PSL: For Charles

[fucking_gentleman]

It had taken a week to stabilise Harry to the point that he could under go more surgery, to build in the frame work and connections for his new eye. He was fairly out of it for another week after that, between painkillers and recovery.

It was a few days after that that, by the time Charles came down, Harry was sitting on the edge of the bed, a wheelchair sitting nearby and Harry rather insistently trying to get his nurse to let him wear the suit he wanted, rather than the far more relaxed clothing she was insisting on.

"Charles! Help me, Eggsy's on mission or I'd requisition him. I'm not being unreasonable, I'm not even asking for a three piece suit, just being allowed to dress in a manner that I find more comfortable."

Comments

[grailknight]

"I never really had loved anyone before. But at the time I wasn't aware of that. I just couldn't stop thinking about him. I had actually thought shagging was possibly going to change my interest."

[fucking_gentleman]

"Fuck him out of your system? Has been known to happen." Not that he would such a thing. No. Of course not.

"Obviously, it didn't, but you two had something special."

[grailknight]

He nodded. "I did that often enough in college."

Charles smiled. "Yes we did. And that's what I really miss. The intimacy. The history. Isn't easy to find in a relationship."

[fucking_gentleman]

Harry stay quiet. No one ever really got under his skin anymore. Not for a long time.

"Only time gives you those things." Time and work. "I'm still not saying yes until you're significantly further along in your grieving process."

[grailknight]

"Yes. And I am not exactly a young enough man to start something new with just anyone." Because that fact still remained.
"You intend to measure my grieving process?"

[fucking_gentleman]

"I'm sorry, you're how old now?" He looked back, raising an eyebrow. "Not measure. Observe."

[grailknight]

He frowned. "Forty-three. I was twenty-six when I met James." Still the frown remained. "Like an experiment."

[fucking_gentleman]

"You're not even middle aged. Stop talking about being old." He looked back at that, sharply. "No. I would never treat you that way."

[grailknight]

"I did almost spend twenty years of my life with the same person. I feel old." He shrugged. "You think I have something to prove."

[fucking_gentleman]

"No. I think you're doing what you can to avoid feeling the pain of his loss and absence any more than you already are."

[grailknight]

"I can't, Harry."

[fucking_gentleman]

"You can't, what, Charles?"

[grailknight]

"I can't feel any more than I already do."

[fucking_gentleman]

He could and he knew it. It was why he avoided home.

"In a day or two, I'd like to visit my place. You'll be available to assist me?"

[grailknight]

"Yes, I don't see that being a problem." He frowned. "Do you also intend for me to go home?"

[fucking_gentleman]

"No. Just thinking of homes and realising I'd like to visit mine, even though I know it will be a complete pain for everyone involved."

[grailknight]

"Perhaps, but I can have someone come to assist us as well."

[fucking_gentleman]

"I'd rather not, unless you feel you can't manage me on your own. Physically."

[grailknight]

"We haven't tried going up the stairs. That is my only concern."

[fucking_gentleman]

"There's only a few steps to get in. In a few days, I'm sure we can manage between us."

[grailknight]

"All right then. I am sure we can manage."

[fucking_gentleman]

"Thank you." He didn't want anyone else helping him. He could only accept Charles' unassuming help because of their long friendship. He might have been able to stomach Merlin, but that would've been it.

[grailknight]

He smiled softly. "I do appreciate that you are allowing me to help you."

[fucking_gentleman]

"Yes, well... Don't go thinking anyone else would be afforded such a privilege."

[grailknight]

"And dare to see you in a vulnerable state? I wasn't suggesting anyone besides the regular nursing staff, Harry." There was a smile that did not seem to leave his lips.