I will

rise up

in spite of the ache

Perhaps trying to fix himself wasn't for their relationship, but for the growth of himself as a person. Perhaps this break from his boyfriend had been a good thing. It showed him how much a shit person he was and made him want to better himself. Maybe if he spent some time trying to make himself better, than his future relationships might be the same...regardless of who the other person was (whether that be Sterling or someone else entirely). What it boiled down to was that Henry wanted to be better and he hadn't wanted that in a long time.

When he drew Sterling into an embrace, holding that the action would at least show the boy just how much he still cared for the man, he hardly expected anything in return. Instead, he welcomed the way Sterling's body seemed to melt against his chest. His arms held him tighter, holding him close and relishing the feeling. He had missed these moments. He missed being able to hold his boyfriend like this. It felt so perfect...so right.

He rested his head on top of Sterling's, listening quietly when he heard the other speak. He held his breath, scared about what might come from them. He was terrified of rejection. Maybe he was a little terrified that Sterling might agree to just how much of a fuckup he was.

He waited, but Sterling didn't continue with sentiments at all. He told him that he didn't feel well. Henry pulled back a little, hoping to look into his eyes and see what might have been the cause. When he had healed him, that should have completely healed him of everything. Nothing should be making him feel well...at least nothing physical.

As he looked down, he could see his already pale ex look even more pale, as if he was as white as a ghost (as cliché as that sounded). "You look like shit. What's wrong?" But before he could get an answer, his expert hearing picked up the thud of the bird hitting the floor. Henry might not be as versed in the magical world as his ex, but he had picked up a few things here and there. He looked at Sterling. "She's not just your pet, is she? She's your familiar?" He wasn't sure he would be able to answer him. He led Sterling to the sofa, easing him to a sitting position so he wouldn't pass out and hit the floor too hard.

Once he was at least seated, Henry left him to go to the back room. He saw the osprey on the floor, her breathing shallow. "Fuck." He scooped her up, grabbing a nearby throw and wrapping her in it. He moved swiftly towards the living room. Henry knew the gravity of the situation. "I know a place that might can help...but I don't know if you have the strength to come with me." Hell, he'd carry his ex if he needed to. He was young and healthy and strong. "There's a potion shop up the street. It's run by a witch. Maybe she can help? I don't know what else to do?" He continued to try to heal the bird, to draw the poison as best he could. But deep down, he knew that he would be unable to fix his bird. And what terrified him the most was that he knew if this bird died, he'd lose Sterling forever. That was not something he was ready to admit.

Henry Tudor

I will rise a thousand times again