Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Mar 7, 2021 22:06:27 GMT -5
The Marquis sleep deeply for once. It was the sort of rest he sorely needed and was struggling to get. Not because he wasn't tired and resting constantly, but something inside him seemed to refuse to let him sleep. But after their close bath together and talking to Zander, Pearce managed one good night's rest, free of any bad dreams or constantly waking up. Hopefully that was a good sign and the first of many days of more normal sleep.
Zander waking up did jostle him a little closer to the surface but he was asleep again before the young man dressed and left the room. He was still asleep and snoring when Zander returned and dropped his full weight on the bed.
He groaned softly, taking a deep breath as he blinked awake and turned his attention to Zander. Still mostly asleep, the man didn't hear the pained groan of the other man, or notice his heaving chest or how slightly more pale he was than normal. Pearce watched him for a moment, but he couldn't fall back asleep due to the sunlight filtering into the window.
Sunlight. Pearce shifted, suddenly more awake, suddenly more aware of what time it was. Or, well, almost. His sleepy brain struggled to process. "Morning, Zander?" Well, they were coherent words, he supposed. Always a good start for him in the morning. Really Pearce meant to ask what was wrong, why the man was still here, as normally he was done with his run and off the work before Pearce was ever officially awake. He pulled himself up slightly and got a better look at his boyfriend, touching a hand to his arm gently. "Are you...ill?" He certainly looked like it. Even after a day off, something seemed to be affecting the poor boy.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Mar 7, 2021 22:24:55 GMT -5
Pearces voice caught his attention and he forced a smile. He needed to be at the yard. The idea of leaving the bed at the moment though made him want to throw up. Maybe he just needed to throw up in general. "Morning, love." He managed out, sounding a bit more normal than he felt. The question on if he was ill or not made him shake his head in response as he swallowed down bile. Luckily he hadn't eaten anything so he didn't have anything to vomit. Perhaps he just needed to get back into his work. That would fix it. Just get back into his routine and everything would be fine.
"I'm alright. Just came to check on you." He pushed himself up and ran his hands over his face. Getting to work would make him feel better. He just needed to get to the yard. Zander leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to the marquis lips with only a slightly forced smile. "I'll see you when I get back." With that he stood up and stretched. Still not feeling much better at least he took a minute to catch his breath. The redhead moved out of the room and down the stairs where he saw Heather.
"The appointment will be ready when you get home." It took him a moment to remember what that appointment was then he nodded. Right, the leeches. He needed to be there for Pearce, knowing how the man felt about blood. "Thank you, Heather." He stated quickly before leaving the manor. Everything would be fine. He needed to take care of his boyfriend and his sister and his dog. He didn't have time for anything else.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Mar 7, 2021 23:05:59 GMT -5
He frowned faintly. The redhead didn't look entirely well, but he supposed he wasn't in any state to judge. The young man had spent a lot of time and energy taking care of him over the last couple days after all at the expense of time wit his sister and his normal routine. Pearce supposed that might make him feel a bit out of sorts for a day.
The suggestion he was checking on him was met with a dubious look, but the marquis wasn't about to argue the point, especially half awake this 'early' in the morning. "I'm alright. Just tired," he said honestly. Once he woke up a bit he imagined he would feel better. Pearce normally would have had meetings with various foremen and class to teach and one of his frequent trips to the marketplace, but...if he made it to his study today, he would be proud of himself. He smiled, the kiss placating him a little. "I miss you already," he said with a yawn. He got comfortable under the blankets again.
The marquis was worried about a lot of things. But most of it could wait until later. He settled back to attempt more reading for a bit when Heather arrived with his morning tea. Pearce frowned slightly to himself but forced a cheery tone. "Thank you, Heather. I think I'll take breakfast here. Make sure Briella is taken care of?"
"Of course, my lord," she said. Likely he didn't need to say anything since Heather cared for the girl but Pearce wanted to be sure. Heather didn't leave however, and after a moment he looked up over his book.
"Is there something else?" He asked confused.
Heather gestured toward the side table and the tea. "Is there something else you would like with your tea?"
Ah, he understood. She was going to make sure he drank it. What he suddenly a toddler now? Between her and Zander encumbering him with help he wasn't sure he could handle it and it had only been two days. With a sigh, he reached over and drank half the tea. Perhaps not as properly as he would have liked but he doubted Heather cared. Once he finished entirely, she quietly took the empty cup and excused herself.
He stayed in bed until lunch, having a servant help him dress and move to his study where he tried and mostly succeeded at not being ill. Walking still made him dizzy and uncomfortable. He took lunch in his study, inviting Briella to join him more for his own sake to have a lunch and conversation companion, but also to remind the girl to practice her reading even if he was in no state to instruct.
He spent the rest of his day there, relaxing in one of the arm chairs, sleeping a little, reading a little, and worrying about Zander getting hurt again.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 8, 2021 20:22:25 GMT -5
Zander did not in fact feel better at the yard. Or when he started running. Or during his sparing. Or doing anything he was sure he was supposed to feel better once he started. His whole body felt achy but not in the same sore kind of way he would get after work. Occasionally he'd start shivering even under his armor. While in the back of his mind he knew what was happening he refused to acknowledge it. Some of the other soldiers noticed he seemed a little off but any concern was brushed off wit ha crooked smile and a claim that he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. There was no time to be sick.
He needed to work harder. Be better. How was he going to take care of Briella or Pearce or even Percival if he didn't? Zander could hear his fathers voice in his mind telling him to push through. To stop being so weak. Luckily for him he only threw up once during during his work and no one had noticed. Just push through and it'll get better.
Briella was happy to join the marquis in his study. Whisky sat at her feet that swung from the chair as she showed him her various new drawings, all too proud of her handy work. Though she wasn't as enthusiastic to do any kind of reading she was happily motivated to read out some things to Pearce in an attempt to 'help' him with his work. Because obviously she was well versed in whatever it was he did for his work. It was just reading a bunch of boring papers right? Once finished with her lunch and reading she left to take Whisky out for a walk and give a stern talking to to a bird who'd stolen part of her muffin from her breakfast.
When Zander finally arrived home he was greeted by the plucky little blonde girl who nearly toppled him over in a hug. "Feasgar, mo chalman bheag." He said as he tousled her hair. He hadn't gotten to spend much time with his sister since he'd been taking care of Pearce but she didn't seem to mind terribly much. He cupped her face and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before he saw Heather waiting patiently for him. "I'll be back in a moment." He smiled at Briella before following the woman up the stairs.
feasgar, mo chalman bheag=evening, my little dove
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 8, 2021 21:10:01 GMT -5
Pearce didn't accomplish very much work. He intended to. But most of the time he was content enough to tiredly admire Briella's drawings and provide compliments and gentle nudges about her reading. To be honest, Briella was half right about his work and while she didn't always understand what any of it meant, she was quite handy at turning pages.
He was asleep in the armchair when Heather knocked softly and let herself and Zander inside. The knock and the door opening woke him gently and Pearce blinked away a sleepy smile in greeting. "Zander...how was work?" He asked. He stretched slightly and pulled himself up to be a bit more presentable. Taking a good look at Zander, he could tell something was...off?
"I don't think I am up for formal dinner tonight," he said. Meaning he didn't feel like going up and down stairs. That ordeal yesterday had been exhausting and he was still sore.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 8, 2021 21:36:35 GMT -5
Seeing Pearce so sleepy in his arm chair squeezed at his heart. He looked so good and sweet and Zander just wanted to take him to bed and let him rest some more. That wasn't going to happen though. "Evening, love." He stated as he moved over to the chair and reached for the marquis hand. He placed a kiss on the back of the mans hand and smiled. "Work was fine." It was not but he didn't feel like getting into it. Not when he knew that was about to happen was not going to be something the blonde enjoyed in the slightest.
The mention of dinner made Zander turn his eyes to Heather. "That's alright, my Lord. We aren't here to retrieve you for dinner." He squeezed Pearces hand gently with a soft sigh before moving to help him out of the chair. "Let's go to the bedroom." He said almost playfully. If just to keep the situation light and hopefully ease any nerves the man might feel.
"I'll join you gentlemen in a moment." Heather bowed her head a bit before leaving the room to allow Zander some short alone time with the marquis. "You have an appointment, love." Pearce already didn't like doctors or blood now he was about to deal with both. Which was just lovely right? The redhead just wanted to bring him somewhere a little more comfortable and somewhere it would be easier to sit next to him.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 8, 2021 21:59:37 GMT -5
He smiled as Zander kissed his hand. He knew the line about work was a lie, but he didn't want to push right now. And even if he did, the look that passed between Zander and his housekeeper distracted him. What were they up to now? Not here for dinner. He was mostly confused because he was pretty sure it was time for dinner, or near enough. So what was going on?
Well, anyway, he didn't want to go downstairs and the idea of retiring early to his bedroom to relax with Zander sounded like a pleasant alternative. Zander's playfulness was welcome, even if they both knew all he could handle right not was some snuggling.
But then Heather mentioned 'joining' them? With a snack maybe? He was able to brush most of the oddities away easily enough. Until Zander used a word Pearce didn't like in the slightest. "An ap-p-p..." He stuttered over the first consonant in the word and trailed off in defeat. "What?" he asked faintly as Zander helped him to the bedroom. Though he had an idea where it was going, Pearce didn't want to admit it. He shook his head silently, not daring to say anything else, as if his refusal made it untrue.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 8, 2021 22:18:25 GMT -5
That's what Zander was waiting for. The shock and stutter in his voice at the idea of an appointment. Of course he knew what that meant. "You need to see the doctor again but it's for your health." He was almost afraid of telling the marquis what the appointment was for but he couldn't keep the information from him. That would only make things that much worse. The redhead helped him into the bed and moved to sit next to him and reached to hold his hand.
"The doctor you saw before is going to come in again and let some of your blood with some leeches." He figured the faster he got it out the quicker it would be to getting through it. Like ripping off a bandage. Though he knew it wouldn't make Pearce feel any better in the moment to know. There was an apologetic look in his eyes before he began peppering soft kisses against his cheek. "It'll be over before you know it and I promise I'll be right here the entire time so you can break my hand if it gets too much." He knew the treatment didn't hurt it was more so the issue with the blonde and blood in general that was the problem. And doctors. And likely small, slimy little creatures.
"I want to remind you I do love you. Very much." He stated pre-emptively before there was a knock at the door.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 8, 2021 22:46:28 GMT -5
Of course it was for his health! Of course he wanted nothing to do with it! Pearce understood that doctors helped people, but that didn't make him any more comfortable with the idea of a stranger seeing him partially naked, or touching him, or asking embarrassing questions. His mouth worked slightly as Zander helped him onto the bed, not because he wanted to say anything (though he had a lot of opinions and concerns!) but largely he was in an initial state of shock. Hadn't the first time been enough? Sure, the last doctor had been fine but he still didn't know her and -
"B-b-blood? Leeches?" He echoed the words faintly and if he wasn't already sitting, he might have fainted already just from the idea of being subjected to such things. No. No no no. He shook his head. "No," he gasped. And then more firmly. "No. P-p-please..." He blinked as Zander kissed him reassuringly and promised he would be right there but Pearce could barely hear him and could hardly talk either.
Relax. There wasn't any blood or leeches, or doctors yet. This was fine. He could just get up and leave. Yes.
Pearce's eyes found Zander's as he said he loved him. He narrowed his eyes for a second, as if trying to figure out if Zander was doing this on purpose. But he couldn't be mad at the young man. Especially when he said things like that. His expression became sad, his heart sinking into the floor. "I love you too," he breathed, though the hurt and hesitation and betrayal were all evident in his words. He didn't even jump at the knock on the door, already resigned to his fate. At least until things got hairy.
Heather opened the door for the doctor and this time Pearce got a bit clearer picture of her. She was probably his age, with dark hair and gentle eyes and an easy, confident air about her. Which was a little comforting. "Marquis. Soldier," she said, glancing at Pearce with that sort of gaze doctors and caretakers had that looked through people. Less comforting. "Doctor Martin," she added. Had they exchanged names last time? Pearce didn't remember much.
He shifted back against the pillows and toward Zander, gritting his teeth and entirely unable to speak. He only nodded and swallowed and glanced at Zander. Help?
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 8, 2021 23:01:38 GMT -5
Of course he was doing this on purpose. But the purpose wasn't to be cruel or just to make Pearce miserable. Zander wanted to do everything he could to make sure his lover got better. Unfortunately in this case that meant doctors, blood, and leeches. The way the marquis sounded when he said he loved him back made the redhead audibly whine. This wasn't something he wanted to do it was something he had to do.
Before he could say anything else though the two women walked in and Zander quickly shut his mouth. Soldier, he supposed that was better than anything else he'd been referred to by a stranger. For the moment however he also couldn't care less about what the woman might have thought about their relationship. "You're gonna be alright." He reassured Pearce softly as he gently ran his fingers through his hair.
"I suppose you know why I'm here today, Marquis?" The doctor asked though Zander didn't turn his attention away from Pearce. The door clicked shut as he pressed close to the man and held his hand. The redhead rubbed the blondes knuckles reassuringly before the doctor spoke again. "This procedure could take a bit of time so I want you to get comfortable. I'm going to need you to remove your shirt."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 8, 2021 23:18:42 GMT -5
The moment the door closed, Pearce's chest tightened. It was a feeling he was becoming all too familiar with and he didn't like it. Alright? Alright!? None of this was alright! It hadn't been alright for a long time and it wasn't going to be alright any time soon from what he could tell, especially if he was going to be subject to this sort of treatment.
Pearce continued to stare at Zander even as the woman spoke to him. He nodded again. He knew. He didn't want to know. Nothing was happening. He was fine. Don't panic. He shifted his grip on Zander's hand so he could dig his fingers into him as if to be extra certain the man was real and wasn't going anywhere. Forget worrying about their relationship, he was more worried about dying from blood loss and invasion of privacy. His heart slammed in his chest and he already couldn't breathe.
"This procedure could take a bit of time so I want you to get comfortable. I'm going to need you to remove your shirt."
Panic.
Pearce swallowed, his mouth bone dry, his stomach twisted into knots. He didn't move, as if pretending he hadn't heard anything. Could he sink through the floor? He was pretty sure he could. Almost positive. If he just thought hard enough. Maybe he could develop some magical power like Zander had. Sinking through the floor.
"It's perfectly safe and hardly hurts at all," the doctor reassured at his hesitation. She looked to Zander, a bit concerned. She could tell the nobleman wasn't taking this very well and while she didn't want to strain the man more, she knew it was necessary. "Would you mind?" She asked Zander gently. She meant helping with his shirt. She seemed to have enough read of the room to know Pearce was more comfortable with Zander.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 19, 2021 22:40:49 GMT -5
Zander wanted nothing more than to tell Heather and the doctor to go away. The way Pearce reacted kicked and instinct in him to take away what was causing the distress. Still, he had to fight that instinct. Had to remind even himself that this was for the mans own good. He felt horrible. Worse than horrible he felt like scum. There was nothing he could do to make Pearce feel better except cause him stress. Which felt more like a step back than it was.
Though he felt horrible his expression remained calm and determined. He needed to be that for Pearce at the moment. When asked to help remove the marquis shirt the redhead cupped his face with his free hand trying to keep his entire focus on him alone. "I know you hate this and you can hate me and tell me how terrible I am all you want after." He stated softly as he offered an apologetic smile. "Right now will you take off your shirt? For me?" He brushed his fingers through his soft blonde hair as he ignored the other two people in the room.
"I'll help you if you need me to." Zander offered. He hoped he could keep Pearce's attention on him. Maybe if he tried hard enough he wouldn't notice the blood. Leech bites never felt like anything unless the creatures were starving anyway. They were like slimy ticks. If the marquis agreed the redhead would reach down and gently help him out of his tunic. Though he placed it on the mans lap so he'd be able to throw it on as soon as they were done. "I can take off my shirt too if you want." He offered playfully. Though he was entirely serious.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 19, 2021 23:26:24 GMT -5
Pearce didn't want to look at anything besides Zander but unfortunately he was still painfully aware of everything else in the room. Zander's hand on his cheek forced him to take a deeper breath but he didn't feel any more calm than before.
Zander's words took a moment to register but he simply looked at him confused. "But I don't hate you," he whimpered. Why did Zander think that? Had he done something to make the man think that? How could he undo it? He clutched at any thought that led him away from this moment and this room but everything inevitably came back into an uneasy focus. He didn't seem to hear him the first time around and when Zander offered to help him if he needed, Pearce looked at him confused again, mouth half opening in question before he blushed. His shirt. Right.
He nodded, awkwardly helping Zander help him pull his shirt over his head. He tried to lean back into the pillows and relax, but it was like his body suddenly didn't know the meaning of the word. His breathing was still quick and shallow and he felt like his heart was fluttering in his chest and that if he wasn't already sitting he would pass out. Which was silly. Nothing had happened.
"N-no," he mumbled, attempting to force a smile at Zander's teasing. He did reach his hand back out to the young man so he could squeeze his hand again. If he thought it at all possible to have Zander hug him while [insert action he didn't want to think about] happened, he would. But part of him knew that wouldn't work and that this would help. Didn't mean he wanted to go along with it.
The doctor stepped toward the bed and Pearce instinctively stiffened and glanced at her and then back at Zander. Nope. Focus.
The doctor spoke, but Pearce tried very hard not to hear her. She explained to Zander more than him what she was going to do, where exactly she wanted to put those things on his chest and neck, how long they would have to wait, that Pearce didn't need to do anything besides remain calm (calm? ha!) and that it should help blood flow from the chemicals in those things and that he should rest the rest of the day and hopefully it wouldn't be something they would need to do again for a while, but there was the implication of doing it again.
And then she lifted her pack onto the foot of the bed and began pulling out supplies and Pearce refused to look at those either even though he desperately wanted to.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Apr 19, 2021 23:41:21 GMT -5
Of course Pearce didn't hate him now but it certainly felt like he would. Like he should. Zander didn't want this to be happening any more than he did. He didn't want to do anything to make the marquis distressed or upset. As the doctor spoke he listened but didn't take his eyes off his boyfriend. To hell with being private about their relationship. All he wanted to do was keep the blondes focus on him.
As she began pulling out her equiptment Zander brought Pearces hand up to his lips to kiss the back of it. "After this you and I can spend the rest of the day relaxing in bed." He murmured reassuringly as he brushed his thumb over his knuckles. For the moment he needed to think of something to get the marquis mind off of what was happening. "Do you remember when we first met?" That was the first thing that came to mind. Take him mentally as far away from the moment as possible.
"I barely spoke a word of Aralorian and I was so nervous to talk to you." He stated with a slightly forced chuckle. Remembering how skinny, pale, and shy he'd been when he first met Pearce. "My accent was so heavy I'm surprised you were able to understand me at all."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Apr 20, 2021 0:03:50 GMT -5
The warm evening sunlight through the window. The way the bed dipped slightly where Zander was sitting. The redhead's familiar hot breath on his hand and his soft lips pressed against his skin. His green eyes staring back at him. The way his shirt hung open somewhere between 'it's hot in here' and 'I'm sexy.' The sound of his voice just barely tinged with his Teronnian accent if Pearce paid close attention.
One corner of his lip turned upward, flashing a smirk. "That's a euphemism. You d-don't know what relaxing mmmmeans," he accused softly.
It took him a moment to remember specifics. The cute redhead boy stumbling over his words. Pearce had to ask him to repeat himself a few times at first, but he'd heard enough Teronnian that, though he couldn't speak it, the accent was familiar. "You ap-p-proached me outside the castle and I couldn't f-fathom that I was making you nervous." Usually it was the other way around. Zander had made him a little nervous then too.
The doctor moved on the peripheral of his vision and he jumped a little when she pressed a damp cloth to his chest, patting him gently before preparing the leeches. Pearce swallowed and forced himself to remember to breathe.
"I...I don't remember what you wanted to t-talk to me about." He meant the first time. Eventually he had explained he was a tutor and Zander had wanted his sister to learn to speak, read and write before eventually admitting to want to learn himself. Was that what the boy had originally wanted? Or had that just been an excuse because he thought the blonde was handsome?
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