#wardenwrite

The estate ran like a well oiled machine. Everything was in it's place. Every surface was spotless and tidy. Matters of importance were dealt with swiftly. No other manor boasted the efficiency this one did.

There was no secret to it's success. It was all thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of the butler, Gateau. He was intelligent, diligent, and made for an imposing figure. Many a rude guest was quieted by his tall and muscular silhouette darkening a doorway.

Despite his appearance, he was polite and courteous. A picture of civility. He moved about the manor, attending to his duties in long purposeful strides. Chores were attended to as he spoke and directed the other staff. It was not an odd sight for him to be seen carrying a basket of laundry while giving detailed instructions to another staff member on how another task should be carried out.

He expected the same from the staff under him that he expected from himself. He never drove anyone beyond their limits. Despite his quiet stoic nature, the staff managed to sense his kind undertones. They followed him without question for the kindness that only they knew.

The masters deserved a well running estate in Gateau's opinion. Twin masters, Ingo and Emmet. Brothers known for their eccentricities but also being the owners of the most powerful train-lines in Unova. They were well respected and deeply sought after. Their suitors were numerous. Introduction visits were held often. Gateau would be there to make sure the visit went smoothly.

Frivolous conversation over tea and cakes, prepared by Gateau himself. Emmet's visits were less stressful. He was blunt in his responses. His lack of interest in the suitor that came calling was declared quickly after an hour socializing. It never seemed to take more time than that. Once Emmet declared his decision, the visitor was escorted out. Only a couple of occasions saw Gateau carrying a kicking and screaming guest out of the parlor.

Ingo, however, did not carry the stalwart certainty in his actions that his brother did. He conversed politely. Did his best to smile. The corners of his mouth curled up while the rest of his mouth remain bowed in a frown. The visits would last far longer and end with Ingo not giving a decision either way. The result was often left in the air, encouraging the more determined suitors to return for a second try.

Gateau secretly hated it. He hated watching his master sit through these boring visits and shift uncomfortably in his seat when personal subjects were brought up. He had attempted to give Ingo a way to cut the visits short with a secret signal or making up an emergency, but Ingo refused the efforts. “It would be rude.” Ingo would tell him. “I should at least hear them out fully...”

Most of all... Gateau hated that could not play suitor himself.

He couldn't help but admire Ingo. The master was soft-hearted and compassionate. Those who paid attention could see through his stone expression and pick up the subtle tells as to what he was truly thinking. Gateau knew all of these tells. Not because it was his job to know them, but because he loved them. The sparkle of happiness on a good day. The slightly extra bowed frown on a bad day. The rhythmic tapping of fingers when he was anxious and the tantric tapping of feet when he was excited. Gateau knew them all by heart.

But his heart could not have what it wanted.

It was a dire taboo for a master of the house to be caught having relations with the staff. The staff would usually be fired and flogged for their transgression. The master was stripped of their wealth and title and turned to the streets to live like a dog. Both parties would carry the shame for the rest of their lives, never recovering their previously held reputation or good graces.

No matter how much Gateau's heart ached for Ingo, he could never live with himself if Ingo lost everything because of him. So the fire he felt was doused and he performed his duty to the best of his ability.

These abilities were put to the test as Ingo suddenly fell ill. Gateau was the only one allowed to tend to him to limit the spread of the contagion. He watched, dripping with worry, as Ingo thrashed and panted in his sleep. The fever conjured images that were not of this world in the mind and eyes of the ailing man. He frequently called to Gateau's presence and gripped onto the butler's hand with a white knuckle grip. Descriptions of terrors that Ingo had seen fell from his lips and Gateau could only listen and try to soothe his worries.

One night, Gateau found himself clung to desperately. Ingo's arms wrapped around Gateau's chest and pulled him close in a tight embrace. Sweat and the heat of fever soaked through Gateau's shirt. Dazed silver eyes stared up at him. Gateau couldn't be sure if they were looking at him or looking into another reality all together. Ingo's voice trembled forth.

“I'm going to die... Aren't I?”

Gateau shook his head and attempted to pull Ingo off of him gently. “No, sir. You will be just fine...”

“Do not... lie to me...”

Ingo tried to cling tighter to Gateau but weakness overcame him. His hands were peeled away effortlessly and he was laid back into his bed. Gateau patted the back of his hand.

“Please rest, Sir. You will recover much faster if you do.”

Ingo's hand coiled around Gateau's slowly. Words that Gateau never thought he would hear uttered echoed in his ears.

“Gateau... I love you...”

With that, Ingo's eyes drifted closed and he succumbed to his body's desire for sleep. Gateau watched him with stunned silence. He wasn't sure how to react. He had wanted to hear those words... but not like this.

Gateau did his best to disregard the statement. Unfortunately it happened again... and again... Between ravings of terror and confusion, Ingo would cling to Gateau and declare his affections for his butler. Feelings that a lord should never feel for his staff. Gateau would gently assuage his master and tuck him back into bed but it tugged harder and harder at his heart each time the words were uttered.

“I love you, Gateau... I love you...”

It only took a couple days more for the fever to break and Ingo to recover. His body still carried weakness so his day to day activities were limited. Gateau helped his master bathe and dress. It was difficult. Gateau prayed Ingo could not see his face flush red at the sight of his master's naked body. So lithe and soft. Gentle ripples of lean muscle laid just beneath the surface of his skin.

Gateau continued to do his duty. He found himself becoming much more restrained around the twins. Conversation that was usually somewhat engaging was kept short and polite between the lords and the butler. Ingo was much more soft spoken, understandably so after his illness, but Emmet's curious eyes would follow Gateau around the room. Gateau could feel his lord's gaze and the beating of his heart in his own ears.

It couldn't be helped. Through a heavy heart, Gateau stood before Ingo's desk and handed him a handwritten letter of resignation. Ingo looked upon him with wide eyes.

“Gateau... Are you sure?”

“Indubitably...” Gateau responded. His posture was stiff with his hands held to his side, much like a soldier preparing for a dressing down.

“As I have stated in my letter, I feel that my time here has come to a close. The estate runs well with little to no direction from myself. I feel that I may be better suited in a household that requires my help more.”

“It is because of you that it runs as well as it does!” Ingo exclaimed, standing suddenly. “I do hope you will reconsider! We can increase your pay! Do you wish for better accommodations!? We can provide--”

“No.” Gateau responded curtly. His violet stare pierced into Ingo's silver gaze. Ingo knew instantly there was nothing to discuss further. He averted his eyes to the window, focusing on nothing in particular. The pleasant sunny scene outside held nothing for him at the moment.

“Very well...” He sat slowly. His posture relaxed and slipped lower in his chair. This was not a normal look for him. “When do you plan to leave?”

“In three days time. It was unfortunately the latest I could reasonably acquire. The coaches do not seem to be running as conveniently as they once did.” Gateau kept his eyes trained on his employer. He wanted to look away but some part of him wanted to burn one last image into his mind while he still could.

Ingo nodded and rubbed his fingers over his chin. “Very well. We have enjoyed your presence here at the estate greatly. I will inform my brother of this change...”

One last heavy sigh left him. Silver eyes flitted up to steal a glance before looking back down. “You are dismissed...”

Gateau bowed and turned on his heel to leave. The clicking of his heels on the tile floor and the loud clack of the door latch were the last sounds to be heard in that office for some time.

The days before the coach arrived to take the beloved butler away were sullen ones. Ingo remained quieter than usual. He turned away all suitor visits. He spent the majority of his time pouring over the paperwork that came with running the rail line that supported him and his brother.

Emmet had taken notice. Gone were his own playful antics and colorful comments. He too had asked Gateau to reconsider but backed down much easier than Ingo had done. Emmet was very sure to express his gratitude to Gateau profusely for his service. Promises of good words and recommendations were given. Gateau accepted politely. It pained Gateau that he had to end such a good working relationship because his own heart could not behave.

Gateau made the necessary arrangements so that the estate would continue to run until a new butler was found. His staff were equally upset, expressing that they would not wish for another manager other than him. They showered him with praise and well wishes. Some of the older maids that had been with him since before he had reached his position hugged him with teary eyes and utterances of how proud they were. Stories of his days as a young pup of a footman were recalled and told to the younger staff members, much to Gateau's chagrin.

By the night before his departure, everything was set. He packed his things slowly and methodically. A couple of suitcases held almost all of it. A few spare items were placed in a shoulder satchel to be carried with him.

He observed the same nightly routine he had done for many a year just with minor changes. Instead of his uniform being tended and hung up for the next day's activities, it sat packed with his other clothing. A set of civilian attire hung in it's place.

Gateau sat before the dressing table he had used for so long clad only in his sleeping gown. His hands gave the wood a sentimental touch before he set to work on brushing his hair and administering creams and gels to his hands and face. Just as the manor and lords must look presentable, so must it's staff. It would not do for Gateau to be seen with poor skin. It would not do for his new employers as well, whoever they may be. A boarding house was to be his lodgings until work could be found. It was uncertain if he would end up in another household as their butler but he was hopeful.

Would they be as kind as the twins? Would they appreciate his contributions as much as the twins? Would he be happy there? Would the staff be as wonderful as the staff he grew up with?

It would only be a few short hours before he would be leaving. He wrung his hands in thought of all the years of hard work it took to get where he was now. How absolutely fortunate that he had ended up in this estate. How much his colleagues loved him. How much pride he had in his work. Only to have it all dashed because of the temptation of forbidden fruit.

He moved to his bed and pulled the covers back. Tomorrow it would all just be a bit of quiet history. He would not be tempted or even have to think of these thoughts ever again. It was the best thing for everyone involved.

A soft rap at the door was heard as Gateau smoothed the fabric on his mattress. A pitiful voice could be heard, wet and gravelly.

“Gateau... please... Let me in...”

The voice rang familiar. Gateau moved quickly to open his door. There stood Ingo. He was still clad in his day attire. His cheeks and eyes were red and wet. The faint smell of alcohol wafted from him.

He opened his mouth to speak but Gateau's hand had grabbed his upper arm and yanked him into the room. Gateau looked around to see if there were witnesses before shutting the door and locking it tight. Ingo stood behind him, stunned by the sudden action. Gateau turned to him.

“My apologies. What do you think you are doing!? What if the other staff saw you like that!?”

Gateau moved forward and looked Ingo over. His hands held Ingo's face still. Ingo's hand settled over Gateau's.

“Gateau... I...”

“You are drunk...” Gateau muttered solemnly. He led Ingo to his bed and bade him to sit. Ingo shook his head as Gateau set to work fetching a cloth and a bowl of water.

“It was just one drink...”

“It was not wine.” Gateau replied, dipping the cloth into the cool water and wringing it out. “You imbibed Emmet's collection. I know he has more tolerance than you...”

Gateau pulled the small stool from his dressing table and sat before Ingo. One hand held Ingo's chin while the other soothed the red skin of Ingo's face. Sad eyes settled on Gateau's lap. “I'm a failure...”

Gateau's hand faltered a moment before returning to it's work. “You are not a failure...”

“I am.” Ingo took gateau's hand gently and pulled it away. His eyes, shimmering in emotion, latched to Gateau's gaze. “Please... listen.”

Gateau watched as Ingo took a deep breath. His words were slow. “I feel that I must apologize to you...”

Gateau's mouth opened to speak but Ingo's hand shot up. “No. Listen to everything please.”

The hand fell slowly. “I... As lord of this estate... I have certain... obligations. Expectations of myself that are held by our... Emmet and I... Social peers...”

Ingo's gaze fell to the floor once more. Hands sat on his thighs, gathering handfuls of his pant legs.

“Emmet... has declared that he rejects these expectations. His rejection of all his suitors is not a matter of him not being interested in them. He was never interested in what pursuing them would mean...”

It all suddenly clicked for Gateau. The meetings Emmet would almost systematically end after merely an hour was just to keep up appearances. They were never meant to evolve into anything more. A small feeling of amusement made itself known as Gateau thought back to the more confident guests. The ones he would then have to pull from the room as they shrieked obscenities at Emmet who sat calmly enjoying the remains of the refreshments. If they only knew how much of a losing battle it always had been.

Ingo's voice pulled Gateau from his thoughts. A crack could be heard forming in Ingo's facade of tenuous control.

“It all falls to me... I am expected to take a spouse... Produce a suitable heir for the estate... Continue the legacy...”

Ingo's shoulders lifted and fell as his breath became more labored. “But... I can't... I just can't...”

He sniffed. Gateau lifted a hand to touch Ingo but he retreated from the gesture. Head down and eyes squeezed shut. “No... Let me... finish...”

Another long and deep inhale. This one was more intense than the last few. “All of them. Society would say they were perfect. Perfect for a union into our estate and affairs... But not for me.”

He looked down at his ornate clothing. A hand pulled at it as he scoffed. 

“I'm nothing more than a bargaining chip... Something to bolster the reputation of another individual... I'm money and prestige. I'm Lord Ingo, co-proprietor of Unovan Railways. I'm the most sought after bachelor beside my brother in Unova.”

Ingo's form seemed to shrink as the previous breath left him. A small and saddened man sat before Gateau then. “But... I'm never... Just Ingo.”

Ingo looked up at Gateau. His face was tired. Bags hung under his eyes where the tears had once made them swollen. 

“I didn't know that I even wanted to be treated as just Ingo until you... I was never your employer. I was never just the source of your pay. You always treated me as just me. You took care of my brother and I as if we were your family...”

Shaky hands took Gateau's gently. Thumbs rubbed over his knuckles almost in worship. “I don't want a union of politics and money... If I must pledge myself and my body to another person... I want love. You taught me that.”

Ingo continued to rub and explore the back of Gateau's hand. Every bone and dip was traced with silent contemplation.

“But I made a grave mistake... I remember what I had said to you during my sickness... Every word... It was all the truth… I do love you. I find myself feeling for you what I feel I should be feeling toward my future spouse.”

Gateau suddenly found himself trying to quell his heart thundering in his ears. His other hand clutched the cloth tightly, trying to find any grounding in the storm as Ingo continued to speak.

“Despite that... I should not have said any of it. I put you in a difficult position with my words. For that I apologize deeply.”

His hands tightened around Gateau's. “I did not mean to make you uncomfortable... I did not mean to run you off. I will gladly put all these feelings to rest and never speak more of it again... if you will just stay... I cannot stand the thought of never seeing you again...”

Ingo bowed his head. A tear fell onto the back of Gateau's hand. “Please... forgive me... I will do anything... Just stay.”

Gateau regarded Ingo's shuddering sobbing form. It could all go back to the way it was before. Ingo would hold true to his word. The feelings stirring in Gateau's heart would fade without the question of Ingo's feelings, surely. Life would go on uninterrupted once more.

Or would it?

Gateau's hands gathered Ingo's and held them warmly. “That is not why I am leaving... I am leaving because I feel the same way...”

Ingo's face rose slowly to meet Gateau's. Gateau felt himself unable to face the glittering tearful eyes of his lord. His gaze dropped quickly, focusing on the hands held between them.

“I should apologize as well... I have always felt this way...”

“Gateau?”

“No. Please.” Gateau gave Ingo's hand a squeeze. “You asked me to listen to everything. Now I must ask the same of you...”

Ingo nodded wordlessly. Gateau steadied himself as best as he could. There was no turning back now.

“I have felt an attraction to you for some time now... I did not know what to do. I did not want to cause you trouble. I am very aware of what would happen should we enter a relationship and it became public knowledge...”

Gateau looked to Ingo to find a look of fear dawning on Ingo's face. It was obvious that it never occurred to Ingo to think that far ahead.

“I could never live with myself if I was the reason you lost everything. Turned away from the life you know now and to never see your brother again... We could never recover from such a thing...”

“And I could never live with myself if they hurt you because of me...” Ingo's brows furrowed. “Gods above... I did not think--”

“I understand...” Gateau responded. “It's hard to think of things ever getting that far when you are convinced it shall never happen...”

The two sat in silence for a few moments. Ingo spoke first. “I... I still want you to stay...”

Gateau shook his head. “With what has been said... I do not think that would be wise.”

Ingo swallowed as tears began to rise once more. “I won't let them touch you...”

“Ingo--”

“No!” Ingo eyes burned into Gateau's. “I don't care about my wealth! This estate can burn for all I care!”

He paused. “Emmet... can survive just fine without me... He's always been the stronger one between us.”

Ingo brought Gateau's hands to his chest. “I will not let anything happen to you. You will not face the punishment. I'll take it instead if necessary!”

“Ingo! No! I can't let you--”

“I would rather them beat me to death than go back to that loveless existence I lived before you!”

It was Gateau’s turn to stare wide-eyed and tears teasing at the bottom of his eyelids. Ingo leaned forward and pressed his lips to Gateau’s before anything more could be said. The kiss was held for what felt like suspended time. Gateau could feel his entire being sing at the sensation. Ingo felt so much warmer and tasted so much sweeter than he could have imagined.

Gateau’s head spun as the kiss broke. Ingo pressed his forehead to Gateau’s. “You have taken care of me for years now… Let me return the favor.”

Gateau's heart threatened to burst from his chest. He wanted to shout from the top of his lungs a resounding affirmation to his acceptance of Ingo's affections. Something he thought truly impossible had come to pass and all he could do was stare into Ingo's eyes with a dumb struck expression. A sad smile spread over Gateau's features as he breathed deep, the scent of whiskey teasing his nose.

“You are either very daft or very drunk...”

“Neither... I'm in love.”

Their lips met once more, this time relishing in one another's taste and texture. Tongues soon joined in, writhing against one another with a fervor like no other. Gateau pulls his hands from Ingo's grasp and wrapped his arms around the noble's waist. Ingo was pulled flush to the butler's chest. Gateau could feel Ingo's arms wrap around his neck and settle on his shoulders. Ingo's fingers brushed through Gateau's hair as they cupped his head gently.

Ingo pulled at Gateau, beckoning forward. Soon Ingo was laid back onto the bed with Gateau on top of him. Hands pulled at Ingo's clothing, peeling away the fine trappings of his title. A warm palm ran over Ingo's bare chest, causing a groan to leave him. The hand continued to explore. It slipped within the waistband of Ingo's pants to grasp at Ingo's backside before the iron frame of the bed creaking interrupted the pair.

Gateau froze at the sound. Ingo's eyes suddenly went wide as he looked down at Gateau's lower half. “Gateau...?”

Gateau's gown was pulled taught and pressed hard against Ingo's leg. Gateau's cheeks burned crimson. “Ah... M-my apologies...”

“Gateau... Remove your gown and lie back.”

Gateau gulped before doing as he was told. Ingo moved to sit beside the now nude man that lay in the bed. Gateau's length stood tall.

“May I touch it?” Ingo asked quietly. Gateau looked away bashfully. “You do not have to...”

“I want to.” Ingo replied. His hand wrapped around the shaft gently. “Is this fine?

Gateau nodded silently. Ingo pumped at the length a few times. Gateau tensed his jaw. A muffled moan crawled out against his best efforts. Ingo stopped.

“Am I hurting you?”

Gateau shook his head. A ragged breath fell out of him as he relaxed. “Quite the opposite... It's just...”

Ingo followed Gateau's gaze to the wall behind the bed frame. It took him a few moments to understand what he was trying to say.

“Ah. You have neighbors...”

Gateau nodded, frowning. “I'm sorry... My bed is not very appropriate for such a-- ACK!”

Gateau's hand clasped tightly over his mouth. Ingo's mouth was wrapped around the tip of his member. Ingo's tongue explored clumsily, running along the edge of the head and down the slit. A bit of precum had Ingo pulling back in surprise. He moved his mouth as if contemplating the flavor. Shy eyes looked up at Gateau.

“Emmet told me that pleasuring his partners with his mouth was amusing. I wanted to try it...”

Gateau relaxed. A soft smile pulled at his features. “Perhaps you should do it a little more? I very much enjoyed it...”

Ingo nodded happily before taking Gateau back into his mouth. Gateau placed a gentle hand on Ingo's head to guide him down. “That's good. Just like that.”

Ingo's eyes seemed to lose focus as he continued to suck on Gateau's cock. Cheeks were reddened and a tell tale bulge was swiftly forming in his trousers. Gateau brushed the hair away from Ingo's face.

“You are so beautiful like that...” Gateau murmured. He gave Ingo a tap to tell him to stop. Ingo sat up, drool pouring from his mouth and strands still clinging to Gateau.

“I think that's good. Remove your trousers and get on top of me.”

Ingo did as he was told. Firm hands held his hips as Gateau guided himself to his entrance. A gasp and groans came from Ingo as he was gently lowered onto Gateau's length.

“G-Gateau...”

“Shh. You're doing great. I've got you.”

Soon Ingo was filled completely with his faithful butler. He trembled at the sensation. His body already threatened to erupt at the feeling. Gateau ran his thumbs over Ingo's thighs patiently.

When it seemed Ingo had calmed, Gateau lifted him slowly and brought him back down. Ingo whimpered as the thrusting continued slowly. The bed frame creaked slightly, keeping Gateau in check. Ingo's body clenching on him did the opposite. Gateau pulled him close. His warm body felt so good pressed to his chest. Gateau tried to drown out the ever increasing crescendo of Ingo's moaning with a deep kiss. Mouths enveloping one another and tongues tangling muffled the sounds of ecstasy but did little to stifle the bed's creaking.

It was a losing battle. Gateau couldn't hold himself back any longer. Ingo was bounced on his cock faster and faster. The thoughts of keeping quiet dying with the thick fog of passion rolling in. The kiss was broken and Ingo's face buried itself into the crook of Gateau's neck. His arms clung desperately at his lover.

“G-Gateau! I- I- Think I'm about to- AAUGH!”

Almost perfectly in tandem, Gateau filled his lord with hot spend as Ingo spread his over his stomach. Gateau's hands kept Ingo pulled down on his cock, wanting to spill every possible drop inside. The sticky mess was spread between them as Ingo fell limp onto Gateau, panting and whimpering. A firm hand stroked at the back of Ingo's head.

“You did so well...” Gateau panted. Soft kisses were placed over Ingo's sweaty temple. “Let me help you clean up...”

A cool cloth made quick work of the mess and soothed tired bodies. A warm bed was made even warmer by the lovers pressed together under the sheets. Ingo breathed quietly against Gateau's chest. The sight made Gateau's eyelids begin to feel heavy. The two soon succumbed to the call for slumber, safe and loved in one another's company.

–

Gateau stood outside in full uniform, apologizing profusely to the coach driver that had come to pick him up. Plans had changed. Gateau had decided to stay.

Much celebration was had at the news. The staff cheered as Gateau walked back inside. No one seemed to care why Gateau had changed his mind, just that he did and he was there to stay.

The day carried on as normal. Chores were done, estate matters were addressed, and guests were entertained. Gateau stood at attention as Ingo sat listening to the prattling of his latest suitor. They seemed surprised when Ingo spoke up suddenly.

“My apologies... I do not feel this would be a good match. I thank you for your interest but I must ask you to leave.”

Gateau stared at Ingo in surprise. He pulled his pocket watch from his coat pocket. One hour. It had only been one hour.

The suitor was not keen on hiding their disapproval. They stood and turned in a huff, not even bidding a good-bye or a thanks for the refreshments. As soon as the doors shut, Ingo stood and approached Gateau. His arms snaked around the butler and a bright curled smile shined up at him.

“I think Emmet had the right idea with this system. This is much easier.”