"Why...?" I deflected.

"You know why"

It's impossible to hide anything from Raphael. I wasn't feeling too good about my position.

"I was at... The Temple?" I tried to lie.

"Don't lie to me, Chalix" Raphael demanded.

"I'll let this slide, but you don't understand the kind of position I'm in. I can't bend the rules forever" 

I sighed. He was right. I'm on thin ice. And so is he.

"Can I go down just a couple more times? I made a friend, and the whole atmosphere is-" 

"Limitless" Raphael interrupted.

"I'm sorry" I said.

"Just- don't get caught. That's all I ask. " Raphael said.

He half-hugged me.

"I care, but I can't do this forever"

I smiled.

"I won't get caught" I joked.

Raphael grinned.

"I know you won't"