It was an odd morning, to say the very least. When Blackwood awoke, he didn't recognise where he was right away, causing him a great deal of alarm. Pain shot through his skull as his eyes tried to focus. He squinted in order to block out some of the painful light. Before he could attempt to get up, he found himself bound to the bed by a large weight, of which he shook off in order to grab his glasses. Looking back to his other side, he finally focused and found Daniel lying next to him, much to his shock and dismay. Fortunately for Paul, the brunet sighed and turned over, seemingly oblivious to what was happening. That was a relief. Blackwood was going to put off the inevitable awkward conversation for as long as possible. For now, the assistant was focused on putting his clothes back on and alleviating his hangover. He still had his underpants on, thank goodness, but the rest took some searching. His shirt was in the living room, his belt was in the hallway, and his socks were still on his feet for whatever reason, but that was the least of his concerns.
Blackwood would never be able to take back what he had just done. A prominent part of him felt guilty about his actions, as he should, but another very large part of himself felt immense satisfaction from it. How long had it been since he had been intimate with someone? Years, thanks to his employer, and while Daniel certainly was not his first choice by any means, the power that came with this made the assistant's ego grow. The brunet would be very useful to him in the future.
True, he did feel bad about taking advantage of the younger man. He didn't deserve it. No one did. Blackwood simply wanted revenge even more. It was a vile and low of him and he knew it. He knew he couldn't go back from this and would have to move forward. The wheels were in motion, and the assistant had no intention of stopping what he had started.
Last night, Blackwood had decided that he was tired of being a pawn, and that he wanted to become a player. He wanted to be on the same level as Westley in order to crush him, but in doing so, it would appear that he was starting to become the same beast. This idea flew over his head at the moment, however. The man was far too absorbed in himself to think about how his actions would affect others.
In truth, he was surprised at himself. Never did he think he was capable of such a thing, but he was somewhat impressed. He liked the power. At last, he was taking control of his life! The cost didn't matter to him, and neither did the means. He was too high on himself to concern himself with such matters.
Instead, he sat on the couch in the living room once again and reclined backward. His feet were on the coffee-table, knocking over a few empty cans onto the floor. The man sighed, expelling the rotten air from his lungs and filling them with cleaner, but he would only pollute it again, as he pondered what his next move would be. Blackwood knew that he would have to hang around a while for Daniel. If he just left, the Westley would get suspicious and Paul couldn't have that just yet. He needed to string the young man along until the time was right. Until then, he needed to come up with more ways to harm his boss.
Westley's son already belonged to Blackwood, now. What else could he take, and how? He would have to compile more ammunition. Knowing his employer, it should be fairly simple. Paul had a basic idea of the nefarious activities the other was up to. All he had to do was look. The assistant should be able to access financial reports for money laundering and to see what exactly he was spending his money on. All Blackwood needed was a computer. Following Westley around and taking photos would do him well, and even having Daniel in his position to vouch for him could come in handy. Asking around the office for ideas would serve him nicely, as everyone had thought about taking Westley down. Surely someone had plans. Paul would have their support automatically. All he had to do was ask. They would think he is crazy, but they would help however they could. Some would. Others would worry about job security. There was no time for that, however. Blackwood had ambition!
Unfortunately, he would have to set the other parts of his plan into motion at another time. For now, he had to nurture his pawn. Once Daniel woke up, he got dressed and the pair exchanged awkward conversation, conspicuously dancing around the subject of the previous evening. Instead, they talked about anything but the incident. They talked about school, about movies, about anything at all, but it was painfully obvious that Daniel wanted to say something. Naturally, he was embarrassed and had no idea what to do. He was completely inexperienced in almost all aspects of the subject, so he hadn't the slightest idea as to how to casually direct the conversation without being blunt or off-putting. Subtlety and Daniel Westley go together just about as well as vampires and Italian food.
"Are you still going to go meet up with your friends?" asked Blackwood. "It's tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Uh, yeah..." the other answered. "I'm pretty nervous… I still haven't apologised to Kris yet..."
"You'll get your chance." Paul said. "I can't guarantee that he'll accept, but if you mean it, it's worth a shot, right?"
"I guess..." Daniel replied, looking down a bit. "I just don't know what to do..."
Smiling, the assistant gave the younger man a sympathetic look. "No one ever really does, I don't think. All you can do is your best."
"That doesn't help me all that much..." the Westley complained.
"Sorry, it's what I've got." Blackwood answered, looking down briefly to check his watch. He stood up from his seat on the sofa, not breaking his gaze before finally saying: "I need to go. I have an appointment today."
"A-alright." Admittedly, the Westley was disappointed that the subject of last night didn't come up, but couldn't think of a way to ask before the other man left.
Once he was out that door, this would just be another thing on Daniel's list of problems. He did not need that. Blackwood, however, knowing what was on his mind already, glanced his way and debated on what to do next. He had no idea how to continue the illusion with words, so he opted with action, leaning down to be on the level of the still-seated Westley. The eyes of the brunet opened wide as the other pressed their lips together again before they fluttered shut again, only to be left feeling empty once Blackwood pulled away again.
The poor Westley's heart was beating fast, and his face was flushed, as he was unable to cope with the situation. His embarrassment forced him to look away from the other's smile, although he knew he shouldn't feel this way. If he knew anything from watching those he knew who were in relationships, he should not feel fear, but he did. The worst thing was, he didn't know what he was afraid of. Was it losing Blackwood, or Blackwood himself?
The man didn't have time to think about it as Paul released him and spoke. "I'll see you again soon." he said before turning to walk toward the door. "I hope everything goes well for you."
Standing up, Daniel watched his back as he left. Anxiousness jolted through him as he did, feeling uncertain as to whether or not that was true. "O-okay." he answered. "The same goes for you!"
Blackwood reached forward and gripped the doorhandle, pausing before he opened it. Looking over his shoulder one last time, he smiled. The door opened, but he stayed that way for a moment longer, turning to face the other as he stepped through.
"Bye for now, Dan." Paul replied before shutting the door, thus sealing the fate of the Westley.
A/N: Aaaaahh... This has gone to a dark place...
I feel like the stuff I write keeps getting darker and darker and I'm not sure how I feel about that? I like dark stuff, but writing it is kinda... It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, y'know?
I am disgusted.
SHAME.
Daniel's gotten shot before in this series, but I feel like this is worse. Much worse. I'm so sorry, Danny... Could be Preston right now, though... So maybe it could be worse...
Now THERE'S a thought...
NAH.
Hopefully this will have a happy ending, though. I like happy endings.
Until the next chapter, my duckies~!
