Gabriel’s answering smile solidifies it and lets him know that he made the right choice. The amused glint in his eyes tells James he saw right through the small fib. “Great, the reservation’s at six.”
He arches an eyebrow, unimpressed. “If you already made the reservation, why did you ask me?”
This time Gabriel’s face floods with color, the red sitting high on his cheeks. “Just wanted to confirm it with you. I know how overwhelming unexpected plans can be for you.”
How else should James react to something so thoughtful than with a soft sound and the gentle press of his lips against Gabriel’s. They’re both already dressed for the day, almost on their way out of the room and he has half a mind to stay there for just a moment longer. Never before has there been someone in his life that was so considerate around those little things that made him tick. Paul tried those first few years, but when the going got tough he eventually stopped putting in the effort.
James slides his hand downward over Gabriel’s arm, circling his wrist and intertwining their fingers. “Will you tell me where we’re going?”
Gabriel over his hand so they’re clasped together tightly. He turns to pick up his bag as he says, “I’d rather keep it a surprise. Checked the menu though, there’s at least two orthree things on there I know you’ll enjoy.”
James doesn’t bother giving a verbal response. He’s pretty sure that the fondness and appreciation shining on his face is answer enough.
*
For the first day in Cologne James planned a visit to the cathedral and an evening show at the opera. He didn’t lie about the city, but he just wanted to wander the city’s market for an hour or two in between the plans he made.
Finding their way into town isn’t hard. And the time of day grants them relatively empty streets and a lingering calmness settling over the city. James just knows that within an hour it will be brimming with tourists drinking in the decorations and locals desperately looking for last-minute Christmas gifts.
One of the truly non-negotiable items on his list is the cathedral of Cologne.From what he’s seen from photos alone it’s one of the most beautiful, most intricate buildings in Europe. He’s almost buzzing with the anticipation that he’ll be able to experience it today.
It’s not hard to spot the gothic building. As soon as they step out of the station the sight of it catches him off guard. The cathedral looms over the city like a watching tower and leaves a large part of the square bathed in shadows. The early light of day and the low hanging clouds make it look like it’s something plucked out of a historical novel. The intricatedetails he can see, even from all the way down here, takes his breath away and he marvels at the fact that this was built by actual people. Crafted with a love for architecture and more details than any other person could comprehend.
*
When they make it to the market it’s busier than any of the others have been thus far. It’s most likely due to it being the 23rd. Doubt and anxiety linger at the back of his mind, making his hands clammy inside his gloves and causing him to twitch. It’s the last market before Christmas and he’s determined to explore it. At least to the best of his abilities.
Gabriel’s looking at him with endless patience in his eyes and not an ounce of hurry in his movements. His touch is soft and gentle as he grabs James’ hand and gives it a squeeze.
“I bet they’ve got some great snacks, I can just smell it.”
“I feel like we’ve only been eating the food across the countries,” James says, laughing.
Gabriel shrugs, mirth shining in his eyes. “So? That’s a big plus in my eyes. Besides, the almost full duffle bag in our room suggests we’ll be returning with plenty of trinkets as well.” James’ ears turn a shade pinker, now more from embarrassment rather than overwhelm and he gives Gabriel a sheepish smile.
Gabriel squeezes his hand again, gaze flickering between James’ eyes for a moment and tugs him a little closer. “Shallwe? I heard someone on the train mention donuts, and I feel like that’s the perfect snack for us.”
It means a lot to James that they don’t start moving until he nods, Gabriel guiding him around the crowd with a steady grip on his hand and a frequent look over his shoulder. The lights above their heads, strung up above the booths, create a unique visual and atmospheric experience.
They don’t have to wander for long before the sight of the mini donuts, Mutzen the sign calls them, comes into view and Gabriel plants himself in the queue.
James doesn’t have the heart to tell him that they just look like any ordinary donut holes, just smaller, and indulges in one or two when Gabriel offers the little packet of freshly fried dough balls to him. They’re crispy, which in a weird kind of way is actually nice, and the powdered sugar’s melted on them before he can taste them, making them sticky sweet.
A gust of wind carries the remaining dust of the sugar and covers Gabriel’s coat and scarf in the powder. James can’t stop the giddy giggles from erupting. Gabriel’s own grin is no match for his dismayed look and before long they’re both laughing. It’s easy, for just a few moments, to forget that they’re in the middle of an overcrowded market, surrounded by stressed out vendors and equally stressed-out tourists.
Gabriel turns the sachet toward James once more and wipes his mouth. The single donut that’s left stares up at him.At James’ hesitation Gabriel wiggles his hand a little. “Take it, won’t you? I can smell the wine, let’s go find that.”
The afternoon passes in a blur of pushing and pulling, of other trinkets to join their growing collection and cups of mulled wine and hot chocolate. If they find the time to get a taste of some pretzels, it’s no one’s business but their own.
*
James spots the restaurant before he knows it’s the place Gabriel picked. It’s tastefully decorated, with wreathes lining the windows and lights framing the building beautifully. There’s a gentleman outside who opens the door for them when they approach and the air that greets him when they enter is full of warmth and fragrance. From the outside it looks like a homely, cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
The inside shows the same. And he’d believe it to be a normal, touristy place if it wasn’t for the doorman out front and the elegant air that settles over the tables. This has all the makings of a fine dining establishment. He’s proven right when they offer to take his coat and it’s taken straight from his shoulders.
Gabriel’s taken the few steps toward the hostess station, talking in hushed tones. James only catches him thanking her before he returns to his side. Gabriel offers his coat to the gentleman that took James' just moments earlier. “She said it’s just a few minutes wait.”
They step to the side as the door opens again, letting in a gust of cold air. James shivers, Gabriel steps even closer. At the sight of Paul, Gabriel tenses up and James can’t help but sigh. If he didn’t know any better he would say they were being stalked. He reaches out to touch his fingers to Gabriel’s elbow when Paul catches James’ eyes. “Don’t bother with him.”
