Mel was the only one out of the three left standing by the fireplace not tracking Easton's and Nick's every move. He sighed heavily and pinched the bridge if his nose. "Would you two please calm down." He growled softly to Veda and his sentinel, Kira.
"Forgive us for being hostile if having two fae males who were hunting Abrose are now in our home mere inches away from our mates." Kira growled back, eyes flickering toward her wife esther and Veda's wife Genevieve as the two women finally let Abrose go enough so that he could greet the group.
"They're not a threat anymore." Mel replied for what seemed like the thousandth time, as calmly as he could.
Kira huffed and incredulous laugh as she stood when Abrise approached with Esther and Genevieve, saved from Mel's backlash.
Abrose embraced both Veda and Kira warmly, glad to be back with the rest of his adoptive family. "It's been way too long." He smiled as he was squeezed in their hugs before settling beside Mel.
"it really has," Kira agreed, gently pulling her wife into her lap. While gentle, Kira pinned abrose with a glance, ignoring Mel's growl. "Now, do I want to know why you smell of the fae male?" She asked, nodded towards Easton and Nick."
Abrose calmly met her stare and took a deep breath. "We're dating." He replied.
Veda leaned in and gently squeezed Abrose's hand "if they're forcing you to say that, or if you're scared to say the truth, you know we'll protect you. We won't let anything happen." He reassured gently, flinching in surprise when he smacked and gently nudged aside by his wife. "Don't listen to either of them Rose. They're just being their typical dominant overprotective selves. If you are truly with Easton, and he's not causing you any harm, then we'll be happy for you. It's about time you found yourself a mate who can handle all of this." She giggled lightly and glared at the small circle of fae's. None dared to protest, not even Mel. "Good, now that that's settled,why don't you introduce us to your partner and his handsome friend."
Easton took small steps towards Abrose before taking his hand and pulling him closer. "Even though it was only seconds, I missed you so much." He whispered. Easton pecked Abrose's cheek. He turned his head towards the other fae and sighed. "I may have been a dick, but I'm anymore. No need to rub it in my face how much I hurt him." Eaton snaked his hand around Abrose's waist and turned his gaze back to his lover. He gave a simple smile and kissed Abrose's forehead.
"I don't think I'm handsome, but thank you for the compliment." Nick gave a half-bow before putting his hands on his hips. "Easton now is not the time to be lovey-dovey with your boyfriend right now. We're supposed to be getting shown around the building."
Easton pulled away from Abrose and dropped his arm, and gave a menacing grin. He cupped Nick's ear and made sure to speak so quietly that no one else could see her but Nick. "You know you want to…." for was seemed like a straight minute; Nick's face had been continuously turning red. You could see how embarrassed he was, and he refused to look at Mel even though his eyes were glued to him the entire time.
"I do not!" Nick pushed Easton off his ear. He crossed his arms over his chest, turning his head in the opposite direction of Easton.
Abrose laughed and nodded his head with a light blush "thank you Gen." He glanced over in slight surprised when Easton was suddenly by his side. He giggled softly and shook his head in embarrassment. Regardless he gently nuzzled back "I missed you too, dear."
Veda regarded the two calmly as they embraced. "It's going to take a lot more than words to convince me." He muttered, slowly standing before his wife could protest and walking off towards the doors to cool off a bit.
Genevieve shook his head "don't mind him. He, as well as all of us are all a bit on edge about what just happened." She tried to explain, gently squeezing Abrose hand before standing to go talk with her husband.
"Give them time love. Genevieve's right. It's been a rough week. Everyone's on edge about all of this." He muttered, gladly curling up in Easton's lap, smiling at the gentle kiss.
He reluctantly let him get up and started chatting with Mel, Kira, and Esther while Easton went over to talk with Nick. "So when's this tour? Or did you just want to piss of Kira and Veda?" Abrose asked, gently nudging his friend's shoulder teasingly.
Mel shrugged and gracefully stood. "Both. You know how I like being productive." He grinned and glanced over at Nick and Easton, looking away quickly when he saw Nick watching back. He cleared his throat and waved to the door where Veda and Geneveive were embracing, talking quietly amongst themselves.
"Shall we?"
"Come on." Easton pushed Nick in front of him so they could start walking. He discreetly placed his hand in Abrose's before started to walk next to him. "Just how big is this place. You're power is beautiful. I feel like it could be used for destruction if needed."
Nick wanted to throw up with the things he was hearing from Easton. They were mostly about Abrose and how badly he wanted to kiss him. "Hey Easton…quiet down a little would you. I still have a headache."
easton raised an eyebrow a bit confused. "Oh…you mean you can hear my thoughts…Why are you listening anyway?" Nick glared at him. "You can't control it can you?"
"Ding, ding, ding." Nick sighed and looked out the windows only to see nature at it's finest.
Abrose gently laced their hands together and smiled proudly at Mel as they followed the young Lord through the halls.
Mel blushed lightly at the compliment and nodded his head towards Easton. "Thank you. The estate isn't altered in size in anyway. All I've really done is add a few fake hallways and altered the decore for my always changing interests. Right now, it's mostly stayed on space themed items until I gain a new interest." He laughed softly and waved to multiple diagrams and charts of planet and stars all set against a deep navy wallpaper, with what seemed small white stars that blinked randomly. "As for destructiveness, I'm not sure how dangerous my abilities are. If anything, they're usfulnto creat distractions, Mel replied with a slight shrug as he watched
Abrose touche his free hand to the the wall, the stars following his hand to create a lingering trail of faint light. "It's also a convenient light source for us night dwellers." Mel laughed lightly and stopped at a set of white marble doors. "As unconventional it may seem, we're starting with arguably the best room. He pushing open the door and stride into the space. Following the theme of the rest of the estate, the room was floor to ceiling space themed, shades of blue blending the floor to the ceiling with galaxies of stars splattering along every available surface. Hanging from the ceiling were paper lamps in the shape of stars and moons, light emoting from holes punctured out from the paper to creat more points of interest around the room. "This is commonly used as a lounge or quiet place if the estate to relax." Mel esplained with wistful smile as stood in the middle, illUminated by the lands overhead. Abrose looked around in awe, having not visited recently enough to have seen the room beforehand. He glanced over at Easron and Nick, brows raising in concern. "I can help with any headaches if you'd like. There's a tea I know that relieves those fairly quickly." He offered, slightly confused as to what they were saying but nonetheless wanting to help, especially after Nick had ended up helping him.in the end
"That would be wonderful, Abrose. Thank you." Nick gave a pained smile. He looked around the room in awe, feeling like he was in some dream. "I think you picked the right room to make this a relaxation room. It looks amazing, Mel." his eyes fluttered shut, and the only thing he saw was black from that point on.
Easton stared at Nick for too long before realizing he would fall; he quickly caught him as his body went limp. "He needs to sit down somewhere to rest longer. He only fainted, so he should be fine. He must've pushed himself too hard." He shook his head and picked Nick up bridal style. "He always does this." Easton stood up from off the ground. "Is it okay if I let him rest in this room? I know it's probably somewhere for you to have some quiet I want him to relax a bit more. Maybe we can get him the tea you were talking about, Abrose?"
Mel nodded "of course. Perhaps a tour the day after yesterday wasn't the best idea." He guided Easton over to a velvet chaise lounge, pushing aside pillows scattering the seat. He used a few as a makefuft head and backrest. Mel waved for Easton to put him down while he went around the oom, dimming the lamps to a soft glow and touching a hand along the walls to darken some of the galexies, greating a peacefully dark room with enough just enough light to see a few feet around you.
Abrose nodded "I'll be back in a few moments." He promised, walking out of the room followed by Veda and Esther, leaving Genevieve and Kira to help Mel and Easton attend to Nick. "Does he normally have dizzy spells?" Kira asked, finding a blanket from a nearby closet and laying it over nick's lower half for some warmth. Veda, always prepared, settled down beside the fae and checked his heartbeat and breathing, making sure there wasn't something more severe going on.
"Thank you" He kissed Abrose on the forehead before letting him leave. He laid Nick down onto the soft cushioning. Nick seemed to be sweating and he looked uncomfortable when he was laid down. "What is wrong with you buddy?" He asked himself. Abrose looked up to Kira and shook his head. "No, I don't think so…" He stood up so he could let them work and take a look and Nick. "He often pushed himself because he doesn't want anyone to worry, but when things like this happen it only makes me worry more. Sometimes I feel like he was a hero complex." he gave a deep sigh and leaned against the wall. "I just hope he'll be okay."
"He seems like the type who would, considering what he did yesterday." Kira said softly, joining Eadton by the wall, watching as Veda did a few more standard procedures to make sure Nick was alright. "I know we came off a bit harsh before. Typically we are more welcoming towards our own, but when it comes to the well being of Abrose, things become a bit defensive. Especially when considering he's been through so much already. But you seem to care about him as much as we do, probably more. If he's happy with you, then I see no reason to continue to remain hostile."
Mel laughed softly as he approached the pair "I see your wife's mentality has rubbed off on you. Now if only Genevieve could convince Veda of the same."
Kira laughed when Veda shot Mel a glare as he stood. "I'm sorry if it takes me a bit more convincing than the rest, it's not like I've been doing this for years on end now." Mel rolled his eyes and nodded to Mel, his teasing expression now gone, replaced by worry. "How is he?" He asked softly
Veda sighed and nodded his head "stable thus far. He's developed a bit of a fever but that's normal."
"I hope he's happy with me you know. If he wasn't I wouldn't know what to do. He already rejected me once and I was a wreck and then fell in love with him again and I didn't realize that was the same person. Pretty confusing right. Even so, I've moved past it and I hope I make him just as happy he makes me." He looked over to Mel with a smug look. "I think he'll be just fine. A few more days of rest and he'll be back to his usually playful flirtatious self. Of course, that is just my hypothesis. He could spiral out of control at any minute." Easton was fairly calm about the situation. He didn't show that he was worried, but he was. "Keep it quiet, we don't want to overload his ears, by talking so much. He has no control over his powers right now and that's a problem…" he whispered softly.
"I think you do, judging from the way he looks at you, as if you're the only one on the world." Kira smiled softly, watch the door his wife had left a few moments ago. She huffed a small laugh at the mention of Easton's and Abrose's relationship, gently patting his arm in consolation. "Don't worry, it's never easy, no matter who you are. But you love him. No one can argue that. The same goes for him towards you. If you ever doubt that love, come to us and we'll set you back on the right path." Kira winked and bowed to the two before retreating to the doorway to keep watch.
Mel's worry didn't subside even at Easton's teasing comments. He glanced up at Easton's on slight surprise "he has abilities as well?" He asked, wondering what Mel could do. "It must be very powerful if the queen had recruited him as a guard." He mused, cringing at the mention of the woman who had destroyed so many lives.
He glanced up when the door was opened, soon finding abrose and Esther striding in with a tray full of food as well as a tray with tea.
"Still hasn't woken up yet?" He asked softly, setting the tray down beside Nick.
Veda shook his head, having been silently listening to Easton and Mel, until Genevieve, Esther and abrose came back. He shook his head "no, not yet."
"I'll make sure to do that." He turned around to the door when Abrose came back in with the tea. His eyes seemed to soften the more he looked at Abrose. "Hey…" Easton gave a heavy sigh and looked back to Nick. "He does have powers. I do too. Once I touch something, I can make it decay. It's only it. If I decide to, of course, I have control over it. It can kill some fae and humans, but not those who are strongly wilded and can fight it. It can't kill the queen. I guess that's why she had me so close. It can be anything. Like material things as well. It's not something that I enjoy doing because it puts me in this weird state after using it. It kills from the inside, so…" He paused to let himself breath as he explained. "…viruses and common colds, it can do good, but I mostly used it to kill, but…Nick. He has a power that only one can dream of. It's not my right to tell you guys. If you want to know just ask him."
Nick shook his head back and forth before fluttering his eyes open. He felt pain where the wound was on his body. "Why does it hurt so much?" He managed to say with a slight whisper. He wasn't just referring to his head but also where the wound had been from the previous day.
Abrose gave a small smile and lightly took Easton's hand in his own. He lightly rested his head against Easton's arm as he started to explain his abilities. Realization crossed Abrose's features in that moment Easton stated what his abities were. Decomposition. Abrose had never heard of a far who could kill from the inside. He thought back to his plants and realized just how fragile they really were, after how many times did he have adjust his abilities to suit the ever changing needs of his flowers. It had become second nature to abrose after so much time but he had never realized how delicate his plants were. If someone with Easton's ability touched something like a plant, with wither away in seconds.
He glanced up at the sound of Nick's groans of pain and walked over alongside Veda.
"You passed out," Veda replied softly, aimed to keep the sounds at a minimum. "Do you know where you are?" He asked, gently pressing a stephescope to Nick's chest, listening for his heartbeat, while abrose pressed a warm towel to Nick's brow.
Mel watched from his place at the wall beside Easton , arms crossed over his chest, brows furrowed in worry.
"You most likely pulled your stitches when you fainted. Do you mind if I take a look?" Veda asked, setting aside his stephescope.
Easton leaned his head against Abrose's. He gave his hand a tight squeeze. "That's why when this lovely man knocked me out, he put power dampening cuff on me. Or else I would've destroyed everything." Easton kissed Abrose's forehead.
"You don't have to remind m-me…" Nick nodded his head, indicating that he was okay with it. He couldn't stand the feeling of being helpless, and he hated that he needed help. Nick looked around the room slowly. He looked over to Mel, but quickly looked away. "I remember. It's probably nothing serious." He gripped the material under him tightly until his knuckles turned white.
Easton looked over to Mel and shook his head. "Focus on getting better right now. Stop trying to act tough." Nick's natural reaction to being independent and hostile when he was injured, but he knew Easton was right.
"you're friend is right. The more you try and 'tough it out,' the worse it'll be for you to heal properly." Veda muttered in agreement and he replaced Nick's bandages with fresh ones. "Thankfully nothing split. You most likely agitated the wound."
Abroad released a quiet sigh of relief and handed Nick a cup of steaming tea, a sweet herby scent drifting up from the liquid. "Drink, it'll help with the headache and the pain." He instructed softly, standing and clearing the trays to make room for Veda to work more easily.
Mel gently touched his phasycian's shoulder "call me back once you are finished." He said softly, giving Nick a small smile before waving everyone out. "Let's give them some space and time to relax." He ordered softly, helping Abrose with the tray of tea as everyone filed out if the room, some even bidding Nick a speedy recovery.
Nick mumbled in protest to Mel leaving but didn't push for as he had already left the room. He was too tired and much too weak to yell.
Easton gave a wave before continuing to walk with Abrose down the hall. "Thank you for bringing the tea my love." he gave a soft kiss to Abrose's cheek. "Now what should we do while we wait I mean. Abrose and I will have to leave soon and Nick has to come with us. He needs to get away from here just like the rest of us. It's only a matter of time before the queen might find us. If Nick isn't better soon, I can't risk him coming overseas. It's probably nothing I'm stressing out too much." Easton squeezed Abrose's hand.
Abrose leaned into the gentle kiss and nodded slightly. "Of course. Hopefully Nick recovers soon." He glanced over towards Mel, who up until now had been unnatural quiet. Abrise gently touched his free hand to Mel's shoulder, pulling him out of his state.
Mel gave an apologetic smile and nodded slightly in response to Easton. "I'm sure he will be well enough to travel. Veda is the best doctor around, I'm sure he'll be able to help Nick recover in no time. If that isn't the case, we'll be leaving soon after you and Abrose. Once we get our things in order, we'll come over to the southern continent. Nick would be more than welcome to travel with us if his injuries do not allow them to travel sooner." Mel offered gently, shaking his head slightly "you have every reason to be worried over him. Much has happened in the past few days, it's only natural to be on edge." He gave a reassuring smile as they came to a stop at the entrance of the estate, nodding his thanks to a male fae who handed off a riding jacket and muttered a few words to Mel about a horse being ready. "You are both more than welcome to explore the estate further. I'm sure abrose knows the layout well enough to guide you around Easton. If you have any questions or concerns, everyone else will be happy to provide answers. I'll be back by tonight, I'll try and bring back anything salvageable from your home, Rose." He promised, giving his friend a gentle squeeze before heading out to the awaiting stallion.
Easton nodded and watched Mel leave the estate. "I think he's going to have to ride with Mel over. Somethings off I can feel it but I have no idea what it is." Easton hugged Abrose letting his head lean into his shoulder. "Here I thought everything was finally going to be okay." Easton took a deep breath in and out. "Do you think I'm worrying too much? I mean if I had stayed with him, he probably wouldn't even be like this. He went up against most of the queen's best guards I mean-" Easton gave a heavy sigh. "It's not like I can reverse time so, I should just hope and trust that it's nothing and I'm just overreacting."
Abrose hugged Easton back, gently pressing a kiss to his temple and soothingly running his hands through the male's hair. He shook his head and tilted his head back a bit to look at his beloved. "No dear, you have every right to be worried. Like Mel said, it's been a rough week." He pressed a second kiss to Easton's brow, his own eyebrows creased in worry for the well-being of all his friends and family. "There was a reason why you and Nick were first and second, right? I'm sure he could have gone up a lot worse. But it's good that Mel got him out when he did." Abrose gently nuzzled Easton's cheek "overreact and coddle all you'd like my love, We did just almost die." He reasoned, giving Easton a small smile. "Let's distract you for a bit so you don't exhaust yourself, okay? Where would you like to go next?" He asked softly, rubbing Easton's back
Easton shook his head and smiled in return for his offer. "You already know where I want to go. Instead, let us go where you want to. I remember saying you wanted to go somewhere before we left. I can't exactly remember where, but how about we do that. I need to get out of this estate anyway. As much I love kissing you and touching you in a very…" He interlocked their fingers together, while he kept his gaze on Abrose. "…comfortable bed. I, too, need to get out and get some fresh air. It's such a nice day, and I would hate to ruin it inside all day. Well…you wouldn't ruin it since I get to have you all to myself, but you know I mean, though." He gave a happy sigh. "I've become so selfish because of you, not that I'm complaining."
Abrose blushed at Easton's comments and shook his head with a light laugh, glad that Easton was back to smiling again. He gently pressed a kiss to Easton's hand. "You're more than welcome to be selfish my love. I wouldn't mind a full day just spent in a comfortable Bed cuddled up with you." He gently tugged Easton into a walk back towards their bedroom. "And yes I did. I want to visit my mother and sister's grave before we go. There's something I want to bring with us." He said, gently nudging open the door to their room and heading over to the closet to grab some cloaks. "We'll probably need these though just in case we run into any of the Queen's other guards. Though we'll be on the outskirts of the town so it should be alright." He reassured, biting his lip nervously yet he still felt hopeful. "I'm gonna miss it here. Of course not the terrible things but I had good memories here too, of my mom and sister, of Mel and you. Of all the people that came to the shop." A whistful smile crossed his features before he pulled the cloak around his shoulders and the hood over his head, his red hair now completely hidden with in the fabric
Easton tugged the cloak over his body. "I hate that you have to hide this gorgeous hair of yours. I think it's one of your best qualities." Easton pulled the hood over his head. "Let's go visit your Mother and sister, shall we.? I can't wait to meet them and tell them how much I love you." He took Abrose's hands, giving an unpretentious kiss to both of them. "I have a recommendation for when we get back. I think…you should take off your corset because every time I want to feel your waist there, it's always in the way. I want to be able to…" Easton moved closer to Abrose, "touch…" their noses now touching, "every part of you Abrose Nightingale." His voice came across in a whisper as he let the words linger in his mouth. "I hope that's okay?"
Abrose smiled softly as he gently squeezed Easton's hand. If you had asked him months ago if he would ever be able show any fae something so personal and close to his heart such as his family's grave, he would have absolutely not, but now being with easton, he no doubtdedly wanted to share both himself and his own experiences with the one he loved. Pink stained his cheeks and nose as he touched noses with the fae male. "That more sounds like a request my dear." He replied in an equally low of a whisper, breath mingling together in the little space between them. "that's more than okay." He murmured, eyes fluttering closed as he closed the gap between their lips, drawing out their kiss.
"I'm happy we agree," he mumbled into the kiss. Easton pulled Abrose closer to him he slowly pulled away. "Easy there, I wouldn't want to keep your mother and sister waiting. You know how I get when you give me this type of special treatment. As much as I want to, we can't so let's go say our hellos goodbyes, and then we can pick up where this left off hm? That sounds like a lovely idea to me." Easton opened the door to their room, letting Abrose go through before him. "After you darling."
Abrose wrapped his arms around Easton's neck, wanting to get lost in in the kiss instead of worrying about the queen and theur current situation. He pouted slightly when Easton pulled away but knew he was right, they would spend the entire day tucked away in their room instead of getting ready to leave the continent. "You're right, I know you're right. We'll have enough time later for all of this soon." He pressed one last kiss to Easton's cheek and adjusted the hood of the cloak before heading out the door. "Thank you my dear." He smiled at Easton and gently took his hand, lacing their hands together. "They would have loved you, once they saw you weren't a stick up fae guard." He teased with a laugh. "Especially my little sister."
"Really? What was she like?" Easton smiled. "I've always been fond of younger children. Sadly enough they've never been fond of me. Honestly, I don't think anyone has before you and that horse." Easton chuckled he couldn't keep a straight face with Abrose. Once they were through the halls he opened the door that led outside. He was hesitant, afraid that as soon as he stepped out of this estate the queen would be waiting for him and Abrose. With men that were ready to kill for her. Easton shook his head and took a deep breath while his hands clenched the doorhandle before opening it. The sunlight felt nice as well as seeing the outside world in all its glory. "Lead the way, my love."
"She was the family's spark. Always bubbly and excited to just live. Mama suspected her to have abilities too. Something with liquid or something but she was still too young for us to figure that out." Abrose explained, a smile on his featires as he spoke about his little sister. "She looked just like me, so much so that we sometimes twinned just to tease Mama. She had red hair like mine but it was longer and really pretty. I used to braid it all the time cuz she hated how it got in her face." He laughed softly at the memory. "I think she would have loved you. She probably would have followed you everywhere, ask you so many questions, ask about the fae and your abilities, all of that and more." Abrose barely noticed tears were forming on the corners if his eyes until he felt them slide down his face. He took a deep breath and wiped away the tears before pausing by the main door beside Easton. He glanced up at Easton and gently squeezed his hand in reassurance as he opened the door. He shivered in delight at the warmth, extremely tempted to pull off the cloak but decided against it. He nodded slightly and gently pulled Easton towards the dirt road leading to the forests beyond the estate, directly against the outer most homes if the village that dotted the landscape
He listened to Abrose without interruptions. It was a nice stroll on an extremely nice day, talking about sweet memories and he wanted to hear every part of it. "She seems like an angel. I'm sure we would get along very well." Easton kissed Abrose's temple before fallowing him. through the path. "Somehow I feel like your mom would be every skeptical of me. If she really didn't like me I'm pretty sure I would do anything just to be able to spend and hour with you. Even then I would probably waste it on cuddles and kisses than actually talking because I would've longed for you day in and out." Easton huffed a laugh. "Enough of my essay abut how much I love you tell me about your mom."
"you're probably right about the skeptical part, though I don't think Mama would've kept us from seeing each other, not if she saw that you genuinely cared." He gave a laugh and shook his head "I wouldn't consider that a waste at all, dear. In fact that sounds like absolute heaven, just being able to relax and snuggle with you." He lightly rested his head against Easton's shoulder, a whistful smile falling upon his lips "if my sister was the spark, Mama was the flame. She was beautiful. We got our red hair from her. She was feisty but in a way you knew she cared about a lot. She was stubborn but kind and she wasn't afraid to show her abilities off no matter the consequences. She reasoned that if it was to help others, it didn't matter what stupud law she was breaking. And I decided to follow that mindset even after their deaths as a way to honor them." He huffed a small sigh, trying his best to keep it together. "You would have liked her, even with her feistiness. She had that affect on everyone it seemed."
Easton watched him speak, spacing out at times. He was so focused on the smile on Abrose face. Easton stopped in his tracks, pulling Abrose close to him. "I can see where you get your personality from. To me, it seems like you're the same person. I just want you know, maybe you already do, but it seems like you need a reminder. She would be so proud of you and she is always in your heart whether you believe in god or not, she was will always be with you. Every step of the way. She's not gone. Okay? I'm sure I would've loved her." Easton kissed Abrose's forehead. "It's okay to cry you know, if you need a few minutes I wouldn't mind standing here for a few seconds while you cried it out."
