#and david tennant can't sit right in chairs

[ineffable-rohese]

Tone is hard to read on the internet. For example, my original post was a silly post joking about David Tennant's otherworldly qualities, with a subtext of "are we sure he's not queer?", coming from a silly conversation between queer woman and her queer NB spouse with limited knowledge of DT outside of his acting roles. The "I know he's not" should be read with a heavy dose of skepticism.

I'm saying this because, and I'm hoping it wasn't your intent, @unforgivablengk , you're coming across as really aggressive and straight up rude in your reply.

If you are trying to get across that it's societal BS that we assume people are straight until proven otherwise, I agree wholeheartedly! In fact, my top post on my blog (coincidentally from later the same day as this post) is this one where I make that exact argument (possibly in the tags, idk, it was a month ago), in the context of my decision to read DT as queer until he says something else. Somewhere I have another post about how having to come out is an undue burden and we should allow people to tell us who they are without requiring a press conference (but also that people are allowed their privacy and not to have other people bothering them).

But it feels like you are calling my spouse (who is so offline it's funny, so you're trying to argue with someone who isn't even in the room) heterosexist and homophobic because we had a silly exchange a month ago that wasn't perfectly stated to your expectations.

I guess just maybe don't assume the least charitable take on something?

My spouse (who is a casual GO and Dr. Who fan) about DT: I know he's not, but he just seems queer. There's something queer about him.

Me: I mean, he hasn't said anything, but at this point... He can't even sit straight.

Spouse: Are we sure he's even human?

Me: No. No we are not.

[dragon-kazansky]

Masquerade at midnight

Gender neutral reader

[Masterlist]

[Previous Chapter] - [Next Chapter]

Word count: 2.7k

Notes: Time for war.

♡♡♡

Chapter Twelve - Enter the battlefield

When morning comes around, the house is as still as it had been all night. Breakfast was served, but it was awkward. Mads hadn't come down to join them, no one said a word to Benedict as he came in and sat down, and Ben was the last to enter the room. Tom Hiddleston didn't even look at him as he came and took his seat. Daniel watched him cautiously. Jodie spared him a glance. Daniel had brought her up to speed last night over a drink.

Barry glared over at Ben from he sat. He wanted to give Ben another punch to the face, but Daniel warned him to behave over breakfast.

Lauren was worried sick, having spent the night in your room after learning you had not come back. Anson had gone to comfort her, but there wasn't much he could do. He was also angry that you had not been better protected.

David and Michael felt awful that they hadn't noticed what was happening last night. Both of them were in the building and hadn't done anything to help.

Eating was awkward. No one knew where to look, and no one said a word.

Anson glanced to the empty chair next to him where you should be sitting. It didn't feel right that you weren't there.

The air was tense. Everyone was uncomfortable.

Then Mads walked in. Everyone looked up when they saw him enter. Their eyes followed him to the end of the table. All but Ben's. He remained staring at his breakfast which remained untouched on the plate.

Mads was aware they were looking at him. He looked up as he sat down, letting his eyes wander over them. He said nothing, looking rather passive, and sat back in his chair. One of the maids came and filled a coffee cup for him. He let it sit there, steaming hot. One leg crossed over the other, he place one of his hands on his knee and turned his head to Ben.

Ben could feel his gaze on him. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to meet those of his master and his friend, well, who once considered him a friend.

No word is passed between them. They just look at each other until Ben can't take it anymore and lowers his gaze. Mads only tears his gaze away once Ben is no longer looking at him.

"If Jeremy wants a war, let us give him one."

All heads, even Ben's, shoot up to look at Mads once more.

"Are you sure it's time?" Daniel asks, concern in his eyes.

"There is no better time. He has taken someone dear from us, he hurt two of you, and he is playing a very dangerous game. Last night was a terrible disaster and I'm not ready to forgive for what happened, but we must make out move."

Everyone looks around at each other.

"Oscar, empty the weapon house."

Oscar just nods once and rises from his chair. He leaves the room swiftly.

"Hiddleston, take Cumberbatch and Tennant, defend the house."

All three of them rise from the table and leave the room.

"Ellis, take Lauren and Jodie, see to it my staff will safe when the time comes, bring them up to date and use whichever part of the house you deem the best to keep them protected."

They nod, Jodie signing to Lauren of their instructions. They also leave the room.

"Anson, take Michael and Barry to defend the garden. Do not leave us open to easy attacks."

Anson nods and gestures to Michael and Barry to follow him. They go.

Daniel looks between Ben and Mads. Ben has kept his head down the entire time.

"Daniel, will you fetch the dagger for me?" Mads asks, no looking at him. The master kept his gaze on Ben beside him.

"Of course."

Daniel leaves the room.

It was just the two of them now.

"Ben."

Ben raises his head and meets Mads' gaze.

"You are a fool."

"I know," he whispers in reply.

"You should have requested permission to leave. It was a dangerous risk you took."

"I know."

Mads sighs and shakes his head.

"If they are still alive, you must prove yourself to me and save them. If they are dead, I have no choice but to cast you out of my home."

Ben nods. He's so very quiet. He knows what he did, he knows he won't be let off lightly. If you're dead, Ben would rather have his existence ceased than to live on knowing he was at fault. He would beg Mads to end him if he had to.

"No go make yourself useful, I will have Jeremy lured here. Leave no part of my land defenceless."

Ben nods and excuses himself from the room quietly.

Mads remains sitting there for a while. He looks at his coffee cup. The contents have surely cooled down some now. He takes a sip. A maid comes over.

"Sir?"

Mads looks up.

"Do you want us to do anything?" She gestures to some of the staff who have gathered by the door. All his staff are human. He looks over at them.

"Protect our home. Stay safe. When he arrives, you will all go to where Ellis and the others have made safe for you. That is all I ask."

They nod and scurry away.

His beautiful family home was about to become a battlefield. Come sunrise tomorrow, he had no idea what would be left behind. This is what he must do. For his family, for his friends, for you.

Mads closes his eyes. If he tried hard enough, he could pretend you were still here, smiling at him from across the table. Safe and sound. You hadn't been under his roof long, but he cared for you beyond reason. He had asked something complicated of you and you agreed to do it. He should have gone with you himself. You should still be here.

Ben makes his way outside, round the back of the estate. Despite how warm and sunny it was, he wasn't in a very cheerful mood. The grounds felt less beautiful without you exploring them. His eyes land on Oscar who was unloading every weapon they had.

Oscar looked beyond pissed off. He was tense, brow furrowed tightly, clasping every box and crate with tight fists. Ben was aware of how fond of you Oscar had become. You may have been Oscar's only pupil, but you were defiantly the best. Oscar had every right to be angry with him. This was as good a place to start with his apologies.

Ben walks over to the training grounds. He comes to a step near the fence. His eyes trained on Oscar as the other man carried on emptying the shed. If Oscar knew he was standing there, he did not acknowledge it.

"Oscar."

The man barely falters in his work upon his name being said. He does not look in Ben's direction. He continues to stack weapon crates upon each other outside.

"I'm sorry."

Oscar stops what he's doing, leaning against the crate he had just placed on top of his current stack. His back is to Ben, head bowed down, knuckles white as he grips the box. Ben knows, at least, that he's listening.

"I know you're angry that I let his happen, I don't blame you. I'll make this right. I promise."

Oscar pushes off the crate and turns around quickly, glaring at the other man.

"You promise, do you?"

Ben nods.

Oscar scoffs. "Why did you ever leave their side? You never should have left that box."

"I saw Jeremy get up and leave-"

"NO! Stop that. It doesn't matter if he was there or not, you never should have gone after him. He probably wanted you to. Your priority should have been them. They are all that matters."

Ben nods, looking away, unable to keep looking at Oscar any more.

"If they're dead, I'll end you myself."

Ben looks back up at Oscar at that.

"I mean it," Oscar warns. "Someone I care about is now in he hands of the enemy, and I will never forgive you for that."

Barnes resists saying anything and just nods. He takes a step back and decides Oscar doesn't need, nor want, his help. He walks away. Oscar watches him go, relieved he didn't have to talk any more with him. Had he stayed any longer, Oscar didn't think he'd be able to hold himself from lashing out further.

For you, he had to remain calm and hope that there was a light at the end of all of this.

Once Ben had left, Oscar's attention was drawn to the staff of the house coming outside. Many of them were making their way over to him. He stops what he's doing to greet them as they come to a stop n the training grounds.

"Yes?"

"We are at your service Master Oscar."

He looks at the group that they had formed and nods his head.

"Then help get these around the house. I'll put some aside for some of you. Tonight this house will be well defended." They all nod and grab a box or two. Everyone in this house will do whatever it takes to keep it safe.

Ben makes his way out to the front of the house. Anson would be putting up defences out there. Maybe he would at least let him help.

Anson is having all garden furniture moved away. The green house is being cleared out. All his garden tools that he keeps outside are being put away inside the house. There are staff coming and going as Ben walks among the flowers. Anson is giving some instructions out as he guides those helping him. Ben spots Michael moving a table toward the house.

Anson sees Ben and sighs through his nose.

"Yes?"

"Need any more help?"

"Not from you."

Ben sighs loudly. "Is everyone turning their back on me?" He asks.

"Most likely. You did escalate everything. Now Mads has to put every defence he has up on his home and we have to prepare to fight. Keep in mind, we are probably going to be outnumbered," Mads says, looking at Ben unimpressed.

"I know. I didn't mean for this though. I didn't go out intending to bring the war here tonight."

"You better hope they're alive, Ben."

"I've heard this already. If they're not, I will ask Mads to end me."

Anson grows silent.

"You're serious?" He asks, just to be sure he heard that right.

"Yes."

"Ben, no one is asking you to go that far."

"I know, but it's what I deserve. Here," Ben removes his ring from his finger and hands it over to Anson, "you hold onto this. I won't need it if they're dead."

Anson looks at the ring that Ben had dropped into his hand. It feels heavy to him. This is a responsibility he did not ask for. Anson shakes his head back and forth.

"Don't do this."

Ben takes a step back.

"Ben-"

"Hold onto it. I'm going to leave everyone be for now. I'll be in the library. When the moon is high in the sky, I'll join you again. I deserve whatever happens to me today."

Anson goes to argue, but Ben has already turned around and walked away.

Ben enters the library, which had remained untouched, and closed the big beautiful doors behind him. Ben walks down the stairs slowly, in no rush to be anywhere. No one wanted him around. No one wanted his help.

His brown eyes scan over the shelves in search of something to occupy his time. His eyes land on a book and he plucks it from the confines of the shelf. He wanders over to a comfortable seat and sits down. Opening the book, he starts to read, intending to pass the time this way.

It works.

One book. Two books. Three books.

Halfway through the fourth, he starts to realise that the sun is setting. He looks up from the pages of the book and moves his eyes over to the door. He can hear voices and footsteps. Closing the book, Ben gets up and makes his exit from the library. Poking his head through the now open door, he sees the house staff grouping up and whispering among each other. He sees Lauren with them. 

Lauren turns her head and spots him. She looks at him for a moment and then returns her attention to the staff. She signs for them to head to the safe spot, and thanks them for their help today. They thank her back and begin to disperse. Lauren watches them go, along with Ben, and then she leaves.

Ben watches the staff make their way downstairs. The kitchen and their quarters are down there. He hears the door close and bolt on the other side. An empty crate lies outside the door. They have weapons if they need them.

Letting out a huge sigh, Ben makes his way to the foyer of the house. He does not cross another resident as he walks there. The foyer is empty too, but with his keep eye he spots traps set up. Careful not to trigger any, he makes his way to the open front door. Coming to a stop just under it, he spots Mads way up the road. Daniel and Hiddleston are out there too, but waiting a little behind.

Ben exits the house. He begins to make his way across the driveway, down the path past the gardens, and past Daniel and Tom. They watch him go. Ben walks over to where Mads stands. He has his head held high, hands clasped behind his back. Ben doesn't miss the glint of his ring on his finger.

Mads does not turn to look at him. He accepts Ben standing beside him.

"Thank you for joining us."

Ben keeps his eyes ahead.

"I'm not backing out. I have to make it up to you if they're alive."

"Yes, you do." Mads turns his head and looks at Ben. "However, you have made another stupid decision." 

Ben looks at him with confusion, but then realises what he's talking about when he holds open his hand.

"Anson gave me this. You should be wearing it."

It's Ben's ring.

"No."

"Ben-"

"No!"

Ben looks at him with determination. "It's what I deserve. If I fall, do not attempt to save me. Let him end me, or I will make the request to you."

Mads glares at him. This isn't what he wants.

"Don't be a fool."

Ben refuses he ring when Mads urges him to take it. Mads, annoyed with Ben's behaviour, clasps his fingers around the piece of jewellery. He keeps a tight hold onto it.

"You're an idiot, Ben."

"I'm aware."

They both turn their heads forward again.

The moon glows high above their heads. A wind blows through the trees. The lights in the house goes out. There isn't a sound on the grounds. It becomes silent.

Tom, who had his pocket watch in his hand, looks up from the ticking hands.

"Midnight."

Mads raises his head a little higher.

Just as they expected, figures begin to come into view. Many figures. An army of people. Only, they weren't human. Ben curls his hands into fists as he watches them come into view. There is a lot of them. They outnumber them severely.

"Master..."

"Wait," Mads says.

His eyes are trained on the man leading the army. Jeremy is leading them in all his glory. The man even has the audacity to look smug about it. Jeremy knows he has them won over on numbers. He has the advantage.

They stop approaching.

Mads scans the crowd, but he does not see you.

Jeremy grins, knowing exactly who he is looking for.

"What a warm welcome."

Mads says nothing. His eyes stare into Jeremy's.

"They're not here."

"Are they alive?" Mads asks.

Jeremy smirks, "maybe."

Mads does not appear to react, but both Jeremy and Ben know he is bothered by those words. Especially Ben, who looks away in shame.

"Are you ready to die?"

"Are you?"

Jeremy laughs.

"We'll see."

Silence falls among them once more. The two men stare at each other. Everything feels still. Except... one little thing.

Mads hears it.

Ben, seeing Mads has noticed something, looks at his master curiously.

Mads smiles slowly.

A heartbeat.

Your heartbeat.

You're alive.

♡♡♡

@lieutenantn @ntlmundy @ilussionary-forest @that-one-fandom-kid @mischief-siriusly-managed @madhatter2727 @gabrielapoe-16 @baronesszemo-blackwood @valquiria3000 @wannabevampire @ten-tenya-iida @crackedout @rothko-mirror @niceshadeofblue @my-fic-corner @bdffkierenwalker @nezla @bb-skyrunner @dezzylou24 @meganlpie @casi-eternal  @janine-007