Like any of the other museums on the trip they’re easilyled inside, provided they go through a bag search and leave Gabriel’s satchel in the cloakroom. James discards his own jacket as well. He finds these places are more manageable without the constrictions and bulkiness of his winter coat.
Gabriel wanders off to the gift shop and James excuses himself for a visit to the bathroom. When he gets back, Gabriel’s carrying one of the audio tour devices and a happy, satisfied little smirk. “Thought you might like it.”
With slightly damp eyes and a grateful nod, he presses a quick kiss to Gabriel’s lips and keeps him close. Together they walk toward the escalator to make their way into the exhibits. It’s not Gabriel’s thing, James knows, so it’s even more special that he stays next to him throughout the whole tour.
He listens with rapt attention as James relays some bits and pieces he learns from the narration, eyes cast forward in focus on the paintings. James tries not to linger too long, like he did in Paris, and steps away after drinking in the sight ofTheIrises. He doesn’t get far, Gabriel’s hand on his waist stopping him in his tracks. “What’s with the hurry?”
“Sorry.” James winces. Gabriel lifts an eyebrow. The sight of it makes James huff in laughter. “Just didn’t want to be in anyone’s way.”
Now Gabriel huffs, pulling him back against his side, planting his feet firmly on the ground. “You’ve got the same right to be here as everyone else. Now, tell me about theseweird looking flowers.”
With time, James starts to relax more. It’s easier with Gabriel at his side, keeping him distracted from his thoughts. At the sight of theAlmond Blossomshe stops, mesmerized by the size of the painting and the vibrant but muted colors of it. It’s a whole other thing when he findsThe Sunflowersin the center of the next room, brightening up the space by simply existing. All the while, Gabriel walks with him. Humming and awing every so often and offering James the time to discover every painting.
By the time they walk out of the museum, bags filled with some more trinkets, it’s close to dinner time. Part of him wants to apologize for spending so much time in the museum, to have wasted the afternoon, but he also knows that apologies are unwarranted and Gabriel would’ve told him if he wanted to do something else.
The square the museum’s located on is filled with little food stalls and shops selling unbranded merchandise. James beams when he spots a cart selling those fried snacks Gabriel’s friends recommended yesterday. Gabriel offers to order some for them. The food turns out to be just as messy as the small donuts in Cologne had been, but ultimately provide a delicious snack. It’s rich in its doughiness, the sugar making them sweeter than any regular donut he’s had so far and leaves James’ hands sticky.
Just like in Cologne, Gabriel ends up with a coat full of powdered sugar and lips glossy from the oil. Who is James to resist such a treat, as he leans in to taste the sweetness of the dessert right off of Gabriel’s lips. When they part, Gabriel’s eyes have gone a bit glassy.
The wind picks up. They both shiver and share a smile. This time James reaches out to Gabriel, clasping his gloved hands with his own. They start on the walk back toThe Adventurer.
“I booked us a table onThe Adventurertonight. They’re serving the same menu as yesterday,” Gabriel tells him while they cross the park, making their way back to the station. “So we’ll still have Christmas dinner on the train, just a day late.”
38 [Gabriel] From Amsterdam to Ghent
December 26th & December 27th
“If you’ve stepped away from the family, wouldn’t it be easier to get a different phone number? Or block theirs?” James wonders from his place on the bed. Gabriel’s ringing phone is distracting them both from their activities. James’ e-reader hangs limply from his hand while Gabriel’s pencil hovers midair where he’s sitting at the table.
Eventually the phone stops ringing and Gabriel diverts his gaze to James. “Could be. But they’re still my parents, despite it all. And if something were to happen, I would want to know.” He shrugs.
James hums, but stays silent otherwise. Gabriel turns back to his sketches, hoping to finish a few for the frame. “You’ve got no brothers or sisters then? Who could contact you in an emergency?”
“An older brother, Trevor.” He puts the pencil down thistime, placing it in the dip where the papers meet so it won’t roll away. He turns sideways, facing James, and wonders, “What’s this about?”
James shrugs, glancing sideways at the - once again - ringing phone. “You tense up every time it rings, especially when it’s that ringtone.”
Gabriel softens, the tension that’s indeed crept into his shoulders dropping away. He gets to his feet and takes a couple of steps to the bed. James is already scooting sideways a little before he’s sat down.
Gabriel’s smiling as he says, “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Yes, I do. We take care of each other.” The soft admission is paired with a shy look and a tentative smile. Gabriel finds himself reaching out to swipe the top of his fingers across James’ cheek. “Not about this. Never worry about them.”
“But, if they hurt you-”
“They can’t touch me anymore. And I’ll be damned if they touch you.” He presses a soft kiss to James’ forehead.
“I justknowthat my father already contacted your parents.” James rolls his eyes. “Probably boasted about the power the two families could have together.”
Gabriel snorts. “Let him. My dad will tell him that he’s only got one heir, and he’s already taken and married.”
James hesitates and tries to move away from the gentle touch. Gabriel’s quick to grab hold of his chin. James pouts when he realizes he can’t look away. “Just don’t want it to cause any more trouble.”
Gabriel shrugs, looking at the man sitting in front of him with open wonder. “What my family does, doesn’t concern me anymore. Please don’t let it bother you.”
“But-”
“I chose to live my own life. I chose myself.” Gabriel leans into James, pressing another soft, lingering kiss against his forehead. With his lips just inches from James’ skin he whispers, “And now I’m choosing you.”
