Esther smiled and wrickled her nose at Nick cutely. "Completely head over heals for him. It's adorable." She reasoned, toasting off some bread and garlic and occasionally tasted the progress on the soup. "Thank you, i've always liked cooking, for a while it was the only thing I was really good at so whenever someone enjoyed what I made at whatever tavern or home I was working at, it made me feel good so I just kept doing that when I came here. I've picked up a few more hobbies sice stating here and my self esteem has increased thankfully but I always come back to this." She waved around at the large kitchen with a proud smile. "We all have our little places where we feel most comfortable. For kira it's the pavilion, for veda and Evangeline it's the library. For me it's the kitchen. I'm glad you liked cooking." She smiled and glanced up when Kira came from training. She pressed a sweet kiss to Esther's cheek before spotting nick and waving.
"I wasn't aware I was now a ghost." Mel said, as he entered the kitchen, Evangeline and veda trailing behind and talking quietly amongst themselves
Nick turned around when he heard Mel come in. He wrapped his hands around his waist and kissed his cheek. You could practically see his tail wagging. "Hello, my love. How was working? Did you finish everything? Did you hydrate as I told you to?" In between sentences, he pressed small kisses across Mel's face. "What gave you the idea that you were. If you were a ghost, I wouldn't be toughing and kissing you like I am now. With hard work and trivia questions, we made dinner for everyone. However, I am exhausted, so after eating, I think it's time for something that starts with an 's'" He groaned and rested his head on Mel's chest.
Mel laughed and pressed a soft kiss to Nick'a brow, "work was fine, mostly just paperwork. But yes sweet love, I finished and I hydrated." He reassured giggling at each kiss. "You did just summon me." He noted, gently nudging nick into the seat beside him. Mel smirked and kissed Nick's shoulder, "I hope that word is 'sleep' sweetheart. We have a very long day tomorrow. One where we unfortuneatly need to wake up early." He nodded in thanks as Esther placed a bowl of soup and a plate of bread and butter in front of them, smiling proudly. "You both made this?" He asked, digging in enthusiastically to the delicious looking and smelling dish
"I did, didn't I." He shrugged and turned in his chair to face the table. "Of course, the word is 'sleep'; what else would it-" He paused and covered his mouth. He then nodded and sighed. "Oh, yeah, but I meant to sleep." Nick nodded rapidly. "Yes, I mostly did the chopping and string, but I did help with the seasoning a bit, and I also got to learn a lot about what makes Esther's food so great." Nick squinted his eyes at Mel, realizing a sentence he missed. "We have to wake up early tomorrow? Ugh, kill me now." He rested his head on Mel's shoulder. "Why can't Lord, what's its face come later. He should be running on our schedule, not the other way around." He huffed. "I feel betrayed, my love, betrayed."
"no everything~" Esther chimed in as she sat beside Kira after serving Veda, Evangeline and the rest of the estate residents. "But he certainly did very well. He's a quick learner." She nodded her head in thanks before focusing her attention on her wife. Mel smiled happily and gently patted Nick's hair. "Forgive me my darling. But the waking up early part is my idea. I have a few errands to run in the city before Roi comes to visit. "You're more than welcome to stay in and sleep." He cooed, pressing a kiss to Nick's head. "you poor thing. Here I thought you'd be use dto waking up before the sun."
"That was before I met you and way before I felt just how warm it could be with someone I love sleeping with me." He groaned and pouted. "No, I'll go with you. My hearing doesn't go that far, so I will definitely be coming with you. I want to tell people to piss off when needed. Besides I'm your sentinel, I'm supposed to protect you. I still feel betrayed." He pulled the plate of food closer to him so he could start eating. "I'll let it slide this time, but beware for in the future you will be sorry for making me get up so early tomorrow. Trust I will get my revenge." He teased.
Mel chuckled lightly, already craving the warmth of his bed and Nick's body beside him. "It'll just be for tonight, dear. Surely you can handle one early morning." Mel smiled softly "I was hoping to keep a low profile while going into the city but it seems you have other ideas my dear." Mel shook his head and nibbled at the bread. "I'm thankful for your mercy, dearest. I'll try an keep the need to wake up early in the morning to a minimum buy no promises." He pressed a kiss to Mel's temple and dipped his bread into the remainder of the soup.
Nick finished up the rest of his food and stood up from his chair. "Mmmm, if you say so." He kissed his cheek. "I'm going to go get a snack. I need some junk food. The dinner was great. Thank you, Esther." Nick walked up to the cabinet and looked around for anything unhealthy to eat. He found some cookies so he took three and came back to his seat. He bit into one and nodded his head out of sheer enjoyment. "These cookies are good. Not as good as mine, but they are good." He refused the urge to kiss Mel, considering he had chocolate on his mouth alone with a few crumbs. "Almost ready to head back?" He asked finishing his second cookie.
Mel watched as Nick found the stash of cookies they kept in the kitchen and laughed softly.
“I’m glad you liked it.” Esther replied as she too watched Mel grab some cookies. “How do you even have room for that?” She asked in disbelief, leaning again Kira for support. “I can’t take another bite!” Mel cleared the dishes and shook his head “He keeps surprising me more and more each day,” Mel muttered with a teasing grin, earning him a smirk from Kira. “You bake sweetheart?” Mel asked in intrigues as he stole a chocolate chip from Nick. He pressed a kiss to his cheek before beginning to wash the dishes. He was still tired but he felt like he needed to contribute in some way, especially after such a wonderful dinner.
Nick looked at Mel with a smirk. "This stomach is a bottomless pit. I don't get full easily, even if I were full, there is always time for desert afterward." His smirk turned to shocked face. He scoffed and shook his head. "Yes I do bake. I cook, I bake, I play music anything you want me to do I can probably do it, sweetheart." Nick finished his last cookie, making his way over to wrap his arms around Mel's waist. "Hey handsome." His voice was delicate and quiet as he spoke close to Mel's ear. "I can take care of that if you want. You've been working all day, it's the least I can do." Nick put his hands on top of Mel's giving him slow kisses up the neck.
"hello, gorgeous." Mel replied warmly, gently nudging Nick's head as he scrubbed away as some dishes. "Dear, you made a wonderful dinner with Esther ontop of helping me all day with paper work. If anything, this is the least I can do." He tilted his head, pausing in his task to give his attention to Nick. "Darling you've had dessert already," he teased, looking over at Nick and planting a kiss to his lips. "Go shower and rest sweet love, I'll be with you In a moment, just give me a sec to finish these up." He encouraged gently, already feeling himself lean into the comfort of Nick's ebrace.
Nick hummed. "You're so stubborn. Fine, I'll go shower." He gave him one last kiss before waving goodbye to everyone. Nick headed back to the room, letting his hand glide across every wall. He closed the bedroom door behind him. Nick stepped out of his clothes on the way to the bathroom. He turned the shower and watched as the steam started to come into view. Nick stepped into the warm shower, licking his hair back first. He took a more extended shower than usual, only because Mel would also be taking his time with the dishes. He came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. "Best shower ever." He sat on the bed and leaned back, spreading his arms on the bed.
“I call it resilience.” Mel argued with a tired smile as he continued with dishes. “You know he’s right.” Veda appeared beside Mel and started drying the dishes Mel had rinsed off and put to the side. Mel tilted his head with a teasing smirk. “About what?” Veda rolled his eyes and nudged his friends shoulder. “About you working too hard. For the past 6 years, all you’ve done is work yourself to the bone for all of us. The only time you take breaks is when with you’re with other men. Even then you’re still working to keep your heart in one piece and this little operation of ours undercover. There’s not a day that goes by where we see you visibly relaxed.” Veda said, giving Mel a pointed look. “I have too much to do you relax, Ve. I promise when we move, I’ll try and find more free time. I know what I signed up for when I joined the rebellion.” He reassured, resting his head against his friend’s shoulder for a moment. “So you’re warming up to him?” Veda rested his head onto of Mel’s and gave a sigh. “Slowly, yes. I’m still unsure. He was one of the closest people to the queen, Mel. What if he’s still on her side? I don’t want this rebellion to be found out and more importantly we don’t want you getting hurt.” Mel thought for a while. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was so in love with Nick that he was blind to any thought of betrayal or if it was that he truly trusted him, but Mel shrugged. “I don’t think he will. I really don’t Ve.” He felt Veda nod. “I really hope you’re right. You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy all the time.” Veda pressed a kiss to Mel’s hair and gently nudged him aside. “Now go. Don’t pretend you don’t work just as hard as the rest of us. We’ll finish up here.” He said as he gently pried away the wash rag and current plate from Mel”s hand. Mel glared at Veda before hugging him. “Only if you stop worrying about me.”
“Only if you stop doing things that worry me.” Veda countered, smiling at Mel as he reluctantly pulled away and headed off towards the hall.
“I see you’re comfortable.” Mel mused as he entered his bedroom to find Nick splayed out on his bed. "You are nothing if not stunning, my dear." He murmured, walking over and leaning down to press a kiss to Nick’s lips before finding some night clothes in his closet and disappearing into the washroom to shower before bed.
Nick looked at the door Mel had entered, dazed and confused. He only shook his head and decided it was time to put on some clothes. Nick found a comfortable t-shirt and left it at that. Nick didn't have the energy to find pants, and he didn't think Mel would mind it. He flopped face-first into the bed and waist from him to get out of the shower. He thought about the conversation he had heard earlier between Mel and Veda. Nick groaned into the pillow. He shouldn't be working this much; it's not fair. He's been doing tons of work already. I should've pushed to do the dishes. He groaned against which was muffled by the blankets and the mattress. If Nick weren't so worried about Mel overworking himself, he would've been passed out in the sheets by now. However, he gave all his strength to keep his eyes open, so he could see Mel before he fell asleep for the extremely long day they would have tomorrow.
After Mel showered, he changed into silky PJ pants only, consider nick had taken the matching shirt. He wasn't going to wear mismatching pj's to bed now was he? He stepped out I'd the bathroom, immediately missing the warmth from the shower. He quickly made his way over to the bed and tugged aside the covers. "Were you not instructed to rest, my dear?" Mel asked as he settled beside Nick, running his hand through Nick's haid and pressing a kiss to his head. "Sleep, love of my life. I'm here now, I'm not going anywhere until tomorrow morning." He reassured with a tired smile.
Nick pulled himself up and crawled on top of Mel. "I also instructed you to take a break, yet you still almost finished the dishes. Mel…" Nick pulled back and sat beside him. "You know I love you." Nick tucked a strand of hair behind Mel's ear with a delicate touch. "No buts. I admire the way you work so hard to achieve a goal. That goal that you've been reaching is almost there. It's practically in the palm of your hands. I also don't want you overworking yourself, so you don't make time for yourself." Nick glided his hand down to Mel's and interlocked their fingers. He pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "I know you say you don't, but from what I just heard, it sounds like you do. I want you to pace yourself when it feels too much; walk away from it all. Literally like getting up and taking a walk. I don't know go eat something for no reason." Nick chuckled. "That's an older mister, okay?"
"I took that more of a suggestion." Mel argued lightly, resting his head against Nick's hand. "I love you too, dear." He murmured, glancing up and sighing softly. He knew Nick and Veda were right, there were times where he could barely get to bed in time before collapsing into sleep. But he knew what he signed up for when he became a rebellion leader. He knew he'd miss countless nights of sleep for his goal, hoping he'd catch up on all that once the queen's rule was over. Mel sighed softly and gave a slight nod. "I can't promise it'll happen but I'll try." He glanced up and smiled. "I wasn't aware your position as my sentinel cane with giving me orders." He shook his head in amused disbelief before gently tugging Nick down with him. "Very well, my dear. I'll do as you ask. If I feel myself growing tired I'll try and find some time for myself to relax and regain strength."
"Well, when the client is in trouble or needs guidance, I give orders. They're more like suggestions. It's up to you on whether you take my orders." Nick relaxed into Mel's hold. "Thank you, my love. All I want is for you to be healthy. Physically and mentally." Nick pulled the blanket over his shoulder and pulled Mel close. "Now, time for bed; we have a long day tomorrow. However, if you wake up before me, you should go alone. I wouldn't want you hindering your plans because of my unwillingness to move. Since it's nighttime, it's time for cuddling and sleeping. Good night my love. I'll be seeing you in my dreams."
And I will be forever grateful for your concern, sweetheart.” Mel reassured, tangling his legs with Nicks and twining his fingers into his hair. “If I do end up waking up earlier than you, I’ll most likely be doin ga short riding session with Malian. We must keep her healthy while Abrose Isn’t here. I want to see how well trained she is, after all she used to be a palace horse. Perhaps I’ll take her out to town as well.” He thought outloud, words slurring together as he slowly let sleep take him. That way you can get used to riding Gishlain before we leave as well.” He murmured, tucking Nick safely beneath his chin. “Good night, my dearest. May sleep well.”
It had to be one of the night Mel slept immaculately that he had to wake up the earliest. Mel blinked awake in the early hours of the morning, still tangled up beside Nick. He glanced over at his beloved and smiled tiredly. “Such a beautiful creature. Hat did I do to deserve you, hm?” He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Nick’s brow. “Awaken. Sweet love. We have many things to do before Roi arrives.” He murmured against Nick’s ear. He slowly detangled himself from Nick’s side and quickly got dressed in his closet, pulling on navy blue riding gear with silver trim. He pulled on some tall boots and quietly exited the bedroom to find an already waiting stableboy prepared to assist Mel with Malian if he needed it.
Nick groaned and grabbed a pillow that he could hug. Soon enough, he realized it wasn't Mel. He sat up and looked around the room. His hair was messy, and his eyes were half open. He pulled himself out of bed and stretched for a long time before starting his morning routine. He took a nice, long, hot shower and yawned as he came out. He got dressed in clothes that he could go into town with. "Maybe he left without me…" His thoughts could reach him if he were still in the area, right? "My dear, are you still here, or have you left to go into town yet?" Nick rubbed his eyes and fixed his hair while he walked down the halls. "Just how long was I asleep for?" Nick walked into the kitchen and prepared something quick for him to eat. It was only toasted bread with butter on it. While eating his toast and butter, he looked around for Mel.
Mel pulled Malian to a stop as he heard Nick in his head, a soft smile crossing his lips. He had been training her since that morning, getting her used to his weight and the tug of reigns. Kira had joined him outside in case Malian decided she didn’t like Mel as much as Abrose and threw him off. Thankfully that only happened twice before she relented to his presence. “Look who’s awake, good morning dear. I’m outback with Malian and Kira if you wish to join us.” Mel smiled softly before turning Malian around and having her go through a small obstacle course they had set up for the other horses they often trained with. He was actually quite proud of the progress he as making with Malian, considering this was the first time he had ridden her since Abrose had left.
Nick rushed to the back where the stables were. He spotted his lover and rushed to pick Mel up and wrap him in his arms. "Good morning, my dear! I was drained before, but when I saw you, I guess I was no longer tired, you could say." Nick placed a hand on Mel's cheek and kissed his forehead. "Did you have a good rest? I know I did. I even had a dream about you. A very fun one, might I add." Nick started to pepper Mel's face with kisses. He noticed the purple bruises on Mel's neck, which only made him smile harder. "Those love bites are coming in nicely." He teased.
Mel dismounted Malian and gently brushed her down, grinning when she nudged her muzzle into his hand. "Ah now you like me, after throwing me across the ring three times." He glanced over his shoulder before he was picked up by Nick. Mel yelped and wrapped his arms around Nick, "I did, as short as it was. How much coffee did you have this morning? I've been awake for hours and I still feel exhausted." Mel laughed, trying his best to return each kiss. A light flush appeared on his cheeks as he tugged the collar of his shirt and glanced down. "Paired with the bruises the one gave me this morning, I'm going to very sore by the end of the day." He said, nodding the mare behind him. "I'll wear them proudly, at the ones from you, my love."
Nick pretended to think. "Not one drop of coffee. I'm telling you, it's just you make me feel so alive." Nick looked to the mare and glared. "I guess ridding horses is harder than it looks. When the day is done, I'll give you a nice massage. It feels like you need one, my love." Nick pressed a kiss to Mel's forehead. "Those shoulders of yours carry the weight of the world, don't they?" He tilted Mel's chin with his finger. Nick pressed his lips to his. "That's my good morning kiss," He mumbled against his lips before deepening the kiss. He rests his hand on Mel's cheek before pulling away slowly. "Waking up alone is never fun. When are we leaving for the city?"
Mel laughed and pressed a kiss to Nick's brow. "Don't be mad at her, dear. She just misses Abrose and doesn't approve of a new rider so quickly." Mel cooed, brushing aside strands of Nick's hair from his brow. He sighed and relaxed again Nick. "That sounds lovely dear, but don't feel obligated. You'll probably feel just as tired after today." He hummed softly and wrapped his arms around Nick's waist, drawing him in closer. "Believe me it took all of my self control not to immediately go back to our room and lay back down beside you." He murmured, glanceing down momentarily to check a small pocket watch. "We probably should be heading out now if Roi is to come on schedule."
