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. 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?

[cagedinflesh]

Unfortunately, no, so far as I have seen. Although I do hold out some hope, for they very well may be present. I see no way in which to determine who may or may not be drawn here.

[Well, on one hand, he would like to see his old friends. Especially those accidentally involved in the whole affair with Hyde, to apologise personally. On the other, maybe he doesn't want to know what they think of him now. For an apology to be rejected would be the worst.]

Nonetheless, I should most like to introduce you to a Mr. Stevenson, who is a writer of adventure tales, with a talent for disguise. As I said before, all are well invested in heavy discussion and thought, therefore I should think you would find any really quite interesting. It would be my pleasure to facilitate such an acquaintance.

so sad that we're two years too early for Dorian to go crazy about THE AUTHOR OF TREASURE ISLAND

[depicted]

A writer of adventure tales! One who disguises himself, too, as if he were an adventurer? Oh, I should love to meet him very much! I would appeal to the king and queen of my own court to bring him here straightaway if such a plea could be met. What marvellous company he must be!

[EXCITED CHILD]

ME TOO I was so sad when I realised it's just a bit too late

[cagedinflesh]

Yes, precisely! He always had some fantastic disguise to fool us by, or else to entertain. He would have made a fine actor, but instead that creativity lent well to written stories. I'm certain you would love him well, and likewise! Perhaps I should be able at least to acquire a few of those stories for you.

[depicted]

I would appreciate that indeed, Henry. Thank you.

[cagedinflesh]

Think nothing of it! It's a point of pride for myself as well, being one of his great admirers! We'll see what can be done.

[Treasure Island would definitely be the best, but any work would surely make a good impression. Except Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Stick to the adventure and detective stories....]

Have you managed to find some familiar face, Dorian?

[depicted]

[Dorian shakes his head, but it isn't particularly mournful. It's nice to be away from London and its wagging tongues.] None, and yet I am happy to gain familiarity with the faces here. There is such an interesting variety of people among us, Henry! It is truly an opportunity I would not have had in London, or even abroad in Europe!

[cagedinflesh]

Absolutely, it's all very exciting, isn't it? New and different experiences and people - all truly interesting, so far as I have seen. Their worlds are all so different.