Easton laughed. "I'm a total asshole and you know it." Easton kissed his neck a couple of times before he sat up straight and nodded. "Okay…" Easton walked back into the shop. "For special treatment do I go to the back?" he smirked. Easton walked back there sighed plopping down on the nearest chair. "This place is nice." he looked around giving an approving nod. "You know, you should take more breaks. Using your magic like this all day long must take a toll on you physically right? It has to be tiring to just do something for hours on end every day with no break. Like maybe you shouldn't work on weekends or something. You probably think that people get hurt every day, but you live upstairs right? So, why not just put up a sign saying if it's urgent, knock if it isn't, leave." He sat back in the chair, putting his hands out in front of him. "That easy."
Abrose huffed a laugh as Easton kissed him, "you are when you do that." He breathed, trying his best to give Easton an annoyed look but he couldn't help but smile. He followed Easton back inside "in fact you do. Though I doubt in the way you're thinking. He gathered a few supplies he needed, gloves, some glasses and a pair of tweezers to remove the smaller Barb's. He pulled over a small stool and a lantern to better see, casting a warm glow over the both of them. "Thank you. I'm glad to find my shop intriguing." He settled down in the stood and gently took Easton's hand, setting it in his lap and leaning in close to start working on removing the smaller thorns. "If anything hurts, tell me and I'll stop." He said softly, putting on his glasses and taking the tweezers. "Are you saying that for your own benefit?" He mused with a small laugh. "I don't use my abilities all the time. Only when absolutely necessary. Most of the time, individual's illnesses or concerns can be taken care of with the products I provide. Besides, i'd get far too paranoid if I knew people needed me, no matter how small the problem, and chose to ignore them.because I was on a break." He shrugged and pulled sharply at a stubborn thorn. "Besides, what would I do on a so called day off? This is what usually keeps me busy, distracted, sometimes even entertained. I don't really know what I'd do with so much free time."
Easton only gave a large smirk. "Oh, you know you like it when I kiss your neck." He blushed when he saw Abrose with his glasses on. "M-Maybe I'm saying it because I want you to hang out with me more, but that's beside the point. Sort of." He winced when he started removing them. "Oh, kinky. I don't ever want you to stop-" he shut his eyes when another one was removed. He watched him with an admiring smile plastered on his face. "You know you're hot when you do this." he gave a deep chuckled but was snapped out of his trance when he pulled at one. "On a day off you would hang out with me. We could sleep together and cuddle and I can shower you in kisses…everywhere."
"you really went at it with the weeds, didn't you dear?" He smiled and shook his head, letting the blush creep up to his cheeks again as he listened to Easton. "Ah so that's the real reason you think I should take breaks." He pulled out the last barb from Easton's hands and set aside his tool, releasig a small breath of relief. He stood and gently tilted Easton's Chin up so that he could look him in the eyes. "I'd almost call that selfish dear, if that didn't sound like absolute heaven." He brush a soft kiss to Easton's lips before pulling away and rumaging through a large wall of drawers next to his desk for gauze and scissors. "I'll think about the day off. It does genuinely sound nice to have a designated day just to relax." He sat back down his chair and started wrapping Easton's hands, enough to cover to small puncture wounds and scratches, bit not so much that Easton couldn't move
"They were evil!" he cried jokingly. Easton stayed there in complete shock by the stunt Abrose just pulled. His face turned to a deep red. "You can't just…and then…" he groaned. "I would push you against the wall right now, but you are lucky my hands hurt darling," he growled. "You'll really consider it?" Easton wrapped Abrose in a warm hug. "He pulled him on top of his lap only wanting to embrace him more to feel his warmth. "That makes me ecstatic that you would consider waking up to me. We are having our dinner tonight right? O course, if tonight doesn't work for you, I'm more than happy to do whatever time suits your needs, my love."
Abrose tilted his head innocently as he secured the gauze. "Just can't do what? Kiss you?" He stood and started putting away his supplies, glad that It gave him a chance at least try to hide his flush. He turned back to Easton once he had finished organizing everything and nodded, letting out a Yelp as he was suddenly pulled into Easton's lap and wrapped in his embrace. Ambrose let himself selfishly enjoy Easton's warmth. "I'd love to wake up to you every morning." He murmured, pressing his face into Easton's neck, nodding his head. "We can have dinner tonight if you'd like." He replied, surprised to hear the pet name coming from Easton's lips, finding it cute that someone like Easton could be so charming while also being that deadly.
Easton held Abrose close in a way he hoped would make him feel safe. "That would be nice. Are you cooking?" Easton would stroke Abrose's hair, twirling it around his finger. He kissed his hair before cupping his cheeks softly. "You know I can never seem to take my eyes off you. Whenever I see you walk amongst town my gaze is always somehow fixated on you darling. I never knew why until now. " He gave a butterfly kiss to Abrose before continuing to look in his eyes. "You're beautiful and you tend to capture the eyes of many. You never notice but there are people who look at you the same way I do. It's a shame you're taken or should I dare say reserved for me. and only me" Easton had said these words subconsciously. He didn't seem to notice that he was talking.
he nodded slightly, His blush remaining as Easton kissed his hair. "Well, I'm honored I've gained the Captain's attention, even if back then it was for other reasons." He kissed Easton back with a him, eyes fluttering at the sensation for a moment. "Oh darling, I do notice. But I've never paid any of those stares any mind. I don't need to know what they think of someone like me. At least until now." He sat up in Easton's lap and pressed their heads together. "I am reserved for no one, dear. I choose to love you. I want to love you. I want to be with you." he pressed a kiss to Easton's lips, drawing it out a bit before gently breaking away. "Territorial aren't you?" He muttered teasingly
Easton leaned into the kiss but growled when Abrose pulled away. "Who said anything about different reasons?" He moved his hand along Abrose's jawline. Abrose was right, Easton was very territorial when it came to things like this. Weather it was his sword or oven a spot he had in line with the other officers. He would claim something if it was taken from him he would get extremely mad. "I know you can love who you want to I'm just saying you choose me so you can't back on your decision just yet right?" Easton closed his eyes plants his face into Abrose's chest. "I should go I don't want your customers to have to wait to long, but even so…" He hummed, his face flushing from happiness. "You're just so comfortable I never want to leave…"
Abrose made a show of thinking things over, unable to keep a smile off his features. "I'm not entirely sure that's how things work dear, but no, I don't want to go back on any decision I've made. I want to be with you. No one else." He pressed a kiss to Easton's cheek and ran his hands through his hair, combing through the tangles and snags. "Eh, I don't really have many customers at this time. Mostly after lunch. But you have to get to work." He laughed softly and relaxed into Easton's secure hold. "I don't want you to go either but I'll be here when you get back, kay?" He promised, giving Easton an encouraging smile before slowly wasting off of his lap.
"Prepare a carriage." The queen ordered the guard closest to her throne. She tapped a well manicured finger against her lip before rising from her seat and striding to her room to change. A dress wouldn't do for where she was going. While her shapeshifting abilities were spectacular, they had no hold over what she wore. "Oh, and bring me one if the servants clothes to my chamber." She called over her shoulder before disappearing around the hall corner.
He leaned into every one of Abrose's touches, which made him only want to stay longer. He felt empty when Abrose left his lap. He wanted to beg for him to stay longer but he only sighed knowing that Abrose was right. Easton would have to get back to work and stop distracting himself with a very attractive man. Easton up as well, giving Abrose a kiss on the cheek before walking past the curtain leading to the back. "I'll see you for our date then. What time should I be here love?" he peeks his head behind the curtain, tilting his head to the right slightly.
He leaned into the kiss with a smile as he watched Easton go through the curtained doorway. He sighed softly and pressed his hands to his cheeks, surprised to still feel them warm. While he wasn't at all bothered to let show his flustered state with Easton, With other people, it was a bit of a different story. He glanced up as Easton popped back in. "Oh, uhm, how about 8-ish? Usually everyone is gone by then." He replied
Easton nodded. "I'll see you at eight then my love." he left the shop the bell giving off a ding from the door. As soon as he got outside he felt triumphant enough to do a little dance while singing that he was having a date with Abrose. Easton couldn't help but smile the entire way he walked to go do his job. He never really called to the castle often but on this day he was and he didn't know why. He simply complied and walked through the big open gates. The guard's polity escorted him down the halls as need be. "So how you doing today?" the guard didn't answer and Easton only frowned. "Not very talkative today are we. Such a shame how boring you guys are." He rolled his eyes taking his time down the hallway.
"I'm sure this is all just one big misunderstanding. Sure our precious Captain of the royal guard would never turn his back on his duties." The queen mused aloud, peeking at her surrounding guards and smirking, watching as they shifted uncomfortably in agreement. They all knew better than to trust her seemingly happy demeanor. She clenched her jaw and straightened in her seat, back straight A's she considered her possibilities. One, that Easton was baiting the young human to make the senstense more painful. Or two, that Easton somehow really did grow feelings for his charge and had somehow abandoned his assignment and therefore her. She drummed a well manicured hand against her throat, her mood deteriorating every moment as she thought more on it. "I want everyone out." She growled, watching as her guards slowly filed out if the throat room, leaving her alone for now
Easton was pushed into the room the doors slamming loudly behind him. He looked around for a second before his gaze landed on the queen. He quickly kneeled keeping his eyes on the floor. He cleared his throat. "Your majesty, if there a reason you have called me in today. Have I done something to upset you or not to your liking?" Easton away shad this little ball of fear whenever it came to the Queen. She had the power to do anything and he could easily go from captain to a nobody in seconds. Of course, he would never show that in front of her, however.
She watched as Easton knelt, a small smirk crossing her features at knowing that she still had that much power over him. "Rise, captain. I only wish for you to clarify a few things for me." She rose from her throne and strode around it, running a light hand along the edge of it. "There's been a rumor going around with the other guards. They've been saying that you've been seen in the village with a particularly interesting human. Some even recognized them from the ball I held the other night. While I've never minded your little escapades and romantic adventures, this one has me particularly worried." She tilted her head, lips brought into a pout, feigning concern for her captain. From what the guards have been telling me, this human sounds quite similar to the one I ordered you to bring here on the claim that he's a magic weilder. They've also told me that it seems that you've grown a particular bind with this human witch." She paused at the top of the dias, pinning Easton with a sharp glare. "Now I do hope this is all a misunderstanding captain. Perhaps a way to lure him into a false sense of security to make it easier to bring here? If that's the case then by please do continue. I hadn't realized you were that cruel." She shrugged and started to slowly descendbthe stairs if the dias, with each step, her features changed. "If my orders were not clear before, let me remind you." Her sharp features softened, eyes growing rounder and hued bright green. "You are to bring me that witch for trial and execution on the claims that he's a magic weilder. Something illegal to humans here." Another step, her gram shortened, her build becoming lanky and thing, skin gaining a warm, sun kissed glow. "In return, you, your struggling family, and any descendants therafter will be financially set for life." Another step, her hand stortened and turned a coppery red. "All you have to do is bring him to me." By the time the Queen came to stand in front of Easton, she no longer resembled the Eternally beautiful fae shapeshifter ruler but instead like Abrose, undeniable the same as the human witch she hated and feared. "And if by any chance you've somehow retain your infatuation with the human after, I'm sure things can be arranged so that you can still have your fun." She as Abrise gave a sultry smile and lightly carressed Easton's cheek, turning away and immediately shifting back to normal as she walked back to her throne. "One month, captain. That's all I'll give you for you to bring him in. And if I hear about anymore meetings that don't seem to match with your obligation, I have plenty more guards willing to take on your position." She glanced over Easton's shoulder at Nick before turning her attention back to the captain. "Am I understood?"
Easton, there is shock by her words. He registered everything that had been said to him, yet he didn't answer to any of her claims except one. He smirked "Yes, Your Majesty. I will bring in the witch to you as soon as possible. I hope you don't think that I would ever betray you in such away. Especially with some human. I am loyal to you and only you. You have nothing to worry about that human is wrapped around my finger." He bowed before confidently walking out of the room. On his way out his caught of glimpse of Nick before looking straight forward. With the doors slamming shut behind him, Abrose had felt a throbbing pain in his chest. He felt lost and angry and confused. He had just lied to the queen. He wasn't manipulating Abrose, he truly just wanted to be with him. Of all of the people he had to find attractive, it's the one person he has to bring in. I have really bad choices in men… He had his duty to the Queen, but he also had his duty to Abrose. He didn't want to lose Abrose. What does she mean when she said I could still have my fun? Is there a way I could still be with Abrose? Damn it Easton why didn't you ask.
"If I may ask Your Majesty, why have you called me in today. I hope I haven't done anything to offend or upset you My Queen." He kneeled as well. Nick had always been loyal to the Queen whatever she needed he was there to do the job. He enjoyed his work as well. He would do anything regardless of who he hurt. His feelings were irrelevant.
The queen remained silent as she watched Easton retreat, eyes narrowing slightly. She waited for the doors to fully close and few moments to pass before addressing her other guard. "You are to follow him." She said, relaxing back into her throne and pinching the bridge of her nose to release tension. "All of you. Follow his every move without getting caught by Easton or the witch. Find out anything you can on either of them. Disguise yourself as customers, threaten villagers for information, I don't care what you do. I want information on both of them each week. And if anything becomes particularly concerning with our precious captain of the guard and the human, bring them both in, even if it's before his deadline." She finally met his gaze and grinned. "Who knows, second. You may find yourself in a profitable position. If your captain is indeed finding himself falling, again for another individual, then I might be able to guarantee a ride in position." She shrugged and nodded her head. "I should have known this was coming." She muttered, waving at Nicknin dismissal. "Oh and remember, Secind. You and those under you answer to me. If the captain happens to disagree with any of your actions, I'll deal with him. Understood?" She didn't even wait for him to answer before rising from her throne and heading to her room, itching to get the servants clothes off
Nick nodded. "Yes Your Majesty," he said without a hint of hesitation in his voice. He left the throne room and started to do as the queen said.
Easton on the other hand was having a mental breakdown, but his face didn't show it as he walked around town scoping the area and being usual his usual stuck-up and annoying self. However, he would pass by the shop a couple of times, during this, he would walk slowly past so he could see Abrose's smile and little laughs. He would even watch him work which was more entertaining than he thought it would be. He looked so focus and this made Easton smile. "How am I going to figure this out…" his heart sank thinking about today and soon trudging off back to work. "I meet with him today…so just tell him what happened and everything should be fine. Right? Yeah…"
Abrose had nothing but customers once noon time came around, barely allowing him to take a break or to check on his horse, much less set up for the date with Easron later that night.
"Good luck!" He called as a man walked out if his shop with a bouquet of roses, set on proposing to his partner later that day. He smiled softly and went back to careing for his plants, softly humming to them and gently encouraging blooms to open. After the stream if customers he had had all day, abrose wanted nothing more than to rest and relax for the rest of the evening, but he knew his work wasn't done yet. After an hour or so of no customers and tending to his mare, abrose took that as a sign to close the shop and begin setting up for the date. He cleared up the back area he used for a living space and pulled over his little dining table made from old wood his father had made for his mother far before Abrose was ever a thought in the young couple's mind. He then started on the dinner. A few meat dishes along with a soup and some fresh bread. Rustic for most, but abrose enjoyed the comforting hearty meal and hoped that Easton would as well. Lastly he showered and dressed. Nothing if what he wore was quite as spectacular as what he had worn during the ball but it was Abrose's more well kept clothes. Close fitting black pants along with a deep navy blue tunic with a lace up v neck. He ran his hands through his red hair, trying his best to brush it out as it dried but only managing to make it fluffier. With a huffed sigh he let it be and went back to finalize the dinner as well as out what he had come up with for dessert in the oven, a chocolate and cherry cake, something a bit more indulgent for what he hoped would be a beautiful night.
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.
