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"Welcome to Monte d'Or. I am presently busy, so please leave a message and I will endeavour to return your query. Good day." ((Rp Account for Henry Ledore, Spoilers are untagged so view with discretion))

[maskedgit-blog]

[forgottenchancellor]

1, 2, 3, 4. Did you miss me? Monte d’Or?: forgottenchancellor: 1, 2, 3, 4. Did you miss me? Monte d’Or?:…

(As always, Henry worries about his words as soon as he's uttered them,  and his heart hammers in his chest as Randall suddenly props himsef up over him and looks at him with an expression the millionaire can't entirely pinpoint. Thankfully it doesn't appear to be an unhappy expression, because Randall simply settles right back again into a slightly distracted but pleased demeanour.

Of course. Heh. Just try and get rid of me.

Once again Randall's words strike him terribly and Henry dimly considers how awfully affected he is by this awful, handsome man; how is it that he's been able to navigate his way around managing larger and greater wealth and influence, but Randall has to look at him and he  dissolves completely? Ugh. It's embarrassing and wonderful all at once.

It's much easier to get caught up in the blissfully heavy kiss that follows, especially with the particular emphasis the ginger puts into it. This is still something that Henry feels he won't entirely get used to easily, this degree of intimacy, but it feels nice, and Randall has already made it clear on numerous occasion that it is the most comfortable way for him to show his own degree of affection toward his friend... even if Henry still feels rather uncomfortable due to some of the angry and momentary concerns that Randall had expressed back on their trip.

He still manages to feel flustered at his friend's proposal, however, and he colours as the ginger's breath tickles at his face and darkens his cheeks. Since returning from their trip they had indeed not had much time to themselves; Henry had busied himself with his work and Randall with his paper for Gressenheller and, as Randall had lamented, they'd barely had enough time to lay together, let alone anything else. It had almost felt like their closeness was destined to be relegated to somewhere truly private, especially with the more uncomfortable levels of intimacy.

Henry lets out a slightly shaky sigh before drawing his arms more tightly around his friend, resting his forehead against Randall's before shyly leaning forward to kiss his friend briefly once more.)

"...alright. S-since it's early, i-if you want to - I'd... like to."

(He's not entirely sure what, but Henry doesn't mind. It feels good being close to the person he loves, and Randall is... certainly talented, although really anything with the ginger feels good, and Henry feels terribly lucky to experience any of it.  But for now he's with his best friend in comfort, and there's nothing else he could want more.)

[maskedgit-blog]

[forgottenchancellor]

-

(Randall relaxes even more into their embrace and Henry tries to follow suit, but instead he simply just listens to his friend, wincing a little as Randall tries once more to convince him to stop worrying about work, at least for tonight.)

"Well, I'l try my best Thank you... for your help today."

(It feels a bit strange somehow thanking Randall for something so simple, and something which hasn't been much of anything, but it's the right thing to do, and Henry really is appreciative. He's rewarded by having Randall lean closer and more fondly once more against his forehead, and although the blonde still stiffens a little at the unusual closeness, he does his best to relax into it.)

(Randall sounds a little glum when he speaks again, and Henry is concerned but placated by the continued warmth, and he listens carefully to his friend.)

"It's truly no bother, Randall."

(He shrugs against him and presses a little into the ginger's warm resting of his head, brow knitting with worry as he struggles to find the right words to say.)

"I know you... may not believe it, but I truly am awfully thankful for all you have done for me, a-and for me, that's more than enough. T-to me, really, building Monte d'Or was only a stepping stone to finding you, I... I would happily just be with you if I had to choose. Just... please stay. That's all I need."

(Henry now feels a little glum himself, but he simply draws closer to Randall and sighs shakily again, drinking in his prescence. Part of him knows that his attachment to his friend is horribly warped, but he's never been able to bring himself to shake it, and after so long, Henry knows he never truly will. But that's alright. Randall really is all he needs. The rest is immaterial.)

[maskedgit-blog]

[forgottenchancellor]

(Henry is so preoccupied worrying about what a near disaster they've just avoided that he stares up in dismay. One of the maids is fond of him? When? Who? Anything other than bland professionalism is generally a mystery to Henry, even if he might not have kept his own adoration for his friend in check as much as he supposedly would have liked, even though that had rather worked out for the better.

He doesn't have much time to think about it all because Randall apologises cheerfully and tugs him to bed to sit, and although Henry feels rushed as ever, it feels nice all the same, especially with the relief of not getting caught. Even thinking back on how close everything had been makes Henry's stomach tense, and he is a little distracted as he kisses Randall back, albeit appreciative.)

"It's... It's alright."

(The kiss really does feel nice after everything else, and Henry smiles a little in reply, although he's still naturally quite skittish and worried after the ordeal, and he is actually very appreciative when Randall eventually convinces him to recline back on the bed alongside him. It simply feels nice being held like this by the person that makes him feel his best - well, most of the time.)

"I shouldn't... well, we didn't get caught, and everything is alright. Even if those papers have to wait until morning..."

(Randall does make the blonde worry an awful lot, both simply for his safety and because of the ways that they are so very different, but it is all manageable. Henry gently puts an arm around his friend to properly return his embrace in his still-somewhat-cautious manner, but really it is just nice being there. Just being by the ginger's side is bliss enough, everything else is an embarrassingly wonderful bonus which he is slowly, but surely, happily getting used to.)

[maskedgit-blog]

[forgottenchancellor]

Randall hurries along quickly enough, thankfully for Henry, although he doesn't seem to be able to resist touching Henry again, light brush at his hips which makes the taller man shudder with the unexpectedness of it all. How does Randall do this to him? It makes Henry suddenly feel very flustered, wishing he has far more control over his manner whenever Randall is around, even though he very clearly never will quite get over just how much Randall gets to him. It's not so bad, though, even if it does make things difficult sometimes...

He tries to collect himself as best he can, nodding mildly and smiling nervously as he looks around once more.)

"Yes, they should all be busy with downstairs first, hopefully."

(The staff that work at Ledore mansion naturally act upon a different schedul than what he had been when he was a teenager, and it's something that Henry still doesn't quite appreciate, but after years of Angela's gentle insistance that he simply let the modern ways make for more efficient alternatives and ideas. Henry simply had to concede and appreciate what there was. But it still makes him anxious, and he looks around fearfully for any sign of anyone. Even the thought that someone might catch him trying to sneak Master Randall - who Henry desperately tries to ignore that he is still in his underwear - into his room makes him almost weak at the knees with fear, even as Randall somewhat cheerfully urges him on.)

"Alright, let's keep going."

(Henry feels a bit hassled but he also feels scared that they'll get caught, so Henry doesn't mind too much and walks quickly and cautiously to his room.

When they are within five feet of his quiet room, Henry hears the tread of someone approaching and he hurries Randall along and into the room, only pausing for a moment himself to see it is a maid coming to see if Henry might ask for her to take his - presumably untouched - food from his desk. The blonde does't wait to see what she does, and he ducks quickly in after Randall, closing the door quietly behind him and only worrying very briefly about leaving the poor maid to wait for his answer.

Henry is a little shaky when he finally retreats to his room and lets out a long sigh, brushing his hair from his face.)

"Hah, th-that was close..."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry is still hesitant, and for a brief and rather cutting moment, Randall think the millionaire will gently dismiss him. He doesn’t though, and the gingers face lights up with happiness. He kisses him again a bit more excitedly and chastely, nodding and going about carefully filing the papers together on Henry’s desk, making sure each one was in order (though he can’t match Henry’s neatness, even when he tries to slot the papers together meticulously.))

"Great! I’m glad, I mean."

(He feels a little too embarrassingly happy about this, but he doubts Henry minds too much, and he puts the leftover sandwiches under the cover that had been provided, brushing himself off and looking up with confusion when Henry says they needed to be careful.)

"Why? We haven’t gone to bed together for a few days now, it- oh."

(He looks down at himself and flushes red down to his neck. He’d almost completely forgotten about his state of undress. He goes to inspect his clothes and frowns, they were absolutely covered in ink. He frowns and thinks of what to do.

He could just put them back on, Randall supposes, but as silly as it sounds, he really just wants to drop them in the laundry chute so the stains wouldn’t become permanent. There’s also a silly and daring side of him that quite like the idea of sneaking to bed with Henry, but he doesn’t think the taller man would be so impressed by this.)

"It’ll be alright, we’ll manage."

(He nips behind Henry and lightly grasps his hips with his fingers and thumbs, raising an eyebrow and cheekily resting his chin on his shoulder.)

"I’ll do my best to be quiet, I wouldn’t want to cause another scandal for you. Though "Mr Ledore’s fabulously ginger secret lover with the remarkable bod and tanlines" sounds like a pretty interesting headline to me."

(He presses a quick kiss to his neck, but it’s quick and cheerful, much like his words, not mischievous enough to sound like the millionaire had reason to doubt that he really would be quiet.)

"So whats the plan? Run? Take a stealthy shortcut round back? Bribe a maid to escort us? You’re the boss."

[forgottenchancellor]

(Henry is still dazed with a fizz of raw happiness after Randall kisses him again quickly, drawing up properly and biting back on his urge to rearrange Randall's own kind attempts at neatening everything. The ginger is trying to help and Henry appreciates it nonetheless; he's slowly learning to accept having another person assisting and changing part of his life with spontaneity, even if it's hard getting used to it. Instead the blonde turns to neaten up his study as best he can, sliding the chairs back in their place and tidying some stray notes that had fluttered to the ground in Randall's attempt at drawing the millionaire back onto the desk.

Almost blushing beet red to match Randall's sudden red-faced realisation, Henry looks purposefully away, now finding it even harder not to stare since Randall realises himself what a state he's in. While they'd been eating and talking Henry had barely noticed, but now, as usual, it's hard to ignore the ridiculousness of the situation and how very handsome Randall still manages to be, and how for some inexplicable reason despite all of it how Randall still seems to like Henry of all people. He tries to busy himself again by shifting back over to the sandwiches and neatly brushing up stray crumbs into a little pile, distracted enough until the cheery redhead in question presses affectionately up against him, stirring up the inevitable shiver but thankfully not to any truly daunting extent.)

"Hah, perhaps it would be..."

(He wants to sound joking to match his friend, but Henry can't quite manage it, and he's glad for the chance instead to focus on Randall's question and the slightly daunting task at hand.)

"Well, we'll have to... we'll need to send those clothes down the laundry chute - I do hope the maids take care of it carefully so it doesn't bleed the ink any further... -a-and since there's a chute along the passageway, that shouldn't be a great problem."

"...Why don't I check now and then you follow after with your clothes? With luck we may miss anyone entirely..."

(Henry waits for a few moments before cautiously stepping out, looking around with alert care. Henry had learned well within his teenage years to walk with a quiet tread, which meant that he was usually seen before he was heard and could be as unobtrusive to the family's life as possible. Now he feels a little silly, sneaking around to take a nearly-naked man t-to his bedroom-! He swallows and makes his way over to the chute, looking around once more before signalling for Randall to hurry, his own nerves on edge. If someone catches them...!)

[maskedgit-blog]

(Randall feels bad for bringing up his mother so suddenly, and it gets worse as Henry lapses into silence once more. Henry hardly ever mentions his mother, and it gets to the point sometimes where Randall forgets she even existed, but of course she did, and she shouldn’t be forgotten because she was a good person. Unfortunately Randall’s clearest memory wasn’t the most pleasant one, but he doesn’t plan n diverging that to Henry any time soon.

But then Henry speaks again and he feels reassured, he seems a little sad to think back on it, but Randall finds that Henry smiles and seems rather confident that she would have been fine with it. This small degree of acceptance from beyond makes Randall smile too, and he sits up, looking at Henry’s face intently and tracing his delicate features softly with his fingertips.)

"…"

(Randall is rather hopefully with words in the light of such heady affection and adoration, so he leans in to communicate it with a heavy kiss, deep, slow and meaningful.

Since coming back from the ruins, they actually hadn’t spent all that much time together, poor Henry had a lot of catching up to do since they left so suddenly, and Randall had been filled with more determination to get back on his path of being a famous archaeologist more than ever. So actually, they hadn’t seen each other much over the last week. Randall was usually out for the count when Henry came to bed and vice versa.)

"Lets go to bed now, we can finish this in the morning. I’ll even read though it for you. I may be useless at making clever decisions, but I can do all that boring stuff at least."

(Randall wouldn’t point it out for the world, but Henry wasn’t the best writer in the world. His neat scrawl hid plenty of spelling and punctuation mistakes. Even after the accident, Randall had continued at a small school in Craggy Dale, and Tannenbaum was a rather clever man too, despite how simple he seemed, while Henry had stopped in his preteens and usually had to pay someone to look through it, perhaps if Randall scribed for him a little, it would make everything go faster, whatever it took, he just wanted to go to bed at the same time as Henry tonight. He clasps Henry’s hand and kisses him again with that same intense slowness.)

"Please…"

[forgottenchancellor]

 (Henry still isn't very sure what his mother might have thought, or if she really would extend her wish for him to be happy to Henry being happy in the arms of his once-master, but it feels nice thinking it, even if it still makes him sad. I-if she was still around, he...

A heavy lump forms in his throat but Henry manages to keep himself level-headed, still smiling mildly as Randall leans forward to regard him, and Henry can't suppress a shiver at the strangeness as Randall touches his face gently. It feels different somehow after their shared conversation, a different level of appreciation and relief all in one as they connect with a kiss, heavy and slow and tender all at once. They've kissed many times before, but this one feels heavier somehow regardless of the actual physical strength of the kiss, and Henry is quite taken by it.

After their trip away together Henry feels he has at least a little more understanding of his friend, especially with the admission that Randall feels more comfortable explaining himself and the way he feels through intimacy and closeness and kissing and the entire spectrum of things Henry simply isn't comfortable with, although he's slowly learning. And so a shift like this - a simple kiss in Henry's study - makes the blonde smile once more. It really is nice like this, and Henry has missed spending close time together, even if it means pausing his work for a while as it is predictably impossible to concentrate around his friend.

Regardless, Henry is still quite hesitant when Randall asks for them to leave for bed already, both due to the work Henry is still required to do and the nervous worry of having to dash to his room with a nearly-naked Randall in tow. His room thankfully isn't too far, just along the hallway, but even a hallway's length is dangerous. It's awfully nice of Randall to offer to read through his writing for him, though, even if Henry flushes a little in embarrassment, personally mindful of his own shortcomings, particularly one time when he had written a letter to the local paper without having it checked and he had been the subject of mirth for some time due to some apparent slip up. It's not something he's fond of, although the majority of the life he has made for himself is something he has had to entirely make for himself, and he can appreciate that for himself at least.

Randall's mind seems made up, and his kiss even more so, stirring that sentimentally hopeless appreciation in Henry's chest that keeps him inexplicably drawn to the handsome man and friend. before him. Finally he sighs a little breathlessly at Randall's final plea, and nods slightly.)

"Alright, you're right. We can... I'll leave it all for now. I've missed you a great deal over the past few days... it'll be nice to rest properly."

"We'll have to be careful, though. I don't know what anyone would think if we were caught, especially with you like... like this."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Randall doesn’t say anything for a while, simply letting Henry hold him for a minute or two. It feels rather silly and childish and sentimental, but Randall finds that he really doesn’t care. Henry loved him, so surely he’d be happy just to comfort him like this. His friend doesn’t seem to more anymore than him about his father, so Randall decides to give up on the subject for now.

The gaping emptiness that had plagued him when he lived in Craggy Dale has mostly gone, but it still twinged terribly when he thinks of his father, especially knowing that there was really no way out this time and know way he’d ever reconcile with him now.)

"I don’t know about that. I think there’s lots of people that would have wanted to be your friend. O-or would have fallen in love with you."

"But I’m glad it was me."

(It still feels very embarrassing saying things like that to another man, but that one tumbles out of Randall’s mouth before he even notices, he flushes and shifts a little but he doesn’t move away.)

"Anyway. I suppose it doesn’t matter now. The old bastards dead and gone."

(He means for his words to sound a little more bitter, but they merely sound tinged with melancholy. Perhaps it was best to just try not to think about it. There was nothing more Henry could do, perhaps it was something he needed to discuss with his mother. He was privately considering telling her about Henry, but he knows deep down that it’s probably not a good idea, though… surely if his mother lost him once… she wouldn’t discard him so easily again.)

"What about… Miss Ledore…?"

(Randall is ashamed to say that her first name escapes him, but he certainly remembers shyly parroting that to Henry’s mother when he saw her around the house, coming over all silly and shy when in her immensely pretty presence. Randall really can’t remember her very well at all, other than the fact that she was very beautiful and very nice, but the rest is rather fuzzy.)

"I mean… your mother, regarding us? Perhaps it’s silly of me to ask but… it would be nice to think… that someone would be alright with it…"

(Randall isn’t sure why he’s so fixated on the idea of acceptance, it’s not something he needs, that’s for sure. But in the face of so much hurt and disappointment and the need for Henry to be happy and comfortable with his life still swells in him harshly.)

[forgottenchancellor]

(It feels both uncomfortable and comfortable like this, holding Randall close without saying anything and simply sharing the sombre and sentimental moment together. He feels warm against Henry's slight frame, strong and sure even while he sits in quiet sadness wearing nothing but Henry's jacket and his own underwear. It still astounds Henry how terribly handsome and impressive Randall is no matter what the circumstance, but it's something he's simply come to expect since the ginger returned, even more imposing and attractive than ever. Henry has never thought very highly of himself personally, but even when comparing himself to his friend he doesn't feel as bad as he usually does. Randall simply makes him feel good, both in himself and through his own feelings. The rest is circumstantial.

Regardless, he flushes a little in a mixture of embarrassment, shame and pleasure as Randall speaks once again. In one sense Henry highly doubts it, and with another he simply doesn't care - the only person's appreciation or l-love that he wants is Randall's. Even the thought of... of being with anyone else is almost impossible. Even if it had been his possible future for such a long, long time.

Henry squeezes Randall's hand again a little clumsily when his friend bitterly and sadly shrugs off his previous melancholy and interest in his father. However... displeased Randall - and indeed Henry to a different extent - is about his father, the sad truth is that they will never speak or reconcile. Lord Ascot was gone long before his son was found again. Neither has the chance. And it isn't difficult for Henry to determine that this would still have a profound impact on his friend, and for that he desperately wants to make him happy again.

But then Randall mentions Henry's mother, and the blonde suddenly feels a sting of hurt all of his own. No one has really spoken of her, at least not to Henry, for many, many years, and the suddenness of it is overwhelming, even if Randall is simply musing over weather she might approve of her son seeking the embrace and acceptance of another man who happens to also be his old Master. What would she have thought? He doesn't quite know; she had always been supportive of Henry and pleased for him whenever he excitedly spoke to her in the evening about everything he knew about young Master Randall and archeology and how clever his new friend was. But he didn't really know her very well at all, really. She'd... died... before he was terribly old. He just remembers her being pretty and nice, the nicest person little Henry knew until Master Randall made friends with him, and for a little while he had had two friends. But now he has one, and that's more than enough for him. He sighs softly and smiles weakly.)

"I think perhaps she would have been happy."

"She used to tell me that my friendship with you was a great gift. And... and while I don't know if she... would have approved, I do know that she was right then, and... I'd like to think sh-she'd be happy somehow as... as I am."

[maskedgit-blog]

(He presses to Henry affectionately as he puts an arm around him, sighing and thinking what on earth had been going through his fathers head.)

"At least he cared enough I suppose."

"I just wish he’d acted like that when I was around him. It wasn’t like I was into drugs or… drinking…"

(On the word “drinking”, he can’t help sheepishly glancing up at with a awkward wry smile. Maybe he had drunk a bit, and maybe that had accumulated in something his father really wouldn’t approved of and-

oh

Something suddenly clicks together in Randall’s head and he feels extremely silly that he hadn’t thought of such before. He look up at Henry properly, though he doesn’t withdraw from the embrace.)

"Do you think he figured it out…?"

"…You and I… I mean I know we were only… together… in that last week, but there was still something there before. Do you… do you think that’s why he tried so hard to keep us apart..?”

(He’s not sure what to think about it all, he hardly expected his father to understand or approve, why didn’t he just get rid of Henry completely? Why did he keep him on at the house? Of course Randall is glad that he didn’t make him leave, but if he had really suspected them, then why allow Henry to carry on living here. Not to mention in those last years, he’d loaded Henry with praise in Randall’s presence. “Why can’t you be tidy like Henry? Why can’t you be quiet like Henry? Why don’t you work hard like Henry?”

It pains him to think about it, but it certainly doesn’t make sense.)

"Surely he must have…? He fired you on the spot when I left but if he’d figured it out before… why not then? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he didn’t… but it just doesn’t make sense…"

[forgottenchancellor]

(Randall luckily presses into Henry's awkward attempt at a comforting embrace, and the blonde almost breathes a sigh of relief. He's never been very good at comforting anyone, although he does try the best he can when it is necessary. It's not something he's received much example of personally in his own life so being able to calm someone and make them feel better is still largely a mystery, but Henry does at least know that Randall seems to appreciate closeness, and that's something he can provide. As best he can, in any case.

He blushes a little and looks away as Randall wryly smiles up at him as he mentions drinking, still awfully embarrassed about the way he had acted and the things that had followed all those many years ago. But, all things considering, perhaps it isn't bad at all. Even if it would have been a great deal nicer to be... neater about mutual appreciation and admissions...

Henry almost flinches when Randall suddenly mentions the possibility of his father... knowing even before they... The very thought makes the blonde's stomach hurt with tense concern, even though it's hardly a worry now that Lord Ascot is long and gone. But still.)

"...I don't know. I-I hope not, he-"

"Well, he did- that decision to pull me out of school in favour of training was... was rather sudden, but I... I never thought..."

(He looks down at the ground again and sighs, feeling altogether useless and awful. Had his father known? Had anyone known? Randall and Henry had gotten on very well together when they were young, but especially once they had been separated and Randall had made new friends they hadn't spent much time together at all, save the occasional archeology discussion when possible. Randall is right, though; if he had known earlier, why had he simply tried to divert their attention away from each other rather than simply firing Henry? If he had been a girl instead of a boy, that would have been what had happened, returned affections or not. But then if that hadn't been the reason for the separation, what was?)

"I don't really know, it doesn't make a great deal of sense. Then again, I daresay these... feelings never made a great deal of sense either, but... they happened, and I... I am glad they did. Even... when we didn't see much of each other after we were separated, and... just before. It's always been... it's worthwhile."

"As for your father... I just don't know. Perhaps he simply didn't approve of you being friends with a servant boy. No one else would have done the same as you did in your position."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry of course goes out of his way to reassure him, and Randall doesn’t get why until he twigs that he must have a melancholy expression on him. It doesmake him sad to think about his father, and very confused to top it off. As far as he was concerned, Tannenbaum was his father, and to suddenly remember he had a real father whom he hadn’t seem eye to eye with was a massive blow.

It’s never bothered him much that he wasn’t very good at business, more so that his fathered never valued his own interests over it. Before he and Henry had had that fateful fumble in his room and he realized how deep his feelings really were for his friend, Akbadian had really mostly been about impressing his father and proving him that Archaeology did have worth and that money and success could be gained from it, and then he’d never had the chance, though…

Henry had proved his point instead.)

"…Was father impressed by what you found in Akbadian? Monte d’Or was born from that treasure after all, surely… it goes to show how far the discoveries of Archaeology can go… Did he find it remarkable…?"

(He threads his fingers through Henry’s and goes to lean on him again in an inaudible request to be held close, and also to show that he didn’t think Henry had stolen his thunder or anything like a certain masked gentleman would have done. He’s actually glad that someone did find the treasure and used put it to good use like his father had wanted.)

"…Did he ever talk about me after i disappeared…?"

[forgottenchancellor]

(It's clear that no matter how hard Henry tries with his poor attempts at comforting his friend, Randall wishes to stay upon the subject of his father, and so the blonde uncomfortably resigns himself to the matter.

Randall still looks glum when he speaks again, but it isn't an overwhelming sadness either, and although Henry never likes seeing his old Master upset, it's comforting to see he isn't distraught, even when he cautiously asks Henry what his father thought of everything.)

"...to be honest, he... He was so preoccupied and desperate to find you again that he spent little thought on much else."

(He tries to put a comforting arm around Randall as the ginger leans in, and squeezes his hand as their fingers lace together.)

"Er, well, that is to say... he did seem to appreciate all that the t-treasure of Akbadain created, and he was... thankful in a fashion for everything it created. But he did... he was concerned with finding you."

(Henry struggles a little to find the right words to say; it's difficult describing the late Lord Ascot and the way he and his wife had acted after Randall's disappearance, all the way until he died. He sighs a little shakily and leans a little inward toward his friend.)

"...both of your parents spoke of you often, mostly privately though I think, er... But I do... think that he was sorry... for the way things turned out"

[maskedgit-blog]

"Hmm. You really do know your stuff."

"I wouldn’t even have thought of half of that. "

(He looks though a few other papers, but the present similar conundrums. Improving a town wasn’t the same as a puzzle, it was about considering things like ethics and money and what people would like. With Archaeology it was a case of logic and discovery and it worked very differently to this. As much as Randall would like to add in any old thing he likes to Monte d’Or, it suddenly comes sharply to light how little he knows about it, and how brilliant Henry is.)

"You really know what’s good for people. Like fa-"

(He shuts his mouth. His father was similarly brilliant at such kind of things, and it was why he had been such a success himself. Perhaps that’s why he’d been oddly praising to Henry in the later years, that was something he truly didn’t understand, though Randall isn’t she if he’ll ever work out whatever his beef was with Henry, though he has a few ideas…)

"Well. I mean, you really get them. It’s funny how you’re so reserved, but you really understand Monte d’Or and the people living there, it’s rather incredible."

"H-hah… I don’t think I’m really being much help at all, but points for trying to convince me anyway. Maybe if I had some of father’s genes I’d be a bit more useful, but I think he twigged I was lacking them fairly early on."

[forgottenchancellor]

(Randall starts to mention his father and suddenly everything seems to drop into something a little more serious. Randall doesn't look terribly upset, although he doesn't look as cheerful as he was before either.

Henry still isn't really sure what Randall completely thinks of his father, but they never seem to have had a good relationship, and he was always berating Randall, even to Henry. For some reason Randall's father always seemed to value obedience and diligence and an interest in business and... and even Henry had to admit that was something Randall just didn't have. Randall was always interested in the great outdoors, in finding an interesting rock or new place to explore, rather than sitting in an office copying out calculations and making phone calls.

But Randall's father, despite all his criticism, had been distraught when his son disappeared. Perhaps in a way he felt guilty, although Henry didn't really know. Even when he passed away Henry didn't feel like he had much of a measure of the man, and he knows that Randall's troubles - whatever they were entirely - are still something that runs awfully deep within him, and likely always will.)

"Well, it only comes naturally; I've been here for a long time, after all, hah, and I've had to learn a lot. J-just like you and your Archeology. I studied it too over the years but I've... I'll never be as clever as you with it."

"And anyway, I think... I think you're very useful. Genes or not. You're just better at the things I'm not, th-that's all."

[forgottenchancellor]

do you ever fall asleep at your desk and wake up next morning next to randall in bed instead~?

"Er... n-no, not really... I don't know how I'd get there without me being aware or being caught anyway, hah..."

although it would be nice of course

[maskedgit-blog]

"You’d be surprised how new it is for me too, but it’s nice. It used to get rather lonely at night."

"I’m happy you’ve become more comfortable with it though, it’s pleasant having someone there to talk to all the time."

(Even if Randall suddenly decided he wanted to have an in-depth discussion about archaeology in the middle of the night, it didn’t seem to bother Henry that much, even though his poor friend desperately needed his sleep. Randall almost wished Henry could pass Monte d’Or’s responsibilities to someone else so he could spend more time with him without him being so tired all the time.

He doesn’t dare say it though, Monte d’Or was Henry’s pride and joy, whether Randall was there or not, so he can’t imagine the passing on the great city would be something he wanted to do. If only Randall could help. But he doesn’t know anything about running a city, his brain didn’t work the same way Henry’s did.

He takes the papers and puts on his glasses (which now actually had lenses in since they’d realized that Randall was in need of reading glasses much to the gingers chagrin, no more wearing them ironically…) looking through them carefully. It’s all a bit complicated.)

"Hmm. Do… we want to invest in a… sports ground? Never was much into sports myself, unless there was a reason for it. You know, like fencing is self defense. Maybe we should save our pennies on that one. He shuffles the papers a little distractedly and looks at Henry shyly once more.)

"…If that’s what you think of course. To honest I’m… rather clueless…"

[forgottenchancellor]

(Henry has to try very hard not to let that sudden flutter of jealousy as Randall alludes to his past life without a second thought get to him, but it's there nonetheless. Hopefully one day he'll stop feeling that way about his friend's life spent without him; it is hardly his place to think it and Henry feels terribly ashamed that he even feels that jealous spark at all. Ugh. He really isn't worthy of him.)

"I'm always here for you."

(Although it's something he's getting used to, it certainly isn't easy becoming entirely comfortable with sleeping with someone else, even if Randall spends most of the night talking about something or other that might have suddenly burst into his mind at 2 in the morning. It does feel a lot more comforting though, being so close to his friend in a nice warm bed. Even if they have to sneak around it, or even if Henry sometimes ends up working so late or being too tired to even make it out of his office sometimes.

Randall seems genuine about wanting to try to help, and Henry very nearly almost laughs at the sight of Randall draped in his Jacket and not much else with his glasses affixed and trying to make sense of an application paper. But anything including Randall is always of the utmost seriousness to Henry, and so he doesn't.)

"It's difficult to say, often these sorts of applications must take into account on how they will be beneficial. Sports can be both a tourist attraction and something to benefit the people living in Monte d'Or as well, although I personally don't know if a general ground is necessary at the moment. The racetrack started off as a small sports ground and really only took off once we developed it and encouraged the gambling side of things... It's not to my personal taste, but we might put that in the left tray for consideration with the mayor and council. Citizens may come and sit in on the issue and put their own opinions forward."

"But we'll have to see...! You're already being very helpful, thank you."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry’s speech has been awfully stilted lately when the millionaire addressed him, but it wasn’t anything too troubling. Randall had mostly worked out that Henry was still probably having issues with the formalities, and no wonder, since he’d kicked up such a fuss about earlier. He half wants to say that he can call him “Master Randall” if it makes him more at ease, but it feels silly now, not to mention Randall was terribly self conscious of the fact that that it was embarrassingly exciting to hear when they were intimate, and that really wasn’t right.

And Henry really was doing so well with it, it would be better in the long run for him to get used to it and to truly see them both as equals, so Randall decides to leave it and appreciate the millionaires efforts.)

"…I’m glad."

"I’m lucky to have you."

(That’s certainly an understatement. But he truly means in all senses, even the fuzzy sentimental sense.

Randall yawns and relaxes Henry even more, glancing at the clock. He’d eaten most of his sandwich now and it was getting late, though he twinges as he remembers that Henry had work to do, and that he probably would have finished it by now if he hadn’t barged in wanting a quickie against the desk.)

"…Do you need any help with your papers…? I-I mean… I run this city too after all… I could help you get them done…"

(He flushes indignantly and tries to avoid Henry’s gaze.)

"…Was a bit lonely going to bed without you last night is all. Gets cold."

[forgottenchancellor]

(I'm lucky to have you.

It makes Henry feel terribly sentimental to hear such simple words, and he naturally feels embarrassed, but it feels pleasant all the same. This strange sort of relaxed niceness isn't something he's used to yet, but it's easily one of the best things, and something to remember whenever things are difficult like remembering to forget saying 'Master' or trying his hardest to not make his friend angry or worrying and worrying and worrying about everything.

He tries to support the ginger as best he can as Randall leans more heavily against him, trying to allow himself a moment where he really can just relax into the pleasurable calm of the moment, although it's still hard to calm himself entirely. He still needs to work on that.)

"You want to help...?"

(To be honest, Henry can't really imagine his friend helping much; he seems much happier working on his own things, digging the earth over or researching or writing his big paper for Gresseheller. Not reviewing application forms or trying to decide what to invest in. But Henry listens anyway, and he blushes again to match his friend as Randall looks away.)

"...I f-felt the same."

"Hah, it's strange to think how... normal that's become. I'd forgotten what it was like before."

"You don't have to help me, I'll... I'll try to see you tonight... at a better time. But if you want to help, you can have a read of some of these for me, too. It's... hardly a problem."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry still doesn’t seem entirely happy at first, but then he appears to accept it and finally smiles properly initiating one from Randall in turn. It really was hard work, trying to get Henry to be entirely comfortable and happy with something, but Randall is used to it now. Henry has just had a painfully sheltered life, and its a great victory on Randall’s part whenever Henry is happy and comfortable.)

"It certainly will be!"

"And I am honored to have you as my partner Henry! There’s no saying that we can’t live out those childhood dreams! We’re just a little late is all.”

(It’s Randall’s birthday in October. Thirty six. Then he’ll be thirty seven. Then thirty eight, thirty nine… then… ugh.)

"A-Accomplished before forty hopefully. Hersh might be alright with looking like an old fellow but I always wanted to be one of those cool, young archaeologists…"

(He sighs dramatically, though he’s half in jest, and he leans against Henry once more.)

"Oh well! You can’t have everything. You’ll still love me when I’m old and all my ginger locks go grey, won’t you Henry?"

(It was alright for Henry, he may be not very fond of his delicate features, but even though his friend dressed like a an old man, his face made him look as though he were still in his late 20’s. Despite running ragged his whole life, Henry had aged spectacularly, going from being oddly pretty in his teens to handsomely beautiful in his 30’s, it wasn’t fair!)

[forgottenchancellor]

"You're certainly right."

(He almost wants to say 'Master Randall' again, but the issues and dramas circulating around his habitual use of title is far more than Henry wants the trouble for, and while he manages to meticulously avoid saying it, he rarely says Randall's name at all. It's uncomfortable and leaves some of his conversations unintentionally clipped and awkward, but there isn't much to be done about it. It's still a good trade for all the rest.

It does feel suddenly strange when Randall reminds them both of how late in life all of... this... has happened, but it's nothing entirely new for Henry, who has long felt the strain over the eighteen years and the cruel turn that they only come together when they're older and tireder and all those youthful, excited ramblings and hopes are already long gone.)

"I'm certain that you will achieve much more than Layton... And you're certainly c-, er, a-all of those things still-"

(Randall leans against Henry once again and the blonde forgets anything else he was going to say, because it wouldn't be as important as the simple enjoyment of being close. He's still not entirely used to being so gently intimate with anyone, but it's something he's gradually becoming more comfortable with. He flushes at the thought of so far into the future, although in reality, it isn't as far away as Randall certainly would like it to be.)

"...Of course I will."

"I've liked you for this long already, I-I won't ever stop."

(He shrugs mildly and finally relaxes a little and leans against Randall in return, although he blushes even more darkly in embarrassment.)

"I-I'm sure... you've been handsome for this long already too, so I very much doubt that will ever stop either, hah."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry seems dreadfully unhappy about the situation, and when Randall thinks about it, he can really see why. Henry build Monte d’Or on their friendship, though really it’s become apparent that it was built on something much more than that. So it would be natural that he’d want to share the house together with them. He sits up and frowns at his friends glum expression, before smiling sheepishly and slinging an arm round him so Henry was leaning on his shoulder instead.)

"Come on now, what did you think was going to happen?"

(He kisses his head clumsily and tugs him close to show he’s not ridiculing him, simply trying to make him feel better about it.)

"You can’t change the law or people just like that. Even if I hadn’t fallen down that hole we’d still have had this problem, even though I thought I could magically change everything with that treasure."

"Have you seen this place? It’s amazing. And it is our special place. But at the same time, it’s more important that we do get to spend time together. With that in mind, the house is irrelevant.”

(He grins cheekily and presses a kiss to Henry’s lips, having fully convinced himself and hoping that he’d convinced Henry too.)

"And listen, once I get all this stuff with Gressenheller sorted, you’ll officially be my Archaeology partner. Then people won’t question us spending so much time together, they’ll be no more of this switching rooms nonsense."

(He’s still worried about Angela letting slip to anyone. He doesn’t think she will, she’s too kind and caring to do that, but she has been severely wronged, and Randall wouldn’t blame her. It’s too hard to think about still, let alone consider, and he squashes it into the back of his mind, with all the other worries residing there.)

[forgottenchancellor]

(He feels terribly foolish like this, tense but forcing himself to accept his friend's chiding as the ginger pulls him close. He doesn't like the tone, but Randall is right, of course.  What had he expected? All those long years and he'd never thought entirely clearly of what life might be when Randall finally came home, let alone if Randall ever remembered their feverish admissions and desire for that one night when they were seventeen. Of course things would never have been easy. There was no way to be with Randall without upsetting Angela; there was no way to live in the mansion happily and be together. Monte d'Or was not a childish dream of younger years, it was a place like any other, and there were reputations to uphold.

Henry sighs a little but he doesn't pull away, even though he still feels very childish curled up like this, almost like he may have when his mother was trying to comfort him, although he can barely remember anymore.)

"You're right... that's just how it is."

(He tilts his head up as Randall makes to kiss him again cheerily, recovering enough to kiss him back, a little dazed but still paying careful attention to his friend, feeling even more foolish for being unhappy. They wouldn't be allowed to carry on the same as everyone did when they were younger, but that was never going to happen. The main thing was that he had Randall now, and that was far better than whatever they had before.)

"That will be wonderful..."

"I feel honoured to be your partner in archeology. Hah, just like when we were small..."

[maskedgit-blog]

(Henry reassures him that he is happy, but the fact that Henry suffered so much over the last eighteen years still makes that that awful panicky dread bubble up again, and Randall’s fingers curl into fists as he tries to calm down and thing, he closes his eyes and silently counts, and by seven, he feels calmer again.

Sighing heavily he shifts his chair closer to Henry and leans his head on his shoulder playing absently with the lapel of his jacket, suddenly not feeling very hungry anymore.)

"I really did have so many plans for us. I was going to come back with all that treasure and whisk you away to another place away from it all. So we would build Monte d’Or. I think you managed everything much more selflessly though."

(He looks up at the taller man and gently traces his face with his fingers a little, lightly pulling his beard before dropping his hand and sighing once more.)

"But I still wish it could have happened the other way around. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I’d rather you were happy than anyone else."

(It’s really not fair, even now he was causing Henry complications, even is Henry was happy with him by his side.)

"I’m happy too. But I wish things could be smoother. You’d built this beautiful city for us, and we can’t even enjoy it properly because we’re hiding all the time."

[forgottenchancellor]

(It all suddenly seems very sad, and Henry sighs heavily as he tries to calm himself, acutely aware of how tense his friend seems beside him. Randall relaxes beside him a little after a few moments and Henry accommodates him as the ginger rests his head absently against his shoulder.

He feels further pangs of remorse and longing as Randall sadly speaks of their plans, their old plans. The life they might have had before they parted. At least it's nice to have Randall against him, reminding him that at least he's here now. Henry has him now, and he has him in more ways than he ever could have dreamed.)

"Hah, that really does sound like a dream."

(He breathes out a little raggedly as Randall gently touches his face and sighs again, shaking his head slightly as he turns to look at his friend as Randall tiredly pulls away again. Even though he always worries about not being enough or providing enough for his friend, it seems Randall has much the same hangups as he does, even though Henry hardly thinks he should. After so much and so long, his old master deserves the greatest portion of happiness, and Henry can never be truly happy himself unless he provides it.)

"I'm glad the Monte d'Or I created is to your liking at least."

(He shrugs, looking away again for a moment as he tries to compose himself, mild smile dissolving back to his usual impassive mask as the frustration of their life together now gnaws at him.)

"...and I do know how you feel, I... I-I built everything for you, and I had so many plans, but... to have to hide like this is... I- I suppose we will have to find somewhere private to stay together in when we can, eventually... but it is... horribly f-frustrating..."

[maskedgit-blog]

"…They set you up…?"

"Th-that’s terrible!"

(He sets his sandwich down with another frown and twitches a little restlessly where he’s sat. It would be really nice to have his clothes right now as it’s hard to be annoyed and in his underwear at the same time.)

"I-if I’d been there, I… I’d have given them what for…!"

(His skin flushes red with the frustration of him not being there once more. When they had been young, Henry certainly had been the subject of ridicule, and Randall had always defended him, but to think Henry had gone through all of that without him.

And then he can’t rid himself of the thought that the gentleman had caused him so much humiliation too, and he props his chin on his elbows on the desk.)

"If anything like that ever happens again…"

(He sighs, it’s pointless. He’s not much use to Henry at all, and he’d caused his friend nothing but trouble. He looks at the taller man a little sadly, suddenly feeling that horrible panic rise up in him again.)

"…A-are you happy… Henry? With me here now…? Properly happy…?"

[forgottenchancellor]

(Randall just gets worried and angry when Henry tells him, and Henry only feels even more uncomfortable in return, although he knows Randall means well. Randall had always protected Henry, especially when they had been children - Randall had certainly gotten into a few fights on his behalf - but come the eighteen years Henry had been left to forge his way through the world and its dangers mostly alone.

I-if I’d been there, I… I’d have given them what for…!

The unsaid feeling that he wasn't there hangs heavily behind his words, but Henry tries not to feel too glum about it, even though it hurts. Randall is here now, and that's all that matters.

…A-are you happy… Henry? With me here now…? Properly happy…?

Henry looks up at his friend incredulously. The very idea seems foreign, and yet Randall doubts...?)

"O-of course I do..."

"I've always been... happy when I'm near you. I don't... I can barely remember when I've ever been happy without you in my life, hah. And even... with the eighteen years, even if you weren't here in presence, your support was there in spirit."

(He sighs and shakes his head, feeling a little choked up all of a sudden but endeavouring to calm himself.)

"I'd never have made it this far without the hope I'd s-see you again..."