Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

Gabriel. Chef of Les Deux Comperes. This is a private roleplay ~ I am not our beloved Lucas!

[emilyinparis-x]

Credit belongs to meeeee

[gabriel-espirit]

And much to my dismay

[emilyinparis-x]

Dismay? You loved every second of it, sir. Your face says it all!

[gabriel-espirit]

My face is that way because of you...behind the camera, intentionally making me laugh.

[emilyinparis-x]

Credit belongs to meeeee

[gabriel-espirit]

And much to my dismay

[gabriel-espirit]

Photo credit @emilyinparis-x

[gabriel-espirit]

I've seen the way they look at each other.

I think I have to agree with Drew.

[gabriel-espirit]

I don't know why I feel sad for them, but I do.

[preston-tbh]

I was sexting with you three weeks before you got back together with Nat

Really? Tell me more about this fiction piece of yours

[gabriel-espirit]

So people can anonymously ask whatever they want?

Which leads to trolls like these?

You're brave for keeping it on.

[gabriel-espirit]

It's too early to be up still.

[emilyinparis-x]

Why are you up still?

[gabriel-espirit]

I could be asking you the same thing, Emily.

[gabriel-espirit]

It's too early to be up still.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Gabriel's reaction to her joke was so hot. Her skin flushed with heat, the room feeling one hundred degrees warmer by a mere tone of his voice. Emily's eyes follow his as he appreciates the lace. Her breasts lifted by the snug cups. Thin strappy fabric clinging to her hips, leaving little to the imagination, but just enough to enjoy exploring what was underneath. Finger tips traced his jaw, cutting over to his lips that are grazed ever-so lightly by her touch. She took him in in his entirety, fighting off the heartbreak she knew was coming from his departure come tomorrow. She couldn't think about that. Dwelling on the fact that he was leaving would steal the sentiment of the moment; the gratification she was feeling in finally being able to feel freely for the man who stole her heart the moment he opened his door. Emily's breath hitches when he says her name. His touch is soft, warm. It's everything that calms the racing thoughts in her head; the very dissolution of the world around them until there's nothing left but him. Whatever he says to her in French makes her eyes begin to burn, watering over with tears she was fighting so hard against. Her mouth meets him move for more, engaging in the same ferocity that was fueled by unbridled desire and love for him. Emily's arms reach behind her, fingers nimbly unhooking her bra. Straps fall over the curves of her shoulders, effortlessly releasing the bra. She drops it to the side, redirecting her hands to her hips where they push her panties down, sliding them over her ankles and disposing of them, too. Looking up at him, his gaze on her makes her face warm, eyes looking away because he was now seeing her in full. They can't help themselves, looking back to him where she answers the urge to kiss him again. "Please touch me..." she mumbles against his mouth, needing to feel him after dreaming about what it would feel like for months.

[gabriel-espirit]

The only thing on Gabriel’s mind was Emily. She consumed him - every thought, every breath, every need. The weight of his departure lingered in the back of his mind, but right now nothing mattered except her. His gaze swept over her, drinking her in. Vulnerability and desire stirred within him, but the latter won the moment she whispered those words. And then, as she laid before him completely bare, something inside him shifted. He had always craved her, but this was different. This wasn’t just about want. This was about seeing the woman he loved in her most intimate form, trusting him with all that she was. He reached for her, his hands warm against her skin as he cupped her breasts, thumbs sweeping over her hardened nipples. A low appreciative growl rumbled in his chest. “You’re perfect.” He murmured, his lips grazing her collarbone before trailing lower. He took his time, savoring her reactions until his mouth replaced his hands, lips closing over her sensitive peak. His tongue flicked, teasing and testing before his teeth grazed just enough to send a shiver through her. His hands roamed lower, fingers tracing the curve of her waist, the dip of her hip, the softness of her thigh - every touch deliberate, meant to unravel her. When his fingers found her slick heat, his restraint nearly snapped. He withdrew slowly, locking eyes with her as he brought his fingers to his lips. He licked them clean one by one, his smirk deepening as he watched her. “You taste just as good as I knew you would." He said, his voice thick with hunger. Then, with renewed intensity he returned to her, fingers sliding back between her thighs with purpose. He watched her closely, absorbing Emily completely. His pace quickened, his control slipping as his need to see her come undone took over. “This…” He murmured against her skin, his voice rough and possessive. “This is mine.” His touch wasn’t just a promise. It was a claim. Tonight, she was his, just as he was hers. And he intended to make sure she felt it in every moment between them.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Gabriel's french causes a little smile to form at the corner of her mouth. Whatever he had said, the specifics didn't matter. Hearing his voice right now in that thick accent made the embers of her fire burn hotter for him. "Google translate?" it was like her to crack a joke in the moment; a moment like this being the worst possible time, but the free falling laughter felt worth it. The sound is cut off swiftly by a moan from the back of her throat. Her back is pulled from the wall, feet stumbling as she's brought to the bed by his lead. The only thing keeping her from being bare in front of him was the thin lingerie she had on. No purpose behind it other than she liked it; the black set now a gift to the man she'd dreamed of ever since the first day she had met him. Arms and legs wrap around him as she's lifted, lips meeting his with the same ferocity in which she's given. Bare skin is a gift to her fingers; pads of her digits tracing the broadness of his shoulders, nails grazing as they seek to crest over the tops of his shoulders. Her lips swallow his moan, wanting to hear more of that sound - more of him. She's in a haze, her body burning up with every kiss, every touch, every inch closer to what they both were seeking with one another. "Gabriel..." his name is spoken in a whisper, body completely entrusted in him as her back meets the bed. From her position beneath him she gazes up, fingers unable to help themselves as they trace his jawline, wanting to memorize every detail of him before he was lost to her forever. Emily knew that no matter what happened to them...tonight was the one and only night she'd ever get to be with the man she fell in love with - the man that broke her no falling in love rule.

[gabriel-espirit]

Her playful comment about Google translate drew a low chuckle from Gabriel's throat, the sound rough with desire. "Non," he whispered against her skin, his accent thicker now. "Some things are better in French." The last word came out as almost a growl as he followed her onto the bed, his body covering hers. The sight of her in black lingerie made his breath catch, his eyes darkening with appreciation and raw need. She was everything he'd dreamed of since that first day she appeared at his door - the day that changed everything. His hands slid over the delicate fabric, memorizing the contrast against her skin. Every touch of her fingers on his skin set him aflame, making his muscles tense and quiver beneath her exploration. The sound of his name on her lips in that breathless whisper nearly undid him. "Emily," he breathed, his voice rough with emotion. He pulled back slightly, both hands coming up to cup her face as he gazed down at her. Time seemed to slow as his eyes roamed over every feature - the way her lips parted slightly, the depth in her eyes that had captivated him from the start. His thumb traced the curve of her cheekbone with tenderness, a stark contrast to the passion burning through his veins. In this suspended moment, Gabriel allowed himself to truly look at her, to memorize every detail of how she appeared beneath him, knowing the odds were that he'd never see her like this again. "Je suis tombé amoureux de toi dès le premier jour." He confessed in a heated whisper, knowing she wouldn't understand but needing to say it anyway. His lips crashed back to hers, pouring everything he felt into the kiss; all the love he'd held back, all the moments he'd wanted to tell her how he felt, all the times he'd dreamed of this. His hands worked to remove the last barriers between them, desperate to feel all of her. Gabriel knew leaving her would break him, but he would take this perfect moment wherever he went to follow.

[gabriel-espirit]

Les Deux Comperes -> Chez Lavaux

A new restaurant with a new owner.

None of this would be possible without Antoine, who simply refused to let me and my recipes leave Paris. He believed in the vision.

Santé.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Their travels to her apartment felt like they were walking for miles. Emily's body entangled itself around Gabriel's; lips fused to his while her hands explored every inch of him available to her. For months she'd dreamt of a moment similar to this one more times than she was willing to admit. Her heart painted fantasies she knew would never see life, remaining quiet little desires implanted in her heart. Her denial of her feelings for Gabriel dissolved, feeling every bit of what she had suppressed for far too long now in every kiss, every touch of his hands. Chest heaving, she's breathless as they cross her threshold into her apartment. Heel-clad feet back pedal to her bedroom, a whimper whispered into the air that quickly was becoming thick with a tension that had been bursting at the seams between them. Starved of his lips, Emily presses hers back into his, arms wrapping around his neck as she uses the height from her heels to her advantage. Her mouth kisses along his jawline, crawling down his throat to the small bit of chest that was revealed just above the neckline of his shirt. He smelled like his kitchen, like the domain he thrived in. Most of all? He smelled like Gabriel. Breaking away, arms fall away from his shoulders to shimmy herself out of the coat draped over her dress. The garment is forgotten on the floor, fingers grasping onto his shirt to tug him deeper into her bedroom. Needing now more than ever to be with him in her bed.

[gabriel-espirit]

Gabriel's world had narrowed to this moment - this burning need that had been building for months. His fingers found the zipper of her dress with trembling urgency, drawing it down as his mouth claimed the spot on the center of her neck. The familiar scent of her perfume filled his senses, driving him wild with desire as he pressed her against the bedroom wall. Each brush of skin against skin sent electricity through his body, drawing a low growl from his throat. As the dress fell away, Gabriel's breath caught sharply. His hands roamed possessively over her curves as he backed toward the bed, hastily working to unbutton his own shirt. "J'ai envie de toi." He breathed against her ear, his accent thick with need. French spilled from his lips naturally now, mixed with heated whispers of her name. His fingers traced patterns on every inch of skin they could reach, desperate to touch all he'd been denied for so long. The heat consuming him was overwhelming, months of restrained wanting finally breaking free. His hands gripped her hips firmly as he lifted her toward the bed, his mouth seeking hers in a searing kiss. There was nothing gentle about his touch now - this was pure need, raw and unrestrained. His muscles tensed with the effort of holding back, wanting to savor every second yet desperate to have all of her at once. A deep moan escaped his throat as he pressed closer, his skin burning everywhere it met hers. He knew this night would haunt his dreams long after he left Paris, but right now, he would give her everything he'd held back for so long.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

“I’m staying.” There’s a glimmer of hope in her chest; one that is extinguished as quickly as it came to life. No matter if she was staying or not, she and Gabriel could never be together. Camille was too important to both of them. Without thinking, Emily leans into his touch. What she felt sat on the surface of her hues; the words she couldn’t say shown in a glassy view. Everything falls silent around them, the world and their problems miles away the second his lips touched hers. Hands lay against his chest, her frame shifting in towards him to close the space that stood between them. She became his in the moment; wrapping herself around these precious seconds in time for as long as she could because she knew they would end. Breathless, eyes look up at him after their kiss, unable to say a word in the moment. Her hand brushes his cheek, smiling up at him as she welcomes his lips back to hers. Her mouth deepens the kiss, feeling her sense of control loosen. “We should…” words are muffled, not wanting to be away from his but she knew they couldn’t stay where they were. “We should go back to my place…”

[gabriel-espirit]

Gabriel could feel the heat between them grow with every passing second, every lingering touch, every glance. It was all he needed to hear. He didn’t waste another minute. His lips found hers again, more urgent this time as if they were both trying to make up for the time they had spent apart. His hands slid to her back, pulling her even closer, his body urging hers toward the door. Gabriel’s hands roamed to her waist as he kissed her deeply, backing her up against the building for just a moment. His mouth never left hers. His heart raced, his breath mingling with hers as they kissed with the intensity of everything left unsaid. He didn’t speak as they made their way to her apartment, the silence filled only by the sound of their rapid breaths and the quick steps of their feet. Gabriel couldn’t get enough of her. His lips constantly found hers, never letting the space between them last for long. As they reached her door, he took the opportunity to pull her in again as she unlocked it, his hands roaming down to her hips to urge her closer. Once inside, Gabriel wasted no time. He kissed her as he backed her toward the bedroom, his fingers working quickly to start undressing her. His lips trailed down her neck, tasting her skin with each kiss, each touch. The tension and desire had been building for so long and now there was no holding back. They were finally together and nothing else mattered.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Emily could've sworn she heard her name. At this point she could only assume her mind was playing tricks on her to ease herself into the disappointment in knowing she had missed Gabriel. It's only when he was in her line of visage that she realized he was standing in front of her. "Gabriel..." everything in her softens. Her body stands upright from its slanted position against the door, feet taking her three steps closer to him to close the space between them. Normandy was going to create enough of that. They didn't need more. "I...I couldn't let that be how we ended things. I needed to see you." her hand reaches out, wanting to touch him. She's too afraid to let herself, feeling as if she could be caught up in the emotions swirling inside of her chest. "I'm staying in Paris." it was the bombshell she had wanted to tell him earlier. With the topic of the night being celebration, Emily hadn't wanted to drop this on him when he was looking forward to a new beginning elsewhere. "Madeline is pregnant, so...they need someone to remain here in Paris and oversee the merger. That person is me. That's what I wanted to tell you earlier."

[gabriel-espirit]

Gabriel’s expression shifted as her words settled in, a mix of surprise and something deeper flashing in his eyes. “You’re staying?” he asked softly, his voice carrying the weight of everything he hadn’t been able to say. For a moment he just looked at her, the words hanging between them. Then without hesitation he stepped closer, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. His eyes searched hers, filled with both longing and relief. He didn’t say anything else. Instead he leaned in, closing the space between them as his lips met hers. The kiss was deep and full of everything he had been holding back - passion, and a silent promise that even as the world seemed to shift around them, this moment was theirs. When he pulled back his forehead rested lightly against hers, his hand still cradling her face. “Emily,” he whispered, her name filled with emotion. He smiled softly, as though he finally let himself believe she was really staying. He didn't let her reply, his lips crashing into hers again.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Tonight was as heavy as it was celebratory. Emily found herself battling with her emotions, doing her best to be as happy for Gabriel as she could be. He was chasing his dreams. That was all she could ever want for him. The weight of his departure couldn't be ignored. Emily yearned for him to stay, as selfish as that felt. But, she couldn't let earlier be the way they ended their evening. Heels click against the concrete sidewalks as she runs (with a surprising amount of grace) praying the whole way that Gabriel was still at his restaurant. Reaching the doors, Emily tugs against them. Frustrated over them being locked, she resorts to banging on the doors. "Gabriel?" her voice is desperate, hands mirroring the panic she felt at the thought of this being the way things ended between herself and the man she loved. "Gabriel?!" she shouts again, defeat taking over as it claims its victory, causing her to twist herself around, back pressing into the doors as she lets out a loud sigh, her heart sinking into her stomach knowing he was gone.

[gabriel-espirit]

Tonight was supposed to be about closure; a clean break as he moved on to the next chapter of his life. Yet as he lingered longer than necessary, he couldn’t quite bring himself to leave. The sharp sound of banging on the glass pulled him from his thoughts. His heart jumped in his chest as he turned toward the noise. He knew that voice before her second call even reached his ears. Emily. Moving from the garbage area behind the restaurant, Gabriel could see her silhouette, her frame illuminated by the glow of the streetlights. His heart dropped at the sight of her. He walked up quickly to find her standing there, against the glass like the weight of the world was pressing her down. For a moment, he couldn’t speak. “Emily?” His voice was low, laced with surprise and something deeper - something he hadn’t let himself fully feel until now. “What are you doing here?” While his gaze searched hers, his own emotions were relieved. As much as he tried to keep his guard up, the truth was that he had hoped she would come.

[gabriel-espirit]

Forever Goodbye? | Emily & Gabriel

The soft clink of the lock turning echoed through the empty restaurant as Gabriel slid the key into place, his movements slow and deliberate. His fingers lingered on the doorframe longer than necessary, his gaze sweeping over the space. The tables were bare now, stripped of the laughter and life that had filled them just hours ago. Tonight had been a celebration, yet all he could feel was the ache pressing down on him. This was it - the last night here, the last time he’d close these doors. He should feel relief, and even excitement for the fresh start waiting for him in Normandy. But instead, his thoughts were tangled up in everything he was leaving behind. And her. Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head as if the simple act could clear his mind. Emily. He’d told himself over and over that it was for the best, that leaving was the only way to untangle the mess he’d made. Yet as the seconds went by, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move on from the door.

[emilyinparis-x]

Text @ Gabriel

Emily: Hey... Emily: I really need to talk to you. Emily: Please tell me you're still in Paris.

[emilyinparis-x]

Emily: I wouldn't miss it for the world

Emily: Could we please? I have something to tell you

Emily: My life has been a whirlwind the last 48 hours wow

[gabriel-espirit]

Gabriel: I appreciate it. And everything you've done...really. In just a short time you've changed so much for me. Thank you.

Gabriel: What's wrong?