Easton nodded, staring at Abrose with a loving gaze. He kissed his forehead, "Lead the way, my love." He cupped his face, giving him one more kiss before letting go of him. "What is this place, though. Is it okay with Mel if we see it? You are his friend, so I don't doubt it. Forget about what I just said. Show me the way; I'm following you, darling." He slid his hands down to Abrose's. He pressed his lips to the back of Abrose's hand, looking him in the eye as he did so.
Nick thanks Mel for the coffee-sipping at it. "Perfect." He mumbled as he started to take bigger sips. He hissed and pulled away when it was too hot. He kept silent as he ate his pastries. He wondered what Mel was thinking, but it was an invasion of privacy if he went into his head like that. He could only control his power to a certain extent, and if someone was too loud, he could hear them even if he didn't mean to pick it up. He looked between Mel and the second pastry he took in his hand. "Hey…um…all jokes aside. Thank you." He finished his second pastry swallowing it down with a sip of coffee. "I know all I've been saying is sorry, but I'm not sure if I've thanked you yet. I hope we can be close enough that I'm allowed to hear your thoughts one day. It was just something I was thinking about just now. It's just sometimes you space out, and I wonder what that pretty head of yours is thinking about. It's a thing I like to do with people. I don't know why. I do it with Easton, sometimes with the queen if I'm lucky, and some of my other friends. If that's not okay with you, I get it, but anyway, I just wanted to say thank you." He shut himself up by drinking his coffee.
Abrose gave a happy little him and nodded, gently tugging Easton out of the kitchen but not without a wave to everyone inside. "it's a surprise. I promise you'll like it." Abrose said over his shoulder, gently pressing his hand to the wall closest to him, watching as it illuminated a path to where he wanted to go. He tilted his head "I hope he will. It's a relatively new room but he's let me visit alone a lot so I think it'll be alright as long as we don't break anything. Oh! Before we go in," he paused by a pale blue door with golden stars decorating the endges, "try not to move so quickly. There are…friends…inside that'll spook easily." He smiled softly and gripped the door handle, tugging gently to reveal the room inside.
Mel shook his head as he set his cup of tea down. "There is no need to thank me at all, Nick." He replied softly. If you're going to thank anyone, thank Easton for telling me to go back for you, thank Veda for patching you up. But not me." He gave a tight smile and nibbled at his pastry, a delicate eyebrow rising at the prospect of Nick seeing his thoughts. At first he immediately wanted to say no. He had build sturdy walls both around his heart and mind and refused to let anyone that wasn't his family see that side of him, no matter how seemingly close they wanted to get to him. But as Mel dwelled on the thought, the more he wanted Nick to know his thoughts, to know his frustration, his worry, his completely selfish and untimely desire to be with him. He thought for a moment before leaning forwards and nodding. "I wouldn't mind. I may not want you to see everything just yet so if that can be controlled, I'd be fine with showing you a bit."
"How many new rooms does he get. I mean not that I'm complaining but this place might be bigger than mine." He watched the lights lead the way to the door, curious as to how it worked. "What do you mean there are friends that'll spook easily?" He said softly as he walked into the room. "Should I be worried?" He looked back to Abrose for some reassurance or even a hint as to what the room was.
"You're right, I'll thank them as well, but I'm not taking back what I said." Nick flashed a smile as he picked up another pastry and started to eat it again. He nodded and swallowed hard. "Yeah, yeah, I mean when you want me out you can tell me to get out and when you don't mind me being in and you want me in then I will be in your head. But sometimes I can't control it and I hear thoughts by accident if they're too loud. A-Anyway, we don't have to do that now, just whenever you're ready and you feel like you trust me enough." He looked down at the pastries. "Man these things are addicting. I'm definitely going to miss these. Maybe I could learn how to cook them. Yeah and then I could have them all the time." He hummed softly, licking the custard off his fingers.
"Mel's ancestors were close to the original royal family long ago. One if not the closest family to the first Fae King. It would be distastefull to take away the title, even when Mel's father had disowned him. Besides, Mel still holds high standing among aristrocats, despite his hatred for them. The estate stays in his name until he forfeits it or dies." Abrose explain, gaze softening as he remembered just how much Mel had been willing to stretch the title he had been given to help others, playing Loyal Lord by day while he unabashedly helped those he pretended to dispise, by night. "This home is as old as the Firg King himself. I think it's the only thing that remains that remembers when the Fae and humans were treated the same." He shrugged whistfully and gently nudged open the door, almost immediately inveloped by a start night once the doors closed behind Easton. "I don't know, considering you were afraid to touch Malian, this probably wasn't the best idea but it should be alright." He teased softly, watching as the world within the room bloomed to life around them. It looked like the outdoors was brought inside. A night sky painted the entire room with cool tones of deep blues and purples. The greenery was made of millions of starts, giving a ghostly look to everything while still retaining a hint of earthtone among the glittering crysal-like plants. Abrose stepped forwards as a white stag came forth, his start coat was shimmering like everything else around them but he seemed to retain a more ghost like quality. His beady eyes locked into Abrose, as he proudly stroad forwards. His mouth parted slightly, revealing unnatural fangs. Abrose bowed his head respectfully, earning him a gentle nuzzling from the animal. Mel once told me stories of the First King and his kingdom. Stories from his grandmother and her grandmother. Old as this house I suppose. He told me once there were creatures that were used as holders of the land, more respected than the Kings and queens. More feared as well." He chuckled softly as the stag huffed a growling sort of noise and raised his pitch black gaze to Easton's.
"that must be overwhelming, hearing everyone's thoughts as if they were said aloud all the time. I hope I'm not contributing to that." He said apologetically, brows creasing in worry. He finished off his pastry, kicking off the sugary glaze from his lips. "Ah, I suppose you're right. I don't think I'm in the right headspace right now for you see any of my thoughts. Besides, we wouldn't want for you see all the scandalous thoughts that run through my head, now would we." He grinned and curled up into the couch corner, feet tucked beneath him. "Hopefully after the move I'll be more relaxed and clear minded enough for you to see my thoughts. Would I be able to see yours too? Or does it only work for the one who has the ability. Not that I would want to invade on your personal thoughts. It's just something I want to be prepared for."
Easton couldn't tell whether to be amazed, scared, or excited. The room was beautiful. His eyes reflected the bright stars as they shifted around the room. He was speechless as he listened to Abrose. He didn't realize just how high Mel was on the social ladder. Also, how scary that could be. To move around the way, he did behind people's backs when his title was at stake. Back then, Easton wouldn't have the guts to do it. He was obedient to the throne, and just thinking about it makes Easton hate himself a little more. He opened his mouth, hoping words would come out, but nothing. Everything he said left him speechless. He gulped when he saw the horse. It wasn't a regular one. His eyes shifted from side to side, not sure where to look as he starred back into its black gaze. "Is this real?" he whispered. Easton huffed a nervous laugh as he bowed slightly, copying Abrose. "Mel is something else. I mean, he's…" He turned to Abrose, looking back and forth between the stag and him.
Nick's eyes traced Mel'f feature, gulped as he watched him clear the sugar off his lips. Dooo, not think about that, Nick. Don't think about kissing him. You are friends., friends, friends, friends, and only friends. He quickly shook his head and cleared his throat. "Y-Yeah…it uh it can be a lot sometimes, but don't worry, you're thoughts are quiet. I like quiet thinkers. It's light on the ears. Sometimes they poke through, but I only hear whispers. I'll make sure to block them out best I can." He finished his food and started to drink his coffee. "Well, I can project my voice into your mind so that you can speak to me through your thoughts," Like this…you can hear me, right? Nick got out of Mel's mind when he finished his sentence, not wanting to be invasive. "But you can't hear mine. As much as I would like that, it's not possible as far as I know. Simple when you think about it. Thanks for bringing the food. Send my compliments to the chef."
Abrose nodded in agreement, simultaneously giving the stag a few nuzzles. "He really is. I only hope one day he'll realize what we all already know." He gave a soft, sad smile before stepping back and motioning Easton forwards. "Come and find out, dear. Careful, he's been known to nip." He warned softly, showing open hand where two distinct teeth mark scars could be seen in the shimmering light if the room. "He's very picky with who he likes." His gaze flickered to the stag as it yawned, showing off his elongated fanged paired with a row of sharp teeth. It seemed to give Easton a pointed look but still helds it's ground beside Abrose. "Reminds me of Malian, but a lot less threatening." Abrose reached out his hand towards Easton. "I won't let him but you, promise." He reassured, keeping a steady hand against the Stag's neck.
"That's a relief. I would have honestly thought I'd be one of the more louder ones in the house." He chuckled embarrassingly as he tried his best not to blatantly stare at Nick as he spoke, or are, or drank, or frankly do anything. It was hard, considering every movement that caught the young Lord's eyes compelled him to want to stare endlessly at Nick's eyes, at his mouth, at the way he played, the way his body moved, despite the current immobility, as he spoke so passionately about what he loved. "Don't worry yourself about the whispers, dear." He reassured, setting his cup aside and resting his head against his hand as he listened to Nick describe his abilities. He gaspedbsoftpy when he heard Nick his mind, immediately locking eyes with the other. His voice was like velvet against skin, smooth and intamateoy soft. Mel held back a plea for Nick to do it again, if only to hear the voice in his head again, and again, with anyone potentially hearing them. "That's amazing," he murmured, breathing a small laugh. "Well I hardly call that fair. But it is what it is. I still find it spectacular that you can do this. I've not met many fae sonintune with their ability such as you." He mused, reluctantly stranding and gathering the empty plate and cups. "I'm sure Esther will be glad to hear you love her cooking."
Easton gave a confused look. "With all due respect, darling, I think we have different meanings of less threatening." Easton gave a nervous laugh as he moved closer to the stag. "Okay, see, Malian was calm and had flat teeth and didn't look like they could kill me. Those marks are your hand do not help me right now." Easton held his hand out, flinching whenever the stag so much as blinked. He took a deep breath in trying to calm himself. He suddenly pulled the hand to his side. "Nope, no, I can't do it." He locked eyes with Abrose. "I want to, though. Can you hold my hand while I do it?" He asked.
Nick could help the dopey smile spread onto his face. "You think it's amazing? I was told it's quite useless." He watched Mel stand up. For some reason, his heart ached. It was a good ache, as far as he could tell. He wanted to pull Mel down and wrap him into his arms and stay there forever. Nick's hand slightly raised from his lap, but he curled it into a fist and let it rest on his thigh. "I guess I do have a lot of control. I've practiced ever since I was little. I used to hear everyone's thoughts simultaneously, so I had to hone it and try to block them out. Eventually, I got better and better, and here I am. Sometimes my thoughts leak into other people. I'll be thinking about random things like what I should eat or who I should see. Or I go on my tangent about how the world was made inside my head. Anyway, I shouldn't keep you. Are you coming back? It's okay if you have things to do. I know you have a plan and all."
Abrose have a small laugh and getly took Easton's hand in his. "Plants and animals are your weakness, huh?" He glanced up at the stag as it huffed impatiently and shifted it's weight. "Oh you be quiet, you have a problem with everything that breaths." He teased, earning Abrose a low growl and a show of his fangs. "Pesky little spirit." He muttered with a chuckled, "you're going to miss us when we leave." The stag finally dropped Easton's gaze and gently rested his head against his shoulder. Abrose gently tugged Easton close and he started to stroked the stag behind his velvety ear.
Mel nodded, confused by Nick's surprise "yes, I do. I feel like anyone who met you and knew about your abilities would think the same." He replied, setting the plates on the tray he had used to bring them in and poured himself a final cup of tea and Nick the last of the coffee. He tilted his head curiously as he slowly placed around the room, a small smile on his features when heard Nick say his thoughts would seep into someone else's thought by accident. "A surprise for the recipient I'm sure, but hopefully not an unpleasant one." Mel gathered the tray of empty plates and cups in his arms. He gave Nick a reassuring nod. "I'll be back as soon as possible. I have to first see Veda then Abrose. Do you think you'll be well enough to join us to the docks to see him and Easton off?" He asked, hovering by the door of the room
"Yeah, and you are my weakness as well my love." He tensed when his hand touch the stag, but soon relaxed realizing how soft it is. "Are they going to bite me?" He whispered. "How do you do this so calmly. I'm sort of freaking out right now. I mean animals are dangerous you never know when they could just-you know?" Easton swallowed hard, starting to get more comfortable. "You're going to miss this place aren't you." Easton gave a sad smile. "I see how you are when you're with the people here. You're happy. I promise we'll come back whenever you want."
He smiled taking the cup, sipping at it gently. A warm smile spread across his face, loving the taste of coffee. "Well if you put that way…it sounds like you want my voice in your head." Nick smirked and sighed. "I think I might be able to. I'll start to practice walking maybe get a little more stable on my feet." He slowly stood up taking him a little bit to balance out. He gave a thumbs up. "Yeah take your time on getting back I'll be fine here don't worry…" He slowly walked over to the window and watched the scenery outside.
The stag twitched beneath Easton's touch but didn't shake him off. Instead he slowly shifted and settled down in the grass, forcing Abrose to sit down next to him and cradle the stag's head in his lap. "To be honest I was as terrified as you were. Before mama died I used to be scared of any animal. She was the one who showed me how to handle them." He smiled softly as he moved his hand to the stag's muzzle, gently stroking back and forth. "Once you learn what they want and don't want, it's not so hard to interact with them." He flicked his gaze up to Easton, breathing in a deep sigh. "You read me too easily, dear." He laughed softly and rested his hand over Easton's "but you're right, I am really going to miss this. This is like a second home to me, and the Mel and everyone else are my second family. They took me in when my family died and have been nothing but kind to me." He smiled softly "we'll be able to visit them more often now that they'll be moving soon after us."
Mel watched as Nick stand, chewing his lip nervously when he saw just how shaky Nick was. He released a small sigh and nodded, sneaking a moment to watch Nick go to the window and look outside. He smiled softly as he watched Nick bathed in sunlight. He shook his head before leaving the room
Easton sat down as well. "Who knows, you might turn me into an animal lover. Still a big maybe." He took Abrose's hand, pressing his lips to the back of it. "I love you. All I want is to see you smile." Easton tucked a couple of loose strands behind Abrose's ear, resting his hand on his cheek. "When you smile, I am positive that the world is smiling back, and then the sun shines a little brighter. I want to drown you in kisses whenever I see that smile. If you feel like you want to come back here even for a second, you tell me, okay? I want to make sure that you are the happiest man in the world. Got that?" Easton kissed his forehead cheek and pecked his lips. "I love you."
Even though Nick was looking out the window, he thought about Mel and his vivacity. Everything about him was amazing. Mel was still amazing even when he didn't know all of the details. He only wished that he could realize it. He also reminded him to stay his distance when needed. He messed with his hair as he stared at the clouds. "I'm in way too deep if I keep thinking like this…"
"I love you more, dear." He murmured, pressing a kiss to Easton's palm, glancing down momentarily at the stag as his grumpled in protest as Abrose momentarily paused his petting. He rolled his eyes playfully before returning his gaze back up to Easton's. "I only need you and my family to be happy, Easton. It doesn't matter where we go." He reassured, a laugh bubbling up in his chest as he gladly kissed Easton back. Sensing that he wasn't going to get much attention, the stag huffed and stood, shaking himself off before walking off towards the starry treeline, leaving the two alone. Ambrose tugged Easton closer now that the spirit animal wasn't in the way. "I don't think I asked you before but are you sure you're okay with this? With the sudden move and leaving this life behind to start another? There's always the option of going with Mel, like Nick is doing. I know it's a bit late minute but you don't have to board with me today. I'll go over and set everything up for when you and Mel and the others come, just to make sure we have a good foundation." He offered, slightly guilty for practically dragging Easton into a drastically different life so quickly.
"So, how is our guest?" Veda asked as he emerged from a study and fell into step with Mel. The physician had left the kitchen to tend to a few last minute affairs in his study and had only now gottwn the chance to take a break to check in on Nick, but not before finding Mel in he halls.
Mel have his friend a withering glare, knowing him to well not to recognize the slight mock in his voice. "You can find out yourself once you check in on him." He replied simply, stopping by an open window and gazing out on the estate grounds. Veda paused beside him and huffed a sigh. "Mel please. Focus on getting Abrose and the rest to safety. Nick isn't going anywhere and neither will your or his growing feeling towards each other."
Mel couldn't help but feel a twinge if annoyance but he knew Veda was right. "I know. That's all I've been doing all my.life after all. I just need a break from all," he waved a hand in the air. "Of this. Of the queen, of being other's hope. I need a break."
Veda gently squeezed Mel's shoulder "I know, we all do. you most of all. But don't let Nick be like all the other breaks you've had. You and him deserve better, despite our reservations about him. He seems to make you happy. Happier than any other man you've let into your life." Mel scoffed but nodded. "I hope you're right and this isn't just one of my wild fantasies."
Easton shook his head. "No, no, I want to go with you. Besides, there isn't much of a life I had here anyway. You know that I thought my only purpose was to find those who broke laws and possibly have them killed. If anything, I'm glad to leave that behind. I promise you I am completely fine." He gave Abrose a reassuring kiss. "If you say you're fine, then I'll stop asking. I worry about you, love. However, you are one of the most sarcastic, strong, loving, independent men I know." Easton kissed him on the forehead. "Next to me." He teased.
Nick did his best not to listen in on their conversation and instead decided to listen to nature and the great outdoors. If only he could understand animals and their thoughts then maybe his life would be more interesting. He closed his eyes resting his head down onto the window still. "I wonder what's taking him so long, but he didn't want to seem like the pushy type, so he stopped his curiosity and continued he nature watching, blocking out all sound, but the sounds of nature. He could fall asleep any mintue if he kept this up.
Abrose hummed softly at the kids, relaxing into his hold. He sighed softly, gently cupping his cheek. "Only if you're positive." He watched Easton for a few more moments, making sure for himself he was alright. He reached up and pressed a kiss to his brow, breaking out into a laugh. "I'm okay, dear creature, maybe not completely aye-okay rainbows and sunshine 24/7 but I'm doing better." He reassured, giggling softly "ah but of course. Never had I met someone else more sarcastic than you, my love." He teased back. "But thank you, genuinely thank you for staying by my side." He murmured.
Veda gave his friend another squeeze before heading off towards Nick's room. Nick watched him walk off, desperately wanting to call him back, to say he's take care of whatever Nick needed, to do anything if only to be near him again. But Veda had been right. Mel had other priorities to take care of first. With a deep sigh, Mel took one last look at his home land, where he had made his family right under the noses of the very monarchy who had sworn to kill anyone like Veda,Kira, Esther, or Genevieve. He was proud of what he had accomplished here, proud of the people who had helped him get here and only hoped he'd be able to continue helping others even over seas.
Easton nodded. "I'm positive. I never tell you how much I love your laugh. Honestly, it sounds beautiful; it's only a shame it doesn't last long. I am glad you're doing better." he nuzzled his head in the crook of Abrose's neck. "Of course, my love, before I never expected myself to be anywhere near you if I'm being honest. Even when we met that night, I broke your dagger. I was far away from you but so close at the same time. Everything feels so surreal, but I wouldn't change a thing even so. If I had the chance to do things differently, something I would change, but if it meant I didn't get to be with you like this, then no, I wouldn't change a thing. You don't have to thank me, darling. I should be thank you. You help me see so many things. So thank you." he pecked his neck up to his lips.
His eyes shifted from a tree to the door as he heard footsteps coming near it. They were different from Mel's. He assumed they were Veda's and slowly walked over to the couch and started to straighten up the blankets and clean up a bit. He didn't want to leave a mess, as he was still a guest in someone else's house. He sat himself down slowly. He was calming himself down, trying to remove the thoughts of Mel popping into his head. Like the way his eyes would sparkle when the sunlight hit them just right, or when he laughed, it sounded like a beautiful bell echoing in his mind. He cleared his throat, feeling his ears grow hot.
Abrose huffed another laugh. "You'd harass me again?" He teased, stroking through Easton's hair and pressing soft kisses to his skin. "I could do without the night you stopped to make fun of me and tease me coming back from the wedding. I'm sure we would have met eventually though." He smiled softly, nuzzling into his Love's shoulder, blushing at the kisses. "I will still thank you anyways. For all the love you've shown me." He mbled against Easton's lips.
Veda knocked softly before entering, pausing by the door for a moment and scanning around before a ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. "He does have that affect on many." He mumbled as he strode towards Nick. "You seem to be better," he greeted warmly, settling beside Nick on the ground and rummaging through his bag of medical supplies. "How are your wounds?" He asked, as he motioned for Nick to lift his shirt.
"My love, my darling sunshine, when you put it like that, no, I would never harass you again. You know what I mean, though." He hummed from the touches. Easton's body was fully relaxed as he hugged Abrose. "I could do without that night too. Not the best first impression, but I can't change that now. I'll appease you, but only so you can stop saying thank you." He leaned his head against Abrose's, looking out into the room again. "You're welcome. I'm never leaving your side, I promise. I'm ready to go back to sleep, but we have to get on that boat soon, right? I like the idea of sleep much better."
"What effect is that?" He raised an eyebrow for a second, trying to seem like he didn't know what he was talking about. "I do feel better enough to walk and move around, but lifting or stretching that side seems impossible." He lifted his shirt as instructed. "Mel changed my bandages today after I almost pulled my wound open again. This morning, I got a little frustrated when I realized that I couldn't even take off my shirt, but don't worry, I'm mentally fine now. I can't say much for this little guy." Nick said, referring to his wound.
"I do, know. But I like to tease you, dear. Consider it payback for when we first met." He teased with a knowing grin. "I like your feisty side. I adore all of you, my beautiful creature." He reassured, pressing his lips to Easton's temple as he poked around as well, watching as the leaves caught the reflection of the stars. On occasion he'd see a blur if white, the stag moving about and watching over them. "Sleeping here for a while with you sounds like heaven, but you are right. We should get going now if we want to catch the boat." He pressed one last kiss to Easton's lips before reluctantly pulling back and starting to stand.
Veda arched an eyebrow back and gave Nick an all too knowing look before getting back to work. "It's good that you're able to move. Straining the muscle though may be uncomfortable for a bit until the would heals. That might be a bit longer now that you've disturbed it but nothing too severe. Mel did good job." He mused, carefully unwrapping the bandages to see how the wound was healing before rewrapping them up. "Frustration is natural when one is injured." Veda replied softly, writing down a few notes. "Not being able to take care of yourself makes you feel useless." He explained, glancing up at Nick for a second. "If you ever need anyone to speak with, I'm available. Though I'm sure you have Mel to speak with as well." He offered gently. Setting aside the notebook and gathering his things.
Easton stood up after Abrose, fallowing close behind as they exited the room. He gave a big yawn, rubbing his eyes. They adjusted to the sudden light slowly, but eventually, his sight was back to normal. "All ready to go? Where are Mel and Nick? I could've sworn I heard them saying something about seeing us off." He shrugged and held Abrose's waist as they walked. "The boat ride is going to be long. That is something I dread very much. I do not want to stay on a boat for so long, but if it means we have a chance of starting over, I'd gladly do it a hundred times over." Easton kissed his cheek.
"Thank you for the offer, and I might take you up on that. Mel has enough to worry about; he doesn't need to add me to the pile. Not that I want to project my problems onto you or anything like that, it's just I don't want Mel to feel like it's his responsibility to help me through it, you know?" Nick sighed, watching what Veda was writing. "Yeah, it does…" He flashed a quick smile. "What are you writing down? Or is it just notes in case anything like this happens in the future?" He pulled down his shirt, straightening it out. He pulled the blanket over his shoulders, as he was cold and in need of warmth.
Abrose blinked rapidly at the sudden change of lighting as they left the beautiful room. "We'll find them soon, I'm sure. Probably just running around getting last minute tasks in order." Abrose reasured, resting his head against Easton's shoulder. "Hopefully this will be the only time we go on a boat." He laughed softly, equally dreading the four day trip much like Easton was. While he could never complain spending time with the one he loved, the situation that had brought them to this point, and the uncertain future they were driving head first to, had been building Abrose's anxiety all morning.
Veda breathed a laugh and shook his head. "It's too late for that now. Once you're in his life, it's very hard for him to ignore you. You in particular since you have more of a pull on his heart than the rest of us." He bowed his head "but I do understand your hesitation. If it helps, Know that we've all been through hardships. Though not equally, we all have needed someone to hear us out. If not Mel or I, then anyone else here I'm sure would be willing to listen to what you have to say." The physician looked down at his notes "just a record of your condition. In case anything were to affect you in the future, I have something to refer to in case they relate." He explained, packing them away into his bag and picking it up. "If you're well enough, come join us. I think it's about time for the send off." He offered, nodding his head to the door.
"I'm afraid that won't be happening. We do have to visit here every once in a while, yes? I'm afraid going on a boat again is inevitable. Is there something else you're worried about? I feel like something is wrong. I know you're getting better since the whole…well, you know, but you seem uneasy." Easton kissed Abrose's forehead. "Of course, if I'm reading you wrong, then feel free to tell. I am your lover, after all." They were close to the estate entrance, where their things were neatly placed next to the door, ready to leave.
"Well, I can't say I'm complaining. I was never planning to leave his life in the first place. The moment I saw him, well, it was blurry because I was bleeding and fighting and everything else, but I don't know it was…different than before. Different than anyone else I've looked at." He looked up to Veda and then sucked in a sharp breath. "Well, uh anyway, enough about that. I feel like you don't want to hear about what I feel for Mel.“ He stood up slowly, following Veda out the door. "Wouldn't miss it." He whispered, walking more slowly than he usually would have. "By the way, who should I ask for the recipe on the pastries. I would like to try my hand at them one day." He added.
"until Mel and Nick come over, yes. And of course anytime we want to visit old friends, yes." He replied, dropping his head onto Easton's shoulder with a small sigh. He reached up and gently pecked Easton the lips. "You're far more than a lover to me, dear. And no, you're not wrong. I'm just….nervous I guess. I've never been out of the kingdom, much less the continent. I don't know how it's going to be over there, if it's better or worse than here. If it's going to be even possible to make a living being what I am over there." He shrugged slightly, trying to shake this uneasy feeling off. "I'm sure it's just moving nerves. That's normal, right?" He gave a soft smile, trying his best to be optimistic. He glanced up as Mel came back in through the front doors, dusting off dirt from his tunic. "Ah good! You're here!" he greeted warmly, gaze flicking around the room for a moment before pointing behind him. "We just got the horses ready, three should be enough to carry everything and everyone." He said, shouldering one of their bags and carrying it outside.
Easton cupped Abrose's cheeks giving a forehead kiss. " Completely normal to feel like that I promise. I can't say that I know what it's like outside, but I get a feeling we'll be just fine. Maybe a little rough at the start, but we'll find our footing. I have enough money that we should be fine for a couple of months while figuring out the housing issue." Easton looked back to Mel nodding. "Thank you Mel so much, for everything. I owe you a lot. If you ever need anything from me I'll be happy to comply." Nick bowed before standing straight up.
"Why is Easton bowing?" Nick slowly walked over to the group. He flashed a smile to Mel before looking towards Easton.
"Hey, how are you feeling. Should you be walking? You don't have to come if you're feeling unwell." Easton gave him a tight hug before letting go.
"Watch the wounds I wouldn't want to get hurt more because of you." He joked.
"Oh right. Are we all ready to go?" Easton held Abrose's waist once more pulling him close.
Abrose exhaled a relieved sigh, leaning into Easton gratefully. He murmured a small 'thank you, my love' before looking back up as Nick came back inside. He broke away from Easton to give his friend a tight hug. It felt wrong to leave someone he had known his while life, especially someone like Mel. "You'll be alright without me," Mel murmured softly, glancing down at abrose and pressing a soft kiss to his hair. "We'll see each other before we know it, you'll have Easton and a new job and home occupying your time that it'll feel like time has flown by when we go over there." He promised, smiling encouragingly at Abrose before turning to Easton. Mel shook his head, "you owe me nothing," Mel replied softly. "You make Abrose happy, and you clearly love him. That's all I could ever ask for." he laughed and gently nudged Easton up by touching his shoulder. "I barely deserve to bowed at, much less thanked." He reassured, snapping his attention up as Nick spoke, his cheeks tinged pink. He eventually gave a nod as he saw Veda and Evangenline round the corner, both in more comfortable riding attire. "We are, as much I wish we weren't."
Easton chuckled. "It'll be alright. I'm sure we'll be fine on the way there and when we get there." He grabbed the bags from the door. "I can carry them both, you guys get on the horses. I can keep up with you guys if I run." He was only saying this because he didn't want to get on a horse. He barely liked touching them much less riding on them. Soon enough he'll have to get over his fear, but for right now he wasn't going anywhere on a horse. However, he did ride one once but even so he was filled with adrenaline and slightly passed out, so he wasn't really thinking. "I don't know the way there so you guys will have to lead me." Nick raised his hand like he was back in school, "Neither do I so you have two people to leade Mel. Unless I'm on a horse with you."
