Abrose shook his head with a small smile, dabbing at his teary eyes with his sleeve. "No, I don't hate you. I don't think I could after tonight. But if you knew my name, you wouldn't feel the same." Abrose let Easton touch his hand as he took in his appearance. The solid planes of his face in the moonlight, the way his eyes glimmered but still remained gently, none of that harshness he had seen yesterday and this morning. He laughed softly and shook his head "no, these weren't from you. I just realized I may have judged someone I know a bit too quickly." He leaned into his hand once more, offering a reassuring smile. "It's very much a good thing." He murmured, nodding his head "you may. I like it when we talk." He replied, knowing he'd never have the chance again if Easton knew exactly who he was. He'd rather be a fake human noble instead of the cowering human commoner who ran as his family was taken from him anyday
Easton didn't know what to say. "No, no, no." He let his hand rest on Abrose's face. "After what I've seen tonight, in you, what you've gone through, what you wish you had, your memories. He told those to me tonight. That is something that you can't take back. It's doesn't matter which side I saw first. I know now that my ways of thinking are wrong if there are people like you. Remember that thing you said that you hated, well, excuse me for saying this but I hated people like you. Tonight we put away our worries, our roles, our words, and we just danced. We talked about things I never thought I could talk about with someone like you. I mean that in the least offense as possible." He gave a small laugh. "Not to say that I'm in love with you because we just met, but I want to get to know you. So if you keep this mask on I wouldn't mind. As long as we got to sit and laugh together that would be enough for me. I don't even know what you look like and yet…" Easton pulling back a loose strand of Abrose's hair behind his ear. "When I look into those eyes, I can tell you're just as beautiful as you are on the inside. If you would like to keep the mask on while we met outside of the ball. I would love that. So, give me a chance, please." Easton was starring into his eyes the entire time he didn't look away, not once. He wanted to kiss his forehead or his cheek or something. His lips seemed like an impossible line to cross at this point. "I swear, I'm a bit oblivious when it comes to these things. I honestly have no clue who you might be. I just know that I want to know more about you."
Abrose pressed into Easton's hand and gently pressed a kiss to his palm. A small laugh bubbled up "ah I was worried for a moment that you were a love-at-fist-sight kind of person." He sucked in a small breath as Easton brushed a strand of hair away from his brow, afraid that he'd take the mask as well. While Abrise didn't plan to keep the mask everytime they met, if they ever got the chance to meet again, he wasnt ready for Easton to see just exactly who Abrose was. "I would love that, dear captain. Perhaps i'd be inclined to show you who I am if we did meet after tonight." He mused with a teasing laugh. He closed his eyes and gently nudged into Easton's gentle carress, never wanting to leave his warmth. "I have no doubt you know who I am. Even in your so called Oblivion." He thought for a moment before slowly stepping back and making his way over a push if small white flowers. He gently plucked a few bloom and handed one to Easton before slowly backing towards the doors that lead back into the castle. "Cas never really like plants either, did he? Found it weird that he was the one who hired me for the wedding. It was sweet finding out that he did it for Madelaine." He smiled softly before turning and letting himself get swept up by the crowd as the Queen's presence was being announced
Easton chased after him but soon losing him in the crowd. Damnit! How did he know Cas and Madelaine? I guess everybody knows everybody… He decided to get another drink. it wasn't hard to spot Abrose in the crowd, he was wearing red after all. So he looked around and eventually he has enough drink that everything was turning blurry. It didn't affect his mind because he knew he had to stay quiet during the Queen's presence. He just couldn't standstill. To get him completely drunk was a different story entirely. he found Nick and stood next to him. "Wonder why she's coming out now…" he whispered.
Abrose eventually found Mel in the crowd, still shadowed by his companion. He was even glad to see them hiding hands, loosely but still keeping contact. He scanned the crowd for a moment, finally finding Easton and meeting his eyes before quickly glancing away. Did he finally understand? Had Easton realized who he was? Abrose took a deep breath and faced forwards again as the queen greeted her guests. If Easton didn't recognize who he was from Cas' wedding, then Abrose didn't want to see the dissapointment in the fae's eyes.
"Welcome!" The queen greeted, her arms spread wide in an all encompassing gesture, he white dress flowing around her. "I wanted to thank you all for accepting my invitation tto onight's summer Ball. May this season all bring you prosper." The crowd erupted in cheers, mostly the Fae while the few humans clapped politly. "May you all enjoy your night." She smiled softly and made her way down the steps to greet her guests. Abrose tried his best to shuffle to back of the crowd, excusing himself from Mel's side and heading towards the musicians, who went back to playing a lovely little tune
After Easton looked him in the eyes he knew where he was and as soon as the announcement was over he allowed him through the ground. It was hard to pass through people who wanted to see the Queen. Everyone gathered around her which made it harder to pass through the crowd. He followed the red bouncing through the crowd, the best he could. I"W-Wait!" He called. He still didn't get his name. He was confused about why he was moving away from him like he was. He found himself near the food tables, but couldn't find him anywhere. It's like he was on a wild goose chase. He looked around spotting him once more.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Nick had found him pulling him by the shoulder. "Why are you so frantic right now?"
Easton had flicked off his hand. "I don't have time for this. I'll tell you about it later!" He yelled over the music. he found himself moving with the crowd which was towards the musicians. Once he finally made it he fixed his hair and looked over to Abrose. "Wait…" He said softly pulling the boy back. "Can we at least set a time and place where I should meet you. I don't even know your name. Nonetheless, you're afraid to tell me anyway. I just, I just don't want this to be the last time I see you." His eyes went from tired to desperate. He just wanted him to say yes. "If you don't want to see me again I understand that too." He looked down rubbing his thumb over the back of Abrose's hand.
Abrose had been about ready to step outside of the castle, silently slip into the night through the backdoors when he felt somone grab his jand. He looked up in surprise before realizing it was Easton. "I doubt it'd be the last time we meet. You seem to have a knack for finding me, even in the most inconvenient times and places." He laughed softly, forgetting momentarily that the captain most likly still had no idea who he was. "I would love to see you again, more than anything. But are you sure it is safe?" He glanced back at the crowd, finding a few of the Noble's eyes on them. He then found the Queen not too far off gazing at them as well. No, at Easton, at her loyal captain of the guard. Abrose squeezed his hand before taking a meaningful step back and gently dropping Easton's hand. "I'll wait for you tomorrow even by the Willow tree on the outskirts of the village." He murmured softly, curtsying to the captain before striding down the steps of the castle into the night, his heart pounding with both excitement and nerves.
"Yes!" He cheered. The room fell silent and he blushed. "Sorry, you can go back to your night. My apologies" He bowed. He wished the Queen a good night before exiting the castle.
One of the guards outside had stopped him in the front. "Sir? Are you leaving? Shall I fetch a carriage?"
Easton looked over with a bright smile. "Nope! I'm perfectly fine!" Easton practically skipped down the steps of the castle. He was freaking out some of the things he never thought that he would do. To a human no less. That was the fun part he assumed. He wasn't supposed to be dating anyone that was human with magic or human at all. His mother wanted him to find a nice family to marry into. "Tomorrow in the evening my prince." He whispered before letting himself be overcast by the shadows of the night.
Abrose walked the perimeter of the castle taking the garden paths to reach the front and wait for the ball to end. What had he been thinking To meet with Easton tomorrow? Did he have a death wish? He wasn't some noble like Mel. He was an apothecary with magic who barely disguised himself as a florist. Everyday is hiding and praying that he didn't get found out. And now he was bringing a man he knew to be very close with the queen and who had actively hated his guts a day ago to meet up for some date! Abrose slouched against the column he was leaning against and sighed heavily. But if he got even one more chance to be with Easton the way he had been tonight, it would be worth it. He glanced up as he saw movement by the door then a few moments later, Mel and the paired male appeared, still holding hands, though more firmly now that they weren't in a crowd. "Abrose there you are! Rose I wanted to introduce you to Lord Grail Mclaine of Callah." The young Lord bowed shyly and smiled. "It is an honor to meet a good friends if Melisand's.
Friend, and not fellow Lord. Abrose had assumed Mel had told Grail about him, not everything but certainly enough. Abrose bowed and offered a relaxed smile. "An honor, your grace. I'm glad my friend has found someone he is so comfortable around. It doesn't happen that often." He replied teasingly, watching as both Lords blushed.
"Uhm, I hope you don't mind but I asked Grail to join me tonight for a drink at the estate, do you mind if he catches a ride with us?" Mel piped up. Abrose shook his head. "Of course not, in fact, I was thinking of taking a horse back."
"Rose you don't have to do that," Mel protested "we all fit."
Abrose shook his head "there's someone I want to visit that's a bit out of the way. I wouldn't want to make you two wait to reach the estate. Besides, I'm sure you two are begging for some alone time." Abrose winked, laughing softly as the two blushed again. "Alright, but be careful. Send someone for me if you need anything." Mel said, wrapping his arms around Abrise and hugging him close. Abrose hugged back "stay out if trouble." He murmured to his friend before breaking apart and helping Grail into the carriage.
Abrose watched them.go before heading to the temporary side stables where horses were lined up. He passed the stable hand a few silvers before picking a horse and mounting, glad to find the mare calm. "Uhm your grace, do you not wish for a saddle?"
Abrose shook his head and gently patted the horse "I think I'll do just fine." He nudged the horse into a walk then a full on galloped down the castle entrance driveway, reveling in the cool night breeze on his features as he untied the mask.
Easton woke up early with the sun hitting his face. Usually, he was in the worst mood in the morning, but today he felt like sunshine. He washed his face, got dressed, and did some paperwork at his desk. Once he finished all of it he decided to take a nice walk to the town. He wanted to try and find his mystery date, but he knew he wouldn't be able to. So, instead, he decided to annoy and piss off a bunch of people. Absolutely, no one could ruin the mood he was in. He opened the flower shop door with a loud bang. He wore a smile on his face as he hummed. He practically skipped to the desk sighing contently as he rested his arm on the wood. he flicked the flower in the other direction. He looked around before shutting his eyes thinking about last night. "Abrose you wouldn't believe what happened to me!"
Abrose had been up for a few hours that day, the night's events and the excitement that hummed in his veins making it impossible for him to sleep for long. He had taken the clothes Mel had given him and folded them neatly in a basket along with a few gifts to say thank you. He'd take those as well the horse he had borrowed to get back home down to the waste before the date since it was closer to the meeting place. Right now, he was working on his next shipment of flowers to a noble in the neighboring village. Apparently this noble wanted to impress his mistress while also appeasing his wife and he though flowers would do the trick. Abrose snorted a laugh as he sealed the letter shut, inside containing an arrival date as well as his best wishes to the wife. He snapped his head up with a start as the door slammed open, nearly losing his balance and falling off his little stool. He quickly shoved the basket with the clothes under his desk, cheeks a light pink as he took a breath, trying to keep his.self from smiling. "Oh I bet I can." He muttered under his breath. "But please, entertain me as I do very important work."
Easton Scoffed. "Oh please, nothing you do is of importance." Easton gave Abrose a glare, straight into his eyes. They looked so familiar. Soon enough he shrugged it off. "Anyway, last night I was at the ball, you know the one you probably didn't get invited to, yeah. I met this guy. He was wearing a red suit and he was looking absolutely stunning. So I walked over to him and we started talking and every word that came out his mouth felt like bliss to hear. He said that I was the one who made him blush like he was. I loved the way he looked at me. I loved the way he made me feel. He said that I can meet him tonight. I hope to go he comes. He told me some personal things. Of course, that is a secret. Even so I only so little, so tonight is where I will get to know him better and maybe…" Easton shook his head. "No, never mind. The point is I'm here to get his favorites flowers. Peonies. Please, tell me you have them. It's going to drive me crazy if I have to look all over town for these flowers. There his favorite and I want this to be perfect you know?" Easton stood there like a lost puppy chasing after his owner.
For a heartbreaking split moment, Abrose swore Easton recognized him. He blinked and looked away as well, scribbling on a blank sheet of paper to make him look like he was doing something. He laughed softly and shook his head, half tempted to tell Easton exactly who he was, just to see the pure shock on the Fae's face. He glanced up, take a slow breath as he felt blush rise to his cheeks. How could the person who teased and insulted him by day be the exact person who spoke so fondly of their shared night. He had spent that night after he arrive reminicong over the ball and how the captain seemed to change in mere hours since they had seen each other. How gentle and kind and caring he seemed. Would he stay the same when he knew who his mystery plus one and Abrose were one in the same? He finally brought his gaze up towards Easton, eyes widening as he caught the end of his cut off words. Maybe what? His heart beat erratically as he imagined what Easton was too afraid to say. He swore softly as he glanced down at the paper, seeing that he had spilled the nearby ink. He stood quickly, flustered at both Easton's words as well as his sense of control. He found a nearby towel and quickly wiped his hands, the black ink staining his fingertips. "Yes of course I understand." He replied quickly, unable to meet the Captain's eyes now. "Give me one moment to clean up and I'll find those flowers for you." He made his way to he back to wash up and collect himself, needing space to breath. After several minutes in the washroom he appeared at the doorway and waved to Easton. "You're welcome to look around if you'd like. Most if the peonies should be near the front displays. Any filler foliage and small flowers should be to the left." He explained, having always loved puting his favorite flower to where his customers would immediatly see them. "Did you catch their name? You can add a letter along with the flowers." He suggested, hiding a small grin, he hadn't given his name last night, so he wondered what Easton would do
Easton rolled his eyes. "Ha, ha, very funny. I didn't want to force him to give me his name. That would just be rude. I mean I'm sure he's on a higher social standing than I am. Then again he is quite cute. I love seeing him flustered. He did this thing where he wouldn't look at me, whenever I told him something that I found charming about him." Easton grinned as he said those words. "Even when he was touching flowers he was so delicate like they could snap at any moment. Then when I touched his cheek he leaned into and at that moment I wish I would've just-" He opened his eyes. "Wait why am I telling you this. Anyway, my question is, if you were him would you were him what bouquet would you love to receive? I'm not very much of a gift-giver when it comes to things like this." He looked at the flowers no wanting to touch them. The texture made him feel uncomfortable.
Abrose focused on trying to get the stains off his hands with the now wet towel instead of thinking over Easron's words. He'd think about them later when he was allowed to be a flustered mess. He arched an eyebrow and laughed softly "I'm honored the captain of the Royal guard is sharing his deepest desires and thoughts with a lowly florist." He teased, giving up on his hands and throwing the towel aside. He sighed softly and thought for a moment. "I'm not particularly fond of gifts actually. In my mind, no gift could be better than the love between the couple, the experices shared between the two. That connection that only the two can have that's unique to them is the greatest gift." He shrugged and walked around the store a bit, pulling a few flowers from their water bins. "But since you seem to want to make a good first? Second? Impression, then a simple bouquet would do wonders, surprisingly. He pulled a few deep red peonies from a pin along with delicate white flowers from the filler section and started to arrange them into a bouquet, maticulously pulling and setting them in place, all the while making sure not to hurt the blooms. "Something like this should nicely."
"Yeah, you should be honored. You're also lucky I have no friends. That doesn't make you my friend that makes you my, those people who always follow other people around. One of those." He pointed, raising his eyebrows. He bit his lip analyzing the bouquet that was put together for him. "If you think that's what he would like I guess I'll just have to go with that. Of course, only because there are plenty of other customers who I know that you served. So, I guess, I have to trust your judgment. Not want, have to." Easton looked at the bouquet and then looked at Abrose. "Thanks, Abrose." He gave a cheeky smile before clearing his throat. "Anyway, I'll take it…"
"I'm following you around? You're the one that keeps showing up here." He added a bit more decoration to the flowers, as well as lightweight tissue paper and a ribbon to tie it all together. He arched an eyebrow and smirked, "careful captain, I think you're bordering on a compliment and a thank you all in less than ten minutes, wouldn't want you to get hurt before your first date, would we?" He snickered and gently set the bouquet down to ring Easton up. "Alright, that'll be three silver." He went back to his little stool and counter area as Easton payed up, glad that the note for the shipment wasn't ruined by the spilled ink. He quickly checked on the hidden basket of clothes beneath to make sure those hadn't been ruined either.
"I came with a mission every time. Don't even try." He watched him bundle the flowers together in a nice refreshing arrangement. "Hey, I have to be a good customer if I want to get more flowers. I really want the guy to like me you know. Although he's sort of a mystery himself. I'm not complaining, he's sweet as well." He snapped out of his trance before pulling out the money needed. "Well anyway, have a-" Easton paused for a minute. He walked behind the counter squinting at Abrose. "Have we met before. You look familiar…" He trailed off walking closer to Abrose. Easton's face was extremely close as he looked into Abrose's eyes trying to think of why he found him so familiar.
"if your mission is to annoy me, then you succeed most of the time." Abrose muttered, setting the inkpot up right. "You don't need a bunch of flowers to do so, captain. I'm sure they'll find your presence as much as a gift than any flower, that is if you aren't as rude as you are most days you come here." He pointed out, waving dismissevly as Easton turned to go. "Good lu-" he braced himself against the counter as Easton leaned in close. He barely took a breath, scared that one wrong move would make this entire situation far more complicated. The back of his legs brushed against the basket and Abrose nearly told him. Nearly breathed a yes, confirming the Captain's doubts. Yes, they'd met before, yes he was the one who's blushed so easily at his words. But instead, Abeise blurted "y-yes! Well, sort of, my little sister, she looked a lot like me and usually spent time around the inner city. You must have seen her around the area a few years back." Spirits how it hurt his heart to use his beloved little sister as a decoy just to keep his identity safe from the captain. "You must have misteken us." He muttered softly, slipping out from where Easton had cornered him, needing to escape that beautiful gaze of his. He wondered if he'd ever look at him with such want as last night or such heat as now if he knew who his mystery man was.
Easton thought for a moment. "You must be right. Tell your sister I said hi." He took the bouquet of flowers and marched out of the store. He walked to the place where he said they would meet. Instead of just waiting there he decided that he should get the place ready. Abrose said not to do anything extravagant…so… Easton came back 3 hours later with a nicely prepared picnic. Easton put on different clothes since he was off duty. He had on his regular clothes that he would wear around the house or if he was going out with friends. He laid the blanket down flat. He pinned it down with heavy things so if a gust of wind were to come their way it wouldn't affect it. He put the basket in the middle laying out the snack his cooks had prepared. He brought a gas lamp that he could use so they would be able to see. Once he was arranging everything he leaned against the tree holding the flowers. He didn't mind waiting, it gave him time to think.
Abrose nodded "I will." He whispered as he watched Easton walk out of his store. He waited a few moments before going back to the counter and taking the basket full of clothes. He didn't expect anyone to drop by at this time so he decided to risk his visit to Mel before he got ready for the date. He smiled softly as he approached the mare in his back garden, having put her near some grass to eat. She huffed softly and walked up to him, he large nuzzled pressing against his hand. "Hello, wild thing, ready to go for a few more rides?" He whispered, patting her down before slowly mounting the horse, letting her get used to his weight before nudging her into a canter towards the estate.
"Mel please, I can't accept any of these." Abrose pleaded, trying to give his friend the basket.
"And why not? If you don't want it you can sell them." Mel waved a dismissive hand and walked up to the mare.
"Because it doesn't belong to me, you let me borrow them." Abrose tried to argue
"Yes, and now I'm letting you keep them."
Abrose sighed softly and rested his head against Mel's shoulder, looking up at the young Fae with pleading round eyes.
Mel growled softly and took the basket. "Fine, but you're keeping the mask as a keepsake and no arguing." He ordered, putting the mask in Abrose's hands.
Abrose smiled softly and nodded "thank you Mel."
"You're welcome. Now what are you going to do about this beautiful beast?" He asked, nodding to the mare.
Abrose shrugged "I was actually hoping you'd keep her until you can bring her back to the palace."
Mel arched an eyebrow and nodded slowly, head tilted in contemplation, a feral grin spreading across his features. "Or I could pay off the stable hand and you can have her."
Abrose blinked "you don't have to do that-"
"No, bit I can. Tell you what. If you keep the mask and horse, I'll keep the clothes. No arguing or anything."
Abrose shook his head but knew he couldn't refuse his friend. "Alright, you Fae demon, I'll bend." He muttered teasingly, hugging his friend right before mounting the mare again.
Mel bowed teasingly and watch Abrose leave.
The moment he got home, he tethered the mare to a fence post and quickly went inside to change. He pulled on a simple blue tunic paired with dark pants and the mask. He didn't look quite the part of a noble but that's what Abrose wanted. He needed to slowly show Easton the truth. He decided to stop by a jewelry shop and pick up a simple silver ring with a marble, laid in white rose and thorns. By the time he rode over to the meeting place the sun had begun to set. He pulled on his mask and let his mare rome around a bit, trusting her enough not to run off before walking up the small hill and looking around, a broad smile spreading as he beheld the beautiful setting. "You keep surprising me, captain. This is beautiful."
Easton gave a small smile. "Well, don't thank me, you should thank the guy that works at the flower shop. He helped me with, well, with trying to not make a fool of myself." He held out the flowers with a light blush on his face. "I know you said you liked these flowers, so I wanted to get you some. Although, you have probably seen them a lot since they are your favorite. My apologies, I seem to be rambling." He looked down at the bouquet and then back at Abrose. He placed a hand on Abrose's head, slowly moving it down to his cheek. "Let's sit, shall we? I would like to get to know you if that's okay." He bowed slightlyy.
"well, even if you did, I wouldn't have said anything." He offered a gebtle smile and accepted the flowers, breathing in the familiar and comforting scent of the flowers. "Oh I could never tire or seeing these, they're a favorite for a reason." Abrose hid a laugh. "It can't be often you get flustered, it's cute seeing you this way." He blinked and raised his head to look up at Easton, a soft sigh leaving him as he leaned into his hand, eyes fluttering shut. He nodded slightly and followed Easton to the area he had set up for their dinner. "I actually got you a little something as well, as a thank you for last night and for meeting today." He said, pulling the small box with the ring inside and handing it off to Easton. "It's not anything significant or anything," he added on quickly, "just as friends." He used slightly and knelt down on the blanket, glancing around at their lovely surroundings. "Ah so that's what this is all about, still trying to figure me out after all the hints I have you." He teased lightly.
He scratched his cheek. "Well, don't get used to it. It's only you who could make me this embarrassed." Easton lowered himself down on the blanket with a smirk. He looked at the ring and then back to Abrose. "Are you proposing already? How kind of you." Easton held out his right hand. "You got it so you have to place the ring on my finger." He moved the bouquet aside making room for him to move closer. He looked at him confused. "I never get what you mean by that. If you were giving me hints you're very bad at giving them. If anything I seem to have given you enough because you know who I am." He shrugged with a smug look on his face.
"It's not like that," Abrose managed to say through a laugh as he gently took Easton's hand in his own and slid the ring onto his finger. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss to the hand before letting go. He tilted his head with a grin and shrugged "is that so, my dear captain? Surely you've seen some parallels between my hints and someone else you know to have figured out who I am by now." He popped a grape into his mouth and shrugged, propping his hands behind him. "Well, considering you made it obvious last night, it wasn't too hard to figure out, though I still don't have a name to put to that stunning face of yours."
