The movie is watched, the food ate, and Neil managed to get through the whole night with most of his dignity intact. He likes Patricia well enough; he's seen her a couple time, and she doesn't seem pressed to do anything more than hold hands and exchange brief, friendly kisses, and Neil's alright with that.

Plus, it expands his opportunities to see Gabriel by a margin. Going out in public with girls feels like a terrible comfort, somehow.

But now, they're alone, and whatever tender warmth and comfort of the four of them out turns to a quiet, giddy elation to look at that smile.

"The night is young yet, slick," Neil assures, and gives Gabriel a companionable pat on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go make idiots of ourselves for a little while yet."