Fortunate Son post!
Title: Fortunate Son (Part 6/?)
Authors: wrestlemanix and eric_idle_rules
Pairing: Ted DiBiase Jr./Cody Runnels, John Cena/Randy Orton
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Taking place in feudal England, Cody's family comes from a long line of farmers who work the land belonging to the DiBiase family. Despite the enormous class differences, Cody and Ted meet and form an instant connection with one another, both learning things from the other that they otherwise never would have known.
Word Count: 8467
A/N: I admit, I'm no expert on the life and times of feudal England, but I tried. Forgive any errors when it comes to time frames and whatnot... Again, flocked in the comm, so I'm trying to remember to post here, as well!
Disclaimer: Neither of us own the WWE.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
“Why would I object to that?” Cody blurted out before quickly covering his mouth with his hands, realizing how forward that may have sounded. “That is, if you’re sure you don’t mind sharing with me,” he tried to recover.
“I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.” He scooted over closer to the wall, leaving plenty of space for Cody to join him. Once Cody sat, he leaned into the warm body, whispering into his ear, “One of these nights, I can’t wait to see you without the bed clothes on.”
A shiver ran down Cody’s spine, despite the heat that was in the room. He had to admit, he was hoping that they would go beyond kissing on this night, but perhaps they should take their time. Both of them were young and inexperienced, and they could take time exploring one another first. “Mmm, that will be nice. I’ll finally get to see you in all your natural beauty,” he whispered back. Ted had seen him twice without clothing on as he bathed in the river, yet he had seen no skin of Ted’s apart from his face and arms.
Ted blushed. God he had fantasized about finally spending the night with Cody, but he knew that now was not the right time. Still, he was hoping that Cody would be in his arms through the whole night. “Did you want to go to bed now?”
“Yes, we can go to bed now.”
Getting out of bed, Ted blew out the candle providing the only light in the room. Once the room was plunged into darkness, he crawled back onto the bed, landing on top of Cody. His hands slid under Cody’s shirt and their mouths met. As tongues explored one another’s mouths, their soft moans filled the space.
Now whilst in the dark, a new sense of confidence grew within them both. Shifting his body, Ted let one hand drift downwards, brushing against Cody’s semi-erect cock. A gasp escaped Cody’s mouth and his back arched up off the bed. Oh, God. Oh. God. Before this touch, it had been much easier to say that they would wait. But now? How on earth could they wait after that? And that had been a quick touch through a layer of clothing. “Do that again,” he panted.
So he did. Only this time when his hand touched Cody’s cock, it wasn’t merely a brush of the hand. This time he wrapped his fist around Cody, stroking him up and down a few times.
“Oh, God, Teddy,” he moaned. The only touch he had ever had upon his cock was his own hand. This felt a million times better than that. And this was still through the fabric of his undergarments. It took Ted just a few strokes to bring Cody to completion.
It was... intoxicating. That was the only word that seemed befitting for what he had experienced. To hear Cody's desperately muffled pants and gasps as he convulsed beneath his hand with release... Nothing he had ever, ever experienced in the past (which technically boiled down to his own hand in terms of sexual encounters) came even remotely close. The only downside was that he couldn't see Cody's face of bliss in the darkness. He could just make him out, but it was nowhere near enough.
Hearing Cody's panted command had been an undeniable turn-on, increased his hunger for the other teen by an almost unnerving amount-- but it also awakened a new thought and want within the kind, compassionate Ted: one night he wanted to have Cody begging for him. One night, with candlelight, he was going to be able to see Cody's face as they pleased one another, and then he was going to look right into Cody's bewitching eyes as the other begged him to finally take him... He hoped that night was soon.
Still slightly dazed from his orgasm (and under other circumstances and with anyone else he would have been mortified that he had cum so quickly) Cody registered that the warm palm over his groin was moving away, and his sated body immediately began to move automatically. Managing to locate Ted's lips in the dark, Cody caressed them with his own and the elder responded to him instantaneously; tongues once more dancing and twining, muffled breaths and whispered words of wicked promises and tender adoration seemed to echo about the room for mere moments before they too were swallowed by the darkness.
Nervously, slightly worried that he wouldn't be able to give Ted pleasure like he had him, Cody allowed his own hand to map down Ted's body. Through Ted's undershirt he could feel muscle. Muscle that he knew Ted had been toning up with all his work on the farm-- it was amazing what a few days manual labour could give you. The ravenette then mentally braced himself before easing his hand over Ted's completely erected cock. Suddenly he wished they hadn't blown the candle out.
With a gasp Ted broke the kiss, pressing his face into the crook of Cody's neck instead and he panted against the exposed skin. Trying to reflect on what he himself enjoyed, and what Ted had done to him, Cody first palmed Ted through the thin fabric a few times before them beginning to stroke him with growing firmness once Ted gave a moaned plea and his hips jumped for more. It might not seem much to some couples, what they would have done that night, but to them in was a giant, very significant and reassuring step.
Ted’s breath on his neck was continuing to turn Cody on further, and he could feel his cock stirring back to life once again while he stroked Ted. He knew that the other man was close, could sense it. And, well, if he went off how soon he himself came? Then it would be very soon for Ted. Oh, and how right he was. He cried out as he came, muffling his shouts into Cody’s neck and the pillow. Never had he experienced an orgasm that intense in his life. As he panted, trying to calm down from what just happened, he couldn’t help but think that he hoped for many, many more. Tilting his head up he once more found Cody’s lips and kissed him with everything he had.
Still not quite believing what they had just done, Cody accepted the kiss, kissed back, but it all felt like a dream to him. Once they broke apart, he asked, “Did that just happen?”
“Mmhmm,” Ted replied. “Come on now, let’s get some sleep.”
“Ok,” Cody said. He turned in the bed, pressing his back to Ted’s chest. He snuggled back as far as he could and felt Ted’s arms wrapping around him. This was definitely something he could get used to, he thought. Though, really, he shouldn’t be growing content with such thoughts considering he had no idea how often he’d be seeing Ted. Well, no, he’d be seeing Ted every day, but how often would he have the chance to be in this same situation wherein he’d be sleeping in Ted’s room, in Ted’s bed?
Hours later the sun began peeking in through the slit in the curtains, and Cody stirred. His body knew when to awake, anyway, as he always rose with the sun. As he opened his eyes, he found that the pair had actually reversed positions and he was now the one holding Ted in his arms. Smiling, he ran a hand down Ted’s arm, then pressed a kiss into the nape of his neck. This was the sight he had dreams about waking up to. Now it was happening, and he still felt as though he was living a dream. “Good morning, Teddy,” he whispered into his, what should they call one another? Were they lovers now? That wouldn’t be such a bad name for them: lovers. It was so romantic, really.
Slowly awakening, Ted blinked his eyes open and found himself staring at the wall rather than at Cody. Turning his head, he smiled as he saw Cody’s face hovering over him. “Good morning.”
After a few moments spent looking at one another, Cody spoke again, “I should probably get ready to start work today.”
“Hmm, yes. First we’ll have to get you some better clothes than what you have. You can’t wear your clothes when you’re working here. But, then, you can’t really wear what I gave to you, either, as you have to match the rest of the servants. I do hate calling you that,” Ted said just then.
“A servant?”
“Yes,” he answered. Though he knew Cody wasn’t an equal in the sense of class or education, but Cody was far superior to him in some other aspects of life. He was far more to him than a servant. He was now his lover.
“It’s better than calling me a peasant, though,” Cody said softly, casting his eyes to the floor, once more ashamed of his own life and upbringing.
“Maybe in the eyes of everyone else you’re a peasant, but to me? You’re simply Cody Runnels.” He pulled Cody into a hug, lips right next to Cody’s ear as he whispered, “My Cody Runnels.”
The possessive pronoun from Ted sent warmth crawling down Cody's spine, mischevious fingers like the ones Ted possessed that he had had a small glance of the previous night. "Yours?" he couldn't help questioning softly, liking the way that sounded on his tongue as opposed to technically supposing that he and his father were owned by Ted's father, "Mine." Ted repeated, rubbing Cody's side, "Just like I'm yours." That declaration made Cody's heart soar, and suddenly he felt less anxious about the fact that he was going to have to introduce himself to the other servants, and begin his work as an official member of the castle staff-- though officially he was only there for Ted's benefit. Exchanging a soft kiss, Ted then gave Cody's backside a shy, but playful pat and offered the other the use of his bathroom to prepare and wash. Hastening to do so, Cody threw Ted a smile over his shoulder before vanishing behind the heavy door.
Whilst Cody was out of the room Ted selected what he himself was going to wear, and then called a servant to fetch him one of the spare 'uniforms' that their staff wore. They weren't uniforms strictly in the sense of things like milital uniforms, but they were smart clothing items, and there was a version for both male and female staff members. Embarrassingly though, in Ted's view, they were all embossed with the DiBiase family signature-- something that Ted knew he'd probably get rid of when he was in charge.
Opening the bathroom door, Cody nervously poked his head around it. When he saw that Ted was still in the room alone he grinned softly and then entered the room again. When he saw the black and white, deep green trimmed items lain out on the bed he blinked slightly; that was slightly grander than anything he owned to wear, but didn't look grand enough for Ted to own. The older teen smiled at him and then indicated them, "Your uniform." A shirt, trousers and a small waistcoat type item-- Cody felt strangely out of place when he considered them. Knowing that Cody was probably embarrassed about the clothing Ted merely kissed his cheek before taking his own clothing into the bathroom to ready and dress. The ravenette found himself gingerly handling the material, shivering at the softness caressing his skin.
The white material complimented his tan greatly, and the material formed around his lithe muscles neatly. Running a hand through his hair self-consciously, Cody pulled on matching shoes and then stood uncertainly waiting for Ted to come out. The other was clad in the expensive-styled clothing that he usually wore and Cody felt that he got handsomer and handsomer each day. And, as an added bonus, whereas everyone else could look, no one could touch other than himself. It might be secret, but Ted had effectively pledged himself to Cody, and that was something Cody knew at least.
"I'll show you to the kitchens again on my way down," Ted said, "And you can have breakfast with everyone and then you'll meet me afterwards Ok?" Cody nodded his head, suddenly feeling a bit out-of-sorts that he wasn't already down on the farm working up a sweat ploughing or something like that. Working in the castle should be a piece of cake as opposed to what he had been doing essentially since he could walk, but there was a new factor in the castle that he didn't have to handle working on the farm, and that was plaguing his mind as he and Ted went downstairs: other servants, and undoubtedly opinionated people.
Upon entering the kitchen, which was teaming with cooks and other staff members at this hour of the morning, everyone stopped work to bow to the young master as he entered their presence. “Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce you to the castle’s newest employee, Cody Runnels.”
Everyone was biting their tongues, all ready to turn towards the person beside them to gossip about something or other they heard about from someone else, or made up in their own minds. Cody attempted his best smile, flushing brightly before all the staring eyes. He wasn’t used to being around this many people all at once, all looking straight at him. It was one thing to be in the village market, with all that hustle and bustle, but no one paid any mind to the person beside them, all concerned with their own lives.
“Cody, great to see ya again,” John Cena said as he entered the room, obviously having been out tending to the animals.
Again, Cody gave him a smile, but couldn’t bring himself to say a thing.
“I’m going to go join my family, ok?” Ted said, looking right at Cody. “I do expect everyone attempt to make Cody feel at home here. And he’ll also need a room made up in the servant’s quarters for the remainder of the time of his stay, if I could have someone on that. Michelle, if you wouldn’t mind…?”
“Yes, young master,” she said with a curtsey, though inside she was grumbling to herself about the unfairness of having to make up the room for the new employee who was nothing more than a farm boy attempting to live above his position in life.
“Excellent. I best be going now. Meet me in the dining room once your meal is finished; I’ll still be there. If you’d like, you may talk to my father’s personal footman, Eric, to learn more about the duties the position entails. I’ll see you soon.” With that, Ted left the kitchens, hoping that the others took to Cody the way that he had (well, not quite in that sense, but liked the teen’s personality and work ethic).
“Ah, yes, you’re that young peasant boy who Ted invited to dinner one night,” Eric said once Ted had left.
“Yes, I am. Lord DiBiase asked me that night if I’d like to come on the staff to work for Ted, I mean young master Theodore.” That would take some getting used to. He never called Ted by his full name when he was in his presence, like he was sure the others had to do. And then, he realized, that he would have to refer to him as Theodore if speaking to him in the presence of other servants or family. He’d get used to it eventually, though. Nothing was going to deter him from doing his job and doing it well.
John moved over to Cody and clapped him on the shoulder, "Come and have some breakfast with us--" he cut off suddenly as a baritone voice drawled, "Adopted a stray kitten, John-John?" Cody watched as John flushed slightly at the name, but otherwise didn't seem put off by the disparaging comment which made Cody want to quail in on himself.
"Ah, Randy... As venomous in the morning as ever I see. How are you this morning your evilness?" Cody noticed that everyone else around the kitchen was beginning to get back to what they had been doing, though some were watching the banter between John and the... very tall, long-legged stranger who had just entered the room. The stormy silver-blue eyes that were leveled on him made Cody feel like he was suddenly naked and under scrutiny, a very uncomfortable situation indeed as he felt awkward enough as it was.
"Don't mind him Cody," John's arm went around his shoulders and Cody noticed that Randy's eyes narrowed slightly and a muscle jumped in his cheek, "That's Randy Orton-- he's one of Ted Sr.'s valets." the ravenette was momentarily bemused by the very informal way John addressed the Lord of the castle, but John merely ignored Eric and pushed Cody to sit at the long wooden table and pushed a bowl of food before him, "He's always moody in the mornin'." Randy snorted slightly, but seemed to relax around him as time went on.
When he finished eating (and got introduced to the people who were there) Cody was just about to leave to go wait for Ted when an excited female voice sounded, "Oh my-- Cody Runnels is that you?" Oh, hell. Forcing a smile onto his face Cody turned his head as the petite ravenette hastened towards him, grabbing onto his arm, "Cody! Why didn't you tell me you were coming to work here?" Cody shrugged awkwardly, well aware that everyone was looking at him -and Layla- and probably jumping to completely incorrect conclusions... Conclusions that he would not be able to explicitly deny should someone come out and ask him whether it was true.
Mercifully, John saved him from the clingy female by steering Cody out of the room with a smile and playful wink, Randy drawling after them that he'd be expecting John outside ASAP. "Thanks." Cody exhaled softly as he followed John to the main hall, "Don't worry about it." John said, looking to Cody out of the corner of his eyes, "I take it uh, Layla's enthusiasm isn't returned?" Cody looked embarrassed, almost nervous as he shook his head and John ruffled his hair lightly, "Easy kid, it's alright; you can't force yourself to like someone. Trust me, I've been there before." When they reached the hall Ted was standing there, waiting, and John noticed Cody's eyes brighten.
“Hmm, and now I see why that enthusiasm wasn’t returned,” John said to him, giving him a wink before leaving him in the all to go meet Randy outside.
Slightly shell-shocked at John’s words (he couldn’t possibly know, could he? No, he had to have meant something else, of course), Cody shook himself out of it, turning his full attention towards Ted.
“Enthusiasm over what?” Ted asked, head cocked slightly as he watched John’s retreating back.
“You didn’t tell me that she was coming to work here,” he muttered, not wanting to be overheard.
Beginning to walk along, Cody following, Ted questioned, “What do you mean? I didn’t know anyone else was coming to work here aside from you. Who is it?”
“Layla,” he answered.
“What?!” Ted bellowed, obviously shocked himself.
“It had to have been my father. He had to have said something to yours. I don’t know when, but that’s the only thing I can think of. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Damn it all!”
Ted was certain that Cody was right in his thinking. Somehow, some way, Virgil had spoken to his father, told him to take on Layla as wall so that she and Cody could work together. “They would do such a thing. It’s only a matter of time before Father begins to look for yet another potential bride for me. No one seems to understand that we’re simply not interested.”
“It’s too bad your mother doesn’t have more say about the subject.”
“I know. I would absolutely love if she could get my father to drop the subject. He’s going to be getting in-laws and he will be getting grandchildren from the future union of Kristen and Brett. Brett or his eldest can then take over the castle once I’m no longer fit to rule. It’s not as though it should be a necessity that I marry. Anyway, shall we change the subject of our conversation?”
“I think that may be for the best,” Cody said, sick at the thought that he’d have to work with Layla throughout the winter.
“Come along, we’ll go to my room and I can tell you what your duties are officially to be. And then you can tell me just what you think of everyone.” He usually lived his life completely separate from the workers, and he never really heard what they were like amongst themselves, so he was curious to hear just what Cody thought about them all. And, more importantly, he wanted to know how they were all treating Cody.
Following Ted back up the stairs, Cody couldn't help but wonder what his father was thinking... and also considered that his father must have much more sway with Lord DiBiase than Cody had assumed, because something told him that Ted Sr. didn't just hire women to work for him on a whim on the word of her having a romantic interest on a male he'd just hired.
Of course he was aware that his father only wanted him to be happy, but it was just so... so overbearing because he was trying so hard. To be fair thought it wasn't as though he was aware of who Cody truly wanted to be with-- for all Virgil might be a man who'd do anything for his children, Cody didn't think accepting that his youngest and remaining son loved a man was on the list of things he'd give his blessing for. A sad thought for many reasons.
When they reached Ted's room Cody closed the door behind them since he was the last one to enter, and then moved to be standing at the side of the room somewhat awkwardly. When Ted motioned that he could sit down the ravenette gingerly moved and seated himself down on the end of the bed, exhaling softly. Running a hand through his hair, Cody then looked up to Ted and quirked a weak smile, "Well, everyone seems really nice." he said, unsure what he was really supposed to say. It wasn't as though he could say Ted's favouritism had already put him out of favour.
"John introduced me to everyone, and, I had breakfast and then, uh, that was it." Ted didn't seem to believe him and Cody shrugged slightly, "Really, not much happened... Everyone was just sorta banded together an' doin' their own thing." A slight flicker in Cody's eyes made Ted believe that Cody was definitely keeping something from him and he reached a hand out, cupping Cody's cheek and making him look to him. "What's the matter?" he said gently.
When Ted used that gentle tone of voice Cody knew that he wouldn't be able to hide the truth from him and he shrugged slightly, "Don't worry about it: there hasn't been much time for everyone to get used to me yet, that's all." Ted's brow furrowed slightly and asked, "Want me to have a word with everyone?" Cody's eyes immediately widened, waving them slightly as he shook his head, "No! No!" no offence to Ted, but that was the last thing he needed. He then shyly asked, "Um, does that Orton character just not like anyone?" he frowned slightly, obviously puzzled, "He called me a stray that John had adopted."
Ted chuckled, “Yeah, that’s really just how he is. Once you get to know him a bit, though, he’s really a nice guy. He and John go way back, both of their fathers worked in the castle and they grew up with each other.”
“So you’re saying that he doesn’t really hate John?”
“Oh, goodness, not at all. He just like to give him a hard time, since John always, without fail, tries to be everyone’s friend. And he’s got that kind of personality that people are drawn into naturally. But, yeah, John and Randy are the best of friends, even though they work in completely different parts of the castle doing completely different jobs,” Ted explained. “However, since it does generally take Randy a while to warm up to a person, if he ever does, John was the only person that was willing to room with him.”
“They room together? I never would have imagined. Randy just seemed like a complete ass.”
Snorting in a very undignified manner, Ted tried to compose himself after being taken completely taken aback by Cody’s bluntness. “I’ll have to tell him you said that. He’d probably consider it a job well done.”
“You wouldn’t, would you?”
“I just might. Now, did you talk to Eric at all about the jobs you’ll have to do?”
“No, uh, not quite… He just called me that peasant boy that you invited over one night,” Cody told him softly.
“He did not!” Ted said, shocked. “Well, I do hope that when you show him how dedicated you are in your work and when you outshine him in every aspect of the job, he comes to give you the respect that you deserve. You’d think he never worked a day out in the fields with the way that he spoke to you. He grew up working on the fields and he didn’t come to the castle until he was well into his thirties. His brother and children are still there, too, so I can’t understand this utter lack of respect. Just pay it no mind, Cody. Here, let me show you the things you’re supposed to do. They’re all quite silly, menial tasks. For example, when I walk into the bed chambers, you come behind me and slip off my coat. The same applies when I go into a home and am wearing a formal jacket. You take it and hang it for me. And then, when I go to my bed and sit upon the edge, you’re to kneel down before me and slip my shoes off my feet. You then polish my shoes and place them over there,” he said pointing to the far wall.
“So, I only take off your coats? I can’t take off your shirt, as well?”
“You can if you like,” Ted told him, eyes twinkling mischievously. “Maybe tonight we can practice before bed time.”
"Sounds like fun." Cody said with a slight grin, thinking that really, compared to taking care of livestock and trying to keep up with Mother Nature, tending to Ted was going to be easy... He was just going to have to watch that his country mannerisms didn't rub people up the wrong way.
Something that Ted said earlier registered with him and gave Cody concerned pause, "Will Ineeded this job. That money was crucial. Shaking his head slightly Cody then said, "I guess I'll just have to try and make friends with them if I am." and he gave a smile, though something told him that they wouldn't be letting him settle that easy.
Sensing that Cody was feeling uneasy despite the confident, uncaring front he was trying to put up, Ted let his hand cup the back of Cody's neck, thumb rubbing soothing circles upon the slightly tense muscles. "They'll all grow to adore you in time," he quirked a small smile, "Not as much as me, granted, because that's not possible, but they can't not like you." Ted just couldn't imagine someone not warming up to Cody.
"Really?" Cody's eyes closed slightly, leaning back into the comforting touch, "I know it." Ted said confidently, then paused, "Since I don't have any plans today what say we go visit your father?" He wouldn't ever tell Cody, for fear of embarrassing him, but the younger had been talking in his sleep, mentioning his father's name. At one point Ted thought Cody had been having a nightmare, but then as soon as he pressed a gentle kiss to Cody's forehead and drew the other closer to his chest he had calmed. There was no shame in such reactions, they only proved that Cody was as human as he, and Ted liked that he had been able to be there to soothe the other somewhat, even if Cody hadn't been consciously aware of it.
"So, that's all I have to do?" Cody asked, wanting to make sure that there were no other liberties for other members of Ted's family that he had to attend to. "That's all." Ted promised, "You only have to do things for me unless you're told otherwise... Which you probably won't be." The other members of his family already had their own attendants and suchlike. "Ok." Cody nodded, standing when Ted offered him a hand after doing so himself, "Let's go see your father. We'll just have to be back before lunch time." he said thoughtfully, nodding.
Making their way down the road to the fields, the two chatted idly, Cody asking questions about life at the castle, just to make sure he did everything correctly. They neared Cody’s house and saw a fresh billow of smoke rise from the chimney, a sure sign that Virgil was inside stoking the fire. Cody knocked on the door first, not wanting to startle the older man by just showing up behind him. “Father?” he called through the door.
He heard some shuffling from inside, then footsteps on the ground. When Virgil opened the door, he took in the sight before him and smiled. Cody looked quite handsome in that uniform. “Cody, my boy!” he said before pulling him into a hug. It had only been a day since they last saw one another, but it was the first time Virgil had ever spent a night alone in the cabin, the first time they had been apart from one another.
“Hello, Dad,” he said into the large man’s neck as he returned the hug. “How was your night last night? Did everything go ok? Are you feeling all right?”
“Quit fretting about me, Cody. Come in, come in,” he said, stepping aside to let the two teens in. “Tell me about your day at the castle.”
“Not until you tell me how you are,” Cody insisted.
“I’m fine. The work does me good,” he told his son.
“And that’s why you’re inside by the fire as opposed to being out with the calves?” Cody raised his eyebrow. He may not be the one in charge, but he knew that he had to take care of his father, because he would never take care of his own health.
“I just got a bit chilly, that’s all. I swear to you I’ll be going out again with the calves soon. They’re all doing real good, too. Should get a fine price at the market in a few months’ time. Now quit holding out on me, tell me about the castle life.”
“It’s so big, and there are all these passageways that I’ll have to learn, and I really don’t know how I ever will. Ted was taking me through them yesterday, and I tried to remember where everything led, but I think I’ve already forgotten.”
“Still exploring those hallways, then, young master?” Virgil asked then, giving a wink to Ted.
“So… it was you! I had no idea who you were back then, but I’ve been grateful ever since. What were you doing there, anyway, Sir?” Ted wondered, glad to finally find out, twelve years later, that it had been Cody’s father that saved him from whatever fate he would have met in that blocked off passage.
Virgil quirked a wan smile and then chuckled, his bright eyes clouding over slightly with nostalgia. "I'd been in the castle a couple of times by that point in my youth, having to report to the castle with my father several times a month-- the Lord didn't come down to the parcels very often in those days because his leg was playing him up." Cody listened as attentively as Ted, wondering what injury his grandfather must have suffered.
"My father had fallen from his horse one day riding in the woods..." Ted suddenly intoned, as though he could hear Cody's thoughts, "And he ended up with a very bad cut and infection, a bone having been displaced..." Cody wrinkled his nose and winced. He didn't really remember Ted's grandfather, he not really ever having had a reason to be taken to the castle. "That's right." Virgil nodded, "I remember that I was the one to hear his calling when I was out in the woods gathering firewood-- it was a good job that I had found him too, since there was an awful storm that night."
Shaking his head slightly the big blonde man then said, "Anyway, my father was there to report to the Lord about how there was a shortage of crops because some vandals had been down in the fields, and I had been given permission to go by and say hello to your father, who at the time /was/ Young Master Theodore." he chuckled slightly, "And I had been through the passages before and thought I'd just use them to be up and down before our fathers had even noticed my absence..." he looked to Ted then, "Imagine my surprise at the little boy stuck in the passage."
Ted blushed and Cody smiled slightly, "I must admit Young Master, I almost didn't notice you. The only shuffling noise I could hear made me think it was a mouse-- but then a little voice called out, but then it was almost as though it was unsure whether it wanted to be hurt or not." Virgil huffed a slight laugh, that Cody was concerned to hear turn into a cough, "I took you to your father then, and I admit I didn't realise you were the Lord's son. You'd grown so much since I'd heard your mother had had you."
A slightly sad smile crossed Virgil's face, "I remember your grandfather passed away not long after, and my own father was one of those to pay tribute at his funeral-- my father had nothing but respect for your grandfather, as I have for your father." Although Ted was relieved to hear such a thing he wasn't able to help wondering how it was true at the same time. How could a family in such impoverished conditions feel positively towards his own when they lived in such lavish conditions?
Cody was looking between the two, so surprised about this outstanding history their families had. Of course he knew that his family had been working here for generations, but seeing now just how intertwined their families were was amazing to him. Then something else his father said registered with him, that he had been given permission to go see Ted’s father. Why, if they weren’t friends, would they want to see one another? “Dad, would you ever call you and Lord DiBiase friends?” he asked, casting his eyes towards Ted.
“What? Don’t you remember what I told you?” he asked in a hushed voice, trying to get Cody to drop the subject while in the presence of the Lord’s son.
“Well, why else would you want to go and see him that one day?”
“I went to report the harvest to him, that’s all,” he insisted.
“As though he wouldn’t hear it for himself from his own father. Surely when you were younger, considering your similarity in age, you two must have been friendly.”
“We’ve known each other a long time, but he’s never been my friend, not like Mr. El has been to me. Now could we please drop the subject?” Virgil asked. Little did he know the can of worms he opened upon mentioning the El family.
“Dad, did you talk to Lord DiBiase about taking on Layla as part of the staff?” Cody questioned, needing to confirm his suspicion.
“I did, yes,” he said. “Their family didn’t have the luck we did with their harvest, their parcel having issues with disease that took out their entire corn crop. And you know how many people they have living there; I thought it’d be good if she worked at the castle for a while.”
“That’s the only reason you talked to him about getting her to work there? Her specifically, that is…”
“Would you think I’d have another reason?”
“So, you’re telling me that there’s no other reason? You didn’t tell him that it was because she’s so obviously interested in me romantically?”
Virgil simply shrugged. Of course that had been his main reason. He didn’t like how close his son was getting to the young master, because he knew that both would wound up hurt in the long run.
Cody had a really bad feeling about this-- and he had learnt through his hard, toil-filled existence that he should pay close attention to his instincts. Since Ted would be expected to be present when his family had lunch they had to leave not too long after; Cody once again telling his father that he'd be by to visit him soon and Virgil waving the teen off with the fondly exasperated to stop fussing him. Sighing softly as they began walking back to the castle, Cody mumbled, "Sometimes he's just too stubborn and proud." he rubbed his neck slightly.
A soft chuckle left Ted, privately thinking that Cody was much like his father in that respect, but not voicing the thought. When they entered the castle Cody remembered what Ted had said about his jacket and moved to take it off. Ted fought a shiver as Cody's hands innocently brushed over his front as he removed the jacket that Ted had thrown on that morning after breakfast when he knew they had been going down to the parcels to see Virgil.
Moving off to the side to hang the coat up, Cody then returned to Ted's side. "Go and have your lunch," Ted said, voice soft but tone firm, "And don't let anyone bully you. You should check out your sleep quarters too." Cody had seriously been considering avoiding the kitchen after that morning's events, but he knew that hiding would make them dislike him even more. And Ted had to be right: if he proved that he was hardworking and not just some little peasant who was thick and incompetent then surely they would all grow to like him? "Ok... Shall I meet you back out here afterwards?" Cody asked, Ted nodding his head before they parted ways.
Walking down the stairs, Cody slowed as he heard two low voices. Peeking around the corner of the doorway, Cody couldn't see anyone at first until he noticed John walk into sight. Pressing himself into the wall slightly to avoid being seen, Cody gasped inaudibly as Randy appeared behind him-- and Randy looked pissed. "Well Cena? Is that it, huh?" John snorted softly, but otherwise didn't look at Randy and began absently seeming to search for something, "I'm just looking out for the kid, Randy. What--" John turned then, meeting Randy's eyes full force as he asked in a stunningly sultry tone, "Are you jealous?"
“Jealous? As if,” Randy said, denying such words.
“Please, Randy,” John said, stepping forward, entering Randy’s personal space, “every time that I give someone else an ounce of my attention that little green eyed monster inside you rears its ugly head.” He placed a hand on Randy’s chest, and Cody’s eyes widened as he looked on.
“Right, you tell yourself that, John. I’m far from being jealous of the kid, I just don’t understand why you always feel the need to take every new employee that’s come here over the last few years under your wing.”
“I’m just tryin’ to be friendly. Maybe if you tried it every once in a while, you wouldn’t be so uptight and grouchy all the time.” Then, raising up on his tip toes, he placed a quick kiss on Randy’s lips before turning back around, continuing his search, ignoring the grumpy look that crossed Randy’s face.
Clasping a hand over his mouth, Cody turned quietly down to the other end of the hallway before attempting to process what he just witnessed. John and Randy? Maybe the castle air was causing him to see things. That had to be it. Because he couldn’t possibly have just seen… No, definitely seeing things… As he shook the thoughts from his mind, he made his way back down the hall, this time trying to make as much noise as he could to alert the two to his presence.
“Ah, Cody!” John said when he saw that the young man entered the kitchen. Randy didn’t look as enthused, narrowing his eyes at the pair of them as he sat at the table, cutting into his roasted potatoes.
“Good afternoon, John. Randy,” he added, nodding his head to the valet.
“I saw you went down to the farm today. How was your visit with the ol’ man?”
“Good, thank you.” He remained standing, not sure if he was to join Randy at the table or not. One of the cooks then entered the room carrying a large pot of soup and another cook followed with a bowl of potatoes, then a third came in with a basket full of fresh bread. He saw John go grab some food, and Cody went along behind him. When John sat across from Randy, he figured he should sit down next to John. “What sort of animals do you have in the stables?”
“Why, you thinking of going to live with them?” Eric asked as he entered the room, looking down at Cody smugly.
John seemed about to come to his defense, but Cody silenced the older man with a light hand on his arm-- one that he retracted as swiftly and subtly as possible when he noticed a tick in Randy's cheek. Good grief, Randy was possessive wasn't he? Though, maybe that kiss hadn't been a kiss of lovers... Friends. Close friends.
Meeting Eric's eyes Cody looked to the elder man. "I don't know what is it about me that's rubbed you up the wrong way, but I don't appreciate the way you seem so insistent on insulting my family and my background--" his tone was level, completely polite, "--especially considering that the majority of your own family are in similar backgrounds." Eric's smile immediately slid from his face and a flush of embarrassment covered his face. Out of the corner of his eye Cody swore Randy's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"You-- how dare you--?" This time John did intervene, snickering unsubtly about the way that the pompous man had been put into his place by the younger man, "Let it go, Eric. The boy's here for the duration so get over yourself and just get on with it." Eric's lips compressed into a firm line, but he seemed to relent when John added, "You said we needed some more help around here, and since Cody's here to be Young Ted's attendant--" John ignored Eric's snipe about calling him 'Young Master' and carried on, "--that means you don't have to remove staff from elsewhere and then train their replacements, right?" Nodding slightly, but grumbling under his breath, Eric then left the kitchen once more. When he was out of sight Cody sighed, shoulders slumping, "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything--" he started wanly.
"Hey, you were within your rights; Eric's been a bit of a wanker to you, but it's good you stood up for yourself." John said bracingly, "If you let everyone walk all over you, then they'll just dislike and mock you more--" the blue eyed man indicated that Cody should eat, doing so himself with aplomb. Randy seemed to be completely disregarding either of their presences, but Cody could see he was paying close attention to them, "You've asserted yourself, and that's good... Eric just likes to throw his weight around a bit. He's done it with everyone. Even me and Randy." John reported.
“Really? But Ted told me that you two pretty much grew up in the castle.”
“We did,” John replied, eyes suddenly shifting towards Randy, then he quickly focused them back on Cody. “But Randy here got the valet position from his father when his father could no longer physically perform the needed tasks. Ol’ Eric out there couldn’t believe that Randy got the position that he believed he would be promoted to one day. But he’s still just a lowly footman, no offense to you, or anything.”
“None taken. Why would he treat you in such a way? It’s not as though you’re even doing the same jobs.”
“He’s just a jackass, plain and simple. He’ll never be happy, the old bugger. I know Randy might come off as a bit of an ass, as well, but he means well.”
To that Randy gave an agreeing nod, showing that he was indeed listening, before he finished up the last of his meal. “I just ignore him,” Randy said. “He’s not worth any of my attention. He never liked us since we were children, I think because they had him watching us from time to time when our own parents were working. He’s been bitter about that ever since.”
“Didn’t help our cause that as we got older it was our full intention to make his life a living hell,” John added, a slight chuckle in his voice.
“This is true. He must think this is still our intention,” Randy said, and Cody swore that he saw him wink at John as he stood from the table.
Once Randy left, it was down to John and Cody. They knew that the other valets and cooks would be coming in soon to dine, so there wasn’t much time. “I never answered your question earlier. We’ve mostly got horses in the barn, but we do have some cows, chickens and pigs that we can slaughter for the family to eat.”
“I’d love to come down there one day and look around, if you don’t mind.”
“You’d have to ask Ted,” John told him. “He is your direct boss, after all, not me. But he’s down there every once in a while, more often in the spring and summer when he wants to go out riding.”
“Ok, I’ll do that.”
“And one other thing, really quickly… Be discrete. I saw that look in your eyes when you saw Ted this mornin’, and I saw that Ted had the same look. I know that glint, and while you don’t have to worry about me, there are people you don’t want seein’ it, you hear me?”
Cody nodded, and knew right then that he and Teddy had given themselves away to John, who would probably end up telling Randy, if he assumed things between those two were as it looked when he saw their private moment. After standing from the table, Cody added, “And maybe you should look around the corners before you go kissing anyone.”
John's eyes widened as the younger man's words registered, immediately glad that Randy hadn't been in the room still... he would have freaked at the thought of Cody spying on them, even though John didn't think he would have been intentionally spying on them. "I'll uh, bear that in mind." he added before Cody vanished out of sight, clearing his throat somewhat. However, John couldn't bring himself to be too embarrassed about it, and there was a slight smile on his face as he made his way out of the kitchen and then out to the grounds once more to get his work done for the after-lunch shift. Rolling his shoulders slightly, Cody descended up the last of the steps to the main hall and then waited aside, eyes on the door.
When they opened and Ted appeared Cody went to smile-- but then remembered what John had just told him and hastily schooled his features into a neutral expression and then inclined his head slightly the way he had seen other members of staff do when they dealt with the family members. Ted blinked slightly at what he saw Cody doing, but then smiled slightly and motioned with a slight flick of his hand for the younger to follow-- making his way up to his bedroom, not having anything else on his agenda to do.
When they were in the secrecy of his own room Ted turned and cupped Cody's cheeks, brushing his lips over the younger man's. "You seem to be learning already." he complimented, a touch of pride in his voice. Amusement then touched his eyes too, "Did something happen to Eric? He looked positively thunderous when he walked outside to go wait on my father's carriage just now." Looking slightly sheepish Cody exhaled slightly and then rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and said, "Um, well, sorta, yeah... When I went to have lunch--"
Ted was laughing uproariously when Cody finished, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes afterwards, shaking his head. "Oh, Cody... I don't know many who'd stand up to Eric's poison tongue." Cody shrugged slightly, suddenly biting his lip in concern, "But-- but you told me to--" Ted covered Cody's mouth with a gentle hand and hushed him, "I'm proud that you did. You want to stand up for yourself." Cody nodded slowly, then internally grinned and pressed a kiss to Ted's palm.
The tawny haired male smiled at the gesture, blushing slightly before he removed his hand from Cody's lovely mouth. "So... Do you think you'll settle down alright?" Cody nodded his head, not telling Ted what he had seen earlier (he might have been wrong) or that he hadn't looked to where he was sleeping yet. "I guess I'll settle down fine soon enough."
Authors: wrestlemanix and eric_idle_rules
Pairing: Ted DiBiase Jr./Cody Runnels, John Cena/Randy Orton
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Taking place in feudal England, Cody's family comes from a long line of farmers who work the land belonging to the DiBiase family. Despite the enormous class differences, Cody and Ted meet and form an instant connection with one another, both learning things from the other that they otherwise never would have known.
Word Count: 8467
A/N: I admit, I'm no expert on the life and times of feudal England, but I tried. Forgive any errors when it comes to time frames and whatnot... Again, flocked in the comm, so I'm trying to remember to post here, as well!
Disclaimer: Neither of us own the WWE.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
“Why would I object to that?” Cody blurted out before quickly covering his mouth with his hands, realizing how forward that may have sounded. “That is, if you’re sure you don’t mind sharing with me,” he tried to recover.
“I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.” He scooted over closer to the wall, leaving plenty of space for Cody to join him. Once Cody sat, he leaned into the warm body, whispering into his ear, “One of these nights, I can’t wait to see you without the bed clothes on.”
A shiver ran down Cody’s spine, despite the heat that was in the room. He had to admit, he was hoping that they would go beyond kissing on this night, but perhaps they should take their time. Both of them were young and inexperienced, and they could take time exploring one another first. “Mmm, that will be nice. I’ll finally get to see you in all your natural beauty,” he whispered back. Ted had seen him twice without clothing on as he bathed in the river, yet he had seen no skin of Ted’s apart from his face and arms.
Ted blushed. God he had fantasized about finally spending the night with Cody, but he knew that now was not the right time. Still, he was hoping that Cody would be in his arms through the whole night. “Did you want to go to bed now?”
“Yes, we can go to bed now.”
Getting out of bed, Ted blew out the candle providing the only light in the room. Once the room was plunged into darkness, he crawled back onto the bed, landing on top of Cody. His hands slid under Cody’s shirt and their mouths met. As tongues explored one another’s mouths, their soft moans filled the space.
Now whilst in the dark, a new sense of confidence grew within them both. Shifting his body, Ted let one hand drift downwards, brushing against Cody’s semi-erect cock. A gasp escaped Cody’s mouth and his back arched up off the bed. Oh, God. Oh. God. Before this touch, it had been much easier to say that they would wait. But now? How on earth could they wait after that? And that had been a quick touch through a layer of clothing. “Do that again,” he panted.
So he did. Only this time when his hand touched Cody’s cock, it wasn’t merely a brush of the hand. This time he wrapped his fist around Cody, stroking him up and down a few times.
“Oh, God, Teddy,” he moaned. The only touch he had ever had upon his cock was his own hand. This felt a million times better than that. And this was still through the fabric of his undergarments. It took Ted just a few strokes to bring Cody to completion.
It was... intoxicating. That was the only word that seemed befitting for what he had experienced. To hear Cody's desperately muffled pants and gasps as he convulsed beneath his hand with release... Nothing he had ever, ever experienced in the past (which technically boiled down to his own hand in terms of sexual encounters) came even remotely close. The only downside was that he couldn't see Cody's face of bliss in the darkness. He could just make him out, but it was nowhere near enough.
Hearing Cody's panted command had been an undeniable turn-on, increased his hunger for the other teen by an almost unnerving amount-- but it also awakened a new thought and want within the kind, compassionate Ted: one night he wanted to have Cody begging for him. One night, with candlelight, he was going to be able to see Cody's face as they pleased one another, and then he was going to look right into Cody's bewitching eyes as the other begged him to finally take him... He hoped that night was soon.
Still slightly dazed from his orgasm (and under other circumstances and with anyone else he would have been mortified that he had cum so quickly) Cody registered that the warm palm over his groin was moving away, and his sated body immediately began to move automatically. Managing to locate Ted's lips in the dark, Cody caressed them with his own and the elder responded to him instantaneously; tongues once more dancing and twining, muffled breaths and whispered words of wicked promises and tender adoration seemed to echo about the room for mere moments before they too were swallowed by the darkness.
Nervously, slightly worried that he wouldn't be able to give Ted pleasure like he had him, Cody allowed his own hand to map down Ted's body. Through Ted's undershirt he could feel muscle. Muscle that he knew Ted had been toning up with all his work on the farm-- it was amazing what a few days manual labour could give you. The ravenette then mentally braced himself before easing his hand over Ted's completely erected cock. Suddenly he wished they hadn't blown the candle out.
With a gasp Ted broke the kiss, pressing his face into the crook of Cody's neck instead and he panted against the exposed skin. Trying to reflect on what he himself enjoyed, and what Ted had done to him, Cody first palmed Ted through the thin fabric a few times before them beginning to stroke him with growing firmness once Ted gave a moaned plea and his hips jumped for more. It might not seem much to some couples, what they would have done that night, but to them in was a giant, very significant and reassuring step.
Ted’s breath on his neck was continuing to turn Cody on further, and he could feel his cock stirring back to life once again while he stroked Ted. He knew that the other man was close, could sense it. And, well, if he went off how soon he himself came? Then it would be very soon for Ted. Oh, and how right he was. He cried out as he came, muffling his shouts into Cody’s neck and the pillow. Never had he experienced an orgasm that intense in his life. As he panted, trying to calm down from what just happened, he couldn’t help but think that he hoped for many, many more. Tilting his head up he once more found Cody’s lips and kissed him with everything he had.
Still not quite believing what they had just done, Cody accepted the kiss, kissed back, but it all felt like a dream to him. Once they broke apart, he asked, “Did that just happen?”
“Mmhmm,” Ted replied. “Come on now, let’s get some sleep.”
“Ok,” Cody said. He turned in the bed, pressing his back to Ted’s chest. He snuggled back as far as he could and felt Ted’s arms wrapping around him. This was definitely something he could get used to, he thought. Though, really, he shouldn’t be growing content with such thoughts considering he had no idea how often he’d be seeing Ted. Well, no, he’d be seeing Ted every day, but how often would he have the chance to be in this same situation wherein he’d be sleeping in Ted’s room, in Ted’s bed?
Hours later the sun began peeking in through the slit in the curtains, and Cody stirred. His body knew when to awake, anyway, as he always rose with the sun. As he opened his eyes, he found that the pair had actually reversed positions and he was now the one holding Ted in his arms. Smiling, he ran a hand down Ted’s arm, then pressed a kiss into the nape of his neck. This was the sight he had dreams about waking up to. Now it was happening, and he still felt as though he was living a dream. “Good morning, Teddy,” he whispered into his, what should they call one another? Were they lovers now? That wouldn’t be such a bad name for them: lovers. It was so romantic, really.
Slowly awakening, Ted blinked his eyes open and found himself staring at the wall rather than at Cody. Turning his head, he smiled as he saw Cody’s face hovering over him. “Good morning.”
After a few moments spent looking at one another, Cody spoke again, “I should probably get ready to start work today.”
“Hmm, yes. First we’ll have to get you some better clothes than what you have. You can’t wear your clothes when you’re working here. But, then, you can’t really wear what I gave to you, either, as you have to match the rest of the servants. I do hate calling you that,” Ted said just then.
“A servant?”
“Yes,” he answered. Though he knew Cody wasn’t an equal in the sense of class or education, but Cody was far superior to him in some other aspects of life. He was far more to him than a servant. He was now his lover.
“It’s better than calling me a peasant, though,” Cody said softly, casting his eyes to the floor, once more ashamed of his own life and upbringing.
“Maybe in the eyes of everyone else you’re a peasant, but to me? You’re simply Cody Runnels.” He pulled Cody into a hug, lips right next to Cody’s ear as he whispered, “My Cody Runnels.”
The possessive pronoun from Ted sent warmth crawling down Cody's spine, mischevious fingers like the ones Ted possessed that he had had a small glance of the previous night. "Yours?" he couldn't help questioning softly, liking the way that sounded on his tongue as opposed to technically supposing that he and his father were owned by Ted's father, "Mine." Ted repeated, rubbing Cody's side, "Just like I'm yours." That declaration made Cody's heart soar, and suddenly he felt less anxious about the fact that he was going to have to introduce himself to the other servants, and begin his work as an official member of the castle staff-- though officially he was only there for Ted's benefit. Exchanging a soft kiss, Ted then gave Cody's backside a shy, but playful pat and offered the other the use of his bathroom to prepare and wash. Hastening to do so, Cody threw Ted a smile over his shoulder before vanishing behind the heavy door.
Whilst Cody was out of the room Ted selected what he himself was going to wear, and then called a servant to fetch him one of the spare 'uniforms' that their staff wore. They weren't uniforms strictly in the sense of things like milital uniforms, but they were smart clothing items, and there was a version for both male and female staff members. Embarrassingly though, in Ted's view, they were all embossed with the DiBiase family signature-- something that Ted knew he'd probably get rid of when he was in charge.
Opening the bathroom door, Cody nervously poked his head around it. When he saw that Ted was still in the room alone he grinned softly and then entered the room again. When he saw the black and white, deep green trimmed items lain out on the bed he blinked slightly; that was slightly grander than anything he owned to wear, but didn't look grand enough for Ted to own. The older teen smiled at him and then indicated them, "Your uniform." A shirt, trousers and a small waistcoat type item-- Cody felt strangely out of place when he considered them. Knowing that Cody was probably embarrassed about the clothing Ted merely kissed his cheek before taking his own clothing into the bathroom to ready and dress. The ravenette found himself gingerly handling the material, shivering at the softness caressing his skin.
The white material complimented his tan greatly, and the material formed around his lithe muscles neatly. Running a hand through his hair self-consciously, Cody pulled on matching shoes and then stood uncertainly waiting for Ted to come out. The other was clad in the expensive-styled clothing that he usually wore and Cody felt that he got handsomer and handsomer each day. And, as an added bonus, whereas everyone else could look, no one could touch other than himself. It might be secret, but Ted had effectively pledged himself to Cody, and that was something Cody knew at least.
"I'll show you to the kitchens again on my way down," Ted said, "And you can have breakfast with everyone and then you'll meet me afterwards Ok?" Cody nodded his head, suddenly feeling a bit out-of-sorts that he wasn't already down on the farm working up a sweat ploughing or something like that. Working in the castle should be a piece of cake as opposed to what he had been doing essentially since he could walk, but there was a new factor in the castle that he didn't have to handle working on the farm, and that was plaguing his mind as he and Ted went downstairs: other servants, and undoubtedly opinionated people.
Upon entering the kitchen, which was teaming with cooks and other staff members at this hour of the morning, everyone stopped work to bow to the young master as he entered their presence. “Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce you to the castle’s newest employee, Cody Runnels.”
Everyone was biting their tongues, all ready to turn towards the person beside them to gossip about something or other they heard about from someone else, or made up in their own minds. Cody attempted his best smile, flushing brightly before all the staring eyes. He wasn’t used to being around this many people all at once, all looking straight at him. It was one thing to be in the village market, with all that hustle and bustle, but no one paid any mind to the person beside them, all concerned with their own lives.
“Cody, great to see ya again,” John Cena said as he entered the room, obviously having been out tending to the animals.
Again, Cody gave him a smile, but couldn’t bring himself to say a thing.
“I’m going to go join my family, ok?” Ted said, looking right at Cody. “I do expect everyone attempt to make Cody feel at home here. And he’ll also need a room made up in the servant’s quarters for the remainder of the time of his stay, if I could have someone on that. Michelle, if you wouldn’t mind…?”
“Yes, young master,” she said with a curtsey, though inside she was grumbling to herself about the unfairness of having to make up the room for the new employee who was nothing more than a farm boy attempting to live above his position in life.
“Excellent. I best be going now. Meet me in the dining room once your meal is finished; I’ll still be there. If you’d like, you may talk to my father’s personal footman, Eric, to learn more about the duties the position entails. I’ll see you soon.” With that, Ted left the kitchens, hoping that the others took to Cody the way that he had (well, not quite in that sense, but liked the teen’s personality and work ethic).
“Ah, yes, you’re that young peasant boy who Ted invited to dinner one night,” Eric said once Ted had left.
“Yes, I am. Lord DiBiase asked me that night if I’d like to come on the staff to work for Ted, I mean young master Theodore.” That would take some getting used to. He never called Ted by his full name when he was in his presence, like he was sure the others had to do. And then, he realized, that he would have to refer to him as Theodore if speaking to him in the presence of other servants or family. He’d get used to it eventually, though. Nothing was going to deter him from doing his job and doing it well.
John moved over to Cody and clapped him on the shoulder, "Come and have some breakfast with us--" he cut off suddenly as a baritone voice drawled, "Adopted a stray kitten, John-John?" Cody watched as John flushed slightly at the name, but otherwise didn't seem put off by the disparaging comment which made Cody want to quail in on himself.
"Ah, Randy... As venomous in the morning as ever I see. How are you this morning your evilness?" Cody noticed that everyone else around the kitchen was beginning to get back to what they had been doing, though some were watching the banter between John and the... very tall, long-legged stranger who had just entered the room. The stormy silver-blue eyes that were leveled on him made Cody feel like he was suddenly naked and under scrutiny, a very uncomfortable situation indeed as he felt awkward enough as it was.
"Don't mind him Cody," John's arm went around his shoulders and Cody noticed that Randy's eyes narrowed slightly and a muscle jumped in his cheek, "That's Randy Orton-- he's one of Ted Sr.'s valets." the ravenette was momentarily bemused by the very informal way John addressed the Lord of the castle, but John merely ignored Eric and pushed Cody to sit at the long wooden table and pushed a bowl of food before him, "He's always moody in the mornin'." Randy snorted slightly, but seemed to relax around him as time went on.
When he finished eating (and got introduced to the people who were there) Cody was just about to leave to go wait for Ted when an excited female voice sounded, "Oh my-- Cody Runnels is that you?" Oh, hell. Forcing a smile onto his face Cody turned his head as the petite ravenette hastened towards him, grabbing onto his arm, "Cody! Why didn't you tell me you were coming to work here?" Cody shrugged awkwardly, well aware that everyone was looking at him -and Layla- and probably jumping to completely incorrect conclusions... Conclusions that he would not be able to explicitly deny should someone come out and ask him whether it was true.
Mercifully, John saved him from the clingy female by steering Cody out of the room with a smile and playful wink, Randy drawling after them that he'd be expecting John outside ASAP. "Thanks." Cody exhaled softly as he followed John to the main hall, "Don't worry about it." John said, looking to Cody out of the corner of his eyes, "I take it uh, Layla's enthusiasm isn't returned?" Cody looked embarrassed, almost nervous as he shook his head and John ruffled his hair lightly, "Easy kid, it's alright; you can't force yourself to like someone. Trust me, I've been there before." When they reached the hall Ted was standing there, waiting, and John noticed Cody's eyes brighten.
“Hmm, and now I see why that enthusiasm wasn’t returned,” John said to him, giving him a wink before leaving him in the all to go meet Randy outside.
Slightly shell-shocked at John’s words (he couldn’t possibly know, could he? No, he had to have meant something else, of course), Cody shook himself out of it, turning his full attention towards Ted.
“Enthusiasm over what?” Ted asked, head cocked slightly as he watched John’s retreating back.
“You didn’t tell me that she was coming to work here,” he muttered, not wanting to be overheard.
Beginning to walk along, Cody following, Ted questioned, “What do you mean? I didn’t know anyone else was coming to work here aside from you. Who is it?”
“Layla,” he answered.
“What?!” Ted bellowed, obviously shocked himself.
“It had to have been my father. He had to have said something to yours. I don’t know when, but that’s the only thing I can think of. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Damn it all!”
Ted was certain that Cody was right in his thinking. Somehow, some way, Virgil had spoken to his father, told him to take on Layla as wall so that she and Cody could work together. “They would do such a thing. It’s only a matter of time before Father begins to look for yet another potential bride for me. No one seems to understand that we’re simply not interested.”
“It’s too bad your mother doesn’t have more say about the subject.”
“I know. I would absolutely love if she could get my father to drop the subject. He’s going to be getting in-laws and he will be getting grandchildren from the future union of Kristen and Brett. Brett or his eldest can then take over the castle once I’m no longer fit to rule. It’s not as though it should be a necessity that I marry. Anyway, shall we change the subject of our conversation?”
“I think that may be for the best,” Cody said, sick at the thought that he’d have to work with Layla throughout the winter.
“Come along, we’ll go to my room and I can tell you what your duties are officially to be. And then you can tell me just what you think of everyone.” He usually lived his life completely separate from the workers, and he never really heard what they were like amongst themselves, so he was curious to hear just what Cody thought about them all. And, more importantly, he wanted to know how they were all treating Cody.
Following Ted back up the stairs, Cody couldn't help but wonder what his father was thinking... and also considered that his father must have much more sway with Lord DiBiase than Cody had assumed, because something told him that Ted Sr. didn't just hire women to work for him on a whim on the word of her having a romantic interest on a male he'd just hired.
Of course he was aware that his father only wanted him to be happy, but it was just so... so overbearing because he was trying so hard. To be fair thought it wasn't as though he was aware of who Cody truly wanted to be with-- for all Virgil might be a man who'd do anything for his children, Cody didn't think accepting that his youngest and remaining son loved a man was on the list of things he'd give his blessing for. A sad thought for many reasons.
When they reached Ted's room Cody closed the door behind them since he was the last one to enter, and then moved to be standing at the side of the room somewhat awkwardly. When Ted motioned that he could sit down the ravenette gingerly moved and seated himself down on the end of the bed, exhaling softly. Running a hand through his hair, Cody then looked up to Ted and quirked a weak smile, "Well, everyone seems really nice." he said, unsure what he was really supposed to say. It wasn't as though he could say Ted's favouritism had already put him out of favour.
"John introduced me to everyone, and, I had breakfast and then, uh, that was it." Ted didn't seem to believe him and Cody shrugged slightly, "Really, not much happened... Everyone was just sorta banded together an' doin' their own thing." A slight flicker in Cody's eyes made Ted believe that Cody was definitely keeping something from him and he reached a hand out, cupping Cody's cheek and making him look to him. "What's the matter?" he said gently.
When Ted used that gentle tone of voice Cody knew that he wouldn't be able to hide the truth from him and he shrugged slightly, "Don't worry about it: there hasn't been much time for everyone to get used to me yet, that's all." Ted's brow furrowed slightly and asked, "Want me to have a word with everyone?" Cody's eyes immediately widened, waving them slightly as he shook his head, "No! No!" no offence to Ted, but that was the last thing he needed. He then shyly asked, "Um, does that Orton character just not like anyone?" he frowned slightly, obviously puzzled, "He called me a stray that John had adopted."
Ted chuckled, “Yeah, that’s really just how he is. Once you get to know him a bit, though, he’s really a nice guy. He and John go way back, both of their fathers worked in the castle and they grew up with each other.”
“So you’re saying that he doesn’t really hate John?”
“Oh, goodness, not at all. He just like to give him a hard time, since John always, without fail, tries to be everyone’s friend. And he’s got that kind of personality that people are drawn into naturally. But, yeah, John and Randy are the best of friends, even though they work in completely different parts of the castle doing completely different jobs,” Ted explained. “However, since it does generally take Randy a while to warm up to a person, if he ever does, John was the only person that was willing to room with him.”
“They room together? I never would have imagined. Randy just seemed like a complete ass.”
Snorting in a very undignified manner, Ted tried to compose himself after being taken completely taken aback by Cody’s bluntness. “I’ll have to tell him you said that. He’d probably consider it a job well done.”
“You wouldn’t, would you?”
“I just might. Now, did you talk to Eric at all about the jobs you’ll have to do?”
“No, uh, not quite… He just called me that peasant boy that you invited over one night,” Cody told him softly.
“He did not!” Ted said, shocked. “Well, I do hope that when you show him how dedicated you are in your work and when you outshine him in every aspect of the job, he comes to give you the respect that you deserve. You’d think he never worked a day out in the fields with the way that he spoke to you. He grew up working on the fields and he didn’t come to the castle until he was well into his thirties. His brother and children are still there, too, so I can’t understand this utter lack of respect. Just pay it no mind, Cody. Here, let me show you the things you’re supposed to do. They’re all quite silly, menial tasks. For example, when I walk into the bed chambers, you come behind me and slip off my coat. The same applies when I go into a home and am wearing a formal jacket. You take it and hang it for me. And then, when I go to my bed and sit upon the edge, you’re to kneel down before me and slip my shoes off my feet. You then polish my shoes and place them over there,” he said pointing to the far wall.
“So, I only take off your coats? I can’t take off your shirt, as well?”
“You can if you like,” Ted told him, eyes twinkling mischievously. “Maybe tonight we can practice before bed time.”
"Sounds like fun." Cody said with a slight grin, thinking that really, compared to taking care of livestock and trying to keep up with Mother Nature, tending to Ted was going to be easy... He was just going to have to watch that his country mannerisms didn't rub people up the wrong way.
Something that Ted said earlier registered with him and gave Cody concerned pause, "Will Ineeded this job. That money was crucial. Shaking his head slightly Cody then said, "I guess I'll just have to try and make friends with them if I am." and he gave a smile, though something told him that they wouldn't be letting him settle that easy.
Sensing that Cody was feeling uneasy despite the confident, uncaring front he was trying to put up, Ted let his hand cup the back of Cody's neck, thumb rubbing soothing circles upon the slightly tense muscles. "They'll all grow to adore you in time," he quirked a small smile, "Not as much as me, granted, because that's not possible, but they can't not like you." Ted just couldn't imagine someone not warming up to Cody.
"Really?" Cody's eyes closed slightly, leaning back into the comforting touch, "I know it." Ted said confidently, then paused, "Since I don't have any plans today what say we go visit your father?" He wouldn't ever tell Cody, for fear of embarrassing him, but the younger had been talking in his sleep, mentioning his father's name. At one point Ted thought Cody had been having a nightmare, but then as soon as he pressed a gentle kiss to Cody's forehead and drew the other closer to his chest he had calmed. There was no shame in such reactions, they only proved that Cody was as human as he, and Ted liked that he had been able to be there to soothe the other somewhat, even if Cody hadn't been consciously aware of it.
"So, that's all I have to do?" Cody asked, wanting to make sure that there were no other liberties for other members of Ted's family that he had to attend to. "That's all." Ted promised, "You only have to do things for me unless you're told otherwise... Which you probably won't be." The other members of his family already had their own attendants and suchlike. "Ok." Cody nodded, standing when Ted offered him a hand after doing so himself, "Let's go see your father. We'll just have to be back before lunch time." he said thoughtfully, nodding.
Making their way down the road to the fields, the two chatted idly, Cody asking questions about life at the castle, just to make sure he did everything correctly. They neared Cody’s house and saw a fresh billow of smoke rise from the chimney, a sure sign that Virgil was inside stoking the fire. Cody knocked on the door first, not wanting to startle the older man by just showing up behind him. “Father?” he called through the door.
He heard some shuffling from inside, then footsteps on the ground. When Virgil opened the door, he took in the sight before him and smiled. Cody looked quite handsome in that uniform. “Cody, my boy!” he said before pulling him into a hug. It had only been a day since they last saw one another, but it was the first time Virgil had ever spent a night alone in the cabin, the first time they had been apart from one another.
“Hello, Dad,” he said into the large man’s neck as he returned the hug. “How was your night last night? Did everything go ok? Are you feeling all right?”
“Quit fretting about me, Cody. Come in, come in,” he said, stepping aside to let the two teens in. “Tell me about your day at the castle.”
“Not until you tell me how you are,” Cody insisted.
“I’m fine. The work does me good,” he told his son.
“And that’s why you’re inside by the fire as opposed to being out with the calves?” Cody raised his eyebrow. He may not be the one in charge, but he knew that he had to take care of his father, because he would never take care of his own health.
“I just got a bit chilly, that’s all. I swear to you I’ll be going out again with the calves soon. They’re all doing real good, too. Should get a fine price at the market in a few months’ time. Now quit holding out on me, tell me about the castle life.”
“It’s so big, and there are all these passageways that I’ll have to learn, and I really don’t know how I ever will. Ted was taking me through them yesterday, and I tried to remember where everything led, but I think I’ve already forgotten.”
“Still exploring those hallways, then, young master?” Virgil asked then, giving a wink to Ted.
“So… it was you! I had no idea who you were back then, but I’ve been grateful ever since. What were you doing there, anyway, Sir?” Ted wondered, glad to finally find out, twelve years later, that it had been Cody’s father that saved him from whatever fate he would have met in that blocked off passage.
Virgil quirked a wan smile and then chuckled, his bright eyes clouding over slightly with nostalgia. "I'd been in the castle a couple of times by that point in my youth, having to report to the castle with my father several times a month-- the Lord didn't come down to the parcels very often in those days because his leg was playing him up." Cody listened as attentively as Ted, wondering what injury his grandfather must have suffered.
"My father had fallen from his horse one day riding in the woods..." Ted suddenly intoned, as though he could hear Cody's thoughts, "And he ended up with a very bad cut and infection, a bone having been displaced..." Cody wrinkled his nose and winced. He didn't really remember Ted's grandfather, he not really ever having had a reason to be taken to the castle. "That's right." Virgil nodded, "I remember that I was the one to hear his calling when I was out in the woods gathering firewood-- it was a good job that I had found him too, since there was an awful storm that night."
Shaking his head slightly the big blonde man then said, "Anyway, my father was there to report to the Lord about how there was a shortage of crops because some vandals had been down in the fields, and I had been given permission to go by and say hello to your father, who at the time /was/ Young Master Theodore." he chuckled slightly, "And I had been through the passages before and thought I'd just use them to be up and down before our fathers had even noticed my absence..." he looked to Ted then, "Imagine my surprise at the little boy stuck in the passage."
Ted blushed and Cody smiled slightly, "I must admit Young Master, I almost didn't notice you. The only shuffling noise I could hear made me think it was a mouse-- but then a little voice called out, but then it was almost as though it was unsure whether it wanted to be hurt or not." Virgil huffed a slight laugh, that Cody was concerned to hear turn into a cough, "I took you to your father then, and I admit I didn't realise you were the Lord's son. You'd grown so much since I'd heard your mother had had you."
A slightly sad smile crossed Virgil's face, "I remember your grandfather passed away not long after, and my own father was one of those to pay tribute at his funeral-- my father had nothing but respect for your grandfather, as I have for your father." Although Ted was relieved to hear such a thing he wasn't able to help wondering how it was true at the same time. How could a family in such impoverished conditions feel positively towards his own when they lived in such lavish conditions?
Cody was looking between the two, so surprised about this outstanding history their families had. Of course he knew that his family had been working here for generations, but seeing now just how intertwined their families were was amazing to him. Then something else his father said registered with him, that he had been given permission to go see Ted’s father. Why, if they weren’t friends, would they want to see one another? “Dad, would you ever call you and Lord DiBiase friends?” he asked, casting his eyes towards Ted.
“What? Don’t you remember what I told you?” he asked in a hushed voice, trying to get Cody to drop the subject while in the presence of the Lord’s son.
“Well, why else would you want to go and see him that one day?”
“I went to report the harvest to him, that’s all,” he insisted.
“As though he wouldn’t hear it for himself from his own father. Surely when you were younger, considering your similarity in age, you two must have been friendly.”
“We’ve known each other a long time, but he’s never been my friend, not like Mr. El has been to me. Now could we please drop the subject?” Virgil asked. Little did he know the can of worms he opened upon mentioning the El family.
“Dad, did you talk to Lord DiBiase about taking on Layla as part of the staff?” Cody questioned, needing to confirm his suspicion.
“I did, yes,” he said. “Their family didn’t have the luck we did with their harvest, their parcel having issues with disease that took out their entire corn crop. And you know how many people they have living there; I thought it’d be good if she worked at the castle for a while.”
“That’s the only reason you talked to him about getting her to work there? Her specifically, that is…”
“Would you think I’d have another reason?”
“So, you’re telling me that there’s no other reason? You didn’t tell him that it was because she’s so obviously interested in me romantically?”
Virgil simply shrugged. Of course that had been his main reason. He didn’t like how close his son was getting to the young master, because he knew that both would wound up hurt in the long run.
Cody had a really bad feeling about this-- and he had learnt through his hard, toil-filled existence that he should pay close attention to his instincts. Since Ted would be expected to be present when his family had lunch they had to leave not too long after; Cody once again telling his father that he'd be by to visit him soon and Virgil waving the teen off with the fondly exasperated to stop fussing him. Sighing softly as they began walking back to the castle, Cody mumbled, "Sometimes he's just too stubborn and proud." he rubbed his neck slightly.
A soft chuckle left Ted, privately thinking that Cody was much like his father in that respect, but not voicing the thought. When they entered the castle Cody remembered what Ted had said about his jacket and moved to take it off. Ted fought a shiver as Cody's hands innocently brushed over his front as he removed the jacket that Ted had thrown on that morning after breakfast when he knew they had been going down to the parcels to see Virgil.
Moving off to the side to hang the coat up, Cody then returned to Ted's side. "Go and have your lunch," Ted said, voice soft but tone firm, "And don't let anyone bully you. You should check out your sleep quarters too." Cody had seriously been considering avoiding the kitchen after that morning's events, but he knew that hiding would make them dislike him even more. And Ted had to be right: if he proved that he was hardworking and not just some little peasant who was thick and incompetent then surely they would all grow to like him? "Ok... Shall I meet you back out here afterwards?" Cody asked, Ted nodding his head before they parted ways.
Walking down the stairs, Cody slowed as he heard two low voices. Peeking around the corner of the doorway, Cody couldn't see anyone at first until he noticed John walk into sight. Pressing himself into the wall slightly to avoid being seen, Cody gasped inaudibly as Randy appeared behind him-- and Randy looked pissed. "Well Cena? Is that it, huh?" John snorted softly, but otherwise didn't look at Randy and began absently seeming to search for something, "I'm just looking out for the kid, Randy. What--" John turned then, meeting Randy's eyes full force as he asked in a stunningly sultry tone, "Are you jealous?"
“Jealous? As if,” Randy said, denying such words.
“Please, Randy,” John said, stepping forward, entering Randy’s personal space, “every time that I give someone else an ounce of my attention that little green eyed monster inside you rears its ugly head.” He placed a hand on Randy’s chest, and Cody’s eyes widened as he looked on.
“Right, you tell yourself that, John. I’m far from being jealous of the kid, I just don’t understand why you always feel the need to take every new employee that’s come here over the last few years under your wing.”
“I’m just tryin’ to be friendly. Maybe if you tried it every once in a while, you wouldn’t be so uptight and grouchy all the time.” Then, raising up on his tip toes, he placed a quick kiss on Randy’s lips before turning back around, continuing his search, ignoring the grumpy look that crossed Randy’s face.
Clasping a hand over his mouth, Cody turned quietly down to the other end of the hallway before attempting to process what he just witnessed. John and Randy? Maybe the castle air was causing him to see things. That had to be it. Because he couldn’t possibly have just seen… No, definitely seeing things… As he shook the thoughts from his mind, he made his way back down the hall, this time trying to make as much noise as he could to alert the two to his presence.
“Ah, Cody!” John said when he saw that the young man entered the kitchen. Randy didn’t look as enthused, narrowing his eyes at the pair of them as he sat at the table, cutting into his roasted potatoes.
“Good afternoon, John. Randy,” he added, nodding his head to the valet.
“I saw you went down to the farm today. How was your visit with the ol’ man?”
“Good, thank you.” He remained standing, not sure if he was to join Randy at the table or not. One of the cooks then entered the room carrying a large pot of soup and another cook followed with a bowl of potatoes, then a third came in with a basket full of fresh bread. He saw John go grab some food, and Cody went along behind him. When John sat across from Randy, he figured he should sit down next to John. “What sort of animals do you have in the stables?”
“Why, you thinking of going to live with them?” Eric asked as he entered the room, looking down at Cody smugly.
John seemed about to come to his defense, but Cody silenced the older man with a light hand on his arm-- one that he retracted as swiftly and subtly as possible when he noticed a tick in Randy's cheek. Good grief, Randy was possessive wasn't he? Though, maybe that kiss hadn't been a kiss of lovers... Friends. Close friends.
Meeting Eric's eyes Cody looked to the elder man. "I don't know what is it about me that's rubbed you up the wrong way, but I don't appreciate the way you seem so insistent on insulting my family and my background--" his tone was level, completely polite, "--especially considering that the majority of your own family are in similar backgrounds." Eric's smile immediately slid from his face and a flush of embarrassment covered his face. Out of the corner of his eye Cody swore Randy's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"You-- how dare you--?" This time John did intervene, snickering unsubtly about the way that the pompous man had been put into his place by the younger man, "Let it go, Eric. The boy's here for the duration so get over yourself and just get on with it." Eric's lips compressed into a firm line, but he seemed to relent when John added, "You said we needed some more help around here, and since Cody's here to be Young Ted's attendant--" John ignored Eric's snipe about calling him 'Young Master' and carried on, "--that means you don't have to remove staff from elsewhere and then train their replacements, right?" Nodding slightly, but grumbling under his breath, Eric then left the kitchen once more. When he was out of sight Cody sighed, shoulders slumping, "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything--" he started wanly.
"Hey, you were within your rights; Eric's been a bit of a wanker to you, but it's good you stood up for yourself." John said bracingly, "If you let everyone walk all over you, then they'll just dislike and mock you more--" the blue eyed man indicated that Cody should eat, doing so himself with aplomb. Randy seemed to be completely disregarding either of their presences, but Cody could see he was paying close attention to them, "You've asserted yourself, and that's good... Eric just likes to throw his weight around a bit. He's done it with everyone. Even me and Randy." John reported.
“Really? But Ted told me that you two pretty much grew up in the castle.”
“We did,” John replied, eyes suddenly shifting towards Randy, then he quickly focused them back on Cody. “But Randy here got the valet position from his father when his father could no longer physically perform the needed tasks. Ol’ Eric out there couldn’t believe that Randy got the position that he believed he would be promoted to one day. But he’s still just a lowly footman, no offense to you, or anything.”
“None taken. Why would he treat you in such a way? It’s not as though you’re even doing the same jobs.”
“He’s just a jackass, plain and simple. He’ll never be happy, the old bugger. I know Randy might come off as a bit of an ass, as well, but he means well.”
To that Randy gave an agreeing nod, showing that he was indeed listening, before he finished up the last of his meal. “I just ignore him,” Randy said. “He’s not worth any of my attention. He never liked us since we were children, I think because they had him watching us from time to time when our own parents were working. He’s been bitter about that ever since.”
“Didn’t help our cause that as we got older it was our full intention to make his life a living hell,” John added, a slight chuckle in his voice.
“This is true. He must think this is still our intention,” Randy said, and Cody swore that he saw him wink at John as he stood from the table.
Once Randy left, it was down to John and Cody. They knew that the other valets and cooks would be coming in soon to dine, so there wasn’t much time. “I never answered your question earlier. We’ve mostly got horses in the barn, but we do have some cows, chickens and pigs that we can slaughter for the family to eat.”
“I’d love to come down there one day and look around, if you don’t mind.”
“You’d have to ask Ted,” John told him. “He is your direct boss, after all, not me. But he’s down there every once in a while, more often in the spring and summer when he wants to go out riding.”
“Ok, I’ll do that.”
“And one other thing, really quickly… Be discrete. I saw that look in your eyes when you saw Ted this mornin’, and I saw that Ted had the same look. I know that glint, and while you don’t have to worry about me, there are people you don’t want seein’ it, you hear me?”
Cody nodded, and knew right then that he and Teddy had given themselves away to John, who would probably end up telling Randy, if he assumed things between those two were as it looked when he saw their private moment. After standing from the table, Cody added, “And maybe you should look around the corners before you go kissing anyone.”
John's eyes widened as the younger man's words registered, immediately glad that Randy hadn't been in the room still... he would have freaked at the thought of Cody spying on them, even though John didn't think he would have been intentionally spying on them. "I'll uh, bear that in mind." he added before Cody vanished out of sight, clearing his throat somewhat. However, John couldn't bring himself to be too embarrassed about it, and there was a slight smile on his face as he made his way out of the kitchen and then out to the grounds once more to get his work done for the after-lunch shift. Rolling his shoulders slightly, Cody descended up the last of the steps to the main hall and then waited aside, eyes on the door.
When they opened and Ted appeared Cody went to smile-- but then remembered what John had just told him and hastily schooled his features into a neutral expression and then inclined his head slightly the way he had seen other members of staff do when they dealt with the family members. Ted blinked slightly at what he saw Cody doing, but then smiled slightly and motioned with a slight flick of his hand for the younger to follow-- making his way up to his bedroom, not having anything else on his agenda to do.
When they were in the secrecy of his own room Ted turned and cupped Cody's cheeks, brushing his lips over the younger man's. "You seem to be learning already." he complimented, a touch of pride in his voice. Amusement then touched his eyes too, "Did something happen to Eric? He looked positively thunderous when he walked outside to go wait on my father's carriage just now." Looking slightly sheepish Cody exhaled slightly and then rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and said, "Um, well, sorta, yeah... When I went to have lunch--"
Ted was laughing uproariously when Cody finished, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes afterwards, shaking his head. "Oh, Cody... I don't know many who'd stand up to Eric's poison tongue." Cody shrugged slightly, suddenly biting his lip in concern, "But-- but you told me to--" Ted covered Cody's mouth with a gentle hand and hushed him, "I'm proud that you did. You want to stand up for yourself." Cody nodded slowly, then internally grinned and pressed a kiss to Ted's palm.
The tawny haired male smiled at the gesture, blushing slightly before he removed his hand from Cody's lovely mouth. "So... Do you think you'll settle down alright?" Cody nodded his head, not telling Ted what he had seen earlier (he might have been wrong) or that he hadn't looked to where he was sleeping yet. "I guess I'll settle down fine soon enough."