Ayce held still, leaning against Nolan a little. "How soon until we get there?" He asked slowly. He wanted the answer to be that they were a long way away still, but…he knew that that was unlikely.
The Only One // One on One // CLOSED
Nolan out his hand on his thigh. "We're just a few days away." He turned back to him.
Ayce closed his eyes, and buried his face in Nolan's shoulder. "I don't want to." He mumbled, his voice muffled. He clung to Nolan.
Nolan squeezed Ayce's leg. "I-i know. But we gotta go. If we don't they'll hunt us down. Its better to go voluntarily."
Ayce nodded, shifting. "I know…" He said softly, chewing on his lip a little. "I just…I don't want…"
"I know darling, I know." Nolan sighed. "You'll be fine. I'll make sure of it."
Ayce nodded, going quiet for a few minutes, though he still clung to Nolan. "Thank you." He finally whispered, face still buried in Nolan's shoulder.
"Of course darling." Nolan kissed his cheek quickly. He rubbed his thigh as soothingly as he could.
Ayce held tightly to him, trying to relax at least a little more. Why is he being so nice to me why is he helping… He wondered.
(Do you want to skip to when they get to base?)
Nolan urged the horse to move at a slightly faster pace. He kept a look out for any activity around them
(sure. I can do it if you want, or you can. Up to you)
Ayce was quiet, leaning his head on Nolan's shoulder and holding onto him.
(Could you?)
Nolan sighed quietly. He squeezed Ayce's thigh comfortingly. He felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He wished they could just run away and live peacefully somewhere secluded
(Yeah)
A few days later…
They had arrived at the base now. It was well-hidden back in the depths of a forest, made of tunnels that had been excavated from a cliff face. The guards had let them pass, the younger ones recognizing Nolan, and some of the older ones recognizing Ayce, despite the changes. They were currently at a door, a guard opening the door for them after casting a curious look at Ayce.
Ayce leaned his chin on Nolan's shoulder still, shaking very slightly, though he did his best to hide it.
Nolan stroked Ayce's leg with his thumb, trying to calm him the best he could. He dismounted the horse, helping Ayce down as well. He kept him tucked against his side, looking around at the others warily. He wouldn't let any harm come to the fae tucked under his arm. He would fight everyone one them if he had too.
Ayce stayed close to Nolan, clinging to him and looking around with traces of fear in his blue eyes.
The guard nodded to them, opening the door. "Come. I'll take you to Jalaan." he said, leading them inside.
Nolan's fingers ran over his skin in a soft pattern. "I've got you. I'll keep you safe." He whispered in Ayce's ear. He followed behind the guard.
Ayce nodded, following the guard and staying beside Nolan as they entered the tunnels. The tunnels were well-lit, and the guard led them through them, sure of his path. "We knew you would arrive today." he said, glancing back at Nolan and Ayce. "Or at least, Jalaan said you likely would."
(bump)
(Sorry, I've been busy.)
Nolan nodded his head. He turned to look at Ayce, keeping him close. He wanted to whisk him away, take him somewhere far away. Away from war, away from death. They could live happily. If only…if only.
(it's fine)
Ayce stuck close to Nolan as the guard led them into a room.
A tall, dark haired Fae looked up from where he had been studying a map. "Ah. You're back." He greeted Nolan. This was Jalaan Farway. Leader of the rebellion.
Nolan bowed his head in respect. He grabbed Ayce's hand, trying to be subtle. "Yes, there were little difficulties after getting him out." He said
Jalaan looked at Ayce. "I see." he dismissed the guard, who bowed, then left.
Ayce hid behind Nolan a little, shaking and clinging to him. No no no no no no please I don't want to…
Nolan pressed back against Ayce, trying to calm him down. He turned his head a fraction to look at him before looking at his boss
Jalaan cocked his head slightly. "Ayce, are you going to say hello, or are you going to continue hiding behind my soldier?" He asked wryly.
Ayce peeked at him over Nolan's shoulder, silent. His eyes were wide, and scared.
Nolan pushed Ayce back behind him. "He's been through enough without you taunting him." It was risky to stand up against him, but he would do anything for Ayce. "We've had a long journey, so please, say what you need so we can eat and rest."
Jalaan frowned. "I wasn't taunting him, I was asking if he was going to continue hiding behind you." He replied calmly. He took a breath. "Go eat and rest, then. I shall speak with you two in the morning."
Ayce was silent, ducking his head and leaning his forehead against Nolan's back.
Nolan gave Jalaan one last look before turning to Ayce. He pulled him into his embrace and guided him out the room. "Would you like something to eat first?"
Ayce clung to him a little. "I…" He shrugged, hugging Nolan tightly and burying his face in his chest. He was shaking a little.
Nolan rubbed his sides. "We'll go to my room okay? I know this overwhelming and scary." He pressed a small kiss to his temple. "I'm right here." He murmured.
"Okay." Ayce mumbled, still clinging to Nolan, his face buried in the other mans chest. "Thank you…"