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caiminnent · 3 years ago

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my demise, my downfall [kylux, rated M]

Summary: Hux had no idea that Ren, his bedmate and partner in crime, was actually Ben Organa-Solo, the sole heir of First Order's biggest rival in the industry.

He didn't know Ben had a girlfriend, either.

Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Tags: Jealousy, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, Use Your Words, Friends With Benefits To Lovers, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Armitage Hux is Not Nice, Kylo Ren isn't Much Better, Canon-Typical Behavior, Unhealthy Relationships

Notes: Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash, cropped.

2.9K || Also on AO3

Hux wakes up to gentle caresses, a feather-light finger drawing unrecognisable shapes over his shoulders, down his back.

His eyes ache behind his eyelids, that didn’t-sleep-enough taste in his mouth. Torn between giving in to his body’s demands for rest and enjoying the soft touch while it lasts, he drifts on the edge of sleep and wakefulness, basking in the pleasant warmth.

Something rattles far behind him, jerking him fully awake. The touch withdraws.

Pushing his disappointment down, Hux takes a deep breath and rolls onto his back. Ren is sitting up in the middle of the bed with his legs stretched out, tapping away at his phone.

“Go back to sleep,” Ren says without looking, his tone sleep-gruff. “’s not morning yet.”

“Why are you awake, then?” Hux mumbles, though he doesn’t particularly care about the answer. A short night wasn’t enough to make up for six weeks of absence; Hux won’t be settled without at least a few more hours of sleep, another round and brunch.

Thank fuck it’s Sunday.

Ren doesn’t respond, focused on whatever he’s doing on his phone. Stretching languidly on the bed, “Come back here, Ren,” Hux purrs, kicking the covers away in the process. Ren’s eyes latch onto the bared skin.

“Can’t,” Ren says, shaking his head. The phone buzzes again, as if reminding them of itself—as if it gave Ren a chance to forget it. “Got plans.”

Hux’s mood sours. Plans. Ren has barely returned to the Core Worlds and he’s already making plans with others.

“What plans?” Hux asks, keeping his tone mild. It can’t be work; they don’t hide Snoke’s various demands from each other, if only so Snoke won’t be able to blindside them later. Ren doesn’t have any friends in this sector, either—none that Hux knows of, at least. Is it that girl? Is Ren running out of Hux’s bed straight into her arms?

Hux has never woken up in Ren’s bed, but he now knows how it would feel to be kicked out of it.

Ren is still typing, not even acknowledging the question. What the hell is he writing, a novel?

“Let me guess, then,” Hux says, poison-sweet. “Early breakfast with your sunshine?”

Ren freezes.

A vicious delight fills Hux. “Unless you two had urgent business to take care of at the Resistance HQ,” he continues evenly, ignoring the tension that thickens in the air between them. “First Order’s latest requisitions have put them in quite the bind; your mother is right to want you on-site, now that you’re—”

—pinned on the bed with Ren’s overly warm body covering his, Ren’s forearm across his throat and knees on Hux’s shins. Ren’s other hand presses Hux’s wrists into the mattress; so close to the knife Hux keeps between the mattress and the headboard, but at the entirely wrong angle to grab it.

“Bastard,” Hux hisses in Ren’s face, the bed groaning as he feebly tries to shake Ren off. Ren presses his knobbly knees harder into Hux’s legs in answer, as if trying to dig grooves into Hux’s bones. The pressure on his neck remains steady, only hard enough to make it uncomfortable to swallow. A half-hearted threat at best.

What a bloody embarrassment.

“You’re not supposed to know any of that,” Ren snarls, his nostrils flaring as he glares down at Hux. Hux stares back, keeping his gaze steady and his breathing even. He’s never been afraid of Snoke’s hound; that won’t change now. “I know Snoke forbid you from investigating me. Have you been fucking—fucking digging anyway?”

Hux scoffs. As if he’s got the time to dig into Ren’s life. “I was having a business dinner at the Starkiller last month, when you walked in with your lovely girlfriend.” It’s quite telling that Ren didn’t even notice Hux there, so captivated by her. “Have you ever noticed how her voice carries, Ben?”

Ren growls low in his throat like the beast he is, his shoulders and neck tensing. Inhaling deeply, Hux waits for the moment Ren will put his crushing weight on Hux’s windpipe, visualising his hands clenching and unclenching as his body struggles to draw air into his burning lungs, unable to even scrabble at Ren’s forearm. The spots in his darkening vision until he can’t see Ren’s face anymore. Waking up with bruises on his tender neck—or not waking up at all.

Ren can’t kill him, though. He isn’t allowed to, not until Hux outlives his usefulness for Snoke. Killing Hux now would mean Ren signing his own death warrant.

“That name,” Ren says lowly, his breath warm on Hux’s face, “isn’t for you to use. Nobody—nobody—can find out that you know it, or there will be consequences.” He gives Hux a long look, anxiety shining through the ebbing fury in his eyes. What happens if word of Ren’s real name gets out? What’s so important about it? “Hux. Do you understand?”

Hux scoffs. “Yes, damn you. I won’t tell anyone.” He wasn’t planning to anyway; this sort of personal information is more valuable as a bargaining chip. When the time comes, he’ll benefit from having leverage over Snoke’s protégé. It just might turn the tide in Hux’s favour.

Satisfied, Ren rolls off and away from Hux. For a moment, Hux can only breathe as his blood rushes back into his feet and hands with that pins-and-needles sensation. Something dark and ugly gathers in the pit of his stomach, a need to sink his teeth into Ren’s throat until he tastes blood rising in him.

Later. His chance will come later.

Ren’s found his trousers on the floor, putting them on. Hux feels oddly naked, vulnerable in only soft trousers while Ren dons his armour again.

Well, Hux is clearly not going back to sleep. Might as well start his day.

“I hope you realise that this cannot continue,” he says conversationally, stepping into his slippers. No point of pulling the sheets up; he’s going to throw them all in the wash as soon as Ren leaves anyway. “This double life of yours, I mean—it’s too much of a risk to allow.”

“It’s not a double life,” Ren grumbles, trying to shake the wrinkles out of his shirt. The spiteful part of Hux hopes that Ren won’t have time to change out of the mussed state Hux put him in before his plans.

“Well, what would you call it?” Hux asks, raising a brow. “Polished, charming Organa-Solo heir on one side, Snoke’s brooding enforcer on the other? Unless I’m wrong and you’re mixing business and pleasure, in which case Ben’s dry cleaner had better be very discreet.”

“I’m not—” Ren cuts himself off with a huff, his unbuttoned shirt hanging off his shoulders. His glare isn’t quite effective with the entire bed between them. “Look, Snoke knows. Okay? He encourages me to keep Ben Organa-Solo alive—to have past connections we can use. I’m doing his bidding.”

“Sunshine—or whatever her name is—she’s one of your honeypot assignments, then?”

Ren runs his teeth over his bottom lip. “I didn’t say that.”

The space behind Hux’s eyes is throbbing, the beginnings of a headache making itself known. Kriffing Ren and his kriffing inability to say one thing straight.

His robe hangs off the hook behind the door—a strategic mistake. “What, then?” Hux asks as he strides over to it, the luxurious fabric his lifeline to feeling a little more put-together. A little more like himself. “Care to explain how she fits into the picture?”

“None of your fucking business,” Ren mutters—suspiciously like around something. Hux is unsurprised to turn and find one of those death-sticks between Ren’s lips and a lighter in his hand, though annoyance is another matter entirely. “I’m doing my damn job; what more do you care?”

Hux fishes out an ashtray from his vanity with a pointed sigh, throwing it vaguely Ren’s way on the bed. Ren picks it up before dropping himself on the edge of the mattress, balancing the ashtray on a thick thigh.

“You wouldn’t be so cagey if you were only following orders,” Hux points out, ignoring the light tickle at the back of his throat. If Ren drops a smatter of ash on his carpets, there will be hell to pay. “What is it? Does she know something she shouldn’t?” Hux can make it go away, if she does.

“No, of course not. She knows nothing.”

Right. Very convincing.

Crossing his arms over his chest, “Is that so?” Hux asks, leaning a hip against the vanity. Ren barely glances at him before turning to the closed window, blowing the smoke out of a corner of his mouth. “Say, Ren, what does she think that you’re doing for a living? Snoke’s bodyguard works only so well when the man is bedbound. How do you explain your long trips abroad? Or the nights you return smelling of sex?”

Ren releases a long breath, loud in the otherwise quiet room. He ashes his cigarra and takes another drag, cool as you please, while irritation crawls underneath Hux’s skin.

It’s like Hux isn’t even kriffing there.

An odd desperation tugging at his chest, “Or maybe she already knows that you’re fucking someone on the side,” Hux throws, spitefully hoping for it to land.

Ren’s jaw works, his lips pressing into a line.

There.

It’s all of ten steps from his spot to Ren’s. “You’re loyal as a dog; I don’t imagine I’m your dirty secret,” Hux adds as he takes them slowly, satisfaction buzzing through him. Ren’s shoulders grow more rigid with each word, the ashtray moving as his legs tense. “Maybe it’s a thingbetween you two. Is that why you never shower here—because she likes smelling another man on you, feeling how open you still are from—”

“Rey’s my cousin, you jackass,” Ren snarls, a vein pulsing on his forehead. A knot unravels in Hux’s stomach. “What the fuck is it to you anyway? I know you don’t get lonely without me.”

The anger Hux was aiming for—the unmissable undercurrent of hurtin Ren’s tone gives him a pause. Hux hasn’t taken a lover since he and Ren started their… arrangement. He could have—and perhaps should have, instead of relying on his hand alone to get him through Ren’s weeks-long disappearances—but he didn’t even want to.

It worries him, sometimes.

“It’s a matter of security,” Hux says, waving it off. “Secrets have a way of leaking during pillow talk, you know that better than anyone.”

Ren laughs, bitter and hollow. Something in Hux twists at the sound. “Security,” Ren spits out, putting out the cigarra like it offended him personally. “Do you wanna do background checks on everybody I slept with while I was gone, then?”

Sharp hurt jolts through Hux.

Ren is staring at him with an intensity that borders on uncomfortable, waiting. Hux unclenches his jaw, breathing through his nose. “You’re an old hand at this; I’ll trust your judgment,” he responds, turning away. What is he doing, reacting to Ren? What the hell is wrong with him?

Ren grabs him by the wrist, jerking him to a stop.

Irritation rises in Hux again. “Ren,” he bites out in warning.

“No really, I think you should,” Ren says, a dark look shining in his eyes. “I don’t remember every name, but I can give you some other details. I’m sure your network of stalkers—sorry, slicers can find out enough.”

“My slicers have more important intel to chase after,” Hux bites out, looking pointedly at Ren’s hand around his wrist. The grip is loose enough that he might break himself free, but suffering the indignity of struggling doesn’t quite appeal to him. Once was enough. “Will you let me go?”

“Only if you admit it.”

Hux scoffs. “Admit what, exactly?”

“Admit that you’re jealous.” Hux goes ice-cold all over. “You hated thinking about me with Rey, didn’t you?”

Of course not. What a ridiculous claim. Hux holds a certain dislike for missing out on critical intel—understandable given his line of work—and finding out that he’s been left entirely in the dark about Ren, Snoke’s other right-hand man and the only person Hux remotely trusts in the First Order, was a bit of a hit. That’s all there is to it. He’s got no reason to be jealous of some girl who calls Ren by his given name, who can laugh and joke with Ren, be seen in public with Ren, who can loop an arm around Ren as they leave—

The dismissal gets stuck in his throat.

“Because I hated it,” Ren murmurs, looking into his eyes. Hux wants with his whole being to escape the depth of feeling in Ren’s earnest gaze—can’t look away. “Thinking about others warming your bed while I was fucked off on some bullshit mission that barely needed me—it killed me, Hux. Tell me you hated it, too. Tell me you want me to be only yours.”

Only Hux’s. As if Ren, with his constant need for attention and validation, wouldn’t chafe under Hux’s negligence.

Hux shakes his head, wishing he could shake off this spell just as easily. Ren must be similarly addled if he’s talking of fancies of flight like exclusivity. “You don’t know what you’re saying. This isn’t what we agreed on, Ren.”

The light in Ren’s eyes dims. Hux hates himself.

“You’re right,” Ren says, his tone just above a whisper. A glance downwards—he starts buttoning up his shirt like he’s being timed on it, only barely getting the order right. “Sorry I ruined it, I thought—never mind what I thought, I’ll just see myself out. You won’t see me again unless Snoke summons both of us, promise.”

Ren rushes past Hux and out of the bedroom, pulling the door closed behind himself. It hits Hux in the next moment that perhaps he should’ve stopped Ren.

Stars, what a kriffing mess. Hux intended only to stop Ren from jumping off a cliff in the hopes that Hux would follow, not to end what they had. Leave it to Ren to take it as an absolute rejection.

He takes a deep breath, running his hands through his hair. All right. All right. First step: He can’t let Ren storm off. Ren will be damn near impossible to get a hold of if he leaves like this; Hux’s network truly has more important matters to take care of. Hux needs to make him stay long enough to listen.

As for what Hux will say to fix this, well. He supposes he can tell Ren what Ren wants to hear. He can set his pride aside for a moment. It should be good, shouldn’t it? It should be enough.

It had better be enough.

Inside, Ren is nowhere to be found, his jacket and trainers gone. Hux hasn’t heard the Silencer’s roar, though. Hoping he’s not too late, he grabs his keys off the hook and dashes down the front stairs, catching up with Ren just as Ren reaches his bike.

“Ren,” he says, embarrassingly breathless.

Ren turns to him with wariness etched on his guarded face. He’s waiting for beratement, Hux suspects, or the tongue-lashing that Hux is famous for.

“I was lonely without you,” Hux confesses in a rush, words tumbling out of his mouth in his haste to get them out before they clog up his throat. “When you were away, I—I missed you. I did.” Do whatever you want with it.

A series of emotions cross Ren’s face, too fast to parse. A part of Hux—a part that will always remain Armitage no matter how hard Hux tries to purge it—wants to curl into a ball and hide from the moment Ren will laugh in his face for falling for such a blatant prank.

“Hux,” Ren breathes, breaking into a wide grin. It’s the goofiest, stupidest expression Hux has ever seen on his face—and entirely devoid of any mockery. “You missed me?”

“I won’t repeat it,” Hux says, ignoring the growing heat of his cheeks. Least of all in the middle of the street, where all his neighbours would overhear them if it weren’t shit-early on a Sunday—wearing nothing but his robe and slippers.

Stars. What a disgrace.

Ren’s phone buzzes loudly in his pocket. He fishes it out only far enough to silence it, letting it go to voicemail. “I really have to go,” he says with a touch of regret in his tone, running the backs of his fingers down Hux’s cheek. “But I’ll come back right after, okay? I’ll come back to you.”

Such coddling. Hux wants to roll his eyes, but the look on Ren’s face, the same one as when he said tell me you want me to be only yours, stops him.

“You had better,” he mutters instead. It’s a new sort of thrill, getting a genuine grin out of Ren.

Cupping Hux’s face, Ren presses a hard kiss on his lips before getting on his bike. Hux watches him leave with an inexplicably heavy heart.

He misses Ren already.

#kylux #Kylo Ren #Armitage Hux #Star Wars #Cai does words #finished fics #this got much sappier than planned #no regrets

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punkandsnacks · 4 years ago

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Between Wolves & Doves, Chapter Fourteen; Ambush.

Author: @punk-in-docs & @adamsnackdriver

Also on AO3-

Masterlist-

Trigger Warnings: !!! illness and swooning in this chapter, I mean, seriously, a regency era fic isn’t a regency era fic without the heroine getting caught in a rainstorm-!!!

Synopsis: Vampire!Kylo x OC love story. Inspired by BBC’s Dracula. Also inspired by Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

He’s been stalking this earth long since civilizations can possibly fathom. Before records even began. He sneers at the fact that this pitiful young world has only just begun to see his reign of it.

He’s dined with moguls, emperors, princes. He’s consorted with bloodthirsty ruthless Queens in their courts, and whispered into the ears of powerful King’s, whose names still echo through millennia.

In his myriad of centuries gifted to his immortal self he’s been many many things. He’s been a lowly pauper. A crusading knight. An assassin. A sell sword. A soldier. A wanderer. A simpering suitor and a voracious unyielding lover. Aimlessly lost in time- besieging this earth. Ripping it apart and drinking what’s left.

He was made in the hinterland between snow and dirt and pine trees. Crusted with ash and blood and gouged from battle. Born anew. Sired from the hell-mouth of war. He was made in 789 AD.

He’ll come undone, one bitter winter night, in England, in 1816.

~ ~ 🥀 ~ ~

All was eerily quiet when she was returned home. The front exterior of the house is so cold and still. As cloudy as the overcast sky behind it.

The rain had eaten away all the lingering frost and snow. Cold slush now took its place. When night falls again all the wet will sharpened back into frost. More snow will doubtless come in this stinging winter. She can sense the chowder thick clouds far off in the heavens shudder with the possibility of more.

Even the icy landscape was unaffected by wind or noise. Everything was silenced. Blotted out and muffled. The woods seemed eerily quiet.

Means she could hear where her heart was thudding all the more noisily where it cowered scared in her ribs.

She alighted from Lord Ren’s carriage, onto the gravel drive, sitting the door thereafter. Thanking Ramsey, the kind driver. When he cracked the whip to start the horses her whole being tensed. She flinched.

Her heart seized up with every crunching step on the gravel. She tried to clutch to her courage. Grit her teeth and prepare for the audible assaults soon to sting at her ears. As spewed words and vitriol will doubtless fall harsh from her mothers purse lipped mouth like stabbing hard hail.

Death by ten thousand blows of her sharp disapproving tongue.

Her whole body is roiling to head back into this house. She feels nauseas to consider stepping back into the foyer of her home. She knows there will only be nastiness and questions to welcome her into the enfold. Back into the waiting room of her life until marriage comes to claim her.

She’d far rather be back at one of the most handsome houses in the county. Sat fireside, in company with the most intriguing creature she’s ever met. Knowing Kylo as she does, he’d find that most diverting.

Iris hungers much more after the presence of a deadly hulking great vampire instead. Yet she cannot fathom or stand to embrace the company of her acerbic fork-tongued mother.

He’d laugh at that crippling irony, she’s sure. Kiss the back of her hand. His eyes would glitter like two discs of a far off starry night sky. Black and full of hidden knowledge and transient things.

The eyes that had completely seared her soul. Always had done. His smile had broken open her heart and scored his very name on her weak beating muscled thing. It flutters and lives for want of loving him - and yet she can’t. Everything in her situation and home life decrees otherwise.

She wants a man she cannot have. The pain of it presses upon her greatly.

She approaches the stubborn old warped wood of the front door. Steps up onto the wonky sunken stone porch. The faded white paint. Chipped and peeling in many places. Grains of the bare wood poke through.

She wonders what censure awaited on the other side of this old chunk of oak.

She raises a hand but her veins clog with cloying uncertainty. Halting. She gathers herself up before she knocks. Stood there shivering in her laundered coat and dress. Kylo had insisted on seeing to some new boots for her. Sadly, her old-beaten cracked leather things could not be salvaged. He sent out for new ones from Mr Grassby’s store. Finest in the county.

Now whenever she has warmed toes she’ll think of him. Fur lined dark leather boots with strong laces. She can’t thank him enough.

She tugs her old coat around herself. Not aware that Kylo would’ve had her an entire new coat and dress to go home in, if he wasn’t so sure of her protest. He let her be. But he so badly wants to see her spoiled. He so badly wants to be the man who does spoil her.

Her clean cotton skirts sway about her legs. How the redoubtable Mrs Jones had gotten the mud stains out of her clothing she’d not a clue - the woman used witchcraft as an aid she’s sure. In most things.

The broth she’d served Iris was of her own recipe, harping back to her days as a ladies maid. And, she proudly exclaimed, every ladies maid worth her very honour and credibility, knew how to make a restorative broth. Iris supped four bowls of it right down. It was utterly ambrosial.

Oddly, her spirits were lifted a little by thoughts of them. Of how they conveyed their kindness to her. She’s almost certain it stemmed from Kylo’s fondness for her too. And that is such a lovely thing to consider.

She thinks of Jomar. The slender tall poplar tree of a man. She thinks of his sour wit and his ready quips to his master. His cinnamon and warm honey and milk of a voice. The way each of his fine satin coats smell like cloves and sweet fruit and honey wine and life. The fine bright silk of his turban and his coat. The slash of silver on his right wrist. Always exotic and wryly comforting.

She thinks of Mrs Jones. The stout bodacious shaped woman. Accurate as a well turned clock. She had an efficient manner. Dark brittle russet hair shot through with bolts of fantastic silver. Always styled neat as a pin. She had a handsome mature face with ruddy cheeks and a pair of warm grey eyes that turned cold like harsh heavy gravestones if she was displeased with anyone. Hinting at her years of hierarchy in the household. Wrinkles by her eyes and mouth from her smiles. The best way to age, Iris thought.

She wore her strictly pressed uniform of soft black. With a set of keys latched to her waist. Orderly and strict in comparison to the colourful candour of Jomar. They worked well as a pair of contrasting servants. And she could see why Kylo loved them enormously. After three mere days at Hellford, she did too.

She recalls fondly waking up to the sight of Lord Ren in the armchair by the end of his bed. Leafing through the pages of a book as she slept. Keeping watch. The beast Keeping thorough guard of his Dove.

She watched him, through hooded bleary eyes. Sticky with sleep but she admires the way his big hands so carefully turned the delicate pages. The span of them dwarfing the little novel he so ably devoured.

She wondered how many books he had read in all his time on this earth.... she’d have to enquire one day. She wants to hear everything he’s seen. Every truth. Every historic story or tale he carries with him. She wants to devour this man’s rich juicy brimming life whereas hers seemed so flat and stuffy and grey.

She watches him in that tiny unaware moment. How he breathed. How quickly those savage eyes demolished the words of the page. How his lip quirked at the corner if he read something amusing or interesting. How his ink hair fell over his handsome brow. He didn’t sweep it back. He left it there.

After she’d slept off the symptoms. She wakes up drowsy, and he’s still there. At the end of the bed. Hasn’t moved. And then they just talk.

Interrupted by Jomar or Mrs Jones bringing them trays of excellent food or drink. Bowls of mutton stew dotted with onions, leeks and peas, or silky lobster bisque and warm buttery bread. A tea service with plates piled with fruitcakes or ginger baked biscuits.

She regained her appetites fairly quickly. Kylo comments on this. She fears it appears unfeminine. He ensures her he likes to see a woman with a healthy appetite. Most women of his acquaintance peck at their food like overstuffed starlings.

She praises his cook as she eats through bed tray after bed tray of good restorative food, and his eyes glow with mirth.

It’s humbling. Peaceful.

She forgets that she’s an unmarried woman and he’s a single man of large fortune. Sat up there in that crimson velvety bed. Sheets pulled to her lap. Wrapped up in a nightgown and dressing robe. She must look a fright with barely combed hair and an ashen complexion from her affliction. He sat in the armchair opposite, and didn’t even see all the things she was fretting about. He just saw her. His beauty. His dove.

They just... conversed. And to Iris? It is the best evening of her life to date. She’s never smiled so much. She made him smile too. He laughed at her comments. That one evening with Lord Ren made her feel more cherished and treasured than in all her outings with the spoiled titian haired Sergeant.

She lets that thought and those memories keep her buoyant as she reaches for the door handle. But as she does she shrinks back, yelping in shock as the door is torn open from the other side.

The beaming face of Meg, their maid, greets her. There in her beige gown and white starched apron and cap. Her grin splits her face and she yanks the eldest Miss Ashton inside. Yammering on and on about something Iris’s ears can’t keep up with.

She grabs the back of her collar and spins her around, shrugging her out the coat. Still gabbing on about all she’d missed in her absence. Flora and Posy bought more ribbons. And a Posy bought an ugly bonnet to pull apart and make it up prettier. They’d not had much bother with the rain. And then she starts on asking how Iris is as she takes her bonnet and gloves off her. Snatched them away to hang them up.

Before Iris can fathom how or why, Meg is herding her toward the front parlour. Arm slung in hers, she steps her quickly across to the door. Opens it for her and almost elbows her inside. She stumbles gracelessly into the parlour. Not shocked to see her mother. Swathed in her Apple green muslin day dress. White diamond shawl around her arms.

She is surprised, however. To see Hux sat on the settee opposite her mama. Fully kitted out. Not in his uniform for once. But in a blue coat and a striped gold waistcoat. Bottle green breeches on his skinny legs, tucked into shining brown boots ending at his knees.

When she comes through the door he rises suddenly to attention. Hands tucking behind his back as he bows to her. In this pallid light his hair shone a brilliant red. Contrasting to the pale parlour. His eyes were emeralds and sapphires.

Iris can’t deny he’s a genial man. Red locks and dazzling piercing blue eyes. Curling ocean waves and blazing flames. And he is a beautiful man; were it a time before even meeting or knowing Lord Ren, she would of course comprehend the matter of his allurements.

But she’s been well and truly ensnared. Taken away heart and soul, by hair darker than a ravens plumage, and eyes so dark russet they nearly betrayed the starry sky.

She didn’t want blazing flames and ocean waves. She longed instead for onyx leather, silver steel and cloudy woodsmoke.

Mama seems pleased to see her. A sickly smile stains her lips. Iris’ heart consequently turns to stone. She expected a flurry of abuse and screeches. Instead she is offered this calm grin. It’s unsettling

She is dizzy with sickness that spreads through her. She sways on her feet. Steadies herself on the open door. Stomach squirming like maggots on rotten meat.

“Sergeant Hux...” She curtseys clumsily to him. Meg slams the door softly behind her. Iris blinks at the brute force of it. Jumping forwards a little. The sound of it rattled through the house and knocked through her brittle bones.

“Forgive me. I’d no idea you were in attendance.” Iris looks pointedly from him to Mama. Who grins wider at her eldest’s words.

“I hear you fell ill. Miss Ashton. I do hope you are well recovered.” Hux pipes up.

Standing with his hands folded behind him. Legs poker straight. Military stance infused into every grain of his etiquette. Even every ounce of his affection is quashed under it. Tamped down. His face betrays little emotion on seeing her. There is nothing but fond regard in his eyes.

“Thankyou. I am well. An affliction and a fever, caught from a rainstorm.” She explains. Knowing full well the huskiness of her faded voice supported her story.

“Lord Ren was so... kind. To offer you shelter at such a time.” Mama manages through a clenched jaw. Fussing with the corners of her shawl.

“He is very kind.” Iris defends. Mothers smile only grows all the more. Corners of her dagger grey eyes pinched with wrinkles.

“Let us not talk of that man now. We have far more important things to come to. The Sergeant wished for a moment alone with you.” Mama explains. Rising elegantly to her feet. Gliding in Iris’s direction toward the door.

Iris steps aside. But not before her mothers hand - talon - gripped her wrist and she leaned in under the guise of embracing her daughter. Something she has never done to any of her girls, or ever made any effort to do so.

“It’s so pleasing to have you home again. My dear.” She speaks as she leans in. Iris isn’t surprised that she then hisses under her breath.

“If you dare ruin this chance for us...” She snarls. Her breath lands hot on her cheek. The scent of violet perfume making Iris feel quite sick when mingled with the essence of abuse and the stinging grip on her arm.

Mother is all genial smiles again when she turns to quit the room. The door softly shutting in her wake is a delicate blotted sound.

But Iris is convinced there is some sort of tempest quaking her chest and heart. It pounds and rags the space between her lungs and shoots up her spine like a congreve rocket bursting and deafening in her blood.

She moves closer into the room. Hux stands stiffly but approaches her with timidly cautious steps. She stands with her hands folded in front of herself. He clears his throat to begin.

“I um. I spoke with your father this morning. All seems to be settled hereabouts. I won’t bother you with such details. It’s not for your knowledge...” He begins with a brief little smile. His manner decidedly offhanded.

Iris swallows. Suddenly her throat is clogged with cotton. Her mouth is as dry as a bucket of claggy sand. As if she’s swallowed great mouthfuls of it. She’s waiting for the fall of the axe.

She looks up into his face. He seems jittery. But then he’s reaching over and taking one of her hands to hold. His palms are smooth and uncalloused. She far prefers hands much bigger and with more life scarred on them than these lily white hands. He holds her fingers delicately.

And he sinks to take to one knee-

“I am not a man inundated with passion or words and thoughts of giddy romance. But I can promise you a steady home and a decent income.” He vows. Something tells Iris he would never break his word. She knew he was honest enough to see her comfortable in life.

But that’s the crux of the poison of doubt flushing in her belly - she doesn’t want to just be comfortable for the rest of her life.

“Iris Ashton. Would you do me the honour of granting me your hand in marriage?” He asks in that same loveless way. Producing a box from his great coat pocket.

A gold band with one near round diamond. Neat. Ordinary and unassuming.

She looks down at him. His eyes were clear and true. Expression so vulnerable and honest with her. Whatever else he was - rude, arrogant, pedantic and snotty - he was always atleast honest with her. Her temples strain as her brain flits and fogs with ten thousand flighty thoughts. They fidget and toss like a vicious tide breaking on rocks. Crashing and devastating.

She opens her mouth, and nothing but a choked sound comes out. She rifles every corner of her brain for thoughts or feelings. But she can find none. She can only find one conclusion- even though it shatters her heart into bleeding cold shards.

“Yes. I’d be delighted.” She rasps out. Hux didn’t notice how no light nor sparking joy shone off her grey eyes. Only the silver of tears.

Hand over her mouth because she cannot fully believe what she’s just done. Her eyes water and she suspects Hux now thinks her a very foolish fop of a chittish girl, indeed.

He takes that ordinary and characterless ring and slides it on her finger. It’s just pinching enough to fit. Her hand trembles and Hux takes it.

“There.” He smiles. Rising to his feet. Doesn’t make any move to embrace her. Or take her in his arms. It stings at her for some benign reason. Niggles at the back of her head. He was following the rules of propriety and suddenly she found an oddity in that.

“Our families will be thoroughly delighted. I feel.” He adds. She doesn’t tell him the sad irony of that admission. She swallows and looks down at the cold band of metal trapping her finger.

It felt like the parlour walls were closing in. Choking and clawing at her. Suffocating. Her blood felt ten degrees too hot. Roiling in her stupid foolish veins.

“I can safely vow I will always do the honourable thing by you.” He suddenly spouts out. “I ask you would do the same.”

“Sergeant-“ She begins. Pausing for breath.

“You may of course, call me Hux now. We are betrothed after all.” He points out. Smiling affably. Here began the journey of their affable little life.

She blinks. Stemming the sadness. “I could never presume to-“ Her words die slowly in her throat. Don’t even make it past her teeth.

“I may promise you I would never willingly dishonour or hurt anyone. Let alone my intended. I am many things. But spiteful is not among them.” She promises with a shaky smile. If he knew her better, he’d understand that.

He looks glad.

They are interrupted by the parlour door falling open and Mrs Ashton makes her entrance again. When she catches sight of their smiling faces and the ring glinting on Iris’s hand she swoops across, all charms and kisses, to wish them both joy.

She insists on a dinner party. Sends a Julia to tell cook to start preparing at once. And for Simpson to fetch the finest bottle of burgundy from the cellar. And sends out a rider from the farm with a missive for Hux’s parents to come and join them in a celebratory feast.

Posy and Flora come bouncing and screaming in to wish their congratulations and immediately ask about the wedding and their bridesmaid dresses. They twirl Iris in circles. Kiss her. Flutter with giggles and immature gleeful smiles. Mother, Hux, and her sisters all get lost in gabbling conversation. Asking questions about the estate, the land, his commission. They all get swept along and Iris is rather left out of it.

She barely feels when Hux scoops up and holds the hand closest to him. His grip firm yet gentle on hers.

She’s perfectly numb.

She sits on the settee next to a man she doesn’t and can never love, as her wedding is plotted around her. Carving around her like water. Her sisters excited whispers bubble and chirp around her ears like a flock of chaffinches.

She pasted on a smile. A false hollow one.

The hand he isn’t clutching sits dead and dull in her lap. She looks down at her palm where it rested in her skirts. Remarking to herself unfairly on the sudden ambush of his proposal.

She watches the ring glint off the amber fire, lit directly in the hearth to her left. She stares at her fingers for a moment. Transfixed. Occupied.

Seemed such an odd addition to her hand. An extension of her in diamonds and gold. And it didn’t feel right. It felt leaden. Devoid of love. Lacking- she’s been weighted and found wanting and that thought eats away at her.

She looks up into the doorway when her father comes in to wish her joy. Reticently stepping in the room. No one else pays him any sort of mind. They’re all conversing most animatedly. He catches his eldest daughters eye-

The most sad expression awaits her on his face. He looks haggard. As if this news has aged him in some newly impossible way.

Iris holds his look for a second. Gives him a wobbly smile. He looks mightily ashamed. And Iris realises it’s the first time she’s even seen her fathers eyes look so raw.

Red rimmed where he’s swiped away tears with the damp kerchief still in his right hand. He looks quickly from her over to Hux, and the message is more than clear.

She looks down into her lap. She has too. Her eyes sting with tears and her lip will tremble if she doesn’t. She can’t look at his sadness and not see her own pitiful state and woefulness reflected right back at her in his sea foam eyes.

Even he pulls on a mask. His smile grows when Hux stands to shake his hand. He looks as pleased as everybody else in the room. Wishes joy to the newlyweds. Kisses iris on the cheek and she feels the dampness on his skin where his sideburns scrape.

The dreary night wears on. Hux talks about something or other to Mama. Posy and Flora are haranguing the newly arrived Maratella with questions as to the estate. They’re all insensible and silly and they get on marvellously. And Iris listens to her sisters have the cheek to ask if they should get up a party to all of them go to Brighton in summer. As Iris is now newly engaged. She’s considered proper. She can chaperone them. Or they squeal she could have an engagement party with tea and fancy cream cakes to settle Iris at Hux’s ancestral seat.

Brendol is having a refill of wine poured by their maid. Not saying much of anything to anyone. Only some nonsense about how Iris had better bare his son a healthy string of grandsons. Who would all be soldiers like their father. Iris bites her tongue. Unhappy to think she’d go through the pain of having beloved and cherished children, only for him to sell them into battle as canon fodder.

“Excuse me. I must go change for dinner.” She smiles weakly. Hux nods. Lets her hand slither out of his. Barely looks at her as she moves off. Instead talks with her mother about a date to set the wedding. Sometime soon, he presses. As he is away in the autumn and he wants to be married, and Iris settled with child by then. Awfully grand that his goals didn’t seem to include her opinion at any turn.

Mama seems awfully excited. She doesn’t notice when Iris’s father catches her hand as she moves past his armchair. He holds it for a second and looks up at her. Doleful reproach in his eyes that spoke eloquently of his contrition.

He sighs slightly as his thumb rubs over the ring on her hand. He knows she won’t be happy. He knows how miserably she suffers all this matchmaking. He should have put a stop to it, but he was always overruled. He was a spectator watching it all unfold.

And now he has to sit here and watch the brightest spark that was his eldest, get shackled in matrimony to a man who will never grow to love her. It was clear that all Hux will ever love is his uniform and his Sergeancy. She deserves better. A better father, a better fiancé. He wishes he could give it to her.

He didn’t marry for love. He married for convenience. And his sweet girls are the only good things to come out of the loveless match to the snappish cruel woman that was his wife. Posy and Flora are perhaps silly and vapid. And Iris had more wit in her little toe, than his two younger girls had in their whole bodies altogether. But still he loves them dearly. All of them.

He’d die for his daughters merriment, and he could die of shame of this whole fetid situation, right here and now.

Now he was sat here, helpless, watching that same agony of a forced match, get thrusted upon his beautiful Iris. She will grow dull and be subjugated and oppressed by this man. She’s already losing that spark that used to live in her moonstone eyes. Drawing into herself and biting her tongue.

He wished, he wished beyond everything in his grasp, he wished so hard that his bones hurt. He prayed that he could open his mouth and say all this to her. But yet again. He must prevail upon his silence.

He squeezes her hand. Bolsters her with a little comfort. He swallows and gives her a smile. “Pray- t’is nothing. Forgive me. I forget what I...wanted to say.” He confesses gently to her.

When Iris slides noiselessly out the parlour door. Caroline’s eyes slice into her husband. He looks back at her with a dull look of anger on his weathered face. Forcing Iris to join with this snobbish boy and these outlandish and boastful people. He could very well hate her for it. Her unfeeling nature of it all. He’s never been more sure of his revulsion toward her.

Iris isn’t long changing and dinner is not far off either. She drifts back downstairs in a gown of emerald silk. Let’s Hux take her arm and lead her to the table, where they all sit down to a grand dinner. As grand as Westwell could boast of, anyhow.

One of Mrs Murphy’s best spreads; A boiled joint of ham, served with parsley sauce. A leg of mutton. Enough boiled or roasted potatoes to feed all of Hampshire. Jugged hare and creamed celery and Buttered carrots. And there’s plenty of juicy platters of rich darkly opulent fruits and syrup tarts for pudding. A slate of plums and grapes and pomegranates. Surrounding a cheese plate of Stilton, Brie, and cheddar.

Iris doesn’t manage more than a couple of mouthfuls. Even though the boiled ham with parsley sauce is her favourite dish. She doesn’t manage to swallow down more than a few meagre scraps of it. The wine and the conversation flows all around her. She cannot help but be introspective about this whole sordid thing.

Her throat is cloyed. Like scraping fire and glass shards when she tries to swallow anything. It does nothing to nourish the fathomless pit that’s formed in her stomach.

Everyone raises a crystal goblet of Bordeaux to the newlyweds health.

Maratella comments that Hux has caught himself a fine bride. Winking at Iris. Crowing of how beautiful her first grandchild will be of their combined colouring. And she apparently wants a bushel of them.

“It will be so cheering to have a house full of young infants again. Little ones to dote on. I do so adore them and I’m most looking forwards to it.” Maratella cooed. Aiming her words to Mrs Ashton. But letting her daughter-in-law hear them too.

Iris swallowed her wine with a thud. She can’t even appreciate the bouquet of it tonight. Her tongue is too sour. The wine tastes like bilious floral soap and compost.

She looks down in her lap, fiddles with her napkin. Forces herself to smile and choke down the sip of it even though Maratella and her insinuation and the suffocating image of a houseful of squalling titian haired infants makes her feel quite sick.

Hux makes no comment either. He merely carries on chewing his slices of roast mutton. Flora and Posy ask Iris a million questions each, in the span of ten minutes. She answers succinctly and completely ignores their requests for silken bridesmaids dresses and new slippers.

Iris’s eyes flicker over to her mother when Maratella enquires as to her recent fevered affliction at Hellford park. Mama does not hold back in her derisions regarding Lord Ren.

“I know not in what kind of uncultured society that man was raised. But he is so uncouth. And superior.” Mrs Ashton offers.

“I find his manners a little odd. Thank goodness the attachment is severed for good now.” Maratella says.

Mrs Ashton turns to get a helping of creamed celery. Iris gives her daggers across the table.

When their guests depart to leave, after supper and after a game of whist and snifters of port or sherry in the parlour. Iris stands there in the cold foyer as her intended pulls on his coat.

She nods her goodbyes to him and his family as Brendol barks at him from the coach to get a move on. Maratella waves a hand at her husbands fussing. Cooing that they should take all the time they liked to share a goodbye.

Hux bends and places a find kiss on her hand. “Goodnight. Future Mrs Armitage Hux.” He states with a pink blush constrasting to his shock of combed copper hair.

He smiles at her before he ducks out of the door and off into the night. She watches the bare moonlight shine off his hair and his lanky shoulders in his big greatcoat. Pearled light feathering off his red locks as the blue black night swallows him up.

She doesn’t stay to watch the carriage leave. She turns and morosely trudges up to her room. Asks Meg to bring her up a cup of tea as soon as cook could spare her. She can feel Mothers eyes pin into her back like two silver needles as she ascends the creaking dark sloped stairs.

“Iris...” She calls out. It takes every ounce of energy in her body not to turn around and snarl seven thousand cursing obscenities at her.

Ensnaring her with such a sudden proposal. Gloating smug glances at her all night. Iris couldn’t stand it.

“Yes mother?” She asks.

“We are all excessively happy about this news today. I hope you’ll do nothing senseless so as to jeopardise it. Hux is a steady good man. You should endeavour to deserve such a good example of a husband.” She reminds with pinched savagery in her tone.

‘Should I?’ Iris remarks to herself.

“If you ruin such a good match. You will regret it. And no such other man may ever make an offer to you if you do.” She makes clear.

Words lingering just shy of a threat. She was much too cunning to have to threaten her eldest daughter. She speaks as if her words already make sense to Iris. As if she already had her agreement.

Iris stands still. She stares up into the darkness of the house ahead. “Goodnight mama.” She says flatly. Hiking her body up the remaining stairs.

She passes Posy and Floras room on the creaking landing. The slice of gold candlelight under the door eats at her skirts as she passes. Hears them giggling and hushing whispers to each other as they make ready for bed. The silly chits probably stole too many glasses of wine at dinner. She remembers a time when she used to join them. Sit on the end of their beds in her nightgown with her hair all plaited for bed. They’d talk - as sisters do - of silly things and gossip.

Until mama made her focus on more important things. Less sisterly affection. More concentration and focus on comportment. She sadly strokes a hand across their bedroom door. Smiles at the embroidered flower stitchings of their names pinned to the white painted door along with dried flowers. Scattered across like a meadow breeze tossing petals on the wind.

She wishes they knew how dear they were to her. Of course she calls them bugs. Or annoying pests. But she never, not once, went one day without loving her sisters for who they are. They can be acerbic like mother when gossip comes about and tongues start to wag. But they are ultimately kind hearted, affectionate and silly. She hears them giggle about the hideous bonnet Maratella wore tonight. It makes her smile and lifts her spirits for a second.

She pats the door silently and fondly before she moves off straight down the candle lit hall to her own room. She opens the whining door and looks around her meagre, half dark little room. The wall-to-wall flowery papered little cell that it was. Her waiting room until marriage came to claim her.

And come it had. On mighty swift wings thanks to her mother. She shuts her door and presses her back to it. Thuds her head back onto the wood. Let’s her true feelings come bubbling up to the surface for the first time all night.

She’s broken-hearted. Her pathetic heart feels like one of those great ice drifts in the Antarctic, a plain of land with a huge tearing rift ripped right through the middle. Severing it to clunky misshapen pieces that will never mend.

She thinks of the monotony of the life that awaits her. The house full and long line of squawking babies she and Hux are supposed to sire. Staying chained to the stove and the nursery to look after said children whilst her husband ventures off to war and glory. Being no more to him than a bedding partner and general broodmare to keep up the family honour.

She thinks sadly on having to tell Lord Ren she’s engaged. How his eyes will glitter and cut her like jagged onyx gems. How his handsome face will fall into a stoic mask. Maybe he’ll wish never to see her again? Who knows how his reaction will be.

She wished to curl up under ten thick blankets, into a little ball, and fade away to dust. Like the dead grey ashes under the fire basket in her hearth.

She thinks she might cry herself away to sleep. She can’t escape the irony of that. Most girls perched on wedded bliss didn’t sob themselves to slumber. They fidgeted and giggled and practiced swirling their initials with their intendeds in neat hand. They were struck down lovesick. Admiring their ring. Imagined themselves walking down the aisle in their Sunday best and a veil, clutching at a wedding bouquet.

Iris had none of that. The thought of walking down the aisle to Hux and the boxed in little life thereafter, made her want to dry heave until she coughed out her lungs.

She prepares herself for bed. Unlaced her new boots - with a leaden heart at the memory of who provided them for her. She slipped off her dress and stockings and when Julia brings her tea she helps unlace her stays. Asks her about her engagement.

Iris gives short, staccato words for answers. Feigning it had been a long day. The maid slips away again and Iris locks the door in her wake. Only then does she reach for her hand and wrench off the gold ring. Puts it on her vanity and the gold winks cruelly at her in the firelight.

She huffs as she undressed and slipped her nightgown on. She let loose her wild hair and tames it into a plait. Ties the end with a snippet of blue muslin. The gown slips off one shoulder as she grabs her book and balances it on her thighs. Slipping into the cool crisp sheets of her bed. The lace trimmed on her sleeves casts floral shade down her arms.

The fire cracks and she parts her book with the pressed flower she was currently using as a bookmark. She tilts into the candles light and tries to let the novel soothe her dreadful mind. It’s of little use. The words swim like black wriggling worms. She quickly abandons the idea. Tucks the book away.

Falls down into her feathered pillow. Drinks her tea and glares pointedly at the glimmering ring on her dressing table. She’s so used to feeling suffocated. But this sensation of guilt, panic and refusal churns in her belly like the worst sort of shame. Seeps out her pores like claggy grey mud. And she is made miserable by it-

A brittle tap suddenly echoes in her room. She sits up. Covers rustling about her knees. She strains her ears to make it out. Through the roaring fire and the gales brushing the stone of the house outside.

There it is. Another succession of taps. Hollow scrape. Clanking on the glass of her window. Tap-tap-tap-

She gets out of bed and pulls her heavy curtains across. The window was latched shut. And outside, being buffeted by the strong wind. Sits an obsidian black crow.

Feathers all ruffled in the wintry breeze. It’s little head twitches at her. Beady eyes shining off the glow of her room like amber marbles. And off the grey sheen of its broad beak. It sits there contented. Staring up at her.

She unlocks her window and pushes it up. The wood sticks and rubs from age. Cruel night air whips in. Flurrying at her thin dress. The cold snakes and twines around up her knees and legs. The crow makes a loud cawing sound. A rasping cry of a call.

It seems tame enough. She gently reaches a hand over and it sits there as she brushes at the downy feathers on its puffed out chest. Black silk to the touch.

“You’re rather congenial” She comments.

“Matter of fact you’re the first genial encounter I’ve had all day.” She remarks. Chiding herself for talking so animatedly to a bird - of all mad things.

It caws again and hops along her stone windowsill. She gasps, drawing back as it then suddenly ducks it head and swoops under the window frame. Breaching the gap and flying up over her shoulder, and into her bedroom.

She keeps from crying out in shock. Spins around to try and capture the crazed animal and return it to its rightful home outdoors. The curtains sway with her movement and she screams anew when suddenly a gigantic body is in front of her.

Before she can fully scream. Kylo’s warm eyes soothe her and one big cool hand clasps over her mouth to muffle the scream. It’s suddenly a warbled sound out from behind his massive palm that almost entirely spans her face.

He grins wickedly down at her. One thick finger pressed to his smiling lips telling her to hush. Night air and cold infused into his clothes, simply pours off him. Cologne and rich earth and frost.

She relaxes a little. Heart racing at the incident.

He’d crowded her back to the wall beside the window alcove. He reaches across and shuts it with his free arm. To help keep her warm. It doesn’t even stick at the sides when his strong arm yanks it down.

“Thank god for that. Dove. I thought you’d never let me in.” He explains smugly. She has so many questions about his varied animal forms. But she won’t ask them now. She’s just overwhelmed that he’s here.

He brushes off his lapels after taking his hand from her face. Pressing it to the wall beside her instead. She’s all too aware she’s clad only in a thin nightgown. And suddenly now there is a large Lord before her. Mere inches between them. Scant inches and she only has thin cotton swathing her body.

A million questions thunder and strike in her brain.

She settles on; “What are you doing here?” Whispers with a tender little smile starting to grow on her lips.

She’s aghast but ultimately pleased beyond measure to see him. She felt like she has strength again now he’s here.

His thumb strokes at her cheek. “Checking on the woman I love.. if I may.” He answers plainly.

Her heart melts into mush in her chest. Slips out and down between the cracks of her ribs like treacle. She aches for him.

He notices how her face pinched up. “Iris?” He asks.

“I am to be married.” She whispers. Thoroughly ashamed. Waiting to see his repulsed reaction. Biting her bottom lip nervously. Looking down to her feet.

He tips her chin up to look at him. Frowns at seeing the tears of shame in her eyes.

He smiles tenderly. “Dove. I know.” He explains. As he cups her cheek.

“I always knew this was going to happen. After all - courting can only end two ways. And your mother was most serious about securing a match.”

“I said yes. I hate myself for it. But I said I’d accept.” She cries. He soothes away her tears with his thumb.

Hushes her. Pulls her into his chest and holds her close.

His big hand strokes her hair and she lets herself sob into his wide firm chest. Fingers grazing his clothes. Her brow wedged into the crook of his cool neck. He tucks her into him. One hand cups her head and the other spans the back of her hips. She never had anyone to confide in. But she has him now. She’ll always have him.

She has little choice in the matter. Whether she wanted him or not. She’s got him.

“All will be well. I promise you.” He assures.

She sighs. It’s so pleasing to finally have someone on her side.

“I’ve had to sit there and listen to his mother spouting out about grandchildren and marital duty when I wanted to do was run from the room screaming.” She gasps. More tears soaking into his clothing. Eyes crinkled up shut in sadness.

She knows were he any other man, she’d have to school her words more carefully. But to him she can speak freely about anything. Her soul was stitched to his.

“Pay their vapid ignorance no mind.” He kisses a whisper into her hair. Groaning at the feel of the silk and scent of it against his lips. “You’re worth so much more to me, than all their expected limitations of you.” He speaks softly.

“I can’t do it.” She admits. She crumbles. Finally she can speak what she truly feels. Let out what was making guilt rot at her like acid all night through.

Because really those four innocent tiny-little words had been perched on the tip of her tongue all evening. She just hasn’t the bravery to let them loose.

“My little dove.” He sighs fondly as kisses her head. Pained for her from feeling her heartbreak. “You won’t have too.”

She feels him breathe where she’s cuddled into him. It’s a strange comfort. It’s the height of impropriety but she cannot care about it anymore.

She pulls back and looks up at him. Tears leak down her cheeks. He takes them away again. “Pray, whatever do you mean?” She seeks.

“Come here.” He says. Breaking away for a moment. He guides her to sit on her bed and crouches to level in front of her. Both hands taking hers. He kisses both sets of her knuckles before he begins. Looking up at her. His wrists rest on her knees.

“You think I would allow you to marry that spoilt snobbish boy?” He asks her with a careful grin. His eyes look darkly salacious.

“You think I could let another man take you, when you are mine, and mine alone?” He smiles wickedly. Seductive notes intoxicating in his deep voice.

She could kiss him to death right now if it wasn’t entirely inappropriate. She wants to hold him tight so much- she could burst. Wrap her arms around this kind man and never leave him. She can never be parted from him now.

She sighs happily through her tears. Reaching across and stroking her right hand through his thick shaggy hair. Black locks cool against her palm from his excursion out in the wild black night air. His eyes look like tempests. Black flecked with gold that rings his pupils.

Such sincerity shines out his face- it’s like a hopeful glimpse of the sun after a harsh winter. He’s saying such nice things and such nice warm words of love flow through her veins like ambrosia.

He takes her hand and kisses her palm. Sighing at the taste and scent of her skin. It had never failed to drive him wild with need.

“Run away with me. And marry me.” He offers. Eyes slicing hot into her own. Watching the flickering firelight kiss her skin.

Her mouth gapes. She draws in a breath but her head is spinning so madly she feels dizzy. He explains more to her of this sordid plan.

“Half my household is shut up. Most of my staff have packed and gone already. Left these shores bound for Bavaria. I set sail in seven days time.” He explains.

The thought of him leaving sends such a spear of white hot pain through her heart she doesn’t think she could ever survive it if he left. Madness when she’s had all these years of life without him.

She doesn’t feel the same anymore. She isn’t. She’s in love and it has changed her irrevocably. He’s burst into her life, in a big assuming dark shadowing presence and stolen her heart away. And given him hers in return.

She knows she can never be without him - it feels like it would kill her for them to be apart.

“We could elope. Make for Gretna green and be man and wife by the weeks end. We can set sail for the port of Hamburg as Lord and Lady. Until passage is booked, we could honeymoon in the highlands for a handful of days.” His eyes turn particularly lustful at that comment.

Smile is savage and sharp. So potent a smouldering look it makes her toes curl up in longing.

She could do it. She could run away with this man, sneaking off into the dead of night. To go to seize her greatest happiness. For once she could selfishly and recklessly take control of her own life.

Loving Kylo as she does, he makes her feel just brave and strong enough to do it-

She wets her lips. Giddy. This is her chance and dear god in heaven- she’s taking it.

“What would I have to do?” She asks him in a hushed whisper.

The smile that takes over his face is magnetic. She smiles and he rises up quick and fiercely kisses her.

Claims her with that passion he spoke so finely of. Cups her neck and delivers her a kiss that has her shaking. She tries to resist the heady temptation, but she cannot.

Her knees clamp either side of his thighs where his body is towering over hers. Nearly pressing her back to her pillows. His free hand cups her lower back and clasps her into his body. Her splayed legs, and between them, rubs high at his abdomen.

He growls deep and feral into the kiss. It tumbled through her wet hot mouth She pulls away. Wide eyed and innocent, wondering if she’d hurt him. She can only see his kiss bruised smile and his clouded eyes when she pulls back. Her hands press to the bed. Clutches into the sheets. Otherwise she worries she’d tangle and lose her hands in his hair.

He sighed in bliss. Ducking his head to kiss at her clothed shoulder. Nearly shuddering with need. Arching right over her. Big body completely dominating hers. He shuts his eyes and kisses the lace at her shoulder. Taste of her lips and scent of her blood and her arousal sitting on his tongue like sugar. He so wanted to taste more-

He restrains himself or he’d take her right here - drool onto that heavenly cunt between her legs and slide his cock into her perfect heat. Fuck her for the whole damned house to hear her screeching his name.

“Forgive me.” He rasps. Voice husking with desire.

Her cheeks flush. “Nothing about that warrants forgiveness.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew how I wanted to take you right here and now in your bed. Iris.” He husks. Kissing in the crook of her neck slowly and soft. Lips pressing and savouring her. Her every nerve hums with need.

He recovers his legendary discipline. Pulls back to sit at the edge of her mattress once more.

“All you’d need to do-“ He smiles. Hands settling on her knees. Holding her. Feeling the cotton and her kneecaps under his palms.

“Is dress warm, pack a manageable bag. You don’t need much. I’ll buy you everything and anything you need. Meet me in the woods just beyond the church. At midnight.” He smiles. He’d had this cunning plan circling in his head for weeks now. Now he is within grasping distance of having her as his wife. And he’s wild with love of her.

“Don’t tell anyone of this plan. Not even your sisters. Nobody. In case they try and halt the elopement...Not that anyone could stop me....” He smirks.

She smiles. “I won’t tell a soul. I’ve no one to tell.” She shrugs openly.

“Leave that foul mother of yours nothing but a note behind. That’s all she deserves for her wicked exploitation of you.” He growls.

She nods in agreement. Stroking over his big hands where they rest on her.

She doesn’t spare the energy to devote one scrap of a thought for her mother. He was right

She only wishes there was a route out of this that could mean she can say a proper goodbye to her father and her sisters. Not leave under a shroud of intrigue, gossip and scandal. Iris eloping with the dashing dark lord newly arrived to these shores would be rife in the gossip mills around here for weeks. It would quake the quiet county.

It seemed odd that it would be her. She’d be the source of ruinous ignominy. All her life she was the quiet and unassuming and plain eldest daughter. No one suspected anything of her except her obedience to blindly accept the loveless match her family provided for her. She wasn’t supposed to do anything out of the ordinary little route of her safe life.

A small scandalous corner of her heart was awfully happy to be proving all those busy bodies and old matronly gossips wrong.

“I’ll leave word for Hux too. He’s not a bad man. Just-“ she shakes her head. Watching their hands where they are joined. “He’s not the man I love or desire.” She explains.

Kylo’s eyes look warm. Like melting pools of honey and tar. They stick to her. The beauty of her blush. The prettiness of her countenance. Those ash grey eyes doused ochre in the dim firelight. A splash of honey amber whiskey poured over moonstone.

He reaches up and strokes his thumb across her cheek. “He overlooked you. Trust me. He will pay sorely for mistreating you. His honour will become quite besmirched when you elope. Stolen and tempted away by a foreign Lord with a title and an estate, to boot.” He smiles.

“Then see what he makes of his measly beloved little army commission. When he loses you.” He smirks.

“I can’t think he’ll care much about my leaving - only for the toll such infamy will have on bruising his ego.” She tells.

“Then he is the fool I always suspected him to be.” Kylo tells her seriously.

“Now. You just have to act like the most perfect doting bride-to-be for the next three days. Because come weeks end...” he trails off.

Pulling her in, sighing a soft sweet kiss onto her lips. She blushes when he kisses her. Whole body pimples in pleasure.

It��s molasses and dangerous and among all the darkly wicked things she’s never tasted. He tasted like freedom and life.

“... You will come back to Bavaria with me. And you will be my wife. Lady Ren of Ranlor Castle.” He smirks against her lips. Plucking passion into her.

He savours kissing her for a moment. Losing himself in the manna that was her lips. She’s ivory rose petals and sugar whipped with cream. Gorgeous and delicious and he can’t wait for more. Before he can kiss her lips pink and raw, he takes his leave.

“Get some sleep. Little Dove. I’ll send word when all is set.” He smirks before he’s out into that wild night again. Leaving her heart racing and her hope restored.

~ ~ 🥀 ~ ~

#kylo ren #Kylo ren x oc #vampire!kylo #vampire au #vampirelovestory #adam driver #very wolves and doves #Iris vibes 🕊#Draegan vibes 🥀#Lord Ren vibes 🐺#vampire #demon #ao3 fanfic #proposal #suitors #lovers #hiddenlove

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biggreenneatbox · 6 years ago

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RWBY Sexuality Headcanons

Fuck it; 2018 is rounding off, I’m a lottle drunk and I remembered saying something on @ladyvallhalla‘s Twiiter post. Let’s expand, shall we?

These are my personal headcanons for characters’ sexualities in RWBY, and the ones I often drift to. I’m branching a little bit from the main four but point’s the same throughout

Fisrt, a disclaimer - I really enjoy | OmegaInfinity |’s story “Linked in Life and Love” on Fanfiction.net. In it, the use of Mate Marks is explored, where Faunus can mark their partner(s) and various things occur. Ever since then, I see ALL Faunus as Bisexual (I know what you’re thinking, and I’ll explore and explain that in a bit). Some prefer one gender over another, but most would happily join in a polyship if their partner so wanted. There are some exceptions, like Adam because fuck Adam with everything sharp, poisonous and deadly in this world and the next! So, all Faunus will have an * next to their name, to denote that all of them are Bisexual to an extent, and that this is what I HC them as displaying most of the time.

Ruby Rose

Asexual

Our Silver Eyed Cinnamon Bun doesn’t really care for anything like that. She loves weapons, and she wants to protect her friends. As time progresses, that doesn’t change and that’s just who she is.

If I was forced to put her with anyone, I’d say Oscar due to their similar-ish ages (ignoring one huge outlier in the boy’s head). But honestly, Ruby saw someone younger tagging along. This is the first time since attending Beacon that she has actually had a chance to lead someone who hasn’t had as much world experience as her. She jumped at that chance, took him under his wing and gave him the Rose / Xiao Long Hospitality and Big Sis Role that she had grown up experiencing with Yang.

Weiss Schnee

SO tough to decide!

Like, seriously. I put down “Confused” on the original tweet, but with it being a tweet I couldn’t expand on that.

Weiss has lived a life of luxury, getting what she wants a lot of the time, not being given it if she doesn’t want it. There were a few smaller things she had to do on her Father’s request when she was younger, and she didn’t particularly enjoy that, but she stomached it as best she could to please him.

When she became of age to date, he forced her into it, and she was not happy at all. For a long time, it was shitty suitor after shitty suitor, so she outright denied a lot of people a chance at getting close to her, because they were just what Jacques wanted.

Neptune comes along, and suddenly there’s someone she finds attractive, but that goes nowhere and she’s at a loss.

It’s only when she has to deal with Shitty Neptune Henry Marigold does she really find that type of person repulsive.

Similarly, when RWBY reunites, she feels love like she has only really felt before in Klein, who loves her like a daughter and because it is his job. This is true, unconditional love, and she doesn’t know what to do. So, she does nothing, and accepts it as what it is.

Blake Belladonna*

Bisexual / Homosexual

Dated Adam (regrets for rest of life) = Likes Guys In love with Yang = Like Girls Put ‘em together = Bisexual

Though, as mentioned, I’d have to say she leans more towards Homosexual in my mind as tome progresses. Maybe that’s just how much she and Yang seem to gravitate towards each other recently, but I think that there’s really no one else for Blake.

Yang Xiao Long

Punsexual / Homosexual

Sexually attracted to the greatest pun in the room. … Providing it was a girl said the pun.

I see Yang as once having aboyfriend at Signal when she was much younger. This was as she was just *ahem* developing, and she soon learnt that boys are idiots who only wanted one thing, especially aat that age. She would have said something and tried to move on, if not for the fact he said things about Ruby. She got detention that day for breaking his noes with a single punch. Tai was secretly pruod.

That was Yang’s first boyfriend, and one of the soul reasons she hasn’t had a second. Non eof the girls said things to Ruby.

Speaking of, at Beacon with tht one scene EVERYONE seemingly sites as th reason for Yang being bi, yknow “I know I do~”, that’s sisterly banter; it’s a big sister trying to get her younger sibling to interact with others. Plus, Yanf assumed Ruby would be into that. Yang was wrong.

Jaune Arc

Straight

Stupid and blind, but straight. Took after his big sister saphron in that regard - chasing after the girls ;)

She was better atit though.

Nora Valkyrie

Rensexual

NOUN: Capable of romantic and sexual feelings towards people of the name “Lie Ren” exclusively.

Seriously, they wewr made for each other. Nora just persues it more, especially in the Poser / Beacon Era of the show.

Though, outside of that, I say she’s actually Pan(cake)sexual. She seems like someone who doesn’t care at all who she’s with, long as they’re both happy.

Pyrrha Nikos

Straight

Same scenarios as Weiss in her childhood and young tennagey ears, though less confused by the end of it.

Pyrrha had a lot going for her with her skill in the arena. As she made tours and attended various promotional events, people tried to woo her. It didn’t work, and she apologised for it. She wasn't in the wrong, she didn’t like disappointing anyone (it became an automatic response as time went on)

Her mother and father weren’t rich like Schnees were, but they had enough. Pyrrha honestly mad e more than them in three tournament wins than they did in the same time, and that’s not including the fourth win under her belt. So people just wanted to be with Pyrrha for the sake of dating a celebrity, rather than dating and marrying Weiss for the position of near uncontested power.

Then Jaune came along, someone who saw Pyrrha Nikos for her, not “Pyrrha ‘The Golden Girl’ Nikos”, or “Four Time Champion, Pyrrha Nikos”, or “the next teenager whose life I’m going to completely tear asunder and condemn to a life of solitude and pain.”

She loved being around him because he was genuine, if a bit slow on noticing. And for those brief final minutes of her life, she was happy to have found him.

Lie Ren

Straight

Nora wont let him be anything else.

Nah, he’s had Nora with him for a very long time, longer than his own parents. They’d technically been dating since they were old enough to know about it.

Another HC I have about Ren was that he had an endgoal in mind when attending Beacon. The Grimm that killed his parents needed to die. So he became stronger to join Beacon, then deal with it upon graduation. It’s why he held Nora’s hand after Kuroyuri and not vice versa - the thing he’d been after was gone, and a weight was off his shoulders. He didn’t need to worry, and he could live a life again.

Oscar Pine

Straight, BUUUUUUUUUUUUT...

He’s a young child with a man born in the First Age of Humanity locked inside his head.

Ignoring Ozpin’s presence, I’d pair him with Ruby.

Otherwise, no.

Sun Wukong* / Neptune Vasilias

Straight

I adore Sea Monkeys. It’s a guilty ship of mine. But they’re straight. Sun followed his boner after Blake, and Neptune is a serial flirter. Even with...

Ilia Amitola*

Homosexual

She needed mentioning, for obvious reasons.

Personallu, even with my Faubus HC of them all being Bi still holding fast, Ilia is one of the other canon exceptions to the rule. She really wouldn’t want to be with anyone other than another girl. If push came to shove and she had to be in a poly, lest lose her girlfriend to a man, she would let her date him whilst she herself still dated her, but she would not date him personally.

“I’m Ilia. This is my girlfriend Gretta. And this is Gretta’s boyfriend, David.” This, she’d allow. She wouldn’t enjoy it, but she’d allow it.

Emerald Sustrai

Straight, yet Bi-Curious

I see it as Emerald not knowing what she is to anyone. She has only let one person really close, and that was Cinder. Cinder treated her like a kid, sure. But growing up without that parental figure made her look up to the Maiden to Be as that sort of figure. As time moved on, Emerald was wondering if these feeling were growing more into something romantic.

She never acted on those feelings in case things went south and that was Cinder gone from her ife forever or her own life gone forever. Still, she is unsure. Even now, as SPOILERS HERE, CANNOT WRITE

Cinder Fall

Sorry, I just love this GIF, I had to use it.

Whatever she needed to be

It always seemed to me that Cinder would do whatever she wanted or needed to get information. It never seemed below her to use her looks and charm to work her way into where she needed to be. Some dude wanted to turn on the charm? Sure, let’s see what he’ll spill. A woman flirting with her at a bar? Well, if she’s got something of use to her - physical possession or pertinent knowledge - then might as well flirt back.

Honestly, I couldn’t classify her if I tried. I’m sure there’s something that would describe how I think she is. Drunk me doesn't knoe shit.

No romantic connection to anyone, but will seek a sexual partner of either gender if the need arises.

Aaand, that’s everyone I care about writing this for.

Have a happy new Year y’all!

#rwby #ruby rose #weiss schnee #blake belladonna #yang xiao long #Team RWBY #jaune arc #nora valkyrie #pyrrha nikos #lie ren #Team JNPR #oscar pine #sun wukong #neptune vasilias #ilia amitola #emerald sustrai #cinder fall

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diwatang-sirena · 8 years ago

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My Thoughts before Encantadia's Finale

Once again… Character death is the solution to make another “pasabog” moment.

Why am I not surprised?

My two cents goes to Arde actually being the sort-of hero in the end. He’ll end up betraying Ether for her “treachery”, and by combining his powers with Emre, they will both bring back Cassiopeia and all those who died unfairly back to life. Thus the start of the final war of Encantadia.

I’m still unsure what to make of Mira and Lira’s fates. If Cassandra is really going to make it in this requel, then I think at least Lira’s going to die. While I love Mikee, I don’t think she can nail the motherly role as of now. Perhaps they’re saving Cassandra for the final scene as an open ending, in a way that would imply of a second season for Enca.

I’m holding onto hope that the Super Twins will get to participate in the final battle. Sayang naman ang warrior outfits and their tagapangalaga statuses if they’re both going to stay comatose until the final episode, especially for Lira, who’s SUPPOSED to be the prophesied Hero of Encantadia.

For tonight’s episode, Ybrahim’s “treachery” is … I don’t even know what to make of it. It’s easy to point fingers, but in his defense, Ybrahim has prematurely lost most if not all his blood relatives (unless you count Asval, who probably has the biggest, well-deserved target on his back), his kingdom, and especially the ones he loved the most, which is Amihan and Lira. So it’s only natural that he’d become desperate to find a way to keep the only family he has left.

We’ve seen him pull this act before with the Spirit Gem in exchange for Kahlil. I don’t think we should be so surprised that he ended up being the one betraying the sanggres instead of Pirena, despite it being a stupid move and something Amihan and especially Lira would NOT be proud of.

I’m still hoping that he wises up and actually has a plan behind his “treachery”. Maybe he’s doing this to trick Hagorn into giving him the “lunas” not only for Lira, but also for Mira, and maybe disrupt Hagorn’s forces on the inside. Like how a true leader’s supposed to be. That would be some last minute development that I would love to see with Ybrahim, who seemed more and more useless as Book 2 went on.

But I’ve learned not to get my hopes up for good character development. Encantadia ‘17 has failed to reach my expectations in that field for some time, even during Book 1. Still, there’s no harm in hoping that they’re not just trying to rush things.

Here are the rest of my predictions for the finale:

1. Alena will become Queen of Lireo in Danaya’s stead, not only because she wants Danaya to be happy with Aquil, but also because she has proven herself worthy to take up the responsibility, as shown how level-minded she is during this whole disaster.

2. Continuing from #1, if Alena truly will become Queen of Lireo, she will most probably not end up with Memfes, at least not in this season. While I’m all for Alena being single, if AleMemfes is really the direction they’re going, I think Alena will still reject Memfes because at this time, she’s still secretly pining over Ybarro. But it’s possible that she’ll ask Memfes if he’s willing to wait for her until her heart is fully over Ybarro and is open to love another. That, and when her Queenship is over.

3. If Cassandra will exist in the requel (otherwise, what would be the point of Cassiopeia taking a strand of Lira’s hair?), then she will most likely be the next Queen of Lireo after Alena. At this point, I highly doubt that Lira will become queen, even though I would’ve loved to see that.

4. The next-in-line for Hathoria’s throne could go to either Mira or Deshna (if either of them are brought to life). But I remembered Cassiopeia telling Mira that she will not become Queen (although that was initially because of Anthony), and I believe Deshna would’ve chosen to have a peaceful, rural life.

With that said, I have a feeling that it would be Pirena’s second offspring that would become the heir, possibly with Azulan as the father. He/she could be one of the protagonists of the new season, if it pushes through. He/she might also end up becoming some sort of Kylo Ren (Star Wars) in the story.

5. As for Sapiro’s heir, this could go both ways. One thing I’m pretty sure of… I don’t think Lira’s going to become the Queen of Sapiro, although that would’ve been nice to see as well.

If AleBarro becomes canon (please don’t), then obviously Armea will be conceived and will become the next Queen of Sapiro, just like the original.

If Amihan returns for good (NOT as Ariana please), then she will most likely marry Ybrahim and become Queen of Sapiro. She’ll probably give Lira the sibling/s she’s always wanted, and that sibling will become the new heir of Sapiro. Or the reason they conceived again could be in memory of her. Why do I feel like their next kid/s would end up being twins? Would love to see another sibling rivalry for the throne, though not as harsh and intense as Pirena VS Amihan.

If Cassandra exists, since she is Ybrahim and Amihan’s biological grandchild, then it’s very possible for her to live with them in Sapiro. It could follow Etheria’s plot with Cassandra living in Sapiro and Ybrahim initially wanting her to become his heir instead of Lireo.

6. The true Amihan will return (PLEASE. IS THIS SO HARD TO DO?). Emre could be the one who’ll return her back to her original self. I have a feeling that the Wind Gem would become key to her return. Or if Raquim really comes back, he’ll be the final ticket to her memories coming back full-force. In the spur of the moment, Ariana (Arra) will transform into Amihan (Kylie) again in the midst of the war, and she’ll be the one who’ll end Hagorn once and for all.

Of course, it’s most likely that Kylie won’t do any fighting scenes for her baby’s sake, so it’s possible that her “transformation” will happen after the war or by the final scene to surprise the viewers. That or they get a stand-in for Amihan’s fighting scenes, but with Kylie’s close-ups.

Please don’t let us down for the last time, DMR/Emre.

7. Danaya and Aquil get married, but will have no offspring yet. Yes, I know they had one by the end of the original run, but I don’t know, i just feel like they wouldn’t have one yet. This could become one of their issues if the second season pushes through. Danaya will become the Queen’s official advisor, the right-hand woman like she was when Amihan was Queen. Aquil will become a Mashna again along with Muros, or maybe become a spy for Lireo.

8. Lilasari will die, and it’s either Hitano or Amarro who will die with her. I’m betting more on Hitano dying for her. I feel kinda bad for him though. It seems more like Lilasari doesn’t love him anymore, especially since she’s been in Amarro’s company for so long, which would be the second rejection he’s received. And after all he did to be with her and Deshna again…

9. Emre and Cassiopeia will become the highest Bathalumans of the realm, becoming some sort of King and Queen in Devas. No offspring here. Arde will either still be in-charge of the dead or be killed alongside Ether. The snake finally dies and we’ll never have to hear her voice ever again, although it’s still possible for her to return on a second season.

10. Hagorn will die, but not before repenting all his sins. I still want a redemption for him like he did in the original, for the sake of his daughter/s, and to finally let go of the hatred that has haunted him his whole life. ……………..

That’s all I can think of for now. Despite my predictions, I personally don’t have that high of an expectation for the ending. But it doesn’t hurt to hope (oh wait, it actually does. But whatever). Even with the crappy Book 2 story, I still would want to check out Season 2 should it push through. There’s still so much that could be done, so much potential untouched. This would be the perfect time for them to rest, meditate on it, and rethink a more fool-proof storyline and hopefully more world-building and character development.

Oh, and while they’re at it, hire better actors too. I don’t mind newbies, but at least give them time to do more workshop. The audience does not have enough patience to tolerate another “Ariana” in the story.

#encantadia #encantadia 2016 #encantadia 2017

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nezzfiction · 8 years ago

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ENMY Chapter 37 - Blindside

Chapter Synopsis: The battle between Qrow + Team RNJR vs.Team ENMY wages on. A bitter and dirty affair between the honorable and the underhanded.

Series Synopsis:

Team RWBY is disbanded, and Yang must find herself new allies. For her, that might very well be yesterday’s enemies. Joining up with the likes of Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, the four will comprise Team Enemy.

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below

Blindside

They say the key to a proper magic trick

…Or sleight of hand

Is in the Wrist.

“It’s all in the Wrist,” they say.

That isn’t true.

Like the quote, and any other con,

The important bit’s always

Misdirection.

You could be the clumsiest bloke in the world,

But if you make for a pinch liar,

You don’t have to have fingers faster than the eye can see.

People will just turn a blind eye.

Ruby and Jaune took the small reprieve to recover and reassess.

“I’m gonna check on Nora.”

“Go,” Ruby nodded.

Jaune ducked into the floor below, and found Nora had calmed down somewhat. She was still clutching Ren’s unconscious body like he was on the verge of death. Otherwise, they seemed fine for the most part.

“Nora. I know you’re worried about Ren, but we need you.”

“But, Ren—he…”

“He’ll be fine. He’s stronger than this.” Jaune laid a glowing hand on Ren’s chest. As he thought, the healing of his Semblance had reached the limits of what it could do. Which meant, all that was left was for Ren to wake up. “Nora. The people who hurt Ren are still out there. They’re the ones who hurt Pyrrha!”

“……I’m going to smash every little bone in their bodies.”

“Yeah. They won’t get away with all this. We won’t let them!”

The teammates shared an expression of fury, as Nora regained herself. After securing Ren somewhere safe, they moved to rejoin the others.

Meanwhile, in the floor above, Ruby and Qrow watched Team “ENMY” from a distance. Their adversaries rode on the torrent surrounding the Tower, watching like vultures.

At that time, a voice echoed from the back of the Huntsman’s thoughts.

“Qrow. The Tower cannot fall,” Ozpin cautioned.

“I know what’s at stake. You drew a pretty bad picture.”

“The synchronization nears a crucial checkpoint. If you can endure their assault for just a little longer, I’ll be able to provide some form of assistance.”

“I’ll try to contain my enthusiasm.”

“Just a little longer, Qrow.”

“Yeah. Well, that ‘little longer’ is going to last an eternity right now. The other team’s not messing around. They’re desperate and dirty. The kids aren’t used to fighting that kind of— Oh, what the hell now?”

Hovering in the winds outside, Mercury activated his Semblance.

His Talarion Strider folded the metal from his calves, and sprouted wings behind his heels. Pointed and sharp, they bore a similar appearance to the swords Penny once wielded.

A critical amount of energy amassed in Mercury’s right ankle. Trailing gusts from the surroundings drew to it, coalescing into a faint image. His prosthetics shook uncontrollably, like a storm was contained within.

And all at once, a wide-arcing kick was unleashed.

The sky cracked as speed and force shattered the sound barrier. An apparition of a giant wing appeared for a brief time. And three waves of condensed air, wider than the width of the Tower, cleaved into the pagoda’s top, middle, and base.

The one aimed for the office floor was seen through by Qrow. Using the Reaper’s Semblance to pinpoint its vulnerability, he managed to slash it and render the threat harmless. Unfortunately, the other two waves landed cleanly on the lower levels.

The structure buckled when the blades of wind crashed through. It tipped and parted from its foundation. The pagoda turned from a skyscraper to a four-story building, as only the top four levels were left intact.

Carrying Qrow and Team RNJR, the remnants of the Tower fell into the tornado that once protected it. Now, suspended in midair, caught in its violent gales like everything else.

Emerald, Mercury, and Neo wasted no time.

The trio hopped the distance, and dove into the flying building without a trace of fear.

* * * * *

In the office experiencing vertigo, Qrow and Jaune stuck their blades into the walls to keep from being thrown about. Ruby, on the other hand, had little problem with the jumbling environment, and sped to Nora. Using her Crescent Rose, she pinned her friend to a flat surface.

Without giving them a spare breath, Team ENMY reengaged.

Mercury bolted right for Qrow.

The young man dashed along the walls and skipped across the ceiling at blinding intervals. Tails of pale-lighted winds accompanied his every move. All the way, to the drop kick he imparted on the Huntsman.

Qrow did his best to hold his ground, but was knocked away to the other end of the chamber.

“Oz! The Tower!”

“No matter. The synchronization process has been slowed, but remains uninterrupted. Also, the extent of the damage remains amenable for now.”

“Always full of surprises.”

“I cannot say for certain if the destruction continues. You and Team RNJR must do something.”

“Sure, just need to get rid of this flying brat first.”

Mercury came at him again, continuously switching between angles. The large movements offered equally large windows of opportunity. Qrow traced the flaws. The problem was, he couldn’t take actual advantage of them.

The scars of dark-red seemed to taunt his eyes. Ripples appeared and disappeared in a blink. Qrow grimaced at a thought. His opponent seemed well-versed in fighting someone with his abilities. A possibility that was all too likely with a sparring partner like Yang.

Mercury disappeared from his field of vision, followed by a steel toe connecting hard with his chin. The fleet-footed fighter caught him at a steep angle. The impact made him see spots. Qrow swung his sword and fired a few rounds that hit nothing. His bloodlust grew.

There’s no way the brat can keep this up.

That output, at the pace he’s going—he’ll burn out.

He knows that, so… he’s trying to buy time?

Qrow gave a quick glance to the fight going on at the other end.

Is their goal to take Ruby’s team out first?

Kids need to hold on till I can get to them.

“They won’t, old man,” Mercury grinned, as he delivered a vicious round-house kick that almost sent the Huntsman out of the room.

“They won’t last, and neither will you.”

* * * * *

Emerald and Neo tag-teamed Ruby, Jaune, and Nora with a certain ease.

Even with the numbers disadvantage, the only one of their opponents who could move freely was Ruby. Nora and Jaune were more heavy-set in their style. Not to mention, Nora required more buildup and a firm footing for her techniques. A difficult thing considering the floor’s constant slants and shifts.

As a result, it was the pair from Team ENMY that dictated the pace. Always with the initiative, imposing pressure at will. And Ruby’s group, having no choice but to play the reaction game.

“Bullet Hell,” Emerald called.

She and Neo emptied their magazines, a flurry of gunfire in every direction. Although, it seemed like blind aim, the projectiles curved and ricocheted off transparent surfaces. An effect caused by Neo’s mirror Semblance.

The result, was an array of bullets, carpet-shooting every space large enough to occupy a body.

Ruby and Nora could only take cover behind Jaune’s shield until the hail of lead passed.

“Ooh. That looked like it smart,” taunted Emerald.

“Didn’t feel a thing!” Jaune grunted.

“Wasn’t talking to you, meat shield. I was talking about the one you didn’t cover for.”

They followed a nudge of Emerald’s chin to a body riddled with holes behind them.

“Ren?! But he was—!”

Ruby grabbed Jaune and Nora’s shoulders. Some of her Aura channeled through them, and the mirage of Ren’s dead body faded.

“Made you look~♪”

“YOU BITCH!”

“Been called far worse, by more frightening people,” Emerald feigned boredom, while pretending to examine her nails. “But I gotta admit, I thought losing the redhead would’ve just plain broke you. Instead, you’re trying to get revenge. Huh,” she scoffed. “Reminds me of another blonde I used to know.”

“Yang?” Ruby asked.

“No. I meant the monkey. Yes! Yang! You know, your dear old half-sister you left for crippled. Can’t play the guitar or the piano?”

“Where… is she?”

“Dunno. Last time I saw her, she was facedown, floating down a river. Maybe the current took her to the ocean, or even back to Patch! Oh, don’t look at me like that. You know how it is. She refused this little job of ours, so she had to go. Nothing personal—just business.”

“……You’re lying. That can’t be true.”

“Why do you care? It’s not like it makes a difference to you if she’s dead or not.”

“What—?”

“I mean, you abandoned her after all.” Emerald gave a flick of her wrist, and Yang’s water-logged corpse manifested. “The things she told us about you and your team. ‘I trusted them. I thought they had my back. I thought they loved me,’” she moved the illusion’s mouth. “But you guys didn’t—not really. Honestly, you could pick up a thing or two from your friends there. At least, they’re trying to get revenge for Penny. Wait, that’s not it. What was the redhead’s name again?” She hallucinated Pyrrha. “Pyro? Pine Cone?”

“PYRRHA!” Jaune shouted.

“Pyrrha, right! I swear, I had it on the tip of my tongue.”

“I don’t believe you,” Ruby whimpered. “You’ve done nothing but lie to us.”

“Whatever eases your guilty conscience, sweetie. That how you deal with the fact you killed Roman?”

“I…didn’t.”

“Oh, please. I don’t care, Ruby. I hated the guy. But Neo… Well, there’s a grudge there, to put it lightly.”

Neo snarled and flipped Torchwick’s cane end over end. Ruby felt a sharp pang of guilt. By then, Emerald finished recovering her stamina. Her next plan of attack was decided.

That shook them up pretty good. Getting in their heads was easier than I thought.

“You wanna see your sister’s last moments? I can show you. It was Neo here, who did it.”

Neo brandished her thin sword and chiseled it into the illusion of Yang’s back. Blood leaked from the mouth, as Yang’s good hand reached out to Ruby. The arm struggled to hold up.

“Ruby…”

“Lies!” Ruby’s eyes pierced through the illusion and she rushed Emerald and Neo. Her scythe sowed a horizontal gash into the pair’s bodies. She already knew something was wrong by how little feedback there was from the weapon.

Glass exploded on contact, like a couple of frag grenades. Ruby’s defensive Aura dipped significantly.

Looks like those eyes can see through illusions, but not actual images. I’ll leave her with Neo. She should be happy about that, Emerald chuckled to herself.

As Ruby tried to recover, Neo delivered an excruciating kick to her midsection. The little red hood knocked into a wall, separated further from her team.

Jaune and Nora tried to go to her aid, but was met by Emerald’s spinning blades. Jaune blocked the attack. Nora attempted to swing her hammer overhead, but the green-haired girl nimbly dodged the blow.

With a hammer like that, she can only swing it on a vertical or horizontal axis. Too predictable.

I’m sure you can handle Grimm and empty-brained amateurs. But you need to brush up against people, who actually know how to fight.

Emerald dodged another mallet strike, and launched into a rapid rotation. The buzz saw carved more nicks into Jaune’s shield, which appeared in Nora’s defense.

“I won’t let you hurt them!”

“Yeah, heard that one before. I wonder if Pyrrha always knew you were a liar.”

“What the hell do you know?!”

Jaune took a swing and missed. His anger telegraphing his every move.

“I know she died with a broken heart. Pinning her hopes on a boy, who failed to save her—friends that could never keep up or hope to understand her.”

“SHUT UP!!! You don’t know anything!!!”

“But I do, ‘Jauney boy’. Just like how I know you were never supposed to be at Beacon.”

“GRAAHHH!!!” Jaune swung again and whiffed it.

“You’re not a warrior, and you sure as hell aren’t anyone’s hero.”

“Damn you!”

Another slash, another miss.

“You don’t even have it in you to be an avenger. You’re just a liar—making promises you can’t keep.”

“Don’t you ever shut up?!” Nora stepped in. Her hammer was ducked beneath.

“Do you think Pyrrha would even care what you’re trying to do? I doubt she ever expected anything from her so-called team.” Emerald side-stepped between the sword and hammer with a smirk. “That’s why she had to carry you all on her back. Without her, you guys are nothing.”

“”SHUT UP!!!”” Jaune and Nora roared.

“Which ultimately got her killed; a weight too heavy for her to shoulder. I don’t know why you guys have a hard-on for us. It was you guys, who got her killed—and you know it.”

Emerald grapple-hooked to a distance, forcing the pair to chase her farther and farther away.

“And then, you replaced her with Ruby. Awkward. I mean, it is, right? Just switching one out for the other. It’s been on my mind, and it might be rude to ask, but—did you make any moves on her yet, Jauney boy? I mean, the way you two look at each other. Does she know she’s just a rebound?”

“I’LL KILL YOU!!!”

“But you’re used to that, right? I mean, Pyrrha was just a rebound when romance with the Snow Princess fell through.”

“YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!!!” Jaune continued to bark, almost frothing.

“You’re right. What you have. That. Is. True. Love.” Under her breath, Emerald whispered, “Bloody Mary.”

Just then, Nora’s hammer collided with Emerald’s cheek. Teeth spat from her mouth, and clattered on the floor. Jaune followed up by lobbing off one of the girl’s legs from under her.

“Ah!!!” Emerald screamed.

Blinded by their anger, Nora and Jaune butchered her body mindlessly.

“……Guys…”

When they both came to their senses, a heavily wounded Ruby laid before them.

“Ruby? RUBY!” Jaune cried, and started treating her injuries. “I’m sorry,” he apologized with tears in his eyes. “Her illusions! They—“

Ruby ignored his words and lifted a single finger, pointing to the far-end of the chamber.

“……It was a…distraction…”

* * * * *

“I’ve got one more burn!” Mercury voiced over comms, to his approaching comrades. “I think we can just light him up with you two here!”

“Save it for later! For now, stick with the plan!” Emerald responded. She then, turned to Neo. “Hang Man.”

While Mercury and Qrow were immersed in their duel, Emerald and Neo stealthily maneuvered around their perimeter. When another of Mercury’s kicks loosened Qrow’s guard, the pair made their move.

In concert with Emerald’s chained sickles, the handle on Torchwick’s cane shot out. They threaded one of the gears in the ceiling, and then, looped down. The hook wrapped steel wires around Qrow’s neck, while chains snagged his arms.

“Sonuva!” Qrow cursed, as he was lifted off his feet. The scythe in his hands shift into a sword to cut himself down.

There was no avoiding a solid hit from Mercury in this position.

Things were growing dire, but they weren’t unwinnable. If the three concentrated on him alone, Qrow was confident he could hold until Team RNJR reinforced. They were formidable, but experience told him his side would win in the long-run.

Qrow raised his sword and cut himself free from his bonds. Mercury dashed up to him. The Huntsman braced for impact.

…

But the blow never came.

Instead, his weapon was kicked free from his hands and caught by Emerald.

Qrow dropped to the floor and grimaced.

“You guys have some principle against fighting fair?” he said half-jokingly and half-shamefully.

“Why fight fair, when you can win?” Emerald gloated, and kicked his weapon to the storm outside.

“Damn…”

Running footsteps sounded behind Qrow, and he saw that Team RNJR had come. He greeted them with a bitter smile.

Any warrior worth his or her mettle had some skill in hand-to-hand combat, but that could only carry one so far. It certainly wouldn’t be enough against Team ENMY. And with half of Ruby and Jaune’s Aura depleted, and Nora’s handicap, the match was almost settled.

“Qrow,” a voice echoed.

“Yeah, Oz?”

“Use my cane.”

“…Well, I’ll be damned.”

Qrow took Ozpin’s cane from his belt, and Team ENMY’s confident demeanor turned into scowls.

“You’ve got to be shitting me…” Emerald groaned.

Qrow sighed with relief.

“Sometimes, all the cheating in the world don’t compare to a thing called, Luck.”

* * * * *

Qrow channeled his energy through Ozpin’s cane.

It was a strange sensation. He never remembered his Aura feeling so structured and formulaic before. It was probably due to the synchronization. In essence, it was reconfigured to be more like Ozpin’s.

The silver handle of the cane illuminated with a familiar green hue. It clicked and produced a long, curved edge. The spine rotated with glistening gears. If compared to Qrow’s old one, this scythe was much sleeker; thinner and more compact in body.

“What’s wrong? Got nothing smart to say?” Qrow taunted.

“I threw up a little in my mouth. Thanks for asking,” Emerald answered.

“So, what are we going to do?” Mercury asked, at her side. “We went through all that trouble to disarm the old man. I doubt he’d let us do it again.”

At that moment, his Talarion Strider let out an extinguishing hiss. It indicated whatever ability he had used before, was now tapped.

Emerald bit the inside of her cheek, and twirled her gun.

“I’m working on it.”

“I still have one more gas cap.”

“So, you’ve told me. Hang on to it.”

“For what? If we synch up our best moves—”

“Just shut up, and let me think.”

“What other possible time could I save it for?”

“We’re not betting more money after bad. What we need to do is wait for the right time.”

“We need to flip this, NOW.”

“You’ll know when to use it, because I will tell you. And that time is not now.”

Without looking, Emerald could tell Mercury was staring daggers at her. She may call him an idiot often, but her partner was anything but. He knew when he was being played.

“You’ve got me in the blind?” Mercury whispered.

“……Yeah.”

“We going to win?”

“What kind of question is that, Merc?” Emerald scoffed. “Of course, we’re going to win.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

“……I’ll explain later.”

“Counting on it.”

Qrow flipped the scythe in his hands and cracked it against the ground. Electricity blasted from the point and spread throughout what remained of the Tower. After his Aura finished its course, the pagoda’s position in the storm halted in time.

No more random bouts of vertigo, no further dissolving of the building. The violent gales ceased. Their surroundings came to an immediate standstill, as bits of ruin hung in the air.

Both Team ENMY and RNJR gave pause at the feat Qrow just performed.

“You’ve got a plan to beat that?” Mercury couldn’t help, but ask again.

“Yeah… Probably.”

So, this is the power of the Wizard.

Salem told Cinder that he draws Magic from the Tower.

The only reason Cinder beat Ozpin was because she had the Maiden’s abilities and the Headmaster was past his prime.

…

We can still win this.

We have to.

Hm?

Emerald felt Neo tug at her arm.

“What?”

Suddenly, the tug became a violent jerk as Neo practically threw Emerald out of the way. A piece of glass on the floor was crushed, followed by the sound of an object whistling by where her neck was.

Emerald fell to the floor. At the same time, Mercury and Neo whipped a quick-draw kick at the empty space. Their feet crossed and locked midair.

The invisible figure back-flipped out of harm’s way and to Team RNJR’s side. As soon as it touched the floor, the person revealed themselves.

Emerald nursed her tailbone, and was helped back to her feet by her comrades.

And now, Lie Ren is back in play.

Things JUST keep getting better.

She threw a spiteful glare and spat on the floor.

Guess, we need to go with Plan B.

Ugh…

Emerald dread the next orders she had to give, as she whispered on their comms.

“I hate Plan Bs.”

* * * * *

Back in Mistral, in a quiet corner of the Azure Estate, a pair of dark figures stepped out from the void.

The two scanned their surroundings and found no patrolling sentries nearby. They snuck along the sides of the building, making use of the shrubbery that lined the walls.

The pair came to a stop, below the window of their target’s study.

“Azure Scale,” Blake murmured, as she gazed up. “One of the leaders of the Four Noble Houses.”

“And only one of three targets on our list,” Adam added.

Blake lapsed into silent thought.

“What are we waiting for?”

“I’m wondering if I should go through with this.”

“They’re Salem’s orders.”

“I don’t obey Salem blindly and neither should you. Mistral could be thrown into complete chaos, because of our actions. The crimes we commit have lasting consequences, Adam. Even if we do them for the right reasons.”

“Salem already explained the aftermath. Only good will come from this. These humans—” Adam paused under Blake’s glare. “These people are enemies, not only to our cause, but even their own blood. There’s nothing to hesitate over. We are doing the right thing.”

“Are you now?” a deep voice posed behind them.

They drew their weapons at the source.

“Blake and Adam, together again. How nostalgic.”

“Raven?” Blake gasped, sheathing her sword. “What are you doing here?”

“Making a call. Hush for a moment, would you?”

“Huh?”

Without a single care spared to the circumstance, and Adam still pointing his katana at her, Raven pulled out her scroll and dialed a number.

“Yang,” she said, as soon as the other line picked up. “Remember when I told you to be ready for my call because it would be important? I’m sending you my location. Get here as soon as you can. It’s important.”

Raven hung up and rested her hand on her sword’s hilt.

The blood in her circulation quickened. Darkness within her Akuma Shodo pulsed at her touch.

And something that once lied dormant, was now awakening for the first time in a long time.

* * * * *

Raven’s blade lashed out, but was cut through by Qrow’s scythe.

The samurai’s image shattered into countless glass shards.

Qrow snickered, “If you’re going to illusion something, you might want to pick someone else.”

Neo gave a contemptuous frown.

“Our main priority is Emerald,” Ruby ordered. “She’s the team leader and giving out the commands. She’s also the weakest!”

The paradigm shifted, and the focal point of the fight became Emerald. Team ENMY’s leader sensed they were gunning for her and acted accordingly.

“Three Card Monte.”

Mercury and Neo joined her and shuffled their bodies. And then, there were three copies of Emerald breaking out of the encirclement.

Ruby’s silver irises gleamed.

“The real one’s on the left!” she shouted.

Qrow swooped on the called mark.

“Red Lotus! Juggernaut!”

Team RNJR split into pairs at the order. Ren and Ruby caught up to Mercury. Nora and Jaune pressed Neo.

Emerald shrunk when Qrow closed in on her escape route. In terms of combat ability, she was heavily outmatched. And the approaching Huntsman had the fear of death’s grim reaper on him.

Emerald pushed her Semblance to its absolute limits, implanting duplicates of herself in Qrow’s mind.

To her surprise, she felt no resistance. She wondered why, until Qrow’s body moved with a surreal motion.

As if time slowed for everyone but him, the grim reaper ripped his scythe across the air so quick, it produced afterimages.

Emerald collapsed, replaced by shattering mirrors.

Neo heaved a drained breath before dodging Nora’s hammer by a margin too close for comfort. After using her Semblance repeatedly throughout the battle, including sudden activations like the one previous, the effect started taking its toll on her body. And Nora smelled blood in the water.

She postured forth and swung the hammer down, but Neo was somehow quicker.

The slim sword found purchase in the girl’s chest.

“Nora!” Jaune yelled, as he activated his Semblance to heal her.

“No! Don’t! It’s a trick!” Nora tried to stop him.

But the deed was done.

As the hallucination faded, Nora’s figure was replaced with Emerald’s. The wounds Qrow had inflicted on her recovered.

Not good.

I can feel my Semblance losing its effect, and Neo’s running on fumes.

Emerald checked something to her right, and smiled.

“Break for the other side!”

On her order, Neo and Mercury kicked up a cloud of dust to harbor the opposition. Team RNJR passed through the cover and found nothing on the other side of it.

Ruby and Ren immediately sharpened their senses, but couldn’t find them immediately. Instead, something much larger occupied their attention. They both turned their heads to the side, and the pit of their stomachs dropped.

Half the light in the office was instantly engulfed in shadow.

On a direct collision course, was the airship Team ENMY had arrived on.

Emerald wore a mischievous grin from the bottom floor they escaped to.

“Blindside.”

A resounding racket of wood and stone cascaded, as most of the airship’s front smashed into the top floor of the Tower.

The force sent Team RNJR and Qrow reeling. Shrapnel fragments cut their bodies. What furniture was left in the office knocked them around.

The airship and pagoda twisted around each other. Stilled after a time. Suspended in their new fusion.

…

Qrow pushed off the desk that pinned his torso. A painful grunt escaped him.

Ozpin’s powers granted a lot of things, but not the power to stop a full-speed aircraft.

He laughed a little, and didn’t remember the last time he wanted a drink so badly.

“Hey, Qrow.”

Through his blood-painted eyes, he couldn’t see…

But there was no mistaking that voice.

…

Yang drove the edge of her elbow deep into Qrow’s gut, at an upward angle.

Ember Celica let out a decisive bang that bolstered the impact. And the Huntsman’s body knocked a few feet into the air.

Qrow’s body would have flown, but Yang caught him and joined her arms around his waist.

Already in anguish, the Huntsman felt his brain numb as the world flipped upside down. His center of gravity out-of-whack. And then something hard, crushing his neck and spine.

As Yang hefted him and suplexed him into the nearby desk.

She slammed him so hard into the furniture and floor, the force created the impression of a second airship colliding with the Tower.

Even so, Yang didn’t let up.

She stared down at Qrow with burning, crimson eyes.

The life in him was wavering.

Faults as clear as crystal.

Her fist cocked back.

The afterburners in her arm flared.

…

And the finishing blow fell,

With all the force of a breaking heart.

#rwby #yang xiao long #emerald sustrai #neo #mercury black #ruby rose #qrow branwen #Jaune Arc #rwby fanfiction #ENMY

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