With in The walls of a Palace (Passionate Shadow Only)
 

The feudal era. A time where the country of Japan was run by the most powerful clans and warlords. It was the spring season once again. The sky was clear, the sakura trees were fully bloom, and the people seemed to be in high spirits. Expect for this group of people that were heading towards the palace. They traveled in a group, carrying a well styled omikoshi. From the symbol on their backs, they were the Endo clan neighboring land.

They were hear today to talk to the lord. To end the war between them. The Endo clan has been at war with them for four years. So many lives were lost and their people were suffering. Most of the money went towards the war and they were running up dry. Then one day the lord of the Endo clan send them a letter of request to see him. When they were given permission to enter. The clan leader and his son step out. They were keeling in front of the shoji door. On the other side was the lord they were seeing today. One of the palace guard informed him that they arrived and waited for his next order.

Masao sturned over the gentle glass object in his hand before tapping it twice. The eated embers fell from the glass chambers and wrought a faint orange glow in to the darkened room. The oddly colored lord stood from his place and tightened his scabbard to his hip. "I'll see to our guests myself." He purred out in a heavy, mellow honey sweet voice. He was calm, and moved with a some what elegant facade. The Lord of this palace made his way out to greet his 'guests' He pressed a hand against to wooden frame of the shoji door and pushed it open, yet did not step out from the shadows. His figure, standing nearly six feet was rather impressive to most.

He loomed further yet with in the darkness as he let his sharpened Daimon cut gaze bore down on the two before him. " State your business." he purred out not willing to quite yet step in to the light. How ever, from what one could tell through the darkened light, this man, had a long, lushes locks of pale hair, seemingly white like that of an elderly man worn by the years ow life who had gained much wisdom. And with a sweet heavy voice like that it seemed almost indefinite this man was beyond years in age then the ones who keeled before him. Yet somethng else seemed to be amis. The man's eyes, you could just about see a sparkle of lust red with in them, gleaming in the darkened lighting like two rubies tossed down a well. They were harsh and intense, almost glassy even. These fiery red orbs shot through the feathery soft veil of snow white bangs. They spoke for him. If these two weren't here with a good reason they might as well wish they hadn't come at all.

When the lord came and demanded the reason as to why they were here. Both lowered their heads and bowed to him. Then the elderly man looks up at him. His was a bit wrinkled and had a huge brown mole on the right side of the nose. "Good day sir. My name is Katashi Eno. I am here to surrender to you." he told him and brought his head closer to the floor. "My people are suffering. We haven't had a good harvest in so long and my people are dying. I can no longer fight." he explained.

The old man then sits up straight. "To show you that I am serious. I am offering you my one and only son, Kiyoshi. As a token to bring peace to one another." he said, leaning his hand to the side to point to the young man beside him. The young lad was quite the looking. Smooth pale as the moon skin. Long black lusty, silky hair. He had a rather nice build. Not to skinny but not muscular. Wearing a kimono with the family crest on his back. Looking up at the lord his his dark amber eyes. Then bows to him again. "I am Kiyoshi Endo. I will be your humble servant." he said. in a mid tone smoothing voice.

Masao took this in to consideration. He shifted his gaze more so on to the young male. He eyed him over for a few long scilent momments. "Perhaps this pound of fleash might be worth something. After all, unless an idiot dies, he won't be cured. I'm sure you are both familiar with the idea that, thenail that sticks out gets hammered down. I should like to see an act of obeydiance before agreeing to any terms. " Masao stated as he kept his gaze on the boy. " Kiyoshi. if you truly wish to serve me... prove to me that you'll do as I say. " and with that Masao gave a few moments of science before delivering the curt order. "Stand, and strip bare. " He purred waiting to see the boy's reaction. Oh yes Masao was a bit devious, he was taught to ALLWAYS look a gift horse in the mouth. And what a better way to get a better look at his spoils of the war.

"Jun; prepare to take this down." He called to his page.

As much as the lad tries to look calm, you can see in his eyes that he was nervous about this whole thing. For from the very beginning, he told his father not to even go to war with Masao. For he knew that they could never win. They had more money and were bigger them them when it comes to land. He didn't like the idea being an object of peace for the war, but he watch so many of his people fall and some were his closest friends perish before his eyes. But if this was the only way for peace. Then he would do it.

Expect Kiyoshi wasn't expecting his first order was to strip his clothes off. He tensed up and didn't want to do it. But his father glared at him and mouthed "You better do it now or I will disown you here and now. Don't you dare bring shame to this family.". He didn't want to be disown by his own father. So he stood up, taking a deep breath and starts to remove his clothes. Removing every inch of clothing until he was in his red fundoshi. The lord could see that there were no markings, scars or hair on his body. It was all smooth and clear. With a deep breath he removes the fundoshi.

Now he was in his birthday suit. "See doesn't my sun have a nice body. He so young and healthy, he could do anything that you ask and do it to the letter." his father said with a big grin on the face. The lad was blushing light and covered himself with his hands.

Masao eyed him over. "You should be standing at attention boy; I didn't ask you to do anything else." Masao pointed out. "He's a bit rough around the edges but he'll do... I'll take this token of peace and return to you a token of my own." Masao purred. "Jun Take this down please. Under the condition that this man before me siers no further children. Have it be known that upon ending the war with the Endo clan, that the clan's heir has become part of my estate under subservient rule. Also in ending the war I'll extend an offer of alliance. For permit to allow my soldiers passage through your lands I shall in return place protection upon their people. Also; I should like to send a few shipments of rice to the Endo clan upon this agreement of peace and alliance..." Masao trailed. "How's that sound to you sir? Your people will not go hungry and you shall always have a protectorate for the simple price of allowing me to send my troops though your lands. It's more than a generous offer don't you think?" Masao asked gently. Masao was a man familiar and well seasoned in the art of war. He hadn't inherited his small empire, oh no he won it.

When given the order of standing attention. He felt like he had already let the lord down and may not accept the peace offer. "Sorry my lord." he said and stood as his new lord commanded. Removing his hand from his private and put them to his side. Revealing his mid length, slightly thick penis. Like the rest of his body, he was completely hairless down there. He felt so embarrassed to be standing naked in the same room as his father, but he was smiling, he seemed so happy. He couldn't ruin this by his own feeling. So he remain calm on the outside. Showing a brave face.

Both men were pleased to hear that Lord Masao was willing to taken Kiyoshi as the peace token. Hearing that exchanged of the peace. He was allowed to used the roads for his soldiers. Also the protection of the land will remain with the people and a shipment of rice would be sent to them. When asked if the offer was generous. Kiyoshi's father was in tears and bowed to him once more. "Thank you! Thank you very much! It is most generous offer Lord Masao! Thank you!" he said gratefully.

Masao nodded more so to himself. "Then it's settled. You sir, may go. Jun... see to it the arrangements are made by night fall." Masao ordered turning his gaze over tothe page who had scribed everything down in wounderful writting with a brush. The next thing Masao had done, was to call forth two of his most trusted guards and gave them new instructions to see that Katashi would have a safe escort to return him.

However Masao seemed to not move from with in the shadows quiet yet. Even once Katashi was show out He remaied with in the dark. He had ben studying Kiyoshi's featuers carfully not giving hi any other words. After sevrral long minutes of dead scilence Masao stepped in to the light moving towards Kiyoshi. True this man had, pure long white hair like an elderly man, yet his face was still quiet young. His form held a some what chiseled physic and gave a tender, taught look to the soft pale plains of skin that encase his well toned muscles. Masao seemed to be quite young indeed, some where between his late twenties and early thirties. He cirled around Kiyoshi slowly like a piece of meat. Gently he reached down and picked up the Kimono and eyed it over. He moved away from Kiyoshi with his full attention on the bit of cloth.

"Sir?" Jun inquired taking not o Masao's sudden Interest in the item. Masao gently placed it over Jun's shoulder. "Burn it." He purred gently. And with that Masao left his side slipping away in to the darkness once again, this time disappearing from sight. That was it? He wasn't just going to leave Kiyoshi standing there was he?! It seemed he was!

Katashi bowed to Masao one more time before he took his leave. Not saying farewell to his only son. He knew that it was going to end like that anyway. He stood still like a stone statue. Just waiting for his next order from the man he must now obey for the sake of his land and father. Even though he was calm, deep down he was angry. For his father foolish action and that he was being treated as if he was a piece of meat. Yet again he had to do it. He couldn't let his people suffer anymore. as the former heir to the Endo clan. It was his duty to make sure that his people came first then his own desires.

Kiyoshi looks over towards the shadows of where his lord stand. Wondering why he was hiding there to begin with. All he could see was bits of his white hair. Thinking that he was the same age as his father. So it became quite a surprise when he finally came forward and he looked so much younger then he had first thought. The first thing that popped into hsi mind was that he was some short of demon. Which that frighten him a little. But he remained still as Masao circled around him. The only thing the moved were his eyes. Watching him pick up his kimono from the ground. Then observe him walking away from him with his clothes in his hands.

Hearing the order to burn his clothes, he wanted to shout at him, but silent himself. For he wasn't going to speak out to his lord. Not when him and his father agreed to peace. He hated the feeling that he could no longer speak his own mind. Not like he did much of the either when he was in his home land. Then he notice that his lord had once again vanished into the darkness. Then he was wondering what he was suppose to do. With his clothes gone. It's not like he could just walk on out of here. He might be a new servant, but he still have some dignity. Then, from the of his eye. He spotted his Fundoshi on the ground. It must of fell off when Masao picked up his kimono. Thinking that he wasn't around. He kneels down and picks it up from the ground.

Jun, the page with short black hair and a rat tail braid on the back supressed a chuckle watching Kiyoshi for a momment as he picked up the red bit. "Just a friendly warning of advice; It's not always so smart to play in to that master's games... I do belive he's giving you a test of Humility.." Hun pured setting aside the paint brush. Henlt he plled the silken gament from his shoulder and folded it neatly before also diappearing by heading off down one of the decks. It now appeared as though Kiyoshi was entirely alone in the warm sunlight and sweet summer breeze.

Kiyoshi watch as Jun left with the little clothes he had left. At least he wouldn't freeze with the warm sunlight hitting on his bare skin. He looks at the Fundoshi in his hand. Wondering what he should do now. It took him a moment before he decided what to do. He sat down on the ground on his knees. Setting his Fundoshi to the side. Waiting for his master's return to give him his next order.

It was quite some time before Masao returned to see the other. In fact it had been several long hours of waiting, time just slipping away as the sun made it's journey across the sky. As the sun was setting, and nearing the end of it's trip across the sapphire sky, an attendant went about lighting a few lanterns for the evening. The door before Kiyoshi slid open again and there stood Masao who looked the younger over for a few moments. The room behind him was now lit with a dim orange light that poured it's way through the room. "Come." he called to the other before turning on his heel and leading the way through the building. Masao expected his new puppy to follow. He made his way through several rooms and down some corridors before finally stepping in to a large room made of dark wood. In the far back was a large bed which sat in front of a set of very nicely painted shoji doors. Off to the right and left were mirrors lining the walls with a golden ivy like fringe painted on to them. The center of the floor was a wide open space, matted giving it the idea of a dojo floor. Off to the left of the room was a sitting area and off to the right were a few sets of Shoji changing screens. Masao had gone toward the right set of mirrors and pushed one open to reveal a closest behind the sliding door. He pulled out a green satin yukata and dropped it on the bed. "Get dressed." he called gently before moving towards the door in the far back of the room and pushed them open to reveal the large zen like garden behind the home. off in the distance you could see a small water fall which most likely lead in to a koi pond.

As the time moved on, he did moved in inch. No matter how tired his legs got. He just waited for his master to return. If he ever does. He still couldn't quite make out what kind of person he was other then perverted. He heard the shoji door open and looks up to see that Masao has returned as the sun was setting. It made his skin glow in the light. He looks up at him with serious eyes. Awaiting his orders. When to to follow him. He stands up quietly and walks right behind him. Keeping his head low and his hands by his side. Until they arrived into the room. He lifts his head up and looks at the room. He was quite impressed with it. But he wasn't to surprise for this palace was bigger then ones he had seen before. He looked at everything from the bed to the door the garden.

Kiyoshi heard his lord's voice and looks down at the yukata that was placed on the bed. "Yes, my lord." he said in a calm manner voice. Walking over to the bed and puts it on. It took him a few minutes to put it on, but once he did. he looked very nice in it. Thinking that this is what the servants must wear to work. After tying the sash around his waist. He makes his way to the door to the garden and steps outside. Looking for his master to see if he was please with him wearing the yukata.

Masao had taken a seat on the wooden dock just out side of the doors. He turned and looked upwards at the younger for a few moments. "You may call me by my name." he said gently. Masao was dressed in a blackened Gi top and vivid crimson red hakamas. He moved to stand up and gently reache dout a hand and pushed some stray lock back from Kiyoshi's face, his fingers barely ghosting over the skin. Masao have him a some what malitious smirk. he set his hand on Kiyoshi's shoulder and gently spun him around before setting his other hand on teh small of Kiyoshi's back. He nudged him back in to the room and sort of ushered him over to the sitting area. "Take a seat; we'll be having dinner shortly..." he purred softly in to Kiyoshi's ear before releasing him.

"So why don't you start telling me about what you were." he offered up more of a demand than a request but made with a gentle voice. Masao had moved around and took a seat at the table. "I should also like to know your age." he added in. It seemed he had taking a sudden interest in the younger.

"Yes, Masao-sama." he replied to his master. Slightly bowing to him. Watching get up from where he sit and can't believe how tall he was. For Kiyoshi was tall as your average young Japanese man. He looked up at him as he reaches out to him to move some of his hair out of his face, lightly blushing. For he will never admit it, but he was very sensitive when it came to touch. Even though he never made contact with his skin. He felt his own hair brush against the side of his face. Then he stares at his hand that laid upon his shoulder. Taking a sharp breath through his mouth. When he was spun around and now felt his hand on his back. Stepping back inside wondering what he had in store for him. Kiyoshi could feel his breath on his bare neck, making his face slightly more red then before. When order to take a seat. He nodded his head and did as his master order.

While he listen to him ask to tell him more about him and age. He nods his head as to say that he will. "Well to start with I am 18 of age. As you know I was the heir to the Endo clan. My father had always kept me indoors. For he didn't want me to be seen by the others. Fearing that my life would be in danger. I study since I was little so I can write and read. That's all really." he told him.

Masao nodded gently in reliance. "Oh I see... you lack physical discipline then... you wouldn't beable to protect yourself now would you? With such a sweet supple body like that my guards might mistake you for a woman and rape you... " he said gently. "I'll most definably need to teach you how to defend yourself my little cage dove." he purred.

"I'd like for you to be obedient but not to the point where your a mindless drone." he added. "Sit there and don't move a muscle." He said before standing and heading out of the room. He was going to fetch dinner.

It is true as to what Masao said. He did lack physical discipline. His father was far to concern of someone without blood taking over as head of the clan then anything. He had some friends as a child and played with them. But he couldn't stay out for to long. It was mostly study and stand by his father side. Like an object. Another thing he pointed out was most people did mistook him as a female. With his slim body and long silky hair. Many would come up to him and try to flirt with him. Until he told them that he was in fact a male. Hearing that his lord was going to teach him how to defend himself, that sounded nice. But what got to him was being called a dove. Thinking that calling someone that was saved for flattering with women.

Kiyoshi watched Lord Masao leave the room to get dinner. He sat there quiet until he heard a noise coming from outside in the garden. He was a curious lad and got up. Wondering what had made the noise. He walked over and by the door was a little kitten. He smiled and kneel down. "Are from here little one?" he asked in a gentle voice. Getting a mew from the cat. He lightly chuckled and sat down. With the kitten on his lap. Thinking he had some time before his lord came back.

Just as Kiyoshi stepped out side, another strange noise came, this one was like the patter of drums. The sound of running foot steps~! A small child rounded the corner and darted toward's Kiyoshi at full speed. the little blur had flaming orange hair. He darted right past Kiyoshi and down in to the gardens. He was followed by two slightly older children with much more Asian like features, both with dark raven long hair , yet both with startling green eyes.

"Your not getting away so easily~!!! The tallest shouted and started after whilst the medium heighted boy took notice of Kiyoshi and slid to a halt on the deck. He eyed him over gently with a strange look. "W-who are you!?" he asked quickly. The boy wa sin pretty wron frayed clothing, dirty and filthy like a boy who had been out side playing in the woods all day. He had a few cuts and scraps on his knees hands, elbows, and face.

He was relaxing peacefully with the kitten curled up in his lap, purring. Until the cat stood up and leaped off of his lap. Running quickly to a nearby bush. He blinked a couple of times, wondering what got into the cat. Until he heard the sound of footsteps coming closer. His first thought were that it was Masao returning. As he listen closely he notice that it was more then one. "It sounds like three but who would be-" his thoughts were cut off as the three children were approaching. Kiyoshi stood up and got out of the way before they had a chance of bumping into him.

The lad was quite shock to see kids here. For as long as he known. There was never any info as to Masao having a wife, let alone children. When the boy asked who he was. He blinked a couple of times. "I could ask you the same thing." he said. Then he saw hot dirty he was and the cuts. He walked up to him and kneel to his level. "Are you alright? You looked a little banged up." he said. "You should get those clean up before they get infected." he told the boy in a caring voice. "Where did you come from? Are you lost?"

The boy gave Kiyoshi a strange look. "Lost? Are you out of your mind? I live here~ You're the one who's lost~!" The shorter said. "My names Kenji-who are you and what are you doing in Shifu's bedroom?" he asked moving away from Kiyosh. The dark haired boy gaze up with vivid green eyes. "I don't think you should be here miss..." he offered setting his hands on his hips as if he were declaring a fact.

It seemed Masao did in fact keep 'demons' about his home. Very bratty, rueful ones at that!

Well he did not appreciate the kids tone or being called a lady. He cleared his throat and looks him in the eyes. "Forgive for I am new here. I am Kiyoshi Endo. I'll be working here as a palace worker for now on." he told him. In a much stern voice. He has to remember that he was a kid. So he couldn't loose his cool around him. "And just to let you know, I am a man. Not a woman. You shouldn't judge people so quickly." he lightly scolded at him. Just an old habit of his. For without his father's knowledge, he would sneak off and teach some of the kids in his village the things he had learned.

"Well, Kenji-chan are all three of you Masao-sama's brothers?"

The younge frownd at the scholding. "We don't keep slaves..." Kenji stated quite blantantly after a few moments of eying the elder over. Kiyoshi was just far too pretty to be a house worker, too frail looking indeed. Suddenly Kenji's green eyes lit up and he spun around on his heel and cupped his hands about his mouth. "Shinta~! Kelly!" he called sharply. " I think Masao-sama brought that lady friend over he was going to propose to~!" Kenji shouted before turning about and taking the elders wrist and dragging him in to the building. " You should really be sitting- its not good to stand for people in your kind of condition- I think. " Kenji said and tugged him further in before leading him over to the bed since it was closer. "Go on sit!" Kenji said.

Just then the other two boys, both as ragged as could be came up to the door. One had sharp acid green eyes and long straight black hair with very beautiful almond shaped eyes. , he was the tallest. The shortest had vivid bright orange hair trimmed a bit shorter that was a total mess. the bridge of his nose was flecked with freckles and he had beautiful cornflower blue eyes. Had they been out in a regular town they would indeed draw some stairs and harsh words.

The talestand eldest of the three leaned against the wooden door frame and sighed. "Kenji you idiot- that a guy not a girl... He cant possibly be the woman from the geisha house." Shinta barked out.

Kenji huffed. "Well hey she could just be in disguise~! I mean after all Masao said she was pregnant- you know what they do to pregnant geisha?" he asked with a huff." I mean isnt it odd enough Masao wants to marry a geisha who's pregnant with a child that isn't his? How else would they sneak her here?" Kenji asked.

"Ni-san... Your such a dolt some times." Kelly pointed out in a very soft tone.

"There's a difference between servant and slave young man." he scolded the boy once more. Couldn't believe what was really coming out of the kid's mouth. He was just a free help in hand, A worker for the lord of the castle. Like the male he met earlier, Jun. Surely he worked for the lord as well. Then his expression changed from annoyed to confused. Seeing the younger lad face change to a shock. He tilted his head to the side and wondered what was going on inside his ming. Until he heard him call out the names of the other two children. Then his face turned a little red when he accused him of being female again. "Now listen here. I had been very patient with you up to this point, but if you call me a few more one more time-ah hey!" he yelped when he was grabbed by Kenji and being dragged back into the palace.

As they walked in. He heard what he said about people in his 'condition' shouldn't be wondering around. That just made the former heir more confused then ever. "What on earth is this lad talking about. What condition? I am healthy as a horse." he thought to himself. When told to sit on the bed. He was about to ask him what he was thinking when the to other boys came in and took a quick look over at them. To him they both looked different then from what he seen before. Thinking that they had some foreign blood with in them.

Kiyoshi remained quiet as the boys talked to one another. Hearing that Kenji thought he was carrying a child. Did he look fat? That's what he was getting from them. Still even with the older boy, he still couldn't get through the middle one. He sighed and kneel down once again. Only this time he grabbed hold og his cheeks and pinched them. Lightly pulling on them, not bringing real harm to him. "Now you listen here. I am not a woman. I am not pregnant. And I am not the woman that Kenji wants to marry. I am just a humble servant. Nothing more." he told him. "Now get that through your skull or I will continue to pull on your cheeks." he warn him in a stern voice.

Kenji sighed and shook his head. "Well of cores there's a difference between a slave and a servant... servants get paid and aren't forces to stay against their wishes... and you don't look too happy to be here and your far to weak to be o any real use.... your just a shinny bauble." Kenji pointed out quite bluntly.
"Dammit Kenji don't you posses manners in the lsightest?" Shinta barked.

Sure I do I asked her t sit down didn't I?" He asked setting his hands on his hips.

"Alright- that's enough." Masao's smooth heavy voice called sternly from behind Kiyoshi. His voice was quick to draw the attention of all three. "Look at the mess you little brats dragged in- you best hope all your chores are done to be playing bout like such." he offered in a warring tone.

Kenji laughed nervously. "Yeah about that... kay gotta go bye~!" Th other two quickly followed suit high tailing it out of there. Masao sighed and brought the large tray urther n to the room and set it down on the table. "Hope they dind't scare you too much... their bites a bit worse than their bark I'm afraid."

When Kenji said that he was weak, Kiyoshi got a little more mad and pinch and pull on his cheeks a little harder. It was true that he was not real please being here, but he was not going to let people call him a slave. That was to demeaning. He may not be able to take over the Endo clan, but he was still a member and will not break that easily. He'll still follow orders, but he not loose who he is.

He finally lets go of the kid's cheeks when he heard the familiar voice of Masao. Looking up and over his shoulder. He didn't even heard him come in. Now he knows that he can not afford to have his guard down around him. When he talk to the children about finishing their chores. He couldn't help to smile a little as they ran off. Reminding him of how he was like as a child.

As the lord of the castle explain about how the kids are around other people. He walks over to the table. "It's quite alright. Boys will be boys." he said. Looking down at the tea kettle and the two empty cups. "May I pour you some tea?" he asked in a calm polite tone.

Masao smiled and shook his head. "Sit down, your my guest tonight." He purred before moving up to the other and set his hands on his hips and gently maneuvered him towards a seating arrangement. "You should take advantaged of this threat... For staring tomorrow you'll have to work pretty hard if you want me to spoil you." Masao laughed gently moving to sit himself. He gently undercover the tray to show a nice, hot steamy, Yaki soba sort of meal with black tiger shrimp on the side. Gently Masao reached out ad poured them both a cup of tea."Now then... is there anything you wish to discuss? Askme about? That is before I go over all the house rules." Masao asked gently picking up a set of chop sticks.

It was strange to hear that he was a 'guest' tonight. For he was now an object or he felt, of peace between him and his home land. Still, with him forcing him down. He sits down on the cushion and keeps his eyes down. Only looking up when he mention that tomorrow was going to be busy for him and would be a long time until he would enjoy something like this again. "I understand. Thank you." he said and slightly bowed towards him. Kiyoshi got a whiff of the food and took a gaze at everything. Each dish look better then the next. When asked if there was anything he wanted to ask his lord. He took a moment to think. Before he said. "Well just what are my duties, Masao-sama." he told him. Keeping his eyes low.

Masao smiled at that question. "Well, what ever task or order I give you honestly. If I give you a long list of chores, I expect them done by the time I ask them to be. If I tell you to stay in bed and sleep the day away, I expect you to do that as well. If I ask you to run errands I expect you to do them with efficiency, and speed. If I tell you to duck, you duck, if I tell you to jump, you jump. I have very high expectations of you." Masao purred and he picked up a shrimp with his chopsticks and dipped it in a bit of soy sauce before setting it in his bowl of Yaki soba.

"I'll tell you this; I'll treat you with the same respect, and discipline as I do my own...family. Your not going to be my slave nor my pet. You've been ostracize from your former clan and hopefully you'll learn to like being apart of my little 'family'." Masao explained. "Is that all you wish to know?" he asked gently.

It had seemed the white haired male had the idea of keeping the younger and even giving him the privilege of such an honor.

Listen to what he was going to do while he was here. He soak it all in. Kiyoshi thought as must as to what he was doing anyway. So far everything he said sounded like he expected. Do things around the palace and follow every command he orders, simple enough. What threw him off was him saying that he hoped that he would think that he was part of his family. He didn't think that he would say anything like that. But he was most grateful that he would think of him as a pet. He didn't know what to say to that. No one had ever said anything like that to him before.

Being asked if there way anything else. He was quiet for a moment. Then he looks up at him with a shy expression on his face. "If..if is not to personal, Who were those children?" he asked. "Are they yours?"

Masao seemed to watch the shy movemeants with a small smile enjoying how sweetand innocent Kiyoshi appeared. "The eldest and most responsible is called Shinta, The middle and worst behaved, is known as Kenji, and the youngest and sweetest is known as Kelly. I sire over them as f thy were my own flesh and blood.However they are not. I did not fool around with any beautiful women to get those little devils. Their parents asked me to take them and I was more than happy to. Kelly and Shinta were from the same family, Kelly's parents were of foreign lands whilst Shinta was their house slave. Kenji's mother died and his father did not wish to keep him. Kelly's parents were... well... Shinta slayed them at the age of seven. He poisoned their super and took Kelly out of the home before setting it to flame...Shinta is beyond his years... He's not cruel; he's actually very kind-hearted, forgiving, and a great care taker... How ever I've come to notice that he refuses to be mistreated... which is what happened. Kelly's parents had treated him like property, and very expendable property at that. " Masao explained. "The three of them respect me quite well, at least most of the time... and from what it seems I might have to have a little...talk with them over how they were treating you ot too long ago." Masao stated.

"So he took them in. This man is very kindhearted from what I am seeing. But I would done the same thing as well." he thought to himself. As Masao continued to talk about the origin of the three young lads. He was also starting to understand why Kenji was acting so rude to him. For he had seen something like that happen before. It was so cruel to see that happen. Okay his father did that to just now, but he was okay with it for most part. Because he was an adult, and that he agreed to it. With his own selfish reasons behind it. When he said that he was going to have a little talk with them. He looks up at him. "Don't be to harsh on them. Boys get a little rowdy at times. Besides they didn't know I was even here. For all they know, I could of been trying to rob your palace, Masao-sama." he said. Keeping his head low.

Masao found the male sort of humorous in suggesting he not be harsh with them. "If I were you, I'd be more concerned about my own skin right now..." Masao purred. "They know quite well that if they refuse to talk about the issue at hand first that I become... a bit 'harsh' with them." Masao chuckled softly. "Now then... House rules... You may find them a bit strange and unusably but I have my reasons for them. Rule number one, seeing as your quite new, you do not go out side unless you ask permission first. Rule two, If I deliberate set you in a room and close the door- you do not touch that door; you are respected to stay in there. Rule number three, other than the kictchen and non personal furnitue you don't touch anythig unless it is given to you to keep or you ask permission. Rule number four, you do not go in to the room at the end of the hall in the north wing. Rule five, you are not to start any sort of a fire. Rule six, Do not wander about the palace at night. Rule seven, Don't be foul with your verbiage. Rule eight, never.... I repeat, never lie to me. Rule nine, you start something you finish it. Rule ten, always look me in the eyes when I am speaking to you."

The last rule was a bit weird, the norm was you weren't supposed to look some one in there eyes, specially your master! However, Masao quite enjoyed eye contact, it let him to see in to the persons feelings, he could very well read them usually do to eye gestures, or body language.

When he was going over the list of the rules of the palace. Kiyoshi listen into him carefully. Taking every rule into his mind. So that he wouldn't bring same to his clan. Even though he was no longer the heir to the clan he was still part of it...right? He didn't give it that much. Then when he heard his lord say to always look him in the eyes when spoken to. He tensed up and lifts his head. For he didn't know that he was already breaking one of the rules. But he was just doing what he saw from the servants from his home. They never did look up at him or his father.

"I understand, Masao-sama. I will follow your rules to the end." he said respectably. Slightly bowing to him before sitting up straight.

"I should add in a rule eleven for you...Your family now, quit with the formalities... formality should be saved for formal occasions... relax a little... " Masao offered finding the submissive trait a bit cute, but perhaps too much of it. Masao sighed gently before taking a small sip of tea and started on his dinner quite lightly as he observed the younger. " Should you ever decide to court, in the futuer... I believe we'll have to discuss arrangements to such." he added taking note that the younger was much older then his brats there fore he would have to make other arrangements. Masao was pretty sure a teenager didn't want to her bed time stories.

He stares him in the eyes once more when he told him to stop beinf so formal. He wanted to say that it would be disgraceful to his family name if he were to stop calling him by his title, but since Masao told him to stop. He will obey his order. "Okay. I understand." he said a a shy tone of voice. When not speaking formally, he tends to speak in a shy voice. Since he didn't socialize a lot as a child. Mostly he was in his room all alone. With the palace servants popping in now and again to check on him now and again. When the lord wasn't speaking wasn't talking to him as he ate. The young lad's eyes went back to looking down at the ground. But they popped right back up when he spoke once more. On being court from his clan. He shook his head no. "I'm fine." he simply told him.

Masao paused gently and set his chop sticks down. "You should eat it'll help you relax a bit more." He offered noticing that the younger hadn't even touched his set yet. "That is unless you want me to help you eat- I wouldn't mind feeding you like a child; I get enough practice with Kelly." Masao was jesting with him. Joking about how if he wouldn't eat he's 'spoon-feed him'. Masao really was trying to be nice but he was starting to get the feeling he that the younger wouldn't warm up so easily. Masao only had a few years of practice with his three boys, but it seemed this one wouldn't be so easily amused nor perked up. It appeared as though he would either have to leave it alone and sort of let the relation ship he was attempting to build die, or come up with some plan to bring the other a bit of joy.

His face was red as a tomato when he joking about feeding him. "No! I do can that all on my own." he said. Putting his hands together and saying thanks for the food. Before picking up the chopsticks, and pick up some of the yaki soba. Slurping into his mouth and bit off what he could get into his mouth. He chewed and gulped it down. "It..it's good." he said with a smile on his face. Looking at his lord with a shy but happy expression on his face.

Masao was drinking it up. Oh the younger certainly was still quite untainted. So he did retain some childish qualities becoming flustered over a small tease. This could prove to be interesting. "All right I believe you." Masao offering up a hand as if to calm the younger down.

He lightly chuckled and went back to eating. As he ate he sees Masao hand sticking out and stared at it. For he had no idea what he wanted. He looks around and then picks up his plate. "Do you want some of my? You have it. I don't eat much anyway." he said shyly. Looking him in the eyes.

Masao shook his head gently and sighed."No eat you supper." e said setting his hand down. It seemed this one also lacked a bit of social skills. He was flying his 'freak flag' with out even knowing it.