"No. I won't." Raylan's eyes searched Malcolm's. "I know that.. this isn't what I normally do. I know it puts some strain on things. When I can't.. be the way I want to be with you. For both of us."

He understood how much uncertainty his inability to do that created. 'Heteronormative' was still bouncing around in the back of his head like a ricocheted bullet.

"You're one of the few people that doesn't treat me like shit. Which is why I can believe you when you say you're not gonna cheat on me. Or go screw an office mate or pick up some society girl from one of the Galas. You don't mind my job, or its dangers, you accept my daughter and all my shit.." His face scrunched up a little as he finished, eyes falling down long enough to gently grab up his hand into his own.

"Malcolm Whitly, I love you. And it's my job to protect you and I will, as best I can. If it's the last thing I do."