cagedinflesh | IC Contact

So far as I can tell, he means no harm to you now, yet there is...another interest which worries me still. However, when a Servant is summoned, the Master is given something called a Command Spell, several of them. The use of which forces the Servant to do exactly as the Master bids, consequently, having one at all keeps a Servant in line, for fear of its use. Because you have not summoned me, and because the Grail is not here, even my Master has none. But I believe an artificial seal could be made, or at the least, something very similar. For you.

[Dorian looks on Jekyll, weighs and measures him. And he also looks at what lies beyond him. Within him.]

You would give this power to me? What does he think of it?

Of course I would. ...Hyde... [He presses his lips together, trying to make sense of the vague feelings in his stomach, his heart, through his body, everywhere Hyde has a grip.]

Hyde does not take well to anyone having any command over him, although he is happy with my current Master, at least. Still I believe he has no strong feelings on the matter, due to that same interest and lack of further animosity on his part, I suppose.

Very well.

[One step forward, and yet that sole movement is an expression of dominance. Of control. Berserker may have a Master, but after what has been done? Dorian claims this creature as his own. To hurt, to help, to control, as he wills it. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde belong to him. Making a Command Seal is only an extension of that.]

Tell me how it can be done.

[It's shocking, he feels the air of dominance, but Jekyll accepts it. He knows this is how it should be, this is more than he deserves even. At least he has a chance to atone, even if their relationship can never be the same.]

It is a matter I must research thoroughly. There are ways to transfer already existing Command Spells to another, but it is Tatsumi who holds mine, not Hikaru. In a sense they are a part of me, though granted by the Grail, therefore I believe it should be possible to create them. Perhaps at a great cost, perhaps through using a piece of my own soul. But I will do it, if it is indeed something you would like. I shall speak with the magi here, both of my world and others, to see what can be done.

I would like it. Research this, Henry, and tell me when you know. [Dominance, control, a thirst for power and command.]

Then perhaps I can breathe around you again. [And haunting fear, whispered under his breath. Night after night of bad dreams. But if he can control Berserker, if he can have command over him, if he can make him bend to his own will—

—the fear will go away, won't it?]

I shall immediately.

[Finally he breaks eye contact. Hangs his head in shame, and brings his hands together, hovering near his stomach.]

I'm so sorry, Dorian. I so wish this had never happened, and what's more, that if it must, then I had a better solution. You deserve so much better than me.

Stop.

[This command fails to meet its mark. His voice hovers at the edge of a break.]

I believe that you were trying to protect me. But I still— [There isn't a way to finish it. He does believe that Jekyll was trying to care for him. Was trying to help him. And he thinks that it perhaps was for the best. The distance from the event gave him the time he needed, the strength to find a resolve against Hyde.

Yet he is still frightened.]

It will take time. We must accept that. And I will even now seek to level my debt with that creature.

Yes, yes of course. I only wish that I was able to protect you against myself. But perhaps that soon will come and the monster inside me can be tamed by you.

Of course it will take time. But nothing can change that I love you dearly. Therefore I am willing to accept anything you wish.

[It's stupid, foolish, unquestionably weak. It's probably a mistake. But he is so tired, and he wants Henry's love so badly. It isn't fair that things are like this. Dorian throws his arms around Henry Jekyll and he holds him close, and he sobs into the shoulder of the man who has brought him to tears.]

[There's a moment of surprise, and a pause with it, Jekyll's arms held uselessly at his sides. He thought Dorian wouldn't want to come close to him, much less embrace him. And he wonders whether it's alright for him to do the same. But he wants to, and he needs to give in to the things he wants if he's to beat Hyde, right? So, slowly, he moves his arms around Dorian in return, placing a hand on his head, to stroke his hair for comfort. He holds Dorian tight, and can't help but follow suit even in tears.]

At least I can be a lesson to you, of what not to become. An example of the reason you must be true to yourself.

[He hopes Dorian will still keep that earlier advice, after his own revelation, in mind. That's why he has to reiterate it.]

[Still crying, Dorian laughs.]

A lesson on not to drink untested concoctions, you mean?

[He has to laugh too, and it's so good to hear Dorian laugh.]

Well that too, I suppose! Luckily you shouldn't have a problem so long as you stay away from medical science!

[Dorian draws back, sniffling something awful. (He still manages to look pretty.) He rubs at his nose, and shakes his head. and then he rubs at his eyes.] I apologize, Henry. I was just . . . overcome. I do love you, even now.

There is no need to apologise, Dorian. Please don't.

[Berserker offers a soft smile, ducking his head to catch Dorian's eyes as he places a hand on his shoulder. Then, wiping a stain of tears from Dorian's cheek with the heel of his palm, he kisses it before stepping back.]

As do I, Dorian.

[It makes Dorian love Jekyll all the more, that kindness. But the love mingles with other things, a lurch in his throat and another in his stomach.

Fear and desire.

Dorian understands why Jekyll took the memories away. Dorian almost wishes they were gone now, so he could love Jekyll as he did, without worry.]

Ah . . . I suppose that was all I came to tell you.

[He nods, offering another smile.]

Thank you for granting me some chance to do right by you. If you don't mind, I do have a few more things I should like to speak with you about. Of course, most can wait for another time, if you would be more comfortable with it. There is only one pressing matter - well, not so urgent, but it is relevant?

[Dorian looks up at Henry, and it's the remarkable thing: he can still seem to look on this man with openness, with trust. With a childish certainty that Henry will do him no harm.

Or rather, he can for a moment. Looking too long on the curves of Jekyll's smile has him draw back. His own lips curve into a smile that is uncomfortable, flickering.]

What is the matter you wish to discuss, Henry?

I am currently working to open a sort of medical centre, which for appearances and safety's sake, should seem to be aligned with the Unseelie. No doubt Miss Ives for one would very much frown upon my intentions. However, I do intend to find some way to aid any. As it stands, though, should you come across anyone in need of medicine, or supplies, or require anything yourself, you will ask it of me, won't you? I would be glad even to share any formula or spell so that it might be replicated. Anything you need.

[And there, Dorian relaxes, smiles. This is still the man he loves. This goodness, this boundless compassion: that is the Henry Jekyll he calls his friend.]

Of course, Henry. I will not hesitate.

Wonderful!

[He beams, and reaches to clasp Dorian's hand in his enthusiasm. How good it is to see Dorian relax, to feel some semblance of normality return. As if things could return to the way they were, to become friends again, properly. In that wave of relief, Jekyll wants to tell Dorian how he's being referred to as a knight, so he can share laughter with someone who knows how he feels on the subject - and who even has called him such a thing. But suddenly he realises taking Dorian's hand so suddenly might frighten the boy, and drops it.]

--Ah, I'm sorry.

[Dorian stills for a moment—but a moment later, after Jekyll takes his hand. He looks up at him.]

It isn't a problem. Your other side didn't hold my hand.

[He nods, watching Dorian with some doubt even so.] So you are cool with it, then? I'm glad for it.

[Awkward wording aside, he pauses, another point coming to mind because of Dorian's words.]

I...meant to ask. Although I recognise it to be a rude thing to say. But I must wonder, due to your conversation with Hyde, and if it is so, then I feel all the worse for what I - either half of me - did to you. And please do not think of it as an accusation, or that I am disapproving of such things. Certainly I was, at one time, but that is largely due to the fact I felt ashamed that I too had felt-

[No, now he's rambling. He stops himself. Pauses a moment again, before lowering his voice, slowing down.]

Dorian, did your love for me hold a romantic nature?

[Ah.

He looks up at Jekyll: lips parted, eyelids wide open. His pretty lashes nearly brush against his skin. And for a long moment, he has no idea what to say.]

Why do you ask?

For precisely the reason I gave - though I suppose it may have become lost in my rambling on... Although if I have assumed wrong then it must seem quite the shock, but I won't falter in stating an encouragement in such attractions! It is something I am trying to accept in myself, and so I suppose either way you should know!

What I mean to say is, regardless I am sorry for Hyde, ah, kissing you. But if you have such feelings, then I am afraid I have done you a worse turn still.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject