The celestial language on Belial's lips hurt, took hold in his heart and wrenched in ways that he could not have expected. Fresh tears stung his vision at the sight of Belial, lost to him for so long, with such Heaven in his eyes; the demon's words inspired in him such sweet madness, and Gabriel felt as though he was drowning in darkness and, with movements stiff and painful from inactivity, had only just taken the first, faltering steps towards an unknown light.

He placed his hand along Belial's jaw, sweeping a thumb gently over the lips that spun such words of silk.

"And how long - " he began, but found his voice too weak to continue. It felt childish, having no response but wondering questions in the face of such epic words, but it was too much to comprehend, too much to wrap his thoughts around so quickly. He took a shuddering breath, asked quietly, "How long have you felt this - this burden?"