Michael's heart froze at Raphael's words. He wanted to promise that, wanted it more than anything, wanted to tell Raphael that everything was fine and that he'd never Fall, ever. However, he knew that he couldn't promise that, and didn't want to lie to Raphael, didn't want to make a promise he couldn't keep.

When Raphael's legs then suddenly gave out under him Michael was startled at first, but then quickly modified embrace around Raphael to hold the other up. He was again startled, this time by the fact just how light Raphael felt in his arms, how small and light and... breakable.

"I'll always love you, Raphael, no matter what," he whispered, meaning every word with his whole heart. "Nothing could ever make me stop loving you. I'll never leave you -- I couldn't, I love you too much to even think about it."

He swallowed a bit, then continued, "Nobody and nothing will ever hurt you, ever, as long as I stand to protect you. I won't allow it, not ever." After another swallow, he finished with a very quiet voice, "And I'll do everything within my power to make sure you never Fall. Everything." Maybe he couldn't promise that he wouldn't Fall. But he could promise that he would not allow it as long as he was still alive to stand between Raphael and Uriel.

"I will never leave you," he whispered, repeating his promise. "Never, Raphael."