*gulp* i've unleashed a beast

"Branigan stood at the edge of the training field, his keen eyes observing the scattered figures practicing their deadly arts. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were alert and flickered with something vile and insidious. He revelled in the whispers that followed him, the hushed voices that spoke of his unmatched skill and cunning. He knew he was the best, and he made sure everyone else knew it too."

"From his vantage point, Branigan saw coolness. emerging from one of the training buildings. He smirked, a twisted sense of amusement curling his lips. He relished the distraction that coolness. presented, an entertaining adversary in the cutthroat world of the academy."

"Branigan moved silently, a shadow among shadows, until he was directly in coolness.’s path." “Late-night training, coolness.?” "he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery." “Trying to catch up?”

"Branigan eyes you with narrowed eyes and an insolent smirk, clearly enjoying riling you up. He saunters closer, closing the distance between you so that you have to crane your neck to continue looking down on him."

"Now why would I do that?" "he drawls, running his tongue slowly over his bottom lip." "You're just so much fun to bother, Ronan. It's written all over your face - you simply can't stand me." "He leans in, his breath tickling your cheek." "That's why I'm never leaving you alone."

"Branigan rocks back on his heels from the force of your shove, but quickly regains his balance. His eyes flash dangerously at the threat in your words."

"Big words for someone who's never even come close to besting me," "he shoots back, sneering." "I've lost count of all the times I've had you squealing at my feet like the pig you are. But please, by all means - try again. I could use another victory to add to my tally."

"He takes a deliberate step into your space once more, dropping his voice to a low, threatening rumble." "Mark my words, Ronan - someday your arrogant mouth is going to get you into trouble even I won't be able to save you from. And I'll be sure to enjoy every second of it."

"Branigan's eyes flash with anger at your laughter, and his expression grows stormy as you continue speaking. A muscle in his jaw twitches almost imperceptibly."

"Careful, Ronan," "he replies, his voice low and dangerous." "You seem to be forgetting who's really in charge here. I could ruin you with a single word." "He steps closer once more, stopping just short of invading your personal space."

"As for being scared - I'm not the one who relies on dirty tricks to get by. We both know the only way you'll ever beat me is by cheating. It must burn you up inside to know that no matter what underhanded tactics you use, you'll never truly be better than me."

"His eyes rake slowly over your body in a way that's impossible to misinterpret before meeting your gaze once more." "But please, keep pushing me. I do so enjoy putting you in your place."

"Branigan's jaw clenches again at your dismissive tone. For a long moment he says nothing, his eyes boring intensely into yours as if trying to read your thoughts. Then the corner of his mouth lifts in a cold half-smile."

"Cocky as ever, I see. But we both know how quickly that will change once I really set my mind to breaking you." "His voice is low and silky now, the threat within it barely veiled."

"Keep pushing me, Ronan. I promise the fall will be that much harder when I'm through with you. And when you're sobbing and begging at my feet for mercy..."

"He leans in slowly, his breath ghosting against your ear." "Well. We both know I don't show anyone mercy."

"With one last lingering look, he steps back, his smile now a vicious grin." "I'll be seeing you around. Try not to get into too much trouble before our next...lesson."

"He turns and melts back into the shadows without another word, leaving you alone with his parting threat hanging heavily in the air between you."

"Branigan watches from the shadows with sharp eyes as you storm off, cursing his name. A low chuckle rumbles in his chest at your obvious frustration."

"The next morning, the training grounds are bustling with activity as students practice their deadly arts. Weapons clash and bodies throw themselves through complex katas with laser focus. In a far corner, a group has gathered to watch two students currently locked in a fierce duel."

"Branigan leans against a rough-hewn post at the edge of the field, casually observing everything with a calculating gaze. As you enter and make your way to an open sparring ring, he pushes off the post and follows silently in your wake. Coming to a halt a short distance behind you, he calls out in a carrying voice," "Why so angry, Ronan? Trouble sleeping after our little chat?"

"His eyes gleam with dark amusement as you whip around, hands already balled into fists. But he holds up a placating hand before you can unleash your rage." "Calm yourself. I merely wished to offer you the use of my own practice gear, since yours seems...out of commission."

"His tone is light but the smirk says he knows full well who is responsible. For a long moment you stare at each other, tension crackling in the air between you. Then you grit your teeth and give a sharp nod, accepting his 'help' for lack of better options."

"Wise choice. This way." "He turns and strides towards the equipment shed, expecting you to follow."

"Branigan glances back at you with a wry quirk of his brow as he walks."

"No need to state the obvious, Ronan. I'm well aware of today's...activities."

"Reaching the equipment shed, he pushes open the heavy door and holds it for you to enter first. The dark interior is crammed floor to ceiling with an array of weapons, armor, and training gear. Branigan scans the racks before selecting a set of padded leathers and grabbing a sheathed shortsword."

"Here. These should do for the mock trials." "He holds them out with an almost ceremonious flourish, watching you intently as you take the offered gear."

"As for your things..." "He shrugs nonchalantly." "My followers have a tendency to act without my say. Do try to keep a closer eye on your possessions in the future."

"His pale eyes glint with amusement as he adds in a low murmur:" "Or I may find...alternative ways for you to repay such...inconveniences."

"Branigan's smirk widens at your reaction."

"Dream, plan...what's the difference, really?" "he muses idly as he watches your deft hands secure the armor."

"You clean up well, Ronan. Might just pass for a true killer in that getup." "His eyes drag brazenly over your form in a slow, appreciative scan."

"As for my dreams..." "Leaning in so his breath ghosts hot against your ear, he continues in a silken purr:"

"Let's just say they tend to involve a certain golden-haired pest begging for my mercy. And I'm not often inclined to show any."

"His tongue traces the shell of your ear provocatively before he draws back to gauge your response, a wicked gleam in his eyes."

"But that's neither here nor there. For now, you have trials to impress at." "With a mocking half-salute, he turns on his heel and exits the shed, leaving you flushed and flustered in his wake."

"Branigan pauses just outside the shed at your words, throwing a glance over his shoulder with a raised brow."

"Losing my marbles, am I?" "he repeats with amusement." "Or perhaps I simply tire of pointless games."

"Re-entering the shed in a single fluid motion, he crowds into your space once more, caging you against the rack of weapons with his arms."

"Do enlighten me, Ronan - which do you find more unbelievable: my little...indulgence just now, or the notion that I might actually want you?"

"His eyes gleam with challenge as he searches your face intently." "After all, is it so hard to fathom that I could want something other than your miserable failure?"

"Leaning in slowly, he stops just shy of your lips, his breath mingling with yours." "The question is...what do you want, darling?"

"Branigan draws back slightly, and for a fleeting moment you think you see a flash of hurt in his eyes before his usual smirk slides back into place."

"Is that so?" "he murmurs, tilting his head as he regards you thoughtfully."

"And here I was under the foolish impression that all that...animosity between us was just sexual tension begging for release." "His hands trail idly up your arms in a mockery of a caress."

"But no matter." "Leaning in once more, his lips brush your ear." "Deny it all you like, darling, but we both know the truth...under all that hatred, you want me just as badly."

"His teeth graze your earlobe teasingly before he draws away with a wink." "Perhaps in time you'll learn to stop fighting your desires. For now...try not to miss me too much."

"With that parting shot, Branigan steps back and turns to leave, pausing at the shed entrance to glance at you over his shoulder with a knowing smirk."