So this story officially changed to an M rating... (Chapters 17 & 18 have also been updated, in line with this... soooo you know.)
Cough, cough.
Anyway, TW for talking about domestic violence, mature content (near the end ish).
Also, if anyone's interested... the dress she's gifted... I'm imagining is from the 2018 MET Gala, worn by Gigi Hadid.
Enjoy! I really don't know how this one ended up being SO long but I just couldn't find a good place to split it.
"And how did that make you feel? Him, hypnotising her?" Alina looked up from her notebook, pausing from her rapid note-taking. Hally had told Alina about what had happened with Lucy, she didn't see why she shouldn't. The only person who it would get back to would be The Master. It had been two weeks since he'd done it and since then Lucy had played the part of the doting human companion exactly as required. Floating around like a submissive ghost. Hally had supervised him, of course. Not completely convinced that he wouldn't get impatient and just throw her off the airship. They'd waited until she'd fallen asleep in her bedroom, he placed his fingers at her temples and closed his eyes. Lucy's room was smaller than hers. As Hally had watched The Master, she'd imagined how he might have done the same to her before he'd woken her up. Knowing the inescapable fog of his hypnotism, she'd felt bad for the human. But her mind had worked overtime to rationalise the decision. It wouldn't be forever. Just to keep her alive.
"It…" Hally rolled her lip between her teeth. "...look, I feel bad about it. I know it's something that has come about because of decisions he's made, but I also feel a little responsible for those decisions. It's better than letting him kill her." Alina nodded slowly, jotting something down.
"Mmm. You said that you'd both had an honest conversation. How have things been since then?"
Hally took in a deep breath. "It was good to talk to him. Properly. Being blocked from each other's minds is so difficult and he's never really been one for 'talking'."
It was until Alina's mouth pulled into a knowing smirk that Hally realised how that had sounded.
"I didn't mean it like that!…" Hally blushed, chuckling softly to herself. "Although… also not totally wrong. But I just meant, he doesn't like to voice his thoughts or feelings. It's much easier for him to just feel it and then I'd feel it through the bond and know. But now I can't. It's difficult."
Alina nodded in understanding.
"But even after that, we're still stuck in this limbo. Nothing has really changed. Not, noticeably. We're still here, he's still hurting people, still the 'bad guy'. That's not going to change." Sadness crept into Hally's voice. Because, the truth was it had been wonderful to talk, really, properly talk. She wanted nothing more than to take him hostage in that library and simply exist with him. But now, the guilt was so much worse. Now, she couldn't pretend that she hated him, it was inescapable. The knowledge that she wanted him, with every fibre of her being she wanted to be near him and yet that would mean accepting the irreversible damage he had done.
"You disagree with him." Alina pressed, sensing that Hally had fallen into thought.
Hally nodded vehemently. "Yes. I do." She cocked her head to one side. "I know I do some things because I want approval… I know I act a certain way sometimes because I fear judgement, I put what I want second because I'm scared of what people will think. But this, it's just so wrong. He's punishing the Earth because of a grudge against The Doctor. And I know it's something he feels like he has to do. To punish The Doctor. I can empathise with that… I guess I just wonder when it'll end. If it will. When will it be enough? At what point does it break us?"
Alina considered her, raising an eyebrow. "Sometimes, you have a very sharp self-awareness."
Hally laughed. "Stressing the 'sometimes' there." She smirked at her. Alina gave a short laugh of agreement.
"Mmmhmm. You can have some blind spots. Now, this isn't necessarily an opinion, I just want you to consider a new angle…" Alina cocked her head to one side. "Do you think The Master is being fair to punish you?"
"Well… No, I don't think it's 'fair'. But I guess if I were in his shoes I'd be pretty angry too."
"But would you go this far to get justice for yourself?"
Hally swallowed. "No."
"He is entitled to feel how he does. But you're entitled to have a reaction to that. Put simply, he punished you for surviving." How Alina could remain so calm and impartial while discussing The Master's decimation of Earth, Hally could never understand. She continued, offering her things to consider. "Or perhaps with his hatred of The Doctor, he felt like you put your father before him. A betrayal of sorts."
Hally could see the human was hinting towards something. "Maybe?"
Alina gave her a sympathetic smile. "But isn't that exactly what he's doing now?"
Hally frowned, considering her words. She supposed she could be right. The Master was so incredibly angry at Hally for letting The Doctor 'wist' her away on their adventures. He felt like she'd put The Doctor first. But here and now, it was The Master who was putting them second, he was valuing his plan above all else.
"You're not wrong." Hally murmured, a stone settling heavy in her stomach.
"How do you feel about that?"
"Angry. But then again I'm angry most of the time. I hate that he's doing all of this. It's incredibly…" Hally frowned, searching for a word that felt right. "Inconvenient."
Alina's eyebrows raised sharply. "That's an interesting way to put it."
"Yeah…" Hally scrunched her face into an apologetic expression. "But, I think that's how it feels. What I want, is for all of this to go away, all of this to just stop so I can take him and just go far away from here."
"Would you leave The Doctor?" Alina asked, intrigued. Hally wondered if she really had no input from The Master on her choice of questions.
Hally paused, clasping her hands together. Suddenly, talking felt like too much. She wasn't sure she was ready to really consider these things as possibilities. "I… I don't know." She picked at her nail. "I don't want to never see him again. But I just don't know if whatever it is between them can be fixed. Or mended enough for them to exist without trying to kill one another."
"So, would you ever tell your father?"
Hally sighed heavily.
"I know I should. It probably wouldn't be as bad as I've made it out to be in my head. I don't know. I'm just being a coward." She scoffed. "I guess by keeping it hidden it gives me an escape route. If everything goes to shit, if The Master does something unforgivable, I can pretend like nothing ever happened."
She couldn't help the flicker of shame that flashed onto her face as she heard her own words. Unforgivable. As if he hadn't already done things that she should deem unforgivable.
"Also, I keep reasoning that now would be the worst time to bring it up." She moved on quickly. Hoping Alina hadn't noticed. "Oh, I know, that guy, he's the worst. He just burnt all of Japan but oh, while we're talking about him… just to let you know I'm madly in love with him and have been married to him since Gallifrey. Surprise." Hally pulled a face, rolling her eyes. "I just… can't seem to wriggle it into conversation." The laugh she gave was forced, disingenuine.
Alina nodded slowly, writing something down on her pad. Hally watched her, the silence dragging. "What do you do between these sessions? They can be quite far apart."
Alina smiled, looking up at her briefly. "There are a few medics on board. I assist them if needed."
"Oh… ok. Cool." Hally sucked on the inside of her mouth awkwardly.
Alina took in a breath, reconnecting with Hally. She could sense some trepidation from the woman. "Circling back… I want to talk about the physical violence between the two of you."
A look of alarm must have fallen across Hally's face, she felt tension pull at her back.
Alina captured her with a calm, understanding look. "I know… this can be a difficult subject to talk about. I'm not here to point fingers, or pass judgement. But it's currently a recurring theme within your relationship."
Heat rushed up her neck and onto her face. "Yeah…"
"How does it make you feel when he's violent towards you?"
Her breath caught in her throat. Emotions that she didn't want to acknowledge crawling determinately towards her.
"I…" Hally felt her jaw clamp shut.
"I don't need you to tailor your feelings to what you think you should say. However, it makes you feel is right." Alina encouraged gently.
"He… we... I don't know how to describe it." Hally admitted. "It's like, both of us… when it happens it's not that simple. There's always a purpose, a motive. I know that doesn't make it ok. I do. But, for example, when he let Lucy hit me… I understood why. And even though it didn't make it ok… I guess I could empathise with it?"
Alina nodded, listening.
"I think sometimes, the violence is a way to communicate something that we're not ready to talk about yet. Again… maybe it comes from the lack of bond. I don't know…" Hally frowned, shaking her head.
"It could. That might make sense. It leaves you both feeling very out of control."
"Yes."
"And when you're violent towards him? How does that make you feel?"
"Better."
Alina raised an eyebrow. Not in judgement but as a cue to continue.
"It makes me feel better. It gives me some control. I think. If I hit him back, it makes me feel a little bit better about the fact that he hurt me. Or sometimes I do it first… I guess that's why I 'understand' why he does it… because maybe it makes him feel better too." Hally let out a groan, rubbing her hands over her face.
Alina noted something down, before she closed the notebook, leaning forward to garner Hally's full attention. "Perhaps now… after the conversation you both had. I think that might have helped. Of course, talking is always preferable to violence and it's difficult for me to incite change with just one of you here… but when you can, if you feel like a situation is going to escalate I would suggest removing yourself from it, if you can, or for you both to talk about it, if you're in private. It might not always be possible, because of the parameters of this place… the control that he has… I can understand why you might resort to violence to push that control. But when you can… I want you to try and do anything else first. Does that make sense?"
Hally nodded. "Yes… of course. I'll try." She meant it. She wanted to be better. She wanted them to be better.
Since what had happened with Lucy, Hally had been spending a lot less time on the bridge. Everyone had, so it seemed. She'd only seen Jack twice in the last fortnight, The Master was mainly keeping him locked up in the engine room. He'd most likely only brought him out to parade his emancipated body in front of The Doctor. When they were around other people, Hally and The Master had taken to avoiding one another as much as possible. She would sit silently if they were brought meals, and he would focus his attention on bothering the others. Most of the time, Armitage would take her straight to the library, where she'd be left for hours. She didn't mind all too much. The room was beautiful, spacious and had enough books that she could probably keep herself busy for years. Some days she'd have it all to herself. She'd taken to dragging the armchairs over to the floor-to-ceiling window, curling up and napping in the amber hues of the sunset. On other days, The Master would join her. He would bring in a laptop and work at the desk, doing what she wasn't sure she wanted to know. But having him near was comforting. They'd often exist in comfortable silence. Silence was easier than talking.
Silence wasn't complicated.
That evening, after finishing with Alina, Hally had settled herself in the library. She pulled her adopted armchair over to the window and flicked off the lights in the room. Curling up to look out at the sky. The stars were so visible from up there on a clear night. If she angled herself right, it was almost as if the glass wasn't there at all and she could pretend that she was outside, staring far off into space.
A while later, as she began to almost drift off to sleep, the door to the library opened silently, a slither of light falling into the room. He didn't make a sound, but she could feel him approaching. Only when he entered her peripheral vision did he speak.
"Up…" His voice was tired, strained.
Her gaze fell on him and she uncurled slowly. She thought about ignoring his command but looking at him, she could see that deep down his words were closer to a concealed plea. She rose, looking at him questioningly. He'd removed his usual jacket and tie, his shirt undone at the collar and his hair was adorably ruffled. With his hands at her hips, he manoeuvred them around, sitting himself in the spot she'd been occupying. Hally let him guide her into his lap, she curled up against him, her head dropping onto his shoulder as her legs dangled over the edge of the arm of the chair. Both their gazes focused out at the dark sky, littered with shining dots. The moon was low, reflecting a cool light onto their faces. She felt him deflate underneath her, sighing softly.
"Are you ok?" Her voice was low and soft, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment.
"Mm… just loud today." He muttered. She hummed. The drums. If she had been able she would have reached out to him with her mind, it had helped in the past. But this time she couldn't. He would have to face them alone.
She turned her head to look up at him. "Do you want me to talk, or…?"
"No." He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer towards him. "Just sit with me."
"Ok." She whispered, resting her head back under his chin. They had sat like that until the early hours of the morning. Content to simply hold one another. She could feel the familiar, steady beat of his hearts against her. She found it strange that he smelt different to how she remembered and yet so familiar. It was warm. Sandalwood with hints of orange.
She fell asleep there, in his arms.
Only to wake up alone, back in her room.
Armitage escorted her to the bridge just after midday. There were more people present today. Then she noticed the cameras, all angled to the top of the table, where The Master sat patiently waiting for her arrival. The Doctor, Jack and Martha's family were already present and on their feet, guards flanking them. Armitage's hand at her back guided her round to the other side of the table, away from the others but still with a perfect view of The Master.
He was making an announcement and wanted them all present to bare witness. A knot curled in her stomach.
With a nod from The Master, the cameras began rolling. It struck her, how different the man in front of her was from the man who had held her barely 12 hours before. His face split into a cruel smile and as he spoke you could be fooled into thinking that he was full of sadistic joy, informing the humans of his intended plans. But Hally could see the coldness in his eyes. They were severe, all business. His feelings locked away tightly behind a mask of insanity.
"Citizens of Earth." He cooed, bringing his hands up to press together. An ironic image of the politician he'd pretended to be. "It brings me great pleasure to announce that the first shipyard has been completed." He flashed a brilliant smile. "The first of many." He cocked his head to one side. "In just seven months and twenty-one days, the rockets will launch. We will take our place in the universe."
Hally looked away from him. Jack's eyes caught hers, a dark look crossing over his face. The Doctor had his eyes glued to the floor.
"The countdown starts today! So best get to work." His lips curled into a sneer. "The clock's ticking."
The broadcast cut out and The Master swiftly pushed himself to standing.
"It's not too late to stop this." She barely heard The Doctor's voice.
The Master shot him a look of disdain. "Oh, it's far too late, Doctor. Centuries."
Her father stood motionless, his eyes boring into The Master's as if willing him to listen.
Hally watched them both, schooling her expression.
"Let me help." The Doctor begged softly.
The Master sneered and before she could help it, Hally heard herself scoff. Both of them paused to look at her, a smug smile playing at The Master's lips. He turned back to The Doctor.
"You'd love that wouldn't you Doctor." He lifted his chin, sneering down at him. "Save me." His face twisted in contempt. "When are you going to understand? There's nothing to save."
The Master turned on his heel, stalking away and towards and the bridge. "Plus I've already sent out invites for my countdown celebration party!" He raised his eyebrows, wiggling them. "Most of you won't make the guest list." He pouted playfully, skulking away to the bridge.
Armitage took her straight to the library afterwards. She paced, irritably around the room, deep in thought. A small part of her had hoped that he'd lessen his efforts towards universal destruction, but on the contrary, if anything he seemed to have rejuvenated his efforts.
She crossed her arms over her chest when he entered hours later. She was surprised, having expected him to avoid her for the rest of the day after his announcement. Knowing she'd want to confront him. He sat himself behind his desk, flicking a look her way before distracting himself with his laptop.
It looked like it would be up to her to broach the subject. She slowly steered herself around the desk, leaning on the side, watching him. His lips tensed into a pout as seconds dragged by without either of them speaking.
Hally huffed, rolling her eyes at their incapacity to communicate. "You're hosting a 'celebration'?" She began with, it was the easiest place to start.
"Yep." He barely acknowledged her question, eyes trained forward on the screen in front of him.
She narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
He shrugged quickly. "Because I want to."
"Right…" The scepticism was evident in her tone.
"Spit it out." He snapped, eyes meeting hers, a flicker of hot irritation.
Hally scowled back, meeting his gaze with equal fierceness. "I don't like it."
"Evidently." He quipped, eyes rolling knowingly.
She tried a different tactic, softening. "You could just… not?"
He tutted at her predictability. "No. I can and I will."
She stood up, leaning towards him, hands pressed into the wood. "You're going to start a war with the galaxy?"
He shook his head, returning his attention to whatever he was typing. "Yep."
"I'd rather you didn't." The tension in her jaw clipped her voice.
"Noted."
Hally let out a cry of frustration. "Stop being an arsehole!"
He rose from his seat, turning on her. "Well, what exactly do you want me to say, hmm?! You know this conversation is never going to end up anywhere good! Why start a fight neither of us can win?!" He barked back, eyes burning with impatience.
Her face crumpled. He was right. They were just going around in circles. Neither of them wanting to back down. She frowned deeply, fixing him with a glare. "Perhaps, you should just stop then."
He cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps, you should just join me." His mouth pulled into a sneer. The urge to shove him wound its way around her mind and she almost did, taking a meaningful step forward. Her fists clenched and her body jolted to a stop. No. She shouldn't. She needed to walk away. But not too far. Just enough to catch her breath. She shook her head, turned on her heel and headed to the nearest bookcase, grabbing the first book that caught her attention before dropping into her chair by the window. She opened the book, turning pages much more forcefully than necessary as she tried to calm herself. Talking to him was infuriating. Perhaps that was why they'd defaulted to silence when they could, both knowing that a conversation would likely result in unresolvable differences. Then what would they do? If they couldn't resolve what was going on. Were they doomed to snap and bite at one another until they broke apart, or until one of them exhausted themselves and just gave in?
She couldn't bear the thought of either scenario.
The clicking of his typing slowed and stopped. She heard him move, rising to his feet and expected to hear his footsteps cross behind her as he went to leave. Instead, he padded softly towards her, pausing for a second or two just behind her chair. Then he came into view, his back to her as he sunk to the floor and rested himself back against the base of her chair, his shoulder pressed against her leg. He stretched his legs out in front of him, commanding quietly. "Read to me."
She raised an eyebrow and silently stewed. She wanted to be petty and say no just to spite him.
As if he could hear her thoughts he growled, she could hear the strain in his voice. "Read to me, woman." He snapped quickly, before adding. "Please."
It was as much of an olive branch as she was going to get. Hally looked back down at the page she'd been rereading unsuccessfully for the last quarter of an hour and began to read for him. As she spoke, she felt the muscles of his upper body relax, his head coming to rest against her. She read to him for at least an hour, his hand trailing intricate circles over the skin of her calves.
It had taken The Master just twelve days to organise his 'celebration'. She'd not received one of the official invitations he'd sent out, instead, yesterday a box containing a dress had simply appeared in her room. She had been so ready to hate it and kick up a fuss but of course, it was beautiful. It was beyond beautiful. Her hearts had practically skipped a beat when she'd tried it on.
It was intricate, almost like someone had created a stained glass window out of fabric. Golden and nude hues layered across her body in delicate shard-like pieces. The colours darkened over the right side of her body into a deep midnight blue, which trailed down and expanded out over the skirt. The whole thing sparkled magnificently, against the blue it was like the night sky itself had been sown into the fabric. Her right arm was covered by a full-length sleeve while her left was bare. A slit ran its way down the front, exposing her left leg as the golden panels faded into blue.
They were the colours of An Garradh.
He'd dressed her in her own colours.
That morning, as he'd brought her breakfast Armitage had told Hally that she needed to be ready by 6pm and had asked if she required any assistance. She'd declined politely, figuring that she had all day to muddle through. She wanted her hair up, the back of the dress was too detailed to cover with her hair. She'd plaited and pulled at her hair until she was left with something that she was happy with. Framing her face while not appearing too severe. Loose and with a few strands still free. She'd opted for natural makeup, perhaps with an added element of drama with a smudge of dark brown over her eyes.
At two minutes to 6pm, Armitage knocked and her door slid open. She shot him a look, a small smile curving her lips. "Do you think he'd notice if I didn't go?"
Armitage didn't respond, but she swore she saw his mouth twitch upward.
A ghost of a smile.
Victory.
Hally chuckled to herself and stood, moving over towards the door. "Alright. I guess I'm ready."
She thought he might lead her to the bridge, however, they headed towards the Southern upper level. At least she thought it was south… navigating this ship was becoming increasingly difficult. They walked down a corridor, the ceiling curved into an arch and as they moved further along the archway opened up into a long rectangular room.
It was a ballroom.
There was a ballroom on this ship.
How utterly ridiculous.
Hally wet her lips, eyes widening as she took in the room. The floor was a dark midnight blue, almost black. The ceiling, mostly glass panels, reflected the people below. Along the walls hung thousands of tiny white lights, illuminating the room. A waterfall of light on either side. On the right-hand side, a small group of string musicians were playing, their melancholy tones carrying throughout the room.
Her husband was incredibly talented at injecting beauty into the most dire circumstances.
Hally would have guessed there were around two hundred humans present, milling around the meticulously set circular tables. All dressed exquisitely as if the planet below hadn't been almost completely stripped of all class systems. As if it hadn't been stripped of practically everything. Currently, she couldn't find anyone she recognised.
"Who are all these people?" She mused, shooting Armitage a look behind her.
He was close, just off her shoulder. "They used to be diplomats, politicians, royals. U.N.I.T. People who used to be powerful."
She raised an eyebrow at him, eyes lighting up playfully. "Mmm, I guess I'll fit right in then." She watched attentively for any hint of a smile, sighing when there was none. Out of the corner of her eye, a familiar face pulled her attention and she smiled, heading swiftly in the direction of the long bar that sat along the left-hand side of the room. She leant on the cool surface of the bar, sending a soft smile across at Jack.
"Fancy seeing you here." Her eyes sparkled as he looked up at her. It was odd seeing him in different clothes. Just a black shirt and trousers. The length of the bar was covered by a dozen bartenders, she didn't recognise any of the others. Two guards hovered by the wall, eyes trained on Harkness. She supposed it was a tactical move of The Master's. Although, if it meant Jack had been able to shower and change, there was a silver lining.
His bright blue eyes met hers. "Mmm, I guess we made the cut." He gave her a quick smile.
Hally's eyebrows pulled upwards and she did another sweep of the room with her eyes. Perhaps that meant there would be some people not in attendance. She hadn't considered that.
"I suppose so." She considered, looking back to him.
His eyes softened as he looked her up and down. "You look beautiful."
"I think that was rather the point." She smirked, a look of understanding passing between the two. "But thank you."
Jack's eyes flickered away from her as someone approached the bar. "I don't suppose you can make me a Sea Breeze with Tequila?"
Hally felt herself relax at the familiar voice, she turned to see Alina, offering her a friendly smile. Her usually tied-back blonde hair fell down her back in a gentle wave, a contrast against the bottle-green floor-length dress she was wearing. Alina smiled back, giving her an encouraging look.
Jack grinned. "Oh for you, anything."
Hally chuckled, rolling her eyes. She leant over the bar to watch him. "Oh… can I have one of those?" She pouted, watching him mix the ingredients together.
"I didn't know you could make drinks, Harkness?" She teased.
He shot her a dazzling grin. "I've dabbled." He continued making just the one, shooting her an apologetic glance as he grabbed a dark bottle from behind the bar, passing it to Armitage. "Sorry Hal, strict orders on what you can drink."
She huffed loudly, sending Armitage a glare. As if it were somehow his fault. "Of course." Armitage opened the bottle and poured half a glass of the dark red liquid into a wine glass. She set her face into a childish scowl but took the offered drink nonetheless. She brought it to her lips, taking a larger-than-necessary sip.
Damn you control freak of a husband.
Damn you and your excellent wine.
Jack hummed in amusement before turning his attention to Alina, serving her drink. "So, come here often?"
Hally chuckled lowly, rolling her eyes.
Alina smiled, clearly amused. "Fairly."
"Oh really? I've not seen you around, what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
"Well… I'm afraid that's confidential." She whispered, playing along.
"Oh, mystery woman, I like that."
Hally pulled a face, begging him to stop with her eyes. "Seriously, Jack?"
"What, jealous?" He flashed her a scandalous smile.
Hally almost spluttered, disguising it as a quick cough. Alina's mouth pulled into a knowing smirk, eyes flashing at Hally with interest.
Hally laughed awkwardly. "I wouldn't say that so loud if I were you…"
A hand ghosted her elbow. "Wouldn't say what so loud?" His voice sent shivers up her spine. Jack's face fell and Hally tried to school her expression, clocking The Master with a look of irritation. His eyes sparkled playfully back at her.
She quipped quickly, pulling the rug from his 'dramatic' little entrance. "Armitage here was just telling us all how he'd like to hand in his notice so he can follow his dream of becoming a yoga instructor."
The small gathering looked to Armitage, he didn't move, eyes trained on Hally as usual. She felt a small blush creep up her neck and looked back to The Master, pointedly. "See… can't shut him up."
The Master's hand clipped her waist and he moved her away from the bar, nodding at Alina as he did so. The young woman gave them both a polite smile.
"Time to sit." The Master murmured, just for Hally as he lead her to the rectangular table at the end of the room. Five places had been laid out. The Master took the central seat, indicating for her to sit on his left. She did so, noticing that his guests were also finding their seats. Hally suddenly felt very observable. Two-hundred pairs of eyes were trained on their table. She pushed herself into the back of the chair, willing the unyielding wood to swallow her up. Lucy sat herself down on the other side of The Master, an older man joining her. Someone Hally didn't recognise. Dark green slid into the seat to Hally's left and she turned, meeting Alina's eyes. The woman evidently felt just as out of place up here, but she gave Hally a brave smile, which she returned appreciatively.
It wasn't long before the food was being served, Hally watched the humans spread out across the room, placing dishes down in front of every guest. She wondered where they'd come from, this number of staff, he must have acquired some from Earth. Her hearts twinged. She pushed the perfectly seared steak around her plate, nausea churning her insides. Anxiety pressed heavily on her chest. How could she sit here, in amongst all this beauty and luxury, when the people below starved and laboured for the man sat beside her. The Master placed down his knife and fork, reaching over and pouring her a large glass of red wine.
"You're uncomfortable." He noted.
"Yes…" Hally muttered, taking the glass, trying to swallow away the tight feeling in her chest with a generous sip.
"You needn't be. It's just a show." He reasoned, neither of them looked at the other. He poured himself a drink.
Hally rolled her jaw, looking at the sea of people in front of her made her feel uneasy. So many eyes. "I'm aware. I just don't feel like I should be here."
The Master took a drink, despite their lack of eye contact, she could feel his attention on her. "No one is in danger. It's just an evening for the previously rich and powerful to eat nice food and get drunk before they go back to being my pawns." He cooed softly.
"Yeah… I think that's the bit I have an issue with."
"Oh come on… I can guarantee you, every human in this room has sat in luxury while their people have starved on the streets." He scoffed, popping food into his mouth.
She opened her mouth to protest, instead, a sigh fell from her lips. He wasn't wrong.
He relaxed fully into his seat, swallowing. "Plus, they'll barely remember a thing come morning."
She raised her eyebrows, finally turning her head to catch his gaze. "They won't?"
"Nope. Too much of a risk. Once they leave the Valiant they'll forget they were ever even here." He wiggled his eyebrows at her confidently.
"So why do all this? When no one will even remember it?" She laughed breathlessly, incredulous.
"It's not for them." He scrunched his nose. "Plus, it's fun." His face split into a wide grin, light dancing behind his eyes.
She hummed with disbelief. "We have very different ideas on what constitutes fun."
"Oh, I don't know… I can think of a few things we both enjoy." His voice lowered, dripping with insinuation.
Heat peppered her face and she glared at him. There was no doubt in her mind that Alina was politely pretending to not be able to hear everything they were saying.
He chuckled low in his chest, turning his attention back to his plate. After multiple courses, the meal ended. The Master rose to his feet, garnering the attention of the room.
She could feel eyes on her, she gripped her wine glass comfortingly, trying her best to ignore the overwhelming burn of their eyes.
The Master raised his glass. "I thank you all for coming this evening." She could hear the self-satisfied smirk in his voice. As if any of them had had any choice but to accept his 'invitation'. "It brings me great pleasure to have all of you tiny little apes here with me this evening. To celebrate the beginning of Earth's future."
She had to grit her teeth to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"I would like to propose a toast." The Master called. The faces that looked back at him weren't filled with hatred like you might imagine. Instead, they watched him with a serene, quiet respect.
Surely, not.
He must have hypnotised them.
But the entire room?
Unless, the satellites…
"To The Master of all!" He cried. The room echoed the toast, raising their glasses to him.
Hally didn't move. The whole thing was… abhorrent.
A growl of amusement vibrated through him as he sat. "Spoilsport." He muttered.
She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "If you're after your perfectly obedient wife, she's on your right."
He chuckled, bringing his glass to his lips once again. Staff began to clear the tables. "I wonder how many years it'll take for you to forgive me."
"Forgiveness implies an apology." Hally quipped.
"Touché."
She refilled her glass, hoping that perhaps soon the buzz would start to take the edge off. The edge currently being her husband. Sharp, like a thorn in her side.
"Do you like the wine?" He asked casually.
Hally took a deep breath. He was pressing hard at her patience today. "I would have preferred a choice."
"Mmhmm, but do you like it?" He caught her wrist softly, stopping the glass from touching her lips. She placed it back down on the table, looking back into the deep brown.
"You already know that I like it. Just like you knew I would love the dress and the room and the music. Everything is disgustingly beautiful. I hate it."
His eyes softened and an annoyingly cheerful smile fell onto his face. By now the plates and dishes had been cleared and some of the middle tables had been pushed out of the way, creating a space in the centre. The background music picked up and some of the humans took to the newly revealed dance floor.
He held out his hand, a seductive smirk curling his mouth. "Will you dance with me?"
She looked from his hand to his face, giving him an innocent smile. "Will you stop enslaving the people of Earth?" She batted back. The smirk widened into a grin, pleasure twinkling in the dark brown.
"Then, I guess I'll have to turn to my 'perfectly obedient wife'." He took to his feet, offering his hand to Lucy. Who, of course, seized it without a moment's delay. He spun them onto the dance floor before settling into a slow waltz. She knew it shouldn't bother her as much as it did, watching his hands settle on the human's waist. Would it be easier to give in? To let herself fall into his arms and damn the consequences. It was tempting. She rose to her feet, giving Alina a tense smile as she distanced herself from The Master. She would go back to Jack, being around him might remind her why letting The Master sweep her off her feet would be a very bad idea. She felt Armitage follow her silently. This time, she'd planned ahead and brought the wine bottle with her, pouring a new glass as she walked. Settling herself against the bar, giving Jack a solemn glance. Her jaw tightened. She could still see The Master and Lucy from here. He dramatically spun her around, eliciting a laugh from the human. He wore the most charming of smiles.
It was rude of him to look so delicious in a black suit.
"You should be careful, Hal." Jack's voice drew her attention to him. He swilled out a cocktail mixer in the sink. "You have a very open face…" He shot her an unreadable look, lips twitching into a smile. It didn't meet his eyes. She frowned, not understanding the phrasing.
"So, how'd you bag yourself an invite to this?" He asked, moving on swiftly.
Her frown eased slightly and exhaled a chuckle. "I didn't."
Jack watched her as he dried off the mixer, setting it down in front of him. "Strange guest list, don't you think?"
She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? It's all just a show of power, isn't it."
He cocked his head to one side. "Yeah. Course. I just mean, you're here as a guest, I'm behind the bar but The Doctor is in his room and he gave the Jones' the night off?" His face morphed into one of questioning.
She supposed now that he'd said it out loud, it was strange to just have the two of them there. The only 'prisoners'. She shrugged it off. "I don't know Jack. Perhaps he wanted less of us around, less chance of a scene."
He snorted then, throwing her empty wine bottle in the bin. "Oh right, and The Doctor… you know, the old guy who's said about ten words for almost five months, he thought he would make a scene, compared to you?"
Hally opened her mouth, before it fell into a smile. He certainly had a point there. "I don't know. I have no idea why he does what he does. I'm sure The Master would welcome your constructive criticism, though." She remarked, eyes flashing. There was something in Jack's gaze that was unfamiliar. She couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Jack continued. "I'd say you're the most likely to cause a scene." Hally drank a large sip of wine. Again… he wasn't wrong. "Unless, he knows something we don't."
She paused, placing the glass down as she silently questioned his comment.
"You've been different lately." Jack muttered, eyes flicking to Armitage for a moment. "What has The Master done to you?" His bright blue eyes burned into hers. It could have been caring curiosity she saw within them, but it also looked something like an accusation.
"It's not like that." She muttered quickly.
He paused, eyebrows tilting upwards. "It's not like that…?" Jack repeated slowly.
The hairs on the back of her neck pricked. "He's just showing off. 'Queen of the Garden' and all that bullshit." She reasoned. This conversation had fallen into an area that she swiftly wanted to dig out of.
"Huh. Maybe, but I don't know about you… if I wanted to show off that I had control over some future queen. I wouldn't invite her to sit at my side. I'd have her at my feet." Jack drawled.
Hally rolled her eyes. "Maybe you can ask him to set up a comments and suggestions box."
But Jack wasn't taking no for an answer. He was fishing. She thought about walking away, ending the conversation. But, part of her was intrigued. What was he fishing for?
Jack's eyes were locked onto hers, he cocked his head towards Armitage. "You know… a few of the guys watching me down in my 'suite', they've got a few interesting stories about your personal shadow."
Hally flicked her eyes over towards Armitage. "Oh yeah?"
Jack nodded, always laying on that 51st century charm of his. "Yeah… military, assassinations, Government espionage, kidnapping… your man's been around."
"Really? I was under the impression that he was a former school teacher." She smiled, eyes sparkling with a concealed challenge.
Jack chuckled. Shaking his head before fixing her with a serious stare. "Weird though, don't you think? If it's The Doctor he's most afraid of… why does he have one of the deadliest men on the planet tailing you 24/7?"
Hally was about to tell Jack that The Master wasn't 'afraid' of The Doctor but he continued.
"He's got you here, with all these people, so it would seem that he doesn't deem you a 'threat'. So, then you have to think, is he protecting you?"
This was veering off somewhere it could not go.
"Of course not. You're being ridiculous." She laughed, rolling her eyes at him as if the suggestion were adorably stupid.
Jack's eyes glinted. "Hmm, maybe. But… then again…"
Hally raised an eyebrow. "What?"
His eyes hardened and the bright blue irises pierced into her. "Maybe he's protecting you for the same reason you've slipped your wedding ring back onto your hand."
She straightened. Silence hung between them.
She schooled her expression and narrowed her eyes. "You shouldn't ask questions that you already know the answers to, Harkness. It's rude." She clipped. Meeting his hard stare with one equally as unmoving.
She should have known. He'd seen her ring before. They'd spoken about it. Of course, he would have recognised it. It had slipped her mind because, well, because of all the other crap going on. She was so incredibly stupid.
His face was cold, a side to Jack she'd not been on the receiving end of before. "He's not who you think he is. Whoever you married, that man is not him."
Hally sighed. Jack Harkness. Forever the hero. "You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Look, I'm not judging you for marrying him. Maybe you were in love, we can forgive you for that… but he's not that man." Jack's face morphed into one of concern. It sat dangerously close to pity and that did not sit well.
He wasn't angry at her.
He felt sorry for her.
"Jack… stop talking." Her teeth clenched and she fixed him with a stern look.
He scoffed. "Look at everything he's done. Do you really think someone like that is capable of love?"
This was not how she'd expected him to react. Rage, betrayal, yes. Sadness maybe. But this. He was trying to make out like she was some poor lovesick puppy, being played with by the big bad wolf.
"How would you possibly know?" She shot at him, anger blossoming in her chest, running hot and fiery through her veins.
"He's using you. Hal, this isn't you." Jack shook his head, imploring her to listen.
"It's not like that."
"I know you might think that…"
"Jack. Stop. I'm not stupid. It's… we have a history and I'm not expecting you to understand that but seriously… don't patronise me." She took a step back. He might not understand but he would not pull away her accountability in this. The Master was not 'using' her. They were complicit. Together. It was bad and it was ugly but it was both of them.
Jack sighed impatiently. "Hal… he's just using you to get to The Doctor."
Her fists clenched. Nails digging painfully into her palms.
Fuck.
Off.
Of course.
Because no one could ever possibly want her just for her.
Fuck.
She would show him.
Hally turned on her heel and stormed away. Beelining straight for her husband. He caught her by the waist, Lucy nowhere in sight. Her chest was rising and falling heavily, he didn't speak, he just moved them quickly into a dance. Leading her. She let him.
"Did you know?" She murmured.
"Yes."
Her face twisted. "Since when?"
"The minute he caught sight of that ring. On the bridge." Koschei pulled her closer into him, stepping with her through the music. His hand clasped hers, the other in the small of her back. Firm and grounding.
"You should have said." She didn't mean for it to come out quite so sharp, but she was still hot with anger.
"I was handling it." His eyes flicked over her face. "You're angry." There was uncertainty in his voice, a question.
"I'm angry at him."
The Master cocked his head.
"He thinks you're using me."
"Of course, he does." The Master understood then, her anger. Warm flecks glinted in his eyes, he wrapped his arms around her fully, pulling her into his chest. His hand rubbed comforting circles into her lower back. He held her, in the middle of the dancefloor. Swaying from side to side.
She couldn't do this.
Not in front of so many people.
She almost pulled away, but his hands squeezed at her waist. "Ignore them. Like I said… almost no one here will remember this come tomorrow." She watched some of the humans, they weren't even paying them much attention. Like they barely saw them at all.
"How is that even possible?" Hally whispered softly, looking back to The Master. "The satellites?"
"Mmhmm." He smiled slowly. His face was mere inches from hers. His eyes focused only on her face.
"Even so that's… a lot." She raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I have help." He winked scandalously.
He hummed in amusement at her questioning expression. She was evidently intrigued. "The satellites on their own would create enough of a blanket of subtle psychic suggestion. But the key into the network… rather by accident… the thing that amplifies me. Is you." His eyes darkened with desire. "My Archangel."
A mischievous smirk played at her mouth. "So you are using me."
He chuckled darkly. Hands tightening, needing into her back. "I suppose in that sense I am." He cocked his head to one side. "But, it really was an accident."
"For which, I'm sure, you shall take all the credit." Her eyes danced with mirth.
"Oh, certainly. I am, after all, a genius."
Her face split into a smile and she laughed. He was impossible. But he was hers. He had done awful things, but she could face those things with him, because she knew, with every fibre of her being that he was hers. And she was his.
She was in a room full of people who wouldn't remember anything come the morning and three humans who might but who already knew the shadow she was hiding. Perhaps there wouldn't be a world in which she could exist on both sides of the coin. She could try her hardest to convince Harkness that The Master loved her, but who really cared? They were never going to dance on the side of the angels. Perhaps she had accidentally gotten a little tipsy. Perhaps this was a terrible idea.
But…
Fuck it.
Hally leant forward and pressed her lips hard against his. Her hands flew to his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. There was a split second where he didn't move, completely taken by surprise. But then his brain kicked in and the hands at her waist moved to her back, her hair. He was on the back foot, fighting for dominance. The bodies around them blurred into nothing, the music drowned out by the sounds of his breath against hers, the deep vibration in his throat. He had her curved into him, he pulled away a fraction and took in every detail of her face.
A smile crept onto his face. Genuine and just a little bit smug. The corner of her mouth curved.
"Well, that was unexpected." He mused, holding her body tight against his.
No one around them reacted in any way, she imagined she had him to thank for that.
She didn't need to look over to the bar to know that Jack was watching, she could practically feel his gaze on them. Hally cocked her head. "Well, what can I say? I can't resist a beautiful dress." She rolled her eyes, smirking. He chuckled softly, leaning in to trail quick kisses along her jaw. His eyes darkened and he growled. "You have totally derailed my plans for the evening."
"Oh?" She asked innocently, butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.
"Mmm… you see I was going to keep all these humans here until the early hours, having them tell me how wonderful I am while they danced in the prettiest circles, but I can't very well do that now can I?" He leant in close, lips dangerously close to hers once more.
She looked up at him through her eyelashes. The way his eyes never left hers. She flushed. "Why ever not?"
His chest vibrated. "Because now, I'm going to have to spend the evening with my wife." She bit her lip, the dark intensity of his gaze sending little shocks of arousal through her body.
He touched the side of her face. "Go with Armitage, once I've dealt with this lot I'll be right with you."
She hummed softly in agreement, he released her slowly as if he didn't want to let her leave his arms. Armitage met her at the door and they walked through to the library. He didn't speak. She wondered briefly what he was thinking, and smirked to herself. He waited outside the door as she made her way inside. She didn't have to wait long.
Not even ten minutes later, the door was pushed open hurriedly. The Master didn't waste a second, as soon as she was close enough, his hands were on her. He pulled her into his arms and his mouth connected with hers. She moaned softly as he brushed his tongue against hers. He backed her against the desk, nestling himself between her legs. Hands cupped her face as he sucked on her bottom lip. It was as if they were both starved, sated only by the skin of the other. Her hands spanned his torso frantically, she managed to push his jacket off his shoulders. He reached up and pulled off his tie, chucking it on the desk behind her. Her hands linked behind his neck, pulling him back to her mouth. His tongue rolled against hers, taking her mouth for himself. One of his hands wound into her hair and dragged her head backwards. He attacked her neck with burning hot kisses. Her hands found the waistband of his trousers. Suddenly, her head was free from his grip and he was moving her hands to the edge of the desk, by her legs. She gripped the edge of the desk and he crashed against her once more. She needed to touch him.
Her hands moved to his belt again and The Master choked out a growl. Grabbing her wrists and forcing them back to the edge of the desk. "Don't make me restrain you."
Hally whimpered as he sucked deliciously over the pulse in her neck. "Koschei… I want-" His mouth on hers swallowed her plea.
His hand caught her chin, holding her still. "I know what you want. But you're not having it."
She grabbed at his shirt, forcing his body closer to hers petulantly. He grunted, leaning over her to grab his discarded tie. He wrapped one end around her left wrist before threading the tie behind her back and securing the right wrist. He pulled and it tightened, forcing her wrists together behind her back.
She pouted, realising that he was serious. "Why not?"
His eyes trailed over her ravenously. He straightened up, trailing his hands down her sides without her interference. He kissed patiently down her neck and across her chest, savouring the taste of her skin against his mouth. "I'm not giving in to what you want now… only for you to fret about it tomorrow." He muttered against her clavicle.
"I won't." She begged breathlessly. Not that she completely believed herself.
"Lying will get you nowhere." His teeth sunk into the fleshy part of her neck. She cried out in desperation, her back arching. He returned to press his mouth against hers. His pupils were blown wide and dark. She panted against his lips, he sucked in her breath. A whine pulled from her throat.
He surveyed her, his breath shuddering. "Oh, look at you." He roughly pulled at her hair, forcing her head back. "My poor little dove, how can I leave you like this?" His tongue lapped at her throat. Hally swore she was going to explode. Heat shot between her legs as his hand gripped the inside of her thigh. He pulled her further towards the edge of the desk and then his hand was on her. Pressing. He rolled his thumb upwards, testing.
"Koschei, please." Hally gasped breathlessly, her hands straining behind her.
His voice rolled low through their chests. "Ask me nicely."
She whined, her body melting against his. He pushed aside her underwear, fingers ghosting over her. Just enough to have her mewling.
She was sure that tomorrow she would hate how quickly she submitted, but she needed him to touch her. Her skin burned with want. His mouth was hovering over hers, their breaths mingled together, it was dizzying. "Master. Please. Master…"
He caught her moan with his mouth as he pushed two fingers inside her. Again, his hand was at the back of her head, holding her gaze steady on his. He began to move his hand, rubbing deliberate circles with his thumb. She couldn't move, could do nothing but accept the pleasure he was drawing from her body. She shook in his arms. It was terrifying and intense and wonderful. He moaned deeply, watching her body bow to him like an instrument. One he played so well. It was as if her body recognised him as the only one it belonged to. Her master. His mouth sucked and kissed her up her neck and back to her mouth, claiming it as his. His fingers curled and his thumb moved harder. She could feel him pushing her higher. They were chasing her release together. The hand in her hair tightened as he held her just over the edge. Her breaths were short, catching high in her throat as she squirmed on his hand. She was so close.
He rolled her earlobe between his teeth, the warmth of his breath fanning across the side of her face. "Go on."
Hally felt herself fall over the edge, clamping down on his hand. He hungrily ate up all the little noises falling from her mouth, holding her steady as she spasmed against him.
She felt him release her hands as she gently came down. He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. "Don't move."
She planted her feet shakily on the floor as he moved away for a brief moment. He was behind her, by the fireplace and armchairs. He returned and offered her his hand. She took it and he led her to the fireplace. She hummed softly, smiling at the strange bed of cushions he had created. He stopped her, reaching for the zip of her dress. Something must have crossed over her face because he chuckled.
"While it looks gorgeous on you, I can't imagine it'll be comfortable to sleep in." He smirked and together they wrestled the dress off her body. His eyes raked up her body, naked but for the bottom half of her underwear. He pulled off his shirt and redressed her with it. Then he slipped off his shoes and nestled onto the makeshift bed, draping a blanket over them both. It was certainly not as comfy as her bed, but she definitely wasn't complaining as Koschei wrapped his arms around her. She lay her head on his chest, closing her eyes. He brushed his fingers up and down her back through the fabric of the shirt, lulling her gently to sleep.
When Hally awoke, she was pleasantly surprised to find The Master's arms still wrapped around her. The cushion-bed had proved, well, torturous and the both of them had pretty much ended up sleeping on the floor. But she hadn't minded all too much.
She blinked the sleep from her eyes, watching his face. He slept just as she remembered. Strangely peaceful. An unwelcome coil formed in her chest.
She'd crossed the line.
She couldn't come back.
He hurt people.
What did that make her?
The Master groaned. "Don't you dare." He muttered, turning his head and looking at her.
She smiled apologetically at him.
"You enjoyed yourself." He stated, stretching out his back before curling onto his side to face her.
Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened.
He grinned. "Not just that. You enjoyed the evening."
She considered him. "I suppose I might have liked bits."
He observed her face. "We could rule the stars together."
"That's not what I want." She whispered.
He sighed gently. "Then it appears we're at an impasse. I can't stop and you can't join me by my side."
"I'm sorry."
"Mmm… so am I." The Master's voice was low, sombre. His hand trailed up her neck until his finger tilted her chin towards him. "I don't like hurting you."
Hally caught his hand in hers, squeezing it. "I don't like hurting you either."
She closed her eyes, holding his hand to her chest. "Sometimes… being near you is terrifying. Loving you is… so intense. It's like this raging fire burning inside me. All chaos and passion. It brings out sides of me that scare me. They're ugly and wild and I feel so out of control when I'm with you." Her voice was barely a whisper, but he hung onto every word.
There was a thoughtful hum. "You're still in love with me?"
Hally opened her eyes and frowned. He looked back at her, genuine curiosity on his face. A hint of fear in his eyes. "Of course I am." She brought his hand to her mouth, pressing her lips against his knuckles. "I don't always like it. I don't always like you. But I can't exist without loving you."
He leant in, taking her mouth passionately. He smiled into the kiss. She pulled back slightly. "Do you think we're broken?"
He considered her, before shaking his head. "I don't think people can be broken." He answered simply. "But, you can't file away how you feel into 'good' and 'bad'. You can be wild, ugly chaos and I won't care."
Her hearts warmed with acceptance. "When I'm with you. I don't have to hide."
"Never." He grinned.
Eventually, their bodies protested against remaining on the hard floor and they both got up. The Master ran a hand through his hair, like this, one couldn't possibly imagine that he'd conquered an entire planet. All sleepy and dishevelled in nothing but his suit trousers.
When The Master made to move towards the door, Hally had pulled his shirt further around her body. "I can't go out there looking like this." She protested.
"But you look adorable." He shot her a rogue smile.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "What will Armitage think?" Her voice was a hushed hiss.
The Master laughed, his head dropping back. "Oh sweetheart, he'll already know."
Her mouth dropped open. "But…"
The Master shot her a scandalous look, pouting thoughtfully. "Oh, he's very polite. He usually averts his eyes when you're in any state of undress." He winked, moving again towards the door. Hally spluttered in disbelief. The Master called back. "But… if you're insistent, I'll get him to bring you some clothes."