The high-pitched kitty-complaint startled the Archangel enough that he managed to stem the tide of laughter, swallowing hard and focussing on his breathing and trying to keep himself under control. Next moment Re-l had yanked him upright and he looked forward, a twisted rictus-smile on his face even while he knew she was right there and he couldn't see her.

"What happened?" he asked, and there was still an edge in his voice. "Whatever makes you think anything fucking happened?"

Just talking. Talking, backpedalling, trying to stall long enough to pull himself together.