What if All I Need Is You (Gabenath)

Not Free to Pretend

The room is almost dead silent, safe for the sounds her fingertips make against the keyboard of her computer, and Gabriel's soft wheezing.

They were out on a conference meeting, for most of the afternoon. And once they returned, Gabriel had fallen asleep in no time.

Nathalie turns to watch Gabriel's sleeping face on the comforter of her hotel room. He looks so peacefully asleep and so adorable, Nathalie can almost feel her heart melt.

Their workload has been major the past week, still Gabriel and Nathalie have had many adoring moments. Waking up and falling asleep beside Gabriel Agreste is absolutely enchanting.

She never would've imagined this work trip to turn into an almost romantic getaway with her boss. After all, they've been friends for years, and she knows his deepest secrets. But they've never been more than just that.

He's sweet and gentle with her. His kisses are the most mesmerizing thing she's ever felt. And he looks at her with such fondness, it makes her insides shift every single time. The sound of his voice sends waves of glee through her body, especially when he calls her name while making love to her.

A part of her still believes she should've never allowed for any of this to unfold. After all, she doesn't know what will happen when they return to Paris tomorrow. But the other part is actually glad this happened.

Because now she can't ever imagine not knowing the passionate and sweet man that hides underneath the stern and intimidating fashion genius.

"I didn't feel myself fall asleep," Gabriel suddenly says in a dozy voice, instantly bringing Nathalie out of her thoughts.

Nathalie softly giggles from her position at the desk, "you were tired. It's been a long day."

Nathalie approaches the bed, and lies next to Gabriel's overly warm body. He wraps her in his arms while Nathalie listens to his beating heart.

"Are you getting sleepy now?" He mumbles into her hair, as he feels Nathalie curling up against him.

"Maybe," she mumbles, with her face pressed against his chest.

"So I guess you won't want to go out for dinner?"

Nathalie takes a seat on the bed, giving him a soft smile. Then she leans in to press a tender kiss onto his lips.

"We can go."

———

The restaurant isn't overly occupied, but Gabriel and Nathalie still sit on a more isolated part of the large building.

They opted for a classic American steakhouse restaurant. Gabriel enjoys the food at this place, and mostly always visits it while in New York.

They have a great view of the city from high above. And although it's getting late, there seems to be endless people and activities taking place in the large city.

"I see why they call New York 'the city that never sleeps. There's always movement here." Nathalie says, looking out the window.

"Definitely, and that's something coming from us since we live in a city like Paris."

Gabriel recalls the times he would accompany his wife for the premieres of her films at certain film festivals, specifically in New York. Her career as an actress required extensive traveling, and he can't deny they sometimes drifted apart because of it.

His life with Emilie had been glorious and very much full of love. But they also had their hardships like any marriage. Emilie's career being the main reason. So whenever Gabriel had the chance to accompany his wife, he would. They always tried to spend the most possible time together.