The apartment was quiet when they arrived home.
Gabriel unlocked the door, flicking on lights as they entered.
Ethan followed, bag slung over his shoulder, exhaustion evident in the slope of his shoulders.
"Food first," Gabriel said. "Then work."
"I'm not hungry."
"You haven't eaten since breakfast." Gabriel was already moving toward the kitchen. "Sit. I'll make something quick."
Ethan dropped onto the couch instead, head tilting back against the cushions. His eyes closed.
Gabriel returned fifteen minutes later with two plates—grilled cheese, simple and warm, cut diagonally the way Ethan liked.
"Here."
Ethan opened his eyes, accepting the plate. "Thank you."
They ate in comfortable silence, the food settling something anxious in Ethan's stomach.
Gabriel had added tomato to his, remembered to butter the bread properly, made it exactly right without being asked.
"Better?" Gabriel asked.
"Yeah." Ethan set down his empty plate. "Okay. I'm ready."
