Nick looked to Mel, who had successfully diverted his attention from the guitar. "Hey, sleepy head." Nick grinned at the compliment. "I don't think you have, but thank you, darling," Nick said softly, kissing Mel's forehead. "I'm afraid so. We just got the message that he's on his way here. I really would love to stay with you here and do nothing else but caress you. We both know that can't happen. "You said some pretty seductive things before you went to sleep, mister. It had me thinking. However, I don't mind kissing the sleepiness out of you until you're awake." He offered. It was also for his benefit, so he could have fun messing with Mel and show him all the love and affection in the world.
Mel smiled softly and slowly sat up, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. He plopped his head on Nick's shoulder and huffed a sigh. "He is nothing if not punctual." Mel replied, arching an eyebrow and giving a cheeky grin. "Is that so, my dear? And they had you thinking? What scandelous things were you thinking, all from a few pretty words." He shook his head in disbelief and pressed a kiss to Nick's shoulder. "You're more than welcome to try, sweetheart, I am quite tired though." He leaned in close and brushed a soft kiss to Nick's lips, barely even making contact. He pulled back to stretch and attemt to wake up a bit more before resuming his place beside nick. "It's yours to keep if you'd like." Mel said softly, lightly tapping the guitar. "Nine of us know how to play anyways, it'd be a shame if it were to go unused any longer."
"I'm positive I could kiss you awake enough so you can go change before he comes. I'm just that good at kissing, I know. Hold your applause." Nick chuckled and pressed a kiss of his own back on Mel's lips. He looked at the guitar and then back to Mel. "No, I couldn't take something that. I would feel bad. Don't ask me why I just would." Nick laughed. "It's a very pretty guitar and it belongs to you. You should treasure it." Nick kissed Mel's cheek but didn't pull away as he was following through on his promise to kiss Mel awake. He planted butterfly kisses all around Mel's face with a smile. "Now come on we have to get up you know." He mumbled, pulling Mel onto his lap, so he could kiss him better.
"the confidence is truely astounding." Mel laughed, leaning into Nick and leaned into the kiss. He sighed softly before nodding slightly. "Very well. If you ever want to play it, it's yours to do so, there's no need to ask." He decided, bursting out into giggles when Nick kissed him. He yelped out in surprise when he was suddenly pulled into Nick's lap. "I'm up! I'm up!" Mel protested, shifting around so that he was facing Nick. "This doesn't feel like getting up, dear." Mel gently cupped Nick's face and drew him in closer, pressed a tender kiss tonhis lips, eyes fluttering shut as he leaned into his lovers embrace. "Now we actually have to get up. It'd be my nightmare come true if Roi came in and found us like this." He stood from Nick's lap, pressed a kiss to his brow and dissapeared into the closet to change into something looser and more comfortable to your the estate for the last time.
"Of course, my confidence is through the roof. How could it not be when I have a wonderful man who is the love of my life sitting on my lap." Nick watched Mel change. Instead of turning around and giving Mel the privacy he deserved, he laid onto his stomach and rested his hand on his cheek, admiring Mel's physic. "Anyone ever tells you, you're body is stunning?" He stood up and wrapped his hands around Mel's bare waist before he had the chance to put on a shirt. "It's a shame this body had to be seen by other people. Now it's off-limits. Only I can see you like this." He mumbled into Mel's neck.
Mel glanced up with a smile "many a times, yes. But never with as much awe or love in their voice as you." He murmured, heavily leaning into Nick's hold and resting his head against the sentinel's, drawn in by Nick's warmth. A tingling sensation spread from the base of his neck down his his spine as Nick spoke against his skin. "You might have to argue that with Veda. After all, I don't think you've convinced him in any capacity that you know as much about medical practices as he. If anything were to happen to me, as much as I love and adore you with all my heart and soul, I'd much rather have him tend to me than you. And with that comes exposing my body to another man." Mel said, all with a teasing smile and gently ran his fingers through Nick's hair. "But if we're strictly speaking of lovers, than yes, your ethe only one who gets to see me like this." He reassured, lifting one of Nick's hands and presing kisses to his fingertips. "Now, will you allow me to get dressed or will I have to yell through the door to whoever comes that a certain someone decided to be selfish and me all to himself as an explanation as to why we are late?" He asked, turning in Nick's hold and gently cupping his cheek.
Nick gave him three pecks before walking over to the door. "I'll leave you to dress, my dear." He left the room and went towards the entrance of the estate. He would be there to greet what's his face if Mel wasn't done changing by then. He sat in a chair that was conveniently placed by the door. He dusted off his clothes and fixed his hair to look like he didn't just have thoughts of Mel flooding his brain. It was pretty unbearable sitting next to a door waiting for someone. It would be much more fun if he got to watch Mel get dressed rather than sit here. Technically he didn't say he had to leave. He figured he'd be respectful and give Mel some privacy.
"thank you my sweet love, I'll join you in a moment." Mel murmured, giving Nick one last kiss before he left. Mel stripped off the rest of his clothes and pulled on sheer navy blue top with silver details that made the it look as if he wore the night sky. He tugged on a pair of black pants and black healed boots before finally stepping out of the closet and rummaging throught he small jewlery box he had kept out. He glanced up out the window as the sound of horse footsteps became louder. There was one point in Mel's life where he would be so excited just hearing those familiar sounds approach his estate, knowing Roi would be close. Now he just wanted this to be over. He took another peek out the window, watching as the carriage came to stop and the Fae lord stepped out, regally clad in crimson red, handsome as a devil. Mel turned away before he could catch Roi's gaze and glasped a few necklaces around his neck before making his way out of his room, soon being joined by Esther and Veda. Evangeline and kira had told him in advanced they didn't want to be near roi, which Mel could agree with, so he let them be, promising to stay away from their quarters while touring the estate. Mel rounded the corner just as he heard Roi enter address who he assumed was Nick in his usual deep voice. "I see Melisande is not short of company. Too bad it had to be that of a filthy royal guard."
"I don't justify myself with the likes of you. It doesn't matter what kind of company Mel has as long as he's happy with it. That isn't a way to greet someone when you've stepped into a home, now is it? Some people don't know what manners are these days, huh? Besides, you are here to negotiate, not comment on Mel's personal life. So why not we get this over with so I don't have to hear your unbearable voice? Mel was right about you being a pain in the ass." He stood up from his chair. "Mel, darling, please come meet this man before I tare him up myself." He wore a pleasant smile, but there were clear signs of disgust behind that smile.
Roi let out a laugh, "with the likes of me? I am simply a fae lord. Same as Melisande. Does that mean you can't justify being with Mel either?" Roi cooed, giving a knowing smile. He had always been like that, twisting people's words to fit his own narrative. It had been like that with Mell too, though less antagonizing ad more lovingly teasing. "Manners? But my dear I've done nothing wrong. Here I walk into an old friend's lovely home only to be met with a queens guard, her third no less. Now I'm sure what Ezra told me was true but I can't help but suspect foul play? What if you were decieving my dear Melisande? You honestly expect me and Mel to trust you so easily?" Roi shook his head as if disappointed and settled in the chair across from Nick, giving a wry smile. "For the endless nights we stayed up together I'll gladly take that as a compliment."
Mel willed his features into a stone cold expression, willing his mind to go blank beside Nick's voice. "I won't say anything if you do dear." Mel replied with a hint of amusement. He turned the last corner and entered the common room, eyes coming to rest on Nick. He gave a soft smile before he turned his attention to Roi, his smile fading. "I don't appreciate you threatening my sentinel." He growled softly, setting casually in the green chaise lounge by the window. Let Roi drink in his appearance, let him remember everything he had given up for riches and whatnot. "And you should know better than to let a nobility's word sting." Mel tipped his head towards Nick and arched an eyebrow. Though his words were firm, he winked and smiled.
Nick gave smirked as he looked back at Mel. "You're so bad, you know that? But I love it." He glared at Roi as he mentioned the nights they spent. "I suppose your right, my dear. The only noble words that matter are the ones that come from your mouth." Nick walked behind the chaise, letting his fingertips run across Mel's shoulders. "What refreshments would you like, my lord?" Nick had an on-and-off switch of when to act like the sentinel he was supposed to be and when to act like himself. He just turned that switch on. "I have deep respect for the amount of shit you put up with every day. You look stunning by the way, very sexy might I add."
"bad? Me? I would never." Mel laughed softly, glancing up when Nick came over and touched his arm. He gently took Nick's hand and pressed a kiss to his fingertips, much to Roi's shock and disgust. Mel gently squeezed Nick's hand, fear of being alone with Roi flashing through his mind before he loosened his hold a bit. "The spiced wine in the kitchen should be enough, dearest, thank you." He replied, pressing another kiss to Nick's hand as he gazed up at him. "Most days aren't this bad. It's a good thing I don't see him everyday. Thank you, sweet love. I do try to impress." He let Nick go before focusing his attention back on roi. It didn't escape Mel how Roi's gaze still roved over him. Mel straightened slightly but before he could begin, roi cut in. "How is abrose? I heard quite the fiasco happened at the castle." Mel nodded slightly, "yes, I wasn't the best of situations." Mel said softly, his hostility lessening for a bit now. Roi had known Abrose almost as long as Mel did so they both shared their love for the human despite their less than ideal relationship. "He's doing well now. He's in Verrs with a love of his own." Roi's nodded "yes I heard from Ezra. The queen's second." Mel narrowed his eyes slightly "former second, Roi. I had my reservations about Easton as well but he seems more lyal to abrose than he ever was to the queen."
"Does the same go for your current fascination?"
He took his time walking to the kitchen and, in doing so, made his way inside Roi's mind. He was going to make sure Roi wasn't planning anything dirty, and if he were, he'd give him hell. He returned with two glasses filled with wine and the bottle in his other hand. In case there was more wine needed. More wine would be needed if they both wanted to get through this meeting without wanting to rip the guts out of Roi and his annoying smirk. Set the bottle of wine down and passed a glass to Roi and one to Mel. Nick rested his hand on Mel's shoulder, keeping a close eye on Roi while also admiring Mel's appearance. He did look good in that outfit.
"I hope with all my heart he is." Mel replied, with genuine belief. Roi picked off some invisible dust from the chair, dropping his intense gaze for a moment. "I remember when I was the one with your heart in my hands." He murmured. Mel striffened,his whistful smile fading. "And I remember the day I took it back, shattered and alone." Mel shot back. He glared away, frustrated that Roi could still get such a rise out him. If he could get such rage out of Mel, it only further proved how much Mel had loved Roi. He glanced up as Nick came back with the wine and almost reached for the bottle but restrained himself. He needed to be sober enough to walk. So instead he took the glass of wine, welcoming the warmth as it slid down his throat. "Thank you, sweet love, enjoying the view?" Mel murmured, gently nudging Nick's head in appreciation.
"Your welcome," he nodded letting his ears access Roi's thoughts. He was so focused he almost didn't hear the question. However, Nick snapped out of his trace with a blushed face. "H-Huh?" He rubbed under his nose to refocus himself. Nick wasn't sure what he was supposed to answer, but he didn't want to be dishonest. "Uh, y-yeah, I guess you could say that. You just look really great so I couldn't help but stare." He cleared his throat trying his best to focus on Roi's thoughts, but his own was getting in the way. "You should probably focus on your negotiation and not what I'm thinking dear." He gave a small smile. Nick watched him drink the wine which made him gulp, but he kept his thoughts with a tight lock around them.
Mel chuckled softly before gently squeezing Nick's hand and standing. "I see you're as eager to get this over as I am." He muttered, flicking his gaze to Roi. "But my sentinel is correct. You came here to negotiate terms on my estate, not my relationships." Mel finished off the last of the wine and started towards the hallway, nosing as Ester and Veda joined. Ester fell back a few steps to give roi a hug and exchange a few words before she was beside Mel again. "No more wine for you. Especially this early." She scolded firmly. Mel managed to keep a low growl at bay, knowing Esther always meant well but right all he wanted was to get Roi out of his sights as soon as possible. "Not much has changed over the years, though a few rooms needed to be moved around a bit to accomadate some newcomers." Mel started to explain, figuring the more he talked, the less Roi would. He was wrong.
"Yes I did notice when walking up that you weren't what I thought was your old room."
Mel nodded slowly "yes, we figured it'd make a better study." Mel refused to admit he had changed the layout of the living quarters simply because he didn't want any sort of reminder of his time spent with Roi after he had broken things off. He sighed softly and rounded a corner, leading to the kitchen.
He coughed a bit, remeber what they did in that study. It only lasted a few moments, but it was an incredible few moments. Nick's mind returned to focus mode for the subject at hand. Nick had stayed close to Roi to make sure he didn't try anything. He wasn't going to lie and say he didn't feel a little bit jealous. He new Mel would rather be tortured then have to talk to him longer than he needed to but still, they had something Mel and Nick didn't and that was time. It hasn't been long since the incident that happened a while back. So much has been going on lately that he never got to really sit down with mel if not for only a few seconds. Most of those seconds were him being hurt and having to be take care of. So, yeah, he did feel a little pain in his chest, but nothing he wouldn't get over.
Mel stayed by the threshold of the kitchen watching Roi inspect the kitchen. He crossed his arms over his chest and fixed his gaze on a cracked tile on the floor instead of the Fae who had broken his heart years ago. He had something more important to think about like his family, finding arose once he got to the southern continent, and of course, Nick. He looked over at his sentinel, and nearly laughed out loud. He gently took Nick’s hand and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it. “Is everything alright dear?” Mel’s eyes narrowed in thought “Has he said anything to you?” He asked, more serious. Mel knew Nick would take care of Roi very swiftly but Mel wanted to know regardless what his ex had dard to say to about one of his guests and loves.
Nick looked over slowly and watched as Mel kissed his hand. I guess he showed his emotions a bit too much. He gave a soft smile. "No, no, he didn't say a thing. Just thinking up here." He pecked a kiss on his cheek. "Everything is fine, just continue with your negotiation, and I'll be fine." He kissed Mel on the lips, partially for him and partially for Roi to see just how serious he was about Mel. "Then after it will just be me and you and that taunt you gave me earlier. Don't think I forgot." He chuckled against Mel's lips and then pulled away. If Nick was being honest, he liked the quiet moment he got to talk to Mel in his mind, it was a language only they would have and he was at peace with that.
"you're positive?" Mel huffed a small sigh and carressed Nick's cheek, gladly accepting the kiss. He tugged Nick close and pressed their heads together. "Did I? I do have some recollection of saying something intriguing but the exact words escape me." He teased, grazing a kiss to Nick's jaw before Nick pulled away. "Soon, my dear." He promisedstraightening as Roi came back. "So much has changed yet so much is familiar, including you, Mel." He noted, as Mel started into a leisurely walk again. "It's called growth, dear. Much has happened since we were together. None of which I would change. I'm proud of the change we've been through." He replied over hsi shoulder.
Nick sighed and crossed his arms as if he were a child. He wanted to kiss Mel more but respected his wishes and left him alone. "I'm positive I'll be fine." He trailed off and kept the distance between Mel and Roi. He would say he was fine with all the flirty comments Roi had been making,k but he knew Mel could handle himself. He also hated that Roi had a better way with words than he was. He could see why Mel loved him at some point. However, Mel was in love with him not, and Nick couldn't be happier. "How could I not be fine if I have you all to myself after this is done."
"I'm all yours sweet heart." Mel purred, smiling over his shoulder. For a moment he caught Roi's eyes on him, and in that same moment, Mel saw the old Roi smiling back, the one Mel had loved when he was younger, the Roi he had sworn he would spend the rest of his life beside. But this wasn't the same Roi Mel knew, not anymore, not after those three words, "we are over," had shattered his fantasy. He forced his gaze away and turned back towards the hall he had turned down, the one that lead to the gardens around the back of the estate. "These unfortuneatly have been unkept ever since what happened to Abrose but hopefully we'll bring over seedlings and bulbs to start a new garden when we move." Mel said, hoping to distract his mind as he stepped into the garden, breathing a much needed breath of fresh air after the rain.
Abrose took in a deep breath as he wiped his brow from sweat. He had been working for the past few weeks after they had moved into their home with the help of Mel's contacts in the southern continent. He was exhausted but finally at peace with wuere he was. Here no one could hurt him, him or Easton. He smiled to himself as he sat back and gazed out onto scenery, a small but busy village filled with far and human kind, all by a large lake. He adored it so far and he hoped to contribute something good to his new home. He stuck the spade he had been using to dig small trenches for new seedlings into the rich dirt and dusted his hands off, ready to take a well deserved break.
(Should I transition back to Easton?)
(sure, I was gonna keep going with both Mel and abrose since they're pretty close in time line now)
(Yeah, we can do that. I was just wondering)
Nick wasn't sure about how he felt having Mel's ex so close. He felt jealous, but there was also something else, but he couldn't put his finger on it. he'd rather die than have Roi catch onto what he thought before he even knew, so he tried his best to have his facial features not project anything he was feeling. He looked out onto the garden, but even beyond that, he couldn't help but admire the pure joy on Mel's face when he smelled the fresh air. He also could not help but think about how Easton and Abrose were doing. Hopefully, they had a bright and sunny day where they were.
Easton walked over to Abrose with a warm cup of tea. "It's over; Now we just wait for Mel and Nick to come over here." He sighed and sat next to his lover. He passed the tea carefully so as not to spill any. "I haven't found a job yet, but I'm looking. I don't want to leave everything up to you." He gave a light peck to Abrose's cheek. Easton wasn't used to such a calm place. There was always something going on, whether with the queen or his own personal affairs. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and that the feeling was too light. He felt something was missing, but he wasn't entirely sure what. He looked over to Abrose and couldn't help but smile. The perfect person was sitting right next to him. What more did he need? "What's on the schedule for today?"
