Didn't even register the hand on his shoulder at first, the subtle trembling better felt than seen, some tenseness that ran through him entirely. Hard as he was fighting to keep the trouble to himself, tasting blood and as far as he knew it could be from the hand over his mouth than anywhere from his throat or lungs.

Once the weight on his shoulder was noticed? Gabriel's own hand moved over it, nails digging a bit but only due to how tightly the hold seemed to be. As if afraid it would leave if his hold loosened.