Abrose glanced at Easton with slight worry as they all made their ways to the awaiting horses. Malian had been loaded with one of the lighter if the two bags, leaving enough room for riders. "You're sure, love? She won't do anything." He reassured, swinging a leg over the mare's back and settling comfortably. He knew Easton was uncomfortable with any animal taller than him but didn't want him to be tired on his run. Mel, Veda, and Evangeline got onto their horses. Mel offered his hand to Nick, flashing a smile. "And here I thought afyw practically dragging onto a horse before, you'd never want to ride with me again." He teased,
Easton pursed his lips together and stepped towards the horse before backing away. He clutched the bag he was holding and waved his hand. “It’s okay, darling I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t get tired easily because I’m a fake and all. Besides, I need the exercise.” Easton kissed Abrose's hand before moving away from the horse once more. “I promise I’ll be fine. Lead the way. I’m all set.” Nick gave Abrose a reassuring nod.
“Oh please,” Nick managed to get on and get comfortable on the saddle, all without hurting himself. He wrapped his hands around Mel’s waist to hold himself there but also to hold Mel against him. He discovered he liked the feeling. “Now you're just putting words in my mouth.” He whispered in a soft, whisky voice next to his ear. “I’m just teasing,” Nick added before moving slightly back to give Mel the space he needed to ride the horse. “I’m all good too.”
Abrose persed his lips as he brushed a gentle hand along Easton's cheek. "Alright, if you're sure. There's plenty of room in you get tired." He gently nudged Melian into a light walk, having her go in small circles just to make sure she was warmed up.
Mel gasped softly as Nick's arms wrapped around his waist. He would have gladly melted into the embrace if it weren't for the audience currently around him. He clentched the reins slightly, tilting his head up to glance over to Nick. "I'm the tease? After what you just did now?" He smirked, kicking his horse into a run before Nick could respond or before he could catch Veda's dissaproving glare. Abrose breathed a light laugh, gave one last glance at Easton then encouraged Malian into a gallop after Mel, veda and Evangeline behind him
Nick was caught off guard and held Mel's waist tighter as the horse galloped. "You're mere existence is a tease, my dear." He chuckled lightly. He loved how the wince felt in his hair. He also loved how skilled Mel was on a horse. He blushed slightly picturing something he shouldn't have. He looked into the forest instead of Mel, filling his thoughts with trees and all of the different types of leaves that could grow on a tree. Then he started to list fruits. Easton on the other hand through the ride there was keeping up perfectly and was really tired. If anything it was more of a jog than a run for him. "Tell me when we're close so I can slow down."
“One of my infinite charms dear, how do you think I managed to remain a beloved lord while becoming the leader for the rebellion?” He called over his shoulder, straightening slightly as he pulled his horse into a slower walk. He glanced over his shoulder at the rest of the group, making sure they were alright. “We’ll be entering the main port town soon.” He announced, coming to a stop to let Vedas horse and Abrose’s mare stop beside him. “Veda and I know the captain personally so it should be no issue boarding Abrose and Easton. But I have no doubt The Queen has doubled the amount of guards posted in the ports. We’ll have to keep a low profile now until the ship has sailed. Do not give your identities to anyone except for the captain. As for the rest of us when the ship leaves, we’ll remain hidden until e reach the border of the town.” Veda nodded, pulling a black hood over his head, shadowing his features. Evangeline, Abrose, and Mel did the same.
“In the event we get caught, then what?” Veda asked, keeping pace with Mel. “Surely someones bound to recognize two ex fae-soldiers, a royal horse and a nobleman. “Even if its not by the guards themselves, there are enough people willing to hand us straight over to the queen.” Mel stiffened as he kept his gaze forwards. “We leave the horses won the outskirts of town then. If e are recognized and forced into an altercation. You and Evangeline steal the nearest horse and get the Hell out of there.” Mel replied, refusing to meet either of the two’s worried glances. “And what of Abrose and Easton? What about you and Nick?” Veda pressed, rounding his horse so that it blocked Mel’s stallion. “I refuse to leave you behind Melisande” He growled out. Mel studied his friend for a few moments. “And I refuse to get all of us caught.” He replied calmly, leaving Veda silent in contemplation. “If we are confronted by guards, you all are to leave in whatever way you can. If it means boarding that ship with Abrose and Easton, so be it.”
“ And you?” Veda whispered, almost scared to hear what Mel would be willing to do.
Mel shrugged, maneuvering his horse around Veda’s. “I, as always, am a willing sacrifice. For the safety of the people I love, I’d gladly walk into the lion’s den.”
“And for those that love you?” Veda called, watching for a few moments before following.
Mel chuckled softly “I’d hope you’d have a smarter head on your shoulders than to risk your lives for mine.”
Easton jogged to a stop and adjusted the bag on his shoulder. He nodded, listening to Mel. He quietly walked over to Abrose and held his hand. "Hey…you'll be okay, right? We're walking straight into danger, and I want to make sure you're okay with all of that. I know we don't have a choice, but you know what I'm trying to say." Easton kissed his hand. "I wouldn't want you getting hurt again or going through anything like at the castle. Just tell me if you see anything strange. I know you're independent, but I can still worry about you." He chuckled. He turned Mel, took a deep breath, and nodded. "I'm ready for anything, and I'll try my best to stay hidden or at least not stand out."
Nick was also serious about this. It was essential to get his best friend and his lover across the world to live in peace. Of course, he would gladly take the fall, but he also hopped it never has to come to that. "I'll listen out for discussions and footsteps. I'll keep tabs on who suspects us and who will stay quiet. I'll keep you updated. I think I can't do much, but I want this to go well. If it doesn't, we're all dead meat. Let's get through the town and help these lovers get to where they need to go." He raised an eyebrow. "As much as I love your loyalty, it would mean nothing if you were already dead to give anything back. Me careful, alright. I wouldn't want anything happening to you."
Abrose hadn't realized he was gripping the reins of his horse until he looked down at Easton beside him. He took a deep breath and nodded, "thank you, dear, I will." He whispered, brushing Easton's knuckles with his thumb. He hadn't realized the amount of danger they were putting Mel and everyone else in but letting them come to the docks. He knew Mel was reckless and would put his life on the line to save others but Abrose, as well as everyone else he was sure, wouldnt be so willing to let the lord die so easily.
Mel nodded slightly and nudged the horse onward. "Come now dear. You'll have to have a bit more faith in me that that. How long has did it take you to realize I was right beneath your noses until you caught onto who I was?" He shook his head and lightly rested a hand over Nick's. "If it really does bother you, I promise I'll be careful. I might sound cocky but I know what I'm doing. W'ell get Abrose and Easton to the ship. Then we'll all get out of there safely." He promised, gently squeezing Nicks hand before letting go and rugging his hood over his head completely, obscuring his features from any prying eyes
Easton pressed one last kiss on his hand before pulling the hood over his head. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary when he started to enter the village. More guards were patrolling, but none seemed to pay any mind. They were either playing cards or smoking behind the building. Honestly, it looked they didn't even care. Of course, Easton would've whipped them into shape if he were there. They're not doing their job correctly, and it frustrated him. Either way, this was good; it meant they could pass through more effortlessly, but even so if they managed to get spotted, it would be over. He stuck by Abrose's horse, just to make sure he wouldn't get seen.
Nick whispered a thank you before pulling over his hood just enough so no one could see him, but enough that he could still hear without it being muffled. He kept his head down and listened for voices, but all he heard was laugher and merchants selling what they had. He heard the guards talking about them, but they didn't seem to notice they were there. "Sometimes, I wonder what these guards are doing. I used to waste time, but never like this. Even so, Easton would've kicked my ass if I wasn't standing up and patrolling as I should be." He scoffed. "What a time," he whispered.
Abrose peeked up under his hood just to make sure he was steering Malian in the right direction. He caught glimpses of familiar guard attire among the far and humans alike in the port town. While clearly the fan were better off the humans he saw, Abrose ordered if he would have faired better here than closer to the capital. He could have blended in better with humans, hidden his magic better. If he ever needed to escape, all the would have had to do was get on a ship and leave, no need to sneak around. Than again, he wouldn’t hav met Mel and his family or Easton. Taking the risk of living among fae would have been worth it a million time over if he could find his family. He sucked in a breath and lowered his head as they passed a group of fat soldiers talking amongst themselves.
“Another load off to the southern isles?” One chuckled, as he sidled up to Mel’s horse. “I see you’re turning over a new leaf, your grace.” Abrose bristled slightly, pulling Melian back a bit just in case the other guards saw him. He’d need enough room to round the horse and run for it.
Mel gave an easy smile , brushing a light hand over the guard’s own one that rested against his stallion’s neck, causing the guard to pull back in surprise. “A new leaf? Whatever do you mean dear?” He asked sweetly, batting his eyes at the now blushing guard. “I’m merely cashing in my profit. I work very hard for our dear queen. As must all of you, no? I try and do my part.” The guard blinked rapidly, flicking his gaze to Abrose and then Veda behind him. “Yes. I can see that. My apologies. Would you like an escort, your grace? It seems you have quite the load.” The guard offered, narrowing his eyes slightly until Mel tilted the guard’s chin up to meet his eyes. “No dear, don’t worry about a thing. Most is really a precaution on my part. I’ll be sure to request you specifically if I need any assistance. Now if you’ll excuse us, our ship is leaving soon.” He winked and let go, nudging his horse into a trot towards the dock’s where a ship awaited, a female clad in black and gold waiting for them by the ship’s entrance.
Easton let Mel talk so they could pass through. He didn't like how it was done, but it helped them get across. He kept his head down and watched the horse's movements so he could know when to stop and start walking. He let out a sigh of relief when the ship was in view, and the smell of seawater filled his nose. "We made it." He whispered. Easton helped Abrose down from the horse and threw the bags over his shoulder. He turned back to Mel and Veda. "Thank you for everything, especially for sticking your necks out like this. I know you could easily get caught as well. Be careful on your trip back, okay? And Nick?"
Nick bit back his words and kept moving. He heard their conversation but didn't dare to look over. He knew Mel would get on him if he tried to intervene. It was such a small interaction, yet it somehow made his heartache. It was moments like these where he hated his powers. How detailed they were. He could imagine the scene in his head with just the sounds. The way Mel touched his hand and tilted the guard's chin. When the horse started to move again, it snapped him out of his thoughts. Nick shook off the meaningless jealousy and stayed focused on the task at hand. This was a time for Abrose Easton, not his feelings for Mel. He watched the village and the guards fade away as they entered the port. He got down from the horse once they pulled to a stop. "Yeah?" He asked. He cleared his throat.
"Don't die on your way back home, please. The next time I see you, I would like to see you in one piece." Easton ruffled his hair and took Abrose's hand. "Mel, Take good care of him. I will see you soon." He turned back to Abrose and nodded. "Ready?"
"Shut up, you menace. I'll be fine." Nick punched him in the shoulder and took a step back so Mel and Veda could say their goodbyes.
Abrose slid down from Malian with Easton's help, realsinf a shaky breath as it finally dawned on him. They'd be free, finally. He patted Malian in appreciation before one of the crew members took her reigns and bribed her with apples towards the hull of the boat, where'd she'd be kept safe until they reached the southern continenet.
Mel had gotten off his own horse to greet the captain, hugging the woman and exchanging teasing remarks before he turned back to the group. "This is Captain Selene. She'll be bringing you to the southern continent." He explained as the woman beside him tipped her chin in greeting. "Not that is a true sight. A fae and a human. Abrose Nightingale no less. And the captain of the royal guard. How very interesting." She mused. "Youbw come to the right person to snuggle you over seas." She reassured before walking off to ready her crew and ship for departure.
Mel laughed and glanced back at Easton. "I've told you, dear. There's no need to thank me. I need nothing more than yours and Rose's safety." He reassured, Veda nodding his head beside him in agreement. Mel tugged Abrise into a tight hug. "And you, be safe, alright. I want to see you both well off when I come over." He ordered, pressing a soft kiss to Abrose's hair. "Be safe, Rose." Mel released him with a soft smile and nodded to the boarding dock. "She's impatient. Go." He said gently, nodding to Easton. "He could be in no better hands." Mel reassured with a knowing grin. "We'll see you both soon." He called, watching as the pair strode off to the ship. Mel mounted his horse, watching with tears in his eyes until departures were being called and orders to lift the anchor were ringing throughout the docks
Easton nudged Abrose towards the ship. "We'll see them again soon." Easton was glad he could start over. Maybe not entirely over, but he would try. For his sake and Abrose's sake. "You go on first, okay?" Easton bowed his head slightly to the captain to show his appreciation. "Do you need help getting on the ship, love, or are you okay?" He tossed the bags onto the ship once they were close enough. He knew there were essential things there and made sure nothing broke while he put them on. He took Abrose as his priority in ensuring he was safe while getting onto the boat. He was never too sure about ships and the ramps leading up to them. What if they broke while his love was walking on it.
Nick gave a final wave before mounting Easton and Abrose's horse beforehand. "Come on, Mel. We'll see them soon." He moved the horse closer to Mel's, so he could wipe his tears. "Let's get out of here before the queen has our heads." He waited for Mel to move first, partially to know He was okay and because he didn't know the way back to the estate enough to lead them away from the dock. He looked back momentarily, seeing Easton and Abrose's figures get farther away from the more they walked towards the ships. Soon it would be time for their departure on a boat. They would get to see each other again. Nick rubbed Mel's back up and down. "When we get back, we can get ready for our departure. The soon we start working, the better."
Abrose sucked in a breath and nodded, holding onto Easton as he eased himself down on the ship's deck, standing still for a moment to get a feel for the sway of the sea. "I think I'm okay, thank you." He said, giving a wavering smile to the captain as she passed. For the most part he held onto the railing around the deck, looking out onto the port town. He refused to cry again as he left what he had known his entire life. He didn't want to shed anymore tears for the place that had hurt him so many times. But he couldn't deny he was leaving behind some of the best parts of his life. His first and second family, the place he grew up, and his friends. The place where he had fallen in love. He took in a deep breath, savoring the briny salt if the sea. While he'd miss his home, he was eager to start a new life with Easton and in a new place.
Mel glanced up, gasping in a soft sob as he turned away from the two figures boarding the ship. "I-i know," he whispered softly, hesitantly leaning into the hand at his cheek. He glanced back at the docks for a few more moments, reigns clenched in his hands. He knew deep down nick was right. The more they stayed, the more chances he was putting all of them in danger. He flicked his gaze up, stiffening slightly when Nick touched his back but quickly relaxed. He chewed his lip in comtemplation before nodding. "Yes. We'll see them soon." He promised, tugging his horse back around and nudging him into a walk. He barely gave a passing glance to the guard from before, ignoring him completelt as he continued on. Let them have their suspicions now. Abrose and Easton were safe. If anyone had any questions, Mel didn't have any problem with answering them himself.
(I think docks auto-corrected to dick's in yours lol what do you want to do about Easton and Abrose's trip?)
(I'm so sorry! I did mean docks yes! Not entirely sure, maybe just having them together but we can always skip to when they get to the Southern continent. We can probably skip to a few months of them being in their new home too, if you want.)
(I feel like skipping to a few months in their new home sounds good, but what about Nick and Mel? Would we also be doing time skip for them, or would we continue with them at the estate? The timing would just be completely off you know?)
(we can do a few responses of just Mel and Nick to establish their relationship a bit more and then skip ahead so everything lines up.)
(Alright, then sounds good.)
Nick snickered when they passed the guards again, remembering his annoyance when entering the village. It was over now, and it was time to head back. Nick followed Mel back to the estate and put the horses where they needed to be before heading inside. He needed to sit down and rest; after all, he rode a horse. He probably shouldn't have done that, but it was better than pulling the horse along. "You know…" Nick paused as he held the door open for Mel. "I never thought someone like you would cry. I mean that most respectfully. I mean, you're so headstrong and stubborn to the put where I didn't think you would allow yourself to cry." He settled down and took a deep breath out. He held his stomach as he sat down, leaning back against the seat. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you cry. if it's personal, I understand; I just get curious about these things." Nick lifted his shirt to make sure he was okay, and nothing seemed to be bleeding to an extent where he needed help, so he pulled his shirt back down.
Mel remained deathly silent the rest of the ride back. He was spent, both emotionally and physically. He felt heavy and tired and just wanted to lie down for the rest of the day, hell, maybe even for the rest of his life. He had enough experience of people coming and going into his life that you'd assume this wouldn't affect him so much. But never had it been someone he'd cared for so deeply. He had known abrose for so long. Mel didn't think anyone, not even Veda knew him like abrose did. Not having him close was a harsh realty Mel knew he was eventually going to face. He felt slightly comforted knowing they'd see each other again but he still didn't like the idea of being so far away from him.
He looked up as he wandered into the estate, momentarily forgetting he wasn't alone. Veda and Evangeline had quietly made their way to what Mel could assume to find Kira and Esther and tell them how everything went. He huffed a laugh as he aimlessly followed Nick to his room. He shrugged helplessly and settled into a chair across from Nick. "I love him." He replied simply, resting his head against his knees that he had pulled to his chest. "Not in a romantic way or anything but i love him as if he were my blood. Seeing someone you cherish so deeply, undeservingly hurt and hunted for the magority of their lives dies something to you. Call it pity or a hero complex but I never meant anything more than to protect him and give him a place he could feel safe. Letting him go is hard. I trust Easton to keep him safe of course, but there's still some selfish part of me that wants it to be me going instead." He admitted, gazing out the window and taking a deep bresth. "But what is done is done. We'll see them again. He's with someone I can immediately tell he loves. If he's happy then that us all I could ask for."
Nick smiled and looked up to Mel. "I see your point. I love Easton like a brother; he's always been there for me when my parents weren't. We played together as little kids. The maids and butlers would also join in on our little fantasy world. Now, look at him. Happy with someone I could tell he's never letting go of. I know how he feels." He scoffed. "To me, Easton is like a big brother, so I'm pretty sure the way you feel about Abrose going with him is the way he feels about me going with you. You're more alike than you think. More of in the selfish parts, but everything else, I can safely say you are above him." He joked. He toyed with the end of his shirt. "Either way, I know you'll take care of me, and I'll take care of you. We're in this together now, so it's only fair." Nick rested his cheek against the fist of his hand. "How come you're sitting so far away?" He tapped the space next to the couch. "Are you going to go back soon, or are you just taking a break. Honestly, after what I just did, I need a break." He kept remembering the sound of Mel's hand on the guard's cheek, and it frustrated him, but he tried his best not to let it show. Nick didn't even know why it frustrated him. It shouldn't; it's like he's involved with Mel in a romantic way. They were just friends for now, at least.
Mel broke out in a burst of laughter despite his lingering sadness. "I doubt I'm above him but thank for the compliment. He smiled softly, "together, from now till forever," he promised, pressing his hand to his chest and bowing the best he could sitting his lounge chair. Mel looked up and arched an eyebrow, though his smile still remained on his lips. He slowly arose from his chair and slowly walked over to Nick's side, settling in the empty place beside him. He relaxed into the velvety couch, letting out a tired breath and shaking his head, eyes fluttering shut. "Definitely taking a break for as long as possible. I think we all are. Today was an emotionally heavy day." He cracked an eye open and lightly poked Nick's arm. "What's wrong, dear? You seem bothered." He muttered
"Huh?" He turned his head towards Mel and shook his head. "No, it's not important." He scoffed from his own words. How hard is it just to say it! "Okay, well, it isn't something, but I'm pretty sure you would laugh at me. It's not like I saw it or anything; I only heard it. I know it was so that we could get through, but…"He had to think of words to put together that wouldn't make him sound like an inconsiderate fool. Nick looked around the room and then back at his hands. "When you went to go…" he cleared his throat, "draw the guard's attention, I could hear what you said and did. If I focus enough, I can hear almost anything, and I-" Nick scratched his head. "I'm not saying what you did was bad, and you should never do it again; I mean, you are an adult, and so am I we're all adults here; I just…It didn't sit right with me. I keep thinking about your hand touching his cheek and the way you talked to him. I know you were only doing that so the guard wouldn't get suspicious, so I should get annoyed at things like that, but I am. I don't know why and it's stupid, and I hate myself for it and a bunch of other things." He shyly looked towards Mel. "I told you it wasn't important." I'm probably going to get an earful. Why did I even tell him? Now he'll think I'm the possessive type…am I the possessive type…no, no, I could never be the possessive type…I respect boundaries, and I… he sighed. "Just forget I said anything."
Mel tilted his head in confusion as he listened to what Nick was saying. He hadn't realized it bothered Nick that deeply until now. What he had done and said to that he had done emotionless, with only the intention of not getting caught. It came so easy to Mel, just to pretent like he was something else. Fabricating a completely different persona came just as easy as fabricating false realities. He honestly hadn’t realized just how easy it came to him up until now. He blinked away the though and shook his head, hands pitching to reach out towards Nick. “Please don’t say such things about yourself. You’re reaction isn’t stupid nor is your concern. I could have thought of another way to handle that situation, one that possibly didn’t put my dignity at stake.” He breathed a light laugh and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m so used putting on a facade for others that I sort of slipped back into the habit. For those who’ve been with me for a while know not trust my action whenever that happens. I’m the one who should be apologizing to you.” He peeked over at Nick and breathed in slowly. “I, in no way, meant to imply that I had any interest or intent for him. As cruel as that may seem, I only did and said those things to get us safely to the docks.” His eyes flicked around before settling back on Nick, gaze softening. “If I may be so bold, I think there’s…something…we’ve both been trying to figure out between us. Something, I at least, am not willing to give up so easily, especially for some guard who, if he ever figured out who we were bringing to that ship, no doubt would have turned us in to the Queen by sword point with not a single thought to his previous infatuation.” He offered a smile, toying with the arm of the couch. “If you’re willing to try and look past all my illusions, I truly would like to continue exploring whatever this is turning into. Whichever your choice is, whether it is to stay or to leave, I can promise you that I will try my best to show you my true self.”
"You don't have to apologize, I completely understand your reasoning. You don't have to worry I don't judge you for it. The one thing that I am happy about is that you're honest with me. I like who I'm looking at. There are so many things I could list that are so amazing about you that it would take me days to finish, but most importantly I trust you and I hope at some point you can trust me. I know what you were doing was just t get us through and not get arrested in the process. I don't blame you. If I were in the situation I couldn't say I would do any different. I still want to chop off his head though, but let's not focus on that." He chuckled and placed his hand on top of Mel's, subconsciously. Nick tried to stop the smile growing on his face, but it didn't seem to work very well. His face grew red as he cleared his throat to keep himself from stuttering. "Yeah, you can d-definitely say that. I am completely willing to try whatever this is. I am very glad you want to as well." he breathed a laugh and stared at Mel for a while before moving his hand away as his ears grew red. "M-My apologies, I did that subconsciously." He cursed under his breath from the amount times he stuttered even though he tried his best not to. "A-Anyway, I think I'm going to take a nap because I am worn out and slightly stressed, and flustered…" He whispered the last word under his breath. "What about you?"
Mel blush at the physical contact but gently squeezed Nick's hand, a soft spreading in his lips, even when Nick pulled away. "If you won't let me apologies for before, than how can you expect me to do the same for you, hm? I like seeing you blush." He lightoy patted Nick shoulder and nodded. "I think I'll stay here for a bit if you don't mind the company. I don't want to be alone at this particular moment. Maybe I'll even get some papers from the office and get some work done." He shrugged, fighting the urge to follow Nick's lead and fall asleep right then and there. "Get some rest, dear. It's been a long day. I'll be here if you need me." He said, slowly standing and crossing the room. "I'll be right back." He promised, ready mentally compiling a list of the papers he needed to read over and sign in his office study.
