The morning sun streamed through the delicate lace curtains of their hotel room, painting the walls in warm hues of gold. The city outside was already alive, the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifting in from a nearby caf�. Rowan stretched, feeling the lightness of excitement in his chest.

Oliver, still buried under the blankets, groaned as Rowan nudged him. "C'mon, we didn't fly across the world to sleep all day."

Oliver peeked out, eyes half-lidded. "You say that, but I strongly disagree."

Rowan laughed, tossing a pillow at him. "Up! We have a full day ahead of us."

After a quick breakfast of buttery croissants and steaming caf� au lait at a charming little bakery down the street, they made their way toward their first stop - the historic town square. Cobblestone streets stretched before them, lined with colorful market stalls selling everything from fresh flowers to handcrafted jewelry. Street performers played soft melodies on their violins, and the air was thick with the murmur of conversation and laughter.

"This is amazing," Rowan murmured, eyes wide as he took in the sights. "It's like stepping into a painting."

Oliver smirked. "Better than Appaloosa Plains, huh?"

Rowan shot him a look. "I love home, but... yeah, this is something else."

They spent the morning weaving through the streets, stopping at charming bookstores, trying unfamiliar pastries, and marveling at the stunning architecture. When noon rolled around, they found themselves outside a caf� with a beautiful terrace, the perfect spot to rest their feet.

"Alright, genius, what's next on the agenda?" Oliver asked, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin.

Rowan pulled out his notebook. "I was thinking we could visit the Museum of Science and Innovation this afternoon. It has an entire wing dedicated to early technological advancements."

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "You flew to France and still found a way to make this about science?"

Rowan grinned. "It's a talent."

Oliver sighed dramatically but waved a hand. "Fine, lead the way, Professor. But after that, we're doing something actually fun."

They spent the afternoon exploring the museum, Rowan utterly fascinated by the exhibits, Oliver more entertained by watching Rowan's enthusiasm than the displays themselves. Afterward, they wandered into the famous gardens, where vibrant blooms and trickling fountains created a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.

Just when Rowan thought the day couldn't get better, Oliver suggested they visit a nectary on the outskirts of town.

"A what?" Rowan asked, tilting his head.

"A nectary," Oliver repeated with a smirk. "It's like a vineyard, but for nectar instead of wine. You get to taste it fresh from the source."

Rowan's curiosity was piqued, and soon enough, they were making their way through rolling green hills to an elegant, centuries-old estate surrounded by lush vineyards. The air was thick with the scent of ripening fruit, and the cool stone interior of the nectary welcomed them with rows of carefully aged bottles and wooden barrels.

The moment Rowan took his first sip of handcrafted nectar, he was hooked. The flavors were deeper, more complex than anything he'd ever tasted. A spark of excitement lit inside him.

"This... this is incredible," Rowan breathed, studying the amber liquid in his glass.

Oliver grinned. "Looks like we just found you a new hobby."

"I could see myself doing this back home," Rowan admitted. "Making my own nectar, experimenting with flavors... it's kind of like science, but delicious."

Oliver laughed. "Of course you'd find a way to turn it into an experiment. But hey, I'm not complaining if it means free nectar."

As the evening sun bathed the vineyard in golden light, Oliver leaned against one of the stone columns, watching Rowan with an unreadable expression. "You look happy," he murmured.

Rowan turned to him, tilting his head. "I am happy."

Oliver hesitated only for a second before reaching out, brushing his fingers over Rowan's wrist, his touch light but deliberate. "Good. I like seeing you like this."

Rowan's breath hitched, warmth pooling in his chest. He stepped in closer, the air between them charged with something unspoken, something fragile but undeniable.

"Oliver..." Rowan started, his voice softer now.

Oliver smirked. "What? Getting sentimental on me?"

Rowan chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe. But I think... I think I want to remember this moment."

Oliver held his gaze, something shifting between them. Then, with a playful grin, he nudged Rowan's side. "Then let's make it one worth remembering."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the vineyard, Rowan knew this was more than just a trip. This was the start of something - something he wasn't quite ready to name, but something he would never forget.