Chapter 9
“Is it me, or do all these old cities look the same?” Gabriel’s words make James lower his camera.
For a moment he can’t do much else but blink at his companion.
Gabriel has been in a mood all morning, resulting in a later start to their day than James had wanted and now they’re somewhat rushing through the rest of the morning to make sure that they will still make their reservation at the thermal baths and be back at The Evergreen in time for departure.
“How could you say that? All of these places-” James bites his tongue, halting in his retort, when he spots the badly concealed smirk on Gabriel’s lips.
They’re standing on the bridge in Old Town, facing the church clock with water running underneath their feet and people pushing past them every so often.
James figures that Gabriel’s general body language is keeping them from bumping into James as he takes the time to take some pictures and indulge in the true magic of the season that he finds in this city.
Paris carried a modern feeling with it, all sleek designs and tasteful lighting.
Venice had been foggy afternoons and romantic gloomy walks along the canals.
But here, in Zurich, he’s finding more of the traditional Christmas feeling he longed for.
The handmade ornaments he selected at the market the day before feel nostalgic, reminiscent of a time long gone.
The smell of the fresh pine trees, the colder air billowing over the city with the promise of snow and cozy days inside.
It’s what he’s imagined his Christmases to have looked like by now - with a family of his own, creating holiday traditions and reliving those of his childhood.
At nearly thirty-five, he’s imagined a lot of things.
Holidays in the Alps, in a cozy cottage surrounded by snow and a warm fire burning somewhere. Summers in the English countryside, with picnics and little feet running around causing ruckus and bringing childlike laughter.
Never did he imagine having to start over again. Find his footing after not only disconnecting from his family, but from his long-term partner and so-called friends as well. It seems that his career is the only steady element in his life nowadays.
That, and Gabriel. The realization might be new, of what exactly Gabriel might mean to him, but the feelings aren’t. When he needed it the most, Gabriel – a complete stranger at the time – stepped up and lent a helping hand.
And now they’re here. Standing in the middle of this ancient city, surrounded by the flickering lights of the holiday season, the sound of the river underneath their feet and with a ruse playing out to make sure that James isn’t bothered by his ex.
Had he known this is how the trip would’ve played out, he’s not sure he would’ve gotten on the train in London in the first place.
As he looks up at the church bells, gleaming up high underneath the dwindling winter sun, he lets out a small, huff like laugh.
Wasn’t that exactly why Gabriel decided to come on the trip as well?
To make sure that James finally took the plunge and did this for himself?
“Why don’t they do these trips during the summer? I’m freezing here,” Gabriel whines from his place behind him. James almost hates to admit that it suits him. It makes him feel more real, more like a person with their own personality, and not like the standoffish person he’s known over the year.
James clicks his camera off, shoving it into his jacket pocket. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just a fifteen-minute walk from here.”
Gabriel blows out a breath through his nose. “What did we say about you apologizing for unnecessary things?”
“What?” James side-eyes him for a moment before he shrugs his shoulders. He starts making his way into town, in the direction of the old brewery. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, I’m sorry.”
There’s a hand on his arm stopping him from stepping further away. “You didn’t keep me waiting.”
James cringes. “But you said-”
“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 to The Evergreen.