Neo's arm twitched as his bleeding was mentioned, and he took a moment to glance down at the place he was pricked. Indeed, the spot he had been pricked was staining the places that hadn't been torn in that general area.
"No, I don't need your bandages, but the nurse might. Keep them." Neo set down the gun slowly, crossing his arms again with one of his eyebrows raised at the offer. "I am not going to kill you, Nikolas, as much as I might have seemed like I wanted to. I'm beyond angry at you, but I'm not going to stoop to your level. I am much smarter than that." He leered at the other man with a sly smile. "I'm glad you think I had the guts in me to do it, though." A knock at his door a few moments later announced the nurse, and he opened the door for her.
The nurse was a woman Nikolas had seen before in Neophyte's castle before his husband passed away. Her name was Casey, and she was a scrawny, pale woman who looked haughty and stressed, more so than the last time Nikolas had happened to see her. Her hair was a messy brown color and tied up in a bun held up with a pen.
"Hello, King Whembrooke, and– oh!" She bowed hastily to Nikolas as she shut the door behind her. "You must be Nikolas. Neophyte has mentioned you on occasion. May I take a look at your wounds, please, sir? King Whembrooke called for you."
Neo mumbled to her, mostly a warning against keeping quiet, and he crossed the room. Casey replaced the king as Neo pulled off his shirt, giving an annoyed growl at the streak of blood that came with it. For a king, Neo was quite the piece of eye-candy, especially as he folded up his broken coat and stuck his long fingers through the tear in his button-up.
Nikolas gave her a simpering grin, entering his comfort zone once more. Well, if that pathetic son of, well, a Whembrooke, wouldn't kill him, he could be as debauched as he liked with little risk for long-lasting consequences, or at least long-lasting in his mind. He payed no mind to Neo's stripping right before him, instead focusing all his attentions on the nurse. "Ah, my darling Miss Casey, how wonderful it is to see you again. We've never been introduced formally but, I suppose it would be better late than never." he said, flashing pearly white teeth. "Now, as you can see, my shoulder is in quite the predicament, and I'm quite certain I'm a little more than mildly concussed. My fault admittedly, but I would be delighted if you'd offer up your services to put me right back in my place, in quite a literal sense."
He shifted to give her a good view of his injured shoulder, ripping off the rest of his soiled shirt and jacket, along with removing the cloak and letting it slide down his bare shoulders slowly, tilting his face at an angle and huffing out a long, contented sigh. "Miss Casey, do you ever think about religion? A sensational thing, I'm sure. But very… restrictive, don't you think? Unfortunately the castle I inherited is full of conspirators and paranoids both, it's truly dreadful. Your company is probably the most enjoyable I've had, second to our lovely king here."
"Of course, King Ballast," Nurse Casey said obediently with a bow, not asking question as she allowed Nikolas to strip himself, helping with his injured shoulder and taking a look. "Oh, please keep talking about that, sir, I am going to pop your shoulder back into place. So just focus on… something." She gave a laugh, however as she laughed she popped the shoulder back into place with a heave and a strong push. Everyone in the room heard a snap! as his shoulder locked back into place. She pulled out a roll of bandages to twist it on his shoulder to ensure it stays in place and heals well.
"Forgive me for the suddenness, I just think it's better for my patients to not expect it." Casey smiled as she went on to feel Nikolas' head for bumps, also checking his neck. "And I am honored you think so, sire. I am not interested in any sort of religion, despite having the freedom to. Sounds like your kingdom is a bore, if I may suggest it so." She giggled quietly again, stepping away closer to her king. "I'm also aware that King Whembrooke has a few scratches himself?"
"No, I'm quite alright, Casey. If you're done with Nikolas you can leave him here with me. I'll get him to his own room for rest. That's what he needs for his head, yes?" Neo rose his eyebrows with a kind smile to his nurse.
Casey flushed a little at the smile with a nod. "Correct, sir. You are learning very fast and very well! If that is all you need of me, I'll give Nikolas some painkillers and be on my way." She turned back to the other, taking out a small bottle of painkillers from a fanny pack around her hips. "I do suggest that you get as much sleep as possible, King Ballast. And do limit as much movement in your head and neck."
"Going so soon, nurse?" Nikolas asked, after his shoulder had been popped back into place. "A shame, but we can't always have nice things. Toodle-oo!" he wiggled his fingers in a small wave towards her, standing up and stretching.
At her parting words, he nodded, giving her a tiny, two-fingered salute. "Doctor's orders, I take it. Well, I will certainly miss your company, my dear." he said, bundling up in his cloak to hide a long, deep scar on his side he realized he really, really didn't want anyone seeing. Well, besides Neo, but he'd seen plenty of Nikolas' darker sides, enough for a lifetime. Nikolas then sat back down, crossing one leg over the other. He wasn't quite succeeding in making Neophyte jealous, but he was at least trying by coming onto his nurse.
He curled up in the chair, lounging back with one arm back behind his head and another drumming fingers on the arm of the chair, a bit bored now that he didn't have much chance of further irritating his former partner. "Neophyte, dearest, help me to my room. I feel quite dizzy, and I'm sure we've imposed too far on Miss Casey's time."
Neo mumbled in an annoyed tone to himself, glancing over his shoulder at Nikolas wishing her good-bye. The nurse smiled and laughed at him, giving him a bow and stepping out of the room. He pulled on a dark long-sleeved shirt, undoing his belt with an annoyed scoff at Nikolas' demands.
"Can't you do it yourself, Nikolas? Surely you've finished playing up your head injury." Neo's chips of ice swept back up to the other as he pulled off his somewhat untouched pants, pulling on a loose fitting pair of pajama bottoms that matched his top. Usually, Neo slept commando, but for the sake of his company (and other factors), he had been sleeping clothed. "You also know where our bedrooms are, anyway." Neo turned towards him anyway, striding across the room to offer his right uninjured arm. "I'll humor you, though."
The newly crowned king honestly wanted this night to end. He wanted to put his head down and finish this "first" day of his official kingship despite spending years of his life acting as a surrogate king. It was satisfying to all hell, but this night's outcome couldn't be read as a good omen for most. Happening upon an ex-lover of his after years of parture, to dance and be reminded momentarily of those memories that kept him on Nikolas' side, then to be betrayed by the very thing that ripped Neophyte away from him. Neo upon looking down on the other man just wanted to scream at him until he was red in the face with no voice left in his throat, but such a thing would be embarrassing to even try. He would be laughed at by the person who had seen more of him than his late husband.
Nikolas chuckled. “Yes, my head is feeling better, it was only a minor shock. But, I do enjoy your company quite sincerely, and it would be… oh, never mind, show me to my room. I’m sure you’d hate for me to ruin one you particularly liked.” he said, withdrawing a flip-phone from his pocket and dialing a number. “Ah, I’m only reassuring my people that I am indeed not dead by your hand. I may have played up the risk to my person, and I just want to prevent a war. Goodness knows my people won’t need my heir to be thrust into the position without any capability of handling themself.” Nikolas smiled. His heir had been a well kept secret for years, even Neophyte didn’t know who they were, only that they were very young, a fact that Nikolas had let slip more than a few times just to frustrate Neo and put him on yet a further wild goose chase figuring it out.
He allowed himself to take the offered arm, feeling like it wouldn’t be so bad to humor Neo with the contact. He’d offered, Nikolas generally would have just followed the man, any contact chaste and quick out of necessity. Old habits, after all. But now, with Neo’s worm of a husband finally devoured by the jaws of old crow death, he could freely cling to the man like a stubborn barnacle.
Neo wasn't exactly interested in such a goose chase, in fact the dropped hints just annoyed him more than anything. Implying such details could easily be considered as weaknesses. If his country while in that same exact position, with a weak inexperienced king, dropped such a detail so early, it could have been their downfall without the Whembrooke family stepping in.
"I don't think it's appropriate you tell me such details, Nikolas, especially if you're worried of war," The king drawled as he opened the door to his room. "Your room won't be very far from mine, since all of my guest bedrooms are on this floor." He gestured out into the hallway, which was in a dome shape. In fact, this was the highest part of the castle and it looked over the courtyard and greenhouse. Neophyte himself had the best view, something only Nikolas would know. "Pick any one you want. I'm tired, so I'm afraid I can't bring you right to your room and tuck you in." Neo rolled his eyes a little at his comment, his eyes narrowing again. Neo wouldn't be surprised if Nikolas wanted to be treated like a child, especially after their tense moment of Neo physically threatening him.
Though, something prevented Neo from taking his arm back right away. Such a gentle touch after so long was heart-achingly bittersweet. He couldn't allow himself to get tangled up with Nikolas again, even without his drool of a husband hanging over him and watching his every move. He needed a man, a suitor perhaps, he could trust wouldn't try to kill him every moment of his life. Neophyte hadn't heard one apology for any of these attacks, and honestly there was a point he crossed that he probably wouldn't get one.
"You may let go, now. Unless you need something else from me."
Nikolas laughed. “Oh, I’m sure they will find a way.” he said, before walking down the halls with Neo slowly, savoring every moment of their time together. But… well, this made him… it made him feel empty. Alone. He wasn’t fond of either feeling. When they reached his room, he had slowed to a halt, not letting go of Neo but just sitting there, breathing slowly. His cane… he could walk on his own, but it hurt to stand now and he just wished that Neophyte would stay, help him to bed like the child he truly was. What was even the point, though? He couldn’t fall back into old habits, Neo wouldn’t allow it and besides, Nikolas didn’t want what they had either way. He was so much angrier back then, borderline abusive, and while Neo was too in many ways there was simply no excuse.
He sighed, let go of Neo. He unsheathed his battered cane, and began to walk to the closest room, not feeling like standing up any longer. “Goodnight. If you die in your sleep from being a stuffy old man trapped in a young body I won’t be surprised. I’ll see you in the morning, we’ll talk about transportation back to my kingdom then.” he huffed out a long sigh and entered the room, closing the door and locking it behind him. He collapsed on the bed and, in his weakness, began to sob uncontrollably.
"I'll be sure to put a pillow over my face for you then," Neo snapped back with a certain spite that he kept in the back of his mind just for situations like this one. He also tended to get way more irritable when he was exhausted (as he was after the party), and Nikolas' unrestraint towards him wasn't helping. He took a few moments to make sure the other had a grip on his cane, almost an instinctual thing after doing so for so long. King Whembrooke didn't stick around to make sure he got into the room, though, walking a few yards to his room, which was smack dab in the middle of everything.
Neo turned off the light and settled down onto his bed, laying down in the same side he'd always occupy throughout his marriage. Sleep was always a struggle since his husband's death, and it was humiliating to admit to himself, but he had truly gotten used to the warmth of another body sharing the bed. The silk linen was chilly against his exposed skin, but something brought him to remove the thin clothes restricting him. The softness outlined every detail of his bare body as he laid in darkness, a deep sigh leaving his lips.
He could just shut his lips and pretend something wasn't calling him back to the other king. This whole situation was just…
Nikolas waited a few hours, unable to sleep. Then, he got up, adjusted himself, and started to wander the hallways without aim, trying to focus on keeping the urge to scream in pain down. His knees were weak, and the way the cane barely held him up didn’t do much to help. But he couldn’t sleep at all, he had to do something to ignore the thoughts spiraling through his head. He gritted his teeth, used the wall for support, and eventually wound his way back to the ballroom. Dancing was easier when you had a partner to support your weight, so he chose not to move much, just sitting and watching the cleaners clean and the maids dust, electing to ignore any attempts at casual conversation. He had sat himself on the floor, bundled up in his heavy cloak completely shirtless, an odd sight for anyone to see if they didn’t know Nikolas was usually just like this.
He eventually found his way back to his room, and attempted to lie down for a time, but found he couldn’t. There was nothing wrong with him, he was used to seeping alone and he rarely slept when with another, no matter how little threat they posed. But for some reason, he missed Neo. He needed to hold him, tell him it was okay and that they would figure this out together. So he did. He walked to Neo’s room, opening the door with a soft creak and hoping there wasn’t some invisible alarm system about to get him arrested. He watched Neo sleep for a few minutes before climbing into bed with him. If he woke up, he woke up, but Nikolas just needed to be with someone who he felt… not safe, that wasn’t the word, but secure with. He began to murmur a lullaby in his mother tongue, the words bringing out his lilting accent divinely.
Neo squeezed his eyes shut and kept them that way, but his mind kept running through wild situations irrelevant to the situation. His arms ended up underneath his pillow, where he squeezed the cooler sheets there. He remained stretched out like that, squeezing his eyes and clenching up as he went through his thoughts until the noise of his door opening made his eyes open from his loud thoughts.
Nikolas crawled into bed with him after standing by his door, but Neo's back was turned on his door, thank the stars for that. As the other king relaxed and got comfortable, looking up he would see Neo's icy eyes watching him in his bed.
With no sense on how late it was, how long he was up for, and how Nikolas possibly thought it was okay to just come into his room like this… Why was Neo okay with it? Why did his chilled body welcome the warmth of the other next to him without regarding who Nikolas was.
After a few moments, Neo stirred a little, pulling his arms from underneath his pillow and tucking them against his chest, in some sort of fetal position. His quiet voice left his lips after: "What are you doing in here, Nikolas?" His tone wasn't any sort of angry, just neutral and tired-sounding despite not actually falling asleep. "I know I said you could join me, but it was a joke. You didn't have to." He gave a slight, disingenuous laugh.
Nikolas paused, and gave that a bit of thought. What was he doing in here? "Yes, but I do love to barge in where I'm unwelcome, do I not? Perhaps this is me, just being who I am." he snaked an arm around Neo's cold body, his own body heat slowly warming the two up. He adjusted the covers so they would fit around the both of them, and curled up so his chest was snug with Neophyte's back. "I think we should both be sleeping now, dear." he yawned, began to massage Neo's shoulders slowly until his hands faltered, and with that he started to doze off. "Neophyte, dear…" he yawned, "… do me a favor, and don't snore."
With that he fell asleep, body giving in to its urges for once in that long, lonely night. He was a dead sleeping, Neo could probably do anything to him and Nikolas wouldn't wake until it was too late. Nikolas had considered the possibility of something happening, which is why he had assured his kingdom that if he was back in three days' time, there would be nothing to worry about. If he wasn't, though… well, he'd prepared his heir for war, not to rule. The aftermath would be messy, likely.
Neo listened but said nothing, letting his confusion mull his thoughts. If anything, Neo should be concerned as to what he might wake up to since he didn't have an heir set up right now. His plan for one was none. Heirs were a weakness, a fault in the system of autocracy. Surely someone of Nikolas' degree in power would know that, but it wasn't time to point out such details to him. He didn't move away, allowing his larger body to be spooned, and his neck forced his head down to relax. Ah, the mortal coil of sleep overcame concerns even if he woke up to a knife to his throat.
He had no plan, somehow, in this confusing time. Though the confusion stifled everything else but sleep, and his lids fell shut to the warmth the other brought to him and his bed. The last thing Neo felt was a sense of satisfsction– as if introducing someone else to sleep with him in his home room was a triumph.
And that next morning, sun filtered through the white linen on the windowpanes. Neo's tired body relaxed completely against his company, and despite the request of the other, he was snoring softly from where his head was turned away. Sleep was the only few moments of peace Neo got, so he often slept in. He had spent too many early mornings fighting for this position it seemed.
Nikolas was halfway on top of Neo, having rolled about in his sleep due to dreams he’d never admit were nightmares. He hadn’t woken up yet, merely sleeping peacefully, bare chest to bare chest with his body wrapped around Neophyte’s like a vice. He shifted a little in his sleep, yawning a little as he woke up, feeling a sore pain on his side. Oh, right, he had another knife with him. That he’d slept on. Well, that would hurt for the next week or so, but Nikolas didn’t care much for that. Mostly, he was focusing on watching Neo sleep, having shifted off the top of the snoring man and now had resumed his holding of him, arm wrapped loosely around his waist. He liked to watch the sleep of those that were close to him, liked to see them in their vulnerability. It was one of his many vices, yet another to drown out the little virtue he had.
He got up after a while, entering the bathroom to take a quick shower before Neo awoke. He removed his cloak, pants, and everything else on him, including several various weapons and poisons, before stepping into the large walk-in shower much bigger than his palace’s comparatively spartan one. He took his sweet time getting his hair wet and then clean, then took the time to lavish in the warm water. If Neo were to kill him in here, at least he’d have the dignity of a lavender-smelling corpse, judging by the label on the shampoo.
Neo stirred awake at the sound of water hitting the floor in his bathroom, sitting up slowly from the warmth of his pillow and rubbing his hand through his hair. He always instinctively woke whenever he heard the shower, for to him that was the sign he overslept. His husband showered in the morning but woke up after Neo.
When he's done he'll want me to set his clothes out for him, came a thought to his tired brain. He stood up from the sheets, the linen falling away from his skin. He stumbled over to his dresser and grabbed out some clothes, but allowed himself a few moments to grab onto it and support himself as his exhausted, pounding and aching head stopped his whole movement.
"Mmm… Fuck me, what the hell is wrong with my head?" He asked out-loud to himself, rubbing his temples with his big hands. "First I sleep in, then this headache…"
Nikolas shut the water off and wrapped his slim waist in a large, fluffy towel, drying off his long locks with a smaller towel and letting it sit around his shoulders under his hair like a scarf, catching water droplets sufficiently. When he got out, he was delighted to see Neo clinging to the dresser, evidently in some sort of distress that he would have to save him from. He walked over, using the end of his cane to lift Neo’s chin delicately, then bringing his face over to look him in the eyes. “Good morning. I take it you slept well?” he crooned, removing the cane before Neo could shatter it as he likely would and had in the past.
He then moved over to support Neophyte, heaving the larger, heavier man up and directing him towards the bed. “You need a glass of water, and to lie down, I think.” he diagnosed, using a pitcher on the bedside table to pour some water into a cup for Neo.
Neo blinked a couple times at the appearance of Nikolas, struggling to comprehend why he appeared in a towel, freshly-showered, looking refreshed… and delighted? How had he appeared so suddenly? Neo could barely remember, and his mind wasn't joustled much at all to be bothered to remember why.
"Oh, shit, why–?" His headache and general stupidity due to his exhaustion prevented him from saying much more. He allowed himself to sit but glared beadily at the other. He must have drank too much at the party last night, and it was only really hitting him now. It was coming back to him slowly in waves as he woke up more, rubbing his eyelids and holding his head.
"I don't need a drink. You should get dressed or something." He pushed a hand out from where it was supporting his head, and his statement was coming from a pretty ironic place, since he was pretty much as naked (if not more) than Nikolas.
“You’re hungover, my love. I don’t think that dehydrating yourself will make it better.” he said, placing a hand on Neo’s outstretched one and grasping it firmly, comfortingly. “I’m not trying to kill you, alright? I’m only trying to keep you from killing yourself. I know last night must have been a lot, but…” Nikolas didn’t try finishing that sentence, it would only end in hurt for them both. “I’m sorry. I don’t have any good clothes, might I borrow some of yours?” he said instead, changing the subject and moving to rummage through drawers and closets, not waiting for an answer before he started piecing together a simple outfit of ill-fitting gray slacks and t-shirt, quite uncharacteristic for Nikolas’ usual sense of style and flair.
Neo looked up from his other hand when he was squeezed, blinking a couple times. Certainly when Nikolas hit his head last night, it must have completely changed his disposition. At the mention of the previous night, and as Neo drank his water silently, he remembered the attack in the greenhouse, watching Nikolas slip on his clothes.
"Right… um, thanks for the water. And sure you can… oh, alright, help yourself, I guess." He drained the cup and set it back down with his long arm's reach, glancing back over at Nikolas. "You can go ahead and make yourself comfortable, but didn't you say you wanted to leave soon?" His eyes were drawn to the too big clothes, sagging comfortably around the thinner stature of Nikolas making him look… cute? Something about looking at him like that just warmed Neo's cheeks that a slight shake of his head couldn't get rid of. It simply didn't feel wrong to think of Nikolas like that anymore. Neo was more than able to adore Nikolas for the small goods that he found through all of the vices.
“Of course I want to leave soon, you… imbecile.” Nikolas noticed the way Neo was staring, and stopped. “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my time here while it lasts. Now, I need something salty. What do your people happen to serve for breakfast, again?” he asked, retrieving some clothes for Neo and throwing them at his face, not particularly gently but also not to wound, either. He then gathered his own clothes from the shower, once more fastening his bear cloak over his shoulders, but leaving the weapons, it was unlikely Neo would make a move at him right now. Not with a war on their hands, at least, not with that at all.
He tugged on the edges of the cloak, hands shaking as he leaned on his cane for support. He didn’t hurt as much as last night, but things still weren’t particularly comfortable for him standing, and he hoped to find that Neo perhaps wanted to sleep in more than get up just yet.
Neo removed the clothes off of his face and looked down at his lap with a slow sigh, giving another couple shakes of his head. "We can have whatever you want made. I usually just have granola in the morning, but the chefs are accustomed to making whatever you want." He stood up slowly again, pulling on his pants and buttoning up the shirt he was given, swiping his hands down the front to make sure it wasn't wrinkled. He tried to look his best whenever he dressed every day, even if he was just doing office work. It was just another habit he happened to pick up. He ran his fingers through his hair and crossed the floor of his bedroom, rummaging around in his dresser for a belt and slipping it on through the loops of his pants, which were drooping around his waist.
"I'm just gonna freshen up in the bathroom, you can go down to the dining room if you don't need my help getting down the steps." He looked up at Nikolas as he reentered his room from the bathroom.
Nikolas shrugged. "I think I'll wait for you." he said, sitting down on the bed and humming to himself a folk song passed down to him from generations of Ballasts and their people. He muttered something, probably a curse, in his mother tongue, then resumed his humming, thinking to himself about what he could possible do with his Neo today to relieve him of his boredom before he had to be sent off. He checked his wounds, then tightened the belt of his slacks, using a small knife to pierce a hole in the belt so it would actually hold his pants up properly. He put the knife away before Neo could see, however, he didn't want the king to be too upset with him over the sheer amount of weaponry he still carried on his person.
Neo shut the door behind him as he slipped into the bathroom, doing his usual such as brushing his teeth, washing his face and relieving himself. He took a few pills with water he cupped in his hand and splashed it into his face, inhaling softly as he looked up into his mirror. Water dripped down his long nose and across his thin lips, licking it off as he stood up straight again, slicking his hair back with a wet hand. He steeled himself up as he looked into his mirror, shaking his head at his reflection with a slow sigh. He was a king who sacrificed everything for his position, including family, friends, fame… He couldn't throw that all away for one man who probably had it out for him in some way or another just for his kingdom. No, that's simply what Neo didn't deserve. He deserved a man who would meet him in stride, with smirks down at their enemies… enemies they overcame together with mental strength and leadership second to none. Determination that was gripping, yet with a personality that the people could relate to.
Shit– He was describing Nikolas, wasn't he?
Nikolas had no want or need for a partner, but suddenly that was all he could think about. He just wanted someone who would be just as ruthless as he was, a challenge to overcome and to conquer with a great show of strength. Someone who was his matched equal, but not so much as to be a real threat. Neo was none of these things to him, he saw the man as a prattling idiot who could barely lace up his boots. But still, he couldn't help but wonder if that assessment was at least a little skewed by bias, at least regarding their former relationship. It hadn't ended on good terms, and he was starting to think that maybe he was underestimating the new king. Perhaps, if he were to arrange something, he could test his theory… but no, Neophyte simply wouldn't allow it. He called, "Neo, dear heart, you've taken long enough!" just to hear the answer. Dammit, he already missed that cold, cruel voice, the one that made him shiver with delight and fear every time it crossed his ears.
No, I am not describing him, Neo snarled to himself, giving another shake of his head and gripping the sides of his sink. Nikolas was a threat, with nothing on his mind but blatant control that even a toddler could see if it tried hard enough. His manipulation tactics were good, but easy to see through with a stern eye and a prepared mind. The call from the other room snapped him out of it, and he splashed another handful of water into his face before turning off the tap and drying it off with a towel. He'd go out and be cordial for now, but unlike last night, would not allow his defenses to go down. That was the fatal mistake he had made in their previous affair together.
"Sorry, I am right here," Neophyte huffed as he stepped out of the bathroom, shutting it behind him after flicking off the lights. "Impatient to see me, I suppose?" He glanced up at the king helping himself to his bed, with a slight knowing laugh in his tone. "Would you like me to carry you as I did last night? Is that why you waited so patiently?" The Neo that had appeared before him just minutes earlier, with his soft adoring eyes and red cheeks, was replaced by a sharply dressed, steely-eyed man who looked down through eyeglasses on Nikolas with a foot tapping out in front of him.
