[ it feels a little bit strange, this playing. they're not a very playful breed up here. they have their festivities and merry-making but they are not prone to playing for pleasure. perhaps, in time, Yuji can change that for the future generations if not for the current one.
he would be so good for this household and their young master. everyone around here is already half in love with their master to be... ]
Of course, it would be my pleasure.
[ Nanami offers his arm to assist Yuji on their way back. snow can be treacherous, forming thin layers of ice which lead to unpleasant encounters with the ground. ]
Would you like to take a bath later as well? It will warm you up properly.
[ Taking Nanami's arm feels natural, feels right, and Yuji sighs as he watches him begin to lead him back towards the main house. He doesn't want this, doesn't want to feel as if he's signing his life away to someone else, to be a partner to someone who hates him, but that is what he has to be. That's what he agreed to.
Even if he can't have Nanami, even if he can't have what he wants... At least they can be around one another. That's enough for him. ]
Thank you.
[ Walking carefully, Yuji sighs softly, wobbling a little over the ice. ]
That sounds like a good idea. I don't want to get a cold.
[ hate is a strong word. given enough time Nanami is sure, the whole household is absolutely sure that their young master will warm up to his betrothed. and if the young master decides he must live a warrior life, then his servants will gladly look after Yuji themselves!
it's not unlikely that their young master will simply continue as before, married or not. this arrangement is first and foremost a political one, after all. an attempt at preventing Sukuna from ravaging their lands again. ]
I'll have our old granny prepare some herbs for your bath to prevent that.
[ he moves slowly, senses highly attuned to the young man's every step. this climate is more suited to snow leopards than tigers, it seems. he should have brought better shoes for Yuji. unwilling to risk the young man's health, Nanami stops. ]
Yuji-sama... Allow me.
[ with only a tiny hint of hesitance, the majordomo lifts the young man up, holding him securely in his arms before proceeding towards the main house. ]
It takes a while to get used to these conditions. I'm sure your homelands have different challenges, don't they?
[ It seems like a lot of work, especially since he doesn't really imagine himself to be that important, that worth putting so much effort into. He's only seen as special because of the impending marriage, not because of anything that he ought to have done himself.
He's just one person. Just one man, if that, a little annoying, unaware of how the world works here, just... Sent, to be a pawn in the machinations of people more powerful than him.
Lifting his head, he's about to speak when, suddenly, there are arms around him, and his eyes are widening, breathless. ]
Ah -
[ Cheeks flaring a bright red, he swallows, leaning into Nanami's chest a little. ]
[ he means it. they're all here to serve in any capacity they can. with how often the young master is absent, they find themselves too idle for their tastes. the arrival and astonishing endurance of this new betrothed has done wonders for everyone's morale.
carrying Yuji in his arms is, on the face of it, part of his duty as well. but part of him feels oddly pleased that he learns the built and weight of the young master's betrothed before the young master can. perhaps he isn't doing anyone a favour by being this attentive, but there's no going back now. ]
So I've heard. Your long summers and the festivals always sounded very intriguing when I was little. Do you still have them? The festivals, I mean.
[ To serve him... It makes him a little uncomfortable. He's used to having staff, of course, and he always treated them far better than Sukuna ever did, but it's still awkward. They're mostly relative stranger to him rather than people he grew up with, so making them do things feels weird. He'd rather do more for himself, but they just won't let him.
Sighing softly, he closes his eyes, letting himself bask in being held by Nanami for as long as he can. He doesn't think this is something that's going to keep happening, so he wants to memorise every second of it. ]
Yeah, every year. The summer ones are really nice, but I always like the one to welcome autumn.
[ after giving up his military career, serving this house that has always been good to his family has become the focal point, the sole purpose of Nanami's life. continuing the family line has fallen to his siblings, leaving Nanami free to turn himself into the perfect servant, anticipating the needs of his masters and the guests even before them.
he hasn't anticipated the arrival of Itadori Yuji or how this would cause his world to tilt.
step deliberately slow as to not endanger his precious cargo, Nanami holds the young master's betrothed a little tighter. ]
[ It's impossible to drag his eyes away from Nanami, his gaze set and almost desperate as they move together. He's trying to memorise this as much as he can, so that he can hold this feeling close to himself when things feel worse, when they feel bad, when he has to marry someone he's never going to love. His heart has already been stolen away, and there's nothing Yuji can do to take it back.
Nanami is never going to love him, want him, and that's fine. They can have moments like this, moments that fill him with a happiness that he hasn't had before, and... It's enough. This is enough for him, knowing what his life was sold for. ]
Exactly like that. We get to eat some of the fresh food the people make, and sometimes they let me help bring in the crops, too. I liked helping.
[ everybody is a little bit in love with Yuji-sama. the young man's sunny personality has been a such a pleasant surprise to everyone, reminding them of the first day of spring after their long winters and making everyone a little hopeful for their young master too.
Nanami felt the same in the beginning - surprised and hopeful that this match would be a successful one at last. he's still hopeful that the young master will agree to marry his betrothed, but it's for more selfish reasons now, as he cannot imagine this house without Yuji-sama's presence in it any more. that warm personality, the cheerful voice and smiles, the kind words he seems to have for almost everyone. how are they supposed to go on without that? ]
You helped?
[ a small smile softens Nanami's features, not at all surprised that Yuji-sama would go and help with the harvest himself. the people in his own country must feel the loss of their young master painfully. ]
You won't mind helping out here too, then? We tend to go and help the villagers around here as well.
[ seeing how the men are usually tied up in the young master's war campaigns, it's the least the household can do to help. ]
Our festivals are on the smaller side, however. Most of the harvest is preserved as quickly as possible because of our long winters. But perhaps Yuji-sama would like to arrange a harvest feast this year?
Of course I did! I've always been strong, so it was natural for me to help.
[ It was natural for him to go out there and do as much of the heavy lifting as he could. It might be one of the reasons why Sukuna was always so mad at him, since he always believed that he was better than the common people and Yuji shouldn't be messing around with them, but...
Yuji didn't like leaving people alone if there was something he could do to help. Their grandpa had taught him that much.
Leaning into Nanami, he closes his eyes. ]
If there's something I can do to help the people here, then I'll do it. I don't mind offering that much, especially when everyone here has been so nice to me.
[ strong and brave and kind. how could Sukuna send this young man so far away? with Yuji-sama at his side, either as a warrior or an ambassador, Nanami is sure the gluttonous wannabe king could pull other nations to his side much quicker and with less bloodshed too. but recalling his encounter with that beast of a man, Sukuna doesn't seem the type to rely on goodwill or diplomacy to achieve his goals. ruling through fear and destruction is more like him, and Nanami suddenly realises that there has never been a place at Sukuna's court for someone like the young man in his arms.
the people would love him. the people here will love him.
instinctively, the majordomo holds Yuji-sama a little closer, protective almost. he will make sure Yuji-sama will find a home and a future in these winter lands no matter what. ]
Of course, Yuji-sama. It would be my greatest pleasure.
[ when they approach the house, a few of the servants are already waiting by the door, sliding it open for them quickly to usher them back into the warmth. nobody bats even an eyelash at the sight of their majordomo carrying the young master's betrothed in his arms. it can be slippery and dangerous out there in the snow after all. ]
Please, let me draw you a bath before dinner. It won't take long.
It'll be fun! I look forward to working with you on it.
[ He's not the brightest person in the world, probably never will be that good at being organised and running things perfectly, but he knows how to set up a harvest festival. He knows how to help bring the crops in and support people, and he knows how to cheer up anyone around him as well. Yuji is determined to be a help to this place, a boon rather than some kind of punishment, no matter the cost to himself.
The way that Nanami holds him closer has nothing to do with his earnest desire to please, of course. Nothing at all. ]
[ Nanami is sure he will enjoy helping Yuji-sama organise the festival, or anything else, really. the young man does everything with such enthusiasm and genuine joy, and a hint of sweetness, too. ]
I know you can, Yuji-sama.
[ setting his precious cargo on the ground, he crouches once again to help Yuji take off his shoes, before glancing up, a hint of a smile playing around his lips. ]
[ there's a soft exhale, an almost laugh perhaps at being stopped from doing his duty. partially it's as he's told the young man earlier: they're all here to serve him. it's their main purpose under this roof.
excusing himself with a small bow, Nanami leaves to prepare the bath, and fetch one of the old granny's herbal mixes to add to the water. this isn't exactly part of his duties even though the young master makes him run a bath for him sometimes. usually when the young master is not feeling like himself and seeks comfort in familiarity.
once he is satisfied with the water temperature, the servant fetches the young master's betrothed to lead him to the bath. ]
Would you like me to assist you further, Yuji-sama?
[ Yuji doesn't feel comfortable being so waited on, because back home the staff liked him well enough, but... They were afraid of Sukuna. They didn't want to show too much favour to Yuji just in case it turned out that their real master got mad at them.
Yuji was, therefore, used to keeping them at a distance.
Brought out of his thoughts by Nanami's return, he blinks up at the other man as he slips into the room with the bath, kicking off his shoes and wiggling his toes. ]
[ he won't have to worry about making the real master mad around here. their young master is always grumpy but he isn't cruel or unfair. if he realised that the staff likes his betrothed, it might sway his opinion of Yuji-sama into a more favourable one.
Nanami keeps a straight face and a neutral tone when he replies. ]
[ Yuji blushes and glances away, trying to hide it as best he can. The idea of being touched by Nanami isn’t an unpleasant one at all, but there’s no denying that he’s sure he’ll have some kind of reaction to it.
Is it worth the embarrassment…? It could be.
Nodding his head, he shrugs off his cold outer robe. ]
[ although he can rationalise it with this being part of a servant's duties, Nanami isn't delusional enough to make himself believe that this isn't in part motivated by selfish reasons. carrying the Yuji-sama in his arms has untethered something in him. it's a dangerous game, utterly unbecoming of him, but.
how can he resist? how?
Nanami's hands are light and nimble as they help removing the layers of clothing, folding them, and hanging them up. ]
I have added a mix of soothing and warming herbs to the bath water. Our granny swears by it in the winter months, claiming that's how she's managed to fend off colds in the past sixty years.
[ stepping aside and averting his gaze, he busies himself with rolling up his sleeves as he lets Yuji-sama remove the last articles of clothing and step into the bath. ]
I didn't know they had herbs for that kind of thing. Do you think I can learn about it?
[ Yuji walks over, stepping into the bath and sinking down with a soft sigh. It's warm, and it feels good, relaxing his muscles almost immediately. He really was fine with the snow, but the warmth of the bath makes him feel even better.
Turning his head, hoping the pink of his cheeks can be blamed on the warm water, he watches Nanami fondly. ]
Of course. If Yuji-sama asks her, she'll be very happy to teach you.
[ the pink tint is too charming for words. another reason why this is such a bad idea, but Nanami pushes those thoughts aside, as he ties up his sleeves to keep them from getting wet. immersing the bath sponge in the water, he runs it gently over the young master's broad shoulders and back.
a warrior's built obviously. one that seems absolutely wasted within these walls and Nanami wonders not for the first time how Yuji-sama ended up in this position.
reaching for the soap, Nanami works up a lather in his palms. the slightly tart scent of ginger and orange fills the room, mingling with the herbs in the bath, creating a relaxing type of aromatherapy. large palms rub the lather into the young man's skin, followed by a more thorough scrub with the sponge. ]
[ Yuji is basking in the warmth of the bath and the tender hands taking care of him, making him feel... Too many things.
Nanami's hands are broad, and strong, and it makes him feel as if he's going to go insane from it. No one has ever made him feel like this before, has never inspired such wild, intense feelings inside him, and it makes him bite the inside of his cheek to force himself to calm down and relax.
He'll embarrass himself if he isn't careful. ]
Ah, what?
[ Turning his head, he blinks before he processes the words. ]
Oh! I was going to be, for a while, so I trained with the guards and stuff before Sukuna-sama decided I would be better suited for a political marriage.
[ the betrothed of their young master could never embarrass himself. if Yuji-sama wanted to, he could do whatever he liked and nobody would stop him.
as for the majordomo, well. he is simply doing his duty, is he not? but then the young man turns his head, cheeks rosy from the warmth and the steam and Nanami finds himself almost entranced by the view. then delayed: ]
I see. It is our great fortune that Sukuna-sama would send you to us, Yuji-sama.
[ his hands rest on Yuji's shoulders briefly before resuming their task of washing away the soapy suds. the temptation to linger here, hidden away from the rest of the household, whispers softly, putting a serious strain on Nanami's resolve. ]
[ Yuji has no idea if he'd be a good ruler, even if he's just a partner in it rather than doing anything directly. Sure, the staff might like him, but there's something awkward about the fact that he thinks he has no idea what he's doing.
What if he messes up? What if he ruins things? It could be terrible... ]
Do you think I'd be allowed?
[ Blinking, he tilts his head, beaming at Nanami. ]
I was told it wasn't the kind of thing I was meant to do any more.
[ it is true. Yuji-sama has an inherent kindness in him that they aren't accustomed to, at least not to that extent. that is not to say that they are mean or cold people but they do come across as more reserved sometimes. if the young man shows an interest in ruling, Nanami is certain it would improve the relations with the other houses.
a little thoughtlessly, Nanami's fingers curl under Yuji's chin to tilt his head back in order to pour water into the young man's hair, and lets a small laugh escape at the question. ]
It can't have been the young master. I'm sure you've noticed that fighting is one of the things he enjoys immensely.
[ another soft laugh as he shampoos the soft pink strands, massaging Yuji-sama's scalp. the young master would be delighted to have an equal sparring partner. it would definitely work in Yuji's favour. ]
There is no one around here who can tell you 'no', Yuji-sama. You are free to do whatever you like.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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he would be so good for this household and their young master. everyone around here is already half in love with their master to be... ]
Of course, it would be my pleasure.
[ Nanami offers his arm to assist Yuji on their way back. snow can be treacherous, forming thin layers of ice which lead to unpleasant encounters with the ground. ]
Would you like to take a bath later as well? It will warm you up properly.
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Even if he can't have Nanami, even if he can't have what he wants... At least they can be around one another. That's enough for him. ]
Thank you.
[ Walking carefully, Yuji sighs softly, wobbling a little over the ice. ]
That sounds like a good idea. I don't want to get a cold.
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it's not unlikely that their young master will simply continue as before, married or not. this arrangement is first and foremost a political one, after all. an attempt at preventing Sukuna from ravaging their lands again. ]
I'll have our old granny prepare some herbs for your bath to prevent that.
[ he moves slowly, senses highly attuned to the young man's every step. this climate is more suited to snow leopards than tigers, it seems. he should have brought better shoes for Yuji. unwilling to risk the young man's health, Nanami stops. ]
Yuji-sama... Allow me.
[ with only a tiny hint of hesitance, the majordomo lifts the young man up, holding him securely in his arms before proceeding towards the main house. ]
It takes a while to get used to these conditions. I'm sure your homelands have different challenges, don't they?
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[ It seems like a lot of work, especially since he doesn't really imagine himself to be that important, that worth putting so much effort into. He's only seen as special because of the impending marriage, not because of anything that he ought to have done himself.
He's just one person. Just one man, if that, a little annoying, unaware of how the world works here, just... Sent, to be a pawn in the machinations of people more powerful than him.
Lifting his head, he's about to speak when, suddenly, there are arms around him, and his eyes are widening, breathless. ]
Ah -
[ Cheeks flaring a bright red, he swallows, leaning into Nanami's chest a little. ]
I - yeah. It gets really warm?
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[ he means it. they're all here to serve in any capacity they can. with how often the young master is absent, they find themselves too idle for their tastes. the arrival and astonishing endurance of this new betrothed has done wonders for everyone's morale.
carrying Yuji in his arms is, on the face of it, part of his duty as well. but part of him feels oddly pleased that he learns the built and weight of the young master's betrothed before the young master can. perhaps he isn't doing anyone a favour by being this attentive, but there's no going back now. ]
So I've heard. Your long summers and the festivals always sounded very intriguing when I was little. Do you still have them? The festivals, I mean.
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[ To serve him... It makes him a little uncomfortable. He's used to having staff, of course, and he always treated them far better than Sukuna ever did, but it's still awkward. They're mostly relative stranger to him rather than people he grew up with, so making them do things feels weird. He'd rather do more for himself, but they just won't let him.
Sighing softly, he closes his eyes, letting himself bask in being held by Nanami for as long as he can. He doesn't think this is something that's going to keep happening, so he wants to memorise every second of it. ]
Yeah, every year. The summer ones are really nice, but I always like the one to welcome autumn.
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he hasn't anticipated the arrival of Itadori Yuji or how this would cause his world to tilt.
step deliberately slow as to not endanger his precious cargo, Nanami holds the young master's betrothed a little tighter. ]
Are they like harvest festivals?
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Nanami is never going to love him, want him, and that's fine. They can have moments like this, moments that fill him with a happiness that he hasn't had before, and... It's enough. This is enough for him, knowing what his life was sold for. ]
Exactly like that. We get to eat some of the fresh food the people make, and sometimes they let me help bring in the crops, too. I liked helping.
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Nanami felt the same in the beginning - surprised and hopeful that this match would be a successful one at last. he's still hopeful that the young master will agree to marry his betrothed, but it's for more selfish reasons now, as he cannot imagine this house without Yuji-sama's presence in it any more. that warm personality, the cheerful voice and smiles, the kind words he seems to have for almost everyone. how are they supposed to go on without that? ]
You helped?
[ a small smile softens Nanami's features, not at all surprised that Yuji-sama would go and help with the harvest himself. the people in his own country must feel the loss of their young master painfully. ]
You won't mind helping out here too, then? We tend to go and help the villagers around here as well.
[ seeing how the men are usually tied up in the young master's war campaigns, it's the least the household can do to help. ]
Our festivals are on the smaller side, however. Most of the harvest is preserved as quickly as possible because of our long winters. But perhaps Yuji-sama would like to arrange a harvest feast this year?
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[ It was natural for him to go out there and do as much of the heavy lifting as he could. It might be one of the reasons why Sukuna was always so mad at him, since he always believed that he was better than the common people and Yuji shouldn't be messing around with them, but...
Yuji didn't like leaving people alone if there was something he could do to help. Their grandpa had taught him that much.
Leaning into Nanami, he closes his eyes. ]
If there's something I can do to help the people here, then I'll do it. I don't mind offering that much, especially when everyone here has been so nice to me.
[ His head tucks into Nanami's neck absently. ]
Would you help me organise it, if I did?
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the people would love him. the people here will love him.
instinctively, the majordomo holds Yuji-sama a little closer, protective almost. he will make sure Yuji-sama will find a home and a future in these winter lands no matter what. ]
Of course, Yuji-sama. It would be my greatest pleasure.
[ when they approach the house, a few of the servants are already waiting by the door, sliding it open for them quickly to usher them back into the warmth. nobody bats even an eyelash at the sight of their majordomo carrying the young master's betrothed in his arms. it can be slippery and dangerous out there in the snow after all. ]
Please, let me draw you a bath before dinner. It won't take long.
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[ He's not the brightest person in the world, probably never will be that good at being organised and running things perfectly, but he knows how to set up a harvest festival. He knows how to help bring the crops in and support people, and he knows how to cheer up anyone around him as well. Yuji is determined to be a help to this place, a boon rather than some kind of punishment, no matter the cost to himself.
The way that Nanami holds him closer has nothing to do with his earnest desire to please, of course. Nothing at all. ]
I can make a bath for myself, you know.
[ It's a little pouty. ]
You don't need to go out of your way.
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I know you can, Yuji-sama.
[ setting his precious cargo on the ground, he crouches once again to help Yuji take off his shoes, before glancing up, a hint of a smile playing around his lips. ]
But it will be better if you let me.
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[ Yuji watches as his shoes are removed, feeling a little awkward about the hands on service, even as he adores gazing at Nanami below him. ]
I won’t tell anyone, but I guess I won’t stop you if you want to.
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excusing himself with a small bow, Nanami leaves to prepare the bath, and fetch one of the old granny's herbal mixes to add to the water. this isn't exactly part of his duties even though the young master makes him run a bath for him sometimes. usually when the young master is not feeling like himself and seeks comfort in familiarity.
once he is satisfied with the water temperature, the servant fetches the young master's betrothed to lead him to the bath. ]
Would you like me to assist you further, Yuji-sama?
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Yuji was, therefore, used to keeping them at a distance.
Brought out of his thoughts by Nanami's return, he blinks up at the other man as he slips into the room with the bath, kicking off his shoes and wiggling his toes. ]
Assist? Like what?
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Nanami keeps a straight face and a neutral tone when he replies. ]
With your clothes or perhaps washing your back.
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[ Yuji blushes and glances away, trying to hide it as best he can. The idea of being touched by Nanami isn’t an unpleasant one at all, but there’s no denying that he’s sure he’ll have some kind of reaction to it.
Is it worth the embarrassment…? It could be.
Nodding his head, he shrugs off his cold outer robe. ]
My back, please?
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[ although he can rationalise it with this being part of a servant's duties, Nanami isn't delusional enough to make himself believe that this isn't in part motivated by selfish reasons. carrying the Yuji-sama in his arms has untethered something in him. it's a dangerous game, utterly unbecoming of him, but.
how can he resist? how?
Nanami's hands are light and nimble as they help removing the layers of clothing, folding them, and hanging them up. ]
I have added a mix of soothing and warming herbs to the bath water. Our granny swears by it in the winter months, claiming that's how she's managed to fend off colds in the past sixty years.
[ stepping aside and averting his gaze, he busies himself with rolling up his sleeves as he lets Yuji-sama remove the last articles of clothing and step into the bath. ]
May I?
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[ Yuji walks over, stepping into the bath and sinking down with a soft sigh. It's warm, and it feels good, relaxing his muscles almost immediately. He really was fine with the snow, but the warmth of the bath makes him feel even better.
Turning his head, hoping the pink of his cheeks can be blamed on the warm water, he watches Nanami fondly. ]
Oh, right, go ahead. Sure.
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[ the pink tint is too charming for words. another reason why this is such a bad idea, but Nanami pushes those thoughts aside, as he ties up his sleeves to keep them from getting wet. immersing the bath sponge in the water, he runs it gently over the young master's broad shoulders and back.
a warrior's built obviously. one that seems absolutely wasted within these walls and Nanami wonders not for the first time how Yuji-sama ended up in this position.
reaching for the soap, Nanami works up a lather in his palms. the slightly tart scent of ginger and orange fills the room, mingling with the herbs in the bath, creating a relaxing type of aromatherapy. large palms rub the lather into the young man's skin, followed by a more thorough scrub with the sponge. ]
Were you a soldier back home, Yuji-sama?
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Nanami's hands are broad, and strong, and it makes him feel as if he's going to go insane from it. No one has ever made him feel like this before, has never inspired such wild, intense feelings inside him, and it makes him bite the inside of his cheek to force himself to calm down and relax.
He'll embarrass himself if he isn't careful. ]
Ah, what?
[ Turning his head, he blinks before he processes the words. ]
Oh! I was going to be, for a while, so I trained with the guards and stuff before Sukuna-sama decided I would be better suited for a political marriage.
no subject
as for the majordomo, well. he is simply doing his duty, is he not? but then the young man turns his head, cheeks rosy from the warmth and the steam and Nanami finds himself almost entranced by the view. then delayed: ]
I see. It is our great fortune that Sukuna-sama would send you to us, Yuji-sama.
[ his hands rest on Yuji's shoulders briefly before resuming their task of washing away the soapy suds. the temptation to linger here, hidden away from the rest of the household, whispers softly, putting a serious strain on Nanami's resolve. ]
Would you like to resume that kind of training?
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[ Yuji has no idea if he'd be a good ruler, even if he's just a partner in it rather than doing anything directly. Sure, the staff might like him, but there's something awkward about the fact that he thinks he has no idea what he's doing.
What if he messes up? What if he ruins things? It could be terrible... ]
Do you think I'd be allowed?
[ Blinking, he tilts his head, beaming at Nanami. ]
I was told it wasn't the kind of thing I was meant to do any more.
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a little thoughtlessly, Nanami's fingers curl under Yuji's chin to tilt his head back in order to pour water into the young man's hair, and lets a small laugh escape at the question. ]
It can't have been the young master. I'm sure you've noticed that fighting is one of the things he enjoys immensely.
[ another soft laugh as he shampoos the soft pink strands, massaging Yuji-sama's scalp. the young master would be delighted to have an equal sparring partner. it would definitely work in Yuji's favour. ]
There is no one around here who can tell you 'no', Yuji-sama. You are free to do whatever you like.
(no subject)