#my raph xd

[asheewrites]

What does Raphael the birb friend think about the fact that a birb (Hopscotch the phoenix heaven beast) is very close friends with Metatron and trusts that man entirely?

"He can't fly with you, little one," Raphael handed the creature the coal-seed-equivalent that the tiny phoenix usually ate.

'Hopscotch' was reluctant to take it from him. It made Raphael smile. Birds usually took to him immediately. But this one definitely wasn't maltreated and scared of any bigger humanoid-looking beings. Or had previous experience with others like him - because there weren't any, he could be that confident in himself.

Therefore, the bird had another one to trust.

The bird felt entirely safe and confident in his own person. And that person happened to be the Metatron.

Of course the seed was received in the end, there was no reason a bird wouldn't take food from him if they were remotely hungry. He was the opposite of danger.

He watched the... falcon-version of a phoenix. Delicate creature. No apprehension or trepidation whatsoever. Not that a phoenix needs to be afraid of anything.

"Went though some time with your handler, mh?" The bird looked up and cheeped.

Understood what was said, too. They sounded proud.

Falcon's weren't too smart. The boss had done well with that one, it might even be protective of him. Standing with its back to the room Metatron disappeared into.

It was good to see the bird again. But the meeting needed to continue: "I do not need all files, really."

Just to make sure he wouldn't disappear in the homework.

Hopscotch squaked disapprovingly.

... maybe some personality traits also rubbed off.

He rubbed its head on the right places, a smile firmly in place.

[asheewrites]

Get Me - Metatron geared up El Shaddai style (maybe with a shirt tho) saving Raphael from a maybe not so nice situation in another universe

Now revamped - Save Me -  just a sparring match, because Raph saved him from having to fight a fighter x3

Raphael stepped into the arena, twirling his staff between his fingers, feeling the wood under his fingertips. Calming his nerves before he had to fight. Angels did that. Were supposed to, if called to arms.

He would refuse to harm.

He always would. It was an antithesis to himself.

That did not mean he could go without training, naturally. Fighting without harming – protecting – was more difficult than attacking people. So, the offer to spar was… not unwelcome.

The reasoning – that he wanted the chance to punch the Metatron in the face – was off, but it was part of the course. For now, he simply waited. Retracing the steps his instructors gave him, feeling the sand under his bare feet.

Until he heard the door opening, punctual as anything. And forward stepped… an armoured Metatron.

Tall, shoulders squared, a halo in place. And... holding a shield.

No weapons in sight.

He… could not readily remember if this was a joke or…

They bowed in respect and then took… a defensive stance.

Naturally.

Which Raphael expected to be the end of it. Until Metatron charged, the shield broken up into two, usable as gauntlets. They were still shields, but-

He pulled the staff up and turned away to the side, avoiding the blow and deflecting the impact. His sparring partner still had forward momentum and almost stumbled until he- caught himself. And looked at surprised as Raphael was.

Clenching his fists, Metatron attacked again, the impact broken by Raphael’s staff once again – he movement were easy to foresee. Reacting to the different angles was doable, varying the grip on the staff for more of less leeway, keeping both hands at it at all times.

It really worked well until it… didn’t. A feint made the archangel react and pull up the staff to protect his right, leaving ´his left side – and hand – open for a quic tap with a shield.

Raphael stared at his own tapped hand.

And took a deep breath. So… predicting did not work that well after all and-

He jumped back from the shield and reflexively turned his staff to strike back and hit- the original shield. Big and easily blocking the shocked counter.

A gauntlet stopped in front of his face.

“Err!” Raphael went cross-eyes at the gauntlet in front of his face.

“… you… don’t have much experience with fighting, do you?”

“I- no. Absolutely not” He followed the fist with his eyes.

And relaxed slightly, when Metatron scratched his head as well.

“I think I… my body remembers how to fight”, the king of angels said.

“That is entirely possible. And there are less reasons for your body to break down now,” Raphael nodded.

“That… yes. I suppose. I… think the ‘being vulnerable’-part didn’t quite work out here.” He morphed both shields into one once again.

“It showed you the strength of your body, though. And you do hold yourself properly”

“… you don’t”

Raphael raised his shoulders into a shrug: “True. I still have a lot to learn”

“… but not today anymore?”

“Not today anymore. Weapons are crazy,” Raphael nodded.

Metatron… smiled: “… maybe we can repeat this, then”

With a long stare, he considered this. Until he nodded: “… yes. Yes, we can” – he actually had not used weapons, but shields. It… was rather impressive. “Until next time, then”

“Until then”

[asheewrites]

Docvisit 3-pt2

Asmodeus stared at his hands, that… he still held open in an invitation that he did not even consider would be taken. But here he was. And Raphael seems to be almost comfortable, simply… hugging him.

Glancing to the side, he looked at the silvery hair on top of the angel’s head, content, apparently. And he released the tension in his shoulders, remembering the usual ‘how are you’. After a short view glance to her back – moving with every calm breath, and he answered: “Better now,” and let his hands rest on the small of her back. He wanted to laugh at the end. But… maybe the additional weight made it sound so calm.

“Oh?” The angel in his lap – still novel -  said. And continued after a moment with: “You actually give me an answer and I didn’t even get to see it.” And chuckled.

“Well, there is a reason. One you ought to be informed about,” Asmodeus caressed the angels back in light strokes, smoothing the top out a bit. Amusing as this was, he should inform.

“Well then, prove me it was not an actual answer, after all,” he could feel her smile against his shoulder, together with a tiny headshake.

“See… the descriptor ‘interested in men’ applies. Be it known that it would be a crime to deny. But… no consenting gender or body shape can be considered un-attractive. I would never limit my tastes like that,” he said, while the petting continued, a slight strain in his voice.

“Oh.” Raphael said. “Oh.” And pushed herself up on the backrest of the sofa, minimizing contact. She looked at him with big, green eyes, a strand of hair loose. The urge to put it back suppressed with an actual thought. After looking into both his eyes – she didn’t look too tired -  she seemed to relax a bit: “But it’s not terribly uncomfortable or… ah… unnecessarily arousing, yes?”

His smile returned, raising a brow, he said: “I don’t know if unnecessary is the right descriptor if an angel drapes herself over y-,“

Her nose scrunched up, when she used one hand to pull the strand of hair back. And he stopped this train of thought.

“But no, I was perfectly comfortable, doctor. No complaints or harassment here.” He said, just to be sure.

And Raphael did stare into his eyes for a few more seconds, before she nodded, grabbed a pillow, stuffed it under Asmodeus back – there had been  small gap – and laid down again, this time not only leaning, but actually laying down like an angel-shaped blanket. With her arms almost hanging down the backrest.

“Comfortable yourself?”

“Very,” Raphael mumbled, taking breath before she said: “I’m sure you know you are very comfortable. And warm. ‘S nice.”

He almost snorted before he said: “Mmmmhmh. Very true. And… since you insist on me talking, I can tell you that has a reason, too,” his fingers returned to her back and tapped a little rhythm there.

“I continue to insist, too. What is the reason?”

“Well, dear doctor, I can tell you that I have an free flowing blood circulation in my whole body. Because I, Ashton King, am a licensed massage therapist. So… care to raise your body temperature as well? You are a little chilly. Care to make use of my services?” He tapped with the slightest bit most pressure on her back, there certainly would be tensions to take care of.

Raphael giggled into his shoulder before she said: “You… are very kind to offer, I do not doubt your skill and I am sure it would benefit me. But obviously I am already exhausted and if I got a massage, I would simply sleep in. Which… no. So, I decline respectfully. But… that also means you put your hands under strain and, judging from experience, you yourself do not get massaged. So, next time, we take care of your hands while talking. Deal?”

There were eyes, completely unable to see through the hair, on him. They also didn’t see the grin on his face when he – in the correct tone – said: “Oh, you ruin all my fun! Woe is me, to be so properly looked after by such a doting physician” – here Raphael’s turned head flomped back on Asmodeus shoulder. He patted her back. “Of course, I’m more than delighted to bask in your attention, but I do think even you might need a break now and then, my friend”

The head – uselessly – turned again, and it took a moment before she said: “…mhyes. I do need a breaks. But there is a difference between you and me. My employees make me take breaks and I have to relax anyway and you don’t and… ... and… this was sarcasm and not at all an actual complaint, wasn’t it?” She was very stiff for a moment, before she relaxed her neck again and said: “I take back the last sentences and… ah… am glad you will let me look at those tensions in your hands. Thank you” She nodded and sighed. Wiggling a little.

“Aw, Raph, I always mean the flattering parts sarcasm of no. And I understand. Responsibility is heavy, breaks are hard to take. Little trick I figured recently, quite helpful. I started talking to someone, can you believe it? Highly recommended, you should try it sometime,” he said, patting the settled angel’s back. “Perhaps while you’re working on those tensions”

“I think it's hard for some people to stop helping instead of being helped and…” She was silent for a moment, then continued: “Okay, this time with more sense: Professional helpers need to do their job. They are in a better position to do it than the one that came to the place for help”

There was another pause before she said: “… but fair. You have a point. Of course you have a point,” then she mumbled; “… you always have a point” And, would you listen to that.

Raphael took a breath and continued: “But… now that I think about it… how do you take care of those muscles by yourself, actually? I do feel some tension, but it's... well, you can’t massage every part of yourself. So, how do you get rid of them yourself?” She actually sounded puzzled.

“Why, Raphael. Are you really asking the original demon of Lust what he does to relieve tension by himself? I’ll leave it to that and your imagination.” Asmodeus paused. With Raphael raising her fingers and making some motions and Asmodeus took pity on her: “... and hot yoga”

“Oh. I… the hot yoga… Thanks for the tip. And… I… might be a bit… off today,” she sighed. Then: “So… since I apparently need a reminder. I mean… if you are not… by yourself. I-… nevermind.  So… yes. All genders and body shapes, but you have a preference for men? I mean… my impression shouldn’t have come from nowhere…”

His eyebrows rose. Did this impression exist? He looked down at Raphael and her current form, tilting his head while he ran his fingertips over the fabric: “… I think all forms and shapes are equally deserving of appreciation and admiration.”

He added after a few seconds: “… but I might enjoy the company of a bigger, more dominant presence just that little amount more”

“… height?” It was the second time she giggled. “Really? Height? Dominance can be achieved by anyone, but height?” She pushed herself upright to sit on his knees, also wiped at her eyes: ”I… I am very sorry, this is an actual issue and I am the worst therapist today. Maybe because your pheromones hit harder when your receptors are designed for them. I do apologise. Again. Thank you very much for the chance to rest. But I think I’ll take the chair now…”

And she did slide over to the chair, stretching her legs out with resounding cracks: “…and… well… how about you tell me a bit more about the friend you mentioned last time? No soul-searching questions anymore. I mean… we do have cake”

Asmodeus sat up and chuckled, straightening his shirt. This angel was certainly a bit… unconventional. But there was no harm. And there was cake. So he shrugged: “Well… we didn’t get away from the desert and the nightmare that is for any kind of hairdo~”

[asheewrites]

Doctor’s visit #3 - pt 1

“Good afternoon, Amurel,” said Asmodeus by way of greeting, opening the door with a swing in his step “Will my favourite receptionist prove that they are as knowledgeable as they are radiant and… tell me if the good doctor’s schedule allows for a short visit?”

Their raised brow turned from a grin to a flat-out laugh over the course of these few words and greeted him with a smirk and a sideways-glance, she answered: “Now it certainly is a most brilliant afternoon. I hope for you as well! But… let me look”, seven buttons on the tablet later, the answer followed: “In five minutes, he will be perfectly able to attend to your every need… medically speaking” They smiled sweetly.

“Really? Are you perfectly sure he is the only one who will be able to ‘attend to my every need’?” Asmodeus looked them up and down. Surely, she was an angel, yes?

Amurel laughed the second time in as many minutes and walked in the direction of the doctor’s offices, a known path by now, and said: “Oh, I’m sure not many people are able to do that, but I will be able to satisfy at least a physical one. If you would wait a moment?” They indicated the familiar room.

“Oh, I am eagerly awaiting your return,” as innocent as this will most definitely be, a demon can amuse himself.

He spread himself on the very comfortable sofa and, soon enough, was greeted by a smiling angel and a plate. With cake. A very distracting piece of cake. A chocolate-cream-cherry monstrosity that consisted of more layers and decorations than any kind of taste would allow in good conscience. But it looked like someone tried. In earnest. And it was somewhat endearing, perching it there, precariously.

“Genuine delight suits you well,” they said, mirroring his smile until they remembered themselves and coughed: “I apologise. Still. I’m sure your doctor will be glad he could amuse you”

“Really? Raphael produces pastry-shaped nightmares?” Felt right not to embarrass the angel further.

“… thank you… and… as for the cakes… well… you should have seen the first ones. Believe me, Raph’s getting there. And hey, everyone else gets free cake.” They shrugged and placed a bottle of water with an accompanying glass down on the table. “Guaranteed not to be blessed. And now… good appetite!” A wave and a closed door later, he was alone with something that some people would call a piece of baked goods.

The texture and fruits actually looked… good. And the various chocolatey forms did not melt away like bad Halloween decorations. It could be good if someone with a bit of visual guidance looked over it. It was worth a quick picture before he extracted a piece out of the mess with the tiny fork that came with it.

And it did taste… sweet. These were no sour cherries. This was sweet. And someone definitely still had to learn a thing or two, but the water helped. And after the first shock… well… if he ate small pieces it would not ruin his entire palate.

A few pieces later, the door clicked open behind him. And apparently the doctor’s coat got hung, at least it rustled like it, before Asmodeus swallowed and said: “Hello Raphael, I got to see your new hobby up close now and-“

He had turned to properly greet his doctor. And it happened at this very word that he properly saw… Raphael.

What he saw, was a very stiff and upright standing… barefooted person. With very wide and very green eyes. And wavy white hair. Approximately the right length. So far so good. The less correct attributes were: Five foot seven. Very tanned? Or Darker skinned? And, probably most prominently… curvier than usual.

“I think you saw me like this before,” the person pointed with a finger at Asmodeus and tapped with the other against their lips, frowning slightly, then continued, “Yes, if not – rest assured that I am still Raphael. Sexism affects angels and demons. So, some feel more at ease with a female doctor”

“Alright, certainly seems sensible” said Asmodeus, and watched a less than calm person circle the room. Sure. A healer could transform their body more easily than most. Still.

Raphael – the voice and intonation was the same, only about an octave higher – walked over to the table, looked at Asmodeus - actually looked him over twice - before staring at his usual chair. And took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose: “Alright,” she stepped on her own foot and scratched with her toes, “This,” she indicated her whole body, “was kind of exhausting to do. And you are extremely interesting,” she made a face, rubbing her forehead and pointed again: “While true, ‘s not what I meant. You require a lot of attention to do any good. So, we have two options. I... didn't expect you today, which is my fault entirely, you are free to come by at any time, but... I am kind of exhausted. Either have to send you away now - which I do NOT want, thank you for coming - or you agree to a seating rearrangement, which you can cancel at any time. Right now, I might look bored without meaning to. And you will see it and you are too smart, so you’ll… you’re extremely smart, so you’ll draw conclusions and it’s only because I’m tired. So. That okay?”

Asmodeus watched the whole ordeal with ever-increasing amusement. Certainly more of the Raphael he met in prison. Or the desert. Ts. And shook his head when he answered, grin firmly in place: “Not a problem, Raph. I understand, some just can not contain themselves if they look at me for a longer time”

“I believe that” Raphael looked at him with raised brows and simply kept looking. After a few moment, Asmodeus leaned back and opened his arms: “So? Where am I supposed to go?”

“Aaaah,” she scratched her arm, “Nowhere, actually” and then… she proceeded to seat herself on his thighs. One knee on each side of his hips. Naked knees. Because she wore white booty shorts. Arms were wrapped around his neck. Chin on his shoulder. Naked arms, because she wore a green tank top. And then… she let out a breath. “There. You can’t see me. Your thighs don’t sleep in cause I support myself… and I can rest my eyes cause I can’t see you either” She wriggled her legs slightly to become more comfortable. The arms were still loosely wrapped around him and were supported by the sofa. “And since you like men. This shouldn’t be uncomfortable for you. So. Since you asked last time… I’m very comfortable and kinda tired now. How are you, though?” She didn’t speak very loud. Didn’t need to, she was rather close to his ear.

Asmodeus smile stayed plastered on his face. He smiled and looked in the direction of the ceiling. A warm body settling itself on his lap to talk to him. This-

This will take a second to get used to.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

aaaand a visual representation in the entirely wrong clothes 

[asheewrites]

Doctors visit #2 pt2

Asmodeus tilted his head. This question again. Mh. With a shrug, he said: “You know, we talk an awful lot about me in here. It seems unfair. So, how are you?”

Raphael looked at him. Made a note. And rolled his shoulders, to answer: “Good.” He looked to the ceiling, eyes going from one half to the room to the other and nodded every two seconds, then continued: “Yeah. I’m very good. Engaged and happy, even.” His smile turned gentle and he looked at Asmodeus. He added, as an afterthought: “I seem to be breaking a lot of rules, but Metatron actually decided to be lenient, as long as there are no consequences. For now. I got a stamp card. When it’s full, he gets a cake”

After a bit of rummaging, he held out the card. It was green and had ten stamp-positions – six already filled – and a cake printed on the last one. He chuckled, shrugging: “It’s not useful intel for you, I am afraid, I am the only owner and it needs to be minor trespassings. But, it gave me a new thing to experience! I’m trying to make good and edible cake whenever I can get away with just talking on the job. I think I’m particularly fond of the creamy cherry-cookie mix”

Asmodeus closed and then reopened his eyes, looking at Raphael. The most coherent thought that came out of this was: ‘… cake?’

“Now that I think about it, telling you this might be another stamp. I think the rule is no heavenly intel. But we’ll see. It’s definitely minor.”

Cake.

“… I… suppose they get to be… extra-fluffy with your… wind-abilities?” He hadn’t expected the conversation to turn from infliction pain to… cake?

“Ah, that is actually rather difficult. The area of effect is tiny. And with cream it’s almost pointless. Air needs to be in there, but the physical act of beating the cream makes it fluffy. And delicious,” he nodded again, securing his… cake-card in his coat pocket.

“… well, maybe you can treat me to some,” because what else does one say to this.

“Next appointment… there will be cake,” he said this as if it was a gravely important promise.

It did make Asmodeus chuckle in all this ridiculousness. It was time he shook his head for once. And he said: “So I’m supposed to bare my soul… and you tell me about cake, yes?” It was almost an insult.

To that, Raphael’s eyes softened. And he took a breath. With a sigh, he said: “Yes. This is actually how therapy works. I should not burden you with any additional weight. You are safe here. And I am honest, but positive. That’s the rules of my craft and these rooms…”

Raphael’s kind eyes looked at him for a moment longer, not wavering. Until he came to a conclusion and apparenty conceded a point: “I suppose you wanted to hear about the incident last week, mh? Since it is mostly positive… well… you want to hear?”

Asmodeus made a gesture to indicate he should go on, head now propped on one arm.

“Fair. As I told you… one of my employees was threatened. Which… can not be tolerated. The good thing here is, that the angel in question did not accuse the demon visiting. The accusation came from a human that waited and wanted to defend the nurse. Which… ended wrong, but the human tried. The demon left with minimal fuss. And was amendable to talking outside of the clinic. They have an appointment in a pub, now, every week, the two of them. It seems to be going well, too. They assured me there is a speed dial to my phone and sol… I’ll trust them to get along. Apparently ‘Virgin Colada’ helps. I’ll trust them,” Then Raphael tapped his lips with one finger, thinking, then: “Maybe we can serve them in the clinic, if it really helps. What do you think?”

Apparently, the healer was still worried for his employee. And tried to distract. Still. He had said… something, at least. “… sure, why not. I suppose sweetness can help along a lot of things”

Here, Raphael chuckled. And smiled at him again: “Really? Also to get you to tell me how you are? I can get one right now” – he indicated something between the door and his phone.

And that made Asmodeus… squint.

[asheewrites]

Doctor’s Visit (part 5 -end)

There was a momentary lapse in motion before Asmodeus answered with a chuckle in his voice: “Oh, just lovely, having a ball - this is so much easier than I expected”

Another tick by Raphael’s pen. Another nod. An almost inaudible sigh followed, closing his eyes. When the green colour was visible again, the healer said: “Not easy enough to answer the most basic of questions,” He smiled, eyes a bit… sad, possibly “More complicated ones, then. You chose an angel’s clinic. Safety is not a concern?”

Asmodeus took the angel in. Calm. Relaxed. Composed. Somewhat… unflappable?

Quite different.

In this moment, he noticed his own frown. And shook his head to answer: “During the often announced truce? Your safety might by more endangered, if you harm a hair on my head,” he laughed, “Not that I think you actually would”

“And none of the inhabitants of this house would want to. For both reasons. ‘No valid reason available’ seems most pressing,” he said, Pen twirling in his hand.

“You make me out to be a bad demon here, Raphael, I don’t know if I can agree with that,” Asmodeus said, a smirk played at his lips.

And Raphael placed his pad down with the words: “Then this shall be it for today. I have a diagnosis. Treatment could start in a week. There is rarely a case I could not postpone if you announced yourself,” the healer said, writing a note and handing it over. Sure enough. Date and time of next week was written on it. ‘Not binding’.

Huh.

“I was honoured by your visit. And thank you for your trust,” he said, opening the door to the floor.

It was only a few steps outside.

This was… irritating?

“Then have a productive and successful day?”

“I wish you very much the same. It’s been a pleasure, as always,” and his door closed.

Now he stood in the empty hallway, note in hand.

There was not much to do but leave for the outside world.

A hundred steps later, his phone displayed a message: ‘Number is ‘Amurel’, the nurse welcoming you to the counter. Please be nice to our boss, he may talk too much. But he likes you and deserves nice things. And I hope to see you again next week’

He continued to stare at the phone.

What… exactly just happened?

[asheewrites]

“Mmmmh” Asmodeus hummed, looking down at Raphael. “… since that is cleared up,” he chuckled, shrugged and settled down on his thighs.

He watched the demon settle and look bemused and… decidedly patient. The reason might be that he is merely staring at Asmodeus. For a constantly expanding stretch of time.

The appreciation for him had not diminished in the slightest. Same long fingers on an expressive hand, currently tapping his chin. The urge to run his own fingers through this beard was still there. Maybe it would feel different now? Even if not… doing it again was terribly tempting.

Or bury his nose in this slightly tousled hair, reflecting sunlight. Or brush it to the side and smell his cologne and-

The long fingers snapped in front of his eyes: “You still with us, angel? Was Her touching you that exciting?” The suggestive eyebrows sold the meaning.

“Oh.” Raphael sat up and paused. He had not been using his muscles, merely making the movement happen by virtue of being… an angel. He did not like it. It felt like the body really wasn’t his own. Yet. It was concerning.

Then he shook his head finally returned the smile: “No. No, that’s not it. Wouldn’t want that. And my body wouldn’t be able to make sense of it right now. I suppose. But I’m… I don’t think what you suggest is usually done. By Her.”

“Well… if it’s not done by Her… it should continue to be my job, shouldn’t it?” he said and leaned a bit closer, looking up through his lashes.

Raphael couldn’t help but flush and feel too warm – a sign his body DID belong to him, but… - and reached towards him to say: “I… yes, yes. It should. Definitely.” Wait. That wasn’t the right thing to say.

Asmodeus brows shot up and his smirk widened: “Well, then…” His clever fingers wandered to the hem of this body-included toga. “… a test drive is in order?”

His own fingers gripped the edge of his shirt, much less suggestively. It was ridiculous how much he wanted to say yes anyway.

[asheewrites]

Annoyed Trek to Earth 2

Asmodeus expression turned from open and attentive to smiling and…mischievous? He had a glint in his eye. It was of slight concern.

Ignoring Raphael’s too open eyes that followed his hands' every movement, the king of the second circle reached out and up to the angels face and  ran his fingertips along the skin until he cradled his entire cheek: “… entertaining is one way to call it.”

The other hand joined the first and he ran his thumbs over the angel’s cheekbones, turning his head from one side to the other, looking at his newly formed face.  

Raphael didn’t quite feel like it was real, heart beating like it wasn’t sure how to do it properly. He also forgot to breath, too, which did not help… anything. His blood surely turned his ears as red as his face. But he couldn’t look away from the smiling demon, his own expression still wide eyed and unsure.

“So cute. You’re almost as warm as my own hands,” he said and Raphael’s blush deepened, because of course that would be another thing.

Asmodeus chuckled: “Alright, scratch the ‘almost’.” His hands moved further into the angels hair, following the strands further down and asked: “Did your hair grow even longer? This almost touches the floor.”

Raphael shrugged with one shoulder and leaned his face into the remaining hand on his cheek: “Yes. I usually braid it to… avoid tangles and be a little more… practical.”

 “Mmmh.” The demon let the overlong strand fall down put his hand on his chest instead, patting the flat surface under the toga: “I suppose this is more… ‘practical’, too?”

When he splayed his hand on the left side, he must have felt Raphael’s heart beating rapidly. Because he raised his brows and looked back up with these blue eyes and lifted his hands off slowly, taking a step back: “Is that… actually okay? Can I still touch-”

“What? Yes! Yes, of course! Please do?” Raphael took a step after him to reach for his hands and put them back against his body. At least he tried to take a step forward. Feet… worked a lot less reliably than hands. And he fell backwards over his own feet, confused by the lack of wing-weight and general new-ness of the body. He landed on his ass. And blinked at the new situation. It hadn’t hurt in the slightest. But it was concerning.

Asmodeus…  decided to join him on the floor, kneeling over the angel and put his hands back were they were before: “… so… that’s what you want?”

Angel hands twitched towards Asmodeus hips but then he leaned back on his elbows and said: “I… well, we established… that. But I think I… it’s probably dangerous if I touch you?”

“Ah, but I haven’t changed, my rules stay the same. You can always touch me, angel, with whichever set of hands or other bits you happen to be using at any given time.” He ruffled the mess of hair.

At that, Raphael pulled his knees further towards himself to get Asmodeus closer before he stopped and said: “I… don’t know? … I’m barely contained angel right now? It’s literally a body I just got… from Her… and…” Asmodeus was kneeling over him because he had specifically requested the touches. And it that had happened. Just like that. It was at least 'normal' to look up to him again. However normal could be defined around this place.

The demon cocked an eyebrow: “And you think it’s something I really never tried before?”

“… oh.” Sixthousand years of experience. Right.