[That was a weighty thing to advise on. There was always a subjective sort of feeling to what 'real life' even was. There were many that would have scorned the life Benjamin had lived and even himself at times had grown wary of it.]
I would say yes, if it were me, but only you can really answer that for yourself.
[His words were soft, tender and he wished he could give a definitive answer but that wouldn't have been fair.
Benjamin's eyes widened again when Ahkmenrah took his hands, staring down at them. The warmth that didn't really sink in but that he couldn't help but enjoy just a little. They were talking about taking it away but there was still plenty to gain.
The Pharaoh was touching him, his lips parted to speak but no words came out. Honestly, if he was to turn him he'd have to have touched him at some point so perhaps it was best to get this shock out of the way.]
[He'd gotten a little too excited there, and hadn't even realized it until Benjamin looked so startled; embarrassed, he withdrew his hands and wondered if the chill was why Benjamin never wanted to touch him. It certainly didn't bother him, given that people made of wax tended to feel a bit unusual when brought to life as well.
Now he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself - he'd made the choice, but there were still questions in his mind, he just felt a bit childish spilling nothing but questions while Benjamin answered so patiently.]
[Benjamin explained quickly at the apology that had followed Ahkmenrah letting go of him. His eyes searched the other's face again. Was this the right thing to do or would Ahkmenrah come to hate him for doing this to him? He was so kind and happy in Benjamin's mind.
What if the realities of the life they would share weighed on him? Changed him? Of course it would change him, rarely does anyone not change at all when they're altered in such a fundamental way. But he trusted Ahkmenrah's judgement and his decision -- who was he to argue, truly. And selfishly he wanted him to so they could see the world together.]
[Oh, oh no, was that it? Was that why Benjamin kept his distance? Ahkmenrah couldn't help but laugh, even though it probably wasn't the kindest response, because it was just so strange to have someone point out his title with such awe in this day and age. Benjamin himself was still millennia ahead of his family and the culture he'd known. What incredible respect for history, which is what Ahkmenrah is now.]
I was the Pharaoh. I was a Pharaoh. You needn't show me special treatment for that, Benjamin, just knowing the depth of your respect is enough.
[The smile stayed on his face even as he considered whether or not he was truly ready for this. He couldn't seem to shake it off. You're just... the Pharaoh. The words felt as though they were caught inside him and glowing, like fireflies in a net.]
I - [No. He wasn't ready.] - I must speak to Larry first. I know he'll guard the tablet well in my absence, there's no doubt in my mind, but... [He just gave Benjamin a pleading look, hoping he'd understand why Ahkmenrah still needed reassurance before he could say a true goodbye.]
I can make no promises. [Benjamin highly doubted that he could stop giving the other special treatment even at his request. He'd grown up to stories of Pharaohs and had a deep respect for the history of his culture and home country. Ahkmenrah was an embodiment of all that and much closer to the ways he was used to in his early life than many he had known since.]
You should settle everything that you need to. [He said, bowing his head slightly.] I would not have this any other way.
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I would say yes, if it were me, but only you can really answer that for yourself.
[His words were soft, tender and he wished he could give a definitive answer but that wouldn't have been fair.
Benjamin's eyes widened again when Ahkmenrah took his hands, staring down at them. The warmth that didn't really sink in but that he couldn't help but enjoy just a little. They were talking about taking it away but there was still plenty to gain.
The Pharaoh was touching him, his lips parted to speak but no words came out. Honestly, if he was to turn him he'd have to have touched him at some point so perhaps it was best to get this shock out of the way.]
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[He'd gotten a little too excited there, and hadn't even realized it until Benjamin looked so startled; embarrassed, he withdrew his hands and wondered if the chill was why Benjamin never wanted to touch him. It certainly didn't bother him, given that people made of wax tended to feel a bit unusual when brought to life as well.
Now he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself - he'd made the choice, but there were still questions in his mind, he just felt a bit childish spilling nothing but questions while Benjamin answered so patiently.]
Should we... right away, do you think?
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[Benjamin explained quickly at the apology that had followed Ahkmenrah letting go of him. His eyes searched the other's face again. Was this the right thing to do or would Ahkmenrah come to hate him for doing this to him? He was so kind and happy in Benjamin's mind.
What if the realities of the life they would share weighed on him? Changed him? Of course it would change him, rarely does anyone not change at all when they're altered in such a fundamental way. But he trusted Ahkmenrah's judgement and his decision -- who was he to argue, truly. And selfishly he wanted him to so they could see the world together.]
Are you ready?
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I was the Pharaoh. I was a Pharaoh. You needn't show me special treatment for that, Benjamin, just knowing the depth of your respect is enough.
[The smile stayed on his face even as he considered whether or not he was truly ready for this. He couldn't seem to shake it off. You're just... the Pharaoh. The words felt as though they were caught inside him and glowing, like fireflies in a net.]
I - [No. He wasn't ready.] - I must speak to Larry first. I know he'll guard the tablet well in my absence, there's no doubt in my mind, but... [He just gave Benjamin a pleading look, hoping he'd understand why Ahkmenrah still needed reassurance before he could say a true goodbye.]
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You should settle everything that you need to. [He said, bowing his head slightly.] I would not have this any other way.