He flicks on the lamp to his right and sits up a little. A glance at his phone screen says it’s just after ten and the rumble in his stomach tells him it’s time for something to eat.
“Morning,” mumbles James sleepily when he slides back into bed. The warm pocket they were wrapped in has vanished, but Gabriel’s sure that they’ll be able to restore it.
James grabs his e-reader, settling in next to him.
“Morning, happy January first,” Gabriel whispers to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. James ducks his head, bashful and sleep soft. Gabriel smiles.
The smile is slow, filled with emotions that you only really feel on days like this. A heaviness that comes with starting fresh. The hope that the blank slate of the year brings. His partner’s face portrays the unease that comes with this day, but also the freedom that it brings. Gabriel is sure that his own features reflect the same.
Starting new, at the end of this trip, with each other. To Gabriel that sounds like the best possible way this year could’ve started. “Happy January first,” James whispers back, equally as soft.
At another rumble from his stomach, Gabriel grins and says, “How about brunch in the restaurant?”
The pliant, warm man next to him perks up. “That sounds great. I’m starving.”
“How that’s possible after last night, who knows,” Gabriel teases. “But yeah, me too.” It’s almost an unspoken rule by now that James takes his morning shower, and Gabriel goes to see if they’ll need a reservation and to bring them back acup of tea.
In the end the reservation isn’t needed, as the hostess jokingly says that most people on the train are either still asleep or just going to bed. When he gets back James has just come out of the bathroom, curls still wet and dripping. The cup of tea is accepted with a happy hum and a grateful smile.
Gabriel didn’t realize that brunch might be served buffet style. Not once before didThe Evergreenoffer lunch in this capacity, and as they step into the restaurant he can’t help but glance at James. “We could-”
“You know what?” says James, heaving a deep breath and a timid smile. “I could at least try it once, right? It’s one of the last days, so it feels fitting. One last challenge and all that.”
“Only if you’re sure. If you’re uncomfortable, I can get us some plates and we’ll have lunch in the cabin.”
James reaches out, putting his hand on Gabriel’s cheek, swiping his fingers underneath the barely defined bags he finds there. They give Gabriel a soft, sleepy look that James adores. Rough edges and all, Gabriel’s so beautiful. “I know,” he whispers.
Gabriel asks for a table closest to the buffet, knowing that James’ hang-up comes from having to pass the rest of the restaurant with his food. The privacy of the booth is welcome, especially now that it means that it will help James.
The food looks delicious and most definitely welcomeafter the early morning they had. Coffee is served at the table and Gabriel patiently waits out James, whose eyes take on a more tense look with every passing second. Gabriel scoots out of the booth, going to stand up. James follows his movements with wary eyes and a sad smile.
Gabriel stops next to James, putting his hand on his shoulder, trailing it upward and carding his fingers into the soft curls at the back of his head. He tilts James’ head back, making sure that they’re holding eye contact as he reassures, “It’s okay. I’ll get us some things.”
The selection offers a full English breakfast, with hashbrowns and scrambled eggs for days. He fills two plates with things both of them enjoy and happily returns to the table. James has ordered both of them a soda in the time he took to get back and greets him with a grateful stare.
He’s pleasantly surprised when, near the end of the brunch when the restaurant has emptied out significantly, James hesitantly stands up. With a deep breath he takes a plate and the few short steps toward the buffet. Gabriel smiles when he ducks back into the booth moments later with a plate filled with little pastries.
With the passing of the green valleys and scenic houses on his right and the proud, satisfied little smile in front of him he thinks that this trip has given the both of them more than they ever bargained for.
45 [James] Limerick, Ireland
January 1st
“Booked an art gallery for later, if you’d like to join me?” James asks while he reaches for his phone. After lunch they made quick work of getting ready for the day, bags packed and coats zipped.
“Hmm, that sounds great, actually.” Gabriel says while he waits on James to lock the door to their cabin. “And go to the pub after?”
James tries to hide his grimace at the thought. Being stuck in an overcrowded bar, with people pressing against him from all sides and having to shout to be heard. He can’t think of anything less appealing.
When he turns to Gabriel he sees a wide smile and hope-filled eyes, the reluctance dies down in seconds. He bites his tongue just in time and manages to agree to the idea. It’s the absolute least he could do, if this was something Gabrielwanted to do while they were here.
The vibrant city of Limerick is still alight with Christmas lights, trees lining the streets and window displays shining in full glory. It’s quiet in the city, quieter than he expected it to be. It’s one of the most scenic cities and he’s excited to round up this incredible month with a city as alive and historic as Limerick.
Despite having brunch just a couple hours earlier and a cup of tea before they leftThe Evergreen, they do stop for a soda and some snacks to take with them during the day. James spots a packet of Oreos. It’s a no brainer that, for their last night onThe Adventurer, Gabriel gets to enjoy his favorite biscuit. Gabriel snorts when he sees it but doesn’t say much more. The soft kiss to James’ cheek says what words can’t anyway.
There’s still a large variety of food in their room, ready to be taken home to London, but James can’t help but walk around the little shop to see what else new he can try. His eyes fall on a packet of biscuits called Bourbon Creams and he’s immediately sold. The unfamiliar play on his favorite biscuit sounds intriguing.
It’s a fun way to see how countries differ, exploring supermarkets and convenience stores. It also means that they’ll have something to enjoy after dinner. A tradition he knows Gabriel’s fond of as well, since it’s something they doback in London too. A warm mug of something to drink and a nibble or two while they either enjoy tinkering away at one of their hobbies or sit down to watch something on the television.
