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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Ah... that's right...! I forgot that Ravensdale-san and Vaughn-san weren't from your time.

They're from this time, or close to it, yes. It's thanks to them that Rosenkreuz and I were able to adjust, and I could pass that on to Jack.

[The hand around the purple-haired man tightens a bit affectionately at that.]

So in the end... it should be just fine.

I won't worry, then! You guys have more experience with anything related to time travel than anyone I know of, after all.

[It probably feels, to Henry, like Jack pressed a little closer in response. Clearly it's just in his imagination.]

[Maybe it is. But if so, he's more than happy to let it run wild right now.

...Heh. He's feeling almost sleepy now, with food in his stomach, a deep warmth chasing off the cold that had made him grumpy earlier, his new son near him, and one of his protectors still so firmly at his side.]

...Ryou. Tell me... what are some of the things you'd ask for, if you could have anything?

...?

[He rests his head on Henry's shoulder, pondering it for a long moment.]

I have everything I need for myself. [Friends... family... his wishes have already been granted now.]

Freedom. And for the people I love to be happy. That's all... There's nothing else I could ask for.

[After a moment of silence, Henry's shoulder shakes a little. He's laughing, slowly and quietly at first, but it gets a bit louder after a minute. It isn't a mocking laugh, or even a sarcastic one... it's a genuinely impressed, almost amused bit of laughter.]

Ryou, you really are material for a prince. Simple desires... and yet, some of the best a man could have, I think.

...ah?

[He blinks curiously at the laughter, but since it doesn't sound like the bad type, he doesn't mind. It just seems like natural wishes to him. Is it really that strange?]

Un... Thank you. [He rubs the back of his head, a little awkwardly.]

Why?

They're so completely selfless... and for any aspiring king, someone who can teach him that kindness and compassion whole-heartedly is exactly what they need at times.

[He reaches down to pet Ryou's hair again, turning his head a little to rest on Jack's affectionately.]

Compassion... ruthlessness... understanding... and vision... all important things, for a king.

Are either of you going to explain what's going on, or should I assume you both had plenty to drink while I was away?

[Jack's voice is both amused and a little jealous. He's feeling a bit ignored here, after all.]

[Henry chuckles, shifting his arm around Jack again to lay on him a bit more lazily.]

I told Ryou how I felt. How... strangely, he had already become very dear to me and it felt like he was my son. I asked him if he wanted to return with us, or -- if not that -- if he would want to be considered my son while we were here. He has all the time he needs to think on the former... but on the latter, he agreed.

[His voice is warm and content, especially once he turns his face to snuggle a little in Jack's hair.]

It's not much more complicated than that. But don't worry, Jack... I'd never replace you.

[He blinks a little in surprise, not minding as Henry's face nuzzles into his hair. His hair is extremely comfortable, after all. The words are more surprising. He'd seen how parental Henry was with the kid, but adopting him this fast? Henry really did work fast. He has to wonder what everyone would think if they found out. The thought makes him smirk a little secretively.]

I should hope not. I don't mind sharing you, but I'm possessive.

[He didn't even know how wrong that sounded.]

[Henry laughs quietly at that, the arm squeezing Jack a little again.]

Of course. You must have been getting jealous with how much i was speaking to Ryou, hm?

...perhaps a little. But I can understand. Forgive my rudeness.

It's all right. I can understand it. I admit, if I saw your attention mostly on someone else while I was there... I would probably feel a bit jealous myself.

[He closes his eyes, his arm around Ryou tightening as well to try to pull the smaller boy a bit closer.]

Forgive me for taking so long to notice it.

Heheh... Highness, it's not every day that you adopt a child, especially not one of my line.

[His voice is honestly amused. Listening silently, Ryou lies peacefully against Henry.]

Indeed not. So now I have a brother and a son... I suppose I just need to find a daughter and a sister and it will all fill itself out, hm?

[He chuckles a little, hands going up to play with both Ryou's and Jack's hair.]

[He bears it with his usual ill grace, not really minding, but still putting on a show of annoyance. A joke comes to mind and he smirks a little.]

If nothing else, I will at least hold faith that you won't bring home too many strays.

[That gets a bit of a groan and a sigh, Henry shifting to turn his almost annoyed gaze down.]

You're never going to let me live down trying to keep that dog, are you?

[Jack snickers at that look, amused.]

What? Aren't I enough of a wild dog for you, without you trying to fill the castle with more?

Yes, you are, but I can't very well go hunting and send you against foxes, now can I?

[He shifts his hand a little, laughing some.]

Although, that would be entertaining to see...

[...that mental image.]

Highness, I'm afraid even I have my limits. Running around on all fours in search of a fox would be one of the few pleasures I'd have to deny you.

[Henry can't stifle the snerking at that, which makes the fake pout in his voice sound all too silly to even pretend to take seriously.]

I'm hurt, Jack! And here I thought I could rely on you for anything.

[He snickers, the amusement even higher due to Ryou's confused look.]

Alas! I did not wish to break your bright image of me, but unfortunately...

Ah, how can I ever look at you the same?

[Henry is struggling just to keep a straight face, grinning widely and snickering between words.]

Clearly I must atone for my betrayal somehow!

[He grins, drawing the blanket a little closer around him.]

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