Nick didn't feel like listening, so instead, he left a trail of hickeys leading from Mel's collar bone to the spot behind his ear. "So what if it's bruised. You'll still be able to turn your head. If not, then we'll have to stay here an extra day. How bad is that, hm?" Nick whispered against Mel's ear. "However, I will stop for now. One day I'll do the other side. Then no matter which way you turn, you'll still see marks. Nick let his head fall to Mel's shoulder. He took this time of silence to interlock their fingers. "So, when we hand over the estate, where will we move everything? I mean, the horses, the items, the clothes. Anything of use. Will we leave it all here, or will it be coming with us?"
Mel gave a soft moan,, hands tangling deeper into Nick’s hair to keep them from trembling. He released a sharp breath of a laugh and let the rest of his tense body melt into Nick’s from, practically crushing him against the pavilion bench. “Matching love marks then? How generous of you, my sentinel.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to Nick’s temple and affectionately nudging his head, feeling love drunk and happy. “We’ll most likely keep it here and move everything over a period of a few months. Of course the essentials and the horses will come with us but any furniture or objects we don’t need will stay here. If Roi does end up buying the estate, I’m sure we can negotiate some terms before he begins his conversion from estate to hotel or whatever he plans to do.” He explained softly, peeling himself up and off of Nick just far enough to look around his surroundings and at nick. He glanced down at himself, seeing the faintest of bruise beginning to form on his collarbone. “Once we move, I promise you I’ll you a matching set of love marks.” He teased, pressing kiss to Nick’s lips and wrappings his arms around his neck.
Nick nodded. "I see. I was just wondering because you probably lived here long ago." When Mel leaned back, he took a moment to admire the masterpiece along his neck. He held his hand securely on his waist, ensuring he didn't fall back while checking. "Oh yeah, you moaned, didn't you? When I kiss your neck, I mean. That's a beautiful sound, I must say. I long to hear it again at some point today." Nick raised an eyebrow at his announcement. "Oh? Will you now? I look forward to that day very much, my dear." He mumbled against his lips. Nick was in one of his bold moods today, so he almost licked Mel's lips, asking for an entrance. Of course, he loved kissing how they were, but a part of him wanted more. Nick moved his hands to hold Mel's waist but under his shirt. He never realized just how much he loved Mel's skin until now. However, it would be indecent to go any further in public d=so his hands stopped there.
"I can guarentee youll here them again." Mel murmured, hungrily pressing another kiss to Nick's lips. Mel gave a soft, waverig breath, nervous, and excited and surprisingly exoerirncing something new, something he hadn't felf with any other lover. He wanted Nick. In all capacity, he wanted to consume him, to be consumed by him and to never leave his wrth and love. He never wanted to know anyone else's warmth more. But then Nick's hands met his waist and , oh gods, he was going to be the death if Mwl. After so many years fighting to stay alive, Nick was going to be the one to end him. To unravle all that Mel had let hidden and secret. And Mel would gladly give all that up for Nick. Without a single hesitation, Mel would do anything for the male in front of him.
Nick smirked against his lips. He then pulled away and leaned in close to Mel's ear. "Careful, darling, you don't want to test me and the things I want to do with you. We are outside, and I'm sure Veda or some other person might find us getting way too cozy. Maybe later or tomorrow before you see that lord whatshisface." Nick's urges were too strong to contain. Even just sitting here ultimately still was hard for him. How could it not be intricate with such a beautiful work of art in front of him? Nick leaned back. "Unless you want to head back inside and continue this in private. The choice is yours." Nick whispered down his neck, kissing the bruises he left behind. They started to become more evident in Mel's skip. If he could smile even wider, he would've done it by now. It was just the feeling of Mel that made him so happy it was the love he felt when with him. It was all the little things like helping or watching him do work. It was when he could be inside his thoughts and have little conversations that no one knew about. How badly he wanted to protect Mel with his life no matter who he was facing. Whether it be the queen or even Easton. "Can I hear what that pretty little head of yours is thinking?" Nick moved to the other side of Mel's neck, leaving an almost identical trail to the other side.
"you look far to pleased for yourself, my love." Mel purred, dragging his hands through Nick's hair and pressing kisses anywhere he could reach. "As much as I would love nothing more than to lock you away in my room and spend the next week exploring what makes you melt to my every touch and brush of my lips against your skin, we have something important to do with that Lord whatshisface. I want a clear head, especially around him. And I don't want any interruption when I'm with you." He wined softly and gently tilted Nick's head up away from his neck to press a kiss to his lips. "Are you sure you want to hear my thoughts dear? It might be a spoiler as to what's to come and I don't want you to worry your pretty self over that tomorrow." He murmured with a grin. He pressed one last kiss to Nick's shoulder before sliding off his lap and adjusting his shirt. "Besides, this little outting was meant to explore the grounds, not each other. We can make one more round before we head inside for supper. After I have a few more papers I want to organize for Roi before we head to bed."
Nick sighed, standing up moments after Mel did. He dusted himself off before capturing Mel's waist in his arms. "So, you want to have a clear head, but from how you're looking at me, it makes me want to do the opposite. However, I respect your wishes since this seems like a big negotiation. You are also correct. There is always time for exploring later, where we can relax, and no worries rest on our shoulders. You must know I always want to hear your thoughts, regardless of what they suggest." He moved Mel back to the horse and out from under the pavilion. Nick slid his hands up and down Mel's arms. "I would help you in your endeavors, but I believe I will be helping with supper." Nick leaned forward and kissed Mel's forehead. "Have I told you how stunning you look today?" He intertwined their fingers, kissing the back of Mel's hand.
Mel followed Nick back out of the pavilion, Gishlain's following beside them, surprisingly calm. "Thank you, my dearest. I really do appreciate it." He leaned into Nick's hold, almost convinced to give into their shared fantasies and lock away in their bedroom and enjoy each other's company for the rest of the day. "Ah that's right, you were going to help Esther with Dinner. I can't wait to see what you both make. I'm sure she'll enjoy showing someone else how to cook." Mel nuzzled Nick's head and pecked his cheek. "You have but I could never tire of hearing my name on your sweet lips." He laughed softly, finding everything about Nick adorably charming.
"Well, you'll be hearing your name though these sweet lips a lot more often, Mel." He lifted Mel's chin one last time for one more kiss. "Kissing you will never get old either. You can trust me on that one." Nick tucked a loose strand behind Mel's ear. Nick was lovesick. One hundred percent, love sick. How could he not be when someone so amazing stood before him. Nick didn't have the words to describe how much he loved and trusted Mel with his life. He gave an entranced sigh before mounting the horse. "I think it's best that you were the one in front. Mostly because I'm not willing to get thrown off today." Nick held out his hand with a cocky smile. "I'm really happy I met you, you know that?"
“Gishlain would never. At least I hope not. He glanced over to the stallion who gave Mel an innocent look back. “Troublesome thing.” He muttered, affectionately rubbing the horse’s muzzle. “No that I think about it, you both are quite similar.” Mel teased, as he took Nick’s hand and gracefully hauled himself up onto Gishlain, gently nudging him into a trot. “You both appear fierce and intimidating ,yet one touch and you’re already melting.” Mel laughed softly, and leaned into Nick’s solid form at his back he tilted his head and pressed a kiss to Nick’s throat. “As am I, dear.” He murmured with a smile, Nudging the horse into a quicker gallop when he felt the first few drops of rain fall on his head, signaling another storm. “Seems as if the spirits wish to keep us inside today. Not that I’m arguing one bit.” Mel chuckled lightly as they headed back to the estate, from inside you could already see the warm glow of candles and the effects of Mel’s ability on the home.
"I know you did not just compare me to a horse." he scoffed and rolled his eyes. "That is not true. When have I ever-" Nick straightened back and stiffened at the sudden feeling of lips on his neck. He let out a small gasp before letting it out slowly. "You need to warn me the next time you do that. Things will not end well if you don't." He huffed. "A little bit, but in my defense, I don't think there is a man on Earth who could resist you. Besides, Easton and Abrose." Nick looked up and noticed the rain clouds forming as well. "I told you. Staying inside all day is always an option. It seems like the best option to me." He looked towards the window. "Looks like we made it just in time. I think the tour we just took was very detailed. I think we should do this again. In a more private area next time." He whispered.
"I might have." Mel drawled with a laugh. "They may not end well for you, you're right. I'll try to restrain myself." He smile turned to a seductive smirk. "No, most likely not. It's all part of the charm and charisma, dear." Mel replied as he pulled Gishlain into a walk and headed towards the stables. "Lucky for you then since torrow we'll be staying inside give Roi a final tour of the place and filling out hours of paper work. Doesn't that sound romantic?" A warm laugh bubbled up from his chest when he felt Nick's breath caress his ear. "We definitely will, my dearest. A day all to ourselves, where we no responsibilities or expectations for days." He dismounted Gishlane and guided the stallion back to his stall, offering a hand to Nick once they made it to the front gate. "But for today, we eat, I'll finish up last minute paperwork and we sleep. Tomorrows going to be a long day."
"Tell me about it." He gladly took the hand as they went back inside the house. "This is where I leave. I'll see you when dinner's ready. I will remind you and if you don't answer I'm coming to get you. Don't overwork yourself too hard, okay. That stomach of yours is going to need to eat." Nick held Mel's cheek and planted a kiss on his forehead. "Don't fall asleep at your desk, and remember to hydrate. God, I sound like a parent. I love you." Nick kisses his cheek before jogging away to the kitchen. Whenever you need me, say my name. I'll hear it. Nick waved hello, to see dinner was just getting started. "What am I learning how to cook today?" Nick went to the sink, so he could wash his hands before he started cooking.
"very well my dear, i'll see you soon then. Don't worry, dear, I'll most likely respond, though I must admit a nice long nap sounds heavenly after our eventful day." He leaned into the kiss and gave Nick a hug, never wanting to leave Nick's secure arms. "I'll drink water, thank you for the reminder sweetheart." He reluctantly let Nick go and nodded "I love you more, my sentinel." He smiled and gave a little laugh. "My sentinel, my love, my Nick. I will always need and want you. But for now I think Esther needs you a bit more. Go have fun. I'll see you soon." Mel left Gishlain at the stables and quickly made his way inside before the rain started to fall heavily. He changed out of his riding clothes and showered before restarting on his stacknof papers he still had left.
"I thought we'd make a stew, considering the weather today is a bit cold and dark." Esther called from her spot at the counter where she had already started chopping vegetables and braising meat in a pan over an iron stove. "How was your "tour" with Mel?" She asked, making air quotes and winking. "would you mind finishing this while I cookt he rest of the meat and start the broth?" She asked, gently nudging a wooding chopping board piled with carrots, celary, and carrots as well as some herbs and a sharp blade towards Nick.
"Yeah, no problem." He took the knife from Esther and started cutting up the vegetables. "Huh? He looked up a moment at Esther before looking back down at the vegetable he was chopping. "Uh, it was very educational. I learned a lot of things, like how Abrose was the one who taught you guys how to garden. I also learned a lot about Mel as well. Just some small things, nothing too important to share." He shrugged, finishing up the last of the celery. He was very proficient at cutting, and all slices were perfectly even, except for the herbs. "This already smells good, and nothing has been put in the pot yet. Thanks for offering to teach me a few of your tricks."
Esther laughed softly "I'm sure it's not something many of us need to hear. I'm glad you and Mel are together. You make him happy. Usually with the others he feels the need to hide his lover or to be over protected of himself from them." She sighed softly and scooped the vegetables Nick had chopped up and threw them in the pot of boiling water along with aromatic herbs and spices. "Thank you, glad you've been enjoying my cooking." She smiled, cheeks risy with blush and pride. "If you don't mind me asking," she said slowly after a bit of silence, "what drew you to our Mel? You seemed very determined to find abrose and bring him to your queen. A million things must have gone through your head when you found out we were rebells right in the capital. Why didn't you turn us in? Why didn't you report Mel?" She asked, looking up at Nick.
Nick leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. "I'm glad I make him happy because he makes me extremely happy. I don't want to mess this up, not with him." Nick smiled to himself, watching Esther cook. He looked up and paused when prompted the question. "Honestly, you're right; I think many things went through my head. I think I started to rethink things when I saw Easton fight for Abrose. That kind of love is something I can only dream of. To fight off a monarchy and reduce everything you believe into ashes…" he shook his head. "I saw him in trouble. I jumped in and risked everything. When they finally got away, and I was left to fight off the rest of the army, I guess I was ready to die. I felt like I had done my part. They got away; I betrayed my Queen; what else was there to live for? Then Mel came in like some knight and got me out of there. I wasn't exactly what I found attractive about it, but I did. It was a mixture of his snarky comments and the fact that he saved the enemy with the knowledge that I wasn't exactly the most trustworthy person." He laughed. "He's a character. I'll give him that. What drew me in the most was how much he cared for the people close to him. He cares about Abrose enough to trust Easton and come and save me. I can never thank him enough for that, honestly." Nick planted his face into his hands. "Here I am ranting about how much I love him; I should be helping you cook."
Esther smile softened fondly when Nick poured out his feelings about Mel as she finished chopping the remaining vegetables and a good about of garlic. "He most definitely is, I doubt he'd like it much if you called him a knight though. He was never much into the idea of being considered a hero by any means. He just wanted to create a safe place for those who felt less than safe to stay and feel comfortable. it's what he's always done since we all first met him. I have no doubt he'll stop once we all move." She glanced up and laughed, a soft warm sound. "It's alright, Nick. I honestly didn't realize I had kept going. But I'm more than happy to talk about how you make Mel happy as well as how you turn into an absolute marshmallow around him." She teased gently, carefully taking out the roast and setting it on the other counter. Esther rumaged through some rags and aprons all piled into a basket off to the side before find and handing off some gloves to Nick. "You are going to carve the roast while I Finish up the broth." She instructed, heaving the large pot Onto the counter and finding a large sift and another pot. "While you do that, I'm going to finish up the broth."
Nick nodded. "You got it." He started with what Esther told him to do. He scoffed and put his hand over his chest like he was offended. "I do not turn into an absolute marshmallow whenever he's around. He makes me not want to hurt anything or anyone. Even that fly on the wall that had been there since this morning. I can hear its wings rub together, and it's agonizing, but I let it be. It's not doing anything to hurt me…yet. My point being I am a strong, independent man. Mel has another thing coming if he thinks he could make me melt with a few words. I'll have you know, he melts when he's around me. Not the other way around. I mean, how else do I make him flustered if I'm the one who flustered. All I'm saying is that I am not a marshmallow." Nick huffed as he was halfway done with the roast.
Esther rolled her eyes and laughed as she ripped the pot of cloudy broth inro the other bowl with the sift. "You can't tell me if Mel came in through that door, you wouldn't immediately melt, you wouldn't immediately rush to his side and hug and kiss him before he barely got a word out." She glanced over at the wall and tilted her head. She pulled off her gloves and gently shooed the fly outside. "Oh I have no doubt Mel wouldn't immediately turn to jelly around you. He does. Every single time. You two are perfect, melting marshmallows, meant for each other." She laughed softly and poured the remaining liquid into the other pot. "I've never seen him like that, not with his previous lovers, not even with Roi. He always felt the need to protect his heart. With you I think he finally feels comfortable freely loving someone. Letting someone else finally take care of something so strong yet delicate." She smiled thoughtfully before taking the vegetables and setting them aside. She poured the stock back into the cooking pot and then set it on the stoves again to heat up. "When you finish with the meat, put it in there." She instructed, wiping her hands on a rag and finding a large wooden spoon.
He opened his mouth to interject. However, his voice was cut off because he knew Esther was right. "Tomato, Tamato." He shrugged and finished carving the roast. He did as instructed and put it into the pot. Darling, do you think I'm a marshmallow? Nick's thoughts were directed towards Mel, and he listened in on his thoughts, waiting for a response. "I'm sure Mel would disagree. I don't think showing someone love makes me a marshmallow. I just think that is a common courtesy someone should give their lover." Nick smiled proudly as he justified his case. "I'm glad he finds me comfortable to love. That's all I ever want for him. I want him to feel loved and to be able to give love without feeling like it's being wasted. Sometimes, I feel bad for finding someone I can call my own so quickly. I didn't think I deserved anything of the sort. I thought I was better off not having ties with someone because the queen was always watching. It's hard when you've killed for a living then knowing that you loved y someone. It makes me feel so guilty." He sighed. I love him so much…
Mel jumped slightly in his seat, still getting used to someone else's voice in his had that was not his own. He laughed out loud "ever so slightly, yes I do. More than a few times I feel like you would have melted into a puddle if I weren't holding you up." He teased as he signed off another document. "What brought on such an odd question if I may ask?"
"I won't argue with that, you are right." Her sweet smile slowly faded as she nodded. "I get that, in a way. Kira used to be a well respected warrioress for the queen's army when she was nothing more than a teenager. She was promised a lifetime of wealth and riches for her and her family if she stayed and trained with the rest of the soldiers. I was nothing more than a stowaway from one of Roi's travels. He's the one who brought me here. I came to live with Mel and soon I met Kira as well as the others after she started doing patrols for the queen on Meo on accounts that something suspicious was going on. After a while, whether it was because we started having feelings for each other or that Mel worked his charasmatic yet caring charm on her like he had done everyone else, she started lying to the queen. Saying everything was normal. It wasn't after she left the queen's army and came to live with us that I realized just how much I had grown to live her. To love someone I didn't deserve. She didn't deserve to pose her wealth and title over me. She doesn't deserve her parents hatred. I thought that if I cut ties with her, as painful as it would be, shed gain back the queen's favor and live comfortably. She had other plans." Esther laughed softly and stuck the spoon in the pot to begin slowly stirring the stock as it came to a simmer. "As selfish and as cruel it may seem, I'm glad she stayed with us, with me. There's not a single day that goes by where I try and prove to her that the choice she made in choosing us over the queen and her terrible family was the better one. That, despite everything, she'll always have a family that adores her right here. Mel's trying to do the same for you."
(Kira….like from Death Note???)
"It makes me feel a lot better knowing there is someone like me. I can't wait until we're away from this country so we can live a happy life together. With all of us, I mean. I want you guys to be happy too. I can see how much Mel cares for everyone and everything in this house. He-" Nick gasped in his head as well as vocally. I am not! I just-you-I'm trying to prove a point and you are not helping. His thoughts whined like a little child who got their candy stolen. "I feel betrayed…Mel agreed with you. You know, the audacity. I am not a marshmallow. End of story." Nick huffed. Esther stated something unfactual and I needed you to back me up on it! Your voice is nice though. I like hearing it. Most people have random voices like a British guy or Russian woman speaking in their head. Yours is nice though… His expression softened as well as the rest of his body. He leaned against the counter his gaze pinned on a crack in the wall as he waited to hear Mel's sweet voice again.
(I knew the name sounded familiar, but not murder boy kira 😂)
"Ah I hadn't realized this was Esther's judgement. There is no arguing against her, I'm afraid. Apologies, dearest." Mel laughed softly and leaned back into his chair. "Is that so, my love?" Mel questioned, voice dropping low and sweet, partly to tease Nick and because he was tired. "I'm glad, considering you'd be hearing it quite often. Though I do hope I'm not distracting you too terribly right now. You're supposed to be helping Esther, not sweet talking your mate." He chided softly. "I'll see you soon my dear. Go finish dinner. And just to clarify, you most definitely are a marshmallow. Kisses, I love you."
Esther glanced over her shoulder at Nick and smiled softly. "You're melting~" she sang, handing the spoon off to Nick. "If you're going to talk with Mep in your mind, at least stir the stock at the same time." She took up Nick's spot and started on a simple dessert after puking the meat into the soup.
(LMAO XD)
Nick laughed to himself and let the happy chills of Mel's voice run through him. "Okay…I love you too." Nick made a kissing sound in his mind before focusing on the spoon pushed into his hand. "No, I-" He clicked his tongue and started to stir. Nick helped Esther with the rest of dinner and finally sat down only moments after there was nothing left to do. "It's crazy how you can cook so much. The most I could ever cook for was me, probably because I lived alone. I admire that about you, Esther. Thanks to your help I'm sure dinner will be delectable. I will call for Mel if everything is settled then." Nick rested his head on the counter and closed his eyes. He listened to Mel's movements for a while, trying to picture his movements. "Dinners almost ready, you should come down now, so it's hot and ready." He summoned.
