Chapter 39
“This is going to be one of the boring, cultured days, isn’t it?
” Gabriel groans while he lets his head fall on his folded arms. They’re having breakfast on The Adventurer before heading out to explore Ghent.
James has been going over his itinerary for the day, highlighting wanting to visit the castle and cathedral in the medieval city.
James looks on fondly as Gabriel’s outburst attracts some looks from people sitting close by, something he would’ve worried about not even a month ago.
“You know you don’t have to come.” It’s sweet to see that they’re mostly regarded with amused glances instead of judgment as the other patrons go back to their own breakfast.
“Oh no,” Gabriel replies, pushing himself up with an exaggerated huff of air. “I’m coming. If not so I can sketch a little, than for the Belgian waffles I know they have here.”
“In Belgium?” James smirks, teasing. “I’m sure they have those, yeah.”
“Shut up.” Gabriel huffs with a smile lingering on the corner of his lips. “It’s still early.”
James has to catch his bottom lip between his teeth to stop himself from smiling too much.
It’s not that early, just after nine in fact.
They were, however, woken up twice during the night from the train faltering on the tracks.
Skidding for a few seconds each time, before resuming its usual steady rhythm.
While they finish their hearty breakfast of yoghurt, granola, fruits and eggs, James is once again reminded how different the days are now, compared to those at the start of the trip. Christmas has come and gone, meaning that the journey is winding down already.
For all his reluctance of actually starting the trip, he’s almost sad to see that they’ll be returning to the United Kingdom later in the week for their final few cities and New Year’s. If Christmas was anything to go on, he’s positive those celebrations will be special and something to remember.
“Come on, you grump. We’ve got a cathedral waiting for us.” James stands up, offering Gabriel his hand. It’s sweet how timid Gabriel gets when he slides his hand in James’ and they make their way out of the restaurant.
As usual they go on a detour to their cabin, get their coats and bags before stepping out on the platform. His notes suggest walking or taking a tram. And as soon as they step out of the station into the heavy downpour of rain, the choice is easily made.
Luckily the tram does give them the opportunity to see some of the city, take in bits and pieces of the landscape and the lingering holiday spirit that’s still trailing along the streets.
He likes how it’s one of the things that seems universal across Europe, if he’s to believe that the Christmas decorations and festivities tend to stay until after the changing of the year. It gives the city a bit of a magical touch, in these purgatory days between Christmas and New Year’s.
The Saint Bavo’s Cathedral greets them behind a sheet of raindrops and dark clouds. It doesn’t take away from the impressive build of the church, nor does it diminish James’ want to stand outside and look up at it for a while.
He’s gently prodded forward by his partner, who looks more like a drowned street cat than anything else at the moment.
Gabriel’s tucked his bag underneath his coat, trying to shield it from the rain.
When they hurry inside, his sneakers squelch on the marble flooring.
James smiles at the sound, but grimaces at the feeling.
It’s warm inside, something that he’s not seen much of in the rest of the cathedrals on the trip. It’s a nice change, especially now that he’s walking around in wet clothes.
With a small kiss and a lingering squeeze to his hand, Gabriel steps away to find a place to sit down.
It’s mesmerizing to watch him decide which spot to choose and what to turn into the focus of his drawing.
For just a moment, James soaks in the sight of the other man, curls half matted on his head, wet beanie tugged inside his jacket pocket.
James wanders for a while and learns more about the history and the people. He lights a candle, taking a moment to sort out his thoughts and feelings. The whirlwind these last few weeks have turned out to be show him just how different and fun life can be if you just let yourself experience things.
Gabriel’s support helped, of course it did, but he’s come to realize that he’s grown a lot on his own as well. Taking the chance to go on the trip to begin with, pushing forward after the encounter in Paris and the whole ordeal in Trollveggen. He struggled, yes, but he still persisted.
“Can we go get waffles now?” Gabriel smiles up at him underneath his eyelashes when James comes to a stop in front of his chair.
From what he can see Gabriel’s been sketching the outline of the columns and the high ceiling.
James smiles at his question. He sighs, pretending to think about it.
“We’ll stop for some, and lunch as well. ”
Gabriel’s quick to stuff his art supplies in his bag, grabbing James’ hand as he stands up. It’s still raining when they step outside. The stones are slippery from the water. They hurry back to the tram, following Gabriel’s navigation to the right stop and eventually into the city.
Ghent is charming, like most of these cities have turned out to be. James might say that the rain only adds to the nostalgic feeling that fills him as they strut along the streets. The Christmas market is still set up in the center of the city, calling to him to go explore it.
Unfortunately, that will have to wait until tomorrow.
Not only because of the weather, but because of their plans to visit the castle as well.
What they do find on the square, at the edge of the market, is a cart selling homemade Brussels’ waffles.
Gabriel’s immediately sold and settles on a creation of banana, whipped cream and Nutella.
James veers to a safer choice and sticks to a classic with just powdered sugar.
Huddled underneath the awning of the cart, trying to shield their snacks from the rain, James can admit that he’s not felt this carefree in years.
They’re pressed so close together that he can smell the bananas on Gabriel’s waffle easily.
Their bodies are so close that, when Gabriel exhales on a laugh, it causes the powdered sugar on top of James’ waffle to go flying.
It seems like the sugar has it out for them, now that he’s the one covered in the stuff. Unfortunately, with the rain, it’s not as easily wiped off as in Cologne. Gabriel doubles over in laughter, nearly dropping his waffle in the process of trying – and failing – to save their coats.
Even after the waffles Gabriel says he’s still up for some lunch, at least something warm to drink and a place to dry off. With a little help from James’ notebook and Gabriel’s phone they find a nice place to settle down for a little while.
The table by the window gives James a chance to people watch while they recoup.
And even if the rain puts a bit of a damper on the day, it’s not enough to ruin his spirits.
All the people that pass, huddled inside their jackets and sheltering underneath umbrellas, are a nice way to keep him entertained.
The mug of hot chocolate he’s nursing is the perfect companion.
It’s easy to spend a few hours in the small, homely restaurant. The rain’s lessened significantly, making it even better to make their way to the castle. On any other day he would have gone for the fifteen-minute walk, now he’s happy to step into another tram.
This is one of the boring, cultural things Gabriel will like. When he read about the Christmas bar they open every year in Gravensteen Castle, he knew he’d have to bring Gabriel there. Or have him make the trip on his own.
And it doesn’t disappoint at all. The later hour of the afternoon has brought in a lot of patrons, the weather another sure way to get people inside.
It feels like a traditional bar, with wooden tables and chairs.
The lights are dimmed low, the murmurs of the people echoing around the open space of the castle, and James feels like he’s stepped inside a tavern from a century ago.
With the smell of alcohol and the homely feeling of a well-loved bar hanging in the air.
Christmas lights fill up the space, decorations bringing the whole picture together. He’s so happy to see that the Christmas spirit can still be found, even after the holiday has passed.