[That gets a stare. Gabriel studying the boy before tilting his head at him and looking at his hands. You don't have to be alone, but -

He is so angry. So angry at Crowley and Aziraphale. The anger is deep and unnatural and a burning warmth because...

Well one. Aziraphale lied. He lied for years.

And two, he told the truth and Crowley and Aziraphale had pointed out that he had free will and suddenly nothing made sense because he was a good angel, he did what she asked, so why was what he was doing wrong?

Why had she asked him and the others to punish human beings if they suddenly had all these things - and should- what? Learn from them? He had been elevated above them but they had more.

He runs a hand over his eyes before looking back at the boy. He looks shaken. Terrible and broken and shaken because he is being asked to care and it's like...it's like he is flying and someone has wrenched his wings backward and dragged him out of the sky.]

...What do you mean?

[he pauses and chooses his words carefully.]

I have known humans, and for the longest time I have considered you all lesser beings. There have only been...two exceptions to this role. No. One. And now I am being asked to get to know humans because apparently out of nowhere you all have...more to offer.

It's hard. I do not know if you understand that or respect it because you're a-

[Brat. He almost says.]

...child. A real child. Not just one of the adults who are essentially children.