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Gold.
Warm and soft, like the feathers of a duckling, and the sun on your skin in spring falling through your curtains on a gentle morning.
The color that reminds you of fire, but not a blaze, no, more a fireplace during a cold night in winter.
Inviting and ever so delightful.
Despite it all, despite everything that’s happened, it was still one of his favourite colours, in any form it tool.
Ballister stared on at that colour now, in the form of long, flowing locks that now fell from his lover’s head down past his shoulders to the middle of his back. It moved elegantly along with his partner, his Ambrosius, as he prepared the table for the dinner he had so lovingly made for the two.
The hair was up in a tight ponytail and flipped whenever he turned to do something.
Ballister remembered the first time he felt the softness of it, out of curiosity, the first time he dragged his fingers through the silky gold threads, when the two were older, and new to each other, and discovering things about one another, and remembered the first time he did it again after they had both found their balance together again.
He wanted to be doing that now, feeling the locks between his fingers as he held his lover, and what a treat that tonight they would be alone.
Nimona wouldn’t be eating with them this night, as the then shark had said that they had ‘other plans’ till the morning.
Ballister had, of course, made sure that it wasn’t something he would be hearing of on the news tomorrow before seeing her off.
Ambrosius, who was busy rearranging the cutlery, must have felt that he was being watched because he glanced from the side and grinned when his eyes landed on the shorter man. “I’m almost done with the table, promise, then we can try the new portobello mushrooms and recipe that came in with the new shipments over the wall! I heard it tastes amazing!”
“I’m sure it will be, پیار,” Ballister sighed dreamily, “but that’s not it. I’m just admiring you.”
Ambrosius looked surprised for a moment before settling back into a gentle smile, red beginning to dust his cheeks. The blonde quickly turned away, but Ballister could still see the sweet expression still adorning his handsome face, and he took that as a satisfying win.
After dinner, which was absolutely delicious, the two sat cuddled up together on the couch and watched a cheesy horror movie.
Well, Ambrosius was watching it at least, laughing every time he noticed the bad CGI glitching out, or when the lavalier microphones were placed terribly to be seen on the costumes of the actors.
Ballister, on the other hand, was just watching him as he did, adoring the way Ambrosius’ hair bounced when he cackled and shined in the light of the TV with every scene that flashed from the screen. It looked so smooth and soft, especially now that it was out of its binds, falling across the couch and his lover’s shoulders, and when he reached over to comb his fingers through the golden threads, he found that he was right.
Ambrosius for the most part let him be, enjoying the attention his boyfriend was giving him though he kept his own on his screen, until Ballister changed his position and carefully grabbed a handful of his boyfriend’s hair. He brought it up to his lips and kissed it in his grasp, enjoying the deep chuckle that came from beside him.
He continued this for a bit, and after a while, and a little bit of maneuvering, Ballister found himself with his face buried into Ambrosius’ neck as the other man laid back against the couch, legs slightly hanging on either side of Ballister’s frame.
Ballister littered the warm skin beneath him with peppered kisses and purposeful nips, using the silky mane in his hand to gently coax Ambrosius to tilt his head back, giving himself more room to work.
“What’s-?” Ambrosius moaned quietly, digging the fingers of one hand into Ballister’s own hair while the other one slowly climbed under his shirt as the shorter man made a home for himself against him, “What’s gotten into you today? Not that- ah- that I’m complaining, of course.”
Fondly Ballister perched up to gaze at his boyfriend, marveling at the beauty of him, his lover who was watching him intently, with red dusted skin and sparkling brown eyes while biting his plump bottom lip. His hair was slightly tussled, falling behind against the cushion of the couch.
Framing his hair like a halo around him.
“Can I not simply admire my love for a moment? Can I not simply enjoy the spoils the world has given me? Is that against the rules now? Hm?” Ambrosius merely rolled his eyes with a good-natured scoff that was cut off with a pleasant groan when Ballister ground his hips against his. “Well then,” the older man whispered, burying his face in the crook of Ambrosius’ throat, and biting playfully at the pale skin, “I suppose some rules were made to be broken after all.”
Ambrosius laughed with such joy as he threw his head back - something so real, imperfect and happy and free, Ballister’s favourite kind of laugh. The ravenette joined him, leaning in for a kiss as Ambrosius met him halfway.
The two took their time disrobing one another.
Ballister laid comfortably on the warm body beneath him, his head placed cozily on his lover’s firm chest as the man in question held him close and safe.
They lay together on their comfortable bed, where they had moved to after things started getting heated, the soft cotton blanket covering Ballister’s waist.
Their legs were entangled, with Ambrosius legs wrapped loosely around his own as he rubbed soothing circles into the small of Ballister’s back and occasionally around his stump with one hand while he caressed the back of his head with the other. Ballister himself was drawing shapes into his boyfriend’s chest where his heart is, occasionally passing a light stroke with his thumb over lovely twin scars, sighing contently as Ambrosius combed his fingers through Ballister’s black locks, massaging his scalp essentially.
Occasionally his fingers would curl around blonde strands that have fallen across his lovers chest, sometimes tickling Ballister’s nose.
“You did so good for me, Bal,” Ambrosius said, hushed and hoarsely, kissing the top of Ballister’s head, “you’re always so good for me, baby, aren’t you?” The voice above his lowered to a breathless whisper at the end, husky and gruff, worn from the way he had called to him, from how he screamed Ballister’s name for the heavens to know, and it made a pleasant shiver pass down Ballister’s spine.
“Yes.” He hummed happily, wrapping his arm around his boyfriend’s waist.
Ballister stretched his sore body, then looked up at his love, appreciating the gorgeous after glow that seemed to shine from his partner. His golden hair spread beautifully across his upper frame and the pillow behind him. He unwrapped his arm from around his man’s slim waist to reach up and play with his hair, curling the threads between his fingers. “پیارے,” the older said dreamily, “you are simply the most handsome man I have ever met.”
“Oh,” Ambrosius teased, pulling him closer, “you haven’t met yourself? I’ll introduce you to him sometime. You’ll love him, I know I do.”
The shorter of the two chuckled, his face warm and his body light, and the two slowly fell to sleep in each other’s arms.
The next time Ballister began to admire Ambrosius’ hair was after he came back from a workout with the newer recruits for the innovative group of guards. A decision made by the new prince, and future king of the realm.
The group consists of members of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, of course, but this time in also included members of different classes as well! And by Ballister’s suggestion, and Nimona’s of course as they were asked for opinions by the prince, the knights would be trained in not only skill, but also the new, revised values of the realm. Nimona also suggested that instead of being ruled by one killable monarch (that got a few brows raised for sure) they should, maybe, have something else or something extra? After speaking just the three of them, Ballister, Ambrosius, and Nimona (though quite honestly in was Nimona and Ambrosius agreeing to what Ballister said as they argued over each other) Ballister stated the idea that maybe a sort of counsel should be added to the realm consisting evenly of members from all of the classes residing in the realm, and that money and status shouldn’t influence these counsels or meeting because that’s dumb, and as Nimona said:
“It’s not like you’re gonna take it with you when you die anyways, so keep it out of the conversation unless it’s actually needed, ya know, for the good or whatever of your people.
I mean, you could also just go back to what this place was before if you want, because that turned out so well last time.”
That statement also rose some brows, but Ballister had stood by them when they said it, sarcasm and all.
Since then, new groups of knights and guards, explorers and researchers, minds that were not afraid to question and learn the truth, were being trained both physically, mentally, and emotively with new insights and ideas being brought forth every day from different members of the community.
Ambrosius was tasked with training some of these new knights and guards, as well as the prince himself at his highness’ own request- which Ballister elected not to look too into- which took up a good portion his day.
Still, he made more than enough time for Ballister wherever and whenever he could.
That includes now as well, seeing as Ambrosius had run all the way home- “it’s good exercise”- just to meet with Ballister in time for dinner prep when he heard he would be finishing early today, so they could spend the rest of their time together.
Now Ballister could spend his time on his spot on the couch just watching his love try to cool himself down from his run.
What a treat.
Ballister could feel Nimona giving him a judgmental look, but he elected to ignore them in favor of appreciating the view of his boyfriend gulping down a large glass of water.
He was stunning.
Skin all flushed and heated, sweating lightly as there had been a cool breeze that day (and it’s not like either of their stamina were lacking), wearing nicely fitted workout gear consisting of shoes of course, a fitted tank top, and sweatpants that appreciated his bottom and long legs gorgeously.
Finally, Ambrosius had his hair pulled back into a splendid bun at the back of his head, flowy and curling pieces falling out from some ends and at the front framing his face like a portrait.
That’s when Ballister was struck with an idea.
Later that evening he approached Ambrosius in their room as he was grabbing his things for the shower.
“Excuse me, my dear,” He caught Ambrosius right when he was heading towards their bathroom, “I was wondering- well, I was hoping actually- that maybe you would- if- if I could... Uhm...”
Ambrosius simply waited for him patiently, smiling and giving him time to gather his thoughts and get his sentence through.
Ballister took a deep breath.
He doesn’t know why he’s so nervous. They are partners after all, and things have gotten so much better between them, so...
“Is... Are you planning on washing your hair?”
Ambrosius seemed caught off guard with the question, an eyebrow raised, and his lips turned slightly down.
Or maybe just the fact that it took Ballister so long to ask something so innocent and simple.
“Uh, no, not really, well- not tonight I mean, cuz I have an early training tomorrow it wouldn’t really make sense if I-... I mean...”
Ambrosius stopped his rambling as Ballister turned his gaze down, slightly disappointed, but oh well, he’d live-
“-I mean yeah! Totally!”
Ballister perked up, and smiled as the other man began his dramatics of throwing his hair back and complaining about how tangled and messy his hair was (lie) after the days training.
“-But! I’m so tired after today (another lie), how will I ever find the energy to wash my hair on my own?”
Ambrosius threw a dramatic arm over his face, then gave Ballister an expectant look from under his arm, waiting for his reaction.
Ballister shook his head with a laugh. “Well, if you’re really that exhausted, I suppose I could help you if you’d-”
“Perfect!”
The next thing Ballister knew he was waiting next to the tub, which was filled with hot water- as his love enjoyed the practically melting his skin from his body as striking as that might sound- and sweet-smelling soaps and bubbles. He was waiting for his boyfriend in the bathroom as the taller man ‘got ready’ in their room, so he pulled his sleeves of his t-shirt up in the meantime.
After a few minutes Ballister turned to the water to check the temperature, and then suddenly heard footsteps behind him. “Took you long enou-”
Ballister’s voice trailed off at the sight before him.
It was one he was familiar with, yes, but he would still find his breath caught by it every time.
There, near the frame of the bathroom door, stood Ambrosius. Tall, pale, beautiful, and noticeably less sweaty then earlier. He wore a black nightrobe, one that looked suspiciously similar to Ballister’s, only longer, and it complimented him wonderfully. His long, platinum blonde hair was tied up in a messy yet elegant bun at the top of his head, which was only being held by a pin. He noticed the way his love looked at him, eyes half lidded and smile teasing, when pout came to those plump lips when his sights landed on Ballister.
“Aw, your still dressed.”
Ballister, still in awe, began quickly taking of his shirt.
“No, no babe, it’s cool,” Ambrosius laughed, walking over and lowering Ballister’s shirt, “maybe later then.” His lover pecked his lips, before stepping back and disrobing himself.
As meticulously more and more pale skin exposed itself to him, Ballister took time appreciating to long line of his boyfriend’s back, counting to scars he could see as most of the time Ambrosius’ skin remained clear after the cuts he would get healed, unlike Ballister. He could, however, see the scarring of the laser left behind by The Director peaking out over his shoulder. It looked like a star from the front almost, centering at his left shoulder and spreading out with star-like lines which reached his collar bone, upper arm, and a bit of his left cheek as well.
The robe fell from his shoulders and at first Ballister thought he would allow it to pool at his feet, but instead he hung it up on one of the towel hooks near the vanity.
“... Folding it would still be better, love.”
“Oh not this again.”
Ballister couldn’t help it, it was an old disagreement between them, but it made him laugh every time he saw the way Ambrosius rolled his eyes and groaned.
“You want me in that tub now or not?”
“Alright, alright, I’ll be quiet.”
Ambrosius made his way over to the shorter man, kissing his forehead and then carefully stepping into the tub. Ballister moved to sit on a stool behind Ambrosius, placing an empty metal bucket underneath where the main would hang and got ready to pull the pin from his hair.
“Are you sure you wanna do this?” Ambrosius asked as he finally laid in the tub. “I have certain steps I take to taking care of my hair that make it a little... tedious, to say the least.
I’ve actually been thinking of cutting it off-”
“-What?! No!”
Ambrosius, surprised by Ballister’s small exclamation, turned around just enough to see Ballister’s flushed, embarrassed face.
“Bal?” He asked, a little confused, and Ballister couldn’t blame him, he didn’t quite understand it himself.
“I- I’m sorry, میرے پیارے, of- of course, if that’s something you want, you would be lovely either way, it’s just...”
...
Ambrosius sat up in the tub.
Ballister watched as the other man turned fully, looking at him with soft unjudgmental eyes. A warm, wet hand came up, and held Ballister’s face gently as he tried to avoid the man’s eyes.
“Ballister.” Ambrosius urged, causing Ballister to look at him.
“Thank you for respecting my opinion,” he started, “and it’s okay if you like my hair like this, I do too, it just gets a little hard maintaining it on top of all of my other usual routines-”
“What if I did it for you?”
Shocked by this Ambrsosius shook his head. “No, Bal-”
“Please, Ambrosius.”
The two men stared at each other for what felt like minutes.
Ballister could tell Ambrosius had something on his mind, probably wanting to ask Ballister why he was so insistent, or ask Ballister about his behaviour lately, but he saw the moment Ambrosius decided not to push. He smiled, instead, and brought Ballister’s face closer for a kiss.
“Okay, I wouldn’t mind you helping me. Thank you”
Ambrosius turned back around and reached for some of his floral body wash. As he did so Ballister, a little more hesitant than a moment ago, finally took the pin out of its place and watched mesmerized as waves of pale blond tresses fell in waves, some curling or curving away as it descended, nearly touching the floor in the end.
‘Gorgeous.’
Ballister brushed his right hand through the soft threads, continuously scratching and kneading his lover’s scalp, slowly leading Ambrosius to lay his head down against the comfortably padded edge of the tub. Ambrosius sighed contently, closing his eyes and allowing Ballister to take control.
Lavender, lemongrass, and bergamot rose were they key scents in the different creams, shampoos, conditioners, and oils that they had around the counters.
Ballister first brushed his hair, getting all of the knots out. After that, he grabbed the shower head that was on his side- their bath had two shower heads- and began watering the locks. He knew Ambrosius had many steps when it came to taking care of his hair, he was there for them every morning after all, but he also had a long list for how to properly clean and wash his hair.
Most people would call it tiresome, or vain, but as Ballister went on with the process he found it to be very therapeutic. Ballister knew, when he and Ambrosius first started dating, that Ambrosius would often have a routine for his skin and body because he was conscious of what the media and others said about his appearance. He would wake up earlier than Ballister, or any of the other knights, just so he would be at least a quarter of the way done by the time Ballister woke up to get ready.
Nowadays, though he cut down a bit on some of the things he did, he still had his routine. However, he didn’t do it for others now, he did it for himself because it made him feel good.
And because he likes looking good for Ballister, he admitted one night.
Ballister chuckled, remembering the conversation they had after as he dug his fingers through his hair with a special, lavender scented cream, trading between massaging his scalp and brushing his hair with a comb. He enjoyed the happy calmness that surrounded them, eventually thinking that Ambrosius that fallen asleep after a while.
“... You look happier, like this.” Ballister whispered to himself.
“We were in a rough place when... and we worked so together to be able to find this balance again. Since then, you began to let your hair grow, the way you always wanted to since we were kids, despite what your parents and the media began to say.
And it’s not just your hair.
You’ve started taking back things that they took from you all under the reason of being ‘Gloreth’s Descendant’. Your hair, your diet, your body, they’ve changed, you’ve changed, we’ve changed, and for the better, I believe at least.”
He turned around and grabbed the spray, gently rinsing the shiny tresses, making sure the water fell in the bucket.
“And you didn’t do it for your parents, or the realm, or for Gloreth, you did it for yourself...
and me.
It’s become a sort of statement, a symbol, of how far we’ve come together, every inch of it. I- I don’t want you thinking of it- of taking care of it, as something tedious.”
When he was done rinsing, he grabbed the shampoo and applied it.
“بال یادیں رکھ سکتے ہیں۔, my mother used to say, and I still believe it.”
A soft, wet hand landed on his own, startling Ballister. He looked up and saw Ambrosius watching him from the silver surface of the other shower head, smiling wide.
“... I love you, Ballister Boldheart.”
Ballister sat up from his seat, leaning over enough to brush his lips against the others.
“I love you too, Ambrosius Goldenloin.”
When everything was said and done, they found themselves back on the couch. They had to wait for a bit until Ambrosius’ hair was at least 70% dry before they could blow dry it. It was very specific, but Ambrosius refused to budge even a 1%, so they opted to wait it out watching a cheesy romance comedy together. It would take about 42 to 84 minutes for Ambrosius’ hair to dry till 70% (again, very specific). After some time the timer went off and they made their way back to the bathroom.
Before Ballister could plug the blow-dryer in, it was suddenly snatched from his hands by pink talons.
“I wanna do it!”
Nimona stood behind the two, waving the hairdryer around. Ballister looked to Ambrosius from the mirror and smiled when he saw the blonde nodding.
“Sure, fine, just be careful-”
“Yeah yeah, don’t sweat it Blondie, I got this.”
Ballister continued to then supervise Nimona, who half did their own thing, half listened to Ballister’s instructions. Sometimes Ballister took over completely, other times Nimona would wrestle the blow-dryer out of his hands and then Ambrosius would step in and help Ballister. In the end though Ambrosius’ hair was dry and Ballister could finally do the last step of the process.
Braiding.
“Uhm...”
Ballister looked at Nimona, who suddenly became quiet. They were shuffling a little bit behind them.
“Can... Can I do it?”
Both men looked at each other, Ambrosius gave Ballister a smile before turning back to the vanity, trusting his decision. Ballister grinned at the shapeshifter and stepped aside.
“Of course, Nimona.”
It seems Ballister wasn’t the only one who enjoyed Ambrosius’ long hair.
They would later admit to Ballister, one quiet game night when Ambrosius was out while they were sharing a pizza, that the shapeshifter used to braid Gloreth’s hair all the time when they were friends, and Gloreth would do the same.
It was... nostalgic, in a good and almost bittersweet way.
They had forgotten how much they enjoyed doing it, so it was nice getting a chance again, all these years later.
‘Strange,’ Ballister thought as he watched Nimona braid Ambrosius’ hair, the two people he cared for most in the world who once upon a time couldn’t be found in the same room together, ‘how hair really can hold so much memory for different people.’
He chuckled when Nimona tried to suggest different insanely difficult and tall hairstyles for Ambrosius as the blonde frantically denied every single one of them. They began a small argument between each other over nice and ridiculous hair styles as Nimona continued their work Ballister tried not to pick any sides.
‘Though, this is a memory I’m going to keep with me forever.’