"It lost all it's charm for me when I realized it really does take place in just a few days," he says with a rueful little smile. "But I wanted something to keep me busy, and I like Mercutio."

He might have been happy with a bit part, too, but he's pleased with what he has.

Gabriel sheds his coat once they're in the apartment, and again he feels the anxiety welling up in his chest. Is all really mended, or is there another shoe just waiting to drop? And if there is, will it be him that makes it fall?

He turns toward Anthony and brushes his fingers along his jaw before he leans to kiss him.

"I did miss you," he confesses quietly in the space between them, less guarded than he'd been in the bar.