Maxim
Published (3459 Words)
ch 1
Gilbert opened his tired eyes to the pounding of feet on the stairs. He sighed and closed them again recognizing these steps to be his beloved and most spoiled little sister Josephine. A few seconds later he heard it < Gilbert!! oh Gilbert my beloved brother !! > Josephine called his name in a singsong voice as she walked into his art studio uninvited. Gilbert kept his eyes shut hoping she would go away, but he knew his sister too well. He sighed when she sat by his sofa and started chatting his ears off.
Gilbert finally gave up. He sat up leaning on the couch he often used to rest < joesy … stop with the dresses and Annabel’s birthday .. What do you want?> his sister looked up at him and with the best puppy eyes she could manage and finally said what he wanted to know< Uncle said I am not to go out without a chaperon … Gilbert please … Uncle will never take me to the town..> Gilbert sighed and he looked around. He did need a new paint for work. Josephine held his hands in hers and squeezed < please dear brother... I promise I will never bother you during work again … I will be on best behavior. .. please…> She kept begging knowing how much he hated leaving his studio.
Gilbert sighed again and stood up. He looked down at his sister who held her breath waiting. Girls her age knew how to be a drama queen he thought to himself, yet his eyes softened as he looked at the child in front of him. He smiled affectionately < All right Joesy .. Meet me down ... > he covered his ears as she squeaked and jumped. How can a human make that kind of noise? Josephine ran out of the room and Gilbert looked around when he finally found what he was looking for he leaned and picked up the hair band. he tied his shoulder-length golden hair. And the blank canvas caught his attention again. He was supposed to make a new painting for some noble his uncle arranged. Gilbert hated to deal with these people, but he hated his uncle even more. Gilbert stood there staring at the empty canvas as his thoughts went to that dark place again. < Gilbert !! > he snapped back to reality when he heard Josephine calling him. Relief rushed throw him as he walked out.
—
The trip to the town was exhausting to Gilbert. Josephine would not stop chatting about her friend's party and what kind of dress she wanted. He hated how loud she was but he couldn’t help smiling fondly at her. He loved Joesy. she was warm. Even though they have different mothers she was his baby sister he would always love, after all, she saved him when she showed up at his doorstep that day. Gilbert stared at his sister as she continued talking and the image of her standing by his door glaring at him with teary eyes came back to his mind. She was different when she first showed up. Who can blame her, she was 13 years old when lost her mother. It had been her right to hate the world.
Gilbert squeezed his fist as he remembered his uncle looking at her up and down with these eyes. He knew his uncle preferred yang boys he was a living proof of that. But he wanted to marry her off at the tender age of 13 to an old fart. The only reason she still lived her childhood was that he promised not to leave the house. Even now the monster that tortured him while he was nothing but a child lost interest in him as he grew older he still feared him and wanted desperately to escape, yet here he is still a prisoner of that mansion. Maybe not attending to the house's master's physical needs but attending to his financial needs by painting. He has been hidden in that room most of his life not knowing anything of the world and now he has Josey to protect, where could he go...
—
Gilbert sighed again and he followed Josephine to another store. He stood with the servant Toby waiting for her to decide. The yang girl was jumping from one dress to another and talking in an unknown language with the store owner. Gilbert sighed again as he noticed the poor Toby rubbing his feet. He just smiled at the man when their eyes met and the yang man lowered his eyes in embarrassment. He couldn’t blame him he was tired and starting to get annoyed as well.
< let us go to the ship harbor!!!> he turned surprised at the request. Joesy was clinging to his arm and looking at him with her wide green eyes that looked identical to his . he frowned < why ?? > < the fine gentlemen told me that there was a ship bringing new cargo and it contained the best fabrics !! please brother this is the last detour I promise. > he sighed the harbor was close and the promise of ending this hell was tempting so he nodded and she jumped happily her red looks dancing with her. He still smiled at her loving seeing her so happy and childish. He wondered sometimes if was he living his childhood through his angry sister by spoiling her like this.
—
As they arrived Gilbert saw that they weren’t the only ones wanting to have a look at the new cargo. Many young women and their companions were gathering while a few merchants were presenting their goods. Josephine ran to them and Toby followed her, he just was too tired to run so he took his time walking and looking around.
< you stupid boy !! I told you to carry them carefully!! > Gilbert's eyes followed the nagging by instinct . he knew it must be a poor boy suffering his master's wrath. Life wasn’t easy for the poor in this kingdom. As his eyes landed on the person to whom these words were directed, he froze.
He stared at the boy, no he wasn’t a boy he was a young man. He stood there looking down at the older man who was scolding him. Gilbert just stared. He had seen many foreigners come and go to this city but this one was unique. He was tall. Taller than any man he knew. He had sun-kissed skin and a golden look falling all around his square face. but what got Gilbert in a daze was his eyes. It had so many colors in it! it was a mix of brown blue and green, he had never seen something like this before. He needs to paint them! theses eyes he needed to paint them on his white canvas.
< eh… what can I do for you my lord > Gilbert snapped from these eyes that were staring at him to the small fat man standing beside him. He had walked to them without realizing it. He turned back to the yang man < how much? > he said without lifting his eyes off the yang man. < eh em he isn’t for sale your lordship. ..> the man said with a weak voice and Gilbert's eyes snapped to him. < I was talking to him .. about the wages he wants to work for me .. how dare you accuse me of such a vicious act as buying a human!!> The merchant took a step back and bowed < no .. forgive my ignorance sir .. but this boy works for me since his mother sold him to me and .. > Gilbert waved his hand and the old man swallowed his next words. < Toby! > snapped Gilbert in a loud voice, in a second Joesy and Toby were standing beside him. Josephine noticing her brother's bad mood didn’t say a word as she stared at the tow strangers and toby approached Gilbert standing right behind him and towering over all the standing men except the colored eyes owner who took a step back. < I am hiring this yang man.. > he gestured to his new obsession < give his former employer the recompense for releasing his contract. >
the older man just stared at the fat and heavy package of god Toby put in his hand.
< you're dismissed lad… > he said grinning < be glad you have a new generous master!> and he walked away counting his gold.
< toby .. make sure Joesy gets the dress she wants.. > he ordered eyes still on the man in front of him who finally lowered his eyes. < oh! thank you, brother !! > Gilbert smiled at his sister as she dragged their guard and servant back to the group of merchants.
Gilbert turned to the yang man and asked < What's your name? >
he didn’t answer.
Gilbert frowned. He wanted this man as his model but he didn't think of the possibility of him refusing. < I will provide you with housing, food, and a simple job and I will pay you a good wage … what do you say? > The man didn’t answer. Gilbert sighed < did you like working for that cruel man? > he asked feeling desperate. The yang man looked at him finally and frowned and shook his head. <you … > Gilbert finally understood why the yang lad never apologized to his master earlier < you’re mute? > he asked and the man blushed but nodded. < but you understand me! > he nodded again < I see .. > the yang man kept his eyes down < must be hard for you huh .. > his head snapped up, he was expecting a disappointed remark but Gilbert smiled at him< life has been quite cruel to you … >
—
The yang man stared at his new master who looked at him with compassion and empathy that he never received from his old master. He felt a warmth and hope that his new life may not be so hard. He opened his mouth and Gilbert waited patiently as he looked around and picked a stick and started writing in the dirt < Maxime.. that’s your name? > he stared at the yang lord as he casually crouched next to him and then stood up, he stood up and nodded eagerly.
His new master smiled < you know how to write .. that is amazing not many in your position would try to learn .. I am Gibert .. I am a painter and I want you to model for me .. > Maxim stared at him confused and it must have been clear because the beautiful man with golden hair and shining eyes laughed and Maxim blushed. < I want to paint you .. > Maxim’s eyes went so wide and he blushed even more.
—
Gilbert couldn’t help the smile he saw nothing but innocence in this man. It may be his lack of communication with people. They must have ignored him because they thought he didn’t understand them and didn’t bully him because of his big size. < you must have lived in solitude huh .. > Gilbert said to himself but the man nodded in answer.
The yang lord stared at his sister checking on her and then turned his attention to Maxim again. His uncle may have a preference for young boys but this man was way too beautiful, and he feared for him . he wanted this innocence to remain untouched.
He took a deep breath and asked < will you work for me, Maxim? > he asked straightly. And the tall man nodded as he smiled.
< then listen to me carefully…> Gilbert dragged his new model to a corner away from preying eyes and stood facing him . he was a bit shorter than him but he didn't feel intimidated, it may be the innocence this man gave off.
He grabbed Maxim’s shoulder and tried to convince all the feelings he had. < some very bad people live in my house… they, HE may try to hurt you .. > the tanned man’s eyes rounded as he listened and Gilbert continued < you are to obey only me! do you understand? if you feel scared you come to me! if you want to run you run away! > Gilbert was not going to put this man in danger for his selfish wish but he wanted to paint him so badly, beside he was defiantly too old for that man’s liking. < I will keep you safe Maxim, that I promise..>
—
Maxim stared at the yang lord in front of him and he felt amazed that a man of his standard would care about a nobody like him. He looked at his light green eyes and saw sincerity. whatever happened in that house this man, his new master was scared of it but was willing to suffer alone. Without thinking he took the hand that was on his shoulder and brought it to his chest and squeezed as he looked into his new master’s eyes . he wanted to deliver his feeling “ I will protect you to master This was one of these times he wished he could talk. The noble man as if hearing him just smiled and walked keeping a hold on his hand. < come Maxim .. let's go home. . >
—
Gilbert couldn't lift his eyes off the new employee. The man was stunning and these eyes that glanced at him from time to time were breathtaking. He heard a sigh and turned his attention to the source and saw his little sister Josephine eyeing the new member of the household dreamily. He snickered and her eyes snapped to his. He grinned at her and the poor girl blushed to her ears and dropped her eyes. He didn’t comment, he knew this admiration was allowed as long as it didn't turn into love. His sister was a yang 15 years old and was already receiving countless marriage proposals. She was to be married to a respectful lord when she felt she was ready but no matter how much of a good man Maxim was he was not the one for his precious sister. He looked at him again and was relieved that the yang man’s eyes were on him and not on his sister. He smiled satisfied that Maxim was smart enough not to encourage Josie's admiration of him.
As the carriage arrived at the household, Toby helped Josephine off and the yang girl ran to her maid who was standing waiting for her smiling lovingly, Anna had come with Josey that day set on protecting the little girl and she decided to remain as a nanny despite her old age. Gilbert was glancing at the elderly woman patting Josey’s head lovingly and nodded at her when she greeted him.
< master, welcome home .. > Gilbert glared at the older butler who bowed respectfully. He hated this weasel his uncle put as his prison Guard. < this is Maxim> he said as he kept walking and Maxim followed after him, eyes staring at the butler.
He felt his new master change of mood and knew that this man was not an allay.
<he is my new attendant, clean him up and settle him in the room closest to mine. > < a new attendant? But the lord .. > Gilbert stopped walking and turned to glare at the butler. Maxim stood behind him towering and glaring at the older man like a dog snarling at his master’s enemy. Gilbert didn’t move, didn’t speak but arched one eyebrow and the servant bowed again < my apologies young master … it will be done right away.> Finally the yang lord turned his eyes to Maxim < remember what I said, you only obey me, > he made sure to glare at the still-bowing elderly butler as he said that and walked away.
He walked away with anger and unhappiness like an aura surrounding him.
< Anna … why does brother hate Richmond so much? He is a hardworking and good man ..>. Josephine looked at her nanny with round ignorant eyes and the elderly woman patted her head < remember what I said sweet girl.. > she whispered as she led the young lady inside < don’t trust anyone except your brother .. > repeated Josey with a lost tone, she knew everyone was hiding something from her. Ever since she was young every time her uncle came to the mansion Gilbert would disappear for days locking himself in his bedroom but then he started shutting himself in his art studio. Gilbert lived in this house ever since he was 8 years old, she met him for the first time when he was only 16 and he still refuses to talk to her about their father. The yang girl sighed and followed her nanny to try on her new dresses.
—
His eyes flattered open when he heard the knock.
Gilbert jumped sitting up his heart jumping out of his chess.
he is back?
The servant never approached his studio, his sister would start calling out to him before even approaching..
Nok Nok..
Gilbert squeezed his fist and stood up < come in .. > he was not a child anymore, he should control himself, he closed his eyes and readied his heart.
As the door opened a tall tanned yang man walked in and stood still for a second before bowing respectfully. he was cleaned up beautifully. his golden brown curls half dump danced around his defined jaw. he wore simple black trousers and a grey shirt Gilbert was shocked, he had forgotten about Maxim.. he laughed and wiped his sweaty palms in his pants as he waved <come here .. >
—
Maxim saw it, and as soon as he walked in he saw the tensed muscle and the fight mode his master took. He was scared. Maxim walked closer and watched how the new master's tense body relaxed and his vigilant eyes softened. <you look beautiful all cleaned up > he stared at the warm smile and blushed. No one called him beautiful before.
—
Gilbert circled and walked around his new attendant admiring the beautiful yang man he was. Maxim's eyes stayed down looking at his feet wondering what his new master was doing feeling nervous and hopeful.
Gilbert was fascinated, the golden brown curls were chining in the kind evening sun. The yang man's Bronze skin was glowing. And his bulging muscles were tense from nervousness. He looked strong. Probably from all the labor he did before.. he can fight .. Gilbert smiled at his silliness as if his monster was easily defeated by a fistfight. < look at me .. > Gilbert demanded despite himself, and Maxim obeyed.
Gorgeous, absolutely beautiful gems, Gilbert thought to himself. These eyes that now shone a bit of green and a bit of bleu like a gemstone under the light stared at him. Gilbert couldn’t help it, he took a deep breath and closed the distance between them, he held the surprised yang man's face in his hand and closed the distance between their faces leaving only a breath < amazing .. beautiful .. I .. I have never seen eyes like yours before .. how many colors I can use just to paint them .. > muttered Gilbert to himself as he stared at Maxim with wide eyes.
—
Ah .. so that's why he paid so much for him .. maxim surprised eyes dimmed. It was as if it lost its light. He was indeed ignored most of the time. His old master may have been cruel but he made sure the yang boy he bought with precious gold was protected. He would yell and curse at him yet he would hide him away from the lustful eyes of the sailors at night. He would punish him severally when made a mistake yet he would beat a strange man who tried to undress him. His old master was mean and hateful yet he was a good father that protected his useless son. That was why Maxim never thought of leaving the elderly man and was a bit disappointed when he was sold, yet he knew it was unavoidable as he grew older and stronger. his old master must have wanted to remedy his asset before it decided to run away. Maxim is just glad the elderly kept him these years. He was not stupid and he knew how his life could have been way worse.
He knows now what his master wanted, and he doesn’t know how to feel about that… will he be even able to please him? He may have played around with young boys and when older women seduced him, he didn’t reject them. yet all those were just commoners like him … he knew nothing of nobles and their bedroom habits …
—
Gilbert completely ignorant of the turmoil the man in his hands was feeling jumped and grabbed his white canvas. <there! Site there .. no .. no here … no wait > he was walking back and forth holding his brushes and paint <here! by the window !!!! > As he made up his mind he grabbed his new model and made him sit on the window seat. And he just stared.
Like an angel .. he thought as he grabbed his tools and started getting busy < don’t move!> He snapped when Maxim fidgeted, and the poor man froze.
—
“Is he just painting me?” Wandered maxim to himself feeling confused even more. The way his master looked at him and almost kissed him made him think his new duties were bedroom duties. He started to doubt his judgment again, thinking maybe his new lord just wanted to paint him.. he was embarrassed by his high self-esteem.
—
Gilbert noticed the blush that spread to Maxim's ears and smiled loving the effect that blush had on the beautiful man.
.
.
Hours passed as Maxim just sat there obeying his master not daring to move despite the fatigue. He just stared at the young man who now owned his labors and may own his body. His master was always talking about how beautiful Maxim was as if he didn't look at his reflection golden hair was messily tied and yet some silky stands escaped here and there refusing to obey their owner. His skin was pale, transparent as if it has no color to.
Maxim's eyes darkened as he wondered how would it feel if he touched it, if he squeezed a bit too hard would his handprint be left on that translucent skin? He squeezed his fist as his gaze moved to the eyes that were looking at him and yet didn’t see him. Blue sky as if the spring sun had greeted the world. Maxim swallowed his dry saliva as he stared at these lips, so pale with a hint of pink as light as a Peony flower, so full, so tempting.. maxim stared wanting to take a glimpse of that tang nestling deep inside.
<Maxim… >
A husky voice snapped him out of his daze as he looked up to stare at his master. he averted his eyes as he realized where his thoughts were.. how dare he ???!! No matter how beautiful or tempting his master is how could he think that?
Gilbert was tired from standing, he knew that long hours had passed when the light started to dim and he was struggling to see, yet he noticed his new servant didn't complain and didn't move from the spot he was ordered into. Feeling guilty he put down the brush reluctantly.
< maxim ..> He called again as he walked to the small lamp by the table. < you must be tired and hungry .. ah .. sorry .. I.. I tend to forget myself .. >
Maxim didn’t answer and Gilbert didn’t expect one from him. As he lit the lamp the door was pushed open and Gilbert flinched and almost dropped the lamp burning everything in his studio If it wasn’t for Maxim's fast reaction in grabbing the lamp and steadying it, the consequences may have been dire.
Gilbert froze. He can’t help it. Only one man would push his door rudely.
to be continued…
author notes
the point of view will vary between the characters, I separated the section to make it easy to follow. the romance will be a slow burn with some hints of frustration here and there!
