(Private RP) Another World <<syaoran-puu & Kotorichan>>

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn was placated by that thought at least, but it would never undo last night! “Okay.” He hummed softly, thinking.

 

Opening the door he led the Prince to breakfast, pausing a moment at the sight of Brenton eating food already. There really was no denying it now! He was annoyed beyond relief at the man! It took all his control to keep from marching over and.... grrr! No, he’d promised Ceries. He also realised he didn’t want to leave Ceries with the bastard to go an eat!

 

Brenton looked over when the door opened to spy Ceries and his guard. He smirked, the look a promise of more to come. He stood and bowed, all an act! “Your highness, please join me for breakfast. It would be my honour.” He’d watched and listened enough to know this was how the man was addressed in public! But, behind closed door, it was a very different story. The roles reversed there. Brenton had promised to be discrete. He would be. He knew when he had a good thing.

 

He stood, his full height almost looming as he waited for a response.

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries' entire body froze at the sight of Brenton sitting at the table, he wanted to run back to his room and hide. He forced a polite smile and nodded his head respectfully. "Good morning Mr. Black. I hope that your stay has proven comfortable so far,." He sat down in his usual seat, which thankfully was a few seats away from Brenton. "Is the food to your liking?"

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn followed silently and stood off to one side. He felt so tense! He’d wait a little while before grabbing a quick breakfast himself. He had to make sure Brenton wouldn’t harm the Prince.

 

Brenton sat down again and nodded, “it’s proven to be most enjoyable so far. But I’m afraid I need clean sheets, I appear to have bled on them,” he looked to Ceries with that, “just a small wound somewhere I’m sure. I likely just knocked it in the night.” His words a double entendre for their activities, the blood wasn’t even his! “And I do still require alternative clothing.”

 

He took another bite of food, “but the food is good. So thanks for inviting me to stay.” He sipped what appeared to be a glass of fruit juice. The air if arrogance and belonging oozing off him.

 

“I hope you slept well.” He purred.

 

Vaughn wanted to gut the guy! He was clearly teasing the Prince and attempting to evoke a reaction!

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries grew even more tense at the mention of blood. He felt sick, he didn't even want to eat, but he knew he had to keep his strength up. Besides, if he didn't eat then Brenton would know how much he was bothered by all this. "Vaughn, would you speak with the head maid and ensure that Mr. Black's room is properly cleaned before dinner? Also please send for a tailor and and some clothing that he can wear for now." He didn't even glance back at the other man, not wanting to appear to be relying on his guard for security.

"I slept well thank you." He began to eat his own food, barely able to notice the flavor.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn nodded, watching the pair before heading to do just that. “Of course, your highness.” It was with reluctance that he left at all, but others were around and he had to trust Brenton would stay civil.

 

“What a good guard dog you have.” Brenton watched the interaction with curiosity, if he wasn’t mistaken things had changed between the pair. His doing perhaps? “Much appreciated, your highness.” The highness part was said with a little too much sass to be entirely polite.

 

“The bed in my room was incredibly comfortable, especially after a little pounding to get it to feel just right.” Again, another double entendre.

 

“Are there any events within the palace I should be aware of today?” He doubted the Prince would invite him, but he wanted to be clear that he wasn’t just going to be ignored either.

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries' cheeks flushed softly at the man's words, he knew what he was doing and hated that it was affecting him so easily. "I am glad to hear that."

 

"Vaughn will be training you later today. I will mostly be preparing for my coronation but I will try to stop by to observe for a short time. I will be arranging for a teacher to be brought in to help you learn to use your powers. I may be able to give you some advice at first but I imagine you will quickly surpass me." Ceries glanced at him. "Also... I will let you decide if you wish to attend the coronation itself. It won't be for a few days but if you choose to attend I will need to have you taught the basics of royal etiquette for our country, I do not know how different our customs are to those you are used to..." He lightly bit his lip, he didn't want to insult the man, knowing that he would be punished for it later if he made Brenton angry.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton hummed gently. Considering that. “I can do that.” He knew he needed to practise, the fire had nearly come forth during sex... he wasn’t meant to be burning the Prince! Just fucking his brains out! “That is acceptable.” No thank you added.

 

He looked at him a moment, “so your powers are weak?” He hummed, only guessing. Storing that information to one side for later. “What would Royal etiquette entail?” Brenton wasn’t convinced he wanted to learn.

 

“In my world... the time of kings and queens is pretty much over. The people are ruled by a government that is voted in.” Brenton shrugged, “I don’t have any interaction with them.”

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries' cheeks flushed again at the mention of his powers. He lowered his gaze and tightened his grip on his spoon. "That is... A rather blunt way of putting it... But yes." He didn't want Brenton to know what a sensitive topic that was, but he wasn't particularly good at hiding his feelings.

 

"Royal etiquette would just be the basics of speak and behave around nobles to avoid accidentally offending them. I would have a teacher brought in for you, it would most likely only take an afternoon. It is something that you will most likely have to learn at some point if you want to attend any kind of event at the palace." Ceries warned. He would honestly prefer if Brenton decided to just never be seen in public, but he felt that was unlikely.

 

He looked up as the man talked about his own world, his eyes sparkling in clear interest. "Fascinating..." He murmured. He wanted to ask more questions about how such a thing would even work, but restrained himself.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton nodded, no wonder he would sell himself to someone he hoped would be more powerful. It did explain the personal guard too. Speaking of which, “your guard dog looks grumpy today.” He said simply. Probing lightly.

 

He contemplated it a moment then sighed, “then let’s do it. I might as well learn sooner rather than later. Then I can support my fiance in all matters.” He said pointedly.

 

He shrugged, “where I’m from, it’s more... every man for himself.” At least, that had been Brenton’s view of things.

 

“Tell me more about this kingdom you fear.” He finished his food and sat up, drinking from his class as he watched Ceries.

[Guest Kotorichan]

"Vaughn is my guard, it is his duty to make sure no one dangerous gets close to me." Ceries said. "He simply needs time to be sure that you will not be dangerous. If he was immediately comfortable with me spending time with an unknown person then he would be failing his duty."

 

He lightly bit his lip at mention of their engagement, it felt like he was being mocked when that word was used. He knew what Brenton actually wanted to call him.

 

He relaxed slightly at the mention of their enemy, at least this was something that he knew how to talk about. "The country of Voltus in a kingdom which has been rapidly expanding. Their king died a few years ago under... Suspicious circumstances... And his younger brother took the throne. This new king has been conquering neighboring countries and using the citizens of those lands like slaves, overtaxing them and enforcing hard rules while the people of the capital live in luxury." He balled his hands up into fists. "They avoided our country while my father was alive because he was powerful enough to make it nearly impossible to invade. Our capital is only accessible through a few narrow ravines, and my father was able to cause avalanches that would crush any attacking army. Without that kind of power we are completely outnumbered."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton considered that, then conceded. “I suppose that is fair. And I certainly wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Not when you seem like such a fun man to be around.”

 

Listening he sipped his drink, “and you think fire will help? You clearly have ice powers too... so I’m assuming ice is common here? But, what powers are strongest in this, Voltus place?” He had to know what he was getting into!

 

And what happened if he was all talk and no.... fire?

[Guest Kotorichan]

"Typically only royalty has the capability to use elemental magic without spells and runes. There are other forms of magic, and mages who are able to harness some elemental magic with the use of magic circles and spoken spells. The royalty of Voltus has powers that let them harness lightning so your fire will not be any more effective against them. But fire powers are extremely rare and tend to be much stronger than anything else, so I hope that will be enough..." Ceries said, finishing his food and setting his plate aside. "Besides, most of their troops will be specifically chosen to be strong against our ice mages and the terrain here. Their boar army would have been our greatest threat, but your fire would be able to easily deal with them."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton nodded. Lightning? Sounded like it would hurt.... and only Royalty could use magic here without other things? “So I’m like royalty already here? Interesting.” It would explain why no one would bat an eye at them potentially being married then.

 

He sighed and shook his head, “I’m still not convinced I’m not dreaming.... boar troops? Fairy wings? Magic? My world has none of this. You have your brain and that’s it.” He huffed, putting the glass down. He didn’t want to admit to being a little overwhelmed by it all. “At least fire melts ice. Melt the right part and you can cause an avalanche, just like your father did.” Maybe he could do that even if it really was just his hands that sparked up?

 

Needing a distraction he continued, “Perhaps after breakfast, you’ll escort me to my room. I fear I might have forgotten the way.” A rouse to have the man alone. “Your guard dog is free to... watch.” He chuckled lightly, unable to stop himself.

 

Vaughn chose that moment to resurface, “Mr Black, your room is being cleaned as we speak. And a tailor is waiting for you, after breakfast he will see you in his workspace.”

 

Brenton smiled over at him, “Vaughn? Right?”

 

Vaughn tensed a little, “Yes, Mr Black.”

 

“A pleasure to meet you officially. I trust you’ll ensure the safety of my fiance?” He replies pointedly, green eyes never moving from the other.

 

“Of course. I will protect the Prince with my life.” Vaughn said honestly.

 

“Would you protect me too?” Brenton challenges.

 

Vaughn glanced at Ceries a moment then back, “you are a guest of the palace. I would.” There. He played nice!

 

“Interesting.” Brenton remarked.

 

“Of course, Mr Black, the hope is that you will be able to help protect us. Not the other way around.” Vaughn challenges.

 

Brenton laughed, “if I’m focusing forward, I have to know someone has my back. Don’t I?” He shrugged, “and call me Brenton. Something tells me we’re going to be very good friends.”

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries felt his stomach lurch at the idea of being alone with Brenton in his bedroom again. He had to hold back a sigh of relief when Vaughn returned and said that the tailor would see Brenton right away, maybe he could avoid being alone with him until that night.

 

He stayed quiet during the men's conversation, giving Vaughn a slight nod when he met his gaze. He frowned slightly at his guard's challenge, although he knew that it might be too much to ask to forbid even that.

 

He rose to his feet and smoothed out his robes. "Shall I show you to the tailor's workspace Mr. Black?" He asked, hoping to distract the two men from each other.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“Indeed you can.” Brenton rose, offering his elbow to the man again. “Blue suits you. Perhaps I should ask for something to match? Or would red and black suit me better?” He had red hair after all, blue would likely clash.

 

Vaughn looked away a moment. He’d never have the status to be more than what he was, especially now that Brenton had his eyes set on Ceries, there would be no matching outfits and fancy clothing beyond his uniform. “You will need some simple clothing to work out in too....” he muttered.

 

“That’s true. A shame to waste such fine things.” Brenton grinned.

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries took Brenton's arm, avoiding looking at Vaughn. It hurt to do this in front of his friend, it would be even more painful if he saw his reaction. "We will have a variety of things made for you." He promised, leading Brenton towards the door. "If there is something specific that would make you more comfortable during your stay then feel free to request it from the tailor. Otherwise your clothing will be in a similar style to mine."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Something more specific? Brenton doubted he could describe jeans and a t-shirt to the man, but maybe the shirt part would at least be helpful to work out with? He wasn’t a stranger to a gym, but something told him this was about to make the gym look like a child’s playground! “I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied. Looking at the interior with curious eyes before turning to Ceries, putting a hand over the others, squeezing a moment then bringing it up to his mouth and kissing it lightly. “Until later then.”

 

Next, he turned to Vaughn, “what time do you wish to train?”

 

Vaughn hated seeing the kiss, but at least relaxed at the fact Brenton seemed to be taking all this seriously! “Before lunch. Then you can work up an appetite before lunch is served. If you inform any of the servants when you’re ready, they will be able to pass the message to me.” Until then, Vaughn had no intention of leaving Ceries side!

 

“Noted.” Brenton released Ceries and stepped in to see the tailor.

 

Vaughn stood his ground, breathing slowly to regain himself before looking to Ceries, “I believe there are a few matters to attend to. The staff in the kitchen hinted at some discord with the courtiers this morning.” Another advantage to eating breakfast in the kitchen, they saw him as one of them and spoke freely around him. The staff really did see and hear far more than they were given credit for!

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries' cheeks flushed at the kiss and he had to resist the urge to pull away. He waited for the door to be closed behind Brenton before sighing in relief. He glanced up at Vaughn longingly, he wanted to cling to the man the way he had the previous night but he knew that he had more important matters to attend to. "I see... Perhaps we should go to my office to discuss this?"

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“Of course, your highness.” Vaughn smiled at him. Ceries might see himself as weak, but he doubted most would have been able to hold a straight face when face to face with a creature they despised! He was stronger than anyone knew! A heart of steal and determination matched by none.

 

They headed to the office and Vaughn closed the door behind him. “Are you okay, Ceries?” He needed to check, though he feared the answer.

 

Turning, he looked at the man tenderly.

 

Business was pressing though. “I believe it’s just unease with the courtiers. Brenton’s appearance is startling to them. I think you just need to reassure them that he’s on your side, that you’ve tamed him... they might even stop seeing everything as the end if they believe him strong enough to do all you hope it can.” Vaughn offered.

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries sat down heavily at his desk, waiting until the door was closed behind Vaughn before leaning forward with his head in his hands. "I'm trying so hard not to let him see how much he bothers me..." He said softly. "I'm hoping that if I don't respond he'll get bored of teasing me."

 

He sighed and looked up sadly. "I'm sorry that I have to speak to you so curtly when he's around... You know how much I hate treating you like just a servant don't you..?"

 

"As for the courtiers, I plan to formally announce our engagement tomorrow, hopefully that will put them at ease somewhat if they know he will be bound to me." Ceries rubbed his eyes. "I suppose I should announce it today, but I would like to make sure that he is strong enough to be of use before making anything official."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“I know.” Vaughn knew the Prince well enough to see the strain. “Watching him tease you.... isn’t pleasant.” He admits.

 

Approaching the desk, as he often did, he took a seat opposite. To anyone who interrupted them it was simply the Prince discussing matters with his personal guard. Nothing suspicious there.

 

“I’m fine. Do not worry about me, Ceries. I am... trying to hold in my temper.” Vaughn wasn’t finding it the easiest request though.

 

He frowned but nodded, he really hoped that Ceries hadn’t given himself to the man for nothing. “You are aware I might have to antagonise him in order to make his feel the emotion required? I say this so you know I am not trying to break my promise to you...” he tilt his head and looked up. “...and I think I might have to shift. So he at least perceives me as a threat.” It was dangerous though. Neither Vaughn or his inner cat wished to be burnt!

[Guest Kotorichan]

"I know it isn't pleasant for you..." Ceries hesitated for a moment before reaching across the desk and taking one of Vaughn's hands in his own. He smiled at the man. "Thank you for trying so hard."

 

"I understand that, please be careful... I do not wish for you to get hurt." Ceries lightly pressed the man's hand to his cheek, closing his eyes and relaxing at the familiar feeling of his touch. "If you could send for me before you start anything too dangerous I would appreciate it... I know I may not be able to do much but I will try to help keep his fire from doing too much damage."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn smiled, letting the Prince take his hand softly. “There is nothing to apologise for. This is not your fault.” He promised.

 

He nodded, “it’s the risk of sparring. But I need to see what he’s got.” He really needed to make sure Ceries’ sacrifice wasn’t in vain! Plus, if they worked Brenton hard and unlocked that power sooner... then they would be more secure! He would do what was needed to protect his country and Prince.

 

He nodded, “Okay. Thank you. But do not worry too much about me. He’ll only... use me against you if he believes I am your weakness.” Brenton sure didn’t need more ammunition against Ceries!

[Guest Kotorichan]

"I know he will... That's why I've been trying to treat you more as a servant..." Ceries sighed and released the man's hand. "He said something... Concerning... Just before you came in..." He said, looking away. He didn't know if he should even tell Vaughn, but he couldn't get it out of his mind.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“I know. I am not offended by that.” He knew it was a way Ceries had of protecting him. He appreciated the concern.

 

Vaughn frowned at that. What could Brenton possibly find in such a short amount of time? “What did he say?” He tilt his head and looked at him with concern.