Cottage on the Hill (MxMxMxMxM)

Chapter Fourteen

5:30am, Friday October 23rd

My alarm blared and I groaned, rolling over James and Hale to turn it off. Hale grunted in his sleep and James tried to grab hold of me, to keep me in bed. "Why you gettin' up so early?" he asked thickly.

"Yoga," I replied, my voice scratchy from sleep. He groaned in response and dropped off back to sleep. I found some shorts and a t-shirt before getting my shoes from the bottom of the closet and tip-toeing downstairs.

I imagine they would be cross if I didn't take a coat, so I snatched one off the hook not caring whose I grabbed, and found Ollie's car keys in the pocket.

"Lovely," I murmured to myself, putting the shoes on and shoving my phone into the pocket of his coat before going out to his car and turning it on. I let it warm up for a few minutes before pulling out of the driveway and trundling along the deserted dirt road in the low light of the morning.

I pulled into the gym right before 6am and jogged inside, not wanting to miss the start of the class. I really should just put my name down for this class every morning, I thought as I approached the boy behind the front desk, who looks exhausted.

"What can I help you with?" he asked, yawning.

"Is there any space in the 6am yoga class?" I asked. He tapped away on his computer, brows furrowed.

"Yes. Do you have a member number?"

I nodded and reeled off my number, which I know by heart now, then once he'd approved it, I went straight through. The instructor greeted me and I winced at his cast. I don't know how he's going to teach today, but he must be able to, since he's here.

"Morning, Elliot," he said. I picked a mat close to the door, figuring that if I get home in time, I can make my loves a packed lunch for work. They deserve something home cooked for lunch.

I stretched while the rest of the class filed in, taking spots all around me. The instructor picked someone – a regular – to come up the front and help him lead the class, demonstrating each position while he moved about, correcting people.

"That's good, Elliot. Just make sure you're engaging your core muscles," he said, putting a hand on my stomach to lift it a little. I followed along, my thoughts wandering to what my lovers are doing right now. Probably sleeping. I chuckled softly and moved into a downward dog, all the blood rushing to my head.

Pressure in my chest started to build and I let myself back down, coughing and rubbing my chest. Somethings not right, but I think James made me a doctor's appointment for Monday. Hopefully whatever it is can wait it out until then.

~ • ~

I finished the class with a shallow breath and more sweat than usual pouring down my body. The instructor thanked everyone as we left. I checked my phone and smiled at the picture of Hale, Ollie, and Cas fast asleep from James, and the caption beneath; didn't even bat an eyelid when I got up.

I got into Ollie's car and made my way home, thinking about nothing more than breakfast and a cup of hot chocolate. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed the lights on, and the shadows of the fire flickering through the window. I got out and went inside to find James in the kitchen, making cups of tea.

"Good morning," I croaked, smiling at him and hoping he won't notice the state of my voice. He turned around and pulled me against him.

"You're stinky."

I pulled away, making a face. "That's not very nice."

"But I love you anyway." He tightened his grip and kissed my face repeatedly. "I'm leaving for work at 7:30, reckon Cas and Hale will be up in time?"