AN: Again, please excuse all the historical inaccuracies, as I know there will be many. This is set in a world similar to feudal Japan, not strictly in it as the locations are fictional and the characters obviously Kishimoto's
Chapter 8
Kakashi had cried himself to sleep that night, using his covers muffle any sounds and hide his face. It must have been late when sleep found his tired body, but it felt all too soon when he was being shaken awake by Yamato the next morning.
"What time is it," he asked groggily.
"Dawn," was the quiet response. "Come we must go. If you are really to be a servant here, you must wash and change into these and eat quickly before the family wakes."
He pushed a plain cotton kimono into Kakashi's hands. The other men had already left. As the newcomer dressed, he noted that it felt rough against his skin. He supposed he would probably never wear silk again.
When he had finished, Tenzo shoved a bowl of cold rice into his hands. The portion was small and tasteless, completely unsatisfying. Luckily for Kakashi, he had little appetite anyway.
After changing, Yamato took Kakashi to a servant's bathroom, complete with chamber pot. One man was urinating in front of them as they entered. There was a wooden tub filled with water was in the middle of the small room. They each washed very quickly, with a little warm water. Kakashi stared at it hesitantly before looking to Yamato.
"Servants have to share… just be glad it isn't cold water today. Don't worry we will get up earlier tomorrow and get here before it cools."
Yet for Kakashi, who had always been pampered and used to rising later, having privacy and fresh, hot water all to himself, the idea of sharing the small tub was a worry. But that wasn't the only problem Kakashi faced. He really didn't want all these other men to see him washing… and naked. It's true that public bathing in the hot springs was common for someone of his status, but after all that had happened he just felt so much more… vulnerable. He also didn't want to go to toilet in front of anyone else… that would just be the final low. Just what had he been reduced to?
"I'm sorry but, we really don't have time for this… If we are late, Lord Zabuza will beat us," Yamato said apologetically.
Kakashi sighed, and quickly removed his cheap clothing before jumping into the tub and washing himself as quickly as he could. He had never been rushed like this before or had an audience, well except maybe Minato in the hot springs. The thought made him shudder, now he knew the blonde's true motives. He just prayed that the men here didn't share Minato's interests in him. At least it seemed like Fugaku was more interested in young girls... maybe if he kept out of his way he would be left alone.
Kakashi didn't make eye contact with the others as he washed off the grime, sweat and dirt from his journey, but he could feel their gaze on his pale, bruised form nonetheless. They had of course heard the gossip that immediately upon his arrival Zabuza had beaten him and Fugaku had seen him in his rooms. Obito's visit late last night had also caused a stir it seemed. Kakashi looked every bit the noble he had been, with skin so pale and smooth, despite the recent bruises inflected on him. The others were tanned and rough from their hard labour. Even Yamato's hands seemed calloused, Kakashi noticed, as the young man passed him a towel.
As Kakashi met his gaze, he noticed the teen was blushing, but had moved forwards in an attempt to block the other men's view as he changed. "Hatake-san, whatever happens, stay on your guard in this place. Some of these men can be bullies, and Lord Zabuza turns a blind eye to what he wants, being a bully himself."
Kakashi only hummed in response as he shoved his clothes back on.
"Come, the chamber maids will already be assisting the women. We must get our breakfast items washed up and carry what the cooks require to the kitchen so they can prepare food and hot water for the family and household guards- and believe me there are a of guards."
Yamato turned to leave, but Kakashi put a hand on his elbow.
"Yamato," he said quietly. "Thank you for helping me."
"It is no bother, Hatake-san. I am just sorry that fate has brought you here."
Kakashi was helping the women in the kitchens make the final preparations when a new man entered. He wasn't dressed as a samurai, but his attire was smarter than theirs, his kimono less worn and faded. He looked very neat with dark hair and beneath his glasses Kakashi caught a glimpse of brown eyes.
"Greetings Hatake," he began. "I am Ebisu, and the noble and great Uchiha family have task me with the running of the household and serving staff. In other words I am the most senior servant and, your boss." He couldn't keep the smug look off his face as he said this, clearly delighting in his newfound power over a clan lord, Kakashi.
Kakashi said nothing, feeling that was the safest option.
"Hmm? Nothing to say Hatake. Well, as a servant is to be seen and not heard, then I am glad you have learnt your place; however I must remind you that you are to answer when a superior addresses you. Now, grab those jugs and come with me. Fugaku-sama has requested that you personally will serve the family during meals alongside the women."
The man was positively brimming with glee as he delivered these instructions. Kakashi couldn't help but bristle. If he was to be a servant, he had expected some of the more hard wearing, skilled tasks, like working with the horses in the stables, driving carts or even carrying heavier loads around for the female staff. But instead he had been offered another insult; he was to serve the family at dinner as if he were a mere housemaid. What would be next, mending their clothes?
Darkly he remembered that he had already whored himself to Fugaku. Maybe they would treat him as a female after all.
Still silent, Kakashi grabbed the jugs of water and followed Ebisu. He was lead to a good sized room with a tatami floor and table in the middle of the room. A large group of Uchiha were already sat around it expectantly. As Kakashi entered the room, instantly all of the dark eyes snapped to him. Breakfast had begun.
