[Event] It couldn't last forever.

[helpusduelist]

[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.]

Comments

[helpusduelist]

[And Henry can't keep a straight face, just cracking up in laughter at the reaction, trying not to dislodge them both from the sheer shaking of that fit.]

I think you've just proven he hasn't! I may have just adopted the most innocent boy in the world.

[dontknowjack]

What? Are you sure he's my descendant?

[Jack teases relentlessly, grinning broadly at Ryou's reaction.]

[helpusduelist]

Maybe he simply got more on his mother's side of the family than yours? Not that it's entirely bad...

[He pets Ryou's hair again, still laughing.]

[dontknowjack]

What, are you telling me you'd prefer me to be an innocent?

[The amusement in his voice is heavy with teasing.]

[helpusduelist]

You? Not even remotely. [Just. So much laughter. He's not sure when he'll stop.] That would be truly eerie and frightening.

[dontknowjack]

[It feels sweet, in a way. Knowing Henry was relaxed like this took a load off of his mind. After all, his promise to protect the man did not just extend to his body.]

Heheh... I know what to do if I ever need to frighten you, then... I just have to take tips from Ryou here.

[helpusduelist]

Ryou, don't ever teach him how to be like you. I have enough stress without putting my poor mind through that.

[fluffydeathdealer]

[...he bites back a giggle, forcing a serious look as he feigns innocence. If they're going to joke, so can he.]

Really? I don't believe Uncle Jack's mind is capable of acting like me anyway. He'd need a lot cleaner mind, and I don't think there's a therapist in the world that would be able to handle that.

[He can hear Jack snort with amusement at that.]

[helpusduelist]

[And Henry goes into another fit of laughter. It's really strange to be able to laugh so freely and heavily like this, but he still loves every minute of it.

Finally, he manages to stop, exhaling sharply and closing his eyes.]

I don't think I'll ever have a moment of peace with the both of you.

[dontknowjack]

It's your own fault. You've drawn two of the Cade line into your life now, and now you shall know no peace ever more.

[Jack's grin can be heard in his voice.]

[helpusduelist]

I suppose I'll have to live with that decision, won't I? I can't say it's a displeasing thought.

[Jack back at his side. Ryou as a son. The comfort of home with the assistance of modern medicine and things... honestly, he's already looking forward to it.

Henry makes a soft, content breath, reaching up to lightly pluck the crown off his head for the moment and hold it up against the stars, examining it silently.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Ryou sighs contentedly, nestling into the warmth of the blankets. It's strange, but he feels more at ease now than he has been in a long time.]

Are you trying to remember patterns again?

[helpusduelist]

No... just remembering things.

[The charge he led, renewed with righteous anger. Clashing with Richard's forces as Stanley's betrayal sends chaos through the ranks. Striking down Richard bloodily and decisively, to ensure that the damn thing was over, decided, with that one march...

But the red rubies of the crown glimmer much darker, reminding him of that weight of spilt blood in his name, both in the past and so much more recently...]

[dontknowjack]

...

[Jack's hand closes over Henry's eyes, suddenly. He's not sure what he's thinking of, but the melancholy state is evident.]

[helpusduelist]

...

[Henry is not entirely sure what this is, but one hand releases the crown to go over and lightly drum fingers on top of Jack's hand questioningly.]

[dontknowjack]

Whatever's on your mind... you should dwell on it less. Right now, we have that freedom. You should enjoy it while you can, Henry.

[His voice is quietly serious.]

[helpusduelist]

...Mmm. Yes, I suppose I should.

[Henry reaches back to carefully place his crown by the bag above his head, letting that metaphorical weight off him, for now.]

Old habits still die hard.

[dontknowjack]

[Drawing his hand from Henry's eyes, he props himself up on his folded arms and stares off into the blackness of the forest fiercely.]

I understand. But... You don't want to grow old before your time, right? That hair of yours will turn grey soon if you're not careful.

[A slight smirk.]

[helpusduelist]

Heh...

[It's a humorless chuckle, Henry closing his eyes again to just rest. He feels tired all of a sudden, after all that...]

[dontknowjack]

[He isn't the only one. Jack is less tired than the other two, so he lightly rests a hand on Henry's head. He can tell they both need rest.]

Sleep, you two. I'll keep watch and wake you if there's trouble.

[helpusduelist]

...Mm. Thank you, Jack.

[There's a soft breath and a flicker of a smile from the king before he snuggles down into the blankets a bit more, letting himself drift off.]