Canadian Coffee Mishaps and other Strange Happenings

Ferris Wheels and Dizzying Heights

"Tickets?" A woman, merry and in the Christmas spirit still, greeted them in the heated lounge that led into the Ferris Wheel. Gilbert fished the tickets out of his pocket and gave them to the lady. Her nametag read "Alaska" and she had cool blonde hair peeking out of her uniform ballcap. She thanked him and grinned, waving at them and striking up small talk when they sat in the lobby. 

"So how did you manage to stumble upon these tickets, baby?" Matthew asked, grabbing his gloved hand and holding it gently. 

"An old friend didn't want them anymore and so I snatched them," he answered. He was telling the truth. Sort of. In reality, he actually won them in a raffle that he had only spent a dollar on but hey, his friend Felix had invited him to the event in the first place. So technically, it was the truth. 

Finally, after about 10 minutes of waiting, they were escorted into a carriage. They were enclosed and heated of course, and you could stand or sit depending on what your comfort level was. Matthew opted for standing and looking out the window while Gilbert sat on the red velvet bench. As they rose up, the Canadian marveled at the view below. You could see all of Toronto from up here! He could point out every landmark possible. The CN Tower, the Distillery District, and the Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays play. It was all marvelous, and with the fresh snow and lights, it was even more dazzling. 

Gilbert was shaking. No, it wasn't cold in the carriage. He just happened to have a ring in his pocket that was itching to reveal itself. No, they weren't getting engaged. It was only a promise ring. That Gil promised to be loyal and faithful to him, and that yes, eventually he would propose. He had no idea how or when to even do this. This was harder than admitting to his brother he had eaten the last of the bratwursts a week ago. Well, that's a bit dramatic. It would probably be a little easier than that. 

"Fuck it," he thought. Taking his gloves off and the ring out of his pocket, he got down on one knee. "Damn," he thought, "this is like a proposal." He swallowed thickly and coughed. "Mattie?" The Canadian turned around. 

"Yeah?... Oh." He said and put a hand to his mouth, happy tears forming in the corner of his eyes. 

"This isn't a proposal so don't worry." He said with a laugh. "But this is a promise." He opened the box. "I promise to be faithful to you, and never take your love for granted. You're one of the best things that have ever happened to me and I'm so lucky to call you mine. If I ever break this promise, you have all the rights to take this ring off and call it quits. But I will never betray you or your trust in me. Do you accept my promise?" Without hesitation, Matthew screamed happily and let Gil put the band on his finger. It was a simple band, rose gold with a diamond in the middle in the front and back. It was something to represent the two of them. 

Matthew took out his phone. "Can I make it Facebook official?" He asked with a small kiss to his cheek. 

Gilbert rolled his eyes with a laugh. "Of course you can." With that validation, Matthew held out his hand to the skyline. He took a picture and posted it with the caption "I promise you." and he tagged Gilbert in it. They kissed in front of the Toronto lights, happily content at dizzying heights. 

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"NATALYA!" Alfred yelled from the kitchen counter. He was scrolling through his Facebook and saw the post that his brother had made and sent it to the family group chat. 

"What Alfred?" She said, coming down the stairs in her nightgown, her hair in braids. He had no hesitation when it came to showing her posts on Instagram and Facebook. So he pointed to it vigorously. "Look. At. This." She shook her head. She was very happy for the two, but honestly, Alfred had other plans for them. He was kind of overprotective. 

"That's awesome. I hope they get married someday soon. Hey, Alfie." Natalya said with a fond grin. "I felt the baby kick!" She led his hand to her stomach, which had grown in size since their Christmas celebration. She thought she might be having twins, but would never tell her husband that. Alfred looked back at her and then to her stomach. He was in shock. It moves! What?! 

"That's... our child?!" He said with a grin. Natalya always marveled at his consistent awe when she talked about their child or children. 

"Yes, Alfie." She laughed and walked back up the stairs. She turned around, "Come to sleep soon," Natalya said and walked down the hall, closing the door to their room.