It was overly sentimental, a goodbye kiss, but Eddy wasnt stone hearted enough not to want one. Luke then thanked him and Eddy could only "hmmm" in response, just a sound to indicate that he heard and understood. There was too much to say back, and if he started it would only keep Luke longer. Might as well part now while it was still sweet and good, like plucking a tomato off the vine before it had a chance to shrivel and rot.<br/><br/>It was time, Luke had to go.<br/><br/>"Yeah, see you kid," Eddy replied with a small, wry smile. It wasnt like it was a last goodbye, they knew where each other lived, it was still a possibility that they would see each other again.<br/><br/>But it was also a possibility that they wouldnt. Luke could very well come to his senses and realize there was no future sniffing around an old washed up man riddled with arthritis, and Eddy might close up again, his walls shored up thrice over now that someone had managed to get inside. The both of them might remember this night differently, might find hidden meaning or no meaning at all. Might dismiss it all as a fluke and continue on with their mundane lives.<br/><br/>They might never see each other again.<br/><br/>And Eddy, prone to the maudlin, believed pessimism more than he ever did optimism.<br/><br/>He did not stay to watch Luke walk down the street. He wouldn't be that pathetic, but standing in his empty apartment he fervently wished for a drink.<br/><br/>Your Majesty came over, mewing to announce her presence before graciously brushing her side against Eddy's ankles. The man looked down at the cat and laughed, a little wetly.<br/><br/>"I'm a stupid old man, aren't I?" Eddy asked and she meowed in agreement.<br/><br/>Later that night, Eddy did not open the bar but instead went to the Velvet Thorn. He was in dire need of a friend or else he might pine away in his lonely bar like an imbecile.