Ethan checked himself in the mirror for the umpteenth time, growing increasingly frustrated as he tried to find something suitable for the party. His day at work had been hectic, filled with Lucien teasing him at every opportunity. It made him feel weak and powerless, but he had no choice but to comply.
Lucien had mentioned a party, emphasizing the need for formal attire that screamed "expensive." This wasn't just any party—it was an event with socialites and the elite, people who spent money extravagantly to flaunt their status. Lucien had made it clear that Ethan needed to dress impeccably and avoid any mistakes. He was supposed to meet Lucien an hour before the party, but he was running late.
Frustration mounting, Ethan looked at his bed, which was strewn with various clothes. He ruffled his hair in exasperation, grabbing the outfit that looked the newest and least faded. He changed quickly, not even bothering to tidy up the discarded clothes.
After changing, he didn't give his appearance another thought. He grabbed his wallet, which had a few dollar bills inside, and snatched his phone from the nightstand. A glance at the time made him curse under his breath. He was late.
Rushing out of his small apartment and onto the dark streets, he stood by the roadside, anxiously waiting for a taxi. Every second felt like an eternity. His heart raced, and he tapped his foot impatiently. Finally, a taxi pulled up. He hopped inside, quickly giving the driver the address to Lucien's penthouse.
As the taxi navigated through the city streets, Ethan's mind raced. He replayed Lucien's instructions over and over, worrying about making a mistake. The anxiety gnawed at him, but he tried to push it aside. This was important, and he had to make a good impression.
When the taxi finally pulled up to Lucien's penthouse, Ethan paid the driver and stepped out, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The grandeur of the building was intimidating, but he squared his shoulders and approached the entrance.
He was greeted by a doorman, who recognized him and let him in without question. Ethan entered the lobby, his nervousness increasing with each step. He felt out of place among the opulence and luxury, but he reminded himself that he had to do this.
He took the elevator up to Lucien's floor, his heart pounding in his chest. When the doors opened, he stepped out and walked down the hall to Lucien's door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking, taking one last deep breath.
Waiting for a few seconds he decided texting him was better.
---
Lucien relaxed in his bathtub, enjoying the warmth of the water and the comforting embrace of the bubbles. He tilted his head back, closing his eyes. Always one to be fashionably late to parties, he found arriving early unbearably dull. He had specifically told Ethan to come early just for his own amusement.
After soaking for a while, he stood up, allowing the water to cascade off his body. He dried himself off quickly and slipped into his favorite black robe. Stepping out of the bathroom and into his bedroom, he picked up his phone from the nightstand. His eyes were immediately drawn to a text from Ethan:
"I'm here."
Lucien smiled, tossing the phone back onto the bed. He made his way to the door of his penthouse, a sense of anticipation building. Opening the door, he found Ethan standing there, looking nervous and slightly out of place.
Ethan had chosen a simple outfit: a button-down shirt and trousers. Lucien's eyes roamed over him, and his initial smile faded into a look of mild disappointment. "Is this what you're wearing?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of disapproval.
Ethan glanced down at his clothes, suddenly self-conscious. "I... I thought it would be appropriate," he stammered.
Lucien shook his head, stepping aside to let Ethan in. "No, this won't do at all. Come with me."
Ethan followed Lucien through the luxurious penthouse, taking in the opulent surroundings. The walk from the front door to the bedroom felt like an eternity, with Ethan growing more nervous with each step. Lucien's robe flowed elegantly as he led the way, exuding an air of effortless confidence.
Upon reaching the bedroom, Lucien opened the door to his expansive walk-in closet. "We need to find you something more suitable," he said, scanning the rows of clothing. "You're too frail for these clothes to fit perfectly, but we'll make do."
Ethan stood awkwardly, feeling exposed and out of place. Lucien's eyes were sharp as he assessed Ethan's frame, pulling out various pieces of clothing and discarding them quickly.
"Here," Lucien finally said, pulling out a sleek black suit. He held it up against Ethan, his eyes narrowing in thought. "This should work."
Ethan took the suit, glancing up at Lucien. "Thank you," he mumbled, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.
Lucien nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Go on, try it on. We don't have all day."
Ethan headed to the bathroom to change. The suit was a bit large on him; Lucien was taller and more muscular, making the fit a challenge for Ethan's smaller frame. After a few minutes of struggling, he emerged, the suit hanging loosely on his shoulders and waist.
Lucien frowned, but his eyes held a glint of amusement. "It's a bit big, but we can make it work." He walked over and began adjusting the suit, rolling up the sleeves and pinning the excess fabric.
Ethan stood still, feeling self-conscious as Lucien worked. He couldn't help but notice how close Lucien was, the scent of his cologne filling the air. It was a mix of cedarwood and something else Ethan couldn't quite place, but it was intoxicating.
"There," Lucien said finally, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "It's not perfect, but it'll do for now."
Ethan looked at himself in the mirror, feeling slightly more confident. The suit, while not a perfect fit, did make him look more polished and formal.
"Thank you," he said again, meeting Lucien's eyes in the mirror.
Lucien nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Now, let's get going. We don't want to be too late."
Lucien then turned back to the closet and selected an outfit for himself. He shed his robe without hesitation, standing in front of Ethan in nothing but his underwear as he picked out a tailored suit. Ethan's cheeks flushed, and he quickly averted his gaze, feeling awkward and flustered.
Lucien dressed swiftly, his movements confident and efficient. Within moments, he was impeccably dressed, looking every bit the part of a sophisticated businessman . He glanced at Ethan, who was still looking slightly dazed.
"Ready?" Lucien asked, his voice bringing Ethan back to the present.
Ethan nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, I'm ready."
As they made their way out of the penthouse, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with nervousness. This night was bound to be unlike anything he had ever experienced before, and he had no idea what to expect.