you write my name on your walls [xander+takumi, butler au]

[bunnyvision]

[Nohr hasn't seen many nice days recently and more than that, the occupants of Krakenburg Castle haven't had the chance to enjoy those rare nice days.

Xander is sure there will be rain later in the day or he'll be called in to speak with Iago of his father's latest war plans, but for now while there is peace and sun he is determined to enjoy it. For Xander, that only means having a moment to drink tea out in the gazebo (if Elise hasn't monopolized it already). As such, he's asked Takumi to prepare some tea for him and to bring with it an extra teacup in hopes that the boy would join him this time.

It's been years, years and years, since Takumi came (was taken. kidnapped.) to Nohr. He'd been just a child then, confused and unsure, and now he was a young adult. A young man whom Xander had tried to bring up as family alongside him despite how clearly Takumi was being reared to be nothing but a servant. And after years and years Xander knows he's failed in that aspect as sometimes Takumi is still as timid and submissive as he was when he first arrived. Sometimes Takumi still seems so afraid to be anything more than a servant, as if he'll be a burden.

It frustrates Xander because he truly cares about the boy.

Xander is hoping for the best though. That if for just this moment, again, while there is peace and sun, that Takumi will allow himself to relax and just be with Xander.

So he sits out in the gazebo in wait. A book open in his lap but not actually reading it.]

Comments

[certainblow]

[ Takumi wants to believe Xander. Wants to believe that Xander cares about him beyond how useful he is, how well he can serve him and his siblings, but it's just hard. The word "friend" does not bring him joy, but a nearly suffocating amount of anxiety - it was easier when he was younger, less competent, having to depend more on his lord than the other way around. But he hears what others in the castle say about him, knows their poor treatment of him stems from being different yet still, for reasons they don't understand, trusted by Xander. He doesn't know what he did to deserve this, any of this.

Not daring to meet Xander's eye (he can hear the frustration dripping from his words, the frustration at him, and he feels his stomach twist painfully), he simply shakes his head slowly and scoots slightly, so his back is closer to the back of the chair. ] ... I'll stay, milord.

[ But he feels unable to stomach the tea. ]

[bunnyvision]

[That's.... not a satisfying answer. At least he doesn't look as ready to bolt as before.

Xander takes a wary sip, keeping his eyes on Takumi. (the tea is perfect, of course, Takumi always knows how to pick and prepare them). After a moment he reclines back in the chair to the point where he's almost (but only almost) in a slump. Most unbecoming of a crown prince, but Xander really is ready to try anything for Takumi to relax with him.]

It really is beautiful today; I don't think I've seen the sky this clear in weeks. And you've been cooped up in the castle recently so this must be especially nice for you, yes?

[Kill this awkward excuse of a man.]

Have things been going well?