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bakerstreet2020-05-15 07:26 am
shiftyeyed) wrote in bakerstreet2020-05-15 07:26 am
Entry tags:
Live to serve
the forbidden love between servant and master meme
These days, it's uncommon to have a servant. The wealthy have them, of course, but some of them even eschew that to have a sort of pride in being self-sufficient. Rarer still are the personal servants, the ones bound to just one person and taking care of their every need. They make sure their master or mistress is dressed, fed, and all their affairs are in order. They may double as a bodyguard or personal assistant in other functions, as well. This type of servant was much more common back in the day.
But today, you have one. You've always had one. Or may, you are one, loyal to your employer to the core.
Perhaps you're more of a vassal than a servant, then. You serve because of duty and love; you've been raised to know this your duty for your entire life. Your family has been tied to this family for generations. You could have even been summoned by magic, your whole purpose to serve.
And even if you're not a "true" servant in the sense of the word, there's always people who look out for others. You know the person in the group of friends. They seem bound to the hip to that one specific person, usually someone who actually does need the help, and acts as a mother hen to them. Yes, you're that person.
It all sounds simple enough, then. The problem? The relationship between master and servant has been blurred, and the feelings and bonds here have grown more than they should. The servant doesn't just love the master, they love the master. And it's not that much of a stretch to think that the gesture is reciprocated. But this is an ultimate taboo. Power differences, societal expectations, and conflicts of interest mean that there's a whole mess that can be made. If that line hasn't been crossed yet, keep dancing it. Try to back off, if you can. Do not cross the line. Do not become...more.
If more has come, you are in danger. Will it interfere with the ability of the servant to serve? Will they envy all those in higher stations who can get close to their master? And what about the nature of their relationship being exposed? Others will not be as kind, and there could even be punishment ahead should the wrong eyes fall upon the truth. After all, a servant and a master have been so close, in close quarters. There is no knowing what could have happened.
HOW:
- Comment with your character and preferences.
- Mention if you'd like your character to be a servant/vassal or otherwise.
- Tag others.
- Thread out forbidden affairs and one character taking care of the other.
newt scamander | fantastic beasts ( m/f )
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Lioriley / Original / OTA
Harry Hart | Kingsman | m/m
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Eliot kept a close eye on the clock as he moved through the kitchen. If he was going to have Harry's tea properly steeped and delivered precisely on time, he had to manage everything just so.
He arranged everything on the tray. Teacup and saucer, plate with a few of Harry's preferred biscuits, carefully selected for appearance. A precisely folded newspaper and cloth napkin nearly completed the arrangement. All that was missing was... He glanced at the clock and nodded. The water was poured into the tea pot, not a drop spilled. Setting the pot on the tray, he counted down until just enough time had elapsed that it would be nearly ready by the time he knocked on Harry's study door.
Perfectly punctual, he rapped lightly on the door, balancing the tray on his free hand.
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It was a way to settle into his upcoming unfortunate promotion. At least that's what he told himself. The honest truth was that he had very much enjoyed that short time he'd had with Eliot. He enjoyed it and the house was ever so empty and lonely. It was nice to have someone else there. Even nicer when that someone else chose to wear his collar and took pleasure in such precise service. It the only reason why he allows Eliot access to his study at all.
He knows the young man is obedient. He knows the man was intelligent. He knows that Eliot won't look over his shoulder or dig into his private business. It's a relief to know that he can have his secrets. Not many, but enough. And what he does share with Eliot, well, he does enjoy it. Being spoiled by a handsome young man and spoiling him as well.
He doesn't even look up from his current work when he hears the knock. Already that time then? He could set his clock by Eliot. His smile is still indulgent behind the laptop and his spread of manila folders. He closes the folder at least and tabs over to a page on some newly discovered butterfly before he answers.
"Do come in." He settles back to watch. He does so love watching Eliot work.
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And exactly what he needed.
He needed to get away from his old life and the constant reminders of what he'd lost. He needed something new. Something outside of magic and intrigue and saving various worlds... and if Harry could give him that, more the better. So he abandoned his old life for something new.
If one is going to do a job, one should at least try to do it well. He opens the door and slips inside, shutting it behind him. He had no idea what sort of work Harry did. And he didn't want to know. Harry was entitled to his secrets, just as he'd never told him about magic or his previous life and adventures. Secrets keep each other safe. He gives the older man a smile as he carries the tray towards a small table. "Will this do? Or do you intend to continue working while you take your tea?"
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And his own past won't come calling either. He's out of the field for good. He might hate it, but perhaps the best king is the one who never wanted the crown at all. He can live with it. Eliot makes it easy to live with it. The young man's presence makes everything so much easier on him. Harry knows it's not just for the outlet he provides but because he's truly fond of the younger man.
More than fond.
He is indulgent to the point of spoiling at times. But Eliot does spoil him in turn. No one does tea service quite like his young man.
Harry even pushes away from his desk. He makes room on his lap and gives his leg a little pat and adjusts the chair so that there is room for both sets of long legs. "I think I've worked long enough for now. Bring the tea here and enjoy it with me? And tell me what you'd plan for the day if I gave you a holiday from shining my silver."
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Besides... he's grown to care for the older man. And this means he gets to be close to him for as long as Harry will have him. Maybe that's for the best, given his track record.
The movement catches Eliot's attention and he looks up, raising an eyebrow when he sees Harry pushing back from his desk. Done with work already? How can he resist an invitation such as that? He smiles and picks up the tray, carrying it over to the desk. Setting it down within reach, he sits in Harry's lap as indicated. "Gladly. Shall I pour?" He smiles, enjoying the closeness. "Plans? Oh, I don't know. Read, possibly. Why? Have you something else in mind?" He smirks, watching Harry's reaction. His response may have been a bit boring, but his days of running out and partying are long behind him.
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Guiding Eliot down is one of the most cathartic things Harry has ever done. He needs it as much as Eliot seems to. He needs to have someone who trusts him. That's what his handsome young man gives him. It's a trust he finds nowhere else in the world.
He sighs, content when he feels the weight of the leggy man on his lap. His hand slides against Eliot's hip. It seems to fit perfectly there. His thumb makes little possessive circles. "Please do. You know how I like it. I trust you to have prepared it to my tastes."
He hums a little. The plans are so nice sounding. He would give anything to be able to sit and read. He could imagine curled together in his library, Eliot's head on his shoulder while the young man read out loud to him. His expression is one of calculation. He doesn't judge the boring because boring in his line of work until this point was very very good.
"I just might. I know I do work you very hard. I was considering taking us both on Holiday. Perhaps go looking for that new butterfly together." Dragging his feet and not taking the throne yet. Perhaps one last mission for himself. But he'd have to keep Eliot from it. He'll not put the young man in any danger but what they arrange in their play.
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He smiles at him before moving to pour the tea. He hadn't brought a second cup, but a quick flick of his hand when Harry was otherwise occupied and he pulled a second one out from behind the teapot. He sets them just so and pours the tea. He prepares Harry's cup first, carefully stirring it before holding it out to Harry.
"A holiday?" This is a surprise. He hadn't heard anything about him taking any time off or traveling anywhere. Is this a new decision? That doesn't matter. He smiles warmly at the older man. "I think that sounds like a lovely idea. Where would we go?" He could see the butterfly on the computer screen out of the corner of his eye. However, he'd built up a level of trust with Harry and would not betray that to look at the screen without his permission, even for something as seemingly innocuous as a butterfly.
Hector / Castlevania (Netflix) / M/F
Ayase Yukiya (Okane ga Nai)
OTA canons and genders. )
Lord Renly Baratheon | Game of Thrones | M/M
Remilia Scarlet (aged up) | Touhou Project | OTA
Pero Tovar | The Great Wall | ota
Wei Wuxian | Mo Dao Zu Shi
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But he does. And so he can. Wuxian promised to keep standing by him. How could Jiang Cheng do any less in return?]
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He couldn't. So he'd chosen his path, had left his former life behind and taken up the cause of protecting the last remnants of the Wen sect. Yiling was a safe zone, at least, for the time being and until he made people see sense, he'd do what had to be done.
But he couldn't abandon them and especially not Wen Ning. Not after promising Wen Qing to save him. So he'd chosen his path.
And the consequences would come, he knew that.
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Jiang Cheng comes to visit eventually, to clear up this mess and get Wuxian back home, because what other options does he have? Public opinion is bad enough, but the personal feels just as important right now, and he doesn't want to lose Wuxian. Not to a theoretical future attack from the big sects, where he might lose his life, but not to the Wens, either. Jiang Cheng fully believes he has a right to be possessive, at least in some small sense like this.
His expectations of the place were never high, but he's still vaguely disappointed when he walks through it. The surroundings are not only corrupted, but shabby, dirty, and undoubtedly unhealthy. What is Wuxian even trying to accomplish here?!
Nico Acosta | OC | M/F
Evie Montgomery | OC | OTA
Adora|Shera|ota