Chapter 30
Somehow it’s refreshing to wake up from his alarm clock. The noises from outside indicate that they’ve arrived safely in Copenhagen sometime during the night and the alarm tells him that it’s time to get ready for the day.
Leaving the bed brings another set of challenges, leaving him to wiggle around a bit to get out from underneath Gabriel’s hold.
It’s with great difficulty and reluctance that he doesn’t get back under the warm covers after he’s wiggled himself free and finds his companion still snuggled up.
Alas, his morning shower and breakfast await. As does this new city.
James is fairly certain that he’ll find Gabriel up and ready to go when he gets back from his shower. If the soft noises and his stirring are any indication, he’s close to waking up already. James quietly makes his way to the bathroom, wanting Gabriel to have at least a few more minutes of rest.
He’s pleased to note that Gabriel is indeed already dressed when he returns from the shower. There’s even a steaming cup of tea waiting for James on the table.
Gabriel’s sitting against the headboard, a book open on his lap. James wonders how many he managed to hide away in his suitcase. Without looking up from the pages, he says, “Did you have breakfast plans somewhere? Or did you want to have breakfast here?”
James pulls his sweater over his head, making sure it’s in place before he answers, “I planned on visiting a little bakery in town.”
“Would you mind if I tagged along? Or is this a solo kind of day?” The thought to ask, to make sure that James is comfortable with Gabriel joining in on his plans, means more than he’ll ever be able to express into words.
“Of course I wouldn’t mind. Only planned them solo because you made fun of all the ‘boring, old people’ things I kept suggesting. ”
“Ah, so that’s why there’s always a reservation for two miraculously set in place,” Gabriel teases.
James’ face heats up. He clears his throat, looking away.
He picks up his mug to give himself something to do.
He hears Gabriel put the book down on his nightstand and move around.
Seconds later there’s a hand gliding through his still slightly damp curls.
“Hey, didn’t say that I’m not grateful. Was just an observation. ”
James shrugs, bashful in his embarrassment. He hates how he just knows that his cheeks are flaming. “Just wanted to be prepared. Would’ve hated for you to not be able to join because of something as mundane as a reservation.”
“You did that for everything then?”
James nods, taking another sip as he avoids eye contact.
“Even at the beginning of the trip? Paris, Venice?” Gabriel wonders, his hand resting on the base of James’ neck as he nudges him to look up. “It’s why we were able to get into the clock, in Prague, right? I saw the ‘sold-out’ sign outside but it didn’t dawn on me that we would need a reservation.”
“That’s why I’m the planner between the two of us.
” James smiles, looking up at Gabriel from underneath his lashes.
They share a laugh as Gabriel leans down and presses a soft kiss to James’ lips.
The teasing tone and cheeky smile reassure him that Gabriel has taken the remark as the joke that it is. “Yeah, yeah.”
Gabriel sits down on the edge of the bed, starting to put on his shoes.
James can see his satchel, with his gloves and beanie, on the bed behind him.
He already got everything ready, knowing that James would want to leave as soon as he could after the shower.
The thoughtfulness ignites something fierce inside of James, filling him to the brim with appreciation.
For Copenhagen James marked down the bus as the easiest mode of transportation.
It will take them to both the Tivoli Garden and the Rosenborg Castle quickly and without too much of a hassle.
The temperature is still brisk here, even if it’s significantly warmer than Troms? was.
Gabriel’s wearing the gloves, even put the heating on, and James keeps tugging his scarf into the collar of his jacket as they brave the cold wind.
His phone pinged with the alert of incoming snow this morning. He just hopes that it will stay out until tomorrow. Strolling along a Christmas market while it snows just brings it to a whole other level, even if the soaking wet clothes and the lingering chill are a dreadful side-effect.
The Tivoli Garden is charming at first glance.
Even if the grounds are barren, lacking their usual flowers and bright atmosphere, there’s a certain flair to it, nonetheless.
It does remind James of the Chinese Garden in Zurich.
With the structure and easy walkable paths it’s a nice escape from the busy city center.
Twinkling lights guide the way around the garden, providing a lovely contrast to the otherwise empty park. It being this early on in the day means that most people are likely still in bed, especially since most are enjoying time off for the holiday season.
Gabriel suggested going to the café after their walk around the grounds. That way they could do a bit of a brunch; order a little more and make their way to the castle on a full stomach. James secretly thinks he just wanted the walk in the cold to be over with.
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 enjoying the 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 huffs in 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.”
“You are though.”