"That's unfortunately a possibility," Aziraphale replies. "And yes, Lucifer has his reasons. A healthy respect for what Moloch is capable of is the best way to approach him." And a calm, unflagging optimism in Aziraphale's case.

Ben's observation makes Aziraphale wince a bit and worry his lip. "On my world, both the angels and the fallen were itching for a rematch, and Earth unfortunately would have been caught in the middle, but I wouldn't call it maliciousness, per se..." That would imply that Gabriel and the others actually thought about humans as anything other than points in a long-standing competition for souls. "Angels love humans, but only in a vague, general sort of way. I can't speak to the angels in Lucifer's world, I'm not personally inclined to meet any of them."

With a small huff, he retrieves his bubble tea, then tugs down the hem of his waistcoat. "And how did you learn that lesson, Ben? I imagine you learned it a lot faster than I did." His smile returns and he adds, "A fair trade indeed." He'll throw in a little blessing, too, as he often does with merchants and shopkeepers.