How To Fall From Grace [MxM]

Step 37: Fall on your feet

Frey wanted nothing more than to fall asleep.

Submerged in the warm bath water with just the top of his chest breaking the surface, he closed his eyes before leaning his head back. New warmth added to the pleasure, and he was more than happy to fall into a daze.

"You're not gonna fall asleep in the bath, are you?" Marius placed a hand under Frey's arm, and the latter cracked open an eyelid in disappointment.

"I'm so tired," he mumbled, still lifting his head from Marius' torso to look at him. "I'm still exhausted from earlier and the warmth from you and the bath aren't helping."

"So that's a no on a second round, then?"

Frey laughed through his nose.

"Even if I had the energy, the water will be cold by the time we're done with that."

"I guess we should get ready, anyway."

Frey uttered a low groan.

"But I'm tired," he complained for a second time, leaning his head back against Marius' chest again. "Can't we sleep for a while first?"

"Not in the bath." Marius wiped wet hair away from Frey's forehead. "And I'm sorry to say we don't have the time."

"Not even a little?"

As if summoned just to go against Frey's wishes, a voice soon called out from downstairs, and they both shot up from their relaxed state.

"The carriage is here already?" Frey was sure he couldn't feel more exhausted than he did at that moment. "They're way too early."

"I got it." Marius got up from the bath before calling out to the new arrival. "Be right down!"

He wiped himself dry and threw his clothes on at an impressive speed, and before Frey could even think about standing up from the warm water, he'd left the room.

Another groan forced its way out of Frey's mouth, but he slowly climbed out of the bath, not without his limbs feeling heavier than ever.

To make matters more inconvenient, he squinted as he picked up his waistcoat to spot a tear next to one of the buttons.

"Marius..." he muttered, recalling the rough treatment his clothes had gotten before they got into the bath.

So instead of putting it on, he folded it over his arm to go downstairs.

"Oh, Lord Clausson." Mr. Harper stood in the entrance hall, giving Frey an apologetic bow upon spotting him. "Terribly sorry to disturb you in the middle of getting ready. I had expected the road to be in worse condition after the rain so we left South Kerilia earlier than usual."

"No harm done in that." Frey shook his head at the coachman while taking a last step down the stairs. "It's reassuring to hear the road is in good condition."

"So, I suggested the footmen and I would wait by the carriage—"

"Of course not." Frey dismissed the suggestion. "We'll put on some tea in the kitchen, so do sit down while we get ready."

Harper chuckled.

"That's what your husband said as well. He's in there right now."

"All good, then." Frey nodded, steering towards the kitchen while Harper went outside to fetch the others.

"Well, you're looking—" Marius interrupted himself as he eyed Frey's attire. "Not entirely dressed."

Frey wrinkled his nose with a mock smile, holding up his waistcoat to show the damage.