"Hey, I can worry about work all I want to. I'm the type of man to always be on time." He pinched Mel's nose while he kissed his forehead. "You're adorable in the morning." Nick chuckled. "I supposed you are right. I should be more careful when talking around. I can't let you know every thought I have about you." He huffed with a smile that showed his defeat. "Okay, fine. This is a wonderful time to be lying in bed with you and giving you all my warmth. However, the moment you step out of bed, you will be freezing. Don't try and get back in bed either because I will retort with an, 'I told you so'." He played with Mel's fingers, tracing the lines with what little light the room gave him. "Even though it's dark, you still somehow manage to glow as the sun shines directly on your face. I guess it's just the way I see you." Nick closed his eyes while his legs decided to get tangled up in Mel's to be comfortable. "Do you like the rain? If so, it might rain later in the day. The rain clouds haven't fully disappeared yet."
Mel nipped at Nick's wrist, soon turning it into soft kisses. "And why not? I would love to know you're wonderful and beautiful thoughts my dear." he gave a point and pressed kiss to Nick's jaw and neck, trying to convince him. "I will gladly accept all you're generous warmth and love for as long as you'd like." He gaoed at Nivk and pressed a hand to his chest. "But my dearest," he protested, "was it not you who said we had to be productive?" He teased. "How will we ever be productive if you at least don't let me get some work? And how can I ever focus on my work if I don't have you and your warmth at my side, hm?" He questioned, shifting slightly better hug Nick closer, limbs tangled together. If Mel had had a chance to leave before, it definitely was gone now as he settled against Nick's form. "I do actually, quite a bit. Even thunder or lighting. I find comfort in it." He shrugged and peeked out towards their window, watching as the sky darkened.
"Some of those thoughts and for me to know and not you. Like what if I want to surprise you. Can't have you knowing everything, I think." Nick grinned. "All of your statements are very contradictory. So what would you like me to do? Should I sit on your lap while you work through all of those papers so that you could feel my warmth even then? Or should I send my voice to your head whenever you get frustrated? That way, your mind can feel warm as well? However, did you survive before you met me?" He joked. "I'll make sure to send you thoughts of rain in your sleep tonight. Maybe later, when it is raining, if you have a gazebo of some sort, we could sit outside and enjoy it for a while. Only after you finished all your work." He added. Nick started to inch up the bed frame. "I also have let you lay here for far too long. Come on, time to start the day."
"hm, that is true, I suppose." Mel laughed, draping an arm over his eyes in tired stubbornness. "I would love for you to do any and all of those things, my darling. They all sound absolutely wonderful. Though i'd most likley focus on you more than the work." He gave a surprised snicker, head lolling to the side as he lifted his arm, "thankfully I had my family, without them I'm sure I'd merely be just a husk of a person by now. I'm glad I have you in my life now, though." Mel waving lazily towards the window. "To the east of esate there's a small pavilion where events would be held if we ever had any. We usually use it as a place to lounge around in the summer since it gets stuffy in here with the heat. We can go down there later today if you'd like, even if it stops raining." He whined in protest as Nick scooted up into a sitting position, but Mel knew he was right. There was work to be done if they wanted to get out of the country The end of the month. He pressed a kiss to Nick's collarbone before sighing and reluctantly detangling himself from his beloved. "Everyone should be having breakst by now. You can eat while I go get ready if you wish." He pulled himself out of the bed and started rumaging through his closet for something to wear for the day.
"Then it's a date. Our first date is to the pavilion not too far from here. I could make snacks and sandwiches and all types of food that you would normally eat at a picnic." He was no longer tired but more excited, if anything. He got to plan out a date while his lover was working; it sounds like something out of a fictional book. He pursed his lips together and then smirked. Nick shook his head, putting his hands behind his head, and watching Mel respectfully. "No, I think I'm okay. I have to say the view from over here is quite immaculate if I say so myself. I'm very much enjoying my spot here. Don't mind me; keep doing what you're doing." Even in the morning, Nick kept up his flirtatious personality. It was a quality of his that anyone who got into a relationship with him had to deal with.
"Dearest, if you don't eat now, you'll eat all of the picnic you're going to make." Mel pointed out as he tore aside the curtains, revealing a grey skies and light drizzling of rain. He could hear thunder off in the distance. He glanced over at Nick and arched an eyebrow. Two could play at this game. After all, he was an ageless Fae lord with his own track record of flirting and stealing hearts. Only now this was one he was sure he didn't want to let go of. He turned and gave his Nick a dazzling smile. "Is that so, my sweet? The rain is quite lovely, especially when it catches the spots of sunlight." He looked Behind him momentarily as he unbuttoned the rest of his shirt, leaving his chest bare. "But that's not what you're looking at, is it?" Mel turned his gaze to match Nick's as he slowly started walking over to his bedside. He braced a hand against the headboard beside Nick's head while the other brushed against his cheek. "Will you please get breakfast dearest?" He mumbled against his lips. "I would hate for my sentinel to be hungry til lunch." He pressed a kiss to Nick's nose. "We can always eat in here before I stow away in the study." He suggested, brushing a whisper of a kiss to Nick's lips before he pulled back and grabbed a shirt and pants from his closet to change into after a shower. "Go my dear. I'll be here when you return." He promised, dissapearing into the attached washroom
He felt frozen with Mel right in front of him, half-dressed. He shook his head, biting his lip. "The way you tease me, darling, is far too cruel." He whispered. As much as Nick wanted to open the door to the bathroom and push him against the wall and tease Mel to his heart's content, he controlled himself and didn't. Nick changed into day clothes and managed to exit the room. Instead of leaving Mel thinking he's safe, he decided to send a little mind message to his lover. He closed his eyes, listening for the shower to turn on and when he did, he smirked. One day, if you allow it when you stumble out of that shower, I will be right there to push you into the mattress and have my way with you. For right now, enjoy your shower, darling. That will be the last one you take alone, and it will be the last time you'll be able to walk straight. He smiled, feeling better about himself as he marched to the kitchen. Nick enjoyed the smell filling his senses. He immediately sat down and waited to see who the excellent cook was to have blessed his nose like this.
Mel gave surprise laugh at hearing Nick's voice on his head, and, nearly choked on air at Nick's declaration. He leaned against the shower wall and shook his head, trying clear the image of Nick here with him just as he promised. "I look forwards to it then," he muttered to himself, managing to finish his shower and dress in a simple deep v black tunic and riding pants. He decided against the corset until later, wanting to be comfortable while he worked for hours. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he ran a hand through his golden hair and stepped out into the hall, ready to face the day.
"You are far to happy for someone waking up this early." Esther noted suspiciously as he glanced over her shoulder at Nick. She had been the first few to actually start trusting Nick, seeing how happy he made her friend. Despite what the rest said, she was still willing to see the best in people. "I went looking for you in your room earlier to see if you'd like to set up for breakfast but I didn't find you there. I had assumed you stayed with Mel." She smiled and set a plate down of a few cinamon and pecan walnuts. "I hope you two got some sleep at least."
(I'm making this one response on my phone so I'm sure how long it is bug hopefully it's a good length)
He swung his legs back and forth. “Of course, I’m happy. I woke up next to someone I care about and love. I got to see his smile, and I got to tease him a bit too. I wish I could’ve seen his face when I gave him the message.” He sighed, letting his head fall onto the counter. “Yes, I was with Mel last night. Best night of my life, and yes, we did get some sleep. No funny business, I promise. Well, at least not yet.” He took a bite from one of the cinnamon buns. He hummed at the heavenly taste. “This morning could not get any better. These taste so good. You have to teach me how to make these sometime.” Nick sat up straight, finishing the bun shortly after taking his first bite. He was a very fast eater. Nick listened for Mel’s footsteps, waiting for them to get louder, knowing he was close. His grin at bright as the stars during the night. Everything about Nick was vibrant today. He loved it.
(it's all good!)
Esther smile sweetly as she settled across from Nick with her own plate of cinnamon waffles. "And here I though Veda said to rest." She teased, taking a bite of food. "But I understand wanting to be so close to the one you love. Believe me, Kira and I are similar, though I'm more responsible." She laughed lightly and shook her head, curls bouncing on her head, revealing slightly pointed horns. "But I'm glad Mel has someone who loves him so much. I genuinely hope you stay around." She glanced up and stood as the others started making their way into the kitchen. "I'd love to teach you how to cook. Let me know what you'd like to start off with." She waved to a stack of cookbooks before being scooped up in a hug by her wife and bursting into a fit of giggles.
"That girl can't keep away from the kitchen for long." Mel said from behind Nick, gazing fondly around him at his family. "Now what is this I hear about you cooking?" He asked, settling beside Nick and leaning in so no one would hear. "And how dare you put such lovely fantasies in my mind, hm?" He purred, pressing a kiss to Nick's cheek before straightening and thanking a still struggling Esther as she set a plate of food down in front of him even with Kira still hugging her.
"I was saying how good these buns are, so I wanted to try baking them. Esther kindly said she would teach me how to make them." He choked on his food when Mel finished his sentence. He coughed, hitting his chest to make the food go down. You were the one who teased me first, darling. How can you tell me not to put them into your head? I assume you didn't dislike it then… Nick smirked, bumping Mel's shoulder. It was good to talk through thinking than actually saying it. This was a private conversation that belonged in the safe spaces of their minds. He continued to eat his breakfast and looked back at Esther. "I would love to learn maybe after breakfast if you have time. I'll need something to do while Mel is working. Of course, if he needs me, I will have to go and help him since I am his sentinel now."
Mel snickered lightly at seeing Nick's reaction. "That's lovely dear, I can't wait to try what you make, especially if they're Esther's cinnamon buns." He smiled sweetly and glanced up when Esther and kira sat down, or more kira sat down and Esther sat in her lap. I can't say they were unpleasant. Mel drawled, hiding a laugh when Nick bumped his shoulder.
Esther watched them both with a proud smile. "I would love to teach you my ways if cooking. I need to do a few things around the estate first if you're willing to help, then we can come back here are start the buns before lunch." She decided, smiling when Veda and Evangeline came over and settled beside them. "So what's this we hear about a new sentinel joining our little court?" Evangeline asked, looking over at Nick and Mel expectantly
Nick was too distracted by Mel's dopey smile even to respond appropriately. However, he managed to give a small okay as an answer to heat Esther first said about teaching him how to cook. He whipped his head up at the word Sentinal. He was used to being called that, so he immediately responded, which made him shy away in embarrassment. "W-Well, Mel and I were talking yesterday when I think he was the one who asked me to be his sentinel. He was very bold about it, too, might I add. The conversation after that is for only us to relive. However, I did say yes, and here we are. Anywhere Mel is, is most likely where I'll be. Unless he needs to focus on his work, he should do that." Nick pecked Mel's neck up to his ear and nose. He wrapped his hands around Mel's waist in the process.
"congratulations," Evangeline nodded approvingly, laughing lightly when she saw Mel's cheeks redden. She grinned and rested her head on her chin, "anyone would have thought you proposed marriage instead of a sentinel position with how Nick just explained everything." she teased, her smile only growing wider when Mel choked on his food. Veda gave his wife a secret smile before walking off to find some drinks. Even before Mel could recover from his flustered state, Nick attacked his neck and jaw. He gasped softly and closed his eyes, arching into Nick, for a split moment forgetting they had an audience. You're such a tease, my dear. Spare me for a few moments, at least to finish breakfast. He begged, glancing up when Kira cleared her throat, giving her a wary glance. "So Sentinel and mate. She winked and pressed a kiss to Esther's cheek. "Possibly," Mel said, nuzzling Nick and leaned against his shoulder
Fine, fine, I'll let you go for now. Nick smirked, pulling away from Mel. He kept his hand on his waist. However, Nick wasn't sure why. He just liked the feeling of Mel in his arms. "Did it sound like that?" He laughed. "Well, then maybe we should get married." He was joking, of course. "Anyway, I will leave you to your breakfast." He tilted Mel's chin up to plant a kiss on the soft lips that he missed so much. He smirked against his lips, wishing he didn't have to pull away. However, he did stand up straight. "I will be outside in the garden. I want to look at all the flowers and make sure none of the stems snapped with the heavy rain the night prior. Just call my name Esther when you're ready for our cooking session. No matter how far away you are, I'll hear it, don't worry." He waved goodbye. I love you.
Mel sighed softly, not used to being on the receiving end of so much teasing and being flustered. Mel happily kissed back, tempted to pull Nick back and sweep him back to Mel's room and never leave again. He reluctantly let Nick go with a small wave. I love you more, dear. Come find me later if you wish."
"So you two aren't actually getting married are you?" Veda said as he walked back over with a few mugs of tea. Mel shook his head as he returned to the rest of his breakfast. "No, not yet at least. We haven't established what we are yet. If anything I'd say partners for now." Nick explained, trying his best to sort out his own thoughts. He glanced up to find Veda giving him once over. The type of look Mel knew said more than words. "Well, he seems to make you happy. More than any other man you've been romantically invilved with has, to date. If he continues to make you happy and love you, and protect you, he's more than welcome to stay."
Mel breathed out a shaky sigh, bowing his head to the four in gratitude. "Thank you." He murmured, feeling relieved. He had assumed they had all spoken about Nick, even if he hadn't been there to tell them. He'd make sure they wouldn't regret the choice of having Nick stay. He stood with his half eaten cinnamon bun and tea, "as much as I would rather indulge in your company, there's work to be done before we can move." He said, nodding his head again in departure.
"We all know you'd rather be in bed with Nick. Even we can all see that plainly and we're not even mind readers." Kira laughed, earning her a lewd gesture from Mel before he made his way to the study.
Trust me, you know I will Nick strolled over to the garden. The smell of morning dew filled his nose as he put on some gloves sitting by the door. He put on some rain boots conveniently by the door and started to stare at everything flower. He crouched down to the group of yellow flowers. However, they were all different types of yellow flowers. He took a deep breath admiring the scent. Nick scrutinized the flowers humming a song that used to play in the castle. He didn't know why but it always calmed him down whenever hard decisions faced him. It cleared his head. It was a generic jazz waltz but a pretty one at that. Part of something much bigger called Concerto for Drum Set. He was sure the queen played it just for him when she knew she put a challenging task on his shoulders. However, he wasn't using it to calm himself. It fit the mood of his surroundings. A hint of sadness yet such a pretty scene. The raindrops of the flower petals made them look even more divine than they already were. He continued to check the other flowers finding that a few had snapped or bent pretty badly. He tied them to a stick for the bent ones so that once they healed, they would heal straight up like the other flowers. With the broken ones, however, he had to pull them out. He put them into a small bag, plopping them in the outside garbage can. He smiled like the work he did in the garden. He pulled a tarp off the poles in case any more rain came. It was unhealthy to have the flower be soaked in water again. He pulled off his gloves, placing them right back where he found them and the boots. I'm heading over to you now.
Mel grinned as a delightful little shiver trailed down his spine. He made his way to his private study and immediately started working on the stack of papers Kira had left on his desk. He had barely settled in his chair when the first document caught his eye. A navy blue wax Seal on the front was visible, a wyvern inbedded within. Mel practically snarled as he picked up the paper and started reading. My deast Melisande.
Mel could practically hear the northern accent dripping with faked desire of Lord Roux. He shook away the voice of his previous lover, and read the rest of the document. It was a simple request. They had heard that Mel was soon leaving the continent and wanted to know if they could meet to discuss affairs concerning the estate. Mel persed his lips. Even after all this time, Roi was only concerned in the material things Mel.could provide them. Anything had been a faint after thought. Mel straightened in his char, half tempted to toss aside the paper and pretend he hadn't received it. But the other half wanted to see Roi again, if only to see how the Lord was doing ever since their fling ended. Besides, he did need to sell the estate. If Mel could admire anything after their relationship, it was that Roi was an excellent businessman. He sighed softly and pulled out a piece of paper from his stack and wrote a curt note back, accepting the request and sending some dates he'd be available. He signed off the note and sealed with his own signature gold and violet wax seal. He set the letter aside and dove into the rest of the documents, barely realizing so much time had past until Nock's voice surprised him out if concentration. He gasped softly, before he straightened the inkwell he had knocked over. Wonderful, please do, I need something else to focus on other than words on a page. I'm in the main study, a room over from my bedroom.
Nick started out walking down the hallway with calm steps. However, his pace quickened once he was close to reaching the door. Nick stopped right in front, giving himself a couple of seconds to calm down and fix himself up. He opened the door slowly and closed it behind him. He sucked in his breath and walked over to his desk. "I heard you needed something else to focus on. Unless that was some kind of ghost. If so, didn't you tell me this place was haunted?" He joked. "Hello, my love." He sat in the front of the desk and touched Jas's cheek. "How is work going? It sounds dreadful from the way you described it." He ran his fingers through Mel's perfect locks. "You should decorate this office a bit. Seems kind of sad to me, maybe it just needed me." He slid off the desk and walked behind Mel reading the paper. He frowned at the greeting but didn't say anything.
Mel glanced up from furiously writing yet another declining offer on the estate and nearly cried in relief when he saw nick enter. He wasn't sure if any of his lovers had ever had the same effect on him as Nick did. Granted only a handful stayed more than a couple months but he couldn't recall any of them being a relief to see, or an innate desire to be around constantly other than when Mel was particularly lonely that night. He sighed softly and laughed "if there are any spirits in the home, I apologies for my behavior. I do hope they like my ever constant changing taste in decorating though. But as far as I am concerned, the only spirit here is Norrix." He hummed as he leaned into Nick's hand, pressing a kiss to his palm. "Hello, dear. No, not dreadful but I can't say it's my favorite thing in the world either." He waved to the stack of papers, ink wells, and pens scattered about his desk. "I'll be glad to have long break from this when we leave, but for now, work must be done." Mel practically purred as Nick combd through his hair, his eyes fluttered shut and his head lulled to one side. "the less distractions while working the better. This was never a space I had a need to decorate anyways. Bit having you on it definitely makes the space more beautiful." He murmured, sighing sofly when Nick pulled away. Mel returned back to his work, finding the page he had been writing on but not before catching Nick's expression. "An old fling of mine. He was the one who saved Esther." He explained softly, knowing deep down he could hate Roi, not entirely at least, for only for the sole reason the Lord had brought Esther to Mel. "He means little to me now, this is just a business meeting." Mel reassured, glancing back at Nick and reaching up to brush a hand along his cheek.
"Was that a pur I just heard, my dear? Do you like my hands that much?" he teased. He wouldn't say it out loud, but he found that cute for Mel. he swallowed hard at the sound of him being an old fling, and Nick pursed his lips and shook his head. "That's good. I wasn't jealous or anything, so it doesn't affect me, my dear." Nick caught his hand, kissing his palm softly. He kissed down Mel's wrist and then jumped to his neck. "I know you're mine, darling." He whispered against Mel's ear. He gave him one last peck before pulling away. He was on the desk again but on Mel's side this time. Nick tucked a strand behind Mel's ear. "So, is there anything you want my help with? Any way to relieve your stress of looking through paper all day? Well, half of the day?" He crossed one leg over the other and looked through some documents. He wasn't good with paperwork. He was more of a tell me what to do, and I'll do it. Even so, helping Mel out is the least he could do.
Mel shivered tilting his head to the side and smirking "no, definately not jealous, or possessive, at all my love." Mel murmured, gladly returning the kiss. "But it's good that he doesn't affect you since we'll be meeting with him soon to discuss the estate." He smiled sweetly and set aside some papers so Nick could sit. He nuzzled into Nick's hand and sighed, shaking his head. "You do more than enough just by brightening the otherwise very boring mood. You're free to do as you like, whether that's staying here or exploring the rest of the estate." He stood and pressed a kiss to Nick's cheek before going around the desk to gather a few of the books scattered around the study. "But if you are so inclined to doing more than sitting there and being eye candy, you can scan these for estate information. I need anything that mighy be important to know about the estate." He explained as he passed nick half of the books
Nick coughed and tilted his head. He tried to clear his throat. "W-We're meeting who?" His voice crack up on the last word which made him clear his throat again. "Y-Yeah, that's fine…No worries. Strickly for business, I assume. I trust you." Nick was mumbling to himself as he looked through papers. His mind was running a mile a minute as he only looks for the word estate or house. He bit his lips asking himself questions like, 'How long is he going to be here? Is it okay to overthink like this? What if he's too possessive and it creeps Mel out? What if he ruins everything by saying something stupid?' He sighed and scratched the back of his neck. Maybe I should just ask… "Hey, uh, how do you think the discussion will be. Just so I have something to do for that time period." Stupid excuse. Why am I like this? He put a few papers into the pile that mentioned the estate and the other into a pile he already looked through.
Mel flicked his gaze up and laughed softly. He stood from his desk and gently tilted Nick's head up so that he'd look at Mel. "Sweetheart. I promise you Roi is only staying a few hours. And in those hours, you and I will be together. There will be no extended stay for him. He's solely here for business." He pressed a kiss to Nick's brow and brushed through his hair. "Tell me what you're thinking, dear. I'd hate for you to have any doubts." He pleased softly. "Hopefully he won't bring up our relationship." He muttered with a roll of his eyes. "But as far as the estate goes, it'll most likely be his ideas on how to convert it into an inn or something." He chuckled lightly before pressing a kiss to Nick's lips. But he can do what he wants with the estate as long as he doesn't expect me to come crawling back."
He held Mel's hand as it rested against his cheek. Nick leaned into the kiss, wrapping his hands around Mel's waist to keep it going. Mel pulled away before he could even get used to his lips. "Right, right, I know. Sometimes, I overthink, and I've never had a real relationship like this. I don't want to screw things up, and I don't want you to think that I am some possessive creep that wants you all to myself. Like a stalker or something. I'm that kind of guy, you know?" He rested his head against Mel's chest. "I hope you do that if he tries anything, and I mean anything. I will put very intrusive thoughts in his head. Not only that, I'll be listening to every word he's thinking. Just in case he's trying to pull a fast one." Nick straightened his back and kissed Jas's neck. "Are you sure your okay with him turning the estate into an inn or whatever he wants to do with it. This house is beautiful and secluded, and I'm sure you want to come back here one day. I can't stop you if you don't mind, but are you sure?"
