//Oh, no. Please don't go- or don't think you have to go.//

[Was that panic? Was Darryn panicking over the thought of Gabe going on bad terms? Or even less than that, just Gabe leaving? Gods, this was bad. Darryn should just let him go. Close this chapter before it got worse.

[I'll close it, he promised himself. I'll close it completely, but can I at least close it on a better note?

[He decided on that compromise with himself, standing up and smiling at Gabe, trying to keep it happy, not let any of his inner conflicting turmoil show] //Or at least if you want to go, let me get some take-out boxes so you can take some cake with you too? And I'll see you off home-- or not if you'd rather.//