Gabriel lingered by the door, jacket perfectly fitted, shoes polished, every detail of him prepared for the event.
And yet… his hand stayed on the handle, unmoving.
He looked back once more, eyes pulling toward Ethan like the room itself tethered him there.
Ethan caught the hesitation and smiled gently, trying to ease the weight in his Angel's chest. "Go," he said, voice light, coaxing. "I'll be here when you come back. I'll even cook for you. A proper meal, not just muffins."
Gabriel's mouth curved, but it didn't quite chase away the reluctance in his eyes. "You sure?"
"I'm sure," Ethan nodded firmly, though his heart clenched at the thought of the empty hours. "I'll keep myself busy—and I want you to focus. Tonight's important, isn't it?"
Gabriel exhaled through his nose, as though trying to shake something off.
