A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 16

James

One Week Later

Hungary 

"It's so beautiful here." James was looking at the mesmerisingly lit Hosök tere.

He stood in the middle of the square with Artyom, enjoying the wonderful sight of the old statues. Artyom had told him this was one of the most important places here, and the statues were of leaders and heroes of the country.

Snow was everywhere, on the ground, their hair, swirling in the air, landing gracefully on the green statues. It felt so peaceful, out of this world. It was also bone chilingly cold, but James loved it.

He leaned back against Artyom's chest, and shoved his hands in his Jacket pockets. Even with the tick gloves, they felt cold.

Artyom's hands joined his, fingers lacing with James's. "Not as beautiful as you."

"Don't be cheesy." James nudged Artyom with his elbow, and blushed.

"It's the truth." James could feel his soft smile against his cheek.

"Maybe but compliments make me uncomfortable."

"I'm just going to say this. I would make the whole world worship you if I could." Artyom's tone was kind, but serious.

"Looks like the cold has finaly managed to freeze your brain cells." James chuckled, and drew their hands out of his pockets, then turned around, and pecked Artyom on the lips.

Artyom smiled and grabbed the back of his head with his gloved hand, and captured his lips. James kissed him back, melting faster than the snow.

It felt surreal, being here with Artyom, and the fact that he hadn't gotten tired of James yet. He felt so happy he wanted to cry.

Artyom pulled back, and caressed James's cheek. "Where do you want to go next?"

"I could use some coffee. It's our last night in Hungary. I don't want to waste it sleeping."

             *

They rode the Tramva and even though it wasn't that crowded, Artyom pulled James onto his lap. 

James was hesitant, but no one seemed to care, and when someone did, one look from Artyom was enough to remind them to mind their own business.

They'd had a wonderful time in Hungary. For seven days Artyom had taken James everywhere. They had visited so many places, and done so many exciting things. James couldn't wait to tell Jack all about it.

They had spent the new year on Danub river on a cruise, and watched the fireworks go off.

The second night Artyom had taken him to one of the Christmas markets in Vörösmarty squere. It was in the heart of the city, and the live music mixed with the smell of food, drinks, and the Christmas decorations made it look magical.

There were cottage style wooden stalls that sold honey cookies, mulled wine, and lots of other things. They drank the wine, ate roasted chesnuts, Langos, Lepeny, and some other Hungarian food whose names James didn't remember. They tasted heavanly. They had bought some souvenirs for Jack, Nora and Hans.

The third day Artyom had taken James ice skating. It had been fun, but also embarrasing. Artyom had been great. James had almost broken a few bones but Artyom was there to catch him when he fell.

They had spent the other nights wondering the streets, and when the cold became too much they found a bar, or a caffee to warm themselves.

                    *

When they reached their destination, Cafe Gerbeaud, Artyom ordered them coffee, plus their famous cake since he was the one who could speak hungarian.

James loved the old, fancy feeling of the place. "Thank you for bringing me here Artyom. It's amazing."

"You deserve the world. If only I could give it to you." Artyom grabbed his hand.

"I don't care about the world. I care about this, us."

Artyom smiled. His smile could lit up the world. It certainly lit up James's heart.

Their coffee arrived, and they started drinking, warming themselves against the bitter cold that still clung to their bones. 

"I'm proud of you." Artyom said with a gentle smile as he sipped his coffee.

"Because of my improved blow job skills?" James asked with a mischievous smirk.

Artyom chuckled. "That, and for trying to quit smoking."

"I didn't think you'd noticed."

"I notice everything about you." Artyom said in a low voice, lovely accent ticker than usual.

James put a forkfull of cake into his mouth. "Be careful, or I might think you're obsessed with me."

"I prefer the word fascinated." Artyom winked.

"Whatever you say." James took a sip of his coffee.

"I was serious James. I am proud of you."

James smiled faintly. "Thanks, but it's harder than I thought. I don't think I can actually do it."

"You can. I believe in you."

"How did you quit?"

"Hans hated the smell. He threatened not to sleep with me anymore and after that didn't work, because he's too horny for his own good, he said he would kick me out of the club. That made me see reason."

James chuckled. "Are you gonna do the same thing to me if I don't quit?"

Artyom reached out and touched his cheek. "No, I'd go crazy."

"Even if it's for my own good?" James rose an eyebrow at him.

"I rather fuck it out of you." Artyom's smile was crooked.

"I can live with that." James smirked.