Gabriel's eyes never left as Eddy sat down, not even to get the attention of a server.  He simply raised his hand enough to be noticed, and someone came over promptly, making note of what Eddy wanted.  The man was pretty constant in his preferences, so Gabe kept some labels he knew were liked, and those were reserved for special visits.<br/><br/>The nickname made Gabriel's smile spread imperceptibly wider-- the ripple of a fish swimming under a placid, pristine lake.  He remembered how he got it, their first meeting...  Gabe had been dressed for a client, in some shining, shimmery slip of sheer fabric, and the impression had apparently stuck.<br/><br/>"I'm well enough," he allowed, tilting his head as he lounged further into the curve of the sofa.  He wasn't keen on talking about himself, and really, there was nothing to tell of any note.  "Business has been up and down, like usual.  I have no complaints."<br/><br/>Gabe took another sip, the glass still nearly full.  He only drank to help blend in with others, to act more like a normal person than he felt.  But, Eddy didn't mind his strangeness, wasn't repulsed by it or uncomfortable; after their first meeting, it wasn't long before he began modeling for the artist, who seemed intrigued by his less human qualities.  Now that had been a surprise, to be seen and accepted in such a way.<br/><br/>"And you?  How are you?"  Gabriel enjoyed his talks with Eddy, even if he didn't show it.  The man was unlike most people, had actual substance beneath the surface, and Gabe did not have to feign interest whenever they spoke.  He was happy to listen, to learn how real people thought and felt, even if he couldn't do the same.