Havemercy Fic - Crossing the Line (29/29) | Complete!
Title: Crossing The Line
Rating: PG
Word Count: 2,354 for this chapter
Disclaimer: All recognisable characters belong to the wonderful Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett, although there may be one or two of my own creation :)
Summary: When he decides to search for an art tutor, little does sixteen year old Etienne know that he's about to embark on an adventurous summer of maturity, secrets and self-discovery. However, he's not the only one in the family who's been hiding things, as Castle Nevers will never be the same again.
Author's Notes: Thanks, as always, to manyfacesofme22 for beta reading this story and co-creating the idea in the first place. This story wouldn't be here without you ♥
The finale! A massive thank you to everyone who's been reading, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Special thanks to caityjay for all of your wonderful comments, they honestly mean so much. It was nice to know at least one person was reading, particularly during the scary posting of the first few chapters! Thanks also to pockypuck for making me smile, too :)
After this chapter, you should all check out Love Soon by John Mayer, the lyrics of which inspired the title.
As mentioned in the masterpost, I might revisit this 'verse again one day. If there are any particular requests, post in the comments of the masterpost :)
( Previous chapters)
Here we go!
Jude
When I’d heard before of heartbreak, I hadn’t realised how accurate the term was. That’s exactly what it felt like: that my heart was breaking into two, leaving a big, empty hollow in my chest.
After everything that had happened recently, every obstacle that we’d faced, I knew that Etienne and I would be okay because we would face it together.
Now, though, even that thought could not comfort me for the fact that we were not together at all. Etienne was in Thremedon, and I was stuck in the countryside.
I understood, now, why my dad had wanted to leave Thremedon after mum had died. He’d said it was because the city reminded him too much of her, everything a reminder of all they had done together. It had been too painful to face such memories every day, and he’d decided to relocate us to his childhood home of the countryside. I was now feeling the same ache. Being here made me think evermore of Etienne, every room echoing with the memories of what we had done there. I couldn’t bear to set foot in my dad’s studio and look at all of Etienne’s paintings.
I tried to reassure myself with the knowledge that I would start at the ‘Versity, and it would only be a year before I could see him again. Even with the knowledge that I would one day see him again, a year felt like a very long time, and it stretched before me like a chasm.
I longed for him with every fibre of my being. It felt like part of me had been scooped out and left for the city when he did, and I knew exactly which part. I missed his friendship. I missed his laugh and the small, soft smile he used only with me. I missed the warmth of his lips against mine and the feeling of him wrapped in my arms. I missed the safety of his embrace and his wry sense of humour. More than anything, I missed his companionship. He was the best friend I had in the country, and without him I felt lost.
Then, my dad changed everything. I knew he’d been concerned about me, and I hated to make him worry. I knew he loved me, and I knew that he would do anything in his power to make sure I was safe and happy, but I had no idea to what lengths he would go to secure my happiness.
When he told me of his plan, I couldn’t believe my luck. I was impatient to go to Etienne and return to the city. I waited anxiously for everything to be prepared, until finally it was time to go.
It was hard to leave my dad behind, and even Alfie, despite our recent differences. He came to say goodbye - one of the very few times I’d seen him since he’d found us in the barn. He’d been avoiding me for so long, but now that I was leaving he came to make his peace with me.
“Have fun in the city,” he muttered, looking at the carriage.
“I’ll write,” I promised. He nodded, and as I turned away he grabbed my arm.
“Jude,” he said, looking at me at last. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
A few days ago, I would not have been inclined to forgive him. Dad had told me of Alfie’s involvement with Etienne’s family, and I’d been glad that he spent so much time out of the house, for I no more wished to see him than he wanted to see me. Now, though, I would not see him for a long time, and though my dad promised that they would visit in the winter, I felt an ache that I would go so long without them.
“It’s fine,” I forgave him. I hugged him quickly, then turned to my dad.
There was nothing I could say. Tears closed my throat and I clung to him, hugging him back as hard as he was holding me. I promised to write to him, and my chest ached as he closed the carriage door. I would miss him terribly, but I could not bring myself to decline his offer.
As the country blurred by, I became more excited. I was leaving behind the countryside and its prejudices, and was getting ever closer to the man I loved. Etienne’s letter was folded in my pocket, the paper crumbled from how many times I had read it. I re-read it once more to reassure myself that he felt the same way as I did, and that he would be pleased to see me.
My dearest Jude,
I have started this letter so many times, and yet I still do not know how to say what I need to. I guess the best thing is to state it plainly; I do not wish to hide behind words, and you deserve to know the truth.
Things have been terrible here since your father’s visit. I do not know the circumstances that brought him here; I can only assume it was the result of Will’s actions. He loves you very much, and I can understand that he wanted to confront my brother. I know he never would have intended for things to go as they did, and you must let him know that I forgive him if he talks of it. Also, please don’t be angry at your brother. My family has been torn apart by hatred, and I don’t wish for yours to suffer the same. Things have gone too far, now, for me to reconcile with Mama, but there is still hope for you and Alfie.
The real point of this letter, Jude, is this: I am hoping to leave for Thremedon. Emilie has promised that she will send this to you on the occasion that I go, and so as you read this I am already in the city.
I never meant to leave you. Jude, you must realise that this is the only option for me. Your father’s offer for me to stay with you was so generous, and I will always be grateful for all he has done for us. But I know now what it is to be stifled in the countryside. Although we would have been safe in your house, the rest of the village already has an inkling that our relationship is not natural, and things would only get worse if I stayed. Above all, I cannot put your or your family in danger. I don’t want to ruin the reputation of your father, not after all he has done for me, and I can’t stand the thought of being the reason for your neighbours’ hatred. My staying with you would only make things worse, and that is not a position I would ever put you in. Furthermore, my Uncle Roy and Hal know what it is to feel what we feel. I can be myself with them, and be free in a way I never could be in the country. You have your father, Jude, and therefore the support of your family. It is this thought that reassures me that you will be alright. I, however, have no such reassurance, and so I must go to Thremedon, where I am sure my Uncle can care for me.
Though I know it is the sensible thing, leaving Nevers is the most difficult thing I will ever do. To think about the distance I am hoping to put between us makes me feel terrible, and I can only hope you will understand and forgive me for breaking us apart like this.
The most important thing you must remember, Jude, is this: I love you. I have not had a chance to tell you properly, and now I don’t know when I shall be able to say it to your face. I live in hope that the time won’t be too long. I know you are planning to come to the ‘Versity when you are of age, and so at the most we shall only have to wait a year until we can be together again.
I keep trying to tell myself that a year isn’t too long. It sounds terrible, and I can’t stand to think that I shall have to be without you for such a period of time, but I know we can do it. I’ll write often - and you must, too. It won’t seem so long as all that, and then we can be in the city, together.
I don’t wish to sound too presumptuous. Of course, things may change over the course of the next few months, and if your feelings for me change, you must let me know. But I will be here waiting for you, and shall have to remind you by paper how special you are to me, until I can do it in person.
Do let me know how you are. I’m so sorry for leaving like this, but you must understand that it is the best possible thing.
I await your letter.
Forever yours,
Etienne.
Instead of the longing his words usually procured, and the wish to reassure him that I felt the same, it now brought a smile to my face. I was on my way towards him, and it would only be a matter of hours before we were reunited. My dad had suggested that I write to Etienne to tell him that I was coming, but I wanted to surprise him.
The city eventually came into view, and I watched it fervently through the window. I felt like I was coming home at last, the far-off spires of the Basquiat making me feel happy in a way I hadn’t since I’d last been with Etienne.
The carriage finally pulled up to my aunt’s house, and she came rushing out of the door before I even had time to step onto the pavement. She swept me up in a big hug and talked incessantly as she helped unload my bags, carrying half of them for me up to the house. I tried to answer her many questions and tried not to show how impatient I was to go and find Etienne. I must have failed, though, for she laughed at me, and ushered me out of the house to go and find my ‘one true love’, as she termed it.
I made my way through the winding streets, familiarising myself once more in the city I’d grown up in. I stopped when I reached the Crescents, the district in which the magicians lived. I hadn’t had any cause to explore this part of the city before, and I pulled Etienne’s letter out to check the address once again. It took a little while to find the right house, and when I did I stared up at it, awestruck. Thremedon was full of wonders, and I remembered my mum once saying that it would never stop surprising her.
I hesitated before the door. This was the house of the Margrave Royston. He was famous - or rather, infamous - throughout Volstov, and suddenly I felt extremely nervous. Then I thought of Etienne, just behind the door, and knocked without a second thought.
The door was opened by a man with hair a little longer than my own, and freckles adorning his cheeks.
“Hello?” His voice was similar to those I’d just left behind in the countryside.
“Hal.” I hadn’t meant to say that aloud, and I blushed.
“Yes.” He offered me a shy smile. “Can I help?”
“I’m Jude.”
His eyes went wide. “Oh! I didn’t know you were coming. I apologise, do come in.” He stepped aside for me to enter. I did so, surprised, and gaped about me in wonder. Hal motioned for me to go up the stairs and I tried not to make more of a fool of myself than I already had. I could hear his footsteps behind me, and could feel his eyes on my back. I’d never felt more self-conscious. I tried not to hurry too quickly, paranoid that I would stumble and fall.
Knowing that Etienne was just up the stairs spurred me on. I reached the top of the staircase, and I heard Hal clearing his throat behind me. He motioned to the room that they were in, and I entered it with my heart in my mouth.
There, sitting at a table with the Margrave Royston, was Etienne. He was as handsome as ever, and looked up as I took a step forward. Our eyes met, and his mouth opened in surprise.
“Jude?”
I smiled at him but he just stared back, too shocked to make a move.
“Hello,” I said, hoping to wake him from his surprise.
He continued to gape, and I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, suddenly uncomfortable. I knew he’d left to get away from everything - from the mess with his family - but what if part of that was to get away from me, too?
Just as the thought entered my head, his fork clattered to his plate as he leapt off his seat and almost knocked me backwards with a hug. His rushed apologies made me clutch him tighter, his half-formed explanations pressed into my shoulder. I felt him kiss my neck, just once.
I pulled back and held his face between my hands, using my thumb to stroke his cheek gently.
“I got your letter. To be honest, I’m glad you lead me here. You know I’ve always wanted to meet Hal,” I murmured, hoping that only he could hear. I leaned closer. “Nevertheless, wherever you’d have gone, I’d have followed you.”
He closed the gap between us to kiss me, and I was at once reassured that I’d made the right decision to come. When I pulled back I laced my fingers with Etienne’s, and turned to face the Margrave Royston. I spotted the dining things on the table and hoped that I wasn’t about to be too rude.
"Is there room for another one?"
The End.
Rating: PG
Word Count: 2,354 for this chapter
Disclaimer: All recognisable characters belong to the wonderful Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett, although there may be one or two of my own creation :)
Summary: When he decides to search for an art tutor, little does sixteen year old Etienne know that he's about to embark on an adventurous summer of maturity, secrets and self-discovery. However, he's not the only one in the family who's been hiding things, as Castle Nevers will never be the same again.
Author's Notes: Thanks, as always, to manyfacesofme22 for beta reading this story and co-creating the idea in the first place. This story wouldn't be here without you ♥
The finale! A massive thank you to everyone who's been reading, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Special thanks to caityjay for all of your wonderful comments, they honestly mean so much. It was nice to know at least one person was reading, particularly during the scary posting of the first few chapters! Thanks also to pockypuck for making me smile, too :)
After this chapter, you should all check out Love Soon by John Mayer, the lyrics of which inspired the title.
As mentioned in the masterpost, I might revisit this 'verse again one day. If there are any particular requests, post in the comments of the masterpost :)
( Previous chapters)
Here we go!
Jude
When I’d heard before of heartbreak, I hadn’t realised how accurate the term was. That’s exactly what it felt like: that my heart was breaking into two, leaving a big, empty hollow in my chest.
After everything that had happened recently, every obstacle that we’d faced, I knew that Etienne and I would be okay because we would face it together.
Now, though, even that thought could not comfort me for the fact that we were not together at all. Etienne was in Thremedon, and I was stuck in the countryside.
I understood, now, why my dad had wanted to leave Thremedon after mum had died. He’d said it was because the city reminded him too much of her, everything a reminder of all they had done together. It had been too painful to face such memories every day, and he’d decided to relocate us to his childhood home of the countryside. I was now feeling the same ache. Being here made me think evermore of Etienne, every room echoing with the memories of what we had done there. I couldn’t bear to set foot in my dad’s studio and look at all of Etienne’s paintings.
I tried to reassure myself with the knowledge that I would start at the ‘Versity, and it would only be a year before I could see him again. Even with the knowledge that I would one day see him again, a year felt like a very long time, and it stretched before me like a chasm.
I longed for him with every fibre of my being. It felt like part of me had been scooped out and left for the city when he did, and I knew exactly which part. I missed his friendship. I missed his laugh and the small, soft smile he used only with me. I missed the warmth of his lips against mine and the feeling of him wrapped in my arms. I missed the safety of his embrace and his wry sense of humour. More than anything, I missed his companionship. He was the best friend I had in the country, and without him I felt lost.
Then, my dad changed everything. I knew he’d been concerned about me, and I hated to make him worry. I knew he loved me, and I knew that he would do anything in his power to make sure I was safe and happy, but I had no idea to what lengths he would go to secure my happiness.
When he told me of his plan, I couldn’t believe my luck. I was impatient to go to Etienne and return to the city. I waited anxiously for everything to be prepared, until finally it was time to go.
It was hard to leave my dad behind, and even Alfie, despite our recent differences. He came to say goodbye - one of the very few times I’d seen him since he’d found us in the barn. He’d been avoiding me for so long, but now that I was leaving he came to make his peace with me.
“Have fun in the city,” he muttered, looking at the carriage.
“I’ll write,” I promised. He nodded, and as I turned away he grabbed my arm.
“Jude,” he said, looking at me at last. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
A few days ago, I would not have been inclined to forgive him. Dad had told me of Alfie’s involvement with Etienne’s family, and I’d been glad that he spent so much time out of the house, for I no more wished to see him than he wanted to see me. Now, though, I would not see him for a long time, and though my dad promised that they would visit in the winter, I felt an ache that I would go so long without them.
“It’s fine,” I forgave him. I hugged him quickly, then turned to my dad.
There was nothing I could say. Tears closed my throat and I clung to him, hugging him back as hard as he was holding me. I promised to write to him, and my chest ached as he closed the carriage door. I would miss him terribly, but I could not bring myself to decline his offer.
As the country blurred by, I became more excited. I was leaving behind the countryside and its prejudices, and was getting ever closer to the man I loved. Etienne’s letter was folded in my pocket, the paper crumbled from how many times I had read it. I re-read it once more to reassure myself that he felt the same way as I did, and that he would be pleased to see me.
My dearest Jude,
I have started this letter so many times, and yet I still do not know how to say what I need to. I guess the best thing is to state it plainly; I do not wish to hide behind words, and you deserve to know the truth.
Things have been terrible here since your father’s visit. I do not know the circumstances that brought him here; I can only assume it was the result of Will’s actions. He loves you very much, and I can understand that he wanted to confront my brother. I know he never would have intended for things to go as they did, and you must let him know that I forgive him if he talks of it. Also, please don’t be angry at your brother. My family has been torn apart by hatred, and I don’t wish for yours to suffer the same. Things have gone too far, now, for me to reconcile with Mama, but there is still hope for you and Alfie.
The real point of this letter, Jude, is this: I am hoping to leave for Thremedon. Emilie has promised that she will send this to you on the occasion that I go, and so as you read this I am already in the city.
I never meant to leave you. Jude, you must realise that this is the only option for me. Your father’s offer for me to stay with you was so generous, and I will always be grateful for all he has done for us. But I know now what it is to be stifled in the countryside. Although we would have been safe in your house, the rest of the village already has an inkling that our relationship is not natural, and things would only get worse if I stayed. Above all, I cannot put your or your family in danger. I don’t want to ruin the reputation of your father, not after all he has done for me, and I can’t stand the thought of being the reason for your neighbours’ hatred. My staying with you would only make things worse, and that is not a position I would ever put you in. Furthermore, my Uncle Roy and Hal know what it is to feel what we feel. I can be myself with them, and be free in a way I never could be in the country. You have your father, Jude, and therefore the support of your family. It is this thought that reassures me that you will be alright. I, however, have no such reassurance, and so I must go to Thremedon, where I am sure my Uncle can care for me.
Though I know it is the sensible thing, leaving Nevers is the most difficult thing I will ever do. To think about the distance I am hoping to put between us makes me feel terrible, and I can only hope you will understand and forgive me for breaking us apart like this.
The most important thing you must remember, Jude, is this: I love you. I have not had a chance to tell you properly, and now I don’t know when I shall be able to say it to your face. I live in hope that the time won’t be too long. I know you are planning to come to the ‘Versity when you are of age, and so at the most we shall only have to wait a year until we can be together again.
I keep trying to tell myself that a year isn’t too long. It sounds terrible, and I can’t stand to think that I shall have to be without you for such a period of time, but I know we can do it. I’ll write often - and you must, too. It won’t seem so long as all that, and then we can be in the city, together.
I don’t wish to sound too presumptuous. Of course, things may change over the course of the next few months, and if your feelings for me change, you must let me know. But I will be here waiting for you, and shall have to remind you by paper how special you are to me, until I can do it in person.
Do let me know how you are. I’m so sorry for leaving like this, but you must understand that it is the best possible thing.
I await your letter.
Forever yours,
Etienne.
Instead of the longing his words usually procured, and the wish to reassure him that I felt the same, it now brought a smile to my face. I was on my way towards him, and it would only be a matter of hours before we were reunited. My dad had suggested that I write to Etienne to tell him that I was coming, but I wanted to surprise him.
The city eventually came into view, and I watched it fervently through the window. I felt like I was coming home at last, the far-off spires of the Basquiat making me feel happy in a way I hadn’t since I’d last been with Etienne.
The carriage finally pulled up to my aunt’s house, and she came rushing out of the door before I even had time to step onto the pavement. She swept me up in a big hug and talked incessantly as she helped unload my bags, carrying half of them for me up to the house. I tried to answer her many questions and tried not to show how impatient I was to go and find Etienne. I must have failed, though, for she laughed at me, and ushered me out of the house to go and find my ‘one true love’, as she termed it.
I made my way through the winding streets, familiarising myself once more in the city I’d grown up in. I stopped when I reached the Crescents, the district in which the magicians lived. I hadn’t had any cause to explore this part of the city before, and I pulled Etienne’s letter out to check the address once again. It took a little while to find the right house, and when I did I stared up at it, awestruck. Thremedon was full of wonders, and I remembered my mum once saying that it would never stop surprising her.
I hesitated before the door. This was the house of the Margrave Royston. He was famous - or rather, infamous - throughout Volstov, and suddenly I felt extremely nervous. Then I thought of Etienne, just behind the door, and knocked without a second thought.
The door was opened by a man with hair a little longer than my own, and freckles adorning his cheeks.
“Hello?” His voice was similar to those I’d just left behind in the countryside.
“Hal.” I hadn’t meant to say that aloud, and I blushed.
“Yes.” He offered me a shy smile. “Can I help?”
“I’m Jude.”
His eyes went wide. “Oh! I didn’t know you were coming. I apologise, do come in.” He stepped aside for me to enter. I did so, surprised, and gaped about me in wonder. Hal motioned for me to go up the stairs and I tried not to make more of a fool of myself than I already had. I could hear his footsteps behind me, and could feel his eyes on my back. I’d never felt more self-conscious. I tried not to hurry too quickly, paranoid that I would stumble and fall.
Knowing that Etienne was just up the stairs spurred me on. I reached the top of the staircase, and I heard Hal clearing his throat behind me. He motioned to the room that they were in, and I entered it with my heart in my mouth.
There, sitting at a table with the Margrave Royston, was Etienne. He was as handsome as ever, and looked up as I took a step forward. Our eyes met, and his mouth opened in surprise.
“Jude?”
I smiled at him but he just stared back, too shocked to make a move.
“Hello,” I said, hoping to wake him from his surprise.
He continued to gape, and I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, suddenly uncomfortable. I knew he’d left to get away from everything - from the mess with his family - but what if part of that was to get away from me, too?
Just as the thought entered my head, his fork clattered to his plate as he leapt off his seat and almost knocked me backwards with a hug. His rushed apologies made me clutch him tighter, his half-formed explanations pressed into my shoulder. I felt him kiss my neck, just once.
I pulled back and held his face between my hands, using my thumb to stroke his cheek gently.
“I got your letter. To be honest, I’m glad you lead me here. You know I’ve always wanted to meet Hal,” I murmured, hoping that only he could hear. I leaned closer. “Nevertheless, wherever you’d have gone, I’d have followed you.”
He closed the gap between us to kiss me, and I was at once reassured that I’d made the right decision to come. When I pulled back I laced my fingers with Etienne’s, and turned to face the Margrave Royston. I spotted the dining things on the table and hoped that I wasn’t about to be too rude.
"Is there room for another one?"
The End.