The hurt was evident in his eyes but Raphael whirled around and raced out of the library. His angry aura had diminished almost immediately, tiny wings hanging miserably. He didn't get far before sliding down the slide of the wall and to the ground.

Gabriel... The being that had comforted him and held him and... and even took him to Venice... Shaking his head he could slowly feel the angry waves ebb away.

And then he realized.

I've always looked up to you. I've always valued you and how you thought of me. But... But I need to walk on my own two feet at some point. How can I prove to anyone thatI truly have recovered if I behave like a child afraid of the dark?

He had Bound Asmodeus, after all. He was the Third in the Host, the Archangel of Healing. And yes, he had made questionable descisons lately but...

I'm not like that anymore...

Raphael shook his head and raked his fingers through the tousseled clumps of hair. He set the book aside, realizing he had still been carrying it. Setting it aside he let out a shuddered sigh. I have to let him protect himself too. I cant keep revolving my decisions based off the fear that they will be destroyed...