"sentinel" Mel warned, quickly throwing a glance around as the cover of the woods leading back to his estate closed in around them. He slowly relaxed in Nick's embrace, head tilting back to rest on chest. "You say that yet you you continue to attack my neck with your kisses." Mel teased, "oh you need not worry about that for a while dear, they'll be stAying for a few weeks." He reassured, reaching up and lightly brushing his hand along Nick's cheek. "Hm, cuddling up in a blanket in front of a fire with a warm cup of chocolate while you serenade me until we fall asleep together sounds lovely dear. But we do have to do some packing before hand. If we have time, I'd love nothing more than to relax with you." He agreed, trusting Gishlain to going straight before twisting in the saddle and pressing a kiss to Nick's lips, hand gently cupping his cheek before he went back to normally sitting in the saddle.
His tight and nervous grip relaxed when Mel pressed lips against his. God, maybe I am a marshmallow… He didn't want to pull away yet, but it was time to get off the horse now that they were had at the estate. "Ugh! Packing…why can't we just ignore our responsibilities for a day? Why do we have to do it today? Could we do it tomorrow or the day before we move? Please, my dear, please." He helped Mel off the saddle and pulled him close like before they left. "Please…" He whispered close to his ears. "Have mercy, my love. I beg of you. Please…" he kisses his ear, gently whispering in between kisses. "Think of this like a return for not eating this morning before working in the stables." He smiled to himself.
"Darling, the more we pack today the less we have to worry about when we move," Mel argued gently, leading Gishlain to the stables. He dismounted, about to grab the breakfast they had bought before coming back home but was pulled in by Nick. Mel, against his productive better judgement leaned into the comforting embrace. A shiver ran down his spine when Nick whispered in his ear, "I'm all out of mercy darling, considering how much I held back at Ezra's little comments," Mel said though he gave a small smile. He sighed and pulled back far enough to look at his beloved sentinel. "We can do whatever you like after we pack for the move. And after we eat something. You talk as if you had a decent breakfast before rushing outside." Mel have a pointed stare before pressing a kiss to Nick's nose and gently pulling away to grab the breakfast they had brought for everyone.
He clicked his tongue and threw his hands up in defeat. "At least I had something in my stomach, mister. Okay?" He kisses Mel's cheek. "God, I love you so much. However, I will get you back for this you wait. It will happen." he opened the door for Mel and closed it with a pout. "Even if I did pack, it's not like I have anything to bring. My clothes are all at the castle since the Queen gave me a room to stay in, so that's off limits. So I mostly have clothes you give me and that not a lot…" He gasped. "That's it! Once I finish packing, I can easily help you, and then we'll be able to relax more." He grinned.
Mel gently cupped Nick's cheek and leaned into the kiss. "I love you more, darling." he laughed, arching a challenging eyebrow. "Will you now, dearest? I look forward to that, considering you've told me something similar yet still not have delivered." He walked through the doors, tugging off his riding cloak and draping it over his arm. "I'm sure you could borrow some of Veda's clothes. I'm not sure most of mine, other than the looser shirts and pants would fit. But you are right, once we finish packing, we relax for a bit before Roi gets here." He gently tugged Nick towards the kitchen, finding it empty. He set the breakfast down, smiling when he saw Esther and Kira walk in, still a bit sleepy. "Breakfast is here." He said softly, hugging them both and encouraging them to sit and eat.
Esther nodded to Nick "and have both of you eaten?" She asked, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. Mel smiled softly and settled across from them with a plate of his own, waving Nick over to an empty space beside him.
Nick sat next to Mel, giving him a side-eye. "Well, I had toast and butter, but Mel was already working the field on an empty stomach when I woke up. Don't worry. I'm going to get him back for it. I told him to eat something before, but he didn't." He raised his hands in defeat. "However, we come with food, so it's not all bad." He opened the back and laid out the parties and breakfast food, like pancakes and sausage. "Tasty food at that. I think I did a great job." Nick kissed Mel's cheek just under his jaw before focusing on something that wasn't Mel. He grinned. "You guys can take as you want first. Since I already ate.
The look Esther shot Mel was deadly enough to kill. Mel immediately put his hands up in defense, giving Nick a teasing glare. "Only because I knew I'd be coming back in time to eat with you all."
"Oh save it someone else, you know better than to go out on an empty stomach Melisande." Esther scolded, pushing the box towards Mel purposefully after taking a few pastries for herself and Kira. "And you should also know better," Esther said, rounding her gaze to Nicks. "As Mel's sentinel you should be healthy as well. Not eating a mere two bites toast with butter." Nel snickered under hus breath, earning him a playful cuff from Veda, who had entered with Evangeline. "She's right. You both need to eat. Especially before going out. Of all days, today was the day you decided to go hungry in the morning, really you two?" Veda shook his head as he found a plate and served himself.
Mel gave a playful little growl at Nick's kiss before he dug into his breakfast, nearly moaning in pleasure at how good the food tasted.
He was about to say, "I told you so," but Esther also scolded him. He huffed and stabbed his food with a knife. Nick whipped his head toward Mel, hearing the sound he made. His cheeks got red as he started to focus back on his food. Nick shoved the food in his mouth instead of eating it sophisticatedly. He finished his food pretty quick. He had to admit the food was pretty good, and he hated himself for it. However, Nick had more significant things going on, like packing. Packing was essential. "Well, I'm going to go back, and by the time I'm done, I will start packing your bag, Mel, whether you like it or not. Nick disappeared into the hallways, finding his way around before reaching Mel's room. He went in there, flopped on the bed for five minutes, and then started to pack.
Mel grinned when he saw Nick blushing and pressed a kiss to his temple before he dug into his own breakfast. Despite all the scolding he was glad that he had waited to eat, the pastries that they had found were amazing. “I don’t see this as such a big deal, considering you all just got up and are eating now.” Mel chimed in with a laugh as he stood to pour some spiced wine. “Its a big deal because you both got up earlier than normal.” Kira argued, arching an eyebrow when Mel came back with a full cup. “Drinking already? Here I thought you’d save that for when Roi came.” Mel shrugged and took a sip, “I’m getting an early start. There’s no reason why I have to be completely sober for his visit, nor to I want to be conscious of all his little comments of my life choices.” He glanced up when Nick got up nodded, “Don’t over work yourself, dear. I’ll come and help once I’m done here.” He promised, ducking and laughing when Veda flicked a chocolate chip at him, “We all know neither of you are going to get anything done while alone.” Mel stuck his tongue out and helped to clear the dishes and to begin packing what they had in the kitchen area. “You’re really not happy about him coming over are you?” Esther asked softly, eyeing the now half glass of wine beside Mel as he meticulously started packing the silverware and plates. Mel shook his head, cheeks tinged with red from his early drink. “No, but it must be done. For all that he had done in the past, this isn’t about that. He’s the only one I can trust with the estate without risking the Queen finding out.” Mel replied, taking a deep breath and gladly accepting Esther’s hug. “Besides, how could we leave without seeing your cousin.” Esther shrugged and gently nudging Mel away from the counter and the wine. “I do appreciate that quite a bit. Thank you Mel.” She smiled kindly before waving him off. “Go help Nick, or cuddle or whatever you need to do feel better before Roi gets here. We’ll take care of things down here.” Mel pouted and huffed a laugh before slowly wandering back to his room.
Nick finished packing his bags far too quickly, one might add. He still didn't want to do it, but what must be done, must be done. He decided to wait for Mel to return in case he had a particular way of doing things. However, he was getting hot, walking around the room and talking. Yes…he spoke to himself….a lot. So, he took off his shirt, tossing it on the bed before entering that bathroom. He splashed his face with some water. He got a towel and wiped his face. He came back into the room and noticed Mel walking in. "Oh, hey! So, I finished packing, which means it's your turn to start packing, but honestly, you could wait until after the douche bag comes, and we could cuddle for a while." Nick put his bag over to the side of the door. He noticed the slight pinkish tint to Mel's cheeks and frowned. "Don't tell me you're already drunk after one drink."
Mel gently nudged open the door to his bedroom, already dreading packing away all his belongings. He had lived at this estate for so long, had started the rebellion with Veda here, had grown his family here. He had done so much here, suddenly upending that for a new place honestly scared him. He glanced up in slight surprised at hearing Nick, suddenly breaking away from his thoughts. He breathed a small laugh, “and leaned against the threshold of his room “That doesn’t sound half bad right now but I promised we’d take a break after all our packing was done.” Mel reminded softly, walking into the room and lightly resting a hand over Nick’s heart. “Would you believe me if I said it was blush from seeing you without a shirt?” He asked with a teasing smile, pressing a kiss to Nick’s brow before pulling back and finding a luggage bag from the closet and starting to pull clothes from where they were all folded neatly. “This’ll only take a moment or two, I promise dear.”
He took a deep breath when he felt Mel's hand on his chest. He snapped out of his need for touch and shook his head. "No, no, I would not. So long as your ability to form sentences, I guess there's no problem with it. I should get you water, though." Nick sighed and sat on the bed, watching Mel move around the room. He didn't want to mention Roi's visit for fear that might be why Mel's drinking. "Hey, come here for a moment." He held out his arms and spread his legs to make room for Mel in the middle. He wasn't planning on doing anything. He just wanted to hold him and make him relax the best he could. "You can go back to packing in a second just come here for a little bit."
Mel went from the bathroom to the bedroom to the closet, switching between each one whenever he remembered something they'd need. Soon enough, Mel had made two piles, one of things they'd bring with them that wouldn't fit in the the bag while another pile would be of stuff they'd move into storage to take later on once they settled. He looked up from moving a small box filled with jewlery, wanting to protest that he was almost done with packing and would cuddle soon. But Mel knew better than to say no. He set down the jewelry box and walked over to be with Nick, sitting so that he was facing Nick, leg straddling his waist and hands resting against his chest. "You summoned me, dear?" Mel pressed a soft kiss to Nick's lip, "thank you, sweetheart." He murmured, resting his head on Nick's shoulder, finally letting himself sink into relaxation, at least for a few minutes.
Nick wrapped his arms around Mel and rubbed his hands up and down Mel's back. "Just sit here with me." He kissed Mel's ear and whispered words of relaxation. "You're moving so fast sometimes I think you have super speed. I just wanted to hold you for a little while before you pack like a madman. You seem stressed. You had a drink so early in the morning. Is this because of the visit from you know who?" Nick kissed Mel's neck lightly. They were only butterfly kisses. Not enough to remind Mel of the purple bruises up his neck. He held Mel protectively, wanting to give every ounce of warmth toward their hug.
Mel shrugged as he settled into Nick's secure embrace, humming softly in appreciation. "If you knew him like I did, you'd probably drink as much each time he was brought up in conversation." Mel muttered, already longing for the spiced wine again. "He was my first love." Mel started, not entirely sure why he was saying this to Nick, his current love, of all people but it felt right. "We met after the first year Veda and I started the rebellion. He was one of the only lord's that we trusted at the time to keep out little secret so it was only natural that we got along. We became fast friends and soon enough lovers. I don't think there was a soul in or outside the the kingdom that didn't know we were together. We were so close that he felt that the safest place for his younger cousin was here instead of his own home. Esther came to us a year and half after Roi and I were officially courting. We remained together for nearly three years before we split apart. I had wanted marriage, a symbol of our eternal love." Mel paused, catching himself sounding happy for a second at the the fond memory of his past relationship. "Then I found him in the arms of another man at one of the parties we had attended. He had claimed he was only doing as Nobles do in society, harmless flirting and migle with other socielites. That it had meant nothing compared to what we had. I had been so niave back then that I had forgiven him, but I stopped considering a married life with him since then. We tried to rekindle what we had lost that night but it was never the same. When Roi realized that things wouldn't be the same he just left without saying a word. We didn't talk until he reached out a year afterwards but by then I didn't want anything to do with him. By then I had started relationships with other people, one night stands and such just to distract myself from what had happened. Now it just feels like that night he left all over again. I'm doubting my choices about moving, I'm over thinking what the others think, what you're thinking, I'm scared what he'll think even though I know it won't matter." He furiously wiping away tears and burying his face in Nick's shoulder, trying his best to calm down. "I'm sorry, you told me to relax and the last thing I'm doing right now is relaxing." He said through small sobs. "I don't want you thinking he's a bad person, he really isn't and he's changed so much but I can't focus on that right now. My family is my focus, keeping you safe is my priority and if drinking away my pain is how I'm going to deal with this meeting with Roi, then I want you to understand that." He pulled back enough to see Nick's face worried he had said too much.
His facial features softened, and he began to wipe away Mel's tears. "Thank you for telling me how you feel. It means a lot to me to know what's going in that beautiful brain of yours. I'm not going to say I understand your pain because I don't. To say that to you would be unfair. My love, he doesn't see what I see. I see someone whos strong, loyal, and kind, and he took that for granted. I'm not going to like you, though. I want to punch his brain and give him intrusive thoughts until he goes insane," he chuckled, "but I know you wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him. So I will not do that. Right now, I'm the person in front of you who loves you for all your craziness, and I will never stop loving you. I stood by you, and that has to stand for something. So when you think about Roi, I want you to look at me and remember that I will always love you. No matter what. Even in death. None of that till death do us part.." He sighed. "I'm not going to say that I'm jealous because I kind of am, but I have you now, and that's all that matters." He grinned and planted a soft kiss on Mel's lips. "As for drinking, I don't care that you are drinking. I understand wanting to drink excessively over something that hurts. I watched it happen with Easton when Abrose broke his heart for the second time. Yeah, it was not fun. My point is, I just don't want you to drink so much to the point where you can't even form sentences properly and might throw up on the bed." He laughed and kissed Mel's cheek. "As for drinking, just watch what you drink and how much you drink. Can you do that for me?"
Mel sniffled and plopped his head into Nick’s hand, a small laugh escaping him as he watched Nick through teary eyes. “Beautiful is not a word I’d use to describe my current mental state right now but I appreciate your lovely compliments.” He ran his fingers through Nick’s hair as he listened, already feeling better by his words. “As much as I would find such great entertainment in that, I’d like to keep this interaction relatively peaceful.” Mel tilted his head and gazed at his beloved sentinel, a smile crossing his features. “You’re the love of my eternity, beyond life and death. Forever mine to love and to be love by.” Mel agreed, gently cupping Nick’s cheek and kissing back. “You have nothing to be jealous of my love. Roi means nothing to me other than a very distant friend if I’m feeling generous enough to call him that.” His smile fainted slightly at the mention of Abrose. “Believe me, it wasn’t fun for either of them. Poor thing wouldn’t come out of his room for days.” He sighed softly, straightening and stretching. “I’d rather not throw up drunk on our bed, I’m really not in the mood to dig out new sheets from that.” He laughed, nodding to the luggage bags in the corner of the room. He leaned back into Nick, lightly tracing patterns onto his skin and nodding. “I can and I will, thank you, dear. For listening and just talking. Its been a while since I spilled out ever thought in my mind.” He pressed a kiss to Nick’s brow before slowly shifting off his lap and tugging him up. “As much as I would love nothing more than to lock away in our room and do nothing for the rest of the day, Roi is on his way and we still have a bit to pack.” With that, Mel went back to pushing things into neat piles until most of his belongings were on one side of the room.
Nick stood up after Mel and helped him pack the rest of his stuff. He ocationally bent down to kiss Mel on the cheek. Once they were done, he looked at the almost empty room and sighed triumphantly. "We did it!" He sighed and flopped back onto the bed, pulling Mel down. Nick held him by his waist and closed his eyes. "How much time do we have left before Roy comes? Nick wasn't used to doing so much work with little sleep. "Today has been such a long day, and I want it to be over." He whispered softly.
"we did indeed." Mel huffed a laugh with a proud smile. He let himself be tugged into Nick's warm embrace, snuggling up beside him and soaking up his wamrth. "About two hours, unfortunately." Mel replied, propping his head up on his hand and gently combing through Nick's hair with the other. "But it's only late morning sweetheart, we still have so much of the day ahead of us." Mel teased, pressing a soft kiss to Nick's should. "Rest sweet love, you deserve some sleep after all the work you've done today. I'll be here beside you when you awake." Mel promised, pulling the sheets they had left out over Nick's form and giving nick a gentle peck on the lips.
(Let's pretend that microwaves existed for like two seconds)
Nick shook his head and frowned. "No…" he groaned and sat up. "You get the guitar, and I will make the hot chocolate. Meet me by the fireplace in ten." Nick kissed him on the forehead before standing up. He was going to follow through on his plan. He didn't just want to make me happy he wanted to do this. He hasn't been in touch with his musical side in quite a while, which made him stressed. Nick marched over to the kitchen. He heated up the two mugs and put the packed chocolate mix in them. Once he finished the chocolates, he made his way to the room he had stayed in for almost a week because of the wound on his side.
(👍🏼fantastical history accuracy out the window gotcha😁)
Mel whined softly, trading Nick for a pillow to squeeze when Nick stood up, breathing in his scent and nuzzling into the bed's warmth, half tempted to stay put and nap for a bit before Roi came. After a few moments of contemplating how uncomfortable he'd be sleeping alone again, Mel sat up and more than reluctantly went to the music room the find the guitar. He made a small detour back to his bedroom and grabbed the pillow and a thick blanket to cuddle up in the study room with, figuring that and the couch would be equally as comfortable as his bed. "Take no offense if I accidentally fall asleep, my love. I woke up far too early to be functional for more than a few hours at a time." He said, setting the guitar case down and nestling into The heap of warm blankets and pillows on the velvet couch by the window. He gratefully took a the cup of hot chocolate, sipping at carefully and closing his eyes in content.
(lmao)
"I would never take offense to you sleeping. It means my voice is soothing enough that you can fall asleep too. If you do I'll wake you up ten minutes before he comes over." He took a small sip at his hot chocolate before setting it down on the class table. He picked up the guitar carefully before sitting next to Mel. He gave him a shoulder to lean on while he opened the guitar case. He ran his fingers over the stings and the smooth surface. "it's been too long." He sighed and put the issue on the floor placing his left hand on the next guitar. He used his finger to pluck the guitar so he could start tuning. "So, you just sit there close your eyes and relax, okay?" He leaned over and pressed a kiss onto Mel's forehead and then to his lips.
Mel rested his head on Nick's shoulder, trying his best to stay awake at least long enough to hear Nick start. "You mean sit here and look pretty? I can do that." Mel laughed softly, leaning into the kiss. "Would you carress me like you do to the guitar? So much care yet so much passion." Mel murmured, voice already heavy and slightly slurred as he struggled to stay awake. He felt comfortable with Nick, enough to be this playful while also being able to fully relax. "I would make such beautiful melodies for you." He continued, though now less awake. He lifted his head from Nick's shoulder and laid back into the blankets and pillows, nealy melting into it's comfort. He rested his head on a pillow, letting himself surrender to his temptation to sleep. "Thank you my sweet love." Mel said softly before his eyes fluttered shut and his breath eventually grew slow and even.
Nick smiled. "Of course, I would, darling." He whispered and tucked a loose strand behind his ear. Nick placed a loving kiss on Mel's lips before he faded into more of a tired state. He looked surprised to hear those words come out of Mel's mouth. He wasn't expecting to feel the urge to take Mel up on his offer. Instead, he sighed and shook his head, "That is for a later date, my love, but I bet you would." Nick tried not too much as he watched Mel slowly enter the dream world. He kept humming some light songs and strumming softly so it wouldn't come off as loud and make me wake up. "Any time you need to relax, I'm at your service, my lord."
Mel stretched out on the couch, his head resting on Nick's leg before he went completely still, taking a well deserved nap while the beautiful sound of Nick's voice and playing drifted their wait into his dreams.
Mel had one of the best dreams in what seemed like in a long while. It was simple but beautiful. He dreamed of waking in a large bed, the room bathed in peach and gd as the sun rose from a nearby window. While the room wasn't immediately familiar, Mel felt at home, safe and comfortable. He sat up and glanced over away from the window to find Nick beside him, shirtless and fast asleep. Mel reached over and gently ran his fingers through Nick's hair, finding Nick to be the most beautiful creature in all of the lands. Mel leaned over and pressed feather light kisses to Nick's skin, murmuring softly until he awoke. At the same time Mel felt himself awake in real life.
He breathed in a soft sigh, raising his arm to block out the sun. He groaned softly before turning over and pressing his face against Nick's side. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are? Like an angel." He murmured, glancing up at nick and gently tracing his features with a light hand like he had done in the dream. "Is it too late to send Roi away? I just want to stay the rest of the day here with you." He whined, knowing he'd still have to change before they went out to meet the other Lord.
