rejection

Ch7

Knock! 

Knock! 

< yang master? It is breakfast time … the guests are waiting for you .. yang master? >

Continued the shy voice of the servant accompanied by the nocking.

Maxim stood by the bed helpless.. he just woke up himself, 

Should he open the door? But this was not food being delivered…

Should he wake his master? 

A soft groan came from the bed as the slender figure rolled to the other side hiding deeper under the covers.

No, the master was awake and could hear the other calling. 

< yang master ?lord Leopold was asking about you> came the voice of the old butler more urgent which made the master's body tense with anger before he picked a pillow and threw it at the door < fuck off !! > he hissed and rolled back on the bed. 

The master was angry, Maxim was nervous. Usually, when the master is angry he suffers. At least that’s how it was with his old master.

Silence.

< pardon me ..> came the old butler's voice respectful but his action was anything but.

Maxim flinched as he watched the butler walk by him in confidence.

 He opened the door walked with fast steps to the large window and opened the curtains. < I have specific order yang master, it is not healthy for you to sleep in so late ..> he said arrogantly

—— 

< you !!> Gilbert covered his eyes as the sunlight shone and hurt them.

< yang master! Your health will deteriorate at this rate !! > Gilbert's brain was a bit foggy from sleep. 

This audacious scum never changed! 

he was ready to throw curses if that dirty rat touched his blanket.

< ah ! ? > A yelp of pain rose and Gilbert blinked his eyes adjusting to the light.

As he looked up slowly he saw the hand that the old butler reached out to the bed was grabbed in a death grip by his new attendant.

< you !! What do you think you’re doing? How dare you ?? Unhand me! Do you know how I am!?> 

Oh ..

Gilbert stared at the taller man glaring daggers at the old butler and his grip on that wandering hand tightened.

He was not alone. 

Now he had maxim. 

—-

< waaaaaaaa !!? > came an exaggerated voice from the open door and Gilbert glanced to see the boy, Emilio peek in and walk inside the bedroom uninvited. He had his finger pointing to the butler and his face was a dramatic show of surprise < how dare a servant barge into the master’s bedroom ?? Oooooh scary scary! I am telling Richard you’re scaring me !!> 

< that’s .. I am doing my job taking care of the yang master! You !!!> he turned again to Maxim who would not let go < release me already !!> 

Maxim ignored him and looked at Gilbert who looked up at him.

They stared at each other for a few seconds but felt like a whole eternity passed.

Gilbert swallowed, the grievance he felt a few moments ago was gone.

That’s right!

Maxim was his! 

He wouldn’t obey anyone else not even the count!

A smirk slowly blossomed on Gilbert's face as his tense shoulder relaxed a bit < maxim … > he said in a soft voice and glared at the old butler < throw him out > 

As soon as his words came out Maxim obeyed. He dragged the wide-eyed older man to the door. Passed the smirking and giggling Emilio, used his whole body to slam the butler to the wall facing the bedroom door and he closed the door ignoring the groans of pain that came from the older man.

< wow! You actually threw him out !! > Emilio giggled as Maxim walked by him and back to his place by Gilbert.

Gilbert ignored the boy who was making a fuss so early in the morning and kept staring at Maxim who walked to the table and came back with a glass of water.

Huh .. did his voice sound weird? 

The young man on the bed still took the water and drank it as he was leaning on the bed frame.

< what a loyal dog !! So jalouse! > 

Gilbert was getting annoyed, < what do you want? > he asked as he slowly got up, handed the empty glass to his attendant, and sat on the edge of the bed.

< nothing special, I want to have breakfast together !> 

< huh ??> Gilbert was feeling a headache, did he drink a lot yesterday? 

A gentle hand on his shoulder made him flinch and looked back to see Maxim putting a robe on his shoulder. 

Oh … 

The headache was forgotten. 

< so bothersome ..> He muttered as he brushed the golden long hair off his face < yeah ok breakfast .. sure ..> he answered the boy. 

And his body tensed as a slender finger reached to his scalp brushing the disobedient hair off his face and slowly and gently brushing it backward. 

Oh … 

Gilbert relaxed and just sat there on the edge of the bed as Maxim brushed his hair.

Is this how it feels to have a loyal servant? 

 A snicker made him glance at the boy standing not far away. 

Emilio stood there smirking, most of his weight on one hip as he used his hand to play with his lips. 

Must be a habit, thought Gilbert < you’re still here ..> he said coldly. 

Emilio’s smile widened < Richard did say that you’re bedding your new attendant… I see it’s true > 

Oh .. right ..

Gilbert forgot .. he forgot that to the rest Maxim was supposedly his lover.

Damn...

It seems Maxim didn’t forget.

Smart man.

Gilbert leaned back to the man sitting behind him brushing his hair and smirked<and? > 

He felt Maxim freeze for a second and then slowly relax and ever so carefully put a hand on his waist barely hovering but looks like it was resting on his body. 

Gilbert really liked this smart man. 

< mm… you have good taste ..> Emilio commented < I am jealous> Gilbert's eyes were fixed on the boy in front of him. 

Emilio was staring at his legs, and slowly he was looking up at his half-exposed chest. 

Gilbert frowned, he knew all too well that gaze. 

Emilio was looking at him with lust...

But why ?? 

The boy himself was so beautiful like an angel, with soft golden curls decorating his thin frame and eyes so blue looked like the sky. 

These baby blue eyes now looked at his lips and a smile was decorating that Angelic face.

They finally locked eyes, and Emilio knew he was caught staring < mm ..> he hummed and liked his lips < so, so jealous > 

Gilbert felt uncomfortable.

He was used to these old and hypocritical nobles looking at him like this.

 But this boy .. he was just like him .. a victim... 

Gilbert didn’t know how to react or what to feel.

This boy pinned the name of a savior on him, stared at him with hope, and now … with lust ??

He turned his face burying it in Maxim's neck. 

Hiding. 

He was simply hiding from this boy’s gaze. 

—

Maxim froze. His whole body tensed as his master burrowed into him and hid his face in the crook of his neck.

He felt Soft breath on his skin. He could feel the smaller man trembling a bit.

Maxim didn’t like seeing this man like this.

He swiftly grabbed the blanket and threw it on his master's shoulder and with determination he gathered him closer in a protective manner.

He looked up glaring at the cause of his master's discomfort.

< fuu .. fufu .. > Maxim stared at the boy as the other giggled. Maxim may be lacking in intelligence but he never felt like he was a fool, but this kid … he may be insane and a fool. 

Facing a person without logic or sanity always makes one uncomfortable.

< right,, all right…> Still giggling Emilio walked back to the door < I won’t bully you anymore .. > he turned as he reached the door < but when you react so strongly to me like that .. oh .. make me struggle with control beautiful ..> 

Maxim felt uncomfortable, this boy was weird. 

He felt the man in his arms tense and slowly lifting his hand staring at the door that Emilio closed as he walked out.

Maxim was in an awkward position now. 

When the threat left the room he now realized how intimate this position was. 

The blond man was completely sitting on his lap head resting on his shoulder, staring at the door in silence. 

The servant who always worked hard labor and had ruff hand could feel the softness of the man on his arms. 

He was softer than any woman or man Maxim ever had. He smelled better. 

This slave, because he was a slave, Maxim kept reminding himself of that, should not lust after his own master.

Usually, if a beauty caught his eye, Maxim would smile and try touching their hair and the tip of their finger in a suggestive manner if they responded positively and blushed meant he was given the ok to Continue courting them, if they backed off Maxim would smile and back off never to bother them again.

That’s his routine. He was hardly ever rejected, thanks to his good looks.

But now this beauty was completely nestling in his lap and he knew he was not allowed to touch him or even think about him that way.

Except… maxim was young and full of vigor.

As the beauty, no, no his master wiggled in his lap Maxim could not help but let out a groan.

And that sound made both of them freeze.

—-

Gilbert froze, 

He felt his heart cool and shill in the back of his neck when he heard that sound. 

He was too familiar with how a man would groan in pleasure. 

It haunted his nightmare. 

As he felt the heat radiating from the body behind him he realized how close he was to this man. 

For a second he forgot that Maxim WAS a man, he kept thinking of him as his attendant and nothing more.

he slowly and carefully turned to the man beside him, he had to look up. Realizing how tall and big this younger man was.

He stared at the red face and the eyes that glistering tears, looking at him as if he was bullying a maiden. 

Face as red as roses, lips slammed together in a thin line refusing to make a sound. Eyes shining with tears. And these eyes looked at him in an accusing manner as if he was assaulting him.

 < pff ..hahaha > 

Gilbert exploded laughing, all the tension leaving his body. He laughed so hard and fell back on the bed.

As he calmed down and looked back at the younger man who was blinking at him with that face full of grievance, the tears finally fell and slid on the red cheek. 

< oh no !! No! > Gilbert stopped laughing and simply reached up to wipe away these tears. 

Wow .. his beautiful eyes shone with so many colors when he cried.

< I am sorry! Don’t cry! I won’t bully you again!> he southed smiling and still snickering here and there making this apologie anything but sincere.

< wait …> he then held the face in his hand and brought it closer surprising the poor man into blinking more in confusion < you can make sounds !! > Gilbert exclaimed in excitement 

< open your mouth let me see!> 

Maxim stared at him and his lips trembled some more..

Gilbert smiled and said in a soothing voice this time < don’t worry .. I just want to examine your throat..> he coaxed the bigger man like one would a child < come now .. say ahh > 

He watched as the other blinked and squeezed his eyes shut and finally obeyed 

ahhhh..

He can make sounds !!  

Gilbert was no expert but from what he saw the tong the throat looked healthy.

Was it psychological? or a curse?

Forgetting all the tension and fear he felt earlier, Gilbert boldly reached out and grabbed the other tongue with his slender finger for a closer look.

But before he could see properly a strong hand pushed him and he fell backward on the bed.

Bewildered he blinked at the sealing, and realized he was pushed away, Gilbert supported himself and sat back up to see the other man who was sitting obediently earlier now curled in a ball covering his face and head with his hands.

Ah ..

 Gilbert struggled not to laugh again. 

< sorry .. sorry .. I promise I just wanted to see if you had an injury.> he knew he overdid it.

It seems that Maxim was more sensitive than he imagined.

The other slowly peeked at him but then hid his face again.

Cute.

< ah .. umm, I will go wash up .. you .. ah .. > Gilbert stood up feeling awkward < clean up the bed ..> he said and hurried into the bathroom.

Wow …

Gilbert closed the door and took a deep breath. 

The way Maxim reacted to him was .. was like a girl would react to her crush..

Gilbert was used to the eyes of the other looking at him with lust and thirst for his body for his position and power.

Maxim's eyes were accusing him of taking advantage of him..

Not hate, not disgust, no lust, or maybe lust? But definitely accusing him of bullying!

Gilbert smiled.

No, he smirked.

He liked it, he liked how much effect he had on the other man, he liked how he was the dominant one in this case, 

Gilbert covered his grinning mouth with his hand trying to hide how much he enjoyed this situation from himself.

The wet finger brought his attention back to reality. He stared at his fingers and remembered that he had acted impulsively. He did, in fact, bully Maxim. 

Why would a full-grown man grab another man’s tongue if it wasn’t for that? 

Oh, if he grabbed Maxim and teased him more what would happen?

No ..no..

No……

What was he thinking, he wouldn’t take advantage of his attendant,

But…

Was Maxim really against it? 

Humm…. 

He could find out .. 

He wanted to find out ..

He wanted to feel that excitement of actually being the dominant one again..

————

Maxim could not believe what just happened.

He walked behind his master to the dining room. 

He looked at the beautiful man walking in front of him and he could not control the blush that kept spreading on his face. 

He got hard ..

He got hard for his master who was sitting on his lap

And survived it. 

For some reason, his master found the whole situation funny. Instead of dragging him out and beating him to death, he kept teasing him and bullying him. 

When that delicate finger touched his tongue Maxim almost soiled his pants and had to either push the other man away or jump him.

Fuck …

While his master was washing up Maxim hurriedly cleaned up the whole room to distract himself and didn’t forget to clean himself in the connecting servant’s room. 

He didn’t even know about its existence until that moment..

As they arrived at the dining room a servant opened the door. 

< boo you’re late !!> rose a whining voice and Maxim stared at the blond yang boy who was sitting on the dining table with all types of food decorating it. 

< umm ..> his master didn’t bother much and just acknowledged him with a hum. 

The other man, present in the room, stood up with his face lighting with excitement < Gilbert!!  Good morning !!> 

Maxim glanced at the guest from last night. And followed his master. 

< good morning Leopold..> he heard his master answer in a gentle tone. And glanced up to see the other man blushing.

As Maxim held the chair so his master would sit, came a scoffing voice < you seem to be in a good mood this morning > commented the youngest in the room and smirked as he looked from Maxim to his master. 

< ah .. > Sitting down the master glanced up at Maxim and their eyes looked for a second, 

Maxim saw his master looking at him and a smirk decorated his red lips It made Maxim feel all the heat that calmed down come back and he squeezed his eyes shut as he walked back behind the yang lord and bowed his head hoping no one noticed his behavior.

Fuck …

His master enjoyed this ..

I am dead .. maxim thought to himself as he squeezed his hand behind him…

i am so fuking dead ..

——-

Gilbert couldn’t hide his excitement. He felt a sense of control he never knew before. He knew that it was wrong and he was wronging maxim. But he kept telling himself he didn’t really do much except enjoy the effect he had on the other man. 

He heard a snicker and glanced at the beautiful boy who was smirking at him. He ignored him and gestured to the servant to bring him his coffee. A maid obeyed silently as a cough roze < ehum… I wasn’t aware that the count’s house had another guest > Leopold started as he smiled at Emilio. 

Gilbert observed the exchange and could see that admiration in Leopold’s eyes. He glanced at Emilio who started eating his breakfast. It seems Emilio didn’t introduce himself with that reserved attitude.

Gilbert wanted to test something. 

He smiled gently as he gestured to Emilio< this is Emilio, he is an adopted son of an acquaintance of our family. He rarely showed up in social gatherings due to his sensitive health. > he noticed Emilio staring at him with a raised brow smiling as if he was entertained by what Gilbert just said.  Gilbert put on his best smile and continued < he is staying with us for a while for a change of mood, please be kind to him Leopold he is a bit shy > Gilbert empathized the shy word and reached out touching Emilio’s hand that was holding a fork resting at the table. < dear Emilio, Leopold is an old friend of mine, well his family and the duke are conducting important business, don’t be shy around him> he enthused the word again and continued < you can be friends with him !>

Before Gilbert pulled away his hand the younger boy reached out with his other hand and squeezed the tender finger  affectionately < of course, if he is your friend, it means he is my friend too !>

Gilbert’s smile froze and he withdrew his hand with difficulty but he looked up at the man sitting facing him < I hope you don’t mind Leopold!?> he asked gently and he saw how the excitement filled the other man’s eyes as he looked at the younger boy beside him < of course not !> Leopold answered in a polite gentle voice, Gilbert was too familiar with that tone since the other man used it on him for years.< nice to meet you, Emilio, the capital can be chaotic but please do not hesitate to ask me for anything !> 

< thank you lord leopold, > came Emilios ’s voice as sweet as honey. < I do feel  a bit overwhelmed sometimes, it would be reassuring having you around > 

 Gilbert ate his breakfast as he glanced up to the man facing him. He could see the blush on Leopold’s face as Emilio smiled at him and flattered him. 

Scum …  that was what Gilbert kept thinking.

Yesterday he was begging and declaring his undying love and today he is blushing at another flirting. 

Emilio was beautiful soft and perfectly trimmed golden hair fell to his shoulder, and big baby blue eyes were similar to a dear. 

He had red lips, so red that Gilbert doubted he used cosmetics.

Soft look, sweet soft voice, and a submissive attitude.

Gilbert felt the peace of bread in his throat get stuck as he swallowed in difficulty.  

What was he doing? 

Emilio was a victim of his uncle, and now Gilbert was using him to test Leopold's attitude to a honey trap.

He felt so guilty.. 

Leopold was not the only scum on this table, 

He was the worst type of scum.

As the discussion between the other two on the table was haded to plan what to do and where to go the rest of the day Gilbert could not hold it in and had to undo what he had just done.

< unfortunately today Leopold has to leave us early and can’t spend the day with you, so maybe another time.> he smiled as he cut in. 

He saw Emilio's questioning eyes as if asking isn’t this what you want?

< ah, maybe I can delay some of my work, > Leopold answered relucently< spending time with friends is as important as work > 

Scum …

Gilbert had to take a deep breath before the word escaped him. He softened his gaze < but you said you will take care of that business soon?> Leopold choked on his tea and his eyes darted between Gilbert's gaze and Emilio's admiring eyes. 

He blushed and cleared his throat. He wanted both. He wanted the elegant soft and sometimes cold Beauty and also wanted the cute adorable boy with aspiring eyes.

It seems he took too long to answer because Gilbert dropped his gaze to his food and Emilio leaned in closer to the cold beauty beside him< I don’t want to be a burden and besides I don’t feel like going out today, Gilbert can I keep you company when you paint? > 

Gilbert smiled. This boy can read him like an open book.

Dangerous..

This boy is dangerous

< mm> he hummed and smiled at the boy looking at him with a heated gaze < of course ..> he is keeping Maxim close today too. This boy makes him extremely uncomfortable.

Emilio smiled and went back to his food. 

Noticing the two beauties suddenly ignoring his presence Leopold felt dejected and continued his breakfast as well. 

—-

< I am sorry yang master, young lady says she doesn’t want to see you > Gilbert stared at the older woman as she stopped him from entering his younger sister’s room. 

Josey is still upset with him since yesterday.

< I see …. Martha .. did she eat ?>

< yes young master > smiled the elderly woman

< ok .. good ..and Martha.. make sure she stays in her room for now ..> Gilbert started with serious eyes to his sister’s nanny. 

The elderly woman facing him squeezed her hands and straightened her back in a protective manner trying to hide the closed door behind her < of course young master! > she  answered firmily< the young lady will not leave her room, for the time being.. > 

Gilbert didn’t need to explain anything to this woman ever since she showed up with Josephine. She had her way of understanding what was going on in this household. 

She was a loyal woman to Josey. And that was what mattered to him.

He nodded at her in understanding and went back to his quarter. 

—

A tail of two followed him. 

Maxim and that boy Emilio.

< so are you going to pain all day today too? >asked the unwanted tail in a cheerful tone.

Maybe Gilbert didn’t need to worry about this kid and dump him on Leopold.

< let’s do something else, it seems Richard isn’t coming back today, I am bored > 

Gilbert stopped and turned to him < how did you know he wasn’t coming back ? >

The boy smiled < he didn’t come back last night and he preferred the darkness for that type of activity> he answered suggestively.

Gilbert frowned and turned away. 

This brat didn’t deserve his guilt.

< you dismissed my new friend too! Take responsibility !>

< You !> Gilbert turned around again shocked on his words < I did it for you !> 

The younger man smiled < oh … and why is that? Do you care for what may happen to me DARLING ?> he approached Gilbert.

He did. But he wanted to deny it 

But Gilbert feared the weight of his words on this boy. 

< I .. > he frowned 

As a hand reached out to touch his cheek it was grabbed midair. 

Gilbert snapped from his thought and stared at Maxim who stopped the disrespectful hand from touching him.

Oh …

< you .. again ..> Emilio hissed and slapped Maxim's hand away. 

Gilbert stared at his attendant who stood close to him  and glared at the source of his worries,

 He had forgotten .. he had maxim now ..

he had maxim ..

A soft giggle broke the tension in the hallway. Emilio and Maxim both turned to stare at Gilbert who covered his face as he chuckled.

< oh .. this is the first time I see you smile … > Emilio as if bewitched took a step closer < don’t hide it > he said in a soft mesmerized voice. 

 Gilbert breathed and looked up at Emilio in silence.

He just stared at him. 

He wanted to help the other party but he couldn’t, he was a coward. He had Josey to protect and he feared that man.   

< I am sorry .. > he whispered 

Emilio's surprised and hurt look flashed on his face but was covered fast and he smiled < why are you apologizing darling? > he took another step but before he could reach Gilbert Maxim was like a wall between them. 

Before curses escaped Emilio Gilbert took the remaining step and stood a few centimeters away from Maxim's back. He walked around and stood one step behind his servants.

He rested a hand on Maxim’s arm as if borrowing strength and stared at Emilio < I don't.. think I can give you what you want ..> I can’t save you, I am not strong enough. He didn’t dare explain so he just used these words.

< then stay close .. don’t ignore me .. > Emilio‘s words had a desperate tone. 

Gilbert didn’t dare to deny him when the boy looked at him with these eyes. 

Eyes he used to beg others to save him when he was young and hopeful.

He opened his lips but couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t promise anything yet he nodded in agreement.

A stab pierced his heart as he saw Emilio’s eyes shine with hope.

Guilt 

Guilt was like a black hole opened in one’s stomach. It had ropes tying your soul reaching up to your heart tying it in a tight knot that would squeeze and make you bleed.

At least that’s how Gilbert felt as he stared at these bright hopeful baby blue eyes.