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 Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 4:53 am
Kotaro was not one to listen to business talk. He much preferred the cultural functions that came with each stop. He found himself delving into his own mind, a habit he usually saved for when he was feeling boredom, frightened, or threatened. It was easier to deal with when he wasn’t really there. His eyes would go glassy and he would begin to daydream, while still performing all the functions ordered of him as they were ordered.
“Such a good little pet you have there, Taijo-sama.” One man purred with hungry eyes at their next stop. Kota blinked and snapped out of his silent daze, a bit surprised to have been addressed. The other was peering at him with beady black eyes. He was not an unattractive man, though certainly not as appealing to the eye as Ichiro, and there was something about his demeanor that made Kota infinitely nervous.
“How much would you be willing to accept for him? I would like to put him… to work.” Everyone in the room understood that connotation, even Kotaro who flushed and bit back a whimper of fear. He gave the small blonde a hungry grin. “What do you say, pretty boy. You want to come home with me?” he asked. Kota bit back a snaky reply. It was actually quite difficult.
Instead, he simply shook his head.
This seemed to enrage the other quite a bit. “How much?” he repeated to the prince. “I haven’t had a blonde slave before for my quarters. I’d pay quite a hefty price. In fact, I’d pay good for one night with him.” Kota was trembling now, clenching his small fists tightly. This was simply another reminder that he needed to escape from this place. He wanted to go back to his home where his life couldn’t be bought and sold on a whim.
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:32 pm
((Does this guy have a name? It's awkward to try and have Ichiro address people if I don't know their names. D: Gotta love creeps like this, though. XD))
Seeing Kota's eyes lose focus during the meetings, Ichiro couldn't blame him for spacing out, although it was a bit annoying to be accompanied by a little more than a blank-faced mannequin to every stop he had to make. Fortunately, not many of the clients seemed to notice, or at least they didn't care, since all of them seemed not to mention or look the boy's way too often.
However, when he realized that this particular client could really be a pain, Ichiro did his best to collect himself before answering. "Thank you. I got him just recently, from my parents. Although I was not expecting much at first, he is actually quite interesting, and knows how to shoot an arrow properly." Although he was even more proud of Kota, he didn't want to praise him too much there, lest the man gain an even greater desire to posses him. It may have been a business transaction, but Ichiro wouldn't be bowing to his customer's every desire just to please him.
"I'm afraid he isn't for sale, not so soon after I got him. Besides that, he was a gift from my parents and, even though he is now technically mine, it would be in bad taste for me to part with him so soon, even though I can tell you are quite interested." Honestly, it made Ichiro sick to see someone display their desires so openly. There was nothing wrong about being a passionate person and nothing wrong about displaying it, but to do so in the middle of what should have been a simple business meeting was distasteful. Ichiro knew that he didn't have much room to judge considering how he could be some times, but he always remained serious and official when he was supposed to, and dropped his guard whenever else he wanted to.
When the man offered to pay for simply a single night with Kota, Ichiro seriously considered it for a minute. It wouldn't be as though he were giving his slave away, just renting him out for a short time. On top of that he would make some good money and be able to placate his client's incessant requests. Unfortunately, when he looked down at Kota, everything that could go wrong flooded his head at once. First off, the boy probably wouldn't consent, and even though that wasn't a problem in itself, it meant he would probably fight back rather than juts go along quietly. Second...Ichiro had to wonder if the boy would even know what to do should they get that far. Previously he'd admitted to Ichiro that most of his innocence remained intact, and on top of everything else, Ichiro didn't want to give away such a sweet little morsel to anyone else.
Turning his attention back to the man across the table, Ichiro kept a blank face as always as he said, "I'm sorry, but it would be impossible. You see, the boy hasn't really undergone any training in such areas, and to simply lend him to you now would be a grave insult to your sensibilities. I hope you'll understand my reservations.” Hoping that the man would be satisfied with that, Ichiro continued to push forward through their business, attempting to get himself and Kota out of the house swiftly. Of course, he had a feeling that Kota would not appreciate his roundabout avoidance of the man’s request, but that was to be expected of one being bartered.
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 10:58 am
Kotaro felt his heart sink, especially when he saw the prince’s eyes narrow in consideration. The mere thought of being given to that horrid man for a night made him sick to his stomach. However, this was a wake up call. He had almost forgotten he was Ichiro’s slave and nothing more. He was something to be traded and sold. He was no more than property.
It killed him inside. He had thought that perhaps the other would tell the man he was not for sale at all. The fact that he would be trained and handed out to others for one night trusts in the future made him visibly sick. He was just a slave. He didn’t matter. Sighing shakily, he looked away from his prince, entire form trembling but no tears falling. By the end of the meeting, he stood silently and followed Ichiro out of the house.
No words were spoken on Kota’s part. It was quite a difference compared to the soft smiles and gentle words he had offered the prince before when they found themselves alone. He figured, if Ichiro wanted a slave he would give him a slave-- silent, blank, and cold. More than anything he wished for a means of escape. He considered bolting from the prince’s side, but did not because he would easily be caught.
“Ichiro!” A familiar voice called. Kota glanced at the fox-faced man and sighed. Kasuke. The tall man grinned as he approached them-- the grin falling when he noticed little Kotaro. “Aw, is something wrong, little slave?” he asked, tilting up the boy’s chin. Kota blinked as Kasuke wiped away a tear with his thumb the boy hadn’t even know was falling. Kota jerked away from the other’s touch and shook his head, making Kasuke arch an eyebrow. He looked back at Ichiro. “That book on old Western geography came in. I ran to tell you as soon as I heard. Want me to take Kota off your hands. I think you already broke him.”
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:54 pm
Not noticing Kota's silence as they left, Ichiro stopped for a moment to speak with one of the guards that had been attending the meetings with them. Since the next meeting did not immediately follow the one they were just leaving, they had to decide what to do with the spare time. Obviously they couldn't just go waltzing about town, although the prince earnestly wished he could at times. After all, what better way was there to observe the people but in their natural habitat? However, he would have been recognized immediately and trouble would have doubtlessly followed, so the guard was suggesting they return to the palace, which Ichiro agreed was probably the most sensible plan of action, since there was a certain project he was working on that required his constant attention.
As the two debated whether it would be best to head there directly or to stop in with a few other well-known families to give a polite and cursory greeting, Ichiro began to forget more and more that he even had Kota with him, although there hadn't really been any recent need of his services. Hearing someone call his name, the prince briefly thought that his slave was speaking up again, indignant at his bartering, but realized that it had come from farther away. Smiling calmly as he noticed his friend hurrying over to them, Ichiro waited for Kasuke to come closer before bowing casually to him and saying, "Good afternoon, Kasuke-san. I hope this day finds you well." Although they were rather good friends, Ichiro was almost always polite and somewhat formal. Still, of all the people he knew, Kasuke was probably the one he felt most comfortable around. Something about his good nature and approachability had drawn the prince in.
Turning and looking more closely at Kota when Kasuke addressed the slave, Ichiro was surprised to see a tear peeking out of the corner of the boy's eye. Grabbing Kota firmly by the arm when he pulled away from Kasuke's touch, Ichiro looked at him with mixed worry and annoyance and scolded, "I told you before, do not be rude to your superiors. Especially Arima-san." However, he did not force the boy to apologize, too occupied with what could have made him sad rather than angry.
"The geography book?" Ichiro asked, giving his full attention back to his friend. Not long ago he had placed several different orders for geography, in his attempt to better understand what kind of land barriers might have shaped the civilizations that lived there. Just recently the prince had been writing his own book on the possible effects that geography could have on the emergence of new, and the evolution of already existing, cultures. "Yes, I remember. I'm surprised that it's come in already..." Most of the time when he ordered books it would take them a few weeks to a month to come in, as the order had to go out, be filled, and then be delivered. Even though he would have to wait for the rest of his research material to come in, at least he would have this to start him off and tide him over.
"I'm glad to hear it came in so quickly," Ichiro said, smiling once more and relaxing his shoulders. "Would you like to accompany us to pick it up? We could chat on the way and let you off wherever you need. Better yet, we should all stop for lunch somewhere," he suggested, finding himself unusually spontaneous. "My next meeting isn't for another few hours, and I was just planning on returning to the palace, but it would be much nicer to spend some time with an old friend." Although he wouldn't be able to speak to Kota privately until they finally returned to the palace later that night, Ichiro hoped that feeding him something nice would lighten his mood in the meantime.
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 2:27 pm
“Yes, that would be nice. Let’s go to lunch,” Kasuke said, attention refocused on Ichiro. They didn’t get to spend as much time together as either would have liked and a nice meal would certainly give them time to chat. He was especially excited to discuss western geography with his friend as well as see if he could lighten the tiny slave’s mood. The boy seemed crushed about something. He couldn’t help but be curious as to what had caused such a somber mood.
Upon sitting down to eat in a simplistic airy room that was part of Kasuke’s residence, the men were served a delicious assortment of fish on a long square tray as well as several bowls of rice. Kotaro discreetly declined the food, preferring to push it to the side of his bowl rather than eat it. He didn’t have much of an appetite at the moment. Thoughts of those foreign hands on his body made his stomach turn. No. He refused to give himself to men at night even if it was the bidding of the emperor’s son. He refused to be reduced from whipping boy to common whore.
Kasuke was mid conversation with Ichiro when he noticed the boy wasn’t eating. However, the other didn’t say anything to his friend, quickly recovering from the small lapse of silence. By the end of the meal, the two wealthy men were happily full and departed with smiles, Kasuke promising to see the prince next time he went to shooting practice. “You should bring little Kota-chan along too,” he said, trying to lighten the small boys mood by patting his soft, silver hair. “Make all those nobles drop their jaws. It’s quite interesting to see people’s expression when they find out a commoner is far better than them at something.”
Kotaro merely nodded numbly, not responding to the touch. Normally, he would be pleased with such praise, but he couldn’t stop thinking. Would Kasuke ever buy him for a night? Would it be too dangerous to escape before the end of the week? How would he escape Ichiro’s ‘training.’ He wouldn’t only let someone he loved have his body like that. Kasuke sighed and then broke out into his fox-like grin. “Oh well, I’ll make you fond of me yet, little one.”
With that, he gave a final wave to Ichiro and departed.
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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:11 pm
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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:53 pm
((I got tired of looking at that other colour; it was too harsh. D: ))
Happy to hear that his friend at least had enough time to sit down for a meal with them, Ichiro led his guest and Kota into the carriage and instructed the driver to take them to Kasuke's house, which is where his friend insisted they eat. As the carriage drove along, they chatted pleasantly about simple things: the weather, recent studies they had done, their sports training, their families, business meetings, the usual. When they arrived, Ichiro finally realized that Kota had not said a single word since they had left the previous client's house. Checking him briefly, he saw how sullen the boy looked, and wondered what could be the matter with him. The prince had expected him to be annoyed about the fact that he had been bartering with him, but it didn't seem worthy of such a sad silence. After all, it wasn't such a serious topic, and he had turned the man's request down in the end, although in the traditional Japanese style of, "Oh, well, you see, I would except..." It was an art to be able to say no without actually saying it, and something that all royalty needed to be able to do.
As they ate, Ichiro noticed that Kota was not eating as ravenously as usual. In fact, he hardly seemed to have touched his food by the time Kasuke and himself had finished. Knowing that he would have to talk to the boy in private later, Ichiro continued chatting freely with his friend until they decided it was time for the pair to leave. Of course, they would see Kasuke the next time they visited the training center, but Ichiro was so often confined to the palace that he was sad to have to leave his friend's warm company. Chuckling at Kasuke's comments, Ichiro was surprised to see Kota lacking his usual temper. Although it could be annoying sometimes to try and get the boy to be polite, it was disconcerting to see him so lackluster.
After they had climbed back into the carriage and were off to the prince's next appointment, he finally sighed shortly and asked, "Well, what is it, then? Are you mad at me for what I said to the last client? Did you expect me to be so tactless as to flat-out deny him and risk losing not only his business but his respect as well? You know nothing of politics." Turning his gaze out the tiny crack in the curtains covering the windows, Ichiro sighed once more. Deciding that Kota had at least a little right to be bothered, he said, "I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I meant almost nothing of what I said. After all, you would make a miserable pillow mate." Looking down uncomfortably into the air, he tried his best not to show how guilty he felt; it was not becoming of a prince.
When the carriage pulled up in front of yet another large house, the prince added quickly, "You belong to only me. Neither of us need ever forget that," and hurried out to meet his next client, who was standing at the door, waiting to bow as the prince came along. Looking nervously over at Kota, Ichiro ordered him to stay in the coach for the time being. "I don't want you to be bothered when I know these meetings bore you. Just rest for now and I'll be out soon enough." Once he was certain the guards would keep a good eye on the boy, Ichiro went inside with the older man as a young woman swept dust off the front step. The young woman bowed deeply as the two passed her by, stepping off to the side so that they wouldn't even have to walk around her. Obviously, she was only a maid and not the wife or a daughter.
The minutes passed slowly, and the girl on the step occasionally glanced at the carriage, turning slightly and trying hard not to be seen staring. Eventually she went inside as well, leaving the broom leaning against the wall of the house. Nearby, a few children played in the yard, probably the man's by the resemblance they bore. They tossed a cloth ball back and forth between them, both running after it when one failed to catch. Sitting almost invisible under a tree just a few paces away from the children, another young woman watched them, smiling from the shade as they played. Glancing over at the coach, she must have caught sight of Kota between the curtains for she smiled and waved slowly, as though she were in a dream.
Finally, after nearly an hour, the prince returned with the man, saying something and bowing once more before returning to the coach. As he began to get in, he paused suddenly and looked over at the tree. The woman beneath it merely smiled back in the same way she had to Kota, yet she did not wave. Instead, she seemed to chuckle slightly, although it was still a sad, slow kind of motion that almost appeared painful. Climbing into his seat hastily, the prince ordered them back to the palace with a grimace. Staring down at his knees the entire time, he did not bother looking over at Kota or speaking at all. Instead, he merely frowned down at his knuckles, clenched palely on his lap.
Pulling himself back to his usual composure, the prince looked over at Kota with his blank expression and said, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. There was much more to talk about than I had anticipated." Wondering if perhaps the boy was still angry with him, Ichiro pointed out, "I've nothing to do specifically for the rest of the day. Why don't we go back to the palace and take a bath? It's been a long day, after all, and I feel it would be good for us both." Without waiting for a response, he ordered one of the guards to signal a servant as soon as they arrived at the palace to prepare a bath for them. "I assume you've never had a decent bath," the prince said with a smirk, thinking that the only proper bath was a large one with steaming water and some soap or salt. These things, he knew, were far beyond a peasant's reach, and he would be happy to see how much the boy might enjoy it.
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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 8:52 am
(Yeah the new color is definitely easier to read XD)
There was not much kotare could say in his own defense when Ichiro told him he would not be sold. After all, it was merely the principle of the matter-- the realization that he was, indeed, little more than a pet to be bought and sold. However, sulking would do him no good. He needed to plan his escape. In the end, he knew he couldn’t live knowing he meant nothing. Sure, he belonged to the prince… but for how long? The man would certainly grow weary of him soon enough. The wisest thing little Kota could do was leave before he was sold to another. It would be difficult, but it was necessary.
He wished he could somehow make his feelings known in a way the man could understand. Perhaps then he wouldn’t have to feel so guilty as that sweet-looking woman smiled and waved at him. He was going to betray his master. He wondered briefly if she could see through him. When Ichiro returned he was shocked by the sullen expression that was followed by a quick recovery. Sighing, he decided it would be best to fake forgiveness. It would be harder to escape if this prince thought he was still very unhappy with him.
The pretty boy rested his head against the male’s shoulder and nodded-- an adorable way of telling him he was sorry for behaving so rashly without using words. Secretly, Kota wanted to slap the prince for that bath comment. It made him sound like a filthy peasant. Bitterness filled his chest. He didn’t want to bathe with the man. It was bad enough that the conversation before had centered around the prince deflowering him. He hardly felt comfortable being nude in the presence of the other again. What he wanted was to be home. Seeing those children playing was a heart-wrenching reminder of life in the village.
When they reached the palace, Kota followed his majesty obediently to the huge scented bath. He was self conscious about stripping, but new he had to. Eventually, he was bare. His slender, white body sliding into the hot water with surprising elegance. Kota could not have guessed that he made a beautiful picture naked. However, he did keep a distance between himself and his master. The small boy sighed blissfully, dark eyelashes lowering to frame his exotic blue eyes. The certainly felt nice. He had to admit… he did need this, though the nice feeling made him feel guilty all over again.
“I do hate you, your highness,” he finally said softly in a blunt, gentle voice. There was no point in being sly, he decided. He would escape eventually, but he would always regret it if he did not tell the other how he felt. “I may be fond of you over anyone else in this palace, but I do hold a lingering dislike for you that was intensified today. And it was not so much the actual barter, which I know was beyond your control, but the realization of what I am and what might eventually become of me. Your kind actions do not go unappreciated, but I will still always hate you.”
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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 10:03 pm
((The two are having a slight breakdown in communication. D: Ichiro tried to say that Kota would belong to him and only him and that he wouldn't do something like that to him. I can see where Kota might misunderstand, though. It's just unfortunate that they aren't very good at expressing themselves to each other. : ) ))
Patting Kota's head gently, Ichiro let their hands brush somewhat as the carriage rolled down the road leisurely. Hopefully it was the boy's way of expressing forgiveness, but Ichiro wasn't the best at reading physical cues. When he realized he had hardly hit Kota at all since getting him, it made the prince want to smack the boy hard in the face, to punch him in the shoulder, something to let him know that he was needed and appreciated. However, it would have been unnecessarily cruel, even for the prince, to simply hit the boy without good reason. Frightened somewhat by his own sadism, the prince glanced out the window uncomfortably, letting his hands fall back into his lap. Perhaps this was why people feared and even despised him around the palace, even though he was built to be the perfect successor to the throne. Did he lack compassion?
When the two finally sank into the steaming water of a fresh bath after being scrubbed clean by servants, the prince let out a sigh. The prince tilted his head back gently, keeping his long hair out of the water, sprawling across the stone ground around the lip of the tub, which was carved into the ground. Chuckling in spite of himself at Kota's honesty, Ichiro kept his eyes closed as he responded. "I hate you too, Kota-kun. You can be really annoying at times, and ungrateful too. Honestly, I can't understand your motivations at times. The palace must be a million times better than living out in the open and having to work. Why would you ever want to leave? Aren't safety and comfort more important than freedom?" Stretching a bit and relaxing farther into the water, the prince had to wonder just how different it was living out in the open. Although he had never tried it himself, he thought that he had heard and read enough about it to know how horrible it was in comparison to his own life.
As they were talking, the young female twin servant came in and reached for their clothing. Glancing over at her, Ichiro nodded and thanked her briefly, calling her "Chika-chan" and asking how her brother had been doing recently. Blushing, the young girl bowed and muttered that they both had been doing fine before scurrying back out with both sets of robes clutched tightly to her flat chest. "As I was saying," Ichiro continued, lifting his arms from around the lip of the tub and easing them into the hot water, "it isn't difficult to prefer me considering the odd host of characters running loose within these walls." Although he respected his parents, Ichiro didn't necessarily get along with them or enjoy their company, and he disliked many of the people he had to deal with on a regular basis.
"While I can understand you being annoyed with me, I don't see why you should hold a grudge for what happened today. Ultimately I have decided that I should never give you away to another as you are mine and no one else's. Shouldn't this make you happy? For some reason promiscuity seems to grate upon your nerves," the prince added with a taunting smile, not sure why something so natural and enjoyable would bother the boy. "Knowing that you shall be protected from any potential suitors while under my watch should please you." Amused and interested by the boy's further ranting, the prince asked, "Very well then. What exactly did you realize today? You say what you are? You are a boy who has fallen into the service of his prince. You are my whipping boy, and as for what you shall eventually become...you shall be a man unders the service of your emperor. You shall be my whipping boy."
Stretching and sighing contentedly, Ichiro called on a few servants to clean things up after them as they climbed out of the bath. Some time during their conversation the male twin had snuck in and placed clean robes on the stone bench for the both of them, and Ichiro slipped into green and black silk robes silently, making sure he was dry from head to toe before even touching the valued material. Hoping that Kota would simply follow him obediently as he had up until then, Ichiro went off down several halls before saying, "It should be about time for dinner. I do hope you have a better appetite than you did at lunch. I want to see you healthy." Even though it seemed as though Kota would be content to starve himself should it bother Ichiro, the prince had no plans on changing his own behaviour on the boy's behalf. It was the servant who changed for the master, not vice versa.
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Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:01 pm
Kotaro felt as though they had reached a wall. How could he communicate his distress to a man who saw his predicament as lucky and positive rather than the negative thing it was. He was a slave! Though the prince might believe life here in the palace was better than life in a small village, he did not understand that it was simply not where Kota wished to be. Home is where the heart is. The boy shook his head and sighed-- stressed and tired of trying to explain himself. How does the sheep tell the wolf he does not wish to be a meal when the wolf believes that in some TWISTED way it is for the sheep’s benefit. Indeed, there was no arguing with this prince.
“You will grow tired of me,” Kota said simply as he was following the other. “That is what I meant when I said what I shall become. When you grow bored of my presence, I will eventually be sold. I am not that naive. When I am sold it may not be to a man like the one we met today, but eventually that is where I will end up. A bed mate. As of now, I am merely a whipping boy. As you grow older and perhaps more serene I will no longer be of use. I know you cannot comprehend why anyone would choose peasantry over the palace but I can only say that it is my home. It is where I am happy. This place was forced upon me. I will never be as fond of it as you are.”
He slowed his steps as they approached the doors that would lead to dinner with the royal family. The boy was silent for the entire meal. he did eat this time, if only to keep attention away from himself. It was on their way back to the chambers that he allowed his shoulders to relax. As he was undressing for bed, he briefly wondered how his friends and family were fairing without him. No doubt his uncle had already gambled away the money he had earned from selling little Kotaro.
He kept his back to the prince as he stripped, slipping into his bed wordlessly. He was tired and his chest was aching. Flashes of home kept appearing in his mind’s eye. He wanted his bed. He wanted to lie the cool spring grass. He wanted to swim in the stream and run barefoot through the fields as one of his closest friends, Yuki, chased him laughing.
He wanted to go home. He just had to figure out how.
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Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:41 pm
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Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 4:52 pm
Taking the boy's concerns a bit more seriously the more he talked about them, the prince insisted that he knew himself best in such situations. After all, how long had Kota known him? It was such a short time that the prince knew that he knew himself better than his slave. "I do not think I will grow tired of you, Kota. Quite the opposite, actually. I think I will grow more used to you and more fond of you as time wears on. I know I can be unreasonable at times," he admitted, thinking it best if he gave the slave some agreement, "but I am the type of person who becomes used to others over a good deal of time. I am sure that the longer you stay, the more you will see the better side of me." Unlike many of the other nobles, the prince was completely willing to admit how ugly he could be at times, whether it was because of his anger, ignorance, or selfishness. Unfortunately, in accepting that he could be ugly, he had grown accustomed to it, and began to feel that it was a part of him like anything else in his daily life. In admitting it, he had ended up embracing it unnecessarily.
Reaching over and petting the boy's head gently, the prince assured him, "I would not get rid of you just because I grew serene. Indeed, would I not need you even more?" Searching the boy's face for some sign of what he might be thinking, the prince merely smiled at him. Kota was still a boy, after all, and a cute one at that. Ichiro remembered that he could not expect so much logic out of him; that he should be more gentle. As their footsteps clicked against the hard wood of the floor, the prince thought of how similar it was to the boy's voice at the moment; sharp, short, and cold. "You may be my whipping boy, but you are also my companion now, it seems. If I grow more placid and sentimental as I grow old, then I will more and more require someone at my side to talk to, and someone who knows me quite well at that. Will you not be the perfect one for such a job when the time comes if you have been with me up until then?" Even though this seemed a wonderful prospect to the prince, he felt as though Kota would dislike any job that might be given to him.
"All good things are worth waiting for, Kota-kun, and I beg you to be patient," the prince said as he lost his playful smile. It was not a common or comfortable phrase for the prince; "I beg of you..." There had been so few times in the past when he'd used it that it almost felt unnatural. However, he didn't want to see Kota escape, only to be brought back. It would crush the boy's hopes and carve an irreparable crack between them. Even if they were merely master and slave, Ichiro could see how bright and lively Kota could be, and he didn't want to lose or waste such an agreeable temperament when it was almost literally at his fingertips. The nerves of his extremities tingled as he thought of it, thought of how close Kota was physically, and how strange it would seem to simply reach out and touch his arm. His skin looked so soft, and the prince longed for someone who didn't feel like tree bark against his hands.
During their meal, the prince glanced over at his servant from time to time, hoping that Kota would be able to understand and forgive him before he did something that both of them would regret. Although, with how things were going, it seemed as though the boy would attempt his escape before there was a chance to set anything right between them. Eating only half as much as he usually did, Ichiro was relieved to see that Kota was eating decently as well, although he obviously wasn't as starved as the day that he'd arrived. The eldest prince also noted that his younger brother was far too distracted with something else to try and provoke him that night. For some reason he seemed oddly contemplative, which was rare considering how little he seemed to think on a daily basis, and although it was a clue to Ichiro that something was up with him, he dared not break the pleasant silence between them. It had been a long time since they'd been able to sit in a room together for such a period without throwing insults back and forth over the table as though they were waging war.
"Onii-san," Saburo said from his seat, looking up at his eldest brother with sweet, dark eyes, "my calligraphy master was admiring your piece from yesterday. He says that with a brother like you, I shouldn't even need him. I told him how busy you were, though." The youngest child had a mild demeanor not apparent in either of his siblings. Perhaps it was because both of the others had adored him since his birth, and everyone in the palace seemed to cherish him as one does the final blossoming bud on a tree. Smiling weakly at the boy, Ichiro said, "I am thankful that he made mention of my work. In all honesty, it was something I did not for myself, but for a client who asked for something to protect their house. It is a charm against evil, so I can see how it might have caught his eye. Of course, someday you will overcome even me in skill, Saburo-san. While I have always had to try so hard at writing, it comes to you as naturally as...speaking," he said with some difficulty, as though he'd stopped himself from saying something without thought. Saburo smiled brightly before returning to his meal, his cheeks full of the colour and life of the season.
When the family had all left the table and the pair were finally off to the prince's room, Ichiro wished to fill the empty air hanging so heavily between them. Even if he enjoyed quiet at times and was quite used to being alone, having someone so nearby and not having anything to talk about made him feel inept. However, he knew that nothing he could say would cheer Kota in the least, and any attempt at conversation would most likely end in the two of them having another disagreement over the most inconsequential thing. The boy had decided firmly that he did not like staying in the palace or being with the prince, and Ichiro accepted that, however unfortunate it seemed. Perhaps the boy's tempers would cool overnight and they would be able to speak pleasantly once again the next morn, but it was doubtful at best.
As they both lay in their beds, far enough apart that they wouldn't touch but close enough to hear each other breathe, the prince dreamed of reaching out to the boy and holding him as they slept, wanting something as simple as that to bring them together as they were supposed to be. Even though a slave was not even paid for their services, they were still supposed to love and respect their masters, and Ichiro begrudged the boy for not accepting him. Letting it go just for the night, the prince finally slipped off into a light sleep, teetering on the edge of a dream the entire night.
Suddenly, something jarred him awake; something alarming and painful. Waiting for the flash of red to disappear from his sight, the prince blinked himself awake and paused, waiting for something to happen, something to move, something to hurt... However, the entire room seemed quiet, and everything beyond within earshot was silent. Raking his memory for what might have stirred him, the prince strained his ears in hopes that whatever he had heard would ring out again. He waited, holding his breath and listening to the small puffs of air coming from the futon next to his own, but nothing came. The entire palace seemed dead, except for the soft sighing of Kota in his sleep. Sitting up despite himself, Ichiro rubbed his eyes with one hand, wondering if it had just been something disturbing about his dream that he could not recall.
Looking around the room one last time, the prince could not see a single corner out of place, although the room was not decorated much to begin with. His cushions were right where they had been, his table standing in its normal spot, and even his mirror had not moved an inch since last he glanced into it. As he was about to lay down again, the prince saw a candle float by the door to his room, down the hall. Sliding the door open and looking around, he saw the young girl from earlier with a candle, a small pail of water, and a rag. Calling her name softly, he asked her what she was doing up so late. Yawning cutely, the girl replied that her brother's fever had come back up, and that he'd woken from a nightmare soaked. She was just getting a wet towel for his head. Nodding and sending her along with his regards, the prince returned to his bed, convinced that the girl's rummaging around for the supplies had woken him.
The next morning, the prince didn't bother to let Kota sleep any longer them himself, saying sleepily as he stretched, "It is morning once more, my boy. Let's not be late." Although there wasn't much pressing work to be done or business to attend to, the prince was planning on showing Kota off to the other nobles once more at the center. It was ever so satisfying to watch their gloating faces flip from prideful to shocked to shamed, all within seconds. There was also a lesson planned for early in the day between the prince and one of the palace scholars. As of late the prince had gained an earnest interest in learning new languages, and seeing as he had just acquired a book he could not read, he was ever more eager to expedite his mastery. Perhaps Kota would even enjoy it and pick up a few words. Thinking over the plans for the day, he also remembered his appointment with the palace doctor that day. There was nothing wrong with him, of course, but every now and then he wanted the man to look him over carefully, for signs of anything that might be coming. It was unorthodox, and it had caused one or two nasty rumors at the prince's expense, but he felt it was beneficial to his well-being and, therefore, that of the country.
((Oh my, how did I write so much. O.o And I stopped myself from writing even more...
EDIT: Correction. I tried to stop myself. I can't help it but keep going back and making adjustments or additions. D: ))
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:08 pm
(lmao. It’s fine XD. Giant posts are never a bad thing)
It happened during the night. Kotaro wasn’t sure what it was that made him awaken. However, it sent a chill down his spine as a bit of panic fluttered in his chest. He glanced around the pitch-black room, feeling a strange sense of unease coiling in his belly. Everything seemed at ease. Nothing was out of place.
Despite himself, he did what any good slave would do and turned to check on the prince, crawling into his futon. The other was breathing shallowly, looking far from peaceful but also unharmed.
The small boy sighed and shook his head. He still disliked the man, but that didn’t stop him from leaning down and pecking those thin lips, relieved to find the other was okay.
He couldn’t put a finger on what was causing his heart to pound so hard in his chest, or why he couldn’t help but kiss his master, so comforted to find him well. All he knew was that he felt a tad protective of the bigger man.
The affection would always be there-- despite how much he loathed its presence. He fell asleep after about fifteen minutes, letting himself drift into a light slumber. When the other suddenly started and awoke, he kept his soft breathing level, surprised that the other felt it too.
When morning came, the boy was irritated to find they were going to spend the day together. He had secretly hoped the other would cut him a break and let him stay home, giving him a chance to plan his great escape. However, that was not the case. It seemed Kota would have to plan among snooty nobles.
He was surprised when the other took him to the center and his joy and relief behind a cold mask. As much as he loved shooting with the prince, he refused to show any semblance of pleasure towards their activities. That was, until Kasuke trotted over and forced it out of him with that damn good humor of his.
“Come on now, peasant boy. Crack a smile. You put all these fools to shame.” he teased, ruffling Kotaro’s hair as he gave Ichiro a broad grin. “I’m glad you brought him down here. Takeshi, that big idiot, is blabbering about how ‘great’ he is again. Wait until little Kota-chan puts him in his place.”
Kota chuckled a bit, rolling his eyes. It wasn’t what Kasuke SAID that made him laugh. I was that as he said it a huge oaf of a man just happened to be walking up behind him, scowling darkly. “Oi, talking a big game again, Kasuke? You’re just a bloody lackey. You know I’m second only to the prince.” The huge man growled, beady eyes narrowing slightly.
Kotaro quickly found that he didn’t like the other much at all. He reminded the boy of his uncle. Not to mention, he was secretly quite fond of the fox-faced Kasuke, though he would never admit it. The other treated Ichiro as a good, respected friend. It was genuine nature of his friendship that made Kota accept him as a decent enough person.
“Hardly. This boy right here is Kotaro. I’m certain he could beat you. How about a little showdown. It should be fun.” Kasuke said, smirking faintly to himself.
He obviously didn’t intend to spill the news about Kota being Ichiro servant until AFTER the small boy won. The big oaf grunted and nodded, seeming overly confident with himself as he waddled off to get his things. Kotaro tugged cutely on Ichiro’s sleeve, silently asking permission to compete.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:02 pm
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Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 12:55 pm
On their way to the centre, Ichiro had to stop off at the house of the noble they had visited the day before. "I know I said there was no business today, but I'll only be a few minutes," Ichiro promised, leaving Kotaro in the carriage by himself once more. The young woman who had been sweeping the steps before was now hanging clothes to dry on a wooden rack near the side of the house. She bowed as Ichiro passed but continued with her work. Ichiro never bothered to bow back, accustomed as he was to having servants bow to him automatically. Instead, he hurried inside so that they could be off with equal haste.
It wasn't long before he was back out and hopping into the carriage, giving the order to proceed on their way. Once they had arrived, Ichiro could see that there were more people there than the last time, which made it yet another perfect opportunity to show off Kota's skills, provided he didn't decide to have a fit and fail on purpose just to humiliate him. Ichiro wouldn't have put it past the boy, but could only hope for the best.
Bowing when he noticed Kasuke, the prince smiled at seeing his friend well and energetic, and hoped that he might join in the fun as Kotaro showed off his skills that day. "That he will, I am sure," Ichiro agreed, looking down at Kota and wishing that he would smile properly to his superiors. However, it was excusable in front of Kasuke since they were good friends and Ichiro knew Kotaro's lack of respect would not bother the man too much. Chuckling as he watched Takeshi pass by just as Kasuke commented about his boasting, Ichiro couldn't help but smirk when he heard Kasuke introduce Kota to the man. They had known each other for so long that Ichiro could tell what his plan was without even asking, and it was brilliant.
Bowing to Takeshi politely, the prince said, “If you’ll just give us a few minutes, Takeshi-san, Kota and I will be ready in no time.” Among the things Ichiro had asked the servants to pack for him was an extra bow made custom for Kota’s size and a set of arrows in a quiver. Whether or not Kota appreciated the small gift, Ichiro cared not. What was most important was that the boy had the proper tools at hand to put all of the other men in the centre to shame, besides himself. Although skill was most important in any sport, having bad equipment could put a serious handicap on even the most experienced athlete. Also, Kota was so much smaller than the rest of them that Ichiro wondered whether holding such a large bow was uncomfortable. Anyway he looked at it, Kota needed his own bow. Perhaps if the boy was obedient long enough Ichiro would take him hunting.
Walking with Kota back to the changing rooms, Ichiro switched into his sports yukata in a flash, folding his kimono into the box with his name on it before setting it carefully onto the shelf. Reaching into the package he’d brought from the carriage, he threw a sports robe to Kota as well, just the boy’s size, and set his bow and arrows on a bench without mention. In truth, the yukata had been Jiro’s when he was smaller, and the family had saved it in hopes of having Saburo make use of it. Unfortunately the youngest brother had never shown much promise with physical activity, although his intelligence and gentle demeanor more than made up for that disappointment.
Once they were back outside and joining the others at the shooting range, Ichiro was pleased to note that a small crowd had gathered to watch, most likely at Takeshi’s insistence or because of his loud bragging. Walking over with Kota at his heels, the prince said, “Sorry for making you wait. We can begin if you would like.” With the man’s agreement, Ichiro would take the first shot, Takeshi would follow, and Kota would go last, in the same order as their classes although Takeshi didn’t know it. Taking a moment to line up his shot, Ichiro let an arrow fly straight into the center of his target. “Ah, just as always,” he said, happy to see that he had not been harmed by a short break from practicing. Looking over at the other two as Takeshi readied his shot, Ichiro savored the anticipation of Kota’s victory over the ogre.
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