The whip fell loudly, discarded.  Gabriel heard it drop, and his heart dropped too, afraid Paul might wish to leave...  He played that game sometimes, so cruel, pretending to go and leave Gabriel by himself, untouched.  But then his hand appeared, so lovely and cool, and some of the fear melted.<br/><br/>Paul was being deceptively gentle, stroking  at the back of his neck, brushing along those little strands, whispy and pale.  And then...  Gabriel let out a soft hiss as Paul raked his nails down his back, along his spine in such a casually vicious, delightful way.  His grip tightened on the bed, toes curling just a bit.  It felt wonderful, whatever Paul did to him, and he accepted the harsh attention with gratitude.<br/><br/>What should he say?  What would justify his behavior...?  Gabriel knew he couldn't lie, not to Paul; the man would know instantly.  But he didn't feel like sharing... There was too much under the surface, too much he kept to himself, bottled up and hidden away.  Perhaps, just a little truth, then.<br/><br/>The boy arched his back under Paul's hand, then sighed softly, contently as he admired the stinging against his skin.  "I have been distracted..."  He hesitated, then admitted the rest.  "... It's my birthday."  Gabriel had never shared it before, never said the date to anyone or celebrated; in all honesty, it was a day he didn't like to think about, but how serendipitous it had seemed when Paul had asked if he was available... A gift that Paul hadn't even known he was giving.<br/><br/>Though now he did.  What he did with that information, Gabriel didn't know or care-- again, it was just a day, just something to be forgotten.  But it still somehow seemed special with Paul's presence...  Gabriel grew quiet, then murmured, voice sweet and fluid as ever, "I was just so pleased to see you, sir...  I will behave now."