Snippet #2743258

There were many things they were sharing on a personal level, but he didn't expect Chance's next choice of action. The removal of his shirt took him aback, but he grinned with a mischievous look in his eyes. For one that appeared like a prey, it looked like the tables were being turned. It was obvious that Chance had his own dark history, but he didn't need to learn everything about him all at once, since that would be boring in the end. The chase would end and it would cause Gabriel to lose interest. From what he could tell, Chance gave off the impression of a "boy-next-door," with a streak of bad luck in his life. Although they were both dealt with hardships, at least Chance's family hadn't been taken away from him. They still lived, even if they were estranged from Chance.

Then again, he supposed that they might as well be dead, since they all outcast Chance. After Chance explained his favorite dish and he exposed his own vulnerability, he began to feel at complete ease. Gabriel finished his beer and traced a finger on one of Chance's scars. He'd feel the light-feather touch of his index finger, as it trailed on the surface of the pallor scar that ran down his back. There was no sense in hiding the attraction, but Gabriel kept himself from becoming too attached. People with dark histories tended to flourish in chaos, or have commitment problems, but that was a belief he continued to tell himself. Gabriel acknowledged his own tendencies to attract the broken, chaotic, or desperate, but he seemed to let Chance into his life anyway.

"Yeah..." Gabriel paused, then brought his hand away from Chance. He remembered his rule: don't get too close. Zeb understood that he was alive and well, which meant that anyone near Gabriel could become a target. "He took everything from me, but I'm beginning to see a silver lining in the madness." He said, referring to Chance.

"Stay the night." He said, not giving Chance an option. Gabriel locked eyes, then turned his attention away, as though distracted.