This time it’s not words Gabriel uses to cut him off, it’s the soft touch of his fingertips against James’ trembling hands. “Don’t you dare. Just a little hiccup, don’t let it ruin your day.”
Did it ruin yours?James can’t help but think.
He’s saved from answering by the arrival of their coffees and the pastries, which turn out to be a buttery kind of biscuit filled with apricot jam. It’s one of the nicest treats James has had since the start of the whole journey.
*
The theatre is indeed a cozy, whimsical place filled with Christmas decorations and tacky photo spots. The wardrobedoor is a fun addition, adding to the uniqueness of it all. The beanbag chairs are a surprise. A wonderful one at that, since they’re very soft and give the whole experience just that little extra bit of comfort. If not for the people around them, it’s like they’re watching the movie on their tv back at home, munching on popcorn and filling up on soda.
By the time they get out of the cinema, it’s nearing the end of the afternoon. Whatever little sun was present at the start of the day has vanished completely, blanketing the city in darkness. The high pillars and buildings cast shadows across the sidewalk as they make their way to the Charles Bridge.
There’s a low-hanging fog rising up from the water, blowing billows of smoke across the bridge. The yellow glow of the lanterns leading the way from one side of it to the other. Underneath their shoes, the snow crunches with every step. The snow might’ve stopped, but the cold still lingers in the air. Every breath James takes, he blows out in a puff of smoke.
It’s got a certain romantic feeling to it, trudging along the bridge at dusk. From each side, broken pieces of ice float along the water. The whole picture feels like something out of a movie. A good looking, kind man next to him, walking the length of one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe. The snow providing a backdrop you can only fantasize about and the dim lights creating the perfect illusion of privacy.
In the middle of the bridge, underneath one of the lampposts, they come to a stop. James leans against the stone, taking in the outline of this absolutely magnificent city. Gabriel lets himself fall against the wall next to him. Neither of them says a word.
James knows, somewhere deep down, that this could be a perfect moment. It paints one of those pivotal moments in those classic romcoms they both enjoy. He could turn to Gabriel, confess his feelings and fall into his arms. Had he been someone else, he might’ve. But he’s him, and he’s not even sure if he’s ready to admit to himself how deep his feelings for Gabriel really run.
16 [Gabriel] From Prague to Vienna
December 11th & December 12th
Having dinner in the dining carriage ofThe Adventureris turning out to be one of Gabriel’s favorite parts of the day. The somewhat formal, cozy restaurant gives off the classic elegance you’d expect from an establishment such as this and the way James seems to settle into the seats more easily with each passing day they come here is an added bonus. Tonight’s menu is a mixture of Czech delicacies as main courses and Austrian desserts.
“Would you care for some champagne, gentleman?”
“Not for me, thank you.” James smiles kindly. The waiter that just appeared at the table nods in understanding. Gabriel declines as well and is just about to turn back to James to ask him to go on with his story when he’s interrupted by an inelegant push against the booth they’re in.
To his horror, it’s Riley that sinks into the empty seat atthe table across from theirs. Without as much as a greeting he gestures to the waiter to fill up the two empty flutes on the table. Paul appears in a more subdued manner, sending the waiter an apologetic look as he settles down in his own seat.
Across from Gabriel, James has fallen silent. The happy gleam fading from his eyes, his gaze firmly locked on the tablecloth instead of on Gabriel as they were when they enjoyed their appetizers earlier. Gabriel’s not a big fan of the tense line of his shoulders either.
Without thinking, he reaches out to James, caressing his trembling fingers with his own. For a moment, he wonders if he’s crossing a line. The next, he remembers the farce they’re putting on and that touching would absolutely be a part of a regular date night. Not that he needs an excuse to want to comfort James, he’s just happy with the cover if he needs it.
At the touch, James’ fingers uncoil and the tremble settles. The big, deep breath that Gabriel sees him take eases some of the tension from his tight shoulders. Tactile, he notices. He files the information away for safe keeping. It fits nicely with the words of affirmation that he already knows is one of James’ love languages.
“Go on,” Gabriel says while he picks up his glass of water, “tell me more about Rothenburg.” He’s not pleased with the fact that he missed most of the city, but he’ll happily listen to James’ stories about it. His anxiety might’ve acted up a bit,but he knows his friend did enjoy roaming the little town for however long he was able to. The futile glances he shoots to his right are a clear indicator that James isn’t comfortable enough to openly share whatever is on his mind.
Gabriel can’t exactly blame him. The coziness of the restaurant is one of the things that draws him here. It’s also one of the bigger downfalls, since the bigger booths mean that there aren’t as many people occupying the space. With these particular two next to them, he figures it can’t be easy for James.
“We should do our engagement-” Gabriel can’t stand Riley’s smug look while he talks. The smirk on his lips as he twists his ring around his finger in that obnoxious way someone only would to brag and the way his eyes are full of glee, Gabriel’s already done with it.
He squeezes James’ hand twice more, trying to get him to make eye contact. As soon as he has it, he makes sure he keeps it and says, “Did you make sure to make reservations for brunch with my mum? In the new year?”
With the way the man on the other side of the aisle tenses, Gabriel knows he’s struck a nerve. James might not have given all the personal details about the inner workings of their relationship, he does know that James hadn’t been able to connect with his in-laws. A failing Paul often used to degrade James.
Paul came from high society, like James. Paul thrived in it. James drowned. Paul had everyone in the palm of his hand at the end of their first joined dinner. James often joked about the fool he made of himself that night. He’d never been able to rectify that first impression he made that night. Some others might’ve been able to live with it, but Paul clearly hadn’t.
So Gabriel knows where to prod and dig where it hurts. No matter the fact that it’s clearly a fabrication and he’ll in no way introduce James to his parents. Not out of embarrassment, but out of protection. Gabriel knows like no other what his mother is capable of. He’ll make sure to keep James from that for however long he’s able to.
“Hmm,” James hums, nodding along slowly. “I did, actually. Got us a seat at La Chapelle. She mentioned wanting to try it.” There’s a lot left unsaid in the lingering stare they share.
Gabriel’s lips tick upward. “She’ll enjoy that. I’ll make sure to tell her.”
He’s enjoying the growing tension to his left a lot. It’s quite obvious that if Paul grips his napkin any tighter he might actually rip it. Gabriel has to take a sip from his glass to hide his satisfied smirk. If the twinkle in James’ eyes is anything to go by, he made the right choice. The reluctant pettiness James displays is a pleasant surprise. Gabriel’s can’t find it in him tofeel any remorse.
When dinner is served, time seems to fly by. It’s almost easy to forget about the people sitting next to them when James, little by little, emerges from his shell and starts recounting his adventures. Little hiccups, mostly due to scoffs or soft-spoken remarks, are easily resolved with a gentle touch and encouraging eye contact. They end the night happily chatting as they walk back to their cabin.
