"It's not that simple!" Raphael protested indignantly. Spot of red spread on his cheek as he grew more agitated, looking at Gabriel half angry half frightened. "And what do you mean by that, that 'He already sees' me? You I thought, of all beings..."

He turned away.

"He won't Fall. I won't Fall. It won't happen!!!! You understand?" He snapped, nearly yelling. "I merely... exaggerated. Blurred a few lines. It's not so bad.

I'd rather that than be alone. If loneliness and insecurity are a confession's only rewards - why should I say anything? Then he will be unhappy and I will be unsafe and neither of us would have a companion.

This way we both win. Sort of," he rationalized defiantly.