Here you'll find
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Boots in a Flowerbed
11. Stormy WeatherKim knows that he's dragging his feet and that Chaim is laughing at him. "C'mon, Kim," Chaim says. He's stopped on a landing between two flights of stairs and smiles. "One more, and then we're there." "I'm coming, all right?" Kim shakes his head, droplets fly all around from his hair and he grins against his will. No doubt he looks like a soaked puppy and Chaim's not any better. His blonde hair is hanging over his eyes and nearly down to the bridge of his nose, his cloak dripping water on the stairs. It's a good thing that they weren't even properly out of the city before the rain clouds took them by surprise. The rain started so suddenly that they were thoroughly soaked during the few minutes it took them to get the hood up, not to mention how wet the seat of the carriage was, but at least they didn't have t long drive back. It's funny how cold such a sudden shower can turn the weather; it was still so nice and warm in the morning, when they left, and now Chaim's hands look almost blue and Kim's teeth are chattering. And still he's hesitating. He's once more alone in Uman for the weekend, so of course it'd make no sense for him to go home like this, wet and cold, when Chaim's place is warm and cozy and near. That's where they are going now, and that's why Kim is dragging his feet. He's not even sure why. Ahead of him, Chaim has reached the topmost landing and Kim sees a large door of some dark, polished wood. Then it opens, Chaim steps in past a man who is wearing a dark, understated suit. Kim hurries after him, hears the door close behind himself and looks around in the spacious, stylish hall. "That blasted rain caught us totally unawares," Chaim says as the man takes the cloak and hamper he's been carrying. "Dalen, this is Kim, my good friend. Kim, meet Dalen, the most wonderful valet in existence." Kim looks uncertainly at the man who bows to him. "Welcome, master Kim," the valet says. "I'm delighted to make your acquaintance." How does one speak to a servant? Especially as one has no idea of one's own position, either? Kim smiles a little and nods, then follows Chaim who strolls into a neighboring room and shrugs off his jacket. Dalen follows them like a shadow. "A hot bath, Mylord?" "Yes indeed, Dalen, for both of us. And better make it really hot! Kim can have the little guest room for the moment." "Yes, Mylord. This way, if you please, master Kim." Kim follows, careful not to look too much around. He's sure that if he does that, he'll just stop and gape there, like he did in the mansion. Somehow he wouldn't want to do that in front of the impressive servant who's leading the way, his step silent and efficient. So he just follows the dark shape in front of him. The room is splendid and yet cozy. Dalen disappears for a few seconds, only to return with a luxurious bathrobe and the information that Kim's bath will be ready in a few moments. Kim doesn't waste time in getting out of his wet clothes, and is promptly startled when he enters the bathroom and sees that, firstly, it's obviously designed to be used only by the occupants of that one bedroom, and secondly, that there's another, younger manservant busy at work. So he stands demurely by the door and watches as the young man - who introduces himself as Tim, to both of their shy amusement - prepares a steaming hot bath for him. Soaking in hot water at last warms Kim up, and afterwards he's feeling altogether too drowsy and wonderful to even worry about his clothes that have mysteriously disappeared from the room. Instead he puts his feet into the pair of slippers, only a tad too large for him, and shuffles into the carpeted corridor in search of the master of this place. He doesn't become self-conscious before he enters a small living room and realizes that Chaim is waiting for him there, lounging in a giant armchair in front of a fireplace. Behind a beautifully decorated fireguard, flames are happily blazing. Chaim, too, is only wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and Kim suddenly feels less than half-dressed in his own similar garb. He wraps the robe tighter, trying to look like he's not doing anything of the sort. "Sit down." Chaim gestures at another armchair. "And have some tea. I'm sure you could use some warmth inside as well." Kim does exactly that, curls up in the chair and cradles his cup in both hands. "Where are my clothes?" He wants to know. He doesn't want to feel this nervous again. It's been a while. "Dalen and Tim took them to be dried." Chaim raises a small bottle of something dark honey-brown and offers it to Kim who hurriedly shakes his head. He doesn't know what it is, and he doesn't want to try. He's only tasted alcohol a few times in his life and knows it has an instant effect on him. "Do you need to go home tonight?" "I'll have to go to work in the morning," Kim says and Chaim shrugs. "Pity. You could've slept in that room... but don't worry, I'm sure your clothes'll be dry enough to wear in a few hours. It's hardly midday yet. Though I'm hoping you wouldn't be going too soon." Kim relaxes, looking at Chaim's hopeful expression. "I don't think I need to go before the evening," he says and smiles back to Chaim over the tea and sandwiches set on the low table. "Splendid." Chaim cocks his head a little. "Say... the rain tried to spoil our picnic, but surely we aren't that easily discouraged?" Kim chuckles. | ||