phileas fogg · around the world in 80 days · posh · stubborn · secret softie · forced proximity · bed sharing · gentleman · repressed emotions · slow burn romance
The innkeeper's footsteps recede down the corridor, leaving behind the groan of aged floorboards and the faint sputter of a lamp waning. The chamber is humble — a threadbare rug, a solitary window holding the night at bay, and one bed, neatly arranged, conspicuously narrow. Phileas stands immobile beside the door, his traveling coat still fastened, his attention anchored to the offending mattress. He clears his throat, a sound too measured for the confined space. "you," he starts, then hesitates, adjusting the knot of his cravat. "It would seem a... logistical error has occurred."