video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

[depicted]

[A youth appears across the screen. He isn't quite comfortable with the device, holding it low and a little away from himself as one might a snuffbox or cigarette case when admiring the work in its design. Also, the image might be just a little shaky, but it's rude to comment on that. The boy musters a smile, an expression that seems to flicker in its uncertainty.] How do you do? I'm Dorian Gray—is that—is that how these are used? I'm so sorry, I can't tell if it is better to use one's manners for introductions or for telegrams.

[There's a fluttering laugh as Dorian tries to inexpertly use humour to diffuse the point. Of course, for lack of a person before him, the strategy doesn't actually make him feel any less awkward, so he tries to move to his reason for talking.]

I was wondering if there were any players here of chess? I mean to say, I'd like to play chess—not that I'm much good, of course, but I'm very much fond of the game—if there are players already and a third would interfere with things, I'd be very happy to just watch. If it isn't trouble. It is only with all of this talk of competing factions, I can't help but think of a game of chess, and it has made me crave the sport.

[Dorian's face falls as he turns the locket away, not in misery but in an awkward embarrassment, and there is the faintest start of a mutter at himself as he accidentally shuts it before he is finished his message.

Smooth move, Dorian Gray.]

[ooc: + permissions for fourth walling for any characters who would know the name]

Comments

[depicted]

[Oh, no! Dorian pouts because he's a baby, but he'll respond by moving up a rook.]

Would you truly? Even though we are in theory on enemy sides? I would very much appreciate your company, Henry. I enjoy it such a great deal.

[cagedinflesh]

Of course! I too thoroughly enjoy your company, and what's more, hold too great a disdain for such a war to care for 'sides'. The politics of the side I have been called to are not at all mine.

[depicted]

What will you do if you are called to fight? [The question comes with more than curiosity: Dorian doesn't know what he should do if he is called for war. This is all so beyond him and what he was raised for.]

[cagedinflesh]

I should volunteer to give medical aid. I will not fight under any circumstance.

[Oooor if he really had to, he'd let Hyde do it. Them it's not his fault.]

[depicted]

[Dorian is quiet for a moment, and it seems as if he is contemplating the chess pieces. But he speaks again before he makes his next move.]

I can't imagine killing anyone. But there isn't anything else useful I might do.

[cagedinflesh]

[Berserker regards Dorian for some time; but for a flicker down to the chessboard, his eyes remain fixed on the young man.]

Should you be called to action, I shall take-

[He stops short. Ah. He'd forgotten in that moment, they are of opposing sides, he is not a member of the Seelie, as he should be. Jekyll casts his gaze down to the chessboard, and to give himself purpose, takes his turn.]

I meant to say, I shall take your place.

[depicted]

[Dorian looks up at Jekyll, his eyes wide, his voice uncertain.] But Henry, you can't. You are the enemy. [And yet the offer touches him so deeply that he almost wishes to cry.

[cagedinflesh]

Yes, I realised it only once I began to speak! If only they would take me, I swear I would. Unfortunately it seems incredibly unlikely... I'm sorry, Dorian.

[depicted]

I understand. [Although it is against rules, Dorian toys with his king, not moving it from the spot but tipping it from one side to another between his fingertips. His voice becomes edged with fear that clings to calm.] I suppose Lord Henry did say I should always be searching for new sensations! And To take another's life really would be a new sensation for me, no matter what others might suggest. Would that redeem the act, do you think?

[cagedinflesh]

[Jekyll won't blow the whistle on it, he'll allow Dorian that.]

No, I'm sorry to say I should think it all the worse to view it that way. What we must do is fight against our conscription into a vile and meaningless battle.

[depicted]

[Oh. Well, he tried. And that was essentially his last defense mechanism, so thanks, Jekyll.] But how can we fight it?

[cagedinflesh]

[Sorry, kid, but it was a shitty one. Feels bad bringing him down like that, but he can't let Dorian think it would be okay, either. Morals man, morals.]

We must not listen. ...Should you be called upon, please, tell me immediately. You will do, won't you? I shall find something, what ever it may be, I swear it to you.

[Just as he swore to his Master - what ever he must do to protect these people will be done, even if he must then become a monster, and act against other bits of conscience.]

[depicted]

[Dorian wants to protest—what can Jekyll do, what can any of them do?—but he cannot deny such an earnest expression of emotion. After a long moment, he nods, sharp and quick.] I swear it.

[cagedinflesh]

[Jekyll smiles to ease the tension, and reaches over the table and chessboard to place a hand on Dorian's arm.]

Good. I won't allow them to force such a thing on you, nor anyone at all. Some may choose it of their own accord, but innocent parties mustn't be dragged through the dirt, and certainly not harmed. It should be my duty to uphold that, and so I shall.

[depicted]

[An easy flush comes to Dorian's cheek. He sets his hand over Jekyll's.] You sound like a knight when you speak like that.

[cagedinflesh]

[With a straightening in surprise, a flush rises too in Berserker's face. He has to look down, though it's difficult not to smile for it.]

Ah- no, not at all! I only wish to do what I am able, the right thing, as anyone must!

[depicted]

Isn't that what a knight is? It is how they are in stories. And that is what you are: a wonderful story of a grand knight.

[It's the easy innocence—the sweet, earnest smile, the happy brightness of his voice. He means it completely, candid and unselfconscious in his praise.]

[cagedinflesh]

[He raises his eyes to meet Dorian's once again, staring on. It feels to him as if he stares for a good, long time, lips parting, as he searches Dorian's face for any sign of mocking. But it's so clearly true, Dorian seems almost incapable of such a thing, everything he says must be his true thoughts, at any given time. Not mere flattery either. In realising that, Jekyll lowers his gaze again, slowly, as he brings his free hand to his mouth. It's both shame and embarrassment - happiness, really. To hear those words spreads such joy through him that he must be embarrassed for it. Yet he is undeserving, for all that he has done, and not confided in Dorian. Perhaps what the boy sees does appear to be something like a knight, but he isn't truly that man. But Jekyll so wants to be. Would have been, if not for Hyde. For all that conflicting emotion, he weeps, lamenting his lies and the death of the man he was, but feeling some hope that he has indeed begun to change. After all, those ideals, and the intent, are not lies at all.

But there's more shame in crying openly, no matter what the reason might appear. So, still trying to hide his face, after a few moments, Jekyll speaks over it.]

You are much too kind, Dorian. At the risk of sounding complacent, I hope others may see that too. - No, I should say, I hope to be able to live up to the picture you have painted of me.

[depicted]

[Oh dear. Has he upset Jekyll? He doesn't sound upset, but he is hiding his face.] I hope I have not offended. I should not wish to. I value your friendship very much, Henry.

[cagedinflesh]

No, of course you haven't offended me, Dorian...! I cannot express my gratitude for your kind words. I do so wish to embody the essence of a gallant knight.

[He lifts his head to laugh, unable to keep from smiling.]

My Master and I pledged such commitment to eachother.

[depicted]

[Oh! A smile. That is very good.] How noble a thing! You truly are a knight, sworn to a lord and everything. It really is like a story.

[cagedinflesh]

[He shakes his head.] No, we are equals, fellows, serving only the people of the area. Tokyo, in that case, for what it is worth. Tatsumi would be dreadfully embarrassed by your words. If I am able to find him, should he ever appear, the two of you simply must meet.

[depicted]

I should love to meet him, Henry. I am confident that anyone held high in your esteem is worthwhile company. [Look at the faith this kid has. Isn't it sweet.]

[cagedinflesh]

[At least Dorian is right in that, Jekyll wouldn't admire any awful person (like himself)!

He laughs, nodding as he gives Dorian's arm a small squeeze, before pulling his hand away. As he speaks, he removes a glove, to wipe the remainder of tears from his eyes and cheeks, with the heel of his palm.]

Then you shall be introduced to any old friends of mine as well. There are a few in particular I think you should quite enjoy. This shall have to do in place of those dinners.

[depicted]

[He is trying to ignore that, because he is well-bred, okay.] Oh! Are there any here? I would love to meet them. Who are they?