"That's because you're acting like one," Gabriel quipped, eyeing Eddy as he cleaned up.  It wasn't meant badly, but the comment was still sharp, even from a voice as soft as his.<br/><br/>"I don't mean that you should let this pass you by, or that you shouldn't make decisions.  If you really want things to grow between the two of you...  Then allow it to happen, but don't put it all on Luke.  If he's just a kid, like you say, he might be apprehensive about making the first move."<br/><br/>As Gabriel spoke, he motioned at the waitress and pointed at his drink; she nodded and walked off.  Even though he was 'just another employee', he had standing seniority, and that gave him perks.<br/><br/>The waitress returned with a new drink and took away the old glass, and Gabriel sighed quietly as he took a sip.  "What I mean is... This is the biggest thing that's happened for you in a long time.  And if you want it to be successful, you can't be afraid."<br/><br/>He felt like such a hypocrite as he spoke, but Gabriel knew he was right, could feel it in his gut.  His own life was very different than Eddy's, and he would never find anything like a real relationship-- he couldn't have one, didn't understand or know how-- but the advice he was giving was correct.  Eddy's heart was bruised and battered, yes... yet it was still alive, and Gabriel wanted to see his friend find something, someone to keep it going.