@ithurielbled continued from here;
“While your words could not be more true, that is a very tricky matter. Succession isn’t as easy as it sounds. I may have the respect and sometime even fear of the people around me, that doesn’t always equal loyalty. They may as well turn everything i’ve built to complete shit.” For lack of a better word. He said with a shrug of his shoulders. While, that wasn’t something he would have to think about in the near future.
He couldn’t help the smirk that crossed his lips, aware of the other’s tease. While there was a lightness to his words, he was completely serious. Besides his family. Barry had never let anyone else close to him. And even then, he completely isolated himself from them too. There weren’t many, if any in his life that could completely understand all aspects of his life. Of the empire he’d built. He was proud of it, of who he was despite what others may think of him. Which, was also a reason he seldom had anyone close. He was respected and feared more than adored or cared for. He was sure most would jump for joy the day karma finally caught up to him.
And yet, despite all the walls he’d built around himself, one managed to get past. Even the slightest, it was more than anyone had done in so long. He found himself opening up, lightening up, and becoming far more attached to the red-head than he should be. Enough to make a light joke like he did, but there was a underlying seriousness to his words. The attachment that had weaved too deeply in the short time he’d known her. Enough so that her loss would shatter him, he was sure. The very reason he didn’t let people in. It was a weakness. One that could ruin everything he built for himself.
He was cold, ruthless, and merciless when need be it. With his title, his power, he couldn’t afford to be anything less. Was he more than that? Of course, but that part of himself died when he lost his parents. As much as Joe and Iris tried to restore it, he had fallen too far and too fast for salvation. Deeper and deeper he went down that path and there was no turning back, there was no redemption for him. Nor did he hope for such.
The feeling of her hand in his, their fingers intertwining completely erase everything. All that he was, all that he tried so hard to be. With a single gesture, none of that matter. It was just the two of them in the quiet and privacy of his office when no one else was around. he can’t help the smirk that has crossed his lips upon hearing her words. “Of course I know you can handle yourself fine Clary, but that doesn’t stop me from worryin’ about you. Death is like a shadow to us.” It’s something he’s dealt with more times than he can count. It’s what’s expected. You either live or die. Sometimes you’ll make it out lucky, sometimes not so much.
“I don’t know if I could.” His voice low. There’s a vulnerability that comes with it. A quiet tone that he’s never used with anyone before. Losing his parents made him who he was today, he couldn’t imagine what losing her would do to him. “I’ve lost people I care about before, look where that’s gotten me.” His tone taking a light note now. He gave a shrug of his shoulders, as if attempting to brush off everything he’s just told her. Something he’s never told anyone before.
“Good -- I prefer if that way. So don’t leave my side without my permission -- okay?”
