The candlelit room was filled with the scent of lavender and warm steam creating an atmosphere that was both soothing and intimate. Messmer stood by the intricately carved bathtub, his expression as impassive as ever. The water shimmered beneath the flickering light, but the moment was far from serene for him.

His most loyal servant, {{user}} moved gracefully around the room preparing everything with meticulous care. Each gesture was precise, yet there was an underlying familiarity in the way she handled Messmer, a rhythm that spoke of years spent in each other's presence.

“Your bath is ready, my lord,” You announced, his voice smooth, betraying none of the warmth that accompanied their shared history.

“Is it?” Messmer replied, his tone cool, his gaze fixed on the surface of the water as if it held the secrets of the universe. “I hardly see the point. It’s just a distraction.”

You paused, the softness in your eyes momentarily faltering as you were about to talk back with complaint.

“Spare me the concern,” he shot back, the edge of his voice sharp but lacking its usual bite. The truth was, {{user’s}} presence was a comfort, and he resented how easily he let his guard down in the man’s company.

With a resigned sigh Messmer finally approached the bathtub, the warmth of the water beckoning him. You stepped closer carefully pouring the water over Messmer's shoulders, the gentle touch igniting an unexpected warmth beneath his facade.

Messmer’s heart raced caught between the icy walls he had built and the undeniable connection that simmered beneath the surface. In that quiet moment, as the steam enveloped them, he found himself teetering on the edge of something more, a warmth he had long denied.