Title: Grand Tour
Fandom: RPS
Story: Highway: Tourist Stop 18.06
Characters: Alan Davies and Robert Sean Leonard
Authors:
michelleann68 +
evila_elf =
evila_annPrompt: none
Word Count: 1790
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Traci, Alan, and Robert take Manhattan.
Authors’ Notes: Feel free to friend us if you want to read a day ahead of the communities.
Click here for the timeline if you need to get caught up or relive the good old times.
Previous story:
Attempted Lie In Alan removed the dishes from the table and began to wash up. Robert wrapped his arms around Alan from behind and whispered a thanks in his ear before leaving a small kiss behind it. Robert turned and looked at Traci, who was doing her best not to stare at their display of affection.
Robert yawned, arching his arms over his head. "You wore me out today, Traci. I think I’m going to take a quick shower and then how does a movie on the couch sound?"
Traci stood up and mirrored the stretch. "A great end to the day, but I think I am just going to lay down for a few. I might join you two later. Alan, thanks for cleaning up."
Alan waved a soapy hand and went back to the dinner dishes.
Traci and Robert walked through the small apartment and she stopped him when they arrived at her room. "Robert, thanks. This was just a great day, you are a perfect tour guide, and Alan...was Alan."
Robert chuckled. "You're welcome, it was fun. And you know that is why I love him."
She gave him a quick hug and ducked into the room, shutting the door quickly, hoping that he did not see the tears gather in the corners of her eyes. Truth be told, it was a remarkable day. It was wonderful to see the city bustling with holiday cheer. The sky had opened up and had given them a light scattering of snow, and she spent the day with two remarkable men. She had always liked Robert and thought he seemed like a nice person, but her respect and admiration for him had grown so much over the last few days. If he was not so deeply in love with her brother, Traci laughed to herself, she might take and test the waters.
As Robert returned to the kitchen before his shower, Traci decided to take advantage of the lull in the action to change and catch up with her journal. She shut the door behind her and quickly changed out of her heavy jumper and jeans and slipped into a comfy pair of flannels. She reached into her pack and pulled out her journal as she sat down in a big comfy chair that was wedged into the corner of the small room. She opened the book and took a few moments to close her eyes and sort out her thoughts before she started:
12/24/09
Today was an extraordinary day! Robert and Alan have just done so much to make me feel welcome and not like the inevitable third wheel. I woke up early, a product of the time change. I was restless waiting for them to wake up, so I made a full breakfast and then woke them up. I think that Robert was more then a little uncomfortable, but he seemed to be okay once they made it to the breakfast table.
It was freezing outside and we bundled up. I just wanted to see the city, so we headed out. I slipped in between Robert and Alan and the three of us walked arm in arm towards Central Park. It was a perfect morning to be out and about, cold and crisp with a bright sun providing light more then warmth. The park is massive and the winding paths makes it more intimate. We saw people jogging and walking about, but in some ways it was though we were the only ones there. We emerged from a small wooded path to see a huge Alice in Wonderland sculpture and I saw Alan break into a huge smile and laugh. He let go of my arm and ran up to it and Robert followed on his heels. I thought I might be interrupting something so I took a seat on a bench and watched them whisper back and forth. Alan bounded over his hair peeking out from his wool cap and he sat next to me, wrapping an arm across my shoulder with a smile stretching across his face. He let me in on the secret: The two of them took a walk through the park two years ago when Alan had made his first trip. Robert apparently preformed The Jabberwocky in a private little performance. I would have given anything to see that, especially because of the after glow that is still apparent two years later. Robert joined us, and they both sat in silence for a few moments. I asked if there was a chance of a repeat performance and Robert looked at Alan before shaking his head no.
The Met was just down the road, but I really wanted to see Rockefeller Center and Macy's. I batted my eyes and Alan teased me for being a girl before Robert gave into my pouting and we stayed out in the cold, but headed for some much needed shopping. Alan tried his best not to cave, but once I had Robert on my side, I won. I kept my spot in between the two of them. Robert offered to grab us a cab, but I was enjoying the walk too much, so through the slush and sun we worked our way toward Rockefeller.
They had actual ice skating on a small outdoor rink. I pulled Robert over to the top of the rink and batted my eyes, seeing if I could charm him a second time. He laughed and walked back to Alan. I really wanted to try skating, I have not done it in years. But neither seemed interested, so I will work on them later. The crowds were oppressive in some places, teams of people scattering everywhere and they seemed to go no where. We entered Times Square and it stopped me cold. It was massive, and all lit up, even in the daylight. The boys were about 20 yards in front of me before any of them noticed I was still gawking. I felt a tug on my jacket and looked at the tuggee. Alan had come back to fetch me and he made some teasing remark that I totally missed because I was lost in the beauty and activity of Times Square. We caught up to Robert and formed a chain as we wound through all the people who seemed to pour out of every pore of the city. It was warmer here with the heat of hundreds of bodies keeping out the cold. We approached Macy's and crowds of people were gathered around the glass, staring in wonder at the festive displays of the Christmas around the world. I pulled Alan forward, and we eventually made it to the front of one of the displays. It was a little kitschy, but still just wonderful. I caught Alan staring at me and he pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my cap. I pushed him away and we made our way out to a patient Robert. There was a Starbucks nearby--well there is a Starbucks almost on every block--so I drug them there so we could warm up for a few.
We picked a table that was in the back a little, and it was nice to rest and warm up. Alan went to get the drinks, me and Robert waited for him. Once I got out of my coat, hat, and scarf, I looked over at Robert and he was staring all mooney at Alan. I leaned over and whispered, "I am almost jealous." Robert was confused. "What you have. I want someone to look at me like that." He leaned forward and whispered in my ear, still looking at Alan, "Someday, when you least expect it. My advice, once you get him, never let him go." I actually started to tear up. They laugh and tease all the time, but Robert showed me a depth I had only assumed was there, but it was so heartwarming to actually have it validated.
Alan wandered over and totally broke the moment with a story of how the cashier could not understand his accent. Once again we were all laughs and giggles. I heard a few girls behind us joining in on the laughing and I turned to look at them, it must have been some sort of validation, because soon after, they hesitantly walked over and, while giggling, they asked Robert for an autograph. He was so sweet to them, patient and respectful. He took the napkin the first girl was clutching and asked for her name. She started to hyperventilate and he smiled at her, waiting for her to gain her composure. Her name was Tori and her friend was Amy. Robert finished signing the napkin for Tori and a small book for Amy. They were both a little nervous and trying to make small talk. Tori asked Robert if I was his girlfriend. After I blew coffee out my nose and had Alan rush to my aid, Robert was the gentlemen as usual. He simply told her that I was family, and left it at that. Again, I started to tear up and wanted to give him a big hug, but I contained myself. The girls soon walked off, giggling the entire time. I felt Alan's leg from the other side of the table move past my knee and press against Robert, and that brought a little smile to Robert's lips.
After coffee, we walked back out and the weather had changed dramatically; it was much colder and the sun was now hidden. Robert did not have to ask twice when he suggested a cab. I quickly agreed this time. When he walked out to the street to hail a cab, I pulled my brother in tightly and told him not to let this one go. He smiled and nodded like he does, a few curls that were poking out bouncing in the cold and soon to be wet weather.
He pushed me forward when a cab slid to a stop in front of Robert and I was in first, followed by Alan then Robert. I missed my spot between, but I think they enjoyed even a few minutes to be close as the driver broke, I am sure, several laws getting us to Robert's flat. We did stop at the corner restaurant and grab soup and bread for dinner.
I have been in here for a while now, I am sure they are waiting for me, or involved in some sort of distracting activity, so it is up to me to go embarrass them as much as possible.
-T-
Traci smiled as she tucked the book back into her pack and stood up and left the bedroom.
18.07 An Adult Fairy Tale