Gabe looked at Jeannot curiously, not quite understanding. "I can't what?" he asked kindly, not letting go of Jeannot's hand. He lifted the other one to touch his love's cheek, gently tilting his head up so he could look him in the eyes. "I can't what, bel?"

"Sometimes," Gabe said calmly, his voice not betraying the seeds of panick that were beginning to sprout, and took back Jeannot's hand. "I wonder if you really know who you're talking to." He lifted his love's hand to his mouth. "I don't mind," he whispered, kissing it once. "So long as I don't become one of those strangers." With that he took a step forward and embraced Jeannot, hoping he wouldn't pull away. He bowed his head, waiting for a reaction, a rejection, anything. He knew he'd been used before, just as he'd used others. Hell, even Caleb had used him, after Derek died, just to try to forget. But to have come so far, to love someone this much, only to have been a just another stranger in his bed?

He didn't know what he'd do, and as hard as he tried not to think about it, he couldn't stop.

Gabe closed his eyes, relieved, when Jeannot relaxed in his embrace. He opened them again as Jeannot pulled back slightly and was glad to see his love's blue eyes looking into his. "If there's a better man than you, bel," Gabe replied. "I've never met him." He leaned in and kissed Jeannot softly, barely lingering for a second. "Besides," he said, smiling. "I can deal with a little pain, so long as I don't have to deal with it alone."

"Je t'aime, aussi?" Gabe said, hesitantly, and then laughed at himself, softly. "That was wrong, wasn't it?" he asked. "Oh well. I love you, and it's the thought that counts." He realized he was probably babbling and quieted himself, contented just to look at Jeannot for a moment, though his concern at the weariness on his face soon had him speaking again. "Would you like to lie down, bel? Like I said, I can get sheets and blankets and things if you want them."

Gabe smiled. "I like holding you," he replied, quite seriously. "I love it, in fact, but eventually I'm going to fall over."

"Probably in the closet," Gabe replied, glad to see Jeannot smiling, even if he suspected it was faked. "Everything else in the world seems to be there." He leaned in and kissed Jeannot's forehead softly. "I can run down there alone," he said. "I'm at least a little dressed." He paused. "If you don't mind being alone for a minute or two?"

"Of course, bel," Gabe answered, reaching out to caress Jeannot's cheek and giving him a genuine smile he hoped was as comforting as he meant it to be. "I'll be right back," he said, and gave his love a soft kiss before pulling away. "I'll only be a moment." With that he turned and left, not bothering to put on his shirt and only just barely remembering to button up the front of his pants. He gave Jeannot a smile over his shoulder as he opened the door and shut it softly behind him before starting down the stairs.