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Since Yhwach had named his successor, the great assembly hall at Silbern was for the first time completely full of Sternritter. The white cloaks moved in steady patterns over the smooth floor, and the air was heavy with the collective pressure of all the Schrifts.
Uryu was positioned near the center, his posture flawless, his glasses reflecting the cold surroundings of the building. He kept up a polite neutrality, a mannerism which had by this stage become second nature to him. Every time someone looked at him it was either out of calculation or quiet resentment. He noted all of this without showing any sign of awareness on his face, his eyes continuing to study the room.
Even after the formal speech had finished, the effect of Yhwach's declaration remained in the air. The title of 'Successor' was not something that suited Uryu's plans, as the shift in the other Sternritter's attitude might come back to bite him. He was aware of the hierarchy, showing no surprise or desire for power, merely acceptance towards their king's words.
People began to talk in soft whispers, and Bazz-B's voice reached further than that of most others, sharp with a private joke directed at Askin.
"That Uryu stands there as if he owns the place," Bazz-B said, without lowering his voice. "After only one speech that bastard has suddenly become the future, what about us and our ambitions, huh?"
Askin smiled thinly, his hands in his cloak. "You should be careful. You heard his majesty, no objections. And moreover the boy must be useful. Yhwach doesn't give out titles merely for the sake of it."
By a tall pillar the Bambies gathered, Giselle's laugh rising above the others.. "I'll give him a week before someone works out how far the new rank can be stretched. Maybe two if he's lucky."
"You think so? His majesty did say he wields incredible power." Liltotto replied, her eyes focused on the small piece of candy which she was turning between her fingers." Maybe it'd be better not to mess with him."
Uryu took note of the comments without replying, remaining where he was and keeping an eye on the exits, at the same time watching for any changes in the others' expressions with every breath. Once Yhwach was gone, the Sternritter were able to give their opinions more freely and Uryu kept observing.
Haschwalth kept himself apart, standing alone close to the spot he occupied on the stage. He stood solemnly, with his hands folded behind his back and his sword leaning casually against his side. He only responded when someone spoke to him, keeping quiet otherwise and even then his replies were brief. Uryu noticed that a number of the more restless Sternritter would glance at the Grandmaster before making their more critical comments, as if checking how far they could go before the quiet authority that was in the room with them decided to respond.
Quilge Opie, standing a few paces off, carefully corrected his uniform's cuffs. "Rank is not a suggestion, you shouldn't take his words lightly."
Bazz-B snorted, "Rank is nothing but a meaningless title anyways."
Uryu had expected to meet with more resentment, however most of those present seemed to accept his sudden rise. All the conversations seemed to revolve around one point: the outsider being placed above them, the pure-blooded Quincy who had come late but had nonetheless secured the spot many vied for.
Upholding his cover needed patience and a flawless performance, something which had worked up to now.
The orderly atmosphere broke down into loose clusters, with voices increasing and then dropping again. Uryu listened to all of this in silence, a careful calm settling upon him like a second uniform.
As Bambietta stayed with the other Bambies, he made use of the short chance to calm his breathing and get ready for what might happen next.
Bambietta started sauntering towards him with her typical slow and certain confidence, as she always does on the battlefield. With every step her white cloak moved gently and she took possession of the ground close to Uryu as though it belonged to her. Uryu saw her coming and kept up his exact posture, his expression unchanged.
She halted just before him, the edge of her cloak brushing against his sleeve. The contact was slight, almost carelessly made, but deliberate. Her smile was wide, sharp, and warmly intimate.
She tilted her head, her black hair falling over one shoulder. She looked at his shoulders, took in the way the uniform hung, and looked at his hands which were still. "You've been standing here looking so serious all evening. It's nearly disrespectful. A man of your new rank shouldn't be spending the night alone, don't you think?"
Uryu nodded exactly as was proper in accordance with good manners. "I don't mind. It is my responsibility to remain neutral."
She shuffled a little bit closer. "The annoying part about being so formal is that it gives everything a stiff appearance. Look at you. I prefer things that have a natural rhythm. The closer we are, the more careful you become, and I enjoy that, since careful men tend to break in more interesting ways, how about I'll spend some time with you?"
What was the correct course of action here? If he simply said no, Bambietta would surely press harder, she didn't seem like a person that took a rejection easily. On the other hand, if he agreed, he would be left alone with a woman whose temper and Schrift both loved destruction. In either case, his cover would be in danger.
He eventually decided to make up a duty for himself that would take him to another place. "There are still some reports which need to be looked at before."
Bambietta chuckled and cut off his excuse before he could finish. She reached out with her hand and slid one fingertip along the edge of his cloak. The contact was gentle and might have been regarded as simply playful, but it was firm enough to make there was no mistaking her intention. "The reports can wait. Rank grants privileges, and I'll get you to make use of yours tonight." Nodding slightly, she lowered her voice so that he was the only one who could hear the invitation. "Come to my room tonight. I'll show you how to stop being so careful. No one else must know, just you and me."
Even though his expression remained calm there was a short glimpse of genuine reluctance underneath it. Usually Bambietta's interest ended up with a split apart bod. He didn't want to find out how far her temper could go if he refused, and at the same time the idea of agreeing seemed just as unwise. So he tried once more, speaking steadily.
"It would be unwise for me to play favorites as the successor."
“That’s entirely a matter of opinion,” Bambietta replied, her smile growing sharper. She took half a step forward and got close enough for the warmth of her body to be felt by Uryu. “As the one who’s going to be taking over, you’ll be under observation.” She put her hand gently on his chest, with her fingers spread out as though checking his pulse. “You can join me, or I can make sure that the entire hall hears me invite you once more."
Would she really do something so daring? There was a chance and that was more than Uryu could risk. Though Uryu kept his pulse under control, he got more nervous. He had to escape this situation without Bambietta clinging to him for much longer. The pressure of her hand on his chest remained constant, making a quiet demand for an answer which he had not yet given.
Haschwalth's presence settled down behind Bambietta and the pressure in the room shifted at once. His expression remained unchanged, retaining the calm mask which he always wore, whether at council or on the battlefield.
"He has other matters to attend to already."
The words cut cleanly through Bambietta's invitation. She turned around at once, her smile remained in place but had lost some of its warmth.
"I didn't know that the Grandmaster kept such close watch over the successor's evening arrangements." She retorted, her voice no longer unshaken.
"He will come with me," said Haschwalth, without increasing the volume of his voice and with the calm finality which put an end to the majority of conversations before they had even started. "It is settled."
Bambietta stayed silent for a little longer than what was considered normal. The Grandmaster's steady resolve caused her to back off. Her hand withdrew from his chest.
"I guess we'll have to do it another time then." She said, shrugging her shoulders. "You know, rank does have its privileges."
She quietly moving back to the other Bambies. A quick sense of relief swept over Uryu. Whatever awaited him in Haschwalth’s company had to be better than spending a night with Bambietta.
They left the hall in silence and the long, pale corridors of Silbern extended ahead, the only sound being the noise their boots made on the stone. Uryu walked side by side with Haschwalth, neither speeding up nor slowing down, trying to keep pace as best as possible.
Haschwalth didn't speak until they were well away from the assembly.
"You remained calm during the appointment, as you were supposed to. You're his majesty's successor and as such you are now being watched more closely than most people." He informed him. "A smart decision on your part to not entertain the more volatile pieces of our operation."
Uryu turned to look at him. Although the Grandmaster's profile revealed very little, there was something suppressed under his calm appearance, with his interest carefully restrained and showing only in the fact that his attention stayed a little longer on him than was strictly necessary.
“Thank you,” Uryu said. That was true. He knew the reason for having to act as he had and how to act now. He was aware that Haschwalth had just rescued him from Bambietta and therefore expected him to obey quietly so as to maintain the larger cover.
They moved in silence along the quieter part of the corridor which was reserved for higher officers. The doors leading into Haschwalth's quarters were at the end of the corridor, tall and imposing. Haschwalth opened the doors and waited for Uryu to go in first, following closely behind.
Past the doors the rooms were simple, having clean floors, a wide bed, a desk, and one high-backed chair. There was no personal stuff to give the room a more intimate feel. The room seemed to match the man who lived in it, being orderly and under control.
Haschwalth closed the door and the lock clicked shut.
Uryu stood in the middle of the room, still experiencing the personal relief of having got away from Bambietta beneath his calm outward appearance. No matter what happened next, Uryu would meet it in the same way as he did with everything else in this place, carefully, without revealing too much and acting natural.
Haschwalth turned to look directly at Uryu. Although his calm expression stayed the same, his restrained interest had become more purposeful.
“Remove your cloak.” Direct words, no preamble or anything accompanying them.
Without any noticeable hesitation Uryu reached for the fastenings of his cloak and the white fabric slid down from his shoulders in a smooth movement. To oppose Bambietta was one thing. Refusing an order from the Sternritter Grandmaster was another. He folded it once and placed it on the closest chair.
Haschwalth kept watching him the whole time, his expression remaining the same, apart from a slight narrowing of his eyes as the cloak moved from Uryu's body. He stayed completely dressed and put his blade against the wall, in clear view of Uryu, to remind him of his authority.
"Remove the rest now," Haschwalth said. His voice remained low and even the same quiet authority audible in it that had ended Bambietta's invitation without any effort. "Everything."
Uryu hesitated for a second but then decided it was smarter to not anger the cunning general and just play along. He didn't hurry and tried to hide his hesitation. Haschwalth was the majesty's reflection, he had to prove that he'd follow commands. Haschwalth's calmness made it easier for him to accept the present situation.
The additional underlayers joined the cloak on the chair, all neatly folded. When he was finally completely naked, he didn't cover up, showcasing his willingness to obey.
Haschwalth studied his exposed body once, in a careful and slow manner. Behind his cold exterior, there was a restrained interest. No open desire, merely a quiet acknowledgment that something was now within reach and too little for even Uryu to realize. Then he took a step forward and Uryu could feel the heat of the other man's body even through the layers of the Grandmaster's uniform.
Solid hands placed themselves on Uryu’s hips, gripping firmly enough to keep him in position. Haschwalth’s thumbs lightly pressed into the skin just above the bone to steady him.
Haschwalth said, "You will not question what I tell you to do." The way he said it was even and nearly casual, but it left no possibility of debate. "You must not contradict me. You must carry out what I instruct whenever I instruct it. Make no complaints and ask no questions. Do you understand?"
Uryu gave a single nod. That was what the situation demanded. This had to be a test. Haschwalth, the former second in command, tested if Uryu was worthy of the title his majesty bestowed upon him.
For a short moment Haschwalth tightened his hands and then moved him backwards until Uryu's back reached the wall. The contact was firm and never gave way. Haschwalth held him in that position with the pressure of his hands, his body close enough that the fabric of his uniform touched Uryu's bare chest and thighs.
“Good.”
A hand moved from Uryu's hip up his body until it rested against the side of his throat, the fingers gently settling over the pulse point. The contact was controlled, almost clinical. Haschwalth's thumb then ran once down the line of Uryu's jaw, with slow and deliberate movements.
Haschwalth tilted his head slightly and came closer until his breath nearly touched the skin just below Uryu's ear.
"Maintain the composure you showed in the hall here as well." He breathed against his ear.
With his free hand he moved from the small of Uryu’s hip back over to the middle of his back, pulling him forward by an infinitesimally small amount so that their bodies fitted together more completely. The contact between the fabric and bare skin was intentional, serving as another silent statement about who was dressed and who was not.
Even though Uryu had been making every effort to remain detached, his cock still began to respond to the controlled pressure of Haschwalth's hands and the absolute certainty of his voice. He tried his best, his expression remained as neutral as possible, for the performance was now taking more effort than it had in the hall.
Haschwalth noticed it immediately. The corners of his mouth moved by the tiniest amount, though not quite forming a smile.
“Already,” he murmured. “Interesting.”
His right hand moved upwards, its fingers working their way into the dark blue hair at the back of his head. The hold was solid but not painful, pulling Uryu's head back slightly so as to expose more of the line of his throat.
For several long breaths he kept Uryu against the wall, the silence between them thick with the restrained interest which the Grandmaster was allowed to show only in private. Suddenly he let go of Uryu's hair and retreated half a step.
"On the bed, lie down on your back." Sharp, precise commands spoken with absolute authority.
Uryu moved away from the wall and walked to the bed in the middle of the room. When he lay down, the linen felt cold on his skin.
Haschwalth lingered a little longer, merely gazing downwards at Uryu. Although his exterior remained cold, a certain interest became apparent to those looking for it, still evading Uryu.
He moved to the buttons of his own outer coat, took his time with it, and started to take it off.
Haschwalth took off his outer coat with the same slow and careful precision that he showed in all other actions. The white fabric slipped off his shoulders and was put aside without any ceremony. Under it he still had on the tailored uniform appropriate to his rank, the high collar neat and the other layers untouched. He did not make any move to take off any more clothes. The contrast was intentionally maintained, Uryu naked against the linen, Haschwalth still almost completely dressed.
He went towards the bed, placed one knee on the mattress and then the other a little further forward until he was situated above Uryu without making contact with him.
"Keep your hands where they are," Haschwalth said and added, "If you move them without being told, I'll stop. Nod if you understand."
Uryu nodded once. His arms were kept by his sides, his palms facing the sheets as he tried to follow orders as much as he could. Uryu kept telling himself that a successful performance here was imperative to his scheme, focusing on this thought as Haschwalth moved in closer.
Haschwalth placed his hand first on Uryu's thigh, spreading his fingers over every muscle carefully studying the short quivers running through him. The contact was firm and he continued tracing the skin upwards until the edge of his palm reached the crease of Uryu's hip. He carried out the same movement on the other side and afterwards brought both hands together, pressing Uryu's thighs further apart until the position left him completely exposed.
Uryu managed to keep his breathing even by sheer determination, even though his dick had already reacted. Haschwalth was fully aware of it. His right hand kept caressing his thigh and the other moved around the length of him, his grip dry and precise, and gave one steady stroke from the base to the tip with deliberate pressure.
"You are this hard already,” Haschwalth murmured, “and I haven't even started yet.”
The hand pulled away. Haschwalth shifted to the side and then picked up a small vial which had been sitting on the side table. Something that had been prepared in advance. He covered his fingers with smooth, efficient movements, until they were dripping and moved them beneath Uryu.
The fingers made contact with Uryu without any preliminary action. Two of them at the same time, smooth and persistent, pushing in until the stretch caused Uryu to take a sharp breath through his teeth. Haschwalth did not ease off. He pushed the fingers further, crossing them with his usual concentrated efficiency, opening Uryu with no concern for giving him gradual comfort.
“Breathe,” said Haschwalth. The word was not soft, it was an order. “You are to take what I give you.”
Uryu compelled his body to allow the intrusion. The pain became sharper and more persistent as a third finger joined the first two and twisted. His more calculated part of the mind recorded the sensation, how he was stretched, and the way Haschwalth's other hand had gone back to holding his hip down against the mattress so that he could not move away, the warm exhales of the man tingling his skin.
Haschwalth bent down until the fabric of his uniform touched Uryu's bare chest and whispered into his ear.
"I would like to hear you, but not too loud, carry yourself with dignity."
His fingers curled and reached a position which caused Uryu to produce a low noise from his throat. Haschwalth answered with a quiet sound of approval and carried out the same movement, gradually and without interruption opening Uryu up with steady pressure. Uryu's cock leaked against his own stomach, the natural physical reaction responding to each controlled movement of the fingers.
Haschwalth kept pressing until the resistance had stopped, after which he pulled his hand out entirely. Uryu's body tightened around the sudden emptiness, a small, involuntary reaction, rewarding him with another sound of approval from him.
Haschwalth settled himself back on his heels and looked down at the man who was outstretched beneath him.
"Lie on your back with your hands and knees to the side." He ordered.
Uryu complied. This change in position left him more vulnerable, more open. He shifted his weight onto his upper body, lowering his head just sufficiently to prevent his face from being easily seen.
Haschwalth's put his hand back onto his hip, grasped it with sufficient force to leave a mark. He then pulled Uryu back a little, adjusting the angle until he was satisfied.
“Stay still, precisely as you are now,” Haschwalth said. "You are not to move unless I say so.”
The blunt head of his cock pressed against Uryu a moment later, hot, thick, and already slick from the earlier preparation. He didn't push yet and instead held it there, the pressure steady and unyielding. He let Uryu feel the size of what was coming while the silence stretched between them.
The blunt end of his cock kept on pressing against Uryu's hole without moving forward. Uryu's kept a detailed account of everything, the size, the heat in his mind. The complete control shown by Haschwalth in his refusal to hurry standing out above all else.
Then, Haschwalth pushed forward without warning.
Before Uryu could stop it, a sharp noise tore out from his throat. Haschwalth didn't halt, nor did he slow down. He pushed in with steady and unrelenting pressure until the fabric of his uniform touched the back of Uryu's thighs and the entire length had settled deeply. Uryu's arms shook once at the sudden fullness, despite his best attempts at staying steady.
Haschwalth put his hands on his hips and gripped them with great strength, keeping him precisely in the desired position.
"You take it well," he said, "better than I expected."
He pulled back almost completely and then pushed forward once more, the action controlled though extremely forceful in its intensity. With every repetition Uryu felt his breath hitch. The sensation of the stretch combined with the increasing heat built up inside him. He kept his head down, his body responded to each thrust.
Haschwalth maintained a pace that placed a priority on depth rather than speed, each movement causing Uryu to feel every inch. The hands gripping his hips pulled him back in order to meet each forward motion, supporting his established rhythm. Uryu's cock remained firm and ignored between his legs, slowly leaking more onto the sheets underneath with every push.
"You are not to touch yourself. Your pleasure is not the main thing here, mine is. You shall come when I have decided that it is time, not before." Haschwalth said coldly.
Uryu nodded slightly against the mattress, a very small movement but enough for Haschwalth to notice.
Haschwalth shifted the angle of his next thrust. The head of his cock dragged over a particular sensitive spot inside Uryu that forced another low sound from his throat, this one harder to suppress. Haschwalth made another quiet sound of approval and repeated the motion, driving against that same place over and over.
"That's it," he said in a low voice. "I'd like to hear more of that."
He started to speed up. The earlier, more measured strokes gave way to a faster and more forceful rhythm which caused Uryu to be rocked forward with each blow. The noise of skin striking fabric filled the room. Although Uryu's arms were beginning to give out, he kept them fixed there, the conscious need to keep up his performance overpowering his increasing desire to collapse onto the mattress.
Haschwalth bent over Uryu, his uniform pressing against his bare back. His right hand placed itself between Uryu's shoulder blades, holding him more securely in position, while the other stayed locked onto his hip and kept the angle with absolute precision.
"You are good at remaining calm and collected," Haschwalth said, his breath warm as it brushed the back of Uryu's neck. "You will remain calm here too. I want you to be obedient, not broken. Do you understand the difference?"
Uryu managed to squeeze out a rough 'Yes' between the successive thrusts. Haschwalth's grip tightened as a sign of acknowledgment.
The pace did not ease. Haschwalth fucked him with the same focused intensity he brought to every other duty. Uryu’s cock throbbed untouched, the callous neglect only heightening every sensation. Precum dripped in a steady line onto the sheets. He could feel the tension building at the base of his spine, the sharp climb of pleasure he was not yet allowed to reach.
Haschwalth noticed Uryu's body starting to tighten and then, without warning, slowed down, pulling himself almost all the way out until only the head was left inside, before holding in that position again.
“No not yet,” he said, speaking in a quiet voice. “You are quite sensitive. To think this is enough to arouse you this much. Maybe you're not fit for the position after all.”
Uryu let out a harsh breath. By concentrating intensely he pushed the rising edge down and
Haschwalth didn't pull away yet, enabling Uryu to experience both the stretch and the denial. Afterwards he made a single deep stroke, forcing out another sound out of Uryu's throat.
“Good,” Haschwalth said. “Keep yourself exactly as you are.”
He picked up a more strenuous pace, the rhythm both harsh and precise, each thrust being aimed at keeping Uryu exactly on the edge without causing him to lose his treasured balance. Uryu's arms shook from the strain of maintaining his position.
Haschwalth's hand moved up into his hair, holding on firmly enough to tip Uryu's head back a little. The new position altered the depth of the following several thrusts and drove him in even more.
"You will look at me when I tell you to," Haschwalth told him again." Not yet, but soon. I want to see your face when I finally let you break. Touch yourself, slowly. Don't go too far before I allow you to."
Haschwalth tightened his grip on Uryu's hair by a little bit more, keeping Uryu's head at an elevated angle as the increasing depth of each thrust caused sharper sounds to issue from his throat. The order still remained in the air.
"Take care of yourself. Do it slowly and carefully and don't finish until I let you."
Uryu followed his commend and closed his fingers around his own cock. He rubbed it just like he had been instructed, slow and controlled, even though the speed his body craved was much faster. The combination of Haschwalth forcing himself into him and the limited friction caused by his own hand made the edge feel more intense.
Haschwalth watched the movement for a few strokes.
"That's good. Maintain that speed. Don't go any faster."
The hand holding his hair kept his head tilted back so that he could not bury his face in the mattress. Sweat flowed down the line of his spine and collected at the bottom of his back, since Haschwalth's uniform rubbed against him with each thrust.
The more difficult it became for Uryu to keep the edge in place, the more his cock throbbed in his own hand, gradually leaking onto his fingers. Every time Haschwalth shifted position against that sensitive spot inside him, the pleasure intensified so much that his stroke broke off. He at once made the adjustment and went back to the slow rhythm that was required of him.
Haschwalth noticed the short pause in the rhythm.
"I said slowly, don't make me say it again."
Haschwalth bent down again so that the chest of his uniform was touching the back of Uryu’s. The hand which had been pinned onto the side of his hip moved round and settled low on his stomach, its fingers spreading just above the base of his penis without making contact with it. The position was intentional, close enough to be able to feel each small movement of Uryu’s hand and close enough to be able to stop him if he went any further.
"You didn't lose your composure back there," Haschwalth said, his breath warm against the side of Uryu's neck. "You will now show me the same composure. You are not to break until I tell you that you may."
Uryu managed to give a rough nod between the thrusts and his own hand kept up its slow movements, the limited friction only making the postponed climax seem more acute. The longer the minutes passed, the greater the cost of maintaining control.
Haschwalth moved suddenly and pulled himself completely free. Before Uryu could prevent it, a low sound of protest came out from him as a result of the sudden emptiness. Haschwalth didn't allow time for Uryu to react. He turned Uryu over on his back, spread his legs wide and pushed back in with one unbroken movement, causing Uryu's spine to arch.
He went even further. Haschwalth used one hand to press both of Uryu’s wrists down onto the mattress above his head, gripping them firmly. The other remained on his hips. Uryu was unable to shift his hips by the tiniest amount, not even if he tried to push back. The helplessness of the position caused another sharp spike of this sensation to go through him.
“Look at me.”
Uryu pushed his eyes open and looked directly into Haschwalth's eyes. Although the Grandmaster's expression stayed controlled, his restrained interest had turned into something darker and more concentrated. He watched carefully for any flicker of sensation that appeared on Uryu's face as he inserted himself into him.
Haschwalth said, "You won't look away. I want to see you when you finally break."
Uryu kept his eyes locked on Haschwalth’s even as the force of each thrust made it harder to hold the edge. His cock lay hard and neglected against his stomach now that his hands were pinned, leaking steadily onto his own skin. The denied climax sat right there, close enough that every deep stroke threatened to push him over. He held it through sheer concentration, the same concentration that had carried him through the hall while others speculated about his fitness for the role of successor.
Haschwalth did not relax his grip on Uryu's wrists and pushed forward, carefully observing every change that appeared in Uryu's expression.
Uryu struggled to prevent the mounting climax from overcoming him. His penis lay heavily against his stomach, neglected and slick. Every deep thrust posed a danger of breaking the discipline which he had imposed upon himself. He kept his eyes fixed the man towering in front of him, for the need to obey was greater than the intense urgency building in his lower abdomen.
"You were nearly there", Haschwalth remarked with a flat tone. "I can see it, your desire for the end. But you will wait until I allow it."
The muscles of Uryu trembled, sweat flowed in lines over his skin. Each movement brought him closer to the edge which he was not allowed to reach yet. He kept eye contact with Haschwalth, his composure remaining unchanged as the rest of him was beginning to break down. His initial motivation had all but vanished at this point.
Haschwalth increased the pressure on his wrists. His other moved down onto his dick, stroking slowly in order to keep him balanced on the edge.
"We're not done yet. When I say so, you should finish, not a second later. Is that clear?”
Uryu pulled the answer out. "Yes."
Haschwalth replied with a short nod and pressed the accelerator. The hand pressing on his cock moved with the same intensity now. Uryu’s back arched against the restraint which kept him in place, the postponed climax seeming so close that it felt as if it could split him open.
Haschwalth lowered himself so that only a narrow gap was left between their faces, both their masks remaining steady in place, but glimpses beginning to appear underneath.
"Keep your eyes on me, you hear?" He told him to keep their gazes locked, even though Uryu had not turned away.
"Do it," he commanded him. "Come, now."
The blow hit him like a train. Uryu's body went stiff, a white heat surged through him so intensely that the edges of his vision disappeared. He poured out in heavy waves onto his own stomach, his muscles locking up and a sharp moan escaping his lips. Haschwalth did not stop. He carried on through the aftershocks, prolonging them until Uryu's oversensitive frame shook beneath him.
In these final thrusts Haschwalth's self-control gave way. He thrust forward with increased force, making a low noise as he completed the motion and emptied himself. Thick heat spread through Uryu. He remained in position, maintaining the same precise concentration throughout the final phase of his release that he had used in carrying out each of his duties, and then stopped.
Haschwalth stayed above him and still had his wrists pinned. After he examined at the mess he made, he let go and moved away, carrying out the action in an efficient manner rather than in a gentle one.
Uryu remained where he was, his chest working vigorously and his body suffering from aches that would continue for a while. His more strategic part of the mind then started to put the situation back together, weighing the cost of the evening against what had been gained. The cover had been successful. There had been no public incident, Haschwalth had taken what he needed and would keep the matter under control. Maybe the Grandmaster's trust in him increased as well.
Haschwalth got up and took care with restoring his uniform. His cold exterior came back fully, only the very slightest trace of the earlier interest remained in the last look he gave Uryu.
"Get ready and go back to your room. Keep this between us, not a word toward anyone. You won't be approached again by Bambietta. I'll look after it."
Uryu nodded and his voice, as it emerged, was rough and scratchy. “I understand.”
Haschwalth replied by nodding once and then turned. His sword was still in the place where he had left it. He picked it up without saying anything further.
Uryu supported himself on his arms, which still trembled. Alongside the personal satisfaction of having managed to get through the night without revealing the bigger plan, there was still a sense of residual heat beneath his skin. He picked up the various pieces of the uniform and put them on in silence, each layer he put back on helping to restore his composure.
Before walking past the doorframe, he only very briefly looked back. Haschwalth had by that time taken his position at the desk, once again the picture of precise and uninterrupted duty.
Uryu entered the corridor and heard the sound of his own footsteps echoing loudly in the hall. He continued on to his own room at the same steady pace that he had maintained all evening, having already considered the cost of the night in terms of the ground it had won. The title of successor still felt like an uncomfortable burden on his shoulders, but he would manage. Inside the closed doors of the Grandmaster's rooms, the Balance went on with its quiet, unrelenting function.