"It's taking all my self-control not to pull you back into that bed." Nick placed his hands on Mel's shoulders. "Well, if it's time, then lead the way, wait. Did you eat breakfast or like something today? Do not tell me you have been on an empty stomach in these stables all morning." Nick slid his hands to Mel's, which were on his waist. He gently took them off so he could intertwine their fingers. Nick pressed a kiss to his forehead and leaned back so he could look at Mel.
Mel smiled softly and lightly bdushed his thumb along Nick's cheek. "Would you believe me if I had planned for us to eat breakfast while we were in town as a reason forbnit eating?" Mel asked sweetly, pressing soft kisses to Nick's lips in hopes of distracting him. He who we whined softly when Nick leaned back out reach, but gently squeezed their interlaced hands. "I promise you we can go anywhere you'd like in town to eat. It'll give a chance to bring food to the others as well." Mel reasoned with a cheeky grin.
Nick scoffed. "You…" he pulled Mel in by the waist. "You are so hard to say no to. You little-" Nick cut himself off by kissing Mel. "Oh, in case you were wondering.." He mumbled against his lips. He deepened the kiss and walked forward, pushing Mel against the stable wall. "I will be scolding you about that later. You did not get off the hook, mister. Your excuses will get you nowhere. However, since we're going into town, I guess we can get food there. You better eat a large breakfast. You've been working in the field all day with no fuel. So eat something that will fill you up." Nick trailed his kisses down to his neck and then to his lips. "This is your punishment," he chuckled before kissing Mel against the stables.
Mel gave a little gasp of surprise when he found himself back against the stable wall. Hw whimpered slight, the brush of Nick’s lips against his own and his closeness making it all very hard hard to focus. “Who said anything about an excuse, my dearest? I merely saw an opportunity and took it. No harm in that.” He defended feebly, fairly certain that if nick weren’t holding him, he would have melted into a puddle by now. “I will, my love, I will.” He promised, gasping sharply and squeezing Nick’s hand when Nick kissed over the bruises on his neck. “Nick-“ He murmured before he was cut off by his kisses. “So mean to me,” he teased, hungrily kissing back, managing to get one of his hands free and wrapping his arm around Nick’s neck. “What breakfast Ould I possibly need if you’re enough?” He gently pulled back and nodded his head towards the horses. “We can continue this later, sweetheart. We have to get going now if we’re to bring breakfast back and meet Roi on time.” He urged gently, pressing one more sweet kiss to Nick’s lips before gently nudging him back.
"Mmmmm, fine, fine. I'll get on the back of your horse again." Nick back away, letting Mel get the horse. "Last time I check, I am not edible. As delicious as I may be, you can't devour me. Well, I'm edible, but it depends on how you eat me." He mounted the horse after Mel and put his hand around his waist to secure himself. "I could've sworn we were like this yesterday. Somehow, it ended with you on my lap, and you got those bruises on your neck. Of course, it all could've been a dream and would never happen again." He teased. "Since we need to work today, I guess it really won't happen. Today that is. Who knows what tomorrow brings?"
Mel nodded his thanks as a stable bou brought out Gishlain and put Malian back in her into her pen. Mel mounted easily, letting Giahlain get used the his weight before steadying him so Nick could get on. "Oh you most definitely are, my dear. And yes, this does feel familiar, comfortingly so." He turned Gishlain towards the door and guided him towards the forest. "Oh I don't think it was a dream at all, I have the bruises to prove it." Mel reassured, gently nudging Gishlain into a comfortable trot since they were on a schedule. "Patience my love, we'll have plenty of time to ourselves when we finish things up with Roi and finish packing for the move, I promise." He leaned back and tilted his head to press a kiss to Nick's jawline.
A shiver went up his spine when Mel kissed his jawline. Nick hummed and closed his eyes. "I know, I know, I'm only teasing. I can be patient, don't worry. However, there is only so long for which I could be patient." He warned playfully before resting his head on top of Mel. "I love how you fit in my arms perfectly. I can't imagine anyone else I would be like this with. You do something to me that you have no idea about. I don't plan on telling you either. You're going to have to wait for that one." He gave a content sigh, and he watched the trees pass by slowly. He smiled, thinking about Mel and how he felt about him. Yes, he was right here in front of him, but that didn't stop his mind from imagining scenarios that could happen between them.
"not long now, sweet love. Don't worry." He murmured, leaning onto Nick's embrace, tempted to close his eyes and curl up in Nick's warmth forever. He nuzzled against Nick's chest, suddenly hazy with affection and warm. he loved being encircled in Nick's warmth, loved being so close to him that he could feel his even breathing and his strong heartbeat, loved that his scent was surrounding him. "Hm? And what is it that I do to you dear?" Mel pouted, straightening slightly as the city came into view. "Such a tease," Mel muttered with a smirk as he tugged a cloak hood on. "Lower your hands to my waist, my sentinel. As much as I love having your hands all over me, guards are on higher patrol now. Any suspicion we can avoid I'll take." He murmured, finding a cloak from a pack on gishlain's side and handing it over to Nick. "If anything happens, you know the back road back to the estate." He gave a single nod beforereluctantly pulling his body completely away from Nick's and straightening his posture, falling into his little act of being a lord as they entered the capital city.
Nick sighed and frowned. "Fine…I would hate to get you in trouble." Nick glided his hands to Mel's side and sat up straight as they entered the city. He pulled the hood over his head, hoping no one would recognize him. He was rarely in the city, but still, people knew him. He used to be by the queen's side, giving orders when she couldn't or putting magic users in jail. So many of the guards here would recognize his face if they saw him. "Where are we going first, my love?" Nick bowed his head slightly to the guards as they walked into the city. He could relax more once they were in, but he kept his posture.
Mel tugged the hood farther over his eyes but remained sitting straight, not willing to flinch away from the guards passing by. No matter the situation, no matter what had gone on, in the public's eyes and hopefully in the queen's Mel was still a lord. Albeit discgraced and considered a scoundrel but he was a lord no less, one that would use his unwanted position to the fullest to screw over every single person who had caused those who came into his care harm. He didn't need anyone else's support so long as his family was with him. And Nick. He had Nick backing him up. He took in a wavering breath, surprised by just how much that meant to him. He barely heard the question in his mind over his heartbeat. "A friend of mine within the city. He technically works for Roi but we stayed in touch when me and Roi didn't work out. He'll know more about Roi's intentions with the estate. And he has some supplies we'll need for the move." Mel replied after a moment, pulling Gishlain into a slow walk as they entered the capital gates, keeping his head bowed until they made it safely inside. "Almost there. Don't look anyone in the eyes." He muttered softly as he drove Gishlain towards the skims of the capital.
"Okay," Nick said only loud enough for Mel to hear. He followed orders and kept his head down. He listened to the sounds around him, picturing the city around them. It was beautiful to him. All the people who didn't know what was going on were just living their lives to the fullest. Others did know but didn't care. They just hoped their family members were okay. Reading people's minds has its perks. Sometimes you get warm messages of endearment. Other times, you get death threats. Either way, it's beneficial to know what someone may be thinking. Of course, he has boundaries. Nick never dives too far in. If he does, the person might recognize him, or he might learn something he really shouldn't know.
Mel glanced up when he found an open stable spot and slowed Gishlain to a stop as a man came up. Mel dropped down from his saddle and offered a small satchen of gold coins. "Just for an hour." He said softly, winking when the man's eyes widened in recognition. He slowly nodded before nodding towards the small brick building down the street. "He won't like your guard." The man grunted. Mel glanced back at Nick and shrugged. "It's a good thing he likes me well enough for the both of us, isn't it?" Mel gave a twinkling little smile before he turned on his heal and started towards red brick building. He gently knicked three time before being let in by a fae man, tall and broad shoulders, white hair framing his youthful face. "Melisande," he greeted, silver eyes flicking up to meet Nick. A low growl rose from his chest, sharp canines flashing in defense.
Nick followed inside the building. He didn't look at anyone in the eyes just like Mel instructed. However, he still caught the growl, which made him gulp. The man Mel had spoken to previously was not kidding about not liking him. Nick calmed himself and tried not to draw attention to himself. He wasn't sure if it was okay to show this man in front of him who he was. Nick leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. He then came to a realization. "Am I the only one who calls you Mel?" He tried to show a shocked expression or any expression at all. However, his face showed a look of confusion.
"Ezra," Mel warned, gently patting the fae's shoulder. "He's no threat to you."
"He's the queen's second, a threat not only to you but to the rest of us in your cause." Ezra growled in disbelief as he reluctantly led Mel and Nick inside, closing the door behind him. "He is my mate. That's all that matters. He has sworn to protect this family. Not the queen's. If you have an issue with him, you have an issue with me." Mel replied sternly, eyes flashing in annoyance. Ezra glanced away, teeth still bared even as he ground out a "gorgive me, your grace. I over stepped."
Mel relaxed slightly, before giving a slight nod. "Thank you, Ez. I wouldn't bring him here if I didn't think he would keep our secret." Mel glanced back at Nick and laughed. "No, but for safety, no one but other lord's would call me Nel outside of the estate. It's safer that way." He explained, waving a hand to Ezra. "Nick this is Ezra, Ezra, this is Nick." He introduced as they sat at large roundtable in the lessure room of the apartment. From the outside, the building looked old and decrepid but on the inside, Ezra had decorated it lavishly. "Ez is Roi second, much like Veda is mine. If anything happens to me, Veda's in charge. Same with them." He explained as Ezra moved about the apartment, gather papers and quills.
Nick sighed with relief and took off his hood. He sat down as well and folded his hands neatly in his lap. "Ah, I see. Sometimes it feels like I'm the only one who calls you that. Back at the estate, I didn't hear much of what I call you." He turned to Ezra and bowed his head. "Hello, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He nodded slowly as Mel explained Ezra's position. "Well, even if that were the case, I would never let something happen to you. Never in a million years…" Nick refrained from kissing Mel even though the urge was eating away at him like a parasite. Instead, he just held his hand under the table and decided it was time to focus on what they came for. That was information and supplies.
Ezra breathed a laugh as he settped across from the pair at the table. Mercifully, if not a bit reluctantly, Mel brushed it off and gave a gentle squeeze to Nick's hand. "thank you, sweet love." Mel murmured softly , scooting forwards in his seat when Ezra slid over a few papers. "So what's Roi planning, an inn and tavern?" Mel asked with a sigh, scanning over the papers and tipping his head in confusion. "Nothing?"
Ezra nodded "Roi wants to keep the estate as is. He knows how much it means to you. Besides that, he wants to continue your work here. The estate will be under his name to not rise suspision but everything else will be kept the same as how you've ran it."
"Surprising considering all his talk about business opportunities." Mel muttered.
"He's changed you know. After what happened between you and him, he took time to change for the better." Ezra said, offering a small smile. One Mel couldn't return. All he wanted to do was scream, scream why had Roi changed now? Did he think this sudden act of kindness would get him in Mel's good graces again? Did he think mel come running back and forgive everything?
"Good for him. I'm glad he's doing well." Mel replied curtly. "And about the supplies?"
Ezra frowned, gaze flicking between Mel and Nick. "Coming soon, two days time." Ezra replied just as curtly. Mel nodded again and passed back the papers. Mel relaxed slightly, rubbing Nick's hand with his thumb. "What do you think, dear?" He asked softly
Nick looked back and forth between Ezra and Mel, looking confused, but soon got the just of it. He didn't like that this Roi guy had changed, but he couldn't do anything about it. All he had to do was trust Mel, which would be enough. Nick gave an almost mischievous smile. He was thinking about what he had done to Mel's neck, which made him happy. When Mel called his name, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Mel for a second before nodding. "Yeah, that-that sounds excellent to me. I don't care how long it takes as long as you are not in danger, and I get to stay with you."
"the danger part might come from Roi, seeing how close you and your sentinel are." Ezra muttered, narrowing his eyes slightly. Mel shrugged "my relationships are none of yours or Roi's concern. If he wants to threaten my Sentinel, he's going to have to put with me as well. After what he did, I don't think he's in the position to be making any oppositions as to who I do or do not sleep with."
Ezra glared away before tapping the papers and standing. "I'll send notice when the supplies are ready to be picked up." Mel nodded and stood. "Thank you Ezra, and send my thanks to Roi as well for all the help. Despite our past I truly to appreciate what he's doing for the estate." Mel let go of Nick's hand to hug his friend. "I'm okay now, I promise." He whispered softly before taking a step back. Ezra gave a small laugh for the first time that day. "I'm glad Mel. Truly. I just hope Roi can come to terms you're happy with someone other than him."
"He better be okay with it…" He mumbled to himself. He rolled his eyes just thinking about that man. He shook his head, realizing it was Mel's issue to solve, not his. Nick pulled the hood over his head, waving as he opened the door for Mel to leave. "It was nice to meet you, Ezra." He bowed his head. Besides, no one's going to threaten me and get away with it…..hehehe. He wore that mischievous smile again, completely forgetting that two other people were in the room as he went back into his thoughts of Mel.
"you'd be surprised how hard it is for Roi to let things go, sentinel. Especially when it comes to Melisande." Ezra shrugged with a heavy sigh.
"he let me go when he put his position and himself first when I needed him most." Mel said softly, gently taking Nick's hand again and gave a gentle squeeze. "But again, I am glad he's turning over a new leaf." He gave a small wave to Ezea before following Nick out the building, tugging on his hood again. "What's that smile for, dear?" Melbas with amused suspicion. He gently pressed a kiss to their linked hands and offered a small smile of his own, even as his memories of Roi made him nervous for Roi's arrival. "Thank you for coming with me, Nick." I apologies for Ezra's bluntness. I ha t realized how brutak he'd be." Mel shook his head with a laugh.
"What? This smile? Oh, it's nothing, just thinking about you. Also, what I will do to Roi if he decides to deceive you. You know, the usual." Nick walks Mel out of the building. He ran his thumb along the back of Mel's hand. "Anytime. Besides, I like going on little trips with you even if they are for business." He pressed a kiss to Mel's temple. "You don't have to be sorry about Ezra. Of course, some things didn't sit right with me, but it's nothing I would get worked up over. So, all is good." He reassured. "So, how long of a time frame do we have before Roi comes and when we get back to the estate?"
"as much as I'd love to see what you do to Roi, I'd advise not making an enemy of him, dearest." Mel warned but he gave a small smile regardless. He looked up at Nick, leaning when he was kissed. "I promise for our future outing they'll be more exciting and hopefully filled with less urgency than this one." He nodded to the man in the stables before untying Gishlain and mounting his horse. "About three hours, in which we have to pack most of the things we'll be taking. Veda already secured us passage so we're all good there, no we just need to finalize a few affairs here and there." Mel said, offering his hand with a small tilt of his head. "Is there something you wanted to do before we go back? We still have some time."
Nick mounted the horse after Mel. He turned his lips to smile and frown. "Nothing we haven't done before." He held back from wrapping Mel's in his embrace and kept his hands at his side. "A little bit of kissing, a little bit of touching, a little bit of cuddling. The usual. I just want to love you before we get back into the business." He sat up straight on the horse. "Maybe I could play for you again. Your guitar was beautiful in both sound and looks. Just to relax." Nick looked down at Mel and caught a glimpse of his neck before he shifted, and the hood covered it. "This is all one big tease, in case you were wondering. It's like seeing your favorite snack in front of you fresh and smelling good, but you can't take one bite. In short, torture."
Mel refrained himself from leaning info Nick's hands. "Dear, nothing is normal when it comes us and i love that. But I'd love to do all that before we meet with Roi. Relaxing to you playing the guitar sounds heavenly." Mel tugged his hood farther over his featured as they passed a group of guards, glad that it hid his blushing face. "And here I thought I was your dessert. All the same as suppose. I don't mean to torture you dear, though itdies amuse me to no end seeing you struggle with your desire. All in due time, my love. Lets get through today and through the move as smoothly as possible."
"Yes, sir~." He said playfully. He watched as they exited the city. He waited until they were deeper into the wood to move his frame around Mel's. "You know, I love your voice in my head. It should be nice." Nick gently tugged the hood down from Mel's head and pressed a soft kiss to his neck. "I won't do anymore. I just wanted to kiss your neck. I'm glad the bruises are still here. It would've been a shame if they disappeared. So when we get home, we get a fluffy blanket." He pecked Mel's neck between sentences. "I could make some hot chocolate while you get the guitar. We meet up on the couch. Turn the fireplace on. Get all cozy, and I could play and sing while you rest?" He suggested. "Maybe after I'm done, we take a quick nap?"