He can’t wait to take some time to admire it. And, if the weather allows, spend some time sketching out the details he’s sure you can only see in person. It’s a relief that the stomach bug he seemed to have caught yesterday is subsiding and he’s finally able to think a little clearer.
He feels awful for having let James spent the day alone. Even if he knows that that’s exactly what James needs and wants sometimes. Something about the charming town and the innate Christmas spirit looked rather nice to spend sometime exploring. He might even have accompanied James to one of the boring churches.
His body decided it wasn’t for him, and right now he’s glad that he listened to it. From where he’s propped up against the headboard, feet curled up underneath him and a show playing on his lap, he watches James get ready for a cozy evening of his own.
There’s another pair of fuzzy socks on his feet, paired with the same style flannel pajamas in a different color scheme and two thermoses filled with tea on the little table in front of the bed.
“I got you some snacks, at the market,” James says while he hands Gabriel one of the flasks of brewed tea. He steps around the bed and folds back his neatly made side of the bed and slips underneath the covers. His trusty e-reader now clutched in his other hand. “Might be better to wait until your stomach settles completely though.”
Gabriel smiles. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to try them when I can.” He’s endeared that the only thing James seems to take back from the markets, and the cities in general, are different kinds of snacks. They’re going to have enough sweets in the house to tie them over until Easter at this point.
“What did you do today?” Gabriel asks, pulling his headphones out of his ears completely. James takes a moment to burrow himself under the warmth of the duvet, fluffing upthe pillows behind his back. “Spent the day walking the city wall route.”
There’s a brief moment of hesitation, before he continues, “The market was too busy though. Left early and just wandered around the less crowded areas a little.”
Gabriel feels a smidgen of lingering guilt settle in his chest. Knowing that it’s not his fault that James didn’t get to enjoy it, but feeling like it would’ve been different had he been there with him. “It’s good that you knew when you reached your limit.”
It’s all they say on the matter, as it’s something that Gabriel knows is still a sore spot for James to talk about most days. He settles back against his own pillow, now with the open thermos of tea held underneath his nose, calming him all the way down. The faint sound of music coming from James’ headphones is a nice reminder that Gabriel isn’t alone in the cabin anymore.
A year ago, he didn’t know evenings like this. Didn’t know things as simple as a cup of tea and a good book could make a nice evening. Before James moved into the apartment, things were out of control and every day – and night – seemed like endless, meaningless parties. Drinking with loud music and even louder friends was all Gabriel had known since university.
After an altercation with someone from one of the groupsit had clicked and Gabriel knew he needed a change. Not soon after he cleaned up his act, decided to focus more on his own wellbeing and peace. Focusing more on his sketching, on his creativity and whatever he wanted to do to make himself happy. Changing from a high-stress job to a menial one, and finding himself more than fulfilled by it.
It, however, came at a slight cost in way of cutbacks in his monthly income. Being a part-time barista paid all right, just not enough to afford the two-bedroom apartment on his own anymore. James getting recommended by a friend of a friend to rent out the spare room had been just what he needed.
Someone that seemed to live the life Gabriel wanted for himself. A life that he was afraid to let himself live. A slow life, with days spent inside a café reading or sketching, enjoying time with yourself and the people closest to you.
James seems to like the bad boy persona Gabriel presented on the first day they met. Gabriel, the soft natured man with an already blooming crush, didn’t have the heart to shatter the illusion. He knows that it’s something that helps James feel safe in unknown places and uncertain situations. Having someone by his side that portrays a certain aura.
It’s not that Gabriel isn’t tough, doesn’t have a hard exterior and would rather wear black so that people won’t judge him. It’s more that he’s scared that Jamesonlytolerates him because of the person James thinks he is.
14 [James] Prague, Czech Republic
December 10th
The announcement thatThe Adventurerwill be leaving Rothenburg ob der Tauber after midnight comes just after nine, given that the journey to Prague will be short and the crew wants to give everyone the opportunity to get some rest while the train travels at a lower speed toward the Czech Republic. The usual four-hour journey will most likely take them seven or eight.
The moment the train arrives in Prague, James is up, ready to shower and make his way to breakfast in one of the dining carriages. It settles his nerves a bit to see Gabriel up and around, seemingly better enough to accompany James to breakfast.
This morning they are greeted by a menu curated from different types of bread, marmalade and the option of eggs and bacon. Something James enjoys most as part of theexperience onThe Evergreenis the fact that they try to make the menu fit the cities they are traveling to.
They’re seated in one of the booths in the restaurant, providing them with a view of the beautiful station hall and without onlookers as he studies the menu. He settles on a sandwich, with some meat and eggs. There’s a coffee next to his plate and some yogurt mixed with marmalade. It’s one of the more easygoing breakfasts of the trip. Something easy to start the day with. Opposite him, sitting sideways with one of his legs tucked underneath the other, Gabriel hums as he takes a tentative sip of the strong-looking tea, his eyes cast out of the window.
“How are you feeling?” asks James.
Gabriel adds a little bit of milk to his cup, stirring it in alongside a cube of sugar. “You know what? It’s not fully gone yet, but I think it’s just a lingering headache now.”
“Good.” James smiles. “Wouldn’t want you to miss out on the city.”
Almost timidly, Gabriel admits, “I hope the weather will allow me to sketch for a bit.” James almost melts at the soft, hopeful look in his eyes. He wonders who Gabriel thinks he’s kidding, trying to act like he’s uninterested in things like that.
“I’m sure you will.” James will make sure of that. If this is the only thing Gabriel really wants to see and experience, he’ll make sure that it happens. Prague is the only city that he justwrote down four things for. Visit Old Town to see the Town Hall and the clock, go to the Charles Bridge, marvel at the Castle and watch a classic holiday movie in the winter cinema. With the Astronomical Clock being the highest priority. Just to make sure that it would happen, knowing it meant something to Gabriel.
The two of them spend almost an hour at breakfast, glancing out the window, gazing at the high ceilings and architecture of the station and watching people hurrying along the platforms.
One of the main things James enjoys most about these last few cities is the walkability of them and the easiness in which you seem to be able to navigate with just a map. The apps on his phone are a nice back-up, but the paper maps taped into his notebook bring the experience to a whole different level. From his research into Prague’s lay-out, the city center should only be about a twenty-minute walk.
The station is crowded, people swarming along the platforms and entrance hall. They’re all wearing hats, firmly tugged over their heads, and are shaking off their coats and scarves. As he and Gabriel walk outside they’re met with the first flurrying snowflakes of the trip. And what a magical city to experience it in.
