Neil tries to keep Gabriel close. Now, for different reasons, he's grateful for the shadows and darkness of hiding. Gabriel can't see his face and how much he longs to linger, close and terrified of going back out there. But Gabriel's already standing, and so Neil goes as well, brushing off his hands and then wiping off the seat of his pants.

His voice wobbles on a noise when he tries to speak, and the words die, so he's just left standing there with his mouth slightly open, shame creeping in the edges and driving his chin toward his chest.