Malachi frowned. It's too much work to get up. Why must they have dinner now? Does he really have to get up? He didn't let go of Abrose's hand. He didn't want to. If only they can just stay here, relax, and have dinner sometime later. He is sure that if they tell a servant then everything be fine.
"You are family now…." His voice was in a low grumble. It is true though. Marriage is the combining of alliances and family. If only Malachi had more direct family for Abrose to meet and be with; for now, it is just the two of them. He feels bad that there isn't anyone else except for him, but he is the husband though so guess Abrose is stuck with calling him family.
And even then, this is all strange with him being king. Technically there is no one else on his level. Everyone has to be formal with him and he is restricted to his duties and cannot even do half the things he had done mere months ago as the crown prince. Despite this, he would rather have Abrose act informal with him; act as they are equals. They are married after all. There is a time and place for everything too of course.
"Because I am tired?" He groaned, resting his head against the sofa pillow. Well, Abrose is right. Not to mention the fact that he still really is tired. Softly, he laughed underneath his breath. "Wait till you see what I am like once I am drunk….This right now is nothing."
He yawned. "I don't want to go to dinner now." Then he pulled Abrose closer to him. The sleepiness is still taking its toll. At this point, it is like he is drunk; to a certain degree. "Let's just lay here for a minute. We do not have to fall asleep." Malachi looked up at Abrose. His bottom lip came out. "Please…"
Abrose glanced down at Malachi and sighed "very well, I am a part of your family now. Just as much as you are a part of mine. I know you and Chire butt heads sometimes but I think you two would be good allies. As for Lily, I think she's starting to warm up to you, and surely mother will as well." He smiled fondly and arched an eyebrow.
"Is that so? I can't imagine it being much worse than the state you're in now. Though I suppose alcohol may highten this." He chuckled softly "will i see this side of you this week, dear?" He questioned teasingly, only realizing now that even though he had stood up, he still hadn't let go of Malachi's hand. It felt nice, holding hands with someone, warm and safe.
"Then what would like to do instead, hm?" He asked, gasping when he was pulled in closer. Abrose barely caught himself, using the back of the couch to steady himself, now hovering over Malachi's form. "You say that yet you're the one who look about ready to close your eyes for a long while." Abrose replied, slightly breathless. He slowly eased himself back down onto couch, settling back beside Malalchi with a light laugh. "Alright, theres no need to beg. Rest dear. I won't go anywhere." He promised, and meant it. He wouldn't leave Malachi's side, not now and not ever if it were possible.
He snorted at the mention of Chire. They do butt heads a lot, yet since the engagement, there has been some progress in their relationship; although he does feel some sort of resentment from Chire for marrying his brother. "I hope they all do. It's the first time in a long time that I have had more than one person in my family." Malachi gazed up, seeing Abrose and his smile. His face tinted pink, but he didn't know this; he didn't notice it.
"Do you really want to see that side of me?" He laughed underneath his breath. "If you really want to, I can make it possible right away." To be honest, it is something even for his standards. All he knows comes from his close friends as well as the servants he trusts the most. Even from them, he apparently is quite the sight when under the influence. Nothing terrible, he hopes.
His other hand lazily brushed against the side of Abrose's leg. Malachi shook his head. His brows pressed together as he frowned. "Nooo. I am not the one who-" A yawn interrupts him, but he continues on. "The one who looks like they are about to close their eyes for a long while. That is absolutely preposterous." It is true though, and deep down he admits this as truth. Of course, his stubbornness (even if it's becoming rather playful) persists.
Malachi let go of Abrose's hand. While he may he sleepy as can be, he has an idea. He held his arms out. "Come here and lay on top of me, please," He whispered. "I will wrap you carefully in my arms and we can rest together."
Abrose shook his head and laughed "no, there's no need for you to get drunk right now. We'll have time for that later. I have no doubt it'll be quite enternaining for everyone. Besides, this day can't be that bad that you want to get drunk so soon." He pouted, gaze flicking downwards when he felt Malachi's touch at his leg before snapping his attention back up.
He arched an eyebrow, a warm laugh rising up as he shook his head, "oh but of course. Forgive me, my dear. I hadn't meant to imply you were tired while you just yawned and are slowly slumping down quite comfortably. My mistake." He teased, laughing again as he reached over and gently brushed through Malachi's hair.
He tipped his head curiously. Malalchi had never really come off as the physically affectionate type so this was a surprise to Abrose. "Alright," he replied softly, taking off the robe Malachi had given him before, leaving him in a loose blousy shirt and riding pants he had though comfortable for the long ride to the villa. He sat down and scooted closer to Malachi, hesitantly letting his head drop against his shoulder, slowly relaxing against his form. "Is this okay?" He asked softly, tugging the thick robe over them both for warmth.
"I wouldn't say that means the day would be bad if I was," He yawned. Maybe it would mean that the day has been good, and it really has. Although, he does have to agree with his husband, he really shouldn't. He doesn't enjoy it the aftermath of it anyways. Besides, he's had his fill of headaches for the last two weeks. Hangovers are worse than being exhausted anyways.
Barely lifting his hand, he gave it a slight wave. "I forgive you, my dear. On the other hand, I am quite comfortable. You should join me." He gave a simple wink then laughed softly.
Feeling Abrose's hand touch his hair made him sigh softly. Is it strange for the new monarch of Atrovia with a reputation for always putting up a fight to want something like physical affection? Not that he wants it, but he yearns for it, he needs it. Sure Malachi had a fair share of lovers, yet he never really got that sort of thing with any of them. It has been quite some time since he has.
When Abrose had come to sit down beside him, his heart thumped. It gave him a surge of energy enough to ensure that he wouldn't fall asleep right then and there. The weight of his husband's head against his shoulder left his mind in a buzz. "It is," He replied, softly. Malachi snuggled up to Abrose. With his hand, he caressed the side of his face. "Is it okay for you?"
"Hm, I suppose that is true. Perhaps a late nightcap is in order as a way to celebrate." Abrose mused, huffing a laugh when Malachi winked. He was determined not to be even more flustered by his husband that night, though Abrose knew he was only lying to himself when he told himself his heart didn't flutter at the little gesture.
After shifting around and trying to not fall off the couch, Abrose had managed to nestle himself against the back of the velvet chaise and Malachi. He had also somehow managed to level himself with Malachi's length, now being able to reach up and continue brushing through Malachi's now tousled hair, though Abrose was pleasantly surprised to find that it had little to no tangles. He gently pressed into the hand at his cheek, eyes fluttering closed for a moment. Malachi wasn't the only one who had missed physical affection from someone else.
Abrose had only had a few partners in his teenage years, those of which he hadn't particularly missed as he had grown into adulthood. Despite not missing the actual person, he had missed the small moments shared between each other, the ones he had stored away in his memory for particularly lonely nights to reminisce on and eventually fall asleep to. But now, comfortingly, he had someone to replace that lonely place in his heart. At least he hoped he did for a while. It didn't escape Abrose, though now a small voice in the back of his head instead of a constant, forefront reminder, that this marriage was all for convenience. Malachi was not someone Abrose had fallen in love with beforehand, they had not courted, nor had they even initially wanted a marriage until a request had been made for an alliance to form between the kingdoms.
Despite all of that, this moment of mutual subdued desire for one another, felt genuine. More than that it felt nice, just the two of them for once in months of not being left alone. He felt as if he could take a deep breath and be himself for more than five minutes around Malachi, even if he was a king. "More than okay," he replied softly, gently ruffling through Malachi's hair and smiling in amusement. "very warm and much less determined to eat now, thanks to you."
This was strange to him. Between the marriage with Abrose and the moment going on right now, he was rather confused. This union between them isn't for love. No, it is for from it and he knew that. He didn't like it at first, but he ended up seeing the benefits to having their two kingdoms in an alliance. That's all the wedding band on his ring finger stands for. Even his parents' marriage held the same meaning despite the fact they already knew each other and even had their own romance beforehand.
But he likes being all warm and snuggly with Abrose. Not just liking it, but….oh he doesn't know. After he had proposed to his now husband, he wondered if it would be best that they remained as friends or something. He didn't want to completely leave Abrose out and alone, but he wasn't sure what to do. Love? It isn't really needed for monarchs or at least that is what he was told.
He wants it though. He wants to love. Is it strange to want such a thing? What would Abrose think? Malachi doesn't know. Every couple of seconds, his heart bumps in a funny manner. Still he breathes gently with every stroke of his husband's hand through his hair. Energy pulses through his fingers as they touched Abrose.
"Good…good…" Malachi laughed softly. His index finger traced along the side of Abrose's face then over his jawline. Jokingly, he rolled his eyes. "I had an incredibly strong argument which you fell for." Although he couldn't help it, he yawned again. "Time to us, ourselves. You have to admit it is better than dinner."
"I fell for or you pulled me into?" Abrose questioned teasingly, "I wouldn't necessarily call practically begging me to stay with you a strong argument but I suppose I am here regardless." he chuckled softly as he started toy around with the white white streaks of hair on Malachi's head, twisting and braiding them then untwisting and unbraiding until he was satisfied with the look.
He tipped his head along to Malachi's touch, sighing softly and pressing a soft kiss to his hand. "I mean, I wouldn't mind having dinner but this is better, I must agree." He picked his head up from Malachi's shoulder and lightly tapped his nose to get his attention, if only for a few more moments before he was allowed to take a nap. "Will this last?" he asked softly. "Whatever this is now, will it last beyond these walls? or will everything go back to how it once was once's we're back at the castle…the distance and the formality."
Abrose thought back to his own parents. While they were by no means comparable to what he had read about of Malachi's family, they were still monarchs. But to Abrose they had always been more than that. They had been in love and no matter where they were or whom they were in the presence of, their love shined through. Formalities be damned to them. It was beautiful seeing the small gestures they always complimented each other with, a brush of the hand, a teasing comment here or there, the time they'd take out of the day to spend with each other and their children. Abrose now supposed that had more to do with the decline of the kingdom and the lesser need to rule so much as sustain what they had but it was still something they had clung to, something that made an otherwise crumbling kingdom beautiful. Abrose had hoped he would be able to resurrect that sort of relationship with his own partner one day as well as the kingdom itself.
"I like this," He muttered softly, not doing to look up at his husband now. "I didn't know you could be this gentle or even enjoyable to be around. Before at the wedding and even before that, having a relationship seemed like the last thing you wanted to do." He explained, resting his head back on Malachi's shoulder. "I hope that want to be close remains, even if its just briefly more."
The kiss made his hand warm yet it froze at the same time. His chest was tight. His heart was all tangled in knots that had suddenly become undone. The only thing that brought his attention back was the light tap on his nose.
Malachi didn't know what to say. Even as a man, he cannot guarantee the future. Right now, he is so unsure about it all. Can he even admit to the feelings that he holds deep inside? Part of him know is uncomfortable by the sheer fact that he has never done anything like this before. Never has he let his heart and mind be so vulnerable with someone else in a tender moment like this.
No matter what he still is that bold, rapid-fire man he has been. On the other hand, he has always been someone who is rather sensitive and even soft-hearted. The past still hangs over his head. He has those white streaks in his hair to prove it all. Everything is so different at the palace too. Eyes and ears everywhere. A schedule with tasks that will keep him up all day and night. Thank the gods he is able to be out here with Abrose now.
"I cannot guarantee you anything, but I can assure you that this moment will not end once we return to the palace." Malachi sat himself up a little then kissed the side of Abrose's cheek. "I do not want it to. I do not know what is happening or where this will go, but I know that I do not want it to end."
He laughed softly. To be frank, he didn't know any of this either. How funny change can really be. His lips briefly pressed on Abrose's forehead. "Forgive me, I do not know much about myself, but I do know that I want to be close with you. I do."
For a fleeting moment Abrose feared he had been too forwards with Malachi. Perhaps now, in a new marriage where both of them were still unsure of everything happening was not the best time to dish out his own complex emotions, much less to someone he barely knew. Barely knew but somehow desperately wanting to get to know.
He was about to apologies, he didn't particularly know what for but it seemed like the natural response to the moment of silence between them. He looked up when Malachi began to speak, his 'I'm sorry' now dissipating. He slowly nodded and let out a nervous laugh. "I'm glad, even if neither us know exactly what's going on."
He blinked at the small kisses, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment before he was able to focus on his husband, then again he was all that Abrose could focus on. Every touch, every soft word shared between them, would capture his attention almost immediately. Its probably why he was here now with Malachi instead of eating dinner. "As do I, my king. No matter how long this may take, I do know I want to know and learn to love you. you and this kingdom." He smiled softly and lightly brushed his hand along Malachi"s cheek.
Really, he was worried about what Abrose is thinking or what he would say. He has always been reserved about these kinds of things for a long time. Malachi even wondered if he used the wrong words. Nevertheless, everything seems to be alright. He smiled faintly at what Abrose said and laughed a little too.
Hearing the words "my king" made his heart sink a little. While he is the king and all, he doesn't wish to be called so by his husband when they are alone. They are united in matrimony after all. They are equals. "Please Abrose, call me whatever you wish aside from 'my king' or 'Your Majesty' when it is just the two of us along together," He whispered. "And if you are unsure of what to call me, 'Malachi' will do just fine."
The sensation of Abrose's hand brushing against him left him with goosebumps. A shiver ran down his back. He sighed while leaning into this touch. "I want to learn how to love and how to love you," He breathed. "I want to know how to be the husband you have always dreamed of, where the best places are to kiss you…I want to know all those things and more."
Abrose smiled softly and shook his head slightly, "Dearest," Abrose murmured softly, moving his hand so that he was cupping Malachi's cheek. "know that when I say 'my king' it is not out of obligation. I am proud to call you that, as anyone should be. I say out of love and adoration for you, not because I am a civilian of Atrovia but because I am your husband." He reached up and gently pressed a kiss to Malachi's brow. "But if it truly is something you wish not to be called in private, then I'll have to find more creative names to call you, hm?" he grinned teasingly, watching as Malachi pressed into his hand.
"I'd say you're doing a fairly good job so far, dear. a vast improvement from when we had first met." He murmured softly, tipping his head to the side as he brushed through Malachi's hair, finding the gesture comforting. "Would you laugh at me if I told you I had never though myself married so I never had given though to what my dream partner would be like? As for the best place to kiss me, I'd be discovering it alongside you, dear." Abrose admitted, his blush returning. "We have all the time in the world for that. I want to take time to get to know you and know myself with you and anything in between."
Dearest. Just hearing the word has left him in a state of enchantment. He hasn't been called such a thing for a terribly long time. Malachi was in a daze that his reaction to the kiss was delayed. Briefly his eyes shut and his heart thumped out of rhythm. Looking away, he gave a shrug playfully. "I suppose so, Your Highness," He jokingly responded before adding, "Although, do not stress yourself. You shouldn't have to."
"You think so? Thank you. I believe there is still progress to be made." Malachi laughed softly but soon fell silent. His gaze lingered on Abrose. A faint light in his eyes gleamed. He shook his head at his husband's question. To be honest, he never would have expected to hear of this. Of course this is understandable. On the other hand, he is a little confused. Perhaps the position of needing to marry in his life has caused him to be this way.
Oh well. He couldn't help himself to kissing Abrose's forehead again. After returning his gaze to his husband, he deeply exhaled. For a while he stared at the blush on his face. What a beautiful color. "I would not laugh at you for such a thing," He assured. As he spoke, his fingers brushed through Abrose's hair for a few moments. Malachi bit the inside of his lip then shook his head. "I must admit that I always tend to make haste. Even if you haven't thought much about what your dream partner would be, I hope I can be what you've wanted more or less."
Abrose scoffed with a laugh "ah now I see what you mean." He sighed happily chuckled "I don't believe I will. In fact I think I'll find great enjoyment in finding a pet name that'll make you as flustered as you are now." He said, determined to make it true.
"I really do. Despite us not knowing each other for all that long, I've seen your love and passion for your kingdom. Slowly I see that seep into what we have, at least bit by bit." He replied, leaning into Malchi's gentle caresses and soft kisses, practically melting against him as closed his eyes for a moment. "I doubt any of my ideas of an ideal partner could match up to you, dear. You're far better than anythinjmg I could possibly imagine for myself." He murmured softly, finding warmth and comfort in Malachi's arms again as he nestled back into his embrace.
Malachi moved his face close so his lips were hovering over Abrose's ear. "I look forward to what you come up with, honey," He whispered. "I love hearing the determination in your voice."
At hearing what Abrose said, Malachi was about to shake his head before stopping himself. He believes that he is not the best man, lover, and even king. Of course this doesn't mean that he isn't trying to be the best that he can be. A part of him really hopes that he is everything that Abrose wants. It shone in his eyes.
"You really flatter me without trying." Malachi tightened his embrace. The feeling of Abrose in his arms was something that he hadn't expect to enjoy deeply. He wants to savor it even though he knows that this will not be the last. To be honest, he wants to be embracing Abrose throughout their stay at the villa. "I hope I am the one that you deserve. You are kind and gentle…things that I typically am not. And for everything you have said, you deserve so much…someone who can give you everything. I hope I am that someone, Abrose."
Abrose hid an embarrassed laugh against Malachi's chest, surely it couldn't be this easy to make him so flustered. Though if he were being honest, he loved it. The way Malchi was soft with him compared to how cold he had come off to abrose when they had first met. He peeked up and grinned "then consider it my first act as King Consort of Atrovia. Finding you an embarrassingly cute pet name." He declared boldly.
As Abrose rested against Malachi he studies his features, the planes of his face, the brightness in his eyes even as it became dim in the library, the now braided streaks of silver in his hair. He was beautiful. Breathtakingly so, at least to Abrose. It had been a mystery to him how the young Atrovian king had not aquired a spouse yet. Though he supposed it would be the last thing Malachi would want considering what had happened to his family not too long ago. He flicked his gaze a way for a quick ment to hide his sadness at the thought before refocusing.
"You give me more than enough. Me and my kingdom. I could never repay you for what you've done for us. I only hope I can be as good of husband and king consort to you and your kingdom as you are to mine."
There is something in the way that Abrose sounds when he is determined. The boldness in him piques Malachi's interest. It was both adorable and strangely breathtaking. He found it to be very cute, but also very handsome. Why? He wishes that he knew. All he could say in response was, "I wish you the best of luck, Your Highness, on your first act as King Consort of Atrovia. I wish nothing but luck."
Awe lingered in his eyes. Malachi was not able to look at anything else aside from Abrose and his facial features. Feeling his husband's gaze on him made him feel warm. The whole room was heating up. And yet, he still could not look away from him. He doesn't know what else to say. He wondered what Abrose was thinking right now. He wondered what tomorrow would be like.
The thing is is that Abrose already is a good husband to him. The fact that he, his brother, and mother accepted Malachi's proposal says a lot. After all the failures of asking other royals for their hand in marriage, Malachi was hopeless when thinking to seek a regular noble instead. If the royal families had denied him, then noble ones would probably do the same. And now they are here: him and Abrose as husbands. They're having a nice conversation while Malachi is embracing Abrose. This has been something he has been dreaming of since he was a child.
Somehow tears were forming in his eyes, but he blinked them away. He deeply sighed too. "You are doing fine and you will be a great king consort to our kingdom," He assured. "Believe me, the people are happy to have someone like you representing them, being their king consort and all. Not to mention the advisors, council, royal guards, even the palace staff…They all are happy because of you. Trust me, you will be great."
Abrose nodded slowly, realizing Malachi was right. "Both our kingdoms, yes of course." It was still very new to him to now consider Atrovia his kingdom. In the months he had been there, Abrose had tried his very best to educate himself on Atrovia's history, politics and culture, anything that would prepare him for the role as king consort. While he had done all this research as well as brushed up on Carniel's history as well, Abrose still felt severely underprepared and under qualified to be any sort of leader to such a kingdom as Atrovia. Carniel was no where near the level of sophisticated politics and refined culture Atrovia had managed to become under the Leeros' rule, despite their tragedies. Their only main alliance was the one Abrose's father had made with the Southern Continent and considering how…disagreeable…Atrovia seemed to find the south to be, Abrose highly doubted he'd have any luck in trying to bring them together.
He glanced in surprise to hear the Atrovia people were happy to have him. "Really?" He blinked, trying his best to recall when he had last ventured out to the Atrovian cities surrounding the castle. Months ago, right before the wedding he supposed. It had been genuinely lovely to meet the people of Atrovia as well as to experience the first true winter in his life. It had been much colder than he had first initially thought. While meeting his soon to be subjects, Abrose hadn't really thought about the impact the had been making, surely it hadn't been enough for Malachi to have noticed. As for the Guards and advisor's council, and palace staff, Abrose had treated them like he would have done at home, neither expecting them to do much if anything for him, but also thanking them and helping out when he could to show his appreciation, again nothing he had thought particularly astounding.
"I'm genuinely glad then, that they like me. even if I do come from a smaller kingdom, I'm glad they're so willing to accept me as a King Consort. I will do my best, for them and for you."
Malachi giggled watching as his husband was surprised by what he said. He nodded, "Yes, really. If I may be honest, some of the advisors and councilmen were having doubts about me marrying someone. And then you have the kingdom still going through all of the deaths of the family that have happened…Not to mention the troubles at the northern border…Everyone needed something…or someone to assure them that everything will be alright, that they can be happy. Honestly I am worried if I can deliver the promise of safety and happiness to them, but I am grateful for you and Carniel for multiple things, especially letting me marry you."
Gods, sometimes he doesn't even want to think about the troubles plaguing Atrovia. He doesn't want to think about life in the palace for it can be exhausting. But he can remember the excitement bubbling between everyone surrounding him the days before the wedding. Even the palace guards and military soldiers had shown happiness in their own ways. He can recall being relieved for not having everyone breathing down his neck on trivial matters for once. But just to be clear, he too was excited.
Gently, he took hold of Abrose's hand. Malachi lifted it up to his lips then placed a kiss on the knuckles. "It does not matter that you come from a small kingdom. Carniel is wonderful, but to some, it is important the kingdom is an ally as well," He winked. His thumb rubbed against the back of Abrose's hand. Malachi yawned despite doing everything in his power to fight it. "I'm sorry if this is sudden, but would you like to continue this conversation in bed? We can talk more for as long as you wish."
Just the mention of everything they still had to tackle once their honeymoon was over made Abrose nuzzle deeper into Malachi's hold, never wanting to leave the comfort and moment of peace they had found amongst each other. He didn't have the slightest idea of how to handle Atrovia affairs, much less how Carniel would be able to deal with them. He'd have to consult with Chire soon once they were back. It couldn't be too hard, considering his brother had told him he wanted every detail of the wedding and honeymoon once they had gotten back. Abrose breathed a small laugh, Chire was forever the over protective older brother Abrose loved. "Ah I believe you have Chire to thank more than anyone else, dear. He had threatened to bring what little soldiers we have at any sign of mere discomfort reported back to him." He smiled fondly and shook hi head, silently cursing his brother for thinking Malachi so indecent.
He tilted his head up when Malachi took his hand and kissed it, smiling softly and lacing their fingers together, "I look forward to the alliances, both for Carniel's sake and to assist other kingdoms in any way we can." Abrose perked up "and by the time we get everything in order here, we can visit in the spring-time. I can show you around the markets that come from the villages and the fields that bloom near the forest edge." He said excitedly, already thinking of all they could do when the weather got warmer. Abrose laughed softly and nodded, slowly detangling himself from Malachi. "of course, my love. That is if you keep a conversation going before you fall asleep." He teased, tugging the robe around his shoulders and choosing a book from one of the nearby shelves to take back to bedroom to read just until he fell asleep.
Feelings started to bubble up as he watched his husband laced their fingers together. It only persisted when seeing light shine from Abrose's eyes when talking about visiting Carniel together. He would love to visit. During the spring would be a lovely time to go because the weather will be suitable for traveling. Not to mention that he was planning to help develop Carniel's military and to have their militaries train together. He would like to visit as well as try to solidify a good relationship with Chire; diplomatically and as brother-in-laws.
Malachi smiled while watching Abrose get up. When he first met him, he never expected for the future king consort of Atrovia to be such a tease. He loves it. "If I do not continue our conversation because I fall asleep, I will continue my embrace. Strange enough, I have always dreamed of sleeping with my spouse in my arms." It is true. It goes back to him yearning for physical affection, but now, he wishes to have more moments like the one they just had.
Getting up, he strolled over to his husband then draped an arm around him. His eyes landed on the book. Taking a brief look at the cover, he doesn't recall seeing a copy of it back at the palace. "Hmm, I wonder what book that is," He mused. "Would you please read some of it to me? Or perhaps read it together silently that is if I still manage to be awake."
"I'd be more than happy to continue. If I may make a request, can I be the one to hug you now? You rest ontop of me." He asked, tucking the book under his arm once he took another quick look at the title. A story of an unprouncible hero, seemed intriguing enough. "It'll be a journey for the both us then, something new." He mused softly, briefly leaning into Malachi. He wasn't even sure if he'd make it through the first chapter before he gave into sleep.
"Of course, dear." He agreed, taking Malachi's hand from his shoulders and tugging him toward the doors of the library, then down the hall leading to the bedroom. He gently nudged open the door, glad to see the room was empty, though someone had lit clandles and lanterns before hand. He set the book on the nightstand and grabbed a set of pj's that had been folded and left out for them. "I'll be right back," he promised, dessapearing into the joined bathroom to freshen up and change before he settled in for bed.
Malachi nodded, "If it is what you want, honey, then of course." He has always been the one to wrap his arms around the other. Of course, embracing Abrose just moments ago was the first time he has done so in a long time. If anything, he might fall asleep when in Abrose's arms. He will just have to wait and see. Either way, he is looking forward to this. Is that strange for him to be eager about?
He walked along with Abrose down the hallway. The villa is significantly smaller than the palace and he is happy that it does not take long for him to walk to the bedroom or anywhere else. When they had entered, he was surprised to see that one of the servants had taken care of the lights. The room was decently light with the candles and lanterns.
"Alright, take your time." Going up to the windows, he pulled the curtains in. The moonlight still shone through, but not much. While Abrose was in the bathroom, Malachi got changed into his pajamas and left his robe draped over the chair on the other side of the room. Just like before, he disregarded the top. Then he spent the rest of the time waiting by sitting on the edge of the bed. He wanted to make sure that Abrose was on the side of the bed he is comfortable with.
Abrose made sure to enjoy his first bath at the villa, scrubbing himself clean of the sand that still clung to his hair and skin after he had enjoyed the beach. He soaked for a half an hour afterwards until his inders got prunny before stepping out, drying off, and getting dressed for bed. When he stepped back into the bedroom, he had expected Malachi to already be in bed, what he hadn't expected was to find him only half clothed. He stared for a while, eyes trailing over Malachi's form before he quickly looked away and preoccupied himself with blowing out the candles and turning down the lanterns, only keeping the ones that were closest to the bed on so he could read. He scooped up the book from where he had set it down and pulled away the covers before slowly sinking into the bed. He sighed softly as the bed sunknaroind him, perfectly cradling him in comfort and warmth, more so when he pulled the covers over himself. He turned on his side to face Malachi and lifted his arm, inviting him into his embrace. "Join me, my love."
In the time that he waited, he almost fell asleep three times and yawned only five times. The surrounding air felt cold, but he liked it. That is why he started ditching the long sleeve shirts when going to bed, because that would mean he is less likely to wake up all sweaty and gross. While the feeling of being sleepy lingered, he was determined to stay up as long as possible. He did say that he would try his best to.
Malachi gazed up at Abrose when hearing the floor creak. He got up from the bed, shyly turning his head away. Curling his lips back was the only way to fight back from any kind of laughter. In the corner of his eye, he saw the way that his husband was staring at him. It was amusing in its own adorable/handsome way.
Ultimately, he did end up chuckling. "I will not keep you waiting," He sighed. Malachi pulled the sheets up before getting into bed. Putting himself into Abrose's embrace, he was a little stiff at first. It took him a moment to relax, sinking into all of this. He rested his hand on the middle of Abrose's chest. "If I do end up falling asleep, I am sorry in advance."
