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Will shifted in the seat. It wasn’t even uncomfortable, he was just nervous. So far this spontaneous idea to surprise James in Köln has been a total disaster. Eurostar worked out fine but the ICE that was supposed to take him straight to Köln changed its destinations last minute, only going till Düsseldorf.
Now there he was, tired and exhausted on the RE5 to Köln. A nightmare of a train but the only one he could reach. It’s delay actually helping him. He thought Germany was this country that really loved punctuality, turns out their trains don’t.
He rested his head against the window. He must admit though, NRW was beautiful. One big city after another.
His brain wandered, why was he even here? Obviously, he missed James, nothing more. He loved James and if he could he would be there at every show, feeling the crowds energy, hearing his best friend shout the lyrics to the songs he saw being written with his own eyes. He really did love James, not in the way many fans would think. He could never feel romantic feelings for the man, after all he was a straight guy, or was he?
He still loved him though, they had a special kind of bond. Different from normal friends, for that their connection is to strong, even for romantic connection its to strong. Its a connection beyond lables. It’s a connection so different, humans have yet to create a word for it, for the feelings he has when he sees James.
“Nächste Station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, aussteigen in Fahrtrichtung links. Next stop, Cologne Main-station” the announcement blared through the crowded train. What was he thinking, travelling to Germanys 4th biggest city on a Monday.
After he made his way onto platform 9 he squeezed through the sea of people. Will kept his hood high feeling like he might get recognised if he takes it off. Yes it’s a city in Germany, yes he’s an English YouTuber but considering it’s James concert today there have to be at least a few blue haired freaks at the station. He didn’t want to risk James knowing.
His plan was to go to the venue, drop his bags in the tour bus (kiwi was involved and would help him), queue like a normal attendee and then surprise James after the show.
He was quite late, after the train drama he was a good 3 hours behind schedule. Arriving at 7pm instead of 4pm like planned. Meaning he had no time to enjoy the city, which was fine, he was still gonna be there the next day.
Will jumped out of the uber making his way to the bus which was parked next to a bus stop, how funny.
Kiwi greeted him by the bus helping him hide his bags.
Will then took his place in the queue. It moved, meaning the doors are open, but it moved slow. Stood behind him was a teen girl and her father. He figured the teen was complaining about school. His german skills only letting him deciphering a few words. In her fit of rage she stumbled right into Will. “woah careful there” he chuckled catching her “I’m so sorry” she said embarrassed, laughing slightly “that was not on purpose” she added embarrassed, the blue gemstones on her face shimmering under the street lantern.
It actually didn’t take that long for him to arrive in the venue room. His hood hung low, so far he stayed anonymous.
The opener was lovely, James once invited him over while they were all at his planning some things so he already knew the siblings.
The light began to flicker and ventriloquist started to blare trough the speakers. He was stood far back, right by the light and sound control but he still had quite the good view due to his height. Seeing James enter the stage, flickering lights reflecting off him, it made him look ethereal. Like he was something out of this universe.
All throughout he thoroughly enjoyed the show. Even held hands with someone during white noise, a girl next to him was there all alone and had asked him, swaying along to the song with her. He recognised her, it was the girl that stumbled into him outside the venue. After the show he was gifted a bracelet by the same girl before she left “have a good rest of your night” she spoke after taking a selfie, air dropping it to him. If she only knew.
The venue got more empty by the minute and it was almost time for the California rain encore outside. “Why is there still someone in the room” he heard James ask behind the stage “because he missed you, twat” Will shouted.
“WILL?” A voice echoed, James voice. He rushed down the stage and into the main room, seeing his friend stood there, now hood off. “Oh my god what are you doing here” James laughed pulling him into a tight hug “I missed you” Will mumbled embarrassed, already knowing James will never let him live it down.
“You missed me”
“shut up”
James had a stupid grin on his face that Will would just love to slap off him. “Don’t”
“What”
“Don’t say anything”
“No no it’s cute- I missed you too”
James replied, smiling soft as he still held will by the waist. “Now go you’ve got your blue haired freaks to entertain” Will laughed, pushing James away and towards the doors.
He stayed behinds, sitting on the stairs out of sight of the crowd. He really loved his friend and even after all the stress and new found hatred for the train system, it was still absolutely worth it. Seeing James so happy in his element was the biggest reward.