The motion was such a fatherly one that Gabriel felt a pang. He'd been lucky enough to be one of only four angels who had ever seen their Father close-up--to a relative degree of 'seeing'. And there was nothing that could possibly compare to being in his Father's embrace.

But there was something intimate, something intent, about a physical touch like that. It took a moment for Gabriel dredge up a grin, another to summon the words he would have said if it weren't for his sudden semi-paralysis. And even then they felt bitter in his mouth. "Sure thing, Dad."