn.

...If this is what your family comes to, Jack, you still have much to be proud of. Misfortune may have fallen, but that strength of spirit has not dimmed at all.

[His pride swells at that, and with it comes a feeling of relief. He's been worrying about the fate of his family since discovering the existence of his descendant. Now it's like a weight has lifted from his shoulders. His fingers move idly, stroking through his descendant's hair. It's softer than his own, somehow. It must be these modern products. Or maybe he was born with it. Who knew?]

I'm sure my ancestors are looking fondly upon him.

[It's high praise, from him.]

...you are surprisingly comfortable.

I'm sure they are as well.

[Heh... to think that one of the people he'd become so fond of was from Jack's family. It's amusing in a way, and Henry twirls a finger in Ryou's hair, giving another fond look to the boy.]

He sleeps like the dead, it seems... or he was far more exhausted than he let on.

[He blinks a bit, then looks over at Jack with a soft chuckle.]

Am I, now?

Heh... Is that so? Then you should be careful. Both of us might try to make sleeping on you a habit, at this rate.

[His lips twitch into a smile, but he hides it as best he can.]

I haven't felt this relaxed in a few days.

Edited 2013-09-21 02:58 (UTC)

In a place like this... I could see no real problem with it. Though I might prefer an actual bed at least a few nights, you know.

[He glances at Jack, brief concern crossing his face before he shifts his arm a bit more protectively around the other man.]

You took care of me. If I can offer even a night of comfort, then I'm more than happy to.

Heheh... maybe you should have thought of that before you got so comfortable here.

[Dammit, Henry, he's meant to be the protector... Though he has to admit, it doesn't feel too bad. He closes his eyes, nestling into the other man thoughtlessly. If it were anyone else, he'd not even have thought of it. But Henry was someone who mattered to him more than anyone.]

Worry not... I'm at ease right now.

I suppose I should have. What ever am I to do now?

[Even the protectors sometimes need protection themselves... and Henry is more than willing to offer it for a time, especially after all they've done for him.]

Good. I know I haven't asked anything easy of you lately... and for that, I'm sorry.

I'm sure my descendant won't wake up if you wanted me to carry him to the bed. Though I doubt all three of us will fit on it so easily.

[It's a thoughtless suggestion, offered pretty much randomly.]

You worry too much... I can handle anything.

Here will be fine enough for a night, I think.

[Henry's voice is still teasing, but there's a serious enough note to it. He's slept in far less comfort before, after all.

To that, he muses for a moment, as if thinking, then just nods softly, closing his eyes. He won't say what's on his mind -- that if Jack could handle anything, why did he die before Henry could get there? It's a selfish question, a childish reaction to the pain that still twists a part of his heart.

Almost subconsciously, his hand tightens on Jack.]

...

[The lack of response alarms him a little. Coupled with the tighter grip, he feels a little concerned. Had Henry's mood already sank down?]

I appreciate it... either way. [His hand rests on Henry's shoulder, gripping firmly.]

You give me peace.

I'm glad.

[Henry turns a smile on Jack, then glances to the candle still flickering in front of them. It's burning low...]

Jack, could you?

[Because he's a bit occupied with two people laying on him presently. Of course, putting out the candle does mean Henry intends to stay here for a while -- clearly in sleep as well -- so the suggestion is both to the candle and locking the door.]

[Rising to his feet reluctantly, he heads to the door and locks it before returning. Putting out the candle's light ruthlessly, he curls back up at Henry's side.]

I live to obey.

[The amused smile can be heard in his voice.]

Then make sure you stay alive.

[It's soft, almost so quiet that Jack would not have heard it had he not been right there. Once he's settled, Henry rests his head on Jack's, closing his eyes again with a soft sigh.]

...I swear it upon my family's honor.

[Closing his eyes, he relaxes there. It's an odd position and it feels a little strange, but he feels comfortable enough to relax.]

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