Paul kept touching him, was being so generous even though Gabriel had misbehaved; his hand found its way to the boy's ass, resting on one abused cheek and caressing the stripes of red and pink welts.  Gabriel shivered as the stinging doubled, running through him like a pleasant little shockwave, and he reveled in the curiously magnanimous nature of Paul's hands tonight.<br/><br/>The way Paul repeated the truth made it seem as though perhaps he hadn't known... or perhaps he had.  Paul knew many things; Gabriel wouldn't have been surprised to learn the man could read his thoughts, already knew everything about him, his entire life.  That sounded like Paul.  He listened for what the other might say, hoping to be forgiven...<br/><br/>The order was difficult to follow, positioned as precariously as he was, but Gabriel obeyed.  He shifted his weight, propped himself up enough to twist to find Paul, spine curving and body straining to comply.  A deep stretch, uncomfortable and difficult, but it made him move with grace, transforming into an abstracted form of marble and jade.<br/><br/>He met Paul's stare, mild and serene once more, though burning with wonder at what the other had planned...  But the way Paul was acting was not what Gabriel had imagined, and his confusion shone through some of that peaceful glaze over his face.<br/><br/>"... 26."  Gabriel eyed Paul carefully, unsure of what to make of this change.  This was something new, this version of the man; he'd seen it, at the unveiling party for Eddy's work, and occasionally elsewhere, but not directed at him like this before...  He didn't think he liked it.<br/><br/>He wanted Paul's true self, that cold emptiness, the even tone of pure nothing.  He wanted Paul as he really was, so this charade was a surprise, and his uncertainty showed on his pale features, green eyes intent as they focused on Paul's dark gaze, normally so flinty and sharp but clouded into something else at the moment.<br/><br/>"... I'm 26, sir."