Adam caressed his thumb against Gabriel’s face, dangerously more gentle than he had been in so many years, nothing short of over a century ago by now, because no one had been quite as broken as the man next to him right now was.

He had drawn closer to Gabriel, eyes half-closed, and his voice barely a whisper, “Just for a moment…” Don’t think about him. Focus on the here and now, for me. If you can. Adam kept those words unsaid, privately hoping his feelings were acknowledged at least. And if they weren’t… at least it would seem as if he was asking for permission to continue.

“Please.” He didn't mean for his voice to sound so open on that last word, but that barely could be helped now.