Joy-Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness
Nobunaga watched Ranmaru zipping around his study replacing scrolls and dusting off ones that hadn't seen the light of day in some time. Things like this weren't really part of Ranmaru's job, but since nobody except him could do anything right, it became part of his job.
The lord chuckled to himself thinking about how easy it had been to scare everyone else away leaving only Ranmaru to willingly cater to his every desire, no matter how obscure it was.
The boy in question glanced over his shoulder. "Is there something you need, my lord?" He stepped down off the stepping stool.
This simple, honest, question got Nobunaga thinking. What did he need Ranmaru to do? What fun thing could he make him do?
"Yes." His voice came lazily. "I need that scroll." He pointed to the highest one. "It's very important."
Ranmaru looked up. Was he going to be tall enough even with the stool?
Did it matter?
His lord wanted it and Ranmaru was going to get it one way or another.
"Alright, I'll get it."
Moving the stool with his foot, Ranmaru positioned himself directly underneath. He could feel Nobunaga's eyes on his back as he stepped up and raised himself to his toes. His slender fingers touched the scroll, but still not high enough to reach it. Ranmaru leaned forward trying to get every inch he could. He tried using his fingers to pop the scroll up and hopefully closer. The stool tipped off its back legs.
"Don't drop it." Nobunaga smirked.
Ranmaru stiffened. What if he did drop it? That'd be terrible! He'd disappoint Nobunaga and shame himself at the same time and the scroll could get damaged.
Standing on your tip toes on a wobbly stool wasn't the best idea...ever.
Using the tips of his fingers, he was able to pull the scroll out slightly and he leaned backwards to take it farther when his body swayed in the opposite direction of the stool. "Wa...woah."
There was nothing Ranmaru could do. He was going to fall. It was only a matter of agonizing seconds before he hit the floor.
But
It never happened.
Strong hands rested on the small of his back and right forearm. "Careful." Nobunaga steadied him. "It wouldn't be good if you fell."
Blush crept across Ranmaru's cheeks. "I…my apologize, my lord, I didn't mean to burden you with my lack of coordination."
"You're never a burden." Nobunaga slid his hand up Ranmaru's back.
A shutter ran up the younger's spine. "You are too kind, my lord." Nobunaga took hold of Ranmaru's hips, lifted him from the stool, and put him firmly on the ground. "Ah, my lord, I haven't retrieved the scroll you requested."
"That's fine." He leaned down and pressed their lips together. "It wasn't that important."
Ranmaru's chest heaved. "Forgive me, but, why then?"
"I just wanted to see if you'd try." Nobunaga turned away to go back to his work. Teasing Ranmaru Mori was his favorite joy
