Since this story is technically masquerading as a translation from another language, here is some name pronunciation help.

Kade: Kah-deh

Rin: Reen

Dagny: Dah-g-nai

Her presence was undeniable. Even if she had snuck up from behind, and he had no way to see or smell or hear her, Rin imagined he would know for her aura alone. It was her downfall as much as her attraction, he thought. Her very skin radiated the essence of raw strength, commanded absolute attention, and woe to those who didn't give it to her.

"Will you explain what you were doing?"

She was not tall—she was a woman, it would be ungainly—but it didn't stop her chest from swelling and her shoulders straightening her to her full height. All things considered, she didn't need it. Her sheer power made her as intimidating as a mountain.

Kade was a good friend of Rin's. They had known each other for at least 100 cycles, which was saying something since they were only 250 cycles old, give or take a few for specific ages. If Rin were to really think about it, this was probably his closet friend, but since Kade had married they did not see each other as much as before and more often than not Rin considered himself alone.

The imposing woman in front of them, Dagny, was Kade's wife. At her furious arrival they both leapt to their feet, so as to put more space between their heads and the core of the earth. Only those who were better had the privilege of being near it.

Rin adopted a submissive stance, but it was not him Dagny was focused on and he knew it. It was only for safety's sake.

Appropriately, Kade locked his knees. Rin noted that they were trembling, as were his hands. Compared to his wife, Kade was merely a wisp of smoke. His limbs were thin, and his hands delicate. His complexion was smooth, his eyes faintly almond in shape, and his cheekbones prominent and complimentary. He had been very sought after before Dagny began courting him.

Both his dialogue and his sign language were meek at best. "Apologies…"

That was clearly not what Dagny had wanted to hear. "Tell me what you were doing."

"Pleas-please, b-believe me. It was… it wasn't what you thought—"

Rin knew what it was. Kade had been trying to assemble a surprise gift for his wife, in hopes of sating her terrible anger. She was well known for her temper, but these days it was slipping out of her equally characteristic control far too often for comfort. She was apparently convinced that her husband was trying to sabotage her, for whatever reason. She would either be apologetic or equally angry when she found out his true intentions. Rin would have loved to say he had faith in the former, but at this point he wasn't so sure.

He was a man, but sometimes he saw more than others gave him credit for.

"Then what was it?"

There was a moment of hesitation before Kade confessed, "I was preparing something for you… a gift…"

The blow was nothing short of uncalled for. Kade crumpled to his knees, hands covering his struck cheek. "Yes, wasting time and money when you could be doing something productive," Dagny snarled.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, either unable or unwilling to look up. Rin hoped it was only the latter.

The blatant apology was not meant to be taken casually. It was saved for when you really wanted to make a point or convey your sincerity. Kade was trying to say he had not thought of it like that, that he had only been trying to please her.

Dagny was not placated. Rather, she seethed. "Stand."

Slowly, shakily, Kade obeyed.

She took a threatening step in, until she was so close their bodies nearly touched. "After all I've done for you, you see it fit to act like that. Know this plain, I am not pleased, Kade."

That was perhaps the worst thing Dagny could have uttered. Kade was positively agonized, so much that Rin thought he saw him choke back a sob. His hand slipped from his reddened face and hung limply at his side, but his eyes were on the ground. "I'm sorry," he mumbled again. "I wish I could do what is right."

Dagny grabbed his chin and pulled him down until they were eye to eye. Rin shuddered at her expression. "You're lying."

"Please, I—"

She shook his chin, effectively silencing him. "I will not tolerate dishonesty, and you are not to do it again. Understand?"

Perhaps even more subdued than before, every protest seemed to physically flee Kade's body. He literally sagged under the monstrosity of his wife's power. Rin would have not known he'd spoken if not for his halfhearted motion of "Yes."

At that point Rin couldn't take it anymore, and looked away.

A/N: I was inspired to write this story by my oneshot Sincerely, also under this penname. And I really, really shouldn't be posting this, but it has been bouncing around in my head for weeks and I want to hear what people think.

Because of my summer schedule I wouldn't expect frequent or timely updates, but I will be trying not to leave anybody hanging for months on end. Shouldn't be too hard, since this is an addicting universe to write in. Notice the traditional role switching yet?

Please review!