Nick sighed and groaned as he cracked his back. "We are finally done. That took way longer than I hoped it would. However…" He pushed himself off the desk and turned Mel's chair to face him. "now, I get to have you all to myself." He leaned in slowly before their lips made contact. Nick held Mel's cheek, his fingers moving along his skin. "What do you want to do?" He mumbled into his lips. He didn't pull away just yet. Nick hasn't really kissed like this in a few hours. He needed to feel it for just a little longer. "We can go under the pavilion, like you suggested earlier." He mumbled his eyes half open.
"yes, but thanks to you, it took a much shorter time to complete," L said as he straightened out the last of the papers on his desk. He glanced up and let out a soft laugh, already reaching out towards Nick and tugging him in close. "I'm all yours," he murmured against the kiss, hands twining into Nick's hair as he fed into the kiss. He gently maneuvered Nick's body so that he sat on Mel, facing him. "Anything you want, my dear." He replied softly between light kisses. He glanced over at the window and nodded, lips brushing against Nick's, "the rain seems to have lightened from earlier. I'm sure we could go out. I can show you the grounds one last time on horseback as well. Gives the horses a bit of excersize." He suggested, smiling as gazed at his beautiful sentinel.
Nick tangled his fingers in Mel's hair. "Yeah…we can do that then, but you just pulled me onto your lap, and now I don't want to move." He smirked. Nick wasn't going to admit it, but he liked being on his lap. A lot. Nick rested his head in the crock of Mel's neck. "Sadly, we should go now, before it starts to rain again." Nick leaned back to get a good look at Mel. He wanted to kiss him again, but he held back. "So for that horse ride, should I be riding by myself or with you. I'm not looking for excuses to hold your waist. What? Who said that."
"don't tell me you're afraid of a little rain, dear." Mel cooed gently in Nick's ear as he stroked through his hair. "It won't hurt us too bad if we get rained on a bit. You'd be surprised how alive the forest gets after a lovepy rain like this." Mel tilted his head and laughed. "If you'd like to ride with me solely to continue holding onto me for dear life, then who am I to say no? Though I must warn you about Gishlain. He's a stubborn one and may take a bit getting used to."
"Of course not, dear. Who do you wake me for?" Nick kissed just under Mel's jawline. "Well, then again, you're a stubborn one, and look how used to you I am. I'm willingly sitting on your lap with no complaints. I think I can handle a stubborn horse. Besides, I have you by my side. How could I be scared when you're right here with me?" Nick kissed up to his forehead and then sighed. "However, I think it's time for me to get off and for us to ride a horse around this beautiful place you call home. My apologies if I smell like dirt. I was in the garden doing garden things." He stood up off of Mel's lap and stretched. Nick then held out a hand, insisting that Mel take it. "Ready?"
“Are you comparing me to a stubborn horse, sentinel?” Mel mused in mock offense, humming softly as he tilted his head back. “I’ll have you know I’m far more willing than a horse.” Mel sighed with a smile and lightly rested his hand against nick’s cheeks. “”If we must, though I’m very comfortable here.” He stood and tidied up his desk a bit before taking Nick’s hand to pull him through the door. “I don’t mind sweetheart. To me you just smelled like sweet rain and flowers.” He replied with a small smile.
Once outside, Mel helped one of the stable boys retrieve Gishlain. Mel wasn’t wrong about the horse being stubborn. Stubborn Might have ben too generous, pissed was more like the right word to describe the yanking and neighing horse. Mel nodded to the worried looking stable boy before firmly gripping the reins and pulling the stallion still until he was focused solely on Mel. “Are you quite done being a dramatic pony?” Mel growled softly with a grin. He gently patted down the horse before mounting and offering his hand to Nick. The stallion glared at Nick but remained more or less still. “He’ll be alright,” Mel promised.
Nick looked at the horse, then back to Mel. He was extremely hesitant but trusted Mel enough to take his hand. Nick mounted the horse the same as Mel. Nick held his hands tight around Mel's waist, but not too tight so that he couldn't breathe. "You weren't joking. I can fully tell you I was a bit frightened. However, I am a sentinel, so I'm not scared of anything. Well, besides the queen. Maybe Easton. A few other people, but anyway, I'm ready for the tour you promised me." Nick whispered and pecked his neck. "I love kissing your neck. Have I told you that?" Nick smiled, sitting up straight behind Mel.
Mel laughed softly and nudged Gishlain into a walk, much the the horse's disdain. Mel gently patted his neck in encouragement as he steered him into the gardens of the estate. "I got the impression that you did, considering every chance you get, you kiss me on my neck." Mel teased, lacing his hand with Nick's and pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. "First on our little tour is our lovely garden. We mostly keep produce here year round and medicinal herbs thanks to Abrose teaching all of us how to tend to the plants." He nodded towards the dozens of plant beds that were flourishing with plants and flowers. "Seems as if the hounds had the same idea of taking a nice little tour." He mused watching as a few large grey hounds trotted about, sniffing at their environment. When they saw Mel and Nick, they bounded towards them happily, reaching up to recieve pets and scratches behind the ear, Gishlain completely uninterested.
Nick grinned and scratched under their jaw and behind their ears. "They're so cute." Nick's voice went into a higher pitch almost as if he was talking to a baby. "Yes you are, yes you are." He looked back to Mel and quickly pulled his hand away. Nick then cleared his throat and continued on with his question. "So, Abrose was the one who taught you guys how to tend to plants? That's nice of him. I guess when he wasn't here you guys needed to keep this alive for as long as possible." The more Nick thought about it the more he realized he tried to hunt someone who was only trying to help the world and nature along with it. He sighed and decided not to focus on it. "It's beautiful, truly."
The dogs gave higher pitched little barks, happily wriggling about and licking at Nick's hand, only wimpering when he pulled his hand back. Mel smiled adoringly at both the dogs and Mel before nudging Gishlain into a walk, the dogs following them. Mel chuckled warmly and nodded. "It took us all month to learn how to tend to each plant. But, with Abrose's help we eventually caught on and made our own little garden." Mel tilted his head "well, I suppose little is an understatement. It has grown significantly." He glanced behind him at Nick, and gently reached up to brush his hand against his cheek. Mel could see the torment in his eyes and suddenly got reminded just who he had fallen in love with. The same man Mel had shared a bed with, shared his thoughts and his love with, was the same man who had once wanted his dearest friend dead. Who would in a heartbeat would have given up an innocent man's life to the Queen. A frown twitched at his lips but he quickly recovered. "It is," he replied softly. "And I'm sure he'd be more than proud to hear others love his work. If not a bit shy." He chuckled lightly and steered Gishlain towards the center of the gardens where a pavilion filled with whisterias and peopnies was flourishing from the recent rain
Nick cleared his throat. "Yes, he did an excellent job. I hope he's proud of what he accomplished." Nick decided it best not to think about anything that might take him into a bad mood. After all, he was with Mel. That by itself made him feel amazing. "So this is the pavilion you told me about. It looks beautiful. I haven't been here for long, but I can safely say I will miss this place." Nick rested his head against Mel's back. Nick to the time between seeing the pavilion and reaching it to think about his choices.
Not all of them were good ones. Most of them weren't good ones, but he was trying. He wasn't sure how to let Mel know he wasn't like that. Maybe Mel already knew, but he had this feeling that no one trusted his word. With good reason too. "Hey, um…I'm sorry. I know I said it before, but sorry doesn't come close. I just…" He sighed. "I want you to know that I will never do something like that again. I won't hurt people because of some stupid law. Abrose isn't a fae, and I almost hurt him because of that and the fact that my actions hurt you. They did. They probably still do. But I love you. No one can tell me otherwise about what I feel for you, but that doesn't excuse the mistakes. I-god, words are not my day today." He hopped off the horse when they reached the pavilion and leaned over the railing.
“As will I. I’ve come to truly love this place. But we’ll make a new home soon. One where we can grow our family an doffer a truly safe refuge to those seeking shelter.” Mel declared its a small smile as he lead Gishlain around the pavilion, housing flowers and various wild plants. He fell silent and he tried his best not to flinch. What had he expected when Nick could read him so easily. “Darling, I know you won’t. While I admit I’m still figuring out all my emotions about this, there is no doubt in my mind that you do truly feel sorry about what you did. Nor is there doubt in my mind of your love.” Mel glanced up when Nick dismounted. He sighed softly and slowly did the same, letting Gishlain wander as he pleased. He jogged to catch up to Nick and gently took his hand. “Please believe me when I say I love you as well, Nick. So very much. I just need a bit more time to,” He shook his head and waved his hand, trying to search for the right words. “Sort this put, please. This is the first in a long hole where Iv’e felt anything remotely close to this towards someone. Considering how we met, I think we’ve made great progress.” He laughed softly and pressed a kiss to Nick’s hand.
Nick intertwined their finger pulling Mel close. He rested his head on Mel's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm not rushing you or anything. I just wanted to make sure you know that I love you. All of you." He held Mel's waist securely in his arm. "Here I go bringing down the mood again. I'm sorry. You're right, we have gone far haven't we?" Nick lifted his head and kissed Mel's cheek. "I love you…" he whispered and kissed close to his jaw. He whispered the words "I love you" in-between kisses. Nick started to laugh the more he kissed Mel. "I'm glad you believe me though. I'll do everything I can to prove it to you. Don't say I don't have to because I will anyway."
"oh darling, I got the message." Mel laughed softly and nuzzled Nick's head. "I love you too, darling sentinel." He murmured, "perhaps but I can assure you you've brought it back up." He gave a smile and gently cupped Nick's face to plant a proper kiss to his lips. "Yet despite that, I'll remind you constantly that there is no need for you to prove yourself to anyone much less me. I will love you no matter what. I can tell you right now, I don't need grand acts of love or anything huge to prove yourself. Your loyalty, your love, and you being happy is enough. I promise." He reassured, pressing another kiss to Nick's lips again but instead of pulling away he remained in the kiss.
"Yeah, I don't ca-" a kiss cut off Nick. He attempted to say something in between, but that was soon silenced. Instead of arguing he let himself melt into the kiss. He wanted nothing more than to kiss him all day and all night. He walked Mel backward into the pavilion. Nick laughed, which broke their kiss but only for a second. Nick sat down on the bench and pulled Mel onto his lap. He then reunited their lips together and held Mel's waist tightly. Nick pulled away to get a good look at Mel. "maybe we should talk instead of making out. Honestly, I can go either way."
Kel hummed softly out of surprise when they moved but followed Nick's lead as he led them deeper into the pavilion. The few moments where they broke away, Mel took the chance to press feathery kisses to Nick's brow and nose before he went back to kissing his lips. He slowly settled in Nick's lap, welcoming the warmth that came with the press of bodies. He slowly broke away and gulped down some air. "What would you like to talk about?" He asked with a light laugh, spotting Gishlain a few feet away eating some grass. He nudged Nick's head and toyed with his hair.
Nick moved his head back and forth in thought. He hummed, "I don't know. So many things." He started to kiss Mel's collar bone. "Honestly, we can talk about what skincare routine you use. Who's skin is this soft. Maybe I like the way my lips feel against it." Nick smirked, kissing under Mel's chin. "Seriously, your skin is exceptionally soft. I could kiss it for hours. Maybe make purple spots all over it, and let certain people know who you belong to. Let them know there is someone in your life; giving you such beautiful marks." he said against his skin. "Now, I'm just talking about making out when all I have to do is do it. You're right here. I'm right here. The atmosphere is beautiful."
Mel gave a breathy laugh as he tilted his head. "Would you think I lie if I told I don't really have a skincare routine? The closest thing I do to one is sleep." He hummed as he continued combing through Nick's hair, accidently tugging when Nick passed over a particularly sensitive area. "Oh and who exactly would you be letting you know I am yours?" He questioned, leaning back so he could look at Nick properly. "Jelous creature, this wouldn't have anything to do with a certain Lord would it?" He cooed, brushing a kiss over his sentinel's lips. "Scandalous thing, you make me never want to leave this place."
(I'm so close to finding it so close I swear I will find his sensitive spot and then I can die happy)
"You're lying." He leaned back in disbelief. "You're not lying. You seriously don't use anything besides sleep? You really are a natural beauty." Nick looked the other way when he mentioned the Lord that he would be conversing with soon. He snicked and shook his head. "Who?" Nick smirked. "I don't know who you could be talking about…" He whispered against his lips. "Don't worry, even if you do I'll still be by your side. Where you go I go." He chuckled kissing under his Jaw and down his neck again. "I just want to show everybody that you have someone who cares for you. Is that so bad?" He left his lips on Mel's neck for longer this time in hopes of creating a purple spot that would be there for at least a week.
(awe!)
"You are a liar, nick. You know exactly who I'm speaking of." He murmured, a small huff escaping him as he bunched Nick's shirt in hisbfists. If he weren't sitting he was positive he'd fall to the floor in a pool of jello. "Darling," he whispered softly, gasping when he felt Nick's lips hovering over this jaw then his neck, "everyone who can see will know that I am solely yours, sweetheart." He murmured, eyes fluttering shut as he let himself melt into Nick, let him see the blush rising from his neck to his cheeks to his ears. "Darling, gentle, please. I have tonpacknto the trip. How useful will I be if I can barely turn my head because a certain some decided to kiss it till it bruised, hm?"
Nick didn't feel like listening, so instead, he left a trail of hickeys leading from Mel's collar bone to the spot behind his ear. "So what if it's bruised. You'll still be able to turn your head. If not, then we'll have to stay here an extra day. How bad is that, hm?" Nick whispered against Mel's ear. "However, I will stop for now. One day I'll do the other side. Then no matter which way you turn, you'll still see marks. Nick let his head fall to Mel's shoulder. He took this time of silence to interlock their fingers. "So, when we hand over the estate, where will we move everything? I mean, the horses, the items, the clothes. Anything of use. Will we leave it all here, or will it be coming with us?"
Mel gave a soft moan,, hands tangling deeper into Nick’s hair to keep them from trembling. He released a sharp breath of a laugh and let the rest of his tense body melt into Nick’s from, practically crushing him against the pavilion bench. “Matching love marks then? How generous of you, my sentinel.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to Nick’s temple and affectionately nudging his head, feeling love drunk and happy. “We’ll most likely keep it here and move everything over a period of a few months. Of course the essentials and the horses will come with us but any furniture or objects we don’t need will stay here. If Roi does end up buying the estate, I’m sure we can negotiate some terms before he begins his conversion from estate to hotel or whatever he plans to do.” He explained softly, peeling himself up and off of Nick just far enough to look around his surroundings and at nick. He glanced down at himself, seeing the faintest of bruise beginning to form on his collarbone. “Once we move, I promise you I’ll you a matching set of love marks.” He teased, pressing kiss to Nick’s lips and wrappings his arms around his neck.
Nick nodded. "I see. I was just wondering because you probably lived here long ago." When Mel leaned back, he took a moment to admire the masterpiece along his neck. He held his hand securely on his waist, ensuring he didn't fall back while checking. "Oh yeah, you moaned, didn't you? When I kiss your neck, I mean. That's a beautiful sound, I must say. I long to hear it again at some point today." Nick raised an eyebrow at his announcement. "Oh? Will you now? I look forward to that day very much, my dear." He mumbled against his lips. Nick was in one of his bold moods today, so he almost licked Mel's lips, asking for an entrance. Of course, he loved kissing how they were, but a part of him wanted more. Nick moved his hands to hold Mel's waist but under his shirt. He never realized just how much he loved Mel's skin until now. However, it would be indecent to go any further in public d=so his hands stopped there.
"I can guarentee youll here them again." Mel murmured, hungrily pressing another kiss to Nick's lips. Mel gave a soft, waverig breath, nervous, and excited and surprisingly exoerirncing something new, something he hadn't felf with any other lover. He wanted Nick. In all capacity, he wanted to consume him, to be consumed by him and to never leave his wrth and love. He never wanted to know anyone else's warmth more. But then Nick's hands met his waist and , oh gods, he was going to be the death if Mwl. After so many years fighting to stay alive, Nick was going to be the one to end him. To unravle all that Mel had let hidden and secret. And Mel would gladly give all that up for Nick. Without a single hesitation, Mel would do anything for the male in front of him.
Nick smirked against his lips. He then pulled away and leaned in close to Mel's ear. "Careful, darling, you don't want to test me and the things I want to do with you. We are outside, and I'm sure Veda or some other person might find us getting way too cozy. Maybe later or tomorrow before you see that lord whatshisface." Nick's urges were too strong to contain. Even just sitting here ultimately still was hard for him. How could it not be intricate with such a beautiful work of art in front of him? Nick leaned back. "Unless you want to head back inside and continue this in private. The choice is yours." Nick whispered down his neck, kissing the bruises he left behind. They started to become more evident in Mel's skip. If he could smile even wider, he would've done it by now. It was just the feeling of Mel that made him so happy it was the love he felt when with him. It was all the little things like helping or watching him do work. It was when he could be inside his thoughts and have little conversations that no one knew about. How badly he wanted to protect Mel with his life no matter who he was facing. Whether it be the queen or even Easton. "Can I hear what that pretty little head of yours is thinking?" Nick moved to the other side of Mel's neck, leaving an almost identical trail to the other side.
"you look far to pleased for yourself, my love." Mel purred, dragging his hands through Nick's hair and pressing kisses anywhere he could reach. "As much as I would love nothing more than to lock you away in my room and spend the next week exploring what makes you melt to my every touch and brush of my lips against your skin, we have something important to do with that Lord whatshisface. I want a clear head, especially around him. And I don't want any interruption when I'm with you." He wined softly and gently tilted Nick's head up away from his neck to press a kiss to his lips. "Are you sure you want to hear my thoughts dear? It might be a spoiler as to what's to come and I don't want you to worry your pretty self over that tomorrow." He murmured with a grin. He pressed one last kiss to Nick's shoulder before sliding off his lap and adjusting his shirt. "Besides, this little outting was meant to explore the grounds, not each other. We can make one more round before we head inside for supper. After I have a few more papers I want to organize for Roi before we head to bed."
Nick sighed, standing up moments after Mel did. He dusted himself off before capturing Mel's waist in his arms. "So, you want to have a clear head, but from how you're looking at me, it makes me want to do the opposite. However, I respect your wishes since this seems like a big negotiation. You are also correct. There is always time for exploring later, where we can relax, and no worries rest on our shoulders. You must know I always want to hear your thoughts, regardless of what they suggest." He moved Mel back to the horse and out from under the pavilion. Nick slid his hands up and down Mel's arms. "I would help you in your endeavors, but I believe I will be helping with supper." Nick leaned forward and kissed Mel's forehead. "Have I told you how stunning you look today?" He intertwined their fingers, kissing the back of Mel's hand.
Mel followed Nick back out of the pavilion, Gishlain's following beside them, surprisingly calm. "Thank you, my dearest. I really do appreciate it." He leaned into Nick's hold, almost convinced to give into their shared fantasies and lock away in their bedroom and enjoy each other's company for the rest of the day. "Ah that's right, you were going to help Esther with Dinner. I can't wait to see what you both make. I'm sure she'll enjoy showing someone else how to cook." Mel nuzzled Nick's head and pecked his cheek. "You have but I could never tire of hearing my name on your sweet lips." He laughed softly, finding everything about Nick adorably charming.
"Well, you'll be hearing your name though these sweet lips a lot more often, Mel." He lifted Mel's chin one last time for one more kiss. "Kissing you will never get old either. You can trust me on that one." Nick tucked a loose strand behind Mel's ear. Nick was lovesick. One hundred percent, love sick. How could he not be when someone so amazing stood before him. Nick didn't have the words to describe how much he loved and trusted Mel with his life. He gave an entranced sigh before mounting the horse. "I think it's best that you were the one in front. Mostly because I'm not willing to get thrown off today." Nick held out his hand with a cocky smile. "I'm really happy I met you, you know that?"
“Gishlain would never. At least I hope not. He glanced over to the stallion who gave Mel an innocent look back. “Troublesome thing.” He muttered, affectionately rubbing the horse’s muzzle. “No that I think about it, you both are quite similar.” Mel teased, as he took Nick’s hand and gracefully hauled himself up onto Gishlain, gently nudging him into a trot. “You both appear fierce and intimidating ,yet one touch and you’re already melting.” Mel laughed softly, and leaned into Nick’s solid form at his back he tilted his head and pressed a kiss to Nick’s throat. “As am I, dear.” He murmured with a smile, Nudging the horse into a quicker gallop when he felt the first few drops of rain fall on his head, signaling another storm. “Seems as if the spirits wish to keep us inside today. Not that I’m arguing one bit.” Mel chuckled lightly as they headed back to the estate, from inside you could already see the warm glow of candles and the effects of Mel’s ability on the home.
