They find the café tucked away in the city, small and rustic. It’s charming even though it’s got a modern feel to it and the woman behind the counter smiles at them while they search for a table. Gabriel’s quick to step in to take over the window seat when a couple gets up to vacate the spot. James apologizes for him, but they just laugh it away and tell them to enjoy their day.
“You are incorrigible.” James hisses underneath his breath when the other people are out of hearing range, a flush spreading to his cheeks.
Gabriel gives a cheeky smile, shrugs and says, “Best seat in the restaurant, right? Besides, I know you enjoy watching the city go by.”
He does have to admit it’s a nice place to sit and have their lunch. It’s more secluded from the rest of the tables and gives them an unobstructed view of the street.
Once again it surprises James how easy it exactly is, being with Gabriel. He figures it’s got to do with the fact that, while they’re spending the day together doing things James initially planned, he doesn’t have the feeling in the slightest that Gabriel’s bored or feeling obligated to join him. He’s enjoyingthe time he’s spending with James, it shows in how he talks and acts, and that’s something new for James.
While they enjoy their food, Gabriel’s leg slides closer to his underneath the table. His foot nudges James’ and without a word he hooks his toes behind James’ ankle. Even though it’s mostly hidden underneath the table and it’s something as juvenile as hooking ankles, James blushes. Gabriel’s smirk softens into a fond smile. He’s so easy with his affection, James could become addicted if he’s not careful.
There’s another fight over the bill, which James wins for once, and before long they’re on their way to Rosenborg Castle. James falters in his step when he finds Paul standing outside of the entrance, a bored look on his face. He’s not quick enough to steer Gabriel away, since he can feel the shift in his demeanor. When Paul catches his eye he smirks and sends them a sarcastic little wave. His smirk widens when Gabriel takes two steps toward him.
James places his hand on Gabriel’s arm. “Leave him, please Gabriel.”
“But-” he splutters, looking back at James, who just shakes his head. James leads them away from the front entrance.
Gabriel grinds his teeth. “He deserves to be punched in the face.”
“For what exactly? Being a dick?” James huffs, irritated.
Gabriel struggles to match James’ quick stride, as he huffsin return and says, “Well yeah, for one. For breaking your heart, for two.”
“Nothing illegal or against the rules. It’s just his personality.”
Gabriel snorts, surprised laugher leaving his lips. “Don’t make me laugh, I’m trying to be chivalrous.”
James stops in his tracks, taking Gabriel off guard who comes to a stop a few steps away. James’ lips form around a slow, teasing smile as heat travels through his body. He raises a brow. “Oh yeah? By doing what? Injuring yourself?”
Gabriel shrugs, bashfully ducking his head. “If that’s what it takes.”
James steps closer. He reaches out to Gabriel, for the first time initiating the contact between them. His arms settle around Gabriel’s neck. “You’ve got nothing to prove to me. Especially not against him.”
“He still hurt you though,” Gabriel mutters, the fight leaving him. His arms encircle James’ waist, pulling him even closer.
James reaches up a little, adjusting the beanie on Gabriel’s head. “Not your fight. Trust me, he isn’t worth it.”
“Youare though.”
31 [James] Copenhagen, Denmark
December 22nd
“You’ve actually got to be kidding me.” Gabriel’s appalled voice echoes over the boulevard. James’ eyes snap toward him, encouraging him to knock it off. The satisfied smirk on his face tells James he knows exactly what he’s doing. In an even louder volume, Gabriel adds, “All the fuss, and that’s it? This tiny statue?”
James digs his elbow into Gabriel’s ribs, desperately trying to hold in his own laughter. His cheeks are pinking out of mortification as a few of the other people lingering close by turn to look at them and sneer. Gabriel ducks out of reach, swatting at James. He’s laughing wholeheartedly now, shoulders shaking with it. “You should’ve seen your face. I’ve never seen you so shocked.”
James tries to get his breathing under control, the giggles still passing his lips. “You’re a menace. You know that, right?”It’s remarkable to see how much easier being in public, out in the open and perceivable, is with Gabriel by his side. His natural charm makes it easier for people to look once in annoyance, but twice in interest, and never in bad faith.
James knows he’s only doing it to get a rise out of him. From what he’s learned – especially over the course of the trip – is that Gabriel might be extroverted, he’s also very independent and quiet. If James has to guess, it’s to help make James at ease. It does, he has noted, even if the initial embarrassment is a hurdle he has to pass. After the first inkling of panic it’s clear to see that people actually leave them alone after something like that happens, not wanting to be associated with the disruption. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“She’s beautiful, got to admit.” Gabriel, who’s taking his camera out of his bag and getting ready to snap a few pictures of the Little Mermaid and the rough sea behind her, shrugs. Being out in the open like this, with nothing to shield them from the cutting wind, is a challenge, but it’s one of the things all the online blogs said to at least pass by, so James wanted to.
In a move that’s still new and unfamiliar, even in the rush it still brings, he reaches out to where Gabriel’s squatted down to capture the right light and offers him his hand. “Come on, we’ve got more to see.” Gabriel looks up at him, eyes almosthidden underneath his beanie and black curls peeking out around the edge. He slots his hand in James’ and lets himself be pulled up.
He’s already handing James his phone to type the next destination into the GPS before he’s fully righted. Hesitantly, James grabs hold of it.
Gabriel rolls his eyes. “I still can’t believe you’ve mostly done the navigating with printed paper maps and written down instructions.”
