The whole walk had been in silent reflection. Henry felt just as worried about the meeting as Sterling. It didn't help matters that he kept replaying the conversation he'd had with Raven over and over in his head. He didn't want her to be right. He didn't want to think that his panther would never accept Sterling as his mate. He loved Sterling. He wanted nothing more than to make the man happy. But would his panther prevent that from ever happening? It was terrifying.

As they finally made it towards The Ark, he could sense the awe and disbelief in Sterling. At his words, he nodded his head softly. "We all do. Maybe after, if you're up for it, I can show you my temporary quarters." He tried to softly suggest that he didn't plan on living here forever. He had ever intention of moving back in with Sterling when the time was right. He was here to l earn how to control himself and to get to know his pack. Once those things had been completed, he would return to his true home...with Sterling.

Once they were settled inside and Sterling had been shown to a seat, Henry asked him his preference. He wasn't sure what the man would need for his own healing â€" though if he was honest with himself he was terrified to shift in the presence of his boyfriend. There were too many bad memories for him to feel comfortable with that plan. Thankfully, Sterling didn't have a preference â€" though really, Henry knew that Sterling was entrusting himself to Henry not to scare away. It was a lot of pressure, pressure Henry wasn't sure that he could handle. But he had to handle it. He could not fuck this up because his whole relationship weighed on this moment.

He eased himself into the seat next to Sterling, pulling the man into a gentle hug. He pressed his lips ever so softly to the boy's temple, the small amount of affection meant to try and help calm his nerves. He wasn't sure it would help much, but at least he was showing him that he still cared very much so about his health and wellbeing. The moment was soft and tender, something sweet to look at if the others in the Ark cared to watch. It was unscripted and done without thought to who was watching. But if he had to be honest with himself, he wanted Raven to see them. He wanted Raven to know just how much this man before him meant.

When he mentioned that Raven may or may not show up, he looked softly at Sterling, hurt that he had surprised him. Today wasn't supposed to be about dumping things on him. This was all about trying to make him comfortable. "I don't know if she'll show up. She and I got into a fight recently." He would leave out exactly what they fought over. He wasn't quite ready to share that with Sterling yet. One thing at a time. "Her name is Raven. She understands what it's like to lose control like I do...did. She's there if you have any questions...or she's there to make you feel safe." He wasn't really sure what her role would be, but hopefully she would offer him some sort of comfort if she showed up.

Slowly, he pressed his lips once more to Sterling's, his final goodbye in his human form. "If you want anything from the bar, just ask." It wouldn't hurt him in the least bit. If the roles were reversed, he'd probably drink the whole damn ship.

Henry eased himself out of the seat, turning slowly and heading towards the large doors that separated where he was standing and Tetradore. Slowly, he knocked softly on the door, hearing the vibrations as they resonated through the hallway. Only when he was bid entrance did he slowly ease the door open and step inside. "We're ready....." There was reservation and hesitation in his voice. Was he ready? He wasn't so sure.