Between them, the frantic urgency began to fade, giving way to something more gradual and profound. Their bodies no longer moved in a frantic rhythm, but in a steady, unhurried manner. Every touch, every press of their skin against each other, became an unspoken conversation; neither of them required words to understand.
Gabriel traced his hands down Damian's back, feeling rather than demanding or clawing for control. The ridges of muscle, the warmth of his skin, the way his breath hitched against the lightest brush of fingers. It was intoxicating in a different way, not through desire, but through peaceful acceptance. He let out a slow breath, pressing a lingering kiss to Damian's shoulder, his lips barely grazing against sweat-slicked skin.
Damian had expected Gabriel to back off, to retreat once the heat of the moment had passed. But instead, he stayed. His touch didn't falter; his body remained close, pliant but present.
