[fic] Tantricity
Title: Tantricity
Author: fencer_x
Rating: PGish, nothing too horrible~
Pairing: Vishnu/Parvati
Summary: Parvati's been distracted lately, and Vishnu helps bring him back into focus.
Vishnu had to admit that, while a seemingly obvious observation, sometimes it was quite good to be King.
"Vishnu-sama?"
The king didn't open his eyes at the faint intrusion, quite happily relaxed against the ledge of the small pool in the bathing chamber, and offered only a, "Hm?" in return. If it was anything terribly pressing, he hoped they would send a servant with a bit more backbone and a voice that didn't get lost in the humid mists of the sauna. He took a deep breath, letting the thick air permeate him, driving moisture back into his skin and soothing away the aches that came with a full day of actual work.
Not that his work was anything of the physical variety; but still, between surveying the construction on the new roads and repairs to the eastern gate, entertaining an envoy from the southern coastal town responsible for delivering much of the seafood their inner-country capital enjoyed, and spending a good two hours straight-backed and stern behind a large desk penning his mark on a stack of papers and parchments that nearly dwarfed him...it was nice, now. To sit silent and calm, buoyed by the fragrant bathwaters murky and cloudy with infusions of bath salts of all sorts--this was the proper way to end a day.
The voice from the doorway came again, interrupting his muddled thoughts on whether to ask the masseuse for a rose or mint oil backrub after he finished bathing. "Vishnu-sama: Parvati humbly requests entrance."
Eyes still closed, Vishnu smiled to himself, taking his time in responding. Three weeks now under Parvati's careful attentions, and he'd recovered to nearly full strength, an ugly scar and sensitive new skin all that remained of Shiva's reluctant work. It still ached a bit if he overstretched himself, but he supposed he could stomach an occasional twinge of pain over sailing off into the next life altogether. But despite three weeks spent freely flitting in and out of the palace wing restricted to the royal family and their servants, Parvati still felt the need to ask permission.
Then again, he was a servant--in the sense that all citizens in the kingdom were ultimately servants under their king. But Parvati was a ward of the shrine priests, the last surviving member of a great line of men and matrons who had guarded the tomb of Kapilavastu in the thousand years it had stood. He was less a glorified bodyman changing his master's bandages and more a valued subject who had served as a welcome distraction from the frantic apothecaries and druggists in the castle's employ. There was something to be said for a bedside manner, and for whatever reason, Parvati had an excellent one--even before he'd allowed himself to relax likely as much as propriety would permit in Vishnu's presence.
"Send him in," Vishnu finally responded, not moving an inch from his spot reclined on the shallow steps, and a soft shuffling told him that the servant had slipped away to pass along the permission. Parvati was...strange. If Vishnu could manage to get him alone--a feat, given that a king was almost never alone; privacy was sacrificed with power--he was quite entertaining company, ready to deliver castle gossip when pressed, and a witty conversation partner, having received a relatively formal education in the shrine's libraries as a child. Were he of nobler birth, he might have been picked up by some enterprising elder councilor in need of a protege, ultimately finding himself in relative wealth and comfort, possibly in attendance at the palace. It was almost frightening how a simple thing like the blood in one's veins landed Vishnu relaxing in the royal baths and Parvati patiently waiting outside the door--rather than relaxing with him.
He heard the soft pad of slippers across the slick tile before the amused voice floated over. "You've been in here over an hour. You're going to turn into a prune if you stay much longer."
Vishnu ignored the warning and cracked an eye open, glancing back towards the door. "We're alone now?"
Parvati's arms were crossed, and he stepped closer--hesitation dogging his heels but still trying to affect the boldness Vishnu craved. "As alone as we can be."
Vishnu shifted around, maneuvering to brace his long legs crouched against the edge of the pool, and gave a quick shove off, propelling himself the short distance to the opposite side where Parvati stood, toes of his slippers just brushing the edge and staring down at him in amused reproach.
It was a game of cat and mouse, their interactions. One of the few genuine joys in Vishnu's day was seeing just how far he could push Parvati from his comfort zone into an area he deemed "improper" for interaction between a servant and master. Not that impropriety ever really discouraged Parvati entirely from showing affection--not now at least--but it was a treat to remind him that permission was something that lay unspoken between them now, and that ideas such as improper and untowards had no place in Vishnu's private chambers.
Unbidden, Parvati dropped to one knee until he was at nearly eyelevel with Vishnu, the soft flush coloring his cheeks having absolutely nothing to do with the clinging heat of the bath. His lips quirked up at one corner, like he was particularly pleased with himself for taking such initiative before Vishnu even suggested it, but only a moment later and he'd cast his eyes down in shame, conscious of Vishnu's gaze on him.
Vishnu reached of a hand to tilt his head back straight, cupping his chin softly, and chuckled. "You're agreeable this evening."
Parvati pursed his lips; he liked to think he was mostly agreeable every evening. Or at least was easily convinced to lean one way or another. "The day...has been long today."
Vishnu's brow crinkled; that hadn't been the response he'd expected, and he tried not to let a note of worry enter his voice. "Some trying matter or another required your attention?"
But Parvati only gave a slight shake to his head, the beads dangling from his snood grazing the back of Vishnu's hand, and fought back a small smile. "I was distracted; my thoughts were elsewhere and it was quite disconcerting."
Vishnu cocked his head, bemused and completely not following Parvati's obviously carefully laid out breadcrumbs. "You're really not making much sense, Par--" He was cut off when Parvati bodily impressed upon him exactly what he meant about being distracted and out of sorts, brushing his soft, dry lips over Vishnu's own with just enough pressure to reassure the king that this was no idle, hollow gesture, that Parvati had indeed been working since noon to drum up the courage to go through with the act.
Parvati sucked just hard enough that there was a soft smack when he pulled back, long fingers gripping the edge of the pool like talons hanging on for dear life as he teetered on the edge. His lips quirked up and down at the corners, fighting down a hopeful smile with a more respectful mien. "Please forgive my brashness," he breathed, but it came out almost like a laugh, light and breathy, giddy with the rush.
Vishnu took a moment to remember to take in air, finding Parvati's inability to paste on any one expression infectious as he fought against his own impulse to just collapse into giggles he hadn't felt the urge to indulge in since his teenage years. "...You don't sound very apologetic."
Parvati leaned back to balance on the balls of his feet, arms crossed before him as he relaxed at the pool's edge. "Vishnu-sama's hearing is acute as ever."
Vishnu regarded him for a moment, unsure of what to make of the kiss and hesitant to read more into it than he was sure Parvati was willing to offer. "I suppose it is I, then, who should apologize. I've disrupted your workday with carnal thoughts."
Parvati blushed here, and Vishnu knew he'd stepped over the line. "It's only...I missed your company." His lips seemed to have finally decided on how they wanted to hang, choosing a thin line of guarded amusement and doing a poor job of hiding his discomfort. "I've seen so little of you over the past few days; we've spoken barely a word outside of your chambers."
Indeed, in the week now since Vishnu had relieved Shiva of his proxy rule, resuming his usual duties, he'd been swept up in a whirlwind of advisors and councilors all seeking his ear to right whatever wrongs Shiva had somehow managed to commit in his brief stint heading the country. Gone were the lazy afternoons in the library spent listening to Parvati read him eccentric love poems from a dusty old tome or late evenings of enjoying a nightcap while Parvati regaled him with idle gossip gleaned from the kitchen staff--their eyes now met only across the broad expanse of the pillow at the head of Vishnu's bed, where Parvati still politely indulged him his selfish insistence that they share at least their nights together.
Not that anything untoward ever happened beneath the luxurious sheets; Vishnu sometimes wondered if all his time at temple had robbed Parvati of any urges that young men his age were typically rife with, for while he never denied Vishnu the idle affectionate brush of lips in the morning, he seemed to regard the gesture as little more than a greeting, never pressing for more. But then Parvati would do something like he'd just done, some little something that reassured Vishnu they were only going about this in a slow, tantric manner, and that perhaps in time their desires would meet and coalesce into some greater act.
Vishnu licked his lips, canting his head down in apology. "I am sorry for the circumstances, you know. But...it really can't be helped; I'm the king, and I--"
"Oh, oh--no--" Parvati interrupted, and then immediately brought his hands up to cover his mouth, mortified at speaking so clearly out of turn. But there was nothing to undo the damage now, and he continued in a stream of babbled reassurances. "I meant no blame--I only wanted to explain my...actions." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, centering himself. "I had hoped you...would not mind such a small, selfish indulgence..."
At this, Vishnu laughed aloud; Parvati could be so very thick at times. There was deference a servant should show his master, and then there was abject, innocent ignorance--Vishnu often had trouble discerning which of the two weighed more heavily on Parvati. "If that is your idea of a selfish indulgence, then I am afraid I must confess to being a greedy, greedy man myself." He heaved his top half up and out of the water, balancing his weight on his arms crossed before him. He opened his mouth to continue with some cocky witticism, but paused in reflection, eventually ceding, "...I've missed you as well." Parvati's flush deepened, but the smile grew more genuine, and the way he averted his eyes and covered his lips now set no feelings of guilt or impropriety settling over Vishnu's chest, instead leaving him feeling lighter. "Have you finished your work for the day?" A nod, and Vishnu's grin widened to an almost maniacal size. "Excellent." They had time aplenty, it seemed.
"Well then," Vishnu began, slipping back away from the ledge to the chest-deep portion of the pool, and started to do lazy laps lengthwise. "What fascinating news dominated the laypeople's social circles today?"
Parvati paced alongside him, slowly traipsing just behind his king's trailing form and following the ripples in the water almost silently. "I fear I bring no truly entertaining gossip this evening. Although, word among the fruit vendors is that this year's grapes are to be the finest harvest in a decade, and the wineries are fighting tooth and nail for first pick."
Vishnu laughed, coughing when a wave splashed water into his face, and shook his head like a hound. "I'm sure I'll be hearing about that in the next few days."
Parvati smiled, secretly pleased with himself for bringing news which hadn't reached Vishnu's ears yet. While he didn't imagine himself as any sort of advisor to the crown, it did bring him pleasure to know Vishnu benefited from their chats. So long as he was useful in some way or another, he had hope that Vishnu wouldn't send him away. "Also..." He paused, wary of broaching this subject he had carried around with him since the morning's dispatches had arrived. "...Shiva-sama received a message--delivered by one of the envoys that passes along letters between soldier companies in the field and those in the city."
Vishnu straightened up, wiping his face, and sniffed. "...Well? You're not going to keep me in suspense are you?"
Parvati shook his head in amusement and squatted at the ledge. "It was from Pasupata-sama. Apparently he and Nataraja-sama are only one or two days outside of the city, and are expected to return by sundown tomorrow." He passed a small handtowel to Vishnu, who gratefully used it to wipe his face, breathing deep into the soft linen. "Shiva-sama will probably want to have some sort of festive dinner to celebrate."
"Indeed," came the muffled agreement, and after a moment, he pulled the towel away, glancing Parvati up and down with a strangely concerned expression. He cleared his throat and hazarded, "...So you're...fine with them returning, then? Nataraja..."
Parvati blinked, a soft, "Eh?" worming its way from his mouth before he could catch himself. "I'm not quite sure what..."
Vishnu licked his lips and coughed softly, stepping closer. The murky water rippled around his midsection, sending waves out in ever-expanding circles across the pool. "You needn't play coy. He is--was...a trusted friend of Shiva's, and something like a brother to myself as well--though I won't claim to have spent nearly as much time with him as perhaps Shiva and Pasupata, but..." He didn't continue, as Parvati's expression indicated that he understood Vishnu's caution perfectly.
Perhaps Nataraja had been confused; perhaps he'd been tricked. Perhaps he'd just succumbed to Niganda's silver-tongued lies and false promises, as even Adis seemed to have been. But circumstances changed nothing of the fact that Nataraja had betrayed his friends, had kidnapped Parvati and effectively tossed him to the lions. If Parvati was not comfortable with welcoming back with figurative open arms, Vishnu would hardly blame him--and was more than willing to see to it that action was taken to relieve any concern regarding the situation. Nataraja had made his bed; he could damn well sleep in it, for all the trouble he'd caused.
He studied Parvati's face, cautiously gauging his reaction, and straightened up when Parvati smiled softly, shaking his head. "Regardless of his past actions, Nataraja-sama's place is here in the palace with Shiva-sama and Pasupata-sama--and Vishnu-sama and myself as well. I'd much rather see him here among friends than anywhere else--though admittedly, it isn't my place to grant or deny such a reprieve."
Vishnu raked a glance over him, lingering just long enough to discern that Parvati wasn't forcing anything, but truly felt that their friend deserved a clean slate and new start--and while he quite obviously thought his opinion mattered little, Vishnu had very often teased an opinion from him during their time together, eager for an outsider's view of various problems plaguing him. More often than not, he took such unknowingly given thoughts under careful consideration, a matter which Parvati would likely not be pleased with should it ever come to light. He seemed to think his opinions worth too little for Vishnu to take notice of, when Vishnu himself could think of no better party than one unconnected to the castle for offering an unbiased opinion. He sighed, shaking his head. "I only hope Pasupata's had time to beat some sense into him." This sort of incident couldn't happen again--and he certainly had no intentions of being lenient on any parties from here on out that threatened those he cared for.
Parvati smiled softly, grateful, and padded off to a wardrobe set against the back wall, drawing a bath towel from the deep cupboard at the bottom and carrying it back to Vishnu as he approached the shallow steps out of the pool. Water cascaded off of Vishnu's shoulders, down his back, dripping to the floor in rivulets to puddle at his feet, but Vishnu found himself almost too distracted with Parvati's amusing display of modesty to care enough to sop himself dry. "Is the tile here so very interesting, Parvati?" he teased, relieving Parvati of the towel and mopping his chest and arms first.
A frown worked its way across Parvati's features, a sure sign of his rising displeasure. He ignored the taunting bait. "Shall I fetch your robe as well, Vishnu-sama?" He spoke the man's name full with his title in retaliation, knowing full well that Vishnu had been trying to train Parvati to be less conscious of station in private. It was a cheap trick, but one which worked well--he was technically doing nothing wrong, simply paying his king the proper respects, and thus could not in good conscience be punished for it in any manner. Vishnu didn't respond, though, and Parvati didn't seem to expect him to, instead coughing softly into his fist to clear his throat and maneuvering the conversation to safer territory. "...I'd like to check your scar, if I may."
Vishnu regarded him silently before consenting with a soft, "Aah," and wrapped the towel around his waist, letting the cloth ride low enough on his hips that Parvati could inspect the soft tissue unimpeded. After a minute of being poked and prodded and answering yes or no for, "Does this hurt? And here?" he hazarded softly, in a voice he hoped wasn't met with more cold, stone walls, "Nudity embarrasses you." Not a question, just an observation--and yet Parvati still paused, hesitating to continue his inspection.
"That's..."
"It shouldn't, you know."
"I didn't say it did."
"It's natural, nudity."
"Many things are natural which humans have risen above, Vishnu-sama."
Vishnu crossed his arms, just to make it more difficult for Parvati to reach the scar tissue. "Yet why should appearing in our natural state be one of them? Nudity in and of itself isn't sexual--you understand that, I assume?"
Parvati straightened up again with a beleagured sigh, arms limp at his sides as he gave up his task. "Fine--then, if you enjoy ruling your world in the state that you entered it, why not pass an edict banning any and all unnecessary clothing? No more tunics, gloves, gowns--" He gestured with one hand to the thin towel, licking his lips unconsciously as he raked his gaze across Vishnu's lower half. "--towels even. No more than large enough to wipe down a table, perhaps."
Vishnu shook his head, defeated. "I would...but Nataraja would just throw a fit. And I haven't the time or ear to listen to it--so, clothing it is. Besides--" A shrug. "--they're quite fun to take off."
Parvati studied his face, confused for a moment as to whether or not he were actually serious, relieved to find a smile working at the king's lips, and ran his hands through his hair in mock frustration, sighing again. "Honestly."
"What?" Vishnu laughed, lifting his arms again when Parvati resumed his ministrations. "I'm serious. You doubt me?"
Instead, Parvati ignored him, running two fingers lightly along the now-closed wound. "I see no signs of tearing or further infection; I'm hardly the palace medic, but it does appear you've about made a full recovery."
Vishnu craned his head to see the scar as Parvati saw it and hmmed softly. "I'm curious--what will you do when I'm fully healed? You certainly won't need to be in and out of my chambers at all hours of the day and night." He phrased the comment lightly, careful to avoid introducing any bias, as he was genuinely curious as to how Parvati would respond.
Parvati didn't meet his gaze, instead continuing the stare at the scar tissue, softly massaging the tender skin in mesmerizing little circles. After a particularly deep breath, he responded just as lightly, "I suppose I'll have to ask Shiva-sama to stab you again."
Vishnu blinked a few times in quick succession, initially finding it difficult to process the fact that Parvati had not only made a joke, but made one about fratricide against the crown, of all things. Perhaps he wasn't as hopeless as Vishnu had first thought.
He reached one hand out, gripping Parvati's wrists in both hands, and pressed them against his sides, enjoying the warmth radiating from the palms flat against his skin while massaging the delicate wrists held in his grip. "...If you could, then, have him aim for the other side?" This did the trick, and Parvati snorted inelegantly, pulling at his wrist to try and cover the action. When Vishnu held him fast, he just kept his head cocked down and to the side, biting his lip. "I suppose it would be a small price to pay, though."
"Eh?" Parvati's gaze shot upward, locking with Vishnu's own and clearly projecting his confusion as to why he hadn't been reprimanded for the tasteless joke. "...For what?"
Vishnu released one of his wrists, reaching up to steady Parvati's chin as he leaned down to press their lips together. "Leave to distract you this way." But Parvati gave a rough tug, freeing both hands now, and lifted up to balance on the balls of his feet, curling his fingers at Vishnu's nape to meet his kiss halfway. The combined force and surprise of the action nearly sent them both sprawling to the ground, but Vishnu quickly recovered, steadying and gentling the unusually passionate greeting and trying not to be so obvious in his enjoyment of the entire atmosphere surrounding them--the dissipating humidity leaving goosebumps along his exposed flesh, the luxurious sensation of the tulle draping Parvati's silk uniform tickling lightly against his bare chest, the lingering scent of a hundred herbs and fragrances enveloping his senses.
Parvati whined softly against his lips, and Vishnu closed his eyes and tamped down any instinctual response that reared its ugly head, realizing that perhaps Parvati wasn't the only one in danger of being distracted in the future. He wondered, idly, if he could claim medical leave again for this and just lock himself away for another few weeks while he and Parvati took care of this problem.
No, no. On further reflection: sometimes being King just outright sucked.
Author: fencer_x
Rating: PGish, nothing too horrible~
Pairing: Vishnu/Parvati
Summary: Parvati's been distracted lately, and Vishnu helps bring him back into focus.
Vishnu had to admit that, while a seemingly obvious observation, sometimes it was quite good to be King.
"Vishnu-sama?"
The king didn't open his eyes at the faint intrusion, quite happily relaxed against the ledge of the small pool in the bathing chamber, and offered only a, "Hm?" in return. If it was anything terribly pressing, he hoped they would send a servant with a bit more backbone and a voice that didn't get lost in the humid mists of the sauna. He took a deep breath, letting the thick air permeate him, driving moisture back into his skin and soothing away the aches that came with a full day of actual work.
Not that his work was anything of the physical variety; but still, between surveying the construction on the new roads and repairs to the eastern gate, entertaining an envoy from the southern coastal town responsible for delivering much of the seafood their inner-country capital enjoyed, and spending a good two hours straight-backed and stern behind a large desk penning his mark on a stack of papers and parchments that nearly dwarfed him...it was nice, now. To sit silent and calm, buoyed by the fragrant bathwaters murky and cloudy with infusions of bath salts of all sorts--this was the proper way to end a day.
The voice from the doorway came again, interrupting his muddled thoughts on whether to ask the masseuse for a rose or mint oil backrub after he finished bathing. "Vishnu-sama: Parvati humbly requests entrance."
Eyes still closed, Vishnu smiled to himself, taking his time in responding. Three weeks now under Parvati's careful attentions, and he'd recovered to nearly full strength, an ugly scar and sensitive new skin all that remained of Shiva's reluctant work. It still ached a bit if he overstretched himself, but he supposed he could stomach an occasional twinge of pain over sailing off into the next life altogether. But despite three weeks spent freely flitting in and out of the palace wing restricted to the royal family and their servants, Parvati still felt the need to ask permission.
Then again, he was a servant--in the sense that all citizens in the kingdom were ultimately servants under their king. But Parvati was a ward of the shrine priests, the last surviving member of a great line of men and matrons who had guarded the tomb of Kapilavastu in the thousand years it had stood. He was less a glorified bodyman changing his master's bandages and more a valued subject who had served as a welcome distraction from the frantic apothecaries and druggists in the castle's employ. There was something to be said for a bedside manner, and for whatever reason, Parvati had an excellent one--even before he'd allowed himself to relax likely as much as propriety would permit in Vishnu's presence.
"Send him in," Vishnu finally responded, not moving an inch from his spot reclined on the shallow steps, and a soft shuffling told him that the servant had slipped away to pass along the permission. Parvati was...strange. If Vishnu could manage to get him alone--a feat, given that a king was almost never alone; privacy was sacrificed with power--he was quite entertaining company, ready to deliver castle gossip when pressed, and a witty conversation partner, having received a relatively formal education in the shrine's libraries as a child. Were he of nobler birth, he might have been picked up by some enterprising elder councilor in need of a protege, ultimately finding himself in relative wealth and comfort, possibly in attendance at the palace. It was almost frightening how a simple thing like the blood in one's veins landed Vishnu relaxing in the royal baths and Parvati patiently waiting outside the door--rather than relaxing with him.
He heard the soft pad of slippers across the slick tile before the amused voice floated over. "You've been in here over an hour. You're going to turn into a prune if you stay much longer."
Vishnu ignored the warning and cracked an eye open, glancing back towards the door. "We're alone now?"
Parvati's arms were crossed, and he stepped closer--hesitation dogging his heels but still trying to affect the boldness Vishnu craved. "As alone as we can be."
Vishnu shifted around, maneuvering to brace his long legs crouched against the edge of the pool, and gave a quick shove off, propelling himself the short distance to the opposite side where Parvati stood, toes of his slippers just brushing the edge and staring down at him in amused reproach.
It was a game of cat and mouse, their interactions. One of the few genuine joys in Vishnu's day was seeing just how far he could push Parvati from his comfort zone into an area he deemed "improper" for interaction between a servant and master. Not that impropriety ever really discouraged Parvati entirely from showing affection--not now at least--but it was a treat to remind him that permission was something that lay unspoken between them now, and that ideas such as improper and untowards had no place in Vishnu's private chambers.
Unbidden, Parvati dropped to one knee until he was at nearly eyelevel with Vishnu, the soft flush coloring his cheeks having absolutely nothing to do with the clinging heat of the bath. His lips quirked up at one corner, like he was particularly pleased with himself for taking such initiative before Vishnu even suggested it, but only a moment later and he'd cast his eyes down in shame, conscious of Vishnu's gaze on him.
Vishnu reached of a hand to tilt his head back straight, cupping his chin softly, and chuckled. "You're agreeable this evening."
Parvati pursed his lips; he liked to think he was mostly agreeable every evening. Or at least was easily convinced to lean one way or another. "The day...has been long today."
Vishnu's brow crinkled; that hadn't been the response he'd expected, and he tried not to let a note of worry enter his voice. "Some trying matter or another required your attention?"
But Parvati only gave a slight shake to his head, the beads dangling from his snood grazing the back of Vishnu's hand, and fought back a small smile. "I was distracted; my thoughts were elsewhere and it was quite disconcerting."
Vishnu cocked his head, bemused and completely not following Parvati's obviously carefully laid out breadcrumbs. "You're really not making much sense, Par--" He was cut off when Parvati bodily impressed upon him exactly what he meant about being distracted and out of sorts, brushing his soft, dry lips over Vishnu's own with just enough pressure to reassure the king that this was no idle, hollow gesture, that Parvati had indeed been working since noon to drum up the courage to go through with the act.
Parvati sucked just hard enough that there was a soft smack when he pulled back, long fingers gripping the edge of the pool like talons hanging on for dear life as he teetered on the edge. His lips quirked up and down at the corners, fighting down a hopeful smile with a more respectful mien. "Please forgive my brashness," he breathed, but it came out almost like a laugh, light and breathy, giddy with the rush.
Vishnu took a moment to remember to take in air, finding Parvati's inability to paste on any one expression infectious as he fought against his own impulse to just collapse into giggles he hadn't felt the urge to indulge in since his teenage years. "...You don't sound very apologetic."
Parvati leaned back to balance on the balls of his feet, arms crossed before him as he relaxed at the pool's edge. "Vishnu-sama's hearing is acute as ever."
Vishnu regarded him for a moment, unsure of what to make of the kiss and hesitant to read more into it than he was sure Parvati was willing to offer. "I suppose it is I, then, who should apologize. I've disrupted your workday with carnal thoughts."
Parvati blushed here, and Vishnu knew he'd stepped over the line. "It's only...I missed your company." His lips seemed to have finally decided on how they wanted to hang, choosing a thin line of guarded amusement and doing a poor job of hiding his discomfort. "I've seen so little of you over the past few days; we've spoken barely a word outside of your chambers."
Indeed, in the week now since Vishnu had relieved Shiva of his proxy rule, resuming his usual duties, he'd been swept up in a whirlwind of advisors and councilors all seeking his ear to right whatever wrongs Shiva had somehow managed to commit in his brief stint heading the country. Gone were the lazy afternoons in the library spent listening to Parvati read him eccentric love poems from a dusty old tome or late evenings of enjoying a nightcap while Parvati regaled him with idle gossip gleaned from the kitchen staff--their eyes now met only across the broad expanse of the pillow at the head of Vishnu's bed, where Parvati still politely indulged him his selfish insistence that they share at least their nights together.
Not that anything untoward ever happened beneath the luxurious sheets; Vishnu sometimes wondered if all his time at temple had robbed Parvati of any urges that young men his age were typically rife with, for while he never denied Vishnu the idle affectionate brush of lips in the morning, he seemed to regard the gesture as little more than a greeting, never pressing for more. But then Parvati would do something like he'd just done, some little something that reassured Vishnu they were only going about this in a slow, tantric manner, and that perhaps in time their desires would meet and coalesce into some greater act.
Vishnu licked his lips, canting his head down in apology. "I am sorry for the circumstances, you know. But...it really can't be helped; I'm the king, and I--"
"Oh, oh--no--" Parvati interrupted, and then immediately brought his hands up to cover his mouth, mortified at speaking so clearly out of turn. But there was nothing to undo the damage now, and he continued in a stream of babbled reassurances. "I meant no blame--I only wanted to explain my...actions." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, centering himself. "I had hoped you...would not mind such a small, selfish indulgence..."
At this, Vishnu laughed aloud; Parvati could be so very thick at times. There was deference a servant should show his master, and then there was abject, innocent ignorance--Vishnu often had trouble discerning which of the two weighed more heavily on Parvati. "If that is your idea of a selfish indulgence, then I am afraid I must confess to being a greedy, greedy man myself." He heaved his top half up and out of the water, balancing his weight on his arms crossed before him. He opened his mouth to continue with some cocky witticism, but paused in reflection, eventually ceding, "...I've missed you as well." Parvati's flush deepened, but the smile grew more genuine, and the way he averted his eyes and covered his lips now set no feelings of guilt or impropriety settling over Vishnu's chest, instead leaving him feeling lighter. "Have you finished your work for the day?" A nod, and Vishnu's grin widened to an almost maniacal size. "Excellent." They had time aplenty, it seemed.
"Well then," Vishnu began, slipping back away from the ledge to the chest-deep portion of the pool, and started to do lazy laps lengthwise. "What fascinating news dominated the laypeople's social circles today?"
Parvati paced alongside him, slowly traipsing just behind his king's trailing form and following the ripples in the water almost silently. "I fear I bring no truly entertaining gossip this evening. Although, word among the fruit vendors is that this year's grapes are to be the finest harvest in a decade, and the wineries are fighting tooth and nail for first pick."
Vishnu laughed, coughing when a wave splashed water into his face, and shook his head like a hound. "I'm sure I'll be hearing about that in the next few days."
Parvati smiled, secretly pleased with himself for bringing news which hadn't reached Vishnu's ears yet. While he didn't imagine himself as any sort of advisor to the crown, it did bring him pleasure to know Vishnu benefited from their chats. So long as he was useful in some way or another, he had hope that Vishnu wouldn't send him away. "Also..." He paused, wary of broaching this subject he had carried around with him since the morning's dispatches had arrived. "...Shiva-sama received a message--delivered by one of the envoys that passes along letters between soldier companies in the field and those in the city."
Vishnu straightened up, wiping his face, and sniffed. "...Well? You're not going to keep me in suspense are you?"
Parvati shook his head in amusement and squatted at the ledge. "It was from Pasupata-sama. Apparently he and Nataraja-sama are only one or two days outside of the city, and are expected to return by sundown tomorrow." He passed a small handtowel to Vishnu, who gratefully used it to wipe his face, breathing deep into the soft linen. "Shiva-sama will probably want to have some sort of festive dinner to celebrate."
"Indeed," came the muffled agreement, and after a moment, he pulled the towel away, glancing Parvati up and down with a strangely concerned expression. He cleared his throat and hazarded, "...So you're...fine with them returning, then? Nataraja..."
Parvati blinked, a soft, "Eh?" worming its way from his mouth before he could catch himself. "I'm not quite sure what..."
Vishnu licked his lips and coughed softly, stepping closer. The murky water rippled around his midsection, sending waves out in ever-expanding circles across the pool. "You needn't play coy. He is--was...a trusted friend of Shiva's, and something like a brother to myself as well--though I won't claim to have spent nearly as much time with him as perhaps Shiva and Pasupata, but..." He didn't continue, as Parvati's expression indicated that he understood Vishnu's caution perfectly.
Perhaps Nataraja had been confused; perhaps he'd been tricked. Perhaps he'd just succumbed to Niganda's silver-tongued lies and false promises, as even Adis seemed to have been. But circumstances changed nothing of the fact that Nataraja had betrayed his friends, had kidnapped Parvati and effectively tossed him to the lions. If Parvati was not comfortable with welcoming back with figurative open arms, Vishnu would hardly blame him--and was more than willing to see to it that action was taken to relieve any concern regarding the situation. Nataraja had made his bed; he could damn well sleep in it, for all the trouble he'd caused.
He studied Parvati's face, cautiously gauging his reaction, and straightened up when Parvati smiled softly, shaking his head. "Regardless of his past actions, Nataraja-sama's place is here in the palace with Shiva-sama and Pasupata-sama--and Vishnu-sama and myself as well. I'd much rather see him here among friends than anywhere else--though admittedly, it isn't my place to grant or deny such a reprieve."
Vishnu raked a glance over him, lingering just long enough to discern that Parvati wasn't forcing anything, but truly felt that their friend deserved a clean slate and new start--and while he quite obviously thought his opinion mattered little, Vishnu had very often teased an opinion from him during their time together, eager for an outsider's view of various problems plaguing him. More often than not, he took such unknowingly given thoughts under careful consideration, a matter which Parvati would likely not be pleased with should it ever come to light. He seemed to think his opinions worth too little for Vishnu to take notice of, when Vishnu himself could think of no better party than one unconnected to the castle for offering an unbiased opinion. He sighed, shaking his head. "I only hope Pasupata's had time to beat some sense into him." This sort of incident couldn't happen again--and he certainly had no intentions of being lenient on any parties from here on out that threatened those he cared for.
Parvati smiled softly, grateful, and padded off to a wardrobe set against the back wall, drawing a bath towel from the deep cupboard at the bottom and carrying it back to Vishnu as he approached the shallow steps out of the pool. Water cascaded off of Vishnu's shoulders, down his back, dripping to the floor in rivulets to puddle at his feet, but Vishnu found himself almost too distracted with Parvati's amusing display of modesty to care enough to sop himself dry. "Is the tile here so very interesting, Parvati?" he teased, relieving Parvati of the towel and mopping his chest and arms first.
A frown worked its way across Parvati's features, a sure sign of his rising displeasure. He ignored the taunting bait. "Shall I fetch your robe as well, Vishnu-sama?" He spoke the man's name full with his title in retaliation, knowing full well that Vishnu had been trying to train Parvati to be less conscious of station in private. It was a cheap trick, but one which worked well--he was technically doing nothing wrong, simply paying his king the proper respects, and thus could not in good conscience be punished for it in any manner. Vishnu didn't respond, though, and Parvati didn't seem to expect him to, instead coughing softly into his fist to clear his throat and maneuvering the conversation to safer territory. "...I'd like to check your scar, if I may."
Vishnu regarded him silently before consenting with a soft, "Aah," and wrapped the towel around his waist, letting the cloth ride low enough on his hips that Parvati could inspect the soft tissue unimpeded. After a minute of being poked and prodded and answering yes or no for, "Does this hurt? And here?" he hazarded softly, in a voice he hoped wasn't met with more cold, stone walls, "Nudity embarrasses you." Not a question, just an observation--and yet Parvati still paused, hesitating to continue his inspection.
"That's..."
"It shouldn't, you know."
"I didn't say it did."
"It's natural, nudity."
"Many things are natural which humans have risen above, Vishnu-sama."
Vishnu crossed his arms, just to make it more difficult for Parvati to reach the scar tissue. "Yet why should appearing in our natural state be one of them? Nudity in and of itself isn't sexual--you understand that, I assume?"
Parvati straightened up again with a beleagured sigh, arms limp at his sides as he gave up his task. "Fine--then, if you enjoy ruling your world in the state that you entered it, why not pass an edict banning any and all unnecessary clothing? No more tunics, gloves, gowns--" He gestured with one hand to the thin towel, licking his lips unconsciously as he raked his gaze across Vishnu's lower half. "--towels even. No more than large enough to wipe down a table, perhaps."
Vishnu shook his head, defeated. "I would...but Nataraja would just throw a fit. And I haven't the time or ear to listen to it--so, clothing it is. Besides--" A shrug. "--they're quite fun to take off."
Parvati studied his face, confused for a moment as to whether or not he were actually serious, relieved to find a smile working at the king's lips, and ran his hands through his hair in mock frustration, sighing again. "Honestly."
"What?" Vishnu laughed, lifting his arms again when Parvati resumed his ministrations. "I'm serious. You doubt me?"
Instead, Parvati ignored him, running two fingers lightly along the now-closed wound. "I see no signs of tearing or further infection; I'm hardly the palace medic, but it does appear you've about made a full recovery."
Vishnu craned his head to see the scar as Parvati saw it and hmmed softly. "I'm curious--what will you do when I'm fully healed? You certainly won't need to be in and out of my chambers at all hours of the day and night." He phrased the comment lightly, careful to avoid introducing any bias, as he was genuinely curious as to how Parvati would respond.
Parvati didn't meet his gaze, instead continuing the stare at the scar tissue, softly massaging the tender skin in mesmerizing little circles. After a particularly deep breath, he responded just as lightly, "I suppose I'll have to ask Shiva-sama to stab you again."
Vishnu blinked a few times in quick succession, initially finding it difficult to process the fact that Parvati had not only made a joke, but made one about fratricide against the crown, of all things. Perhaps he wasn't as hopeless as Vishnu had first thought.
He reached one hand out, gripping Parvati's wrists in both hands, and pressed them against his sides, enjoying the warmth radiating from the palms flat against his skin while massaging the delicate wrists held in his grip. "...If you could, then, have him aim for the other side?" This did the trick, and Parvati snorted inelegantly, pulling at his wrist to try and cover the action. When Vishnu held him fast, he just kept his head cocked down and to the side, biting his lip. "I suppose it would be a small price to pay, though."
"Eh?" Parvati's gaze shot upward, locking with Vishnu's own and clearly projecting his confusion as to why he hadn't been reprimanded for the tasteless joke. "...For what?"
Vishnu released one of his wrists, reaching up to steady Parvati's chin as he leaned down to press their lips together. "Leave to distract you this way." But Parvati gave a rough tug, freeing both hands now, and lifted up to balance on the balls of his feet, curling his fingers at Vishnu's nape to meet his kiss halfway. The combined force and surprise of the action nearly sent them both sprawling to the ground, but Vishnu quickly recovered, steadying and gentling the unusually passionate greeting and trying not to be so obvious in his enjoyment of the entire atmosphere surrounding them--the dissipating humidity leaving goosebumps along his exposed flesh, the luxurious sensation of the tulle draping Parvati's silk uniform tickling lightly against his bare chest, the lingering scent of a hundred herbs and fragrances enveloping his senses.
Parvati whined softly against his lips, and Vishnu closed his eyes and tamped down any instinctual response that reared its ugly head, realizing that perhaps Parvati wasn't the only one in danger of being distracted in the future. He wondered, idly, if he could claim medical leave again for this and just lock himself away for another few weeks while he and Parvati took care of this problem.
No, no. On further reflection: sometimes being King just outright sucked.