Easton had looked at the time and decided it was time to get home so they could have their date. He struggled for a while not really knowing what to wear. Most of his clothes were formal and meant for work, not dates. Once Easton was done showering he tried his best to put together some sort of regular clothing. At least a sense that it was more of a casual affair than anything serious. A big grin fell on his face as he figured out exactly what he was going to wear. Easton threw on his black pants that wrapped loosely around his ankles. As for his top, It was a very nice shade a green not bright like grass but deep green. This shirt was loose around his body as well. He didn't own any sweaters or tight shirts besides the ones he gets from work. He looked in the mirror turning around. "Okay…you got this…just say it…just tell him…it shouldn't be that hard." Easton nodded to himself before heading out on his way to Abrose's place. He constantly checking the time afraid he would be late, but he made it right on time. Easton knocked on the door hesitantly and tried to calm himself the best that he could. He shook his hands out and slapped his face with his back facing the door.
looked up at the sound of a knock and quickly did a pass around the room, making sure everything was in the right place. He took a quick glance at himself in the mirror, decided that it was good enough for now and quickly made his way to the back door. He cracked open the door just a smidge, just in case it wasn't Easton. He tilted his head curiously, immediately recognizing Easton's toussled hair and broad shoulders. He opened the door completely, leaning against the threshold with a bright smile, arms crossed over his chest "you could have come in through the front, dear." He said, gently taking his hands to stop Easton from hitting himself. "Is there never a time where you don't look beautiful. It makes it so hard to argue with you sometimes." He laughed softly and gently tugged Easton inside, waving to the set table, the warm dinner steaming from multiple plates and bowls.
I didn't come through the front in case anyone saw…, he thought. He felt ashamed for that too. Like he had done something wrong for not being more confident. The only reason is because of the conversation he had with the Queen worried him. Easton let a blush creep upon his cheeks. Out of embarrassment and what Abrose was wearing. Even though he was wearing regular clothes he seemed so enticing. "M-Me? No, you…you look…well amazing. I know it's nothing fancy but you make it look so elegant. You are elegant." He kissed Abrose's cheek lightly, not letting go of his hand. He saw the table full of food as his stomach began to growl just looking at it. "You made all of this? It looks really good." He used his hand to pull out a chair for Abrose before he sat down himself on a separate chair. He seemed to be more nervous than usual and he was never really nervous. He was figuring out a way to tell him about everything that happened today, but he could find the right words in his head. Nothing about this was easy and he knew that.
A ride let out an embarrassed laugh and leaned into the gentle kiss on the cheek. "I wouldn't call this elegant but thank you." He nodded his head and settled down into the chair, handing a plate off to Easton and filling his own with bread and roasted meat. "I wasn't sure what you liked so I made a few dishes just in case." He replied, flicking his gaze up to see that Easton hadnt reach for anything yet. "Everything alright, dear?" He asked softly, lightly resting his hand against Easton's arm to get his attention. His lips quirked downwards as he remembered what had happened last time they had had a date. "I'm not going anywhere if you're worried about that." He said softly, reaching up and gently nudging aside a few strands of Easton's hair to better see his eyes. "I'm staying with you, no matter what."
Easton slowly turned his head towards Abrose keeping his eyes focused on where they where he was looking. After a few seconds, his eyes snapped back to Abrose focused on him than in his own mind. "Huh? Y-Yeah, I know I just…" He scratched the back of his head before getting completely out of his thoughts. "I just really want this to go well. I'm thinking about every possible way I could mess up and how I can avoid those situations." He gave a nervous laughed before moving his chair inwards. He lied once again. He had been doing a lot of that lately and it wasn't his favorite thing to do. It made him feel worse about himself, but he tried his best to be his cheerful usual self.
"dear, you showed up. I don't think there's many things you can do that'd mess this up." He reassured, lightly brushing his thumb along Easton's cheek before dropping his hand to go back to eating. He offered a reassuring smile and gently nudged Easton's arm. "A fair warning, you might find yourself some trouble in the next few days. Mel may or may not be skeptical of you." He laughed softly and shook his head. "I may or may not have told him about about you beforehand. He's worried I'm paying more attention to you than to him." He shrugged and took a bite of bread. "He has a companion though now, so that should preoccupy him for a while, especially if they grow fond of each other."
"Well, he can't be of higher rank than me, right?" Easton reached to put food on his plate the smell making his stomach growl. "Besides your friends can cause trouble for me, but there is nothing I won't do to stay by your side, my love." He reached for Abrose hand, holding it up to his lips, and giving it a peck before letting go. Once Easton got everything he needed he started to consume the food that was made by Abrose. "How was work today? You were careful today right?" Easton asked before popping a piece of food into his mouth. He looked at Abrose with wide eyes. "This is so good….I'm so lucky. Even if I lose my rank, I'll be set for life." He smiled while he continued chewing.
"I'm not sure, do nobles rank higher than guards?" He shrugged slightly "regardless, I don't think he'd care what rank you are." He laughed softly and glanced up when Easton had taken his hand, his cheeks turning pink at the kiss. "Neither will I dear." He smiled softly and nodded his head, taking a moment to eat a bit before answering. "Mhm, work was great, and yes, I was careful. I saw you outside a few times. Was something wrong or just on patrol?" He asked, tilting his head with a laugh "if that ever happens, I'd be more than happy to cook for you." He smiled and took a few more spoonfuls of food
"I'm really sure if Nobels rank higher than guards. I'm the captain of the guard so there's that. Who knows. I never really pay attention I kind of just assume anyone who's Fae is the same rank as a noble even if they are human. Most people don't care, however there are some who do including me, but you know I'm trying to fix that." Easton took another bite. "Well…It was a little bit of both. I was on patrol, but I also just stopped to look at you work. You're really cute when you work. You look so focused. I only really passed by because I know you were there. But anyway…" he stuck another piece of food into his mouth. "If you cooked for me everyday, I think I would fall in love with you all over again," Easton stated with a mouthful of food.
If possible, Abrose's cheeks turned redder as Easton spoke. He had never thought himself as cute while he worked, much less after a day of working with the flowers and herbs or in the garden." He took a peek up, unable to keep a soft smile off his features as he watched Easton eat for a moment. "What did I do to deserve your love over and over again, hm dear?" He asked, standing and pressing a kiss to Easton's brow.
"You're very cute when you're flustered like this." Easton didn't let himself get flustered, even though his heart was beating was to fast for his own comfort. "The fact that you're amazing at cooking, you get so nervous and you start to blush when I compliment you, there is never a time where you don't look stunning, and every time I'm with you my Heartbeat won't slow down. You're the only one who could make me feel like this. Feel so helpless and vulnerable. I can't say that I hate it either." Easton flashed a smile before continuing to eat. He couldn't get the smirk off of his face. "Of course, I can't say there aren't times when you made me blush."
Abrose brought his now empty plate to the sink his face now tomato red. He opened his mouth, wanting to contradict or play off the compliments but finding he couldn't say anything. His brows turned up slightly at the mention of making Easton vulnerable, knowing that the risk Easton was taking with being with someone like him was far to high for him to feel vulnerable when they were together but he couldn't help but feel a bit proud of himself that he managed to break down those walls as well. He glanced over at Easton, huffing a soft laugh at the smirk on his face. "Oh really, my dear? Please do entertain me. When have I ever made you blush?" He asked with a smile of his own, resting his hand on his cheek and leaning against the small counter space beside the sink.
Easton cleared his throat. "W-Well, for instance, today when you were patching me up. You sort of um…well you know what you did." He stuffed more food into his mouth so his words started to come out as mumbled messages. "You're making me blush right now because you're asking me this question…" He gulped down the food before he continued talking. "When you look at me or smile in my direction it makes me blush knowing that that's how you look at me. Not with disgust, but…" He looked over to Abrose but quickly looked in the other direction. His cheeks were a deep scarlet. "A-Anyway, you know what I mean…I hope." Easton cleared his thought once more before continuing to eat properly. I can't believe I just embarrassed myself like that.
Abrise's grin only widened as he listened to Easton. He walked over to Eastpn and gently wrapped his arms around his neck, resting his head against his shoulder. "I do know what you mean, dear. Believe me, you make me blush and flustered just as much if not more." He offered a sweet smile and pressed a gentle kiss to Easton's cheek. "Poor creature, being seduced by a lowly human florist." He cooed, ruffling Easton's hair playfully before pulling away to tend to the cake in the oven, wanting to make sure he didn't burn it
"Shush!" Easton nibbles on a piece the fork in his mouth. He needed to plug his mouth before he said something stupid again. "W-Well, you were seduce by a fae and you hate fae's so I see that as an accomplishment." Easton said triumphantly. "While I was at work, I met with the Queen…" He put his fork down and looked over to Abrose. "I know today was supposed to be a do-over and good vibes only. When I met with the queen she told met that I have a month to bring you in. If I don't we both get brought in. But, she said something that confused me. She said that if I still had interest in you she could arrange something. I think that's what she said, but I didn't want to hide it from you. I hate not telling you the truth…" He sighed and took Abrose's hands. "I don't want to do it but if I don't…my family…"
"ah you are right but it was you who came up to me at the ball." He winked, the smile never fading from his features as he worked with the cake, cutting it and filling it with cream and fruit. He lifted a delicate eyebrow and nodded slightly "it is your job, it's normal that you meet with her highness." He replied, voice slightly clipped. It still didn't sit well with Abrise that he was with someone so dangerously close to the Queen but in the other hand he honestly couldn't think of being with anyone else other than Easton. The dreaded feeling if mistrust only grew as Easton turned to look at Abrise and speak about his meeting with the Queen. Soon his smile fell and he was hyperfocused on decorating the cake, refusing to look Easton in the eyes until he felt his hand over his. He slowly set his spatula down and stared right at the cake, as if it were the person he feared and hated the most instead of a dessert.
"I know." He said after a few moments of silence. He turned his gaze up to Easton's, hoping the pain didn't show as much as he felt it. "I would never, ever, want you to choose between me or your family. That shouldn't be a choice given to anyone." He swallowed thickly, memories of the night of the picnic flooding back to him all at once. Maybe he should have left what they had there. He had tried so hard to push Easton away once and it had worked…for a few days until his heart had had enough. Now they were here, and Abrise couldn't imagine putting either of them through that again. But if you're taken in by the Queen, won't it be the same?
Abrose gently squeezed Easron's hand. "Let's talk about this more tomorrow, okay?" He said softly, trying to keep his voice from breaking. "Let's enjoy tonight and we'll see what we can do about the Queen tomorrow."
"Okay…" Easton took a deep breath in and out. "I was so scared of telling you. I felt like if I did tell you, you would get angry or run away. I know it sounds crazy." Once Easton git this off his chest he felt better but even so the thought of turning him in and losing him stings. It pulls on all the wrong strings. He hated this feeling. He got up from the table and stood behind Abrose. He wrapped his arms around Abrose's waist, looking at the cake. "I'm sorry I probably brought down the mood…" He kissed Abrose's jawline before nuzzling his hand into the crook of his neck. Easton's heart was beating fast, half because of the way he felt around Abrose, but mostly because of how nervous and fearful of how the morning would unfold.
Abrose glanced up as Easton came closer, leaning into his embrace. "Is this your way of lightening the mood?" He asked tilting his head slightly and humming in response to the kiss. "It's working." He admitted with a small smile, running a free hand through Easton's hair and pressing a kiss to his head. "It's going to be alright dear." He murmured softly, leading Easton around the small kitchen to put the cake away in the fridge and to clean his hands. He turned in Easton's embrace and lightly rested his hand on his chest over his heart, feeling his breath and heartbeat. Ambrose gently nuzzled his hair, pressing small kisses anywhere he could reach, his cheek, his temple, his jawline, and the corner of his lips.
"Now you're just teasing me. I thought I was going to eat the cake and you but you tricked me for both." He joked. "Of course, I do love your little kisses." He hummed. "I'm glad my distractions are working. f they weren't I would be very concerned about my distracting skills. In all seriousness though…" he moved to the fridge. "Can I have a piece of that cake or is it for a special occasion. If so is it possible you can make me another one?" He chuckled. "I'm going to be honest it smelled really good."
"you didn't think it'd be that easy to win me over my dear?" He joked, letting him go to the fridge while he cleaned up. "All in due time, my love. I'm just letting it cool a bit." He replied with a small smile. Give it a few minutes and then we can have some." He went to work on the dishes while the cake chilled for a bit. "Mind feeding Melian? She should be outside near the Willow tree." He nodded out the window towards the garden, the mare settled beneath the tree, now resting
He looked out the window. "I mean sure but what would I feed Melian?" He sighed putting on the gloves he had in his pocket. He always had a pair of gloves on him where he went. Kind of like how people take a pocket knife with them he would take a black pair of gloves. "Okay, I'm ready to feed Melian. I can't say I'm mentally prepared, but I'll just have to surpass it. But seriously what do you feed her? Carrots?"
Abrose gave a grin over his shoulder and shook his head "I'm surprised a captain of the royal guard has no experience in handling what used to be a royal horse." He chuckled lightly and dried his hands on a nearby towel. "so far I've been bringing her to the pastures behind the area." He said, leaving the dishes for now and guiding Easton outside. "She seems to like that more than the hay I've been trying to give her. Abrose explained as he grabbed the reigns and walking through the garden towards the tree where Melian was. The moon had risen high above them, fill and bright, bathing everything, including Abrose in silver, causing his red hair to turn to copper. He slowly approached Melian, watching as she rose and walk around a bit, shoving her muzzle into Abrise's hands and huffing slightly, eyeing Easton warrily. "He's alright. You be nice." Abrose muttered, looking up at his horse. She was so tall, her back came up to Abrose's nose. He could nearly stand under her head at full hight without needing to duck. At first he was extremely nervous to have the mare as his own, having never taken care of something so big before. He scratched her head before gently slipping the refund over her head and handing them off to Easton. "You're gonna walk her." He instructed, pointing to pastures beyond the property before walking to the latest side and jumping up onto her back, lightly holding onto a thicker portion of her mane
Easton was way too distracted to listen to anything that Abrose was saying. Abrose looked beautiful in the moonlight. He knew the other probably didn't see it but he was almost glowing and it seemed too soft. He wanted to just wrap his arms around him and hold him like no tomorrow. Easton sighed contently at the thought while he watch the other jump on the horse. He looked dazed for a moment before shaking his head. "W-Wait, what? Horses can be walked?" Even though Easton was a royal guard the horses were still left to the servants and not him. He had nothing to do with the horses besides occasional treat giving. "How do you walk a horse and besides…" Easton reached out to touch the horse almost afraid of it, but when the horse slightly move his ripped his hand away. "How do I know that I won't get my hand bitten off. I would never wield a sword again," he explained.
"just start walking, she'll follow." He replied patiently, lightly patting Melian's neck. Abrose glanced up and tilted his head, watching as Eastin attempted to pet the mare. He dismounted the horse and walked back to Easton's side. Melian's narrowed her glassy eyes and Kicked at the dirt beneath her hoof, growing impatient. Abrose gave her a pointed look. "You princess are going to learn to wait. I know you're used getting your food at a certain time but that's not how it works here." He said, speaking softly while at the same time taking Easton's hand and pulling off one of the gloves. "She won't. Not if you're slow. She's most like more nervous around you." He took Easton's hands and gently pressed it against Melian's brow. "There. Not so bad right?" Melian whinnied as if to protest but slowly stopped her fidgeting and closed her eyes, lightly nodding her head into Easton's touch. Abrose smiled softly and offered the reins to Easton once again. "I can walk her if you'd prefer but I think she'd be fine with you."
"W-Wait…" he mumbled before his gloves take off. Easton's eyes were glued shut until Melian started to push back. His eyes fluttered open. "W-Woah…" Easton gave a tiny laugh that made his frown turn into a big smile. "It feels so weird. believe it or not, I've never touched an animal before. Not even a dog or s pet. I always wear gloves when I'm on my horseback at the castle stables… This is so weird, but it feels…nice. You can leave her to me." He grinned and walked off looking behind I'm every now and again to make sure Melian was following him. She was. Easton didn't exactly know where to walk but he figured it out. Easton just went in whatever direction he wanted to. It was only a walk after all. Once he was far enough away he groaned. "Melian why is it so hard to choose. I shouldn't even have a choice what do you think? It's either betray the kingdom or betray his heart. Both sound dreadful.
Nick on the other hand had been watching this night unfold almost as if he was sitting at a movie theater. "Easton I am sorry it had to come to this. I can see you really love him but he has to go…" he mumbled to himself finding a nice spot where he could see everything.
