“As the eyes and everything else begin to fail, the soul comes into view.”

“Always remember that random ailments invariably descend when one fails to ascend into a unified state. In other words, TRAIN AWAY THE PAIN.”

“You've got to get consequential things done before you figure out just how inconsequential you truly are.”

“It comes down to if you love me or not, the rest is just details.”

“Bloody, noisy fey. Someone was always awake. Always making a racket or shooting off sparks or reeking of some stench or something else equally annoying. “You‟re driving me bonkers!”

“Gabriel shuddered with obvious pleasure; Joey, half out of his body with the sensation, pumped in and out with terrible urgency. Forever wouldn’t have been long enough. When Gabriel seized, Joey left himself entirely, flesh overloaded with pleasure, spirit suspended between life and death. “Joey? Are you all right?” Drawing a deep breath, Joey opened his eyes. “Never better. You?” “’Twas sweet.” Gabriel smiled. “And I was thinking. Now that we’ve both had each other – that’s as good as taking vows, isn’t it?”

“Unscrewing the cap, Gabriel squeezed a bit of clear jelly onto his fingers and understood. Covering Joey’s body with his own, Gabriel kissed his lips. “But you said – something we haven’t tried …” “We haven’t.” Reaching up, Joey cupped Gabriel’s cheek. “What happened before was one stranger attacking another. What happens now is between you and me.” “Joey.” Gabriel kissed the other man’s earlobe, his jawline, the hollow of his throat. “I can’t hurt you again. I’ll kill myself first.”