Nico looked down at Bel, displaying an all too innocent smile on his face. Him? Up to something? He would never do that. "I suppose if this is our last moment of privacy we better take advantage of it." After this, it would he a week's worth of no privacy. They would always be surrounded by others, Nico especially. There would be no whisking Bel off in the middle of the woods for some privacy. It would be too dangerous.
His eyes fluttered close and he shuddered. But whether it was due to Bel's words or his kiss, Nico wasn't quite sure. "My little minx," he murmured, dropping his head to press a kiss to his shoulder. "So eager to try soemthung new." He let Bel take the soap away from him. No matter, Nico found something else to preoccupy himself. He was slowly kissing across his shoulder and up his neck.
(HI [screams] sorry I've been inactive I had a huge test yesterday [gotta love those AP tests] and I've been everywhere all day. I have a busy week coming up as well so I'm so SO sorry if I only respond a few times a day)
"Hmm, I guess we should." Bel reaches up with his free hand to bring Nico's chin down into an awkward yet passionate kiss. Part of him has to wonder if Nico will even care about privacy. But Bel would like privacy. He likes keeping this between them. He likes his siblings ignorant and Nico's entire population unaware. It's no secret that they clearly have a strong fondness for each other, but whatever they do behind closed doors is between them and them alone.
"I've been practically locked in a castle for the past twenty-two years, can you blame me for being a little adventurous?" Bel says, a slight snark seeping into his found. He shifts, turning himself to straddle Nico's thighs. "I know you want to, Nico," he murmurs as he swoops in for another kiss.
(Its okay. School comes first! Don't stress about it)
Nico dipped his head allowing Bel to guide him. He pressed his lips against Bel, kissing him deeply. His hands splayed flat against Bel's chest, stroking his skin softly. The prince's skin was unmarked, smooth, and Nico planned to keep it that way. If anyone dared to make a single scratch on Bel's skin, Nico would kill them in a most torturous way. No one would ever hurt Bel. He was rather burn down the world than let any harm cone to his prince.
"No, I certainly can't. By all means, be adventurous. Use me for whatever experiments you would like to try." While Nico did have a few hard limits he would cross, he was down to just about anything that Bel wanted to do. He grinned as Bel shifted in his lap, Nico's arms loosening then tightening as he settled in Nico's lap. He pulled him close so their chests were flushed together. "I always want to with you," he murmured into the kiss.
(akdhdjk thanks for understanding man!)
Bel laughs softly against Nico's lips. "Well, thank you, my love, but you're here to. I want you to feel adventurous as well." He nips softly at Nico's lip before pulling away. His thumbs find Nico's scars, tracing over them slowly. "Gods, I'm very in love with you," he says softly. He doesn't want to leave. He doesn't want to be anywhere but here with Nico, but they have things to do. They have a city to pack and a kingdom to crash.
But he can at least enjoy this moment as Nico pulls him flush against his chest. He tries not to think of what will happen in Araniel. He doesn't want to debate if he'll ever see his father again. He doesn't want to imagine the impending battle between Miran and Nicandros for the right to the crown. All he wants is now.
"Oh my love," Nico murmured, "I will happily partake in anything you wish to do." While there were a few hard limits he wouldn't do, he doubted Bel would ever want to do either of those. Those would likely be too extreme for him if they were too extreme from Nico. His eyes fluttered close as Bel traced one of his scars. He shuddered at the feeling of it. Only Bel could do this, only Bel was allowed to touch him like this. He would kill anyone else that dared to try. His body was only for the touch of his prince.
"Marry me," he said. He hadn't meant to say the words but they slipped out. "When this is all over, marry me." Bht as he said the words became more and more true. This is what he wanted. He wanted Bel. He only wanted Bel. He would never love another. He would never take another to bed nor his partner in life. It would Bel or no one else. And he hoped to the gods that he said yes.
Bel blinks, his hand stuttering as the words suddenly hit his ears. His heart stops, stomach plummeting… floating? Fizzling? Surely he must've heard him wrong but then Nico says it again. Marry me, he says and Bel has never been more terrified of such a wonderful idea. "What?" He says quietly. His ears are playing tricks on him. He hadn't been prepared fir such a tender moment to get this serious–he hadn't been prepared for Nico to suddenly ask him for a lifetime commitment.
The only person Bel could ever see himself with is Nico. Nico. Bel had already planned out a life ahead of them, but marriage… Marriage is… Marriage is for sealing deals and securing alliances. It's for political agendas and arranges parties. It's–it's something Bel had practically been sold into at the beginning of this entire ordeal. It's… it's a happily ever after. It's a perfect ending to a perfect book and Bel doesn't know entirely how to answer. Will he be stuck if he says yes? Will he break Nico's heart if he says no?
"Love, you can't ask me a life altering question in the bathtub–" He settles on with a smile. "Please ask me again when you're rested and sure." Because clearly Nico might be sleep deprived and delusional if he wants to spend the rest of his life handcuffed to Bel.
Nico's hand left his waist only to move further up to cup Bel's cheeks. As much as he wanted to lean in and kiss him, Bel needed reassurance. He looked entirely adorable like this, so taken off guard and unprepared. He wanted to kiss the hell out of him. But he didn't. He only smiled gently. He is not hurt by his words. Nico understands that he doesn't quite believe him. He stroked his cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I don't need more rest. I am sure. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I cannot imagine being with anyone else. I love you and I will only love you."
He kissed him once then, soft and swift. "You do not have to give me an answer now. Just don't say no, please. Think about it." Nico would wait as long as Bel needed before he was ready. It was ten weeks or ten years, Nico would wait. As long as he got to keep him by his side, Nico would be happy. He prayed to the gods Bel didn't say no. He wasn't sure what he would do if Bel said no. He would let him go, of course, but what would happen to him? Nico would be crushed. He wouldn't ever be able to find love again. He would fall apart. Without Bel, Nico would likely pass the crown to Miran without a fuss. He would have nothing to motivate him so. He would never take a wife nor produce children. At least Miran's line would have multiple chances to produce an heir to continue the line.
"Just don't say no. Not yet."
"I won't," Bel reassures quietly, as if saying no to Nico had ever been a possibility. It’s not a denial… but it's hardly an acceptance either. Bel's known Nico for a month now, and it's been the most thrilling and adventurous four weeks of his life–he's loved Nico for almost all of it, but it's all so soon. Bel knows he can't be ready until he knows everything has fallen into place. There needs to be a just ruler on the throne. His father needs to be dead. The witchhunt needs to seize. Only then will Bel feel comfortable to say yes. He won't be another pawn in another marriage.
The water has turned cold and Bel slowly dismounts Nico's lap. "I think I'm going to get ready. The earlier in the day I speak to my sister the better." He kisses Nico, long and slow before standing and grabbing a clean, folded towel atop the stool. It doesn't take him long to dry off before he's back in the bedroom with a smile and wave directed at Nico behind him. The back of his mouth tastes metallic, and Bel knows it could either be hunger or his condition. He only prays Nico doesn't taste it on his tongue.
"Thank you," Nico murmured. That was all that he could ask for. He did not need an answer right away. He did not need a yes right away. They would need time. This would need to be over first before anything could progress in their relationship. Bel's father would need to die. The kingdom would need to be cleansed of this black cloud hanging over it. And when everything had settled itself, Nico would get done on one knee with the most beautifully crafted ring and ask only once more. And hopefully then he would get an answer.
Nico kissed him back responsively, almost whining as Bel pulled away from.him and climbed out of the tub. He soon followed Bel, climbing out if the tub. He dried with a towel and wrapped it around his waist. He followed behind Bel, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind. He pressed a small kiss to the side of his neck. "The morning is still early. We have some time to ourselves still."
Bel's barely to the wardrobe when Nico's suddenly around his back. He squeaks, surprised at the sudden contact. He eventually relaxes into it, leaning back into Nico's touch. He tilts his head back, allowing as much area as possible for Nico to kiss. "Should I be expecting you to follow me all day?' he inquires. His voice drips with affection but his mind scrambles. How can he speak with his sister for a cure when Nico is sitting right beside Bel.
Nevertheless, Bel finds himself melting into Nico. He's still without clothes, his towel hanging from one of his hands. He can't bring himself to care. "Love–" He turns around to face Nico. "I need to get dressed." With a small laugh in his voice, he leans forward to kiss Nico.
Hearing Bel squeak was like music to Nico's ears. Ot was such an adorable sound, he couldn't help but give him a small squeeze. "Unfortunately," he murmured, still kissing his neck, "I have things to do that will draw me from your side." This was their last chance to have a bit of privacy. After this, the tents would be broken down and they would be on their way. He wanted just a little more time with Bel.
Nico leans down to take his towel put of Bel's hand and drop it to the floor beside them. He had a wide grin on hos face, accepting the kiss. "And you will," he laughed, "just not yet." They had enough time for a quick go at each other. It would be their last time for at least a week. He wanted to take advantage of the time while he could.
"Eager, aren't you?" he teases, yet he's just as ready. One more time. Hopefully it won't take everything out of Bel. He has siblings to see and he won't be able to face them if he's walking funny, red faced and out of breath. "Just a small go," he says. "I don't think I could take anything strenuous." The claim is half true–he doesn't know if their rounds have any effect on his lungs.
Bel allows himself to be backed up against the bed. It hits his knees, causing them to buckle ad he falls back against the pillows. He smiles up at Nico.
"Hmm, I'm always eager when it comes to you, love. And don't tell me you don't want it just as much." Nico was slowly backing Bel up until he fell against the bed. He climbed over his prince, covering him with his body. He kissed him sweetly. "Are you sore, my love?" He asked. "How about I tend to you instead?" Nico needed no pleasure as long as Bel got his. And as much as he would love another round, he did need Bel able to ride a horse in a few hours. He couldn't do that if he was too rough.
His lips found Bel's neck and down to his chest. His eyes were looking up at Bel, waiting for the answer. "Let me take care of you, love. Let me love you." And while Nico might have a problem for the rest of his day that would surly make riding uncomfortable, he wouldn't mind nor complain. Bel came first, always.
"Just a little," he answers, returning the sweet kiss. Horseback riding is going to be hell. The prince can't bring himself to care. His heart flutters at the proposition. "I wouldn't mind that," he says softly, honestly. Ad long as they're both happy. As long as they're both content. He sighs as Nico's lips latch onto his neck.
"Please," he adds, practically a breath. His hands find Nico's hair, dragging his fingers though the soft locks. If Bel were to die, he'd due happily. He's positive that he's madly in love with Nico. He's positive that he's going to spend forever with him.
(How do feel about Bel getting captured later on the rp?)
Nico grinned as he finally got his consent. Despite being on a time constraint, he slowly kissed down his body, taking extra care to give every part of him some love. He reached uo a hand to lace his fingers together with Bel's before finally reaching his destination.
Nico thoroughly pleased Bel until he was moaning and arching his back. He only lifted his head until well after the prince had reached his pleasure. He reached his free hand up to wipe his mouth before leaning over Bel. "How was that, my love? Are you feeling better?"
(I'm very open to it 👀)
"Good," he says quietly, his chest healing as he recovers from his high. "Never better–" He pants, eyes still closed as his muscles slowly relax against the mattress. This might have been a mistake. Now Bel feels entirely like jelly, he's exhasyted, his brain is sluggish and doused in a pleasure-induced haze. He slowly removes his hand from Nico's hair.
There's no mess, much to Bel's appreciation. With a careful breath, he props himself up on his elbows. "How much longer until your first meeting?" That'll give him a time frame of how long it will be until he has to speak with his siblings.
(Sweet. Not for a little bit. At least until after they get to the palace. Gotta let them get comfortable first before we destroy it hehe)
Nico couldn't contain the quiet laugh. Bel looked out of sorts now. He pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. He wasn't sure if Bel wanted to kiss him before he had brushed his teeth after that. He wasn't going to force a kiss onto him either. "If you want to rest when we set off you can ride with me for a bit. You know I won't let you fall." Nico would be more than happy to have Bel ride with him. It would give him an excuse to hold him.
Nico looked at the clock on the wall. "Soon, I need to get dressed." He was relevant to pull away though, when Bel was laying there so vulnerable. "You can stay a little bit longer if you need the rest. Our test probably won't be broken down for another hour or so. You can sleep a bit more if you need it."
(yeah ofc akjdjd poor nico and bel,,, I love to put them in Situations)
"I don't need sleep," Bel instantly as he blinks away his blissful high. "I just need a moment." He's tired, yes, but he had plenty of duties ti attend to. He can't lay around in Nico's bed all day and wait for their romantic rendezvous. Bel is a prince after all, and he has his own duties to attend to.
After gathering his bearings, Bel slowly rises from the bed and uses the nightstand as a balancing point. His legs are still a little wobbly. He finds his own clothes in a small section of Nico's wardrobe and the domesticity of it causes his poor heart to palpitate. He decides on a dark shirt with lighter trousers.
(Just sprinkle in a little bit of trauma. Or a lot of trauma)
Nico only smiled as he climbed off of Bel and picked out his clothes to wear for the day. Dark brown trousers and a linen shirt. He would dawn on his leather armor before they set off. It was more comfortable to him than metal armor and easier ti move it. While it did not provide as much safety it was the most he would put on when traveling at least.
He looks at Bel as he sits on the bed, a boot in hand. He admired the prince as he dressed, a lovesteuck look on his face. "Well, even if you chose not to sleep, you are welcome to ride with me anyways." Of course Bel would access to his own horse but Nico couldn't deny the joy that he was filled with the thought of Bel riding with him.
(just a little bit of angst–WHOOPS [spills the entire bucket of angst into the rp])
The loving gaze centered on Bel as he dresses causes his face to redden with a bashful smile. He manages to turn his head away enough to hide the flush as he finishes, tucking his shirt stylishly into his waistband before securing a belt over his hips. He sits beside Nico on the bed, their sides touching as he begins to lace up his boots. Their the ones Nico bought him from the cobbler all those villages ago. The royal ones sit uselessly in the corner of the wardrobe.
"I have two horses now, and it'd be a shame not to ride one of them." Miran had brought Katya with him. Bel's trusty mare has been with him for years. It seems she never ages or fades from her prime. Bel once had a dream where she was a goddess, but that was also when he was suffering from a very high fever. Thicket has spent the past few days recovering from the twenty-four hour sprint they took him on to get to the settlement. "I do appreciate the offer, my love."
Nico finished lacing up one boot before moving onto the next. He watched Bel out of the corner of his eye. He purposely brushed his arm against his as he shifted while finishing up with his second boot. "I suppose it would be," he said as he stood. He outstretched a hand to Bel to help him stand up. He moved to the bathroom, brushing his teeth quickly and running a hand through his hair. He looked at himself in the small mirror before looking back at Bel.
"I still think we have enough time if you want to braid my hair." He did not have enough time but he would make it. Nothing could start without him and if anything was desperately needed, Ambrose would delegate in his place. He sat down on the bed, looking up at Bel expectantly.
Bel makes quick work of his laces, tightening them as far as they could go. He takes a little longer than Nico to finish, but he readily accepts the outstretched hand when it's extended to him. He doesn't release Nico's hand. They stand in front of the small mirror. While Nico brushes his teeth, Brl uses his free hand to fix his hair and adjust his collar.
When they're done, Bel offers a close lipped smile. "I'd be happy to," he says. Their height difference is small, but it makes it quite difficult to braid back Nico's hair. He brushes through it first, trying to think of a decent style. Most of the more complex designs he knows aren't meant for Nico's hair texture. It would likely result in bald patches and broken pieces. While Bel would still love him if he was bald, Bel would rather not be responsible for that. Instead, he braids back Nico's bangs and pulls the rest of the loose hair back into a ponytail. A few pieces are left loose to properly frame his face. "You're very handsome," he compliments gently, leaning down to kiss Nico's forhead.
Nico closed his eyes as Bel worked on his hair. A rumble of pleasure left his chest at the feeling of his fingers running through his hair. He loved it. He loved this, Bel taking care of him. It felt nice to be vulnerable with someone. He hadn't been in a long time. At least not voluntarily. But this was different. This was peace and happy and vulnerable. And he knew he could be with Bel. He knew he was safe with Bel, always.
As the prince finished on his hair, he stood up and stretched. He pulled Bel into a kiss before stepping back. "Alright, I've got to go now, love. I'll see you later alright?"
"See you later, love," Bel says quietly, accepting the kiss and trying not to feel disappointed as they pull away. "Don't overwork yourself." He watches Nico leave, waiting just a moment to bask in isolation and silence. Before he leaves, Bel grabs one of Nico's cloaks to keep himself warm. The morning is cool as Bel steps into it. Some of the tents are already in the process of being dismantled and packed. The process seems relatively simple and Bel has to wonder how often these people have to move.
The trip to his siblings' tent is a short one, far enough to be out of ant earshot but close enough so Bel wouldn't feel completely isolated. Miran is missing, Valera is sleeping on a cot, and Treya is sitting cross-legged on thr floor, messing with her different chemicals and powders. "Trey," Bel agrees her gently as he takes a place beside her. "I have a few things to ask of you." She raises an eyebrow, carefully turning to face her brother. "I'll pay you in countless brownies." That seems to intrigue her.
Nico looked back at Bel one last time, smiling at him, before exiting the tent. He pushed his shoulders back and held his head up high. Now that he had escaped the high that was back in his tent, his exhaustion was starting to creep in once more. But he couldn't let it show. He couldn't let his people see just how tired he was. So he smiled and nodded and helped a few people with dismantling a tent when it had gotten stuck.
Then he was in his meeting. All it was was making the finishing touches on their plan and finalizing it. One that was done, orders would be sent out to the soldiers that would be their escorts and guarding their group, what their rotation was. The finalized each place they would stop for the night and at what time they expected their arrival. They assigned several of their people to hunting duty once the food would begin to get low. And then all that was left was to speak to his people and set out on the road.
