impure_tale | 28 - [Locked to West in the hopes he can see it]

A drink, probably. I'm fine; the Port came and went. [For now, he has no idea whether or not the Marquis knows about his death]

[The Marquis knows he can go back to his room and grab some wine if he has to -- what West says about the port gives him brief pause; the only reason he knows West is back at all is that Morgan demanded he be restored in the open, and that's never happened before. He frowns.]

Will wine suffice, sparrow?

Wine's fine [He nods, almost too eagerly. His own room still has no alcohol in it, thanks to Morgan] Thank you.

[He smiles in what he hopes is a disarming manner.] I should still have some in my quarters. [And not the bottle that Jim brought him.] I'll be but a moment.

[He nods, watches the Marquis go, then lets out a sigh. The coming days are going to be a trial, that's for sure. Right now, though, he just feels a bit... numb, like when he first arrived on the Barge. Waiting for the other man's return, he goes over to his bed and sits down]

[He returns and closes the door quietly, watching the Major look troubled. He doesn't ask questions immediately, just fills a glass and brings it to him. Sitting on the bed across from him and holding out the glass, he bites his lip.]

You died back there, didn't you?

[With a half-hearted "Cheers" West takes a drink, then slowly nods] I did. [And he offers no other details beyond that]

[The Marquis nods.] I cannot imagine what having it happen a second time would be like, not yet. But I don't suppose that makes it any less difficult than the first. [He probably shouldn't be talking about this.] It's not right, Henri. ...Not that I'm displeased that you are now unharmed.

I took the risks-- and I failed. [He shrugs slightly] I couldn't save anybody, just like last time. [So, of course, the solution is to get good and pissed]

Did you do what was right, to the end?

I did nothing.

When I last spoke to you, you were risking your life to go and find the people that had been lost, yes? Did you give up?

I didn't give up. I just... couldn't save them. All I did was lead more people to die.

You did not make anyone come with you. They chose to follow. [He reaches to touch his cheek.] No one else would have tried.

[He leans into the touch a little] It might have been better that way. Less casualties.

That is not your fault, Henri.

Hm.

[He takes another large sip of wine]

So... has anything interesting happened while we were at Port?

[The Marquis looked a little uncomfortable at that.] Your pet nemesis came to me with a peace offering.

[He's silent, torn between anger at the mere thought of Jim, and... worrying about bigger things] I see. And did you accept?

[The Marquis sighed.] To be fair, he had me in a vulnerable position. I thought you were dead, and the nurses would not permit me to return to my room for a nightcap. He brought a bottle; I emptied half of it in a span of about half an hour -- and I do not remember much after that.

It's fine. I wouldn't presume to tell you who you can and can't--

[He stops, then looks at the Marquis]

I'm sorry. I really-- I didn't want you to think that.

[He smiles a little sadly.]

You don't have to apologize, Henri. You came back, after all.

[The Marquis shifted in his seat.]

Besides, you've got more to worry about than my feelings.

[He blinks] Like what?

[The Marquis makes a point to refill his glass.]

Henri, that boy is besotted with you.

............

[So, West has nothing to say]

That's a really silly joke.

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[action spam] - sorry for the slow tags! Been busy

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