"Don't be an ass," he says quietly as he looks down at the bar. Anthony's acting like the tension isn't there, and Gabriel can't stand it. His mother did the same fucking thing, as if everything could be smoothed over if it was just buried deep enough.

When their drinks arrive, he looks up, meeting Anthony's gaze.

"You could've said something. I would've understood."

For all that he's frustrated, his voice comes out calm and even. He wonders if he sounds foolish, or childish. Either would be too much to bear, but if he remains silent he knows it will fester in him like so many other things. Better to have it out.