[A small, pensive nod. Under any other circumstances he supposed that was the natural order of things, the weak giving way to the strong for the propagation of new life in years to come... but then, Zenyatta supposed, he had always been a meddler.

Gabriel's hand slid down his face, as if wiping away the stern focus it had clung to so efficiently for all this time, spring smoky leaks that dissipated almost beneath his notice. Not relaxed, exactly, but relieved.

The feeling could not be appreciated for long before Gabriel found another way to bring him up short, though not quite so short as he might have expected.]

Ah- [Before he could fully regulate himself his vents released a small puff of hot air, a rush of embarrassment that had their mother-cat, no matter how tired, pricking up her ears.

He shifted on the spot.]

I-- I would not say that. [His voice stumbled uncharacteristically over the words before he pulled it back.] I chose to be here for you because you are my friend, Gabriel, if nothing more. I have always wanted that.

[A pause.]

I could not bear your pity.