Authoress' Notes:

This is shorter than I usually post, but I got to the end and was surprised to realize I'd done what I'd set out to do. I was expecting it to take a couple pages, but sometimes the story surprises you, I guess.

Oh, Coward. How to explain you? It's like a masochistic Stockholm syndrome, only hotter and more fucked up.

Since it's come to my attention (Hi B/C buddy! :D) that not everyone has quite this view of Blackwood, I figure I should explain. I view him as either a psychopath or a sociopath (since, for the purposes of the fandom, there's very little difference), meaning he doesn't give a fuck. At all. I know he doesn't believe his BS about magic, but I definitely see him as completely, one hundred percent believing in his own superiority. As for Coward... psssh. Whipped. On the one hand, it's an adorable head-over-heels puppy dog thing, but on the other... come on, you know there's some dark shit going on there!

Disclaimer: If I owned it, the gay would be way more obvious.

---

Empty

---

Lord Coward was fully aware that the relationship he shared with Lord Blackwood was an unusual one, at best. At worst, it went against every moral and principle he had ever grown up with-- but he was at peace with this fact, knowing as he did now that flimsy principles and moral codes could never stand up against the pure beauty and radiance of his Lord. The universe cared not what silly ideals and religious standards men set for themselves-- it cared only for the kind of eternal, glorious power his Lord possessed, and the choices of those too weak to possess it. They either bowed down to this power, and lived, or resisted it, and died.

Coward knew his decision had been the right one, and that he was incredibly blessed to hold even this much importance in his Lord's eyes, but still... he sometimes wished for more. Every time he felt his Lord's eyes linger on him, he felt his pulse quicken, and usually that was enough. But some days, Coward couldn't help but notice that those eyes rarely held any emotion. When they did, it was never the love he craved, but typically a hint of approval or, God forbid, anger. When Lord Blackwood was angry-- truly angry-- Coward felt himself tremble at the sight.

On one occasion, when a simple mistake on Coward's part-- a mistake others might have missed altogether-- nearly led to his Lord's plan being discovered, Coward paid dearly. By the end of the day, he was bruised beyond recognition, barely able to walk, bloodied and broken, and humbled, so humbled, in the face of his Lord's anger. He knew the punishment was well-earned, and his to accept, and he accepted it completely. His Lord, teaching him of his errors as only a loving god could, relented only when Coward began to weep like a child, pain holding him tightly in its fiery embrace as he apologized again and again for disappointing his Lord. His repentance was genuine, and Blackwood rewarded him, moving slowly and sweetly that night.

But his eyes remained empty.

---

Phweee, that was so much fun to write. Before I wrote this, I was in a pissy mood (since my friend totally ditched me for lunch... but we won't dwell on that). Now, having written Coward getting the shit beaten out of him, I feel cheerful and bouncy. XD

Also, did anyone notice I gave Coward a little Voldemort philosophy? Originally, I was thinking of the actual quote, but I figured that'd be cheating, so I switched it around a bit.

Please review!