This wasn't the first time that Gabe had been told something similar in regards to his self-depreciation. It wasn't typically an issue, just another quirk of his personality, until somebody shone a light on it like Eden just had. As with all the times before, Gabe remained quiet with no good retort in mind. What could he even say to such a thing?
But then Eden was apologising, as though he had done or said something wrong, and Gabe instantly sought to rectify things. "No!" he exclaimed, loud and sudden enough to cause the dozing cub in his arms to startle. He quickly attempted to placate her by running his fingers through her fur, but she was quick to wriggle out of his grasp before stalking off. Gabriel watched her go with a frown before looking back at Eden. "That isn't what I meant. God, I'm sorry. Sometimes I talk without thinking and then I get all flustered and spaz out...like I'm doing right now. Ugh."