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[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.

[For a moment, Dorian can only stare at Jekyll. Until an incredulous, almost angry sensation overtakes him. So earnest Jekyll's expression! So earnest his concern!]

You truly think it is right to ask such a thing? That I wish to have the full horror of my experience brought forward along with the shame of an affection unreturned? You genuinely believe this is consideration on your part and not a further cruelty? Why would I want to discuss such a thing? What purpose is there in bringing it to light except to mock at?

My God, Henry! You don't understand anything, do you? At least Edward has the dignity of knowing when he causes harm!

No, I do not mean to mock you at all, Dorian! I realise it to be a rude thing to ask so plainly, but I fear causing you pain through willful ignorance.

[He bites down on his lip, bowing his head.] Of course you are right, however. I should not have pressed you, instead I was only ignorant to how cruel it would truly be. But speaking truthfully and candidly, I do not know how I feel at all.

[It stops Dorian in the middle of biting back. The start of a word, and then Dorian hesitates again.]

I don't understand what you mean.

Nor do I.

[But how can he make an attempt to explain it? He brings a hand to his mouth, brushing his thumb against his lower lip.]

I can never be certain what is solely Hyde, and what he has inherited from my own feelings, even if those feelings are greatly exaggerated in him. I am so used to denying what I feel that I have no idea at all how to determine. However, I do bear you a great love, Dorian, that much is certain.

[It's just...what exactly that is. And that is a question not only for Dorian, but many others as well.]

You . . . mean to say that you might . . . have a romantic inclination towards me?

[What is this confession.

What the hell even, Jekyll.

STOP CONFUSING HIM HE DOESN'T ?????

(And at the possibility, hope leaps in his stomach. He wants this. He wants Jekyll to love him. He wants Jekyll to desire him. He has committed his heart to Vanessa but he is still hungry for love, and he wants Jekyll's every way he can have it.)]

I've no idea, but it is a possibility, yes.

[It's not only confusing, which brings some amount of fear, but embarrassing. So he tries to smile through it.]

...This is the reason that I must continue to reiterate, how I beg you to always be true to yourself, so you shall never be like me.

Do you want to find out?

[The words spill out before Dorian can stop them. And he flushes instantly, not for the could.]

I mean—so that you know yourself. And the nature of your feelings. For the knowledge.

Certainly I do, however, that is far more easily said than done, is it not?

[#oblivious dweeb 2k701]

No—you have . . . [No, he can't say it. His voice becomes nothing and he shakes his head.]

[For a moment he can only give Dorian an inquisitive look, waiting for something more. But once Dorian shakes his head, Berserker realises what's meant, the inability to speak further says it for him.]

Ah- but, I couldn't ask that of you, after all, there is Miss Ives.

[And Hyde kissed him before he killed him. Also that.]

[Dorian turns redder even still, and he hastens to defend his position.] It wouldn't be romantic! Not an . . . adultery.

Just an experiment in your tastes.

[He would say no immediately, but, 'for the knowledge', 'an experiment', those are phrases he can't ignore. Anything for science and knowledge. He willingly tested a dangerous drug on himself for that reason, why wouldn't he take a simple kiss?]

...An experiment, you say?

Only an experiment. Nothing more or less.

[Good job justifying that to yourself, Dorian.]

Well, if you are certain, then I suppose...

[He speaks with his hands more than ever now, in some attempt to act as if there isn't any discomfort.]

[He isn't. He hesitates. He looks in Henry's eyes, he flickers his attention to Henry's mouth. But he doesn't give himself time to think past that moment, for his desire comes in a wave that overcomes his doubt. This time, when his mouth meets those lips, he has control.

Perhaps it is telling that one of Dorian's hands has found Berserker's neck for this kiss. But it is a good kiss, a meant one, even as it is fierce and commanding. Dorian's desire is not only to sate the hungers of the flesh. He kisses to make a claim on Berserker: this man is his. Dorian will not be harmed by him again.]

[Jekyll feels his own cheeks burn, and thinks that he must be terribly embarrassing for it. And it's strange. He's felt his affections for Dorian tug in many different directions, but he still can't distinguish. Because he doesn't even know himself. Moreover, it's not at all what he might expect from Dorian - he feels the command in it, and maybe even understands the reason.

But he returns it, because whether or not he can determine the nature of his love, it is good. He doesn't allow himself this, and it feels good to give in to an innocent pleasure. He places a hand on Dorian's cheek, with only slight hesitance. And then he draws back, covering his mouth with a hand to try to hide some of the embarrassment.]

[And Dorian is as uncertain as Jekyll is, pulling away. For in truth, that was, too, Dorian's experiment, and he does not know the results. Does he feel better? Does he feel like he has more control, does he feel less violated and used?

He doesn't know.]

Well?

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