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Adrestian summers were well known for their scorching sunlight and dry heat. If you grew up within the Empire, it was something you were accustomed to. Most locals enjoyed the warmth and constant sunshine, even if the days would run a little long into the evening. The Minister of the Imperial Household was a fan of the longer daylight hours, for it gave him an excuse to work longer. If the sun was still up, not one could argue with him that he needed to get rest for the night. However, Hubert was picky about certain aspects of the climate.
For one, he tolerated the heat, but he hated trying to keep himself formally dressed in summer. Others around him would shed layers and wear less, including his own husband. Of course, he never complained about such a sight from him. It was inviting to see Ferdinand in shorter sleeves and with his collar unbuttoned nearly half way down his chest. It was more of a challenge focusing on work in his presence, though.
However, Hubert was a stubborn man. He preferred to stay covered, opting for thinner, more breathable fabrics during the unbearable heat. No matter how many sound arguments the Prime Minister made to convince him to change his wardrobe for summer, Hubert would refuse. Eventually, Ferdinand just accepted his partner’s terrible fashion taste and would tease him for it later when he noticed the sweat sticking his sleeves to his skin on their breaks.
Currently, Hubert was trying his best not to show any discomfort as he waits for Ferdinand to finish his chores at the stables. His shirt was buttoned to the collar, and he terribly wished to undo it. But that meant admitting he was unable to handle the heat in front of his husband, and he wasn’t about to give him more fuel to taunt him with freely. However, as he watched Ferdinand slowly bringing the horses back inside the stables after feeding and washing a couple of the beasts, he had noticed a shift in the air.
Summertime in the Empire was known for two things. The first being the dry heat and constant sunshine. The second was the infrequent rush of storms that would blow into the atmosphere with barely a warning to be seen.
Clouds were shifting within the sky with little time to prepare for those below. The first few droplets of rain are barely felt or noticed. In fact, Hubert feels one on the top of his head, but he mistakes it for sweat and thinks nothing of it. Instead, he continues to watch with an enamored gaze towards his lover, watching him nuzzling up against one of the younger foals he had been raising. Truly, Ferdinand von Aegir was a miracle worker because Hubert would have never cared so much for the creatures until the redhead revealed their charm through his own compassion.
“If you are not careful, I may think you fancy your foal more than me.” Hubert says dryly, watching as Ferdinand pulls back from his constant coddling of the horse.
“Are you truly that worried that you will be outdone by a horse? I thought the Marquis Vestra would not allow himself to be beaten so easily!” Ferdinand retorts with a laugh, glancing over at his husband.
“If it were any other person, then I would not worry. But you are a unique case, Ferdinand. Only you would make a man compare his worth to a horse.”
“And you call me dramatic.” Ferdinand shakes his head, moving towards the fence where Hubert waits outside. “Relax. No man, woman, or horse can come between us, dear.”
Leaning over the fence, he presses a kiss to Hubert’s lips, soft and slow. It’s returned just as gentle. A faint press of lips echoes between them, as they continue to share peck after peck of short, sweet kisses. Ferdinand brings a hand to cup one of Hubert’s cheeks, caressing at the smooth skin under his fingertips. He can feel the heat of Hubert’s blushing cheeks under his touch, tracing over his jawline in a manner that is very familiar to his husband.
But a few drops of rain fall upon their shoulders, causing the men to part and glance around. Looking above to the clouds, both knew it was too late to run for protection. What starts as a few droplets quickly turns into a drizzle, and then it transforms into a steady downpour of rain. Jerking away from one another, Ferdinand swiftly runs towards his foal to lead her back inside the stables.
“Hurry, Hubert! Seek shelter quick! I will follow momentarily.” Ferdinand calls out, boots sloshing in the forming mud at his feet.
Yet, Hubert does no such thing. Instead, he hops over the fence and goes over to help Ferdinand with bringing in the young foal into her proper stable. Then, he assists with bringing in any equipment in the open air so it does not get rust from the sudden shower. His trousers grow muddy at the bottoms, and he tries to ignore how wet his shirt becomes, sticking grossly to his chest. Ferdinand also suffers from the rain, his hair drenched with the water and falling in wet clumps against his face and back. Both of their clothes are ruined, making the weather much worse with such cold fabric rubbing against their skin.
As soon as they lock up the stable and its shed, Ferdinand grabs onto Hubert’s arm and tugs him forward to run through the streets of the Imperial palace towards their estate.
“What are you doing!? Are you mad, the rain-” Hubert starts to sputter, barely managing to not trip over his two feet.
“We will catch a cold if we sit and wait! We must hurry back and dry ourselves off by the fire!” Ferdinand says, panting some as they skip through the empty streets.
Their feet splash through growing puddles of rain. The sound of water and footsteps tapping against the cobblestone rings in Hubert’s ears, along with his own racing heartbeat. He can only see through one eye, the other buried under his dripping hair. He puts his trust in Ferdinand to get them safely home without running into a wall or falling on his face.
Turning sharply, their estate is in view as they cross the street and are spotted by a handful of their servants. The staff scrambles to open the door, urging the couple inside. As soon as they step indoors, their clothes become more obviously frigid upon their bodies.
“F-F-Fireplace, n-now...” Ferdinand stutters through his chattering teeth.
The two leave a trail of puddles behind them as they walk over to their parlor. Hubert follows his husband’s wishes, fetching wood that was stored for winter and placing it into the fireplace. He removes his ruined gloves and tosses them to the floor, then he lights a spark of magic and quickly sets the wood aflame. As he trembles from the freezing fabric on his body, he can see Ferdinand already undressing in the middle of the room.
The redhead had already removed his shirt, and he was slipping out of his trousers. He stops at his smallclothes, turning a little pink in the face at Hubert’s ogling gaze.
“Ah! U-Undress! You must warm by the fire before we catch ill! Go on!” Ferdinand urges, walking over to help his lover’s trembling fingers with the buttons.
“Oh.” Hubert breathes out, suddenly feeling a little warmer as Ferdinand peels the wet shirt off of his back. He reaches down towards the buckle of his trouser, but Hubert quickly places his hand on top of his and shakes his head. “A-Allow me. I can, erm, handle it.”
So, Hubert slides his belt from his pants, then steps out of them. He stands beside the fire, feeling much better already as it burns brightly before him. He missed this sensation during the summer. Usually he wore clothes, but curling up by the fire with his husband was a cherished activity for Hubert. The memory sparks an idea to help fasten the process of drying off.
“Could we perhaps grab one of the quilts in storage and sit by the fireplace? We still need to get dry if we wish to avoid growing sickly.” He suggests, making Ferdinand's amber eye gleam with excitement.
“One moment, dear! I can grab one.” Ferdinand has little shame, scurrying down their halls and finding one of the linen closets. He reaches and grabs a thick quilt from the top before returning to his beloved.
Unfolding the quilt, Ferdinand sits upon the rug beside the fire. He pats the spot beside him, and Hubert follows. The two press against each other, cool bare skin brushing together. Ferdinand throws the quilt over their backs, allowing them to cuddle under it together while facing the fireplace. To speed the process more, Hubert wraps an arm around Ferdinand’s waist, and the other man rests his damp head against his shoulder.
“Are you warm enough? Do you need more of the quilt?” Hubert asks, but Ferdinand shakes his head.
“I am quite cozy, but thank you, darling.” He leans forward to press a kiss to his jaw, nuzzling against his neck.
Watching as the fire dances in a flash of orange and red, Hubert feels comforted at this arrangement. Even if his hair was still damp and Ferdinand’s own locks were dripping down his arm, he wouldn’t change a thing. It was an unexpected end to his evening, but it was pleasant. As long as he had Ferdinand beside him, he could not find any reason to truly complain.
As Ferdinand pecks at his jaw, he slowly brings his mouth around towards Hubert’s lips. He graces Hubert with a warm press of lips, going much slower and more sensually than before at the stables. There was nothing overly heated about it. It was an expression of his adoration for his husband, moving their mouths together soft and steady. No rushed pecking of lips, and no tongue chasing after an intimate high. All Ferdinand wanted was to be able to taste his beloved, warming him up with his tender affection.
Hubert tilts his head to the side, stopping for a few deep breaths.
“Do you think it is odd we are embracing by the fire in the middle of summer?” Hubert says with a quiet chuckle, rubbing their noses together.
“Yes, it is a bit strange, but not unwelcome.” Ferdinand answers, finding Hubert’s sharp handsome features to be accented in this crackling light from the fire. “I often miss cuddling up with you during these moons. It grows too uncomfortable with sweat to do so at times. So,...this is a nice treat.”
The two share a couple more kisses, letting time ebb and flow without a care in the world. However, Hubert does make one more comment before allowing Ferdinand to kiss him into silence.
“Mhm, once we are dried off, shall we go upstairs? I believe I may need some extra assistance to properly see to it I do not catch a cold.” He slowly drags a finger down Ferdinand’s back, then traces shapes over his hips.
“I could never let you grow sick on my watch. I will make sure you are thoroughly warmed up tonight.” He sighs longingly, before chasing after another kiss.