NOVEMBER 3 - 7, 2004
It's cold, and Brandon attempts to wrap himself tighter in his burgundy peacoat. Ronnie notices, because of course he does, and takes off his scarf to give to him. Neither of them says anything about it because they've already established that the decision to cut his hair was foolish and he should have waited until spring to do it.
Brandon lowers his arm and ashes his cigarette so that Ronnie can tuck the scarf into the collar of his coat. A year ago Brandon would have declined the offer but now he knows that Ronnie runs a little hot anyway so there's no point in trying to stop it. It's like your mom bundling you up before you go out in the snow.
He stamps out his cigarette and picks up his duffel bag, "Alright, let's go."
They're in Paris for a few nights for some press stuff and a show tomorrow, Mark and Dave probably already comfortable in their room unless Dave has decided to go out drinking. Unfortunately for him and Ronnie, they were talking to reporters from the second they touched down until now. They've just been dropped off by Jeremy, who still has more work to do before he can relax with the rest of them. The poor guy is the only one busier than Brandon on this tour. Or so he thinks.
They approach the front desk, Ronnie taking charge and checking them both in. Brandon's inspecting his nails as he waits-he's overdue for a manicure but just hasn't found the time. Maybe he'll be able to swing something when he's in Los Angeles before the impending video shoot. He's got to leave the day after tomorrow, alone, for stupid reasons.
"Hey," Ronnie steps away from the counter and Brandon moves with him. "We're good to go."
Brandon adjusts the strap on his bag and yawns, "What room?"
Ronnie glances at their key, "Six-twenty-one."
He swears that he feels his eye twitch, "Huh?"
"Oh, that's funny," Ronnie grins.
"No, it's not."
Ronnie pauses, looking between the key and Brandon. "Are you good?"
"Um, no," Brandon's eyes dart to the front desk. He'd hate to be a bother, especially because he knows what it's like to work in such a place, but he really can't do this. "Let's get a different room."
"Why?" There's no judgment in Ronnie's tone, but Brandon senses a little suspicion.
"I just- bad vibes," Brandon admits. Ronnie stares at him for a moment, thinking. "I'm not crazy."
"I didn't say you were," he sighs. "Okay, let's see."
Brandon hardly has time to prepare before Ronnie goes back to the counter. As Brandon hurries to catch up with him, he loops their arms together.
"Excuse me," Ronnie starts, sounding polite. "Is it possible that we could change rooms?"
The poor woman at the desk looks at them, confused. "I'm sorry, is there something wrong with yours?"
"Uh," Ronnie thinks for a second. "No, it's just... complicated. Is it possible?"
The hostess looks at her computer, "I'm afraid we're booked out until Monday."
"It's okay," Brandon relents. "I can just swap with Mark, it's okay."
"No," Ronnie turns his attention back to the hostess. "There's nothing else?"
She looks between the two of them and sighs, "All I have is the penthouse suite but you would have to pay extra considering it is more expensive than your original bill."
YOU ARE READING
Hopeless Haze - Volume I: Hot Fuss (Remastered)
Romance"If Brandon cared, he would wonder if Ronnie was also deep in thought about something and has only just absentmindedly found something for his hands to play with. But as Ronnie runs his fingers through his hair, Brandon finds that he does not care a...
