The Loner and the Former King

A Risk Worth Welcoming?

"So this was your house" The person Henry Moore feared was now sitting on his coach, the green coach set in his living room.

How did he get here?

Henry Moore knew and didn't know the answer to the question.

Yes he was the one that let him stay, let him take shelter for a bit and offer him new clothes of his, but why lingered and so did his fear. One part of him already feels the regret of his actions but on the other hand, thinking about leaving him out there, all alone, drenched and badly injured made him feel a little numb at the thought, he would feel upset, guilty. He knew he would regret leaving him, but the same goes in this moment. So no matter which path, which decision he made would end in regret but why did he pick this decision?

Was it that he would regret it more if he left him? Probably, that must be it.

This creature, this red star was badly injured and likely weak so maybe letting him stay for a bit wouldn't be so bad. What could an injured weak red star do? That's the problem, Henry Moore didn't know. He didn't know their limits, he barely knew what they could do other than the fact they can use powers that flow in their veins. At the thought of the magic that grew in their palms, the sparks, the fire burned through his brain filling his brain yet again with dread over his decisions he's just made. But then again this one, this red star seemed... different.

First up he was alone, not something Henry Moore's seen in his life-time.

Second he didn't necessarily threaten him, sparks grew in his palms at first but only for a few seconds before they disappeared. Henry Moore only guessed it was out of self-defence like he was holding his axe.

Third he's been nothing but polite, not something Henry has seen nor heard... It was strange to say the least, afterall Red Stars were all but caring.

But why this one?

Why was he out alone in the first place?

Did the stars abandon him?

Was it because of a fight?

Or was there a problem with him?

Maybe it's his politeness, or gentle way of approaching things?

Or is it-

"So you've been living out here for long?" Henry Moore snapped out of his thoughts as he quickly realised he was staring at his guest, like he was staring down his target. Not a good first impression. Henry Moore swivelled away from the other man's gaze, looking at the door of the wooden entrance on his right as he switched his legs position out of comfort as he leaned on the kitchen door frame. "Mhmm" Henry mumbled back, answering the guests' question. Now realising he had to speak, had to socialise, a thing he hasn't needed to do for so long. "Name" Henry quickly spoke, but it was only one word.

One Word.

Henry cursed at himself mentally at him stupid he was being. He could only let out one word, did he want this star to see him as easy prey or what? "Oh, right. My deepest apologies on my behalf for not introducing myself before I entered your property. The name's Augustus, Augustus Hunts. And you are?" "Henry" Henry let slip, letting the star's name brush past his ears, past his mind to be almost sure to be forgotten. But something he took note of was the tone of the creature's voice; it was too polite... Too gentle, this made Henry uncomfortable. Like he had established previously, this wasn't normal, not for a star at least a red one.

It felt like they were an imposter of their own kind. It made him uneasy. But Henry Moore kept it to himself, didn't let out his concerns, only letting his body language show his discomfort.

How long was Augustus Hunts going to stay here? Henry Moore wasn't sure, but he didn't like the thought of him staying the night or more. Having him in his very proximity brag chills down his spine that would worsen even at the thought of him staying for an hour longer. Henry Moore needed answers to calm his brain so he did what he could only do. Speak up and Ask. "How long?" The man looked a little puzzled at his short ended question before answering. "You mean how long I'll stay? If so, that's up to you to decide, you have the authority. But I request and wish I could take shelter here for a week and then I plead to be out of your hair." Henry paused at his answer. A week? A week?! Despite it being loud and clear, he questioned if he heard it right. A week was so much longer than he had considered, not until now. Augustus Hunts was a red star he had to remind himself, a red star, a much higher status of his kind and even his friends but this was weighed out with the fact the creature he feared, the higher being was injured, weak and different from most of his kind... So maybe this decision he was about to make wouldn't end so deadly.

Henry Moore sighed, "I'll give you a week, just a week" These words weighed a ton, taking a big effort to push out. Post-regret was lensed over Henry's tongue, feeling regret wash over him almost instantly. He knew he didn't like this, he knew he could have lent out a shorter date and the star would understand but some part of him felt it needed to be said. Why? Henry Moore again didn't know, maybe something was wrong with his brain because he knew logically this was yet again a terrible decision, but he still made it. His life could be on the line, yet he still made it, he still made this dumb decision. "You'll sleep on the coach," Henry said firmly, shuffling from his position, away from the kitchen door frame, switching his body weight from the frame to his feet. At least with his decision he had control, had the authority to be the boss and give orders as this red star was on his territory, his land, as long as the star stuck to this fact, stuck to his words. This made Henry Moore feel a little at ease, a little. "Thank you, your kindest won't be forgotten"

Kind... that could be it.

Henry Moore was just kind.

Maybe too kind for his own good.