I will

rise up

in spite of the ache

Henry did not shy away when Sterling's eyes swept over his body. He knew he was riddled with bruises and scrapes. He could feel the muscles beneath them ache in protest. The hot water stung the cuts and every breath he took caused pain where his cracked ribs were. Henry's skin was painted black and blue, but Henry refused to heal himself. He deserved so much more than he had been dealt. This was the price he would pay.

As Sterling voiced his observation that he did not look fine, Henry sighed. "It will heal. It's penance for hurting you...it's far less than I deserve." Henry had no plans to heal the bruises or mend the broken bones. He would wear his scars for eternity. He had hurt Sterling in a way that no one ever should and it only seemed right that he pay for what he had done...even if it was only a few bruises, some cuts, and a broken rib.

He waited patiently for Sterling to hand him the towel and once he had it, he unfolded it and dried off his blonde locks before getting most of the water off his body. Wrapping the towel securely around his hips, he pulled back the shower curtain and stepped out onto the cold tile. It made him shiver.

He stepped closer to where his clothes were folded neatly, removing the towel and hanging softly on the hook. He grabbed his boxers and pulled those on, turning to look back at Sterling. "How's your bird doing?" Henry still wasn't sure how well his healing abilities worked on wildlife let alone possible poisoned arrows, so he was unsure how the bird might fair. He hoped she would be okay, but he supposed time would tell.

He quickly pulled on the pair of jeans, securing it around his waist. He began to pull the shirt over his head, sucking in a breath and wincing at the pain it caused. His body was protesting the action of putting on clothes, but it had to be done. "Are you hungry? I can make some eggs." It was no secret that Henry was not as skilled in the kitchen as Sterling was. In fact, he pretty much could make grilled cheeses, eggs, and macaroni and cheese. At any rate, cooking eggs for his ex seemed like a logical next step before he finally left for the day. Sterling was safe and unfortunately, there was no reason Henry needed to stay...not matter how much he wanted to.

Henry Tudor

I will rise a thousands times again