Chapter 45 [James] Limerick, Ireland
“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 Gabriel wanted 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 left The 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 on The 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 do back 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.
With the goods secured and everything packed away in their bags, they head out into the cold.
The air is frosty and biting, making the short walk cold and damp.
James’ lashes stick together from the moisture, making it a bit more difficult to blink.
But even in the cold, with droplets hanging from his scarf and coat, the city is beautiful.
It’s got medieval charm, but feels modern and welcoming.
James is happy when their destination comes into view, to get out of the cold and into the gallery. It’s another activity he booked with Gabriel in mind, knowing that he would appreciate the art and diversity on display.
They’re let inside easily, after which they discard their coats and bags at the cloakroom and step into the gallery.
It’s all a bit too modern for James’ taste.
That’s not to say that it’s bad and that he doesn’t enjoy it.
It’s more that he enjoys looking at more traditional art forms just that tad bit more.
Not only that, but the modern, sleek feel of the gallery throws him off as well.
The last few weeks he spent exploring ancient cathedrals, ruins and museums. The City Gallery might look historic on the outside, with detailing along the stone and windows, but the inside doesn’t reflect it.
For once he finds himself following Gabriel around, listening as he points out little details and reads the plaques.
It’s nice, experiencing it like this. Gabriel’s endlessly patient, as he always is, when James admits that he sometimes just doesn’t see it.
They spend several hours hopping between the different exhibitions and collections.
Only when his watch beeps with an alarm, indicating that it’s almost time for dinner, do they slowly make their way out of the gallery.
Gabriel cheekily asks the man working at the reception if there’s a pub he’d recommend.
The enthusiastic and immediate response is that they should try the oldest pub in Limerick.
Gabriel thanks him and pulls out his phone for directions.
The longer walk in the cold proves worth it as James finds himself enjoying the evening, despite his earlier hang-ups and the anxious thoughts that lingered at the base of his neck.
The atmosphere might be something that he’s not quite used to, but it’s not unpleasant.
From every which way he can hear patrons talking, wishing each other well wishes for the new year and discussing upcoming plans.
It’s a low effort kind of place, something that he can appreciate.
The beer isn’t half bad, even if he finds himself reaching for a nice wine more often when he’s at home.
And the way that Gabriel seems to enjoy not only the drink but the assortment of snacks, makes for a lighthearted, enjoyable time.
Gabriel’s arm settling across his shoulders makes it so that they don’t have to shout, too much.
The contact is a solid point of focus and comfort.
It doesn’t stop him from scootching even closer to Gabriel in their booth.
Hidden away in a corner in the crowded room he feels like they’re the only ones there when his companion twists his head and presses a gentle kiss to his temple.
While they make their way back to the station, he figures they can find another pub to try tomorrow night. If only to see the happy look on Gabriel’s face again.