"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I'm all out of inspiring." For all that the remark might have sounded bitchy in the wrong context, it was followed by a tired smile as he swatted somewhat feebly at Christelle's hand. "But if you get us dinner, I'll see if I can't at least manage 'mildly motivational', just for you."

Fai saw no reason not to follow her advice, and went to lower himself into a bath, although 'barely controlled collapse' was a more accurate description of the movement. Since he assumed she'd call him when dinner was a fact, he simply allowed himself to marinate in bath oils, his entire face hidden by a damp towel.