“Just joking. You know that.” Gabriel’s eyes are earnest as they lock gazes for a moment.
“Still-” James can’t help but protest.
“No, stop it.” Gabriel takes a step closer to him. “Now, did you get all the photos you wanted? Or would you like to look around a little more?”
“I can take some more during our walk. It’s supposed to be a beautiful route.”
“Then I’ll let you lead the way.” It’s all there is to say as they fall into step and slowly make their way to their destination. James is happy to note that the travel blogs and brochures weren’t lying when they said that no matter where you were in Old Town, the feeling of history can be found in everything. Just like yesterday at the gardens, James feels a certain sort of calm as they walk over the uneven pavements and cobblestone streets. The old brewery turned Thermaldbad and Spa towers over them when they eventually reach their destination.
*
The vast expanse of Gabriel’s chest, muscles hidden underneath a soft layer of hair, surprises him so much James almost slips when he steps out of his own changing room. For just a brief second his eyes wander. Down, down,down. But seeing just how low on his hips Gabriel’s swim trunks rest, he’s quick to snap his eyes upward. He lets out a relieved breath when he sees that Gabriel hasn’t caught him looking.Get a hold of yourself.
With a flush high on his cheeks he hurries into the water. Gabriel’s footfalls behind him indicate he’s trudging along. The warmth of the pool is welcome, engulfing his body and relaxing the last bit of tension from his back and shoulders.
But if the sight of Gabriel’s chest was surprising, the glimpse he gets at his friend’s thighs as they disappear underneath the waterline sends his heart racing. He has to bite his tongue to prevent himself from making an unwelcome sound.
In his peripheral he sees Gabriel settle down against the edge of the pool, his strong arms coming up to rest along the tiles. It’s once again a vision he never thought he would have the pleasure of witnessing.How unfair of him to be this attractive.
It takes everything in him to keep his eyes trained on Gabriel’s chin, the water rippling around him or the view out of the window.
“How about we go outside?” Gabriel asks from where he’s floating next to him. James blinks at the unexpected proximity.
James blushes, again, as he keeps his eyes trained on the windows. Behind the glass, the stunning outdoor section of the thermal bath and the view of the city, act like a beacon. Something that he wants to act on, but isn’t sure if he should.
“Won’t it be cold? It’s freezing outside,” James says as he sinks further into the warmth of the water. Inside feels safe, harboring.
Gabriel hums, tilting his head while he shrugs. “From what I saw the water is just as warm out there. Just have to keep yourself submerged, I suppose.”
The movement from his shoulders causes droplets to ripple from his neck down to where his body meets the water. James doesn’t know if he’s in heaven or in hell.
*
When they walk out a mere three hours later, the cold that hits James feels like it cuts through his skin and bones. The warmth of the water and the relaxed state of his muscles seem to evaporate the moment the door shuts behind them. It seems like the water in the outdoor pool really did create a barrier to stave off the temperature.
Gabriel tightens his scarf, his beanie pulled down to his eyebrows. “I assume you made dinner plans.”
James perks up, trying to forget the cold for a moment. “I did! Cheese fondue at a little waterside restaurant.”
Gabriel’s eyes turn skeptical. “Fondue? Like chocolate?”
*
The evening is spent laughing, hidden away in a secluded corner of a cozy restaurant. James spends the majority of the night mocking Gabriel about his choice of food (“I’m not eating broccoli with cheese, you heathen”)and making sure that he’s at least enjoying some of the items in combination with the cheese. At one point they’re surprised by a specialty beer, (“Santa Claus beer, Gabriel. It really is starting to feel like Christmas”) and they indulge in different kinds of desserts. All the while they talk and learn more about each other. James can honestly say that he’s never heard Gabriel talk as much as he had the last few days. Or share as much about himself.
It’s his turn to pay this time, which he happily does, before they make their way back toThe Evergreen.
10 [Gabriel] From Zurich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
December 7th & December 8th
Gabriel smiles as he checks his watch while he lets James go onto the train first. A little over ninety minutes until departure. Of course James made sure they would have time to spare. And plenty of it, at that.
The cabin is warm as he drops his jacket at the end of the bed, kicking off his shoes. James flops backward onto his side. He grins to himself at the realization that this is going to be one of the cozy nights inside of their little space. This is why he went on the trip in the first place.
Space to enjoy his own things, to indulge in his reading and his sketching without the heaviness that he feels in London. There are no expectations here, no need to rush to work or make sure to meet his friends as often as possible. Here he can’t do anything other than enjoy the quiet, James’ company and a certain tranquility he’s not sure he’s ever experiencedbefore.
A quick shower doesn’t sound all that bad, especially after soaking in the water of the thermal baths earlier. The train’s set for departure just after nine, so they’ll be arriving in Germany early in the morning. He’s sure that it’ll be another day James speeds off and spends the day ticking off the things from his little list. When Gabriel returns from his shower, James managed to doze off and is snoring softly from where he’s tucked his hands underneath his head.
