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[cagedinflesh]

lockets, compasses or action! or whatever else really

fun roulette, which personality will it be, you just can't know
unless you do know who you want, then say so

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[depicted]

For a spell. So that I can know if you are safe.

[What it isn't weird.]

[cagedinflesh]

[Any panic or worry for his duality somehow being discovered in his blood is washed away immediately by Dorian's pure sweetness and concern.]

Ah, I see! Would it be possible to have you repeat it in return, so I might know that you, too, are safe?

[depicted]

No! [Dorian yanks his hand back to his chest, clasps one wrist in a palm.] No, no, I—[He shakes his head quickly.] I don't know that I could endure the pain.

[cagedinflesh]

-Oh, of course! That's quite all right!

[It seems like a bit of an overreaction, but how could he ever think badly of Dorian at all.]

I shall trust that others will keep you safe. How much blood do you need?

[depicted]

[These Victorians need to distrust each other more.]

Only a drop will be enough, as long as it is preserved. I'll set the stone into a ring so that I will know immediately, should anything happen.

[cagedinflesh]

[No they're both perfectly trustworthy...]

Well then how shall I give it to you? A phial? Or have you the capability here and now to make the stone? If it is magic, I should very much like to see!

[depicted]

[A quick shake of his head.] A phial, if you would; I don't have the stone.

[cagedinflesh]

Then someday you must tell me of the magic you've learned, it's all very interesting!

[As he speaks, he finds a phial and a small knife, and removes a glove to prick his finger, and squeeze a few drops of blood out. Although after last time, he's sure to turn his back to Dorian for that part.]

[depicted]

I will, when we have more time and privacy. [He is grateful for Jekyll turning away; it gives him time to recover himself, and remember how to breathe again.]

[cagedinflesh]

[A moment later, he turns back again, having repositioned the glove, and offers up the sample.]

There you are. [A beat.] ...What will it tell you, exactly? Simply whether I am physically injured?

[And not, say, the pain caused by Hyde's push for dominance, or emotional distress. Or worse, any indication of transformation, especially into the beast.]

[depicted]

[He accepts the sample and tucks it away.] It will tell me if you are near to death, and guide me to you. Then I can take you away from harm.

[cagedinflesh]

[Jekyll places his hands on Dorian's upperarms after the exchange, and uses the movement for a moment to think.]

...It really should be offered the other way around. There is no cause to worry for me, Dorian, it is very difficult to harm me.

[But he's touched by the sign of friendship Dorian's worry shows, and so to return that gesture, his hands move from Dorian's arms to his back, to pull him into an embrace.]

Please stay safe.

[depicted]

[The embrace startles him for a moment, until he answers it back. And in all the tension of these past days, all the fear and uncertainty that will draw into the coming weeks, he finds himself answering with a tighter hold, with his face in Jekyll's shoulder and his breathing uneasy.]

I want to be.

[cagedinflesh]

[Likewise Dorian's reaction is a surprise, but he answers it easily enough. Holding tighter in turn, resting his cheek on Dorian's hair.]

If anything were to happen to you, I could never forgive myself for not being there for you.

[depicted]

[He appreciates the comfort, and he doesn't quite register the difference between it and the happiness he feels when Ratatosk holds him. He only thoughtlessly reacts, all instinct, to the warmth by holding on to it. By welcoming that feeling and indulging in it.]

I don't intend on seeking battle, I promise. But there are things I must protect.

[cagedinflesh]

Of course... I am certainly able to understand that. We all have people and things to protect, above all else, even our own lives - and hopefully not, yet perhaps at times it may be unavoidable, the lives of others.

For myself, you are among those people, Dorian. Surely the top two.

[depicted]

[Touched beyond being able to express it, Dorian can only translate it into something lighter.] 'Top two'? Is there someone I should be jealous of?

[cagedinflesh]

[Berserker laughs, giving Dorian a little squeeze as he does.]

No, no, only Tatsumi - placing you as the number one, at the very least here!

[depicted]

[Now he smiles truly, even hints at the start of a laugh.] Ah, well. I think I can accept that. If only just. He does seem a wonderful fellow.

[cagedinflesh]

[He pulls back, placing his hands on either side of Dorian's cheeks, and kisses his forehead.]

Of course, there is some level of obligation to it as well, which is a difficult thing to beat! You've a disadvantage which is out of your hands. Still, I am not one to play favourites, you are equally loved in my mind!

[But he places Dorian above his new Master, so that's something, right.]

[depicted]

[Dorian bows his head and turns down his wish for other kisses until he can dismiss it. Still, he has to insist.]

When you kiss me like that, Henry, you make me feel as if you think me a child.

[cagedinflesh]

-No, not at all. If I'd ever had a child, perhaps I would have wished them to be you, it would certainly be good fortune for me. As it is, to think of you in such a way would be to do you a disservice. A friend must be entirely equal.

[depicted]

[He doesn't know why it pleases him so much to hear it, but it does.] Yes, he must be. I am glad you agree.

[cagedinflesh]

Of course. You are a very dear friend, Dorian, don't doubt it for a moment, or think that I would take it for granted in any way. If it does appear so, you must let me know.

-Perhaps, then, it is only right, I should confess to you, I have taken a Master here, recently. All the more reason you need not fear for my well-being.

NICE WORK THERE ON THE KEYWORDS

[depicted]

[Dorian pauses, and he can't resist teasing Jekyll a little.] I am very happy for you, Henry! I hope that it will protect you in the upcoming conflicts.

But surely that would rank me third in your heart, would it not?