[ 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.
[ Because who would want a pretty, handsome spouse that was too muscular and designed for fighting? Yuji was meant to be demure and soft now, not a soldier, a warrior, someone prone to fighting. He might not be able to get rid of the callouses on his hands, but... He can at least work hard to be the best kind of husband that he has the power to be.
Sighing softly, he looks over at Nanami with a small smile. ]
I don't think that's true. I can't do everything I want.
[ Like kiss the head servant. Stuff like that. Closing his eyes, he tilts his head back. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
Nanami keeps a straight face and a neutral tone when he replies. ]
With your clothes or perhaps washing your back.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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
[ Because who would want a pretty, handsome spouse that was too muscular and designed for fighting? Yuji was meant to be demure and soft now, not a soldier, a warrior, someone prone to fighting. He might not be able to get rid of the callouses on his hands, but... He can at least work hard to be the best kind of husband that he has the power to be.
Sighing softly, he looks over at Nanami with a small smile. ]
I don't think that's true. I can't do everything I want.
[ Like kiss the head servant. Stuff like that. Closing his eyes, he tilts his head back. ]
But maybe I'll ask him, when he comes back.