A/N: Next chapter is here. A bit shorter than the other ones.

Disclaimer: I don't own 'ROTG', 'HTTYD' or 'Pride and Prejudice'

Chapter Ten

Jackson was still flushed over what had happened at the ball two nights ago. He couldn't shake Mr. Haddock's words and actions; he couldn't reconcile them with what he knew of the man.

"Manipulative bastard," he hissed under his breath for the umpteenth time.

"Dear Jackson, I hope you aren't speaking about me," a smooth voice interrupted his thoughts.

His eyes darted up from the fire place to spy the inky man slinked into the drawing room and lounge across the chaise.

"No, Mr. Black, I wasn't speaking of you," he said. Thought, you are also one.

"I'm pleased. I know you dislike me, but I am glad your opinion isn't quite that low. However, it does upset me that you have yet to take to me. We are quite alike, you and I. Though, perhaps that is why you reject me so fiercely; it can be difficult to be around people who remind us of ourselves because we so easily see all that we hate about us in them."

The young Mr. Overland grunted as he turned back to the blackened logs. A rustling of clothing caught his attention as the man stood again, pulling himself straight and fully claiming his intimidating height. "The weather is delightfully warm today."

"Your observational powers astound me."

Mr. Black failed to formally acknowledge his comment, but his sharp intake of breath signaled that he had heard it. "The cooler months are almost upon us. I was about to suggest you join me for a turn around the gardens to cherish the last of the sunlight."

Jackson leaned further back into the thin cushion and crossed his arms. "I am quite comfortable here," he assured the man.

"Oh, come now, Jackson. I'm sure you would enjoy the fresh air. Come, walk with me, or would you rather I got your mother involved?"

The young man grumbled as he pushed himself to his feet.

The gentleman smiled. "Shall I wait until you retrieve a coat or shall I meet you out there?"

"It's our gardens; I have no need to be so formal. A shirt and waistcoat will suit me perfectly fine, especially if it is as warm as you say. Coming?" he enquired as walked from the room and into the hall.

Mr. Black followed on his heels out into the foyer and outside into the garden. As the young Mr. Overland stepped onto the dirt path that weaved through the overgrown bushes and bursting flowers, the gentleman stepped up to match pace with him.

"Do not think I am unaware," Mr. Overland stated as he gazed at the butterfly fluttering over the path ahead of them.

"Unaware of what, may I ask?"

"Your motives, your plan, all of it. I know. I am not as naïve as other members in my family. I told you before, you lay one finger on Sarah or any of my sisters—let's just say any of my family—and I will tear you apart limb by limb."

Mr. Black lazily waved a hand. "Yes, yes, I remember quite well. However, I would like to know just what exactly you believe I'm plotting against your family that is so horrible."

"Perhaps to another you're plan isn't unreasonable; to many I assume your desire to wed is quite understandable, and making your first choice one of your cousins so that they will not become destitute because of their debtor father is rather noble. However, such a man as you is not in search of a wife, but in search of a woman to possess. You are corrupted and twisted—"

"We are all creatures of sin, Jackson."

"As a man of the church I'm quite sure have an intimate knowledge of the concept, especially the fact that you are not above such a thing."

"If every man is a man of sin, and you will not accept me as a suitable companion for one of your sister's because I am a man of sin, pray tell me what man will be good enough for your sisters? I wish you luck in the endeavor of finding a sinless man."

Jackson paused in his steps and turned to face the gentleman who had also stopped. "I do not judge a man for sinning alone; it is you that I dislike."

"What have I ever done to bring such a harsh judgment upon myself?"

The brown haired man faltered. He didn't have a reason. At least, he failed to bring up a concrete reason as to why he disliked the gentleman standing before him. It was just something in his manner, something that rubbed against his skin and splintered.

Mr. Black smirked. "I see. Now, Jackson, I hope that you have seen the error of—"

"I may lack a sufficient reason but that does not change my mind. Once Mother pushed away the impossibility of you having Emma, you latched onto Sarah. Well let me tell you, you are not to lay one finger on her," he hissed, jabbing his finger into the man's chest. "You are not to look at her. I will not let such a twisted man steal her and warp her."

"Oh, Jackson, you're just as twisted as me." The gentleman snatched the young man's hand and held it tightly against him.

Mr. Overland froze at the forwardness and intimacy of the action.

"You know, I never truly cared for either of your sisters in particular," Mr. Black said. "They are just a bit less of a nuisance to explain. You, however, are something truly special. Think of what it would be like for us together, Jackson. We'd no longer have to be alone. Having someone else, who understands what it's like to feel alone, rejected, different, a monster, an underserving human so low you wonder how anyone can bear the sight of you. Someone else who knows just how truly a man of sin you are."

Jackson shivered at the gentleman's words. "I assure you that I have no—"

"Come now, don't waste my time," he breathed as he stooped forward until his lips ghosted against the young man's.

"You're the only one who wasted it," he growled as he attempted to shove the man away from him, but long fingers dug into his arms and held him in place. He struggled, pushing and pulling against the hard contours of the gentleman's body.

"Do not resist me, Jackson. You don't want to lose my favor."

"I never wanted it!"

He stumbled backwards and tried to right himself.

"Very well, then," Mr. Black snarled before composing himself. He straightened his waistcoat and fastidiously brushed off his coat and hands as if removing something unpleasant. "I am not the person to make an enemy of. You do not wish me to be kind to your family? Very well. Very well. You no longer have my favor. I hope you are pleased with yourself."

The gentleman stalked away, leaving a very flustered Jackson behind him.