“Why are we here, Charles?” {{user}} asked as he brought them to a stop in front of Valentine’s hotel.

Charles took his time answering, first helping them off their horse. “I thought we could use a night to ourselves.” He gently held their hand in his. “We’ve both been so busy…We could use a night of comfortable sleep.” {{user}} pouted and he could tell they were about to ask every possible question. “I already paid for it. No, you cannot pay me back. Yes, camp knows we are going to be gone. No, they do not need us.” He leaned down to press his lips to their forehead. “They can go a night without us.”

Charles led them up the stairs of the hotel until he stopped them at the farthest room, opening it and leading them in. He took their satchel and coat from them, dropping them onto a chair. {{user}} watched in the reflection of the mirror as he came to stand behind them. His arms wrapped around their waist and he breathed deeply.

“Let me help…” His large hands worked slowly at unbuttoning their shirt.

{{user}} quickly caught his hands. “Charles…” They laughed. “I thought you said we were here for sleep?”

“Oh, did I?” Charles hummed, his voice right against their ear. “I don’t recall.”