Once Leeana finally accepted his coin, Nico came to stand next to Bel and placed his arm around his shoulders. The couple share a look with Nico and then with each other, before walking away. They knew that look Nico had, they knew what that boy meant to him. So they left to give him some privacy.
Nico grabbed Bel's hips and turned him towards the finer shirts and jackets and pants. "Do you see anything that you like?" He fully planned on purchasing Bel a nicer outfit. It wouldn't be anything compared to what he was used to in the palace, but it would be nice and embroidered and at least more similar to what he wore. Now, Bel wouldn't be able to wear it on the road but once they got back home, Nico wanted to see him in it.
Bel leans into Nico's touch, allowing him the other man to turn him around to the fine shirts and jackets. "They're all lovely," he states, taking a moment to truly study the craftsmanship of a nearby green tuxedo. It's not his color, but Bel can certainly respect the amount of time and effort that went into creating it.
The seamstress back home had been sad to see Bel go. With Val and Treya already out of the castle half the time and Miran too stubborn to even accept a new jacket, Bel was her favorite model. Many times he would be standing on a tailoring podium, trying to read a book while she fussed and measured and muttered. By the end of the day, Bel would have an entire unnecessary new outfit and she'd be bubbling with even more ideas. How many times has she flipped through her sketchbook since Bel's absense.
A particular mannequin catches Bel's eye. Decorating it is a fine, deep blue shirt with a strong shoulder and slimmed waist. Draped across the front is a black sash, embroidered with gold along the edges. The buttons are dark and polished. It's a beautiful piece of art, but Bel takes a step back. It's no doubt pricey and Bel has no idea how they're supposed to transport it from here to wherever.
Nico slid his arms around Bel's middle. He was watching the prince more than he was paying attention to any of the clothing. Bel could wear a sack and he would still think he looked handsome. However, Nico noticed as something caught his attention. He lifted his head and saw the mannequin, saw Bel's gazed locked on it.
He let go of Bel, walked to it, and carefully started pulling the clothes off of the mannequin. He draped them over his arm, grabbed Bel's hand, and started pulling him towards the dressing rooms. He found the biggest one and pulled Bel inside with him and pulled the door. He left it just a crack open, giving Bel a chance to kick him out or lock them both inside the room. He would never force someone to do something they didn't want to do. And if Bel didn't want him in there, all he had to do was say so.
"Try them on," Nico said. "I want to see you in them." It wasn't a want, it was a need. He needed to see Bel in it. He needed to Bel happy and feel good about what he was wearing. Even if it was impractical for the road, Bel could wear it all he wanted to when they got home. He had been speaking with Mikael about setting up a delivery of clothes in Bel's size. At least some of the basics and they could send for more. It was part of Mikael's magic, teleportation.
"We don't have to–" Bel begins to object, but he knows better than to try and stop Nico when he puts his mind to something. He sets the clothes previously in his arm down on a nearby table as Nico practically drags him back to the changing rooms. Bel doesn't expect Nico to drag them both into the same room. With a semi-exasperated sigh, Bel reaches behind Nico and pulls the door shut, flicking the lock with his thumb.
"Alright," he says calmly, slipping off his shirt and holding his hand out for the nicer one Nico had grabbed. Bel by no means has the build of a massive athlete, but he's still toned from his long days at the range and the stables. Plus, some of his heavier talents require at least a little muscle on his bones.
After obtaining the shirt, Bel makes quick work of changing, and–almost as soon as he's fully in the nice suit–his demeanor shifts. His back straightens as he fastens the last button below his chin. His shoulders square; he breathes deeper; his posture automatically corrects. As soon as the fine suit comes on, Bel retreats and Prince Belcoril emerges.
Nico had a pleased smile on his face when Bel locked the door with both of them in there and an even more pleased smile once Bel changed into the garment. It suited Bel, it really did. The color complimented him and it looked like it belonged on his body. It was made for him. Nico leaned against the wall, admiring his prince. he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"Look at how handsome you are," Nico practically purred. "My handsome prince. Give me a spin." His head tilted just to the side as he watched Bel. This did something to him. It made his heart flutter and warm. He was going to buy a thousand garments that looked like this and make sure Bel wore it for him. And only for him.
Even with his refound princliness, Bel blushes bright at the compliment and hides it behind a laugh and a hand. His stomach drops through the floor and his heart does backflips. "I'm not gonna turn," he says, already feeling the self consciousness ebb back into his mind. "And I mean–" He looks down, checking the cuffs and fabric of the sleeves. "It's beautiful– I just…" He sighs. The Prince is rapidly disappearing as Bel takes his place. "I don't know how we'll get it anywhere and clearly people will recognize me in a blue like this."
Bel pauses, glancing at himself in the mirror behind him. Over his shoulder, he catches Nico behind him. "I appreciate you indulging me but… I don't want to put any if you in damger." He smiles, a little sadly, and begins to unbutton the coat.
Nico pushed off of the wall and walked behind Bel. He grabbed his hands softly and pulled them away, stopping him from unbuttoned the jacket. Then, gently grabbing his shoulders, he turned Bel until he was facing the mirror again.
"Hmm, that's what I thought. The consensus is that this was made for you and we're getting it. Don't worry about transporting it, Mikael has that covered. Let's say they have a delivery service. We won't have to worry about bringing it with us and getting it dirty. And it'll be waiting for you when we get home." Well, Nico's home that was. Mikael could only transport smaller items and only one at a time. His magic wasn't strong enough to transport people or large, people sized objects. He had weak magic but that didn't mean it couldn't be just as useful. Mikael had helped Nico on more than one occasion with said magic.
Bel meets Nico's eyes as the man speaks, unsure if he should listen to his head or Nico's words. Well… if there's a delivery service of sorts then Bel won't have to worry about it drawing attention or getting ruined.At least thaf puts him a little at ease. The main disapproving factor is the price. There's no tag, but Bel knows that something this fine won't be cheap–even for a friend of the seamstress.
"I'll reimburse you for everything," Bel says quietly. "If I ever get back to the palace, I'll be sure to thank you for everything you've done." From the food to the clothes to the inn to the… everything. "And this–" he looks at himself in the mirror, then locks eyes with Nico behind him. "This is a nice suit."
Nico was shaking his head the moment Bel started to speak. No, he didn't want to be reimbursed. This was a gift. It was all a gift. Nico liked to spend money on the people he cared about. It was one of hos love languages. He felt like material things could make up for their lack of a normal life. That it could make things better by putting a bandage on it.
Noco shifted so he was in front of Bel. He grabbed him byt the collar of the jacket and pulled him in close. "You will not pay me back a dime of this money. I have plenty, I don't need your money. Seeing you wear it is payment enough." His grip loosened but he didn't let the prince go. His gaze slipped from his eyes to lips, then back up again.
Oh he was so down bad.
Bel freezes at the touch, eyes going wide as Nico pulls him in close. The only thing he can do is breathe as Nico speaks in a low voice. He doesn't have time to wonder how Nico, a rogue assassin, has enough money for everything–no, he's far too transfixed on Nico's eyes. The eyes that look down to Bel's lips.
Oh gods–
Something deep within him curls, feeling both empty and full as he tucks his lips between his teeth.
"Forgive me if I'm reading this incorrectly–" Bel says softly as he leans forward, carefully tipping his chin to meet Nico's.
Nico could have jumped for joy the moment Bel's lips touched his own. He had been thinking about this for days, wondering how they would feel, taste. And it was so much better than he had expected. His lips were soft and so perfect against his own. He tasted like the soup he had consumed before they had gone shopping. Nico decided then that he wanted to eat some soup as well.
His hands let go if the collar and moved to cup the sides of his neck. He was flush against Bel and yet never moved the kiss any faster or harder than Bel, keeping the same pace as he.
Something deep within Bel awakens and suddenly all the disinterest for the women at celebrations and balls make perfect sense. Of course it wasn't the only factor of why Bel was dreading being married away, but now it's clear why the thought of wedding a woman sickened him.
The kiss is sweet and soft and everything Bel could ask for. A pleasant noise sounds from within as Nico tenderly clasps his neck. He could feel Nico wanting more… yet Bel still pulled away. With a gentle smile, he laughs and tucks his head beneath Nico's chin. "Would you believe me if I told you that was my first kiss?" He whispers.
As Bel broke the kiss, Nico moved his hands to wrap around his shoulders. He tucked Bel under his chin, hugging him close. He laughed softly, happily. "That was your first? Well, you're a natural at it." Nico wanted to kiss him again but didn't want to push him. Especially knowing Bel's innocence and naivety, he wanted to take things slow. he wasn't going to rush Bel even if he wanted to do all kinds of things to him. Slow was different, slow wasn't his normal, but he could learn.
He moved his head to press a soft kiss against his hair before tucking him back under his chin. "We still have a couple more stops to make. We need to get you some proper shoes." He said. The last stop was a surprise. He wasn't sure how well bel would take it but he hoped it wouldn't be a bad reaction.
"Then I guess we should get going," Bel states, carefully pulling away as he begins to change back into the old clothes. His chest is left feeling bubbly, his face warm, a smile tugging at his lips. Even with semi-shaking hands, Bel makes quick work of changing back–avoiding looks with Nico because he's sure it would cause his face to light aflame.
Once back in his usual clothes, Bel carefully drapes the suit over his arm to not wrinkle it. "Thank you," he says softly, finally making eye contact with Nico. "For…all if it. You never had to be so kind to me."
Nico took a step back to give Bel some room and turned away from him to give him some privacy as he changed. It was only when Bel was dressed that he turned back to face him. His expressioned softened, if it was possible to soften more, at his words. "Oh Bel, you dint have to thank me for any of this." Despite himself, he leaned forward and captured Bel's lips, kissing him softly and swiftly.
Nico took the clothing from him. "Alright, let's take this up to Leeana and then we'll be on our way. Next stop won't take too long. All you need in life is a good pair of boots and those will last you for years."
Leeana was at the front again when they returned. He handed over a few extra coins, much to her process, and they promised to have it delivered to him in the next few days. He bid her goodbye before exiting the shop with Bel and taking him to the cobbler for a new pair of boots.
Before he can insist on a proper thank you, Nico swiftly steals any words from his mouth with a kiss. Slightly frozen in place, he allows Nico to take the clothes from him as they exit the small room. Bel already knows that the high flush on his cheeks will send the wrong message–something a little more intimate than a first and second kiss. He firmly keeps his eyes away from Leeana and Mikael.
His own boots are royally made, a commission from the cobbler a year ago. They're more made for show and accessory than function. Over the course of the past week, the inside layer of the sole has begun to curl. It's not too comfortable without any sort of cushioning factor.
Nico leads Bel outside, Bel grabbing the other man's hand and lacing their fingers. The evening is growing much darker with the sun beginning to make its descent. His eyes sweep the sky as he grabs Nico's hand just a little tighter.
Nico looked down at Bel as the prince held his hand a little tighter. the sun was beginning to set and remembered Bel's fear of the dark. He pulled Bel in and wrapped his arm around his shoulders, effectively tucking him against Nico's side. "Our next two shops should be relatively quick. I promise it won't get as dark around here as it is on the road. Once the sun sets low enough, they'll light lanterns throughout the square. Just because the sun is down doesn't
mean the day is over for them."
The cobbler was only a few shops down and Nico opened the door and held it for Bel. The cobbler was another friend of his, though not as close as the others. Nico rarely needed to come into the shop. His boots had lasted him for a couple of years and they still had a good amount of time left in them. With a few words, Bel was promptly measured and fitted. After handing over a few coins, they left with Bel in proper shoes and his old ones in Nico's hand. He wasn't sure what Bel wanted to do with hm but they had time before they would leave in the morning.
The next stop was the blacksmith. Nico had sent word ahead of time for the man to set up an array of bows, knives, and swords. With a greeting, the blacksmith showed them to a back room with all the weapons on display. "Take your pick," Nico said.
At least Nico's reassurance helps soothe Bel's growing nerves. He hopes Nico won't think less of him when Bel will ask to light a candle while he sleeps. Being in a town, the threat of a monster attack or bandit ambush has been severely decreased. Perhaps Bel will sleep well tonight.
The stop at the cobbler is quick and Bel makes sure to thank the man often as the boots are fitted and sold. They're nice and fit much better than his previous pair. For being a royal cobbler, their shoemaker surely hadn't considered comfortable construction when making Bel's former boots. Their next stop surprises Bel. Of all places, he surely wasn't expecting an armorer.
"Take my pick," Bel repeats quietly, staring at the weapons uneasily. Flashes from earlier in the day nauseate Bel. If he can help it, there won't be any more blood spilt because of his hand. Bel's pick would be no weapon. No blades or arrows or daggers or spears–None of it. But Bel's not a delusional idealist. He's no longer behind towering stone walls and protected by an army. He's in the wilderness heading to gods-know-where. He's already had an attempt on his life.
Carefully, Bel reaches and grabs a longbow made of dark materials, the horns and handle of the bow accented with gold. He's hesitant to hold it. It feels wrong. It feels so wrong to hold something with the intent of taking a life. "This one will do," he says despite his doubts.
In the privacy of the room, Nico stepped forward and lifted Bel's chin up to look at him. He could see the conflict in the other man. He knew as soon as they reached the comfort of their little inn room, the previous events were likely going to hit the prince. Nico was fully prepared to deal with that.
"I don't ever plan for what happened earlier to happen again, but I would feel more comfortable if you were able to defend yourself should anyone try to hurt you. With the bow, you and I can go hunting on the road. I teach you how to wield it in combat. You can never be to prepared." Nico picked out a ling dagger he though would suit Bel. The blade handle was engraved with a beautiful design. It would be perfect for close up combat. "I want you to be able to protect yourself. That's all."
Even when Nico tips Bel's chin up to meet his eyes, he's still looking directly behind him. Somewhere from deep within his brain, Miran's words from after a pathetic spar ring through his mind. You're soft, Bel. That's going to get you killed out in the real world. Bel hadn't been worried then. He was safe. He was sheltered by an entire fortress. That's no longer the case. Bel painfully wishes he paid more attention to his swordsmanship growing up.
"I know," Bel says quietly, holding the bow tightly in his hand. "I know." With a forced smile he finally–briefly–meets Nico's eye before stepping back. "Let's just get going back to the inn. I'm sure your men are wondering what happened to you." He takes the blade, holding it in the same fashion as the bow.
Nico sighed as Bel stepped back from him. He didn't mean to offend him. He just wanted to make sure Bel could protect himself it it became necessary. "I don't think any more or less of you, Bel. I dint know what I would do if I lost you. And not because the Lisais needs you. But because of what it would do to me."
And with that, Nico took him up front, paid for the weapons and they were back on the streets. The lanterns were lit, giving a soft, warm glow to the streets. People were out drinking, laughing, dancing. The vendors had been put away for now.
Nico was quiet as they walked back, giving Bel his space. He didn't want to rush or make him uncomfortable. He would let him make the first move.
"It's fine," Bel reassures. "I believe you. I'm not upset." In just a little over a week, Nico has grown attached to Bel and the prince would be lying if he said he didnt feel the same. The circumstance is just less than desirable. If Bel could have his way, nobody would be dead and he would be safe.
Lingering a few steps behind Nico, Bel takes in the scenery. He listens to snippets of out of context conversation, he studies the strings of lanturns, he carefully makes his way down the cobblestone avenue. People all around him are living their beautiful common lives without worrying about the throne and the crown and the kingdom. Gods, Bel has never been one to yearn for another life but here he is.
The trip back to the inn is all too short. Bel wonders if it would be possible to stay another day, but he knows the answer will be no.
Nico opened the door to the tavern and let Bel walk in first. The door shut behind him as Nico led him to the stairs. There by the bar, three of his men were drinking and entertaining others. There was a crowd around them, laughing at whatever Cassian had said. Nico only shook his head at their antics and walked by. Nico wanted a good night's sleep, as good as it was going to get from sleeping from the floor. He didn't want to drink. Perhaps if Bel wasn't there he would be by the bar with them, but he was alright tonight.
After allowing Bel to enter first, he walked into the room and locked the door behind him. "You can have the bed. I don't mind taking the floor. It's no issue." The others would be sharing beds. They were used to sleeping close to each other. They weren't bothered by the nearness of another man, not when it was their friend.
(places I have responded to this in the past 72 hours: dentist chair, dermatology office, fire drill in the middle of the rain, and I'm at a hockey game right now akdhjsjs)
The prince follows Nico into the tavern and then up to the rooms. With a quiet thank you to Nico, Bel enters their room and sets his few belongings on the short table. In the low light, his new bracelet catches and glows. Something warms and tugs his heart
Bel blinks at Nico. "No," He says. "No, absolutely not. We've both been sleeping on rocks and dirt for the past week. We could both have it." The effects of what he had said only set in after the words are already out. Oh well, too late to take them back. Not that Bel would want to take them back anyways. "You've already kissed me." Twice. "I'm sure sleeping by my side wouldn't offend you too much."
(Haha. It be like that sometimes.)
Nico jersey his head up in surprise. He hadn't been expecting that answer. He was happy about it, just shocked. His lips turned up, amused. "I would be no where offended by sleeping by your side. Quite the opposite." He prowler towards Bel, stopping just shy of pressing their chests together. "And I quite liked our kisses. I think you did too."
Nico didn't touch him. He would wait for Bel to make the first move. Nico was sure of himself and used to this. He had been with many people. Well not many, but enough in his lifetime. He would let Bel set the pace. He wouldn't go any faster or slower than he wanted.
(I mean I'm currently at work so I get it)
Bels eyes widen, ever so slightly, as Nico approaches and nearly presses them flush together. "Maybe I have," Bel answers in a quiet but strong voice. For the second time that evening, Bel raises his chin and closes the small height difference between them. One of his hands goes to grab Nico's strong bicep, the other raising to gently trace his jawline.
As he kisses Nico, the realization that he's alone in a room with a man he's very attracted to sets in. A small noise escapes him as he leans just a little further into the kiss, and invitation for more.
Nico slid his hands around Bel's waist, pressing them flush against one another as they kissed. He sighed softly against his lips in content. Yes, he very much liked this.
Despite himself and his wants, he broke the kiss. Nico's lips were parted he he panted softly. He looked down at Bel with heavy lids. He knocked his nose against the other affectionately. "You don't have to do more because you think I wanna do more," he murmured. "We go your pace and nothing more."
Though slightly disappointed at the broken kiss so soon, Bel has to smile at Nico's caution. How gentlemanly. "What if I want to go a little faster?" Bel asks, quiet and against Nico's cheek. "I'm not made of glass, Nico. You aren't going to break me so easily."
And then as quickly as it had stopped, Bel leans in for another, and another. Bel has never been drunk in his life, but he feels this is what it would feel like. Bubbly, dizzy, so completely happy.
Nico smiled wide and met the kiss. He wrapped Bel close to him, kissing him harder than he had before. He nipped at his lip gently. He moved their bodies until Nico was sat on the bed and he pulled Bel into his lap. He slipped his hands up Bel's shirt, caressing his back.
This felt right to him. They fit well, perfect almost. Their slight hight difference was perfect. Not low enough he had to bend his back to kiss him but tall enough he could tuck him under his chin. "Say the word and it all stops okay?"
