Emotional Support [Complete]

S2 E36: Destined Discovery

Gabriel's POV

It began in Tibet. Fresh out of college, and under the wing of popular fashion designer and critic, Audrey Bourgeois, I was sent to China to gather inspiration for a new line of clothing, and return my ideas to her. I would have preferred to spend this quiet trip alone, but alas, Emilie and Nathalie insisted that I bring them along. During the stay, I dedicated myself to hiking. And after many disputes, I was outnumbered on which trail we chose.

"A hot spring?!" I muttered as I nearly crumpled the map in my hands.

"Not just any hot spring!" Emilie giggled, tossing an arm across my shoulders. "Dezhong Hot Spring!"

"Y-Yeah!" Nathalie hesitantly linked her arm with mine. "It's said to have healing powers!"

"I'm a model and an actress, chéri." Emilie poked my nose. "Wouldn't want me to get wrinklies, now would you? Not very good for business."

I swallowed down a blush and quickly shook my head. "I-I guess not."

"Then, let's hurry!" Nathalie pushed us forward down the trail out of jealous frustration.

It was quite obvious Nathalie had feelings for me. She knew it. I knew it. Emilie knew it. However, it was as if it was this forbidden subject that no one spoke about. Emilie and I were officially a couple at this point, and Nathalie, being our best friend, would never act on her feelings or jeopardize our relationship. She was always a very intelligent and loyal person. I assumed another man would grab her attention soon enough. So, I never treated her any differently, whilst still being cautious about leading her on unintentionally.

***

"Are we almost there yet?" Emilie whined, tugging my arm. "Are we? Are we?"

I felt my eye twitch in annoyance as I sighed heavily through an ache in my temple. "Would you be so kind as to shut up? I love you dearly, Emilie, but you have the patience of a child!"

"Please, Gabriel," Nathalie spoke up, "Don't be so rude!"

Emile smiled at her best friend. "Thanks, gi--"

"That's an insult to children."

I snorted, attempting to hold my laughter behind my fist. "Ooh!"

Nathalie smiled widely with a blush across her cheeks, as she held her palm up. "Do I get a high five?"

I nodded and tapped her hand against mine. "Yes, Natie. That was brilliant."

Emilie's nose crinkled as her lips tugged into a dramatic pout. She then smirked and thought it funny to gently shove Nathalie off my opposite side.

"Emilie, you little..!" And Nathalie shoved her blonde friend back.

It became a playful cycle I let run for a moment or two before becoming irritated and wanted to continue hiking.

"Come on now," I tried to separate the giggling girls, "you're both acting like children now."

Still hyped up, both girls managed to push me away with such force I went rolling down a hill.

"Gabriel!"

The girls followed me off the trail and down the hill where I'd finally landed at the bottom, covered in dirt and scrapes. I rubbed my head as my vision slowly became clearer.

"Y-You girls are such bullies!"

Nathalie sighed. "Ah, Sorry, Gabe, I..."

"Oh, Gabriel!" Emile dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around me. "We really didn't mean to hurt you. A-Are you okay?"