The air was electric, sparking sharply around them, igniting the silence as they breathed and tried to keep from disintegrating.  This was something that had never happened before, may never happen again, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Gabriel would hold in his heart forever.  He hoped Paul was not upset, he desperately wanted the man to be pleased with him; the boy kept his gaze low and his head tucked down against Paul's neck to give his lord some peace, to let him try to gather himself again...<br/><br/>A kiss on his forehead, those hands caressing his hair... He blinked back the tears pricking at his eyes, cautiously glancing up to watch as Paul disentangled the two of them-- Gabriel could do nothing but let it happen, body tingling and strength spent.  He lay on his side and did not move, not even when Paul cut away the ropes instead of untying them: there was no time, no capability for that now.  He understood.<br/><br/>And then Paul said his name, so sweetly, and embraced his Angel to hold him close.  Paul's cheeks were streaked and glistening, still covered in tears; Gabriel kissed them, pressing his lips to the shining wetness, brushing the tears away with his worshipping mouth.  He could taste the salt on his tongue, and wrapped his arms around Paul to press his hands to the man's spine, as if to say 'I am here, and I am not leaving'.  Gabriel would never leave, could never leave his Sir.<br/><br/>He couldn't help it-- a smile grew on his face, blooming like a lily until the petals were open and the radiant joy he felt in his chest was reflected in the curve of his lips, and he kissed Paul deeply to soothe his lord, to reassure him of his undying faith and adoration.<i>I love you</i>.  Gabriel might never manage to say the words, but he would do everything he could to show they were true.