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[deniles]

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[deniles]

I think I'd like that.

[The servants keep moving around. He's not exactly unused to doing this, but he's one of the few who knows every private passage through Castle Krakenberg, but here?

He's got new things to learn.

A servant set up a screen and Niles moved behind it to start undressing. A servant also began to remove his clothes as he began to undress.

Safe to say, he definitely looks very out of place. Please help Ryoma.]

[lightninglobster]

[... but the servants were helping. Still, Ryoma watches his beloved with a small smile, rubbing his temples as he stood. The servants were still setting up for tea, so...

He made his way to the screen, giving a wave of his hand.]

I've got him for now. Thank you for your service.

[And now he was helping Niles undress, folding the clothes to the side to be cleaned for later.]

[deniles]

[When the servants leave, Niles lets out a sigh of relief that's definitely noticeable.]

Sorry. I'm definitely not used to being taken care of.

[He holds up the Yukata after he's finished undressing, ready to be shown how to do it.]

Except by you, of course. Because I'm sure even if I told you to stop, you wouldn't.

[And he wouldn't tell him to stop.]

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma chuckles softly, pressing a kiss to Niles' forehead as he finishes undressing and actually relaxes, a knowing little smile on his face.]

I know that feeling. I stopped letting servants help me with most of my dressing when I was a teenager--there are certain pieces that are much easier with another person, however.

[He takes a moment to... appreciate the view, giving Niles a long look up and down before he steps forward to start clothing him.]

If you truly wanted me to, I would slow down on the caretaking. I like it, but you are a fully accomplished man who can certainly handle himself.

[Even if Ryoma is using helping Niles settle his yukata as an excuse to get his hands all over everything. It'd been a long few weeks.]

[deniles]

I do just need to learn how to do things. And then I'll be fine.

[He is watching Ryoma carefully as the man undresses him and then starts to get the yukata on.]

Mmm... can't say I do want you to slow down.

[He somehow thinks that he's only going to be dressed for a bit.]

Especially not now. You've barely taught me anything about Hoshido.

[lightninglobster]

[It's been a very long few weeks. Months? It's been a long time since Ryoma had Niles last, and had Niles last all the same.]

I'm glad to hear that. I enjoy taking care of you.

[Ryoma was a mother hen in his heart of hearts, as Hinoka had been quick to tell him the last time it looked like Ryoma's ego had the better of him.]

I figured it'd be easier to talk about Hoshido while in Hoshido. A lot of the concepts and things are better illustrated, instead of explained as lofty things-to-be.

[He continued to dress his Niles--for however long it would last--getting the under robe and then the yukata itself situated, doing the ties with a hum and voila. A nice robe with fabric that breathed and let a breeze reach the skin.]

[deniles]

Still. I like giving surprises, not receiving them.

[But he trusts Ryoma. If it had been anyone else saying that, he'd have ignored it and told them to tell him.]

We can start tomorrow then. Today, I wish to rest and spend the afternoon with you.

[And make Ryoma sleep in his bed with him. Traditions be damned.]

[lightninglobster]

Too late. I like seeing the delight in your eye when I do things for you.

[Ryoma gives a grin and follows it up with a kiss, taking Niles' hand as he leads him around the screen and to the table. As if by magic (ninja magic, to be precise), the servants filter back in, armed with food and drink to ease Niles' fatigue. Ryoma nods, that fond affectionate look making its permanent home on his face.]

Of course. I'd love nothing more than to spend hours with you, catching up.

[... that would be a bridge to cross when they came to it. Then again, Niles didn't exactly have a maidenhead to protect.]

[deniles]

Hah. And how do you know that's delight for you?

[Kissing him back, he walks out to the main room and moves to sit when directed. A tea and a light bit of fare placed in front of him, he nods to the servants.

Who are clearly uneasy around such a terrible man.]

Good... I do need to talk to you about something important.

[lightninglobster]

I watch your face a lot. You have different glints in your eye when you're playing cat to an unsuspecting canary, or when you're forcing your pleasure so that someone will get out of your space.

[Ryoma speaks as if everything is so matter of fact--for someone that often gets accused of being completely oblivious, Ryoma is far more keen that most people give him credit for. He's a general to an entire army--he has to know what makes people tick, how they actually feel about a situation versus what they'll actually tell him they're feeling.

Looking at Niles' face is a pleasure beyond that, all besides. Even if the servants are uneasy--they'll learn in time, or they'll find a new workplace.]

Mm? Something that we can talk about now, or something you'd rather save for later?

[deniles]

If I didn't know better, I would say you were stalking me. But even if I do know better, that might be the case anyways.

[Niles appreciates that Ryoma knows and watches every move he makes. It makes himself feel better. Although he's afraid of being in trouble should he slip, Ryoma is more the type to help him get back on track.]

Something I'd like to speak about... with no one else nearby.

[So once the servants are done, he'd like for them to depart.]

[lightninglobster]

If I could stalk you without you noticing, I'd be worried about how covert Prince Leo's hand in the darkness truly was.

[Someone had joked once that Ryoma was the Hoshidan equivalent to a paladin... and it was a fair enough comparison. Heavy armor, heavy steps, and little reason to be subtle about literally anything. He stifles a smile even though it glimmers in his eyes, glancing around as the servants start to settle, idle once they're done serving.]

Of course. Thank you, everyone. I'll send for you if you're needed.

[In pairs, the servants bow and make their exits, shinobi guards slipping out of the room on strangely heavy feet so that Niles knows exactly where they've gone off to.]

[deniles]

Hah. Don't worry. I knew where you were every moment.

[Niles could see that. He had heard it too, just never really put much thought into it. But after realizing how close the two were, it made him smirk.

When they were finally alone... except for probably Saizo, he looked at Ryoma.]

...How... necessary is a concubine?

[Yup. That's what this is about.]

[lightninglobster]

Watching my ass from across a room does not make you a master spy, love.

[Excuse you, Kagerou was there too, minding her own business, being out of sight and out of mind in case Niles was the mastermind of a long con meant to kill Ryoma when his defenses were down.

... one could never be too careful.

As Niles brought up his concerns, Ryoma stifled a small sigh, eyes closing as he tapped his fingers on the table. A look of concentration crossed his face, and then relaxed. It would be what it would be.]

I likely have a healthy many years in front of me before I have to worry about a successor. There's also the possibility that one of my siblings will marry and pass a male heir that I could adopt as a ward. If that doesn't come to fruition, however... I have spoken at length with certain women in my inner circle about. Possibilities.

[Kagerou and Orochi were always kind enough not to laugh at the redness in his face.]

[deniles]

The fact that you think all I spy on is your ass is enough for me to know that I am.

[He knows about this con. It amused him. It still amuses him. Laughing a little bit at the though.

He didn't want to distress Ryoma with these thoughts of his, but he also couldn't deny that these were his thoughts he had to deal with. Pausing for a moment.]

...Mm. I see. Whatever the case may be, I'm sure it'll be fine.

[He doesn't sound pleased, but he's also not going to keep harping on it. After all, he's here for Ryoma. Not to deal with his own worries and fears.]

[lightninglobster]

I've heard rumors that it's a good ass.

[Look, there's a betting pool. The longshot is that Niles has actually learned to manifest something like human love and is actually here because he cares about Ryoma. The payout on that option is gonna be sweet as hell for anyone willing to take it.

Kagerou's going to be a rich, sneaky duck.]

No, I... I understand your hesitation. I'm still hoping another option will present itself, though what that option could be... I couldn't begin to know. Other than hopeful thinking, I suppose.

[Ryoma reaches out to take Niles' hand in his, squeezing his fingers lightly as he gazes at his beloved.]

I still want to marry you--more than anything I've ever wanted in the world.

[deniles]

I could show you in a mirror if you wish.

[He knows about the pool and has asked for a 25% share of it so he can get Ryoma something nice.]

Mmm. Leo has said not to worry about it. And normally I wouldn't. But I think that this is something to worry about.

[Squeezing him back, he moves in to kiss him on the cheek.]

Soon, yes? I know you have to present me to Hoshido before the wedding, but it's not too far away, is it?

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma would appreciate a shred of his dignity back. He's so happy to be in love with such a dear person, but at the same time, the teasing can go launch itself off a cliff. Ryoma... in theory, would like to be a private person. In practice, he's a king.]

It is something to worry about, but... not so much that we can't enjoy each other, right?

[It can be tomorrow Ryoma's problem. Right now Ryoma is nuzzling into a kiss and tugging Niles into his arms, brushing a kiss over the side of his neck.]

It's not. I was aiming to be married before the last change of the seasons--I'd like our Nohrian friends to be able to attend, before the winter sets in. Hoshido is beautiful in the autumn. We just need to finalize a few things, get you measured for certain ceremonial clothing pieces...

[deniles]

[Niles barely teases. He prefers flirting and kissing overall. Maybe light teasing now a days now that they're engaged.]

No. I'll drop it for now.

[He smiles and kisses him back. Tilting his head to the side so Ryoma can kiss it.]

Ah, then we don't have much longer. And seeing as I have nothing really to do for a while, I can get fitted into everything when you're willing. Mmm, and when are you 'presenting' me? Or is that just a Nohr thing?

[lightninglobster]

[Light teasing will keep Ryoma humble in the days to come.]

We'll find something somehow, I swear it to you, Niles.

[He steals another kiss over Niles' throat, wrapping thoroughly around him and just... luxuriating in the feel of his lover being so close, so warm, so solid and real and here.]

I figured you could settle in for a few days and then we'll... well, present you, for lack of a better term. Our wedding is non-negotiable, but the nobles should at least know who they really shouldn't trifle with these days.

[deniles]

[And that is what Niles does best.]

I believe you. I'd never doubt you for even a moment.

[He lets out a heavy breath and just relaxes into Ryoma. How many years has he been needing to just relax?]

Mmm, I don't do very well with just doing nothing. So at the very least, tomorrow, I can start getting ready. Just let me know what needs to be done.

[That is retainer talk again.]

[lightninglobster]

[Some day the people of Hoshido will come to appreciate a royal spouse that keeps his husband's own magnificence in hand. Ryoma already does, smiling against Niles' shoulder as his fiance settles in against him.]

Even if Hoshido has no answers, perhaps Nohr knows a thing or two...

[Ryoma had been diligently trying to learn about his enemy-turned-ally in the months after the war, and had found that they were... quite creative, and perhaps not as formal as Hoshido when it came to bloodline and the continuation therefore of.]

Very well. I'll be asking Yukimura to go over the details of the wedding ceremony with you, as well as to teach you the finer points of what being spouse to a king entails. There are certain duties that the royal consort is expected to perform.

[deniles]

[They'll appreciate it even more when Niles does it to the nobles. He'll take no shit from anyone here. Period.]

I can talk to Leo again after we're married.

[He doesn't want to push things, not when there's so much to do.]

...Ah, good. Leo told me that I'd never stop being a retainer, just have a higher position. Good to know that's still very much true.

[lightninglobster]

[Little does Niles know, he's about to build an empire out of being himself. Somewhere, somebody's going to lose a bet in a major way.]

Then we'll let it rest for now. We need answers... eventually. I'm more than happy to enjoy your presence until it's time to revisit the topic.

[... eventually. These sorts of things needed no strong timeline, or at least that's what Ryoma was going to tell himself. He laughs, rocking Niles side to side and kissing the back of his head with a grin.]

I mean, in a way, yes... only on a much larger scale. As the king manages the kingdom, his partner manages their household--or, the palace. The king's spouse acts as their confidant, their advisor--a second set of eyes that sees what the king might not when his eyes are turned high towards the overall goals of the kingdom. It's their duty to remind their lord of his compassion, his care--to keep him mindful that every one of his choices has meaning and weight for someone even if it's best for the bottom line.

[He recites his Mother's lessons dutifully, squeezing Niles in what he hopes was a reassuring manner.]

... I know you'll never let me sacrifice my people--our people--for the greater good in commerce, industry, or something of the like. I trust you.

[deniles]

[Thank god he's not a betting man.]

Eventually. Maybe after we're married we can look into it.

[And he doesn't mind it. Certainly, he would enjoy having a difficult topic out of the way.]

As I said. I'll continue to be a retainer. Just a married one. ...And one with servants, I assume?

[Not that he'll know how to deal with servants, being from his position, but he certainly knows how to talk to them.]

Oh god no. Commerce and industry are not worth it. That's the few over the many.