"It's my pleasure." Reaching down to help Link up, Gabe glanced toward the serving area. He could go get the juice himself, technically, except--he really didn't want to bother with the nurses right now. 'Friends', Landel had said. How many of them had been the staff, brainwashed and and violent?

He shook his head. "No. Never mind; I can manage without any this morning. Come and join me?"

It was a request, rather than an order, and Gabriel gave him a hopeful, oddly self-conscious smile. He felt hyper-aware of everything and frustratingly vulnerable at once. Maybe having someone to talk to would help his nerves.