[Gabriel looked puzzled. Him? Dates? With a man? Not only he hardly could believe what he was hearing because he was a rather busy man with plenty on his shoulders to afford "dates", but also being openly in public with a male when every other politicians breath into his neck to find something that could paint him in a bad light... not that he thought this kind of thing is bad. And Hadrian is not bad himself. At least when it came to looks.
But sadly, for Gabriel and tons of other people, haters existed, and they didn't like everything that didn't click with their view of the world. What the fuck was he thinking than? Was it really that bad for him that he wanted to find relief anywhere? Or perhaps it was about the fact that Hadrian saw... well, him.
Not a hero, not a politician, not an old situationship whom you avoid millions of themes with. But just a man with a story. At least, that's how he feels right now. Since Hadrian clearly doesn't care with formalities now that Ellegaard is out of sight, doesn't try to immediately take advantage, heck, he doesnt even try to ask the questions he warned about in the begging. It's complicated.]
I assure you I am still the same man. A few months of memory loss don't change people that much besides making them confused.
[He should drop it at that. Just leave the situation behind and never remember it again. He has duty to maintain, people to care about, heck, whole empire expects only the best for him! But he's also not getting younger, and the stress of it all will one day get to him. He knows he won't be alone. Those younglings, Rozi, Raven, others... they see a father figure in him, despite all his attempts to decline it. But...]
Uhm, listen... I'd like to get to know you- again- if you don't mind?
[He puts on an awkward smile, looking up]
Perhaps somewhere private, with no nosy people. I mean, if my "past" self was fond of your handsome, I am sure I'll be as well. So, what do you say?
