This must be what being consumed felt like, Paul thought as their eyes locked together. Consumed by what he didnt know. Either by roaring fire, or surging water, or animal teeth, a yawning hungry maw swallowing him whole, enveloping him in dark, unknown depths. That's what it felt like to be caught in Gabriel's gaze, in his devotion, in his love. As terrifying as it was comforting.<br/><br/>Paul had never been more happy to be consumed.<br/><br/>Gabriel was the one to turn away, but only to return to his work, to trail his mouth along Paul's skin as if he could not resist the taste of it. He came to Paul's chest, dangerously close to their most sensitive points. Paul's nipples nearly ached with the anticipation, his nerves making his breath sharp and cold in his lungs, but Gabriel only kissed along his sternum.<br/><br/>Then he turned and rested his ear against Paul's heart. He would hear it judder, skipping a beat and then racing as if trying to run away, as if mortified to be heard. But that didnt matter, Gabriel had sussed out the truth in Paul's eyes. The man loved his angel, and his heart could no longer hold the secret. It beat for Gabriel, every pulse a declaration.<i>I love you, I love you, oh, how I love you. </i><br/><br/>'Touch me' Gabriel murmured and Paul hands moved without thought, already obeying without his input. A hand went to Gabriel's hair naturally, carding through the silky strands as they so often do. The other went to Gabriel's cheek, his jaw, the delicate dip behind his shapely ear, spreading fingers framing his face with adoration.<br/><br/>He understood what Gabriel had asked and loved him more for it. He was thankful that some control had been returned to him, that Paul could guide instead of waiting for Gabriel to take. The anticipation had been wearing at Paul's patience, and though it was vast it was not infinite.<br/><br/>Gently, Paul navigated Gabriel's head downward, sliding his soft pink mouth from his heart down to where he wanted it. Paul was eager, and he arched his back as Gabriel's lips settled around his nipple. He let out an aching moan, the loudest sound he's ever made as his fingers curled tightly into Gabriel's hair.<br/><br/>God, it was breathtaking. Paul was ready to shake apart just from this.