Gabriel's eyebrows stayed furrowed while I ate and he was unusually silent, which leads me to believe that there's something on his mind. Pushing my empty plate away, I run a hand through my hair and eye him carefully.

His posture is stiff, his face is set in a frown and his eyes are glazed over as he rhythmically taps his fingers against the dining table, obviously in deep thought.

"Alright," I say with a sigh, "whatever it is, spit it out."

His eyes snap to me and he cocks a dark blonde eyebrow.

"Spit what out?" he asks slowly.

"Whatever you've been sitting there dwelling over for the past half hour," I answer, gesturing to him with my hand. "There's obviously something on your mind, so just say it."

He sighs and laces his fingers together to set his chin on.

"There was an issue in heaven and they're asking for my assistance in straightening everything out again." he says after a beat of apprehensive silence.

I raise my eyebrows in surprise, but stay silent momentarily as I take in his sullen tone.

"But you're reluctant to go," I state bluntly. "Why?"

He's left many times before, for similar reasons, and it's never bothered me. It's not that I want him gone, but I do enjoy having space and I completely understand why he needs to leave. What I don't understand is why he's hesitating this time.

His eyes land on me again. "You're getting stronger every day, I can feel it and If I can feel it, then it won't be long before the angels can too."

I shake my head. "You know I can take care of myself."

"I know that and I usually wouldn't worry so much about it, but right now your like a time bomb." he says. "We only have four months until your birthday and it seems like an awful time to leave."

"Gabe, I'll be fine. If there's an issue you need to deal with than you should deal with it. Four months is still a long time. I'm sure you'll be back before way before then anyway." I say reassuringly.

He shakes his head and drags his hands over his face before voicing his thoughts. "I just-I don't want a repeat of what happened with your mom. I don't know what I would do if I lost you and it was my fault..."

When my mother was minutes away from being killed, she put me above herself. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to save us both, she forced Gabriel to take only me. Her death left me resentful and hollow. I often forget how close Gabriel also was with her and the impact that must of had on him.

I suck in a sharp breath. "What happened was never your fault, Gabriel. You did everything she asked you to do. You did everything you could do." I say quietly. "It wasn't your fault."

"It happened so fast, I didn't even have a chance to save to her. What if that happens to you?" Gabriel asks. "I don't think I could live with that," he mutters.

I feel a pit in my stomach as I think of the plans I've been making for my birthday, behind his back. I know they are necessary but I don't know how I'll tell ever tell Gabriel that. Pushing my guilt down and setting those thoughts aside for now, I focus on him.

"I promise you, that I will be here when you get back. If anything goes wrong I'll contact you immediately." I say softly.

He shakes his head again before standing from his chair to his full height. I mimic his movement, pushing away from the table and rising to my feet. To my surprise, his arms suddenly latch around me, pulling me into a tight, comforting hug. I freeze, taken aback by the sudden affection. My muscles turn rigid, but I can tell this is what he needs right now, so I force myself to relax and return the brief hug.

"I'll be fine," I whisper.

He pulls away, eyes cast down as he clears his throat before nodding.

"I know you will, Kid. I just worry about you," he says.

"You're getting emotional in your old age," I tease, attempting to lighten the mood.

He barks out a laugh and then scoffs, shaking his head lightly, eyes glimmering with amusement.

"I don't know, you were looking pretty emotional too, there for a minute," he says, raising his eyebrows.

"Me? Emotional?" I ask with obvious sarcasm.

He chuckles and the air around us feels lighter, letting me forget about all of the burdens we have weighing us down, if only just for a moment.

When his chuckles fade, we once again fall back into tense silence and I can tell that he needs to leave sooner, rather than later.

"Go," I say, flicking my hand in his direction, gesturing for him to leave, "it's okay Gabriel."

He studies me closely for a few hesitant moment before he nods his head in agreement, a small sad smile on his face. In an instant, with a gust of wind, he's suddenly gone. Like a candle flame being snuffed out, it's as if he was never even here in the first place.