Please comment and like this chapter - Let me know what you think!

(A double post because I totally forgot to schedule last weeks Chapter 😭! Sorry guys, I try to keep as consistent as I can. I'm in the process of something that causes a large amount of stress, the good kind, but it's all good!)

Hyde and Arnest were having a hushed conversation over a bowl of Giada's homemade stew. Yanpu tried again to approach Hyde but felt too intimidated to ask him directly.

Yanpu sat next to him at the coffee table, catching Arnest by surprise. Yanpu never got close to Hyde, not after what happened at the Wastelands.

Hyde paid him no attention. Rather, he was focused on the flavor of the stew he was slurping down.

Arnest fixed a small bowl for Yanpu, sliding the dish over to him, along with a spoon.

"What should we do? Harald can't stay at the west port for long. Didn't you say that you're on a deadline?"

"We don't have a choice." Hyde licked his lips. "He can't draw much attention to himself. He would be outnumbered. And I can't go to help him."

"Why not? You're strong enough to eliminate all of the officials in one go."

"That's precisely why I can't go. If the Westonian Officials are here, me killing them will attract attention. When they bring any of the important people of Westona to other countries, the facility never releases their full army of servicemen. Bomb will pinpoint our location."

Hyde balled his fists. "It's a test. I know the dastard too well. It doesn't help that the DTA is a procedure that the Duke can't reject. Itaria will be at war with Westona if he does."

"What if Harald gets caught?"

"He's a smart man. He won't. Kragites can predict Westonian's behavior easily."

Hyde downed the rest of his stew and placed the empty bowl on the table. "You're still developing the antidote, right?"

"I am." Arnest nodded. "If it's okay with you, I want to inject them on a daily basis. I'm trying to test how long you can go without another episode. When was the last time you've had one?"

"The night Giada hosted that feast for us."

"That was only 2 weeks ago. With this new concoction, I've gotta see if you can last an entire month. But I'm starting to suspect that over-exertion may be what's causing you to relapse that quickly."

"Another month of testing..." Hyde sighed.

"Is it too much? Does it bring back any bad memories from when you were a serviceman? I'm sorry, we don't have to—"

"It's not that. I wasn't expecting to stay here for that much longer, but until we get news of the Officials going North, we're stuck here."

"Hyde, I know more than anything you want to get rid of this curse, but remember what Pa Arnesto used to tell you. Remember? About Patience?"

"I'm not in the mood to hear that shite right now." Hyde gritted his teeth, feeling that Arnest didn't fully understand how painful it was every day to live with it. Every injection burned like the fiery pits in hell.

"Well if you don't want to hear Pa Arnesto's words, rest his soul, you sure as shite are gonna listen to mine. Some solutions may come in ways you never expect. They're not always dropped in our laps when we want them."

"I've been patient for 10 years... Now, it's urgent. I'm in dire need of a solution. How much longer do I have to wait before the "unexpected solution" finds me dead?" Hyde slammed his fist on the table, making both Yanpu and Arnest jump.

Fuming, Hyde stood up and placed his hands on his waist. "When the Officials go up North of Itaria, tell Harald to pull the ship around to the port of Piccposto."

"Hyde—"

"Clean this shite up. It reeks." Hyde kicked the table angrily, knocking Yanpu's hot stew into his lap. The moment the boiling liquid bleed through his pants and onto his skin, he screeched.

Hyde realized his mistake and unknowingly kneeled over to check if he was alright. As if on cue, the doors to the bedroom opened, and Harper rushed out.

"What happened!? What did you do to him!?" Harper quickly rushed over to Yanpu's aid.

"Yes, Hyde. Do tell her what happened to the boy." Arnest mocked him, and Hyde shot him a death glare in return.

Harper saw the bowl in his lap and felt how hot it was. "Did you pour this on him?!" She quickly placed the empty bowl back on the table and stood Yanpu on his feet.

"Not exactly," Hyde furrowed his eyebrows.

"Not exactly?! He's a child! I don't care how upset you are, there's no reason to abuse a child!"

"Abuse?" Hyde snorted. "Don't you lecture me about—"

"Yani, are you okay?" Harper wiped some of his tears away. "Does it hurt a lot?" Harper scooped Yanpu in her arms, walking by Hyde and ignoring the rest of what he had to say.

Hyde glared at Arnest, who only took another spoonful of his stew. With a scoff, he uttered a blunt reply. "And that... is why Pa Arnesto told you to be patient."

~~~

As the time went by, Hyde became unusually antsy. This was a completely new and very uncomfortable emotion for him.

It was late, and the moon was drawing him in. Or so he thought. Hyde took his pack of cigarettes and waited outside of the dojo while he took a smoke.

He thought it would relax his mind, but it did nothing but make him think even more. He let his anger get the best of him.

Everything about his situation frustrated him. But he was trying to stay as composed as he could be. It was more difficult than it looked.

A loud creak sound came from behind him. He glanced over his shoulder, thinking Arnest was going to speak with him. Instead, it was Harper.

Their eyes met briefly before Hyde rolled his eyes at her. He leaned against the wall irately, exhaling a thick puff of smoke.

Harper stepped out and walked toward the path. She didn't get far before Hyde said something.

"Where are you going?"

"To Arturo's."

"Like heck you are." Hyde tossed his cigarette aside and stomped it out with his boot. The strong smell was still on him, so Harper covered her nose when he stepped forward. "It's late. Get your arse back inside."

"I'm hungry, not that you care."

"There's stew on the table."

"I didn't realize that it was for me to take."

Hyde raised a brow at her.

"You're right. What right do you have to take part in anything that I provide? You don't."

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

"What?" Hyde crossed his arms.

"Yanpu told me everything."

"That little shite." Hyde's eyes brightened again. He knew it wouldn't take long for the kid to open his mouth about the Westonian Officials being here. Now he had to handle the situation accordingly.

Hyde sauntered toward Harper, with full intentions of knocking her unconscious, but before he raised his hand, her quick explanation stopped him.

"He's defending you, saying that you didn't pour it on purpose. And if I'm honest, I don't know how to feel about it."

"Huh?" Hyde was too caught up in the fact that the boy had defended him to process the rest of what she had said.

"He's never done this before. But, Yanpu seems very genuine, so I'll take his word for it."

"I don't care." Hyde waved it off nonchalantly.

"You don't, but Yanpu does. He cares so much that he asked me not to get angry and to understand you."

"Okay. Are you done?"

"Hyde," Harper frowned and looked at her feet. "I know that you have an issue with me, and that will probably never improve no matter what I do. But while we're here, I'm asking you to show the same politeness you show Giada and the others to Yanpu. He's a child, even though he's different from others, he has nothing to do with you and me."

Hyde chuckled bitterly at her request.

"I know you hate me, but don't take it out on him."

"Are you stupid? The kid has EVERYTHING to do with everything. Get it right, vixen. I went to the facility for him. You're just a tagalong."

Harper bit her lip. What he was saying was true. But over the course of the weeks, she noticed that Hyde's behavior was changing. It was slow, but it was still noticeable if you observed it closely.

"I'll admit, that incident was unintentional. But I'll be darned if you think that I'm going easy on him now. The plan's just begun."

Or maybe Hyde was deceiving her. His tone had switched again, and his presence felt exactly the same way as when they were in Westona. Suddenly, a wave of fear washed over her.

He grabbed her arm, and Harper winced.

"Phase 2, begins with you," Hyde smirked devilishly. With an icy cold jeer, it sent shivers down Harper's body.

What did he mean by Phase 2? "You're going to kill me."

"Eventually, yes."

Harper opened her mouth to speak, but a gasp escaped her when she was suddenly pulled into an embrace. Hyde wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her forward.

Her arms were forced over his shoulders. She tried to kick her way out of his hug, but Hyde kept her steady.

From afar, he noticed Giada walking by. She glanced at them for a moment.

As much as he loathed the woman, he snaked one hand around the back of her head and forced Harper's face into his shoulder.

"Hyde! Let me go—"

"Count your days," Hyde whispered softly. "I'll get rid of you very soon."

"What do I have to do to make you stop?" Harper's voice was shaky, as she was trying to stop herself from crying. "Westona is our home. Our home, Hyde. If you plan to destroy it, you won't feel any better when you accomplish your goal."

One tear strolled down her cheek and landed on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for whatever happened to you 10 years ago... but please..."

"I hate the sound of begging."

"I'll do whatever you want. I won't run away, I won't argue anymore. But please leave Yanpu out of this. He's just a child and doesn't deserve any of this." She sniffled.

He could feel her chest heaving up and down against him as she sobbed. But what he hadn't expected was for her to reciprocate the hug.

And for the first time, he wasn't sure if it was genuine or not. With words like "Our home", his rage quickly disappeared. His mind went blank when she brought him closer. No one had ever cried in his arms before.

Momentarily, his stiff posture relaxed. And it took a while for him to realize that Giada had completely gone about her way. He was still hugging her, or more like stuck in her hold.

So quickly, she reversed the roles on him without even realizing it. That was a dangerous ability. Hyde abruptly shoved Harper away, and blinked, trying to collect himself.

Harper wiped some of her tears.

"You..." Hyde spoke quickly to cover the awkward silence. "Don't you dare touch me again," He masked his surprise with a threat.

"You were the one that hugged—"

"If you do, I'll chop off your hands and shove it down your throat." Hyde spat. "Don't come near me, don't cross this line." He drew with his feet on the stone path.

Now his irritation with her was resurfacing. Once he was at a safe distance away. He swore to himself.

Don't let your guard down, he reminded himself.

"Do you mean what you said?"

"Huh?" Harper whimpered.

"The stuff you said earlier." Hyde motioned for her to remember what she said about not running away.

"Y-yes."

"Put your hands in front of you, fingers where I can see them." He demanded her, so she wouldn't pull a fast one by crossing her fingers. He despised liars.

Harper was hesitant but did what she was told. "I won't run away, or argue with you. But you have to promise me you won't hurt Yanpu."

"Bullshite." Hyde sneered. "You won't run away, and you'll keep the brat on a tight leash so I won't have to hurt him. I like the sound of that better."

"But,"

"Take it or leave it, Vixen, I don't make deals on the regular."

"Okay. I promise. No running away, no arguing, and I'll take care of Yanpu so he doesn't bother you."

"If you're lying, so help me—"

"I'm not!"

"Prove it."

"H-how?"

Hyde studied her body. He wasn't in the mood to entertain the idea of playing with her for a night, but he smirked when his eyes landed on her messy Afro hair.

"Cut your hair."

"What!?"

"Don't want to? That means you're lying..."

"My hair, it's..."

"It's just hair. It'll grow back. But I have to know that you're serious."

Harper bit her lip nervously. "F-fine. Give me a pair of scissors."

"Scissors?" Hyde cackled, before walking through the doors. He strolled back out with one of his swords, and Harper's heart nearly stopped.

"No!" She exclaimed. "I need scissors!"

"It's the same thing, just sharper." Hyde grinned wickedly.

"You're testing me, right? There is absolutely no way I'm cutting my hair with that!"

"I hate liars." Hyde's eyes twinkled with something Harper couldn't recognize. He twirled the sword around, letting the glint from the moonlight slide up in its reflection. "So much so that I don't mind causing bloodshed."

"Give me the sword." Harper extended her hand.

"Oh. No." Hyde chortled. "I won't let you touch it."

"So how am I supposed to cut my hair?"

"That's a good question." Hyde stepped closer to her, and she slowly backed away.

"Hyde!" She heaved when he backed her into the wall. "Wait!"

Hyde grabbed a fist full of her hair and raised his blade. Swiftly, he moved it forward, slicing off a chunk of it. She held back a whine when she saw it fall to the ground and touch her feet.

It was a lot of hair.

Hyde worked his way through her entire head, while Harper forced herself to stay still. When he finished, Hyde backed away proudly.

"Not bad. But I don't think this style suits you."

Harper broke down into more tears when he walked away.

~~~

She washed her hair, what was left of it. Before the big chop, it was right at the bottom of her ears. It took a long wash and some conditioner she found to realize how much Hyde had actually cut off.

She didn't get to choose, and for that, she was infuriated with him. She styled it to the best of her ability, letting the dark coils be more defined. At least it was easier to care for than when it was longer.

When finished, Harper left the bathroom and started her routine for the day. She went to Giada's. And boy was there a lot of noise when Giada and Anna took sight of Harper.

"Harpy! Eyu hair!" Giada gasped in awe. "Eyu cut it. Why?"

"It's actually so pretty!" Anna waddled over as fast as her feet could carry her and her belly. "Ooh~ now I want to cut mine!"

"Non!" Giada shushed Anna. "Eyu Amore non like."

"What do you mean? Andreis would love it if I cut it!"

"Non." Giada tusked. "Only Harpy. Perfeito hair." She hummed.

"Thank you, Giada." Harper forced a smile. If only she would realize that this wasn't her choice.

Giada brushed her skirt. "Did eyu eat?"

"No, not yet."

"Hyde... mi sent eyu a feast through eyu Amore." Giada raised her eyebrows in surprise. Just earlier, Hyde had come to pick up food she made for the both of them.

"He's not at the dojo, so..." Harper shrugged.

"Where isseh he?" Giada huffed. "Stubborn figli."

"I bet he ran off and ate the whole thing. Hyde is selfish." Anna snorted, and Harper gasped.

"Oh, I mean... he's just not that good at sharing. But I'm sure he shares with you, Harper. I don't mean to insult him."

"No! It's just that... I completely agree with you!"

"What? You think so too? Ha! He doesn't even share with his own wife!" Anna snickered. "He has his perks, and then he has his downs. No one's perfect."

"Non worries." Giada shoved a bun of hot bread into Harper's hands. "Eat."

"What are the plans for today, Giada?" Harper happily took a large bite and began chewing. The bun was sweet and hit the spot.

"Mi go into town, andeh buy many florellas."

"Flowers." Anna translated. "We're going to plant them all around the vineyard. We're trying to attract creatures that eat the bugs that devour the grapes."

"Oh! So we're gardening?" Harper's eyes lit up. Recently, she has been interested in plants. There were so many pretty colors.

"Hmm... I guess so." Anna nodded.

"Can we go now?" Harper straightened her posture.

"What's the rush? We have all day!" Anna laughed. "Mama, is it okay if we have a head start?"

"Si. Go." Giada waved her hands.

"If you're ready, we can go." Anna waddled ahead. Harper stuffed the rest of the bun in her mouth before happily skipping after her.

When they arrived at the vineyard, Anna grabbed a shovel from a nearby shed full of their working tools.

Harper was staring at a long dirt patch that extended from one end of the vineyard to one in front of her. There was a large wooden wagon full of potted flowers of many kinds. Lilies, Tulips, and Orchids in various colors gave the wagon a bit of elegance.

With a grin, Anna tossed the shovel to Harper. "Dig a few holes here, and I'll hand the flowers to you to put in the ground. Don't dig too deep, because when we water them, we want it to reach the roots so they can flourish."

"Okay." Harper tilted the tool over the soil. "Here?"

"Si." Anna approved.

"This is gonna be fun."

"Fun? You like getting your hands covered in soggy dirt?" Anna chortled.

"I've never had the opportunity before."

"You've never had the opportunity?"

"Not to plant, no." Harper tossed some of the dirt aside. "I've always wanted to."

Anna narrowed her eyes, puzzled by her statement. It wasn't uncommon for anyone in Itaria to plant. Flowers were the most popular resource that added beauty to the country.

It was a huge part of their culture, symbolizing the natural beauty that the land shares with its people.

"If only Yanpu were here to see... I'm sure he'd love it."

"Harper... I'm a little curious... it's just, I noticed that you don't speak Itanose... or share an accent with us. Where are you from?"

"Is that important for you to know?"

"No. I just want to get to know you a little better. It's nice being around another lady. Arnest is always teasing me, and Hyde scolds me. Arturo pays me no mind, and the rest of my brothers are all grown and moved to other towns. They have families of their own now."

Harper nodded and drummed her fingers against the handle of the shovel carefully. Her grip would tighten and release as she thought about how to answer.

"I'm from the west." Harper summed it up quickly.

"The west? Which country?"

"I—"

"Aiy, fatty, get me a drink." Arnest swooped in from behind, and with a wicked smile, he ruffled Anna's black wavy hair.

"Cullo!" Anna swore at him and slapped his shoulder.

"I'm thirsty."

"Go and get it yourself!"

"Is that any way to treat your older brosos?" Arnest frowned. "Mama told me to come and help you. You're so big, I'm sure you can't even see your feet. When's the baby coming by the way?"

Anna sucked her teeth and punched him in the shoulder before waddling over to the nearest well. Her movement made Arnest snort. "You look like a pig!"

"You sound like one!" Anna shot back, making Arnest laugh. The moment between the two made Harper feel left out. She didn't have any siblings, so to see their interaction was heartwarming.

"What happened to your hair?" Arnest scoffed. "You look like a man."

Harper rolled her eyes and went back to digging. She grabbed a flower pot and took the plant out. Then she placed it into the hole.

"I'm kidding." Arnest placed his hands on his waist. "Don't look so glum. It wouldn't hurt if you smiled a little from time to time. Itaria is a happy place. See?"

"Do you really think I have anything to be happy about?" Harper spat.

~~