Work Text:
MC hummed a tune as she walked her way to Purgatory Hall. The city bustling with life as demons and humans—witches and sorcerers—alike filled the street because of the new bazaar of antique and magic items being held as a week-long holiday started in Devildom.
The brothers, surprisingly all have plans at the same time, left her all alone in the house. So she took this as a chance to visit the angels and Solomon.
All the while thinking of what can they do to spend time together made her giddy, she decided to stop by Madam Scream to buy some pastries. After making a boxful of purchase, she continued her walk and finally stood in front of the Purgatory Hall.
The building seems quiet. Too quiet. The occupants in the Hall are smaller in amount than the House of Lamentation (and less noisy of course) but it's just looked...empty. MC almost got dispirited, thinking that maybe the angels and Solomon are out too. She knocked on the door, not wanting to make the trip a waste and hoping someone will open it.
Not long after she heard a light footsteps behind the door. MC's expression brightened. So there's someone in the house after all!
The door opened to show Raphael. She beamed at him, “Ah! Hello Raph...ael?” MC's smile fell as she looked at the disheveled Raphael. The normally prim angel looked messy.
Raphael looked shocked as he schooled his expression from irritated to neutral. He gave a small smile to MC, “Hello MC.”
“Are you okay?” MC asked him with frown etched on her face. She can't help but worry after seeing his less than put together state.
Raphael small smile turned into a tired one, “Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry.” He opened the door wider and gestured her to come in. “Do you need something? If you are looking for the other three, they are not here.”
MC looked sad for a moment and then smiled at him. “I was thinking to spend time with all of you at first but it can't be helped if they are going out. That was my mistake too for not asking first.” answered her sheepishly.
“Ah,” MC showed him the box in her hand, “are you busy right now? I was hoping we could eat these pastries together.”
Raphael shook his head. “Fortunately, no. Let's go to the kitchen.” He led her to the kitchen and helped her making the table as she brewed some light tea for the two of them.
Contrary to what other believed, Raphael made a great companion for small chatters. They talked about school, Devildom in general, how he has been faring after settling in Devildom, and of course the antics of their housemates.
Despite his attempt at covering it, MC can sense just how...Raphael's been acting odd. It's as if he is uncomfortable and squirming. Squirming? MC tilted her head as she observed the talking Raphael.
”...and Solomon, again, blew his door after a failed experi— is there something wrong MC?“ Now it's Raphael's turn to look worried, “You've been staring at me, is there something you want to say?”
“Raphael, are you sure you are okay? It seems you are uncomfortable,” MC shoot him a questioning gaze, “should I leave now so you can rest? Or is there something I can help you with?”
Raphael hesitated before answering, “No, everything is fine. You must've imagined it.”
MC frowned at him, “You've been squirming in your seat for a good while now. And honestly, you looked...a bit off.”
“I'm not squirming.” protested Raphael.
MC shot him a doubtful look, “Sure you aren't.”
Raphael stared at her in silence before heaving a sigh. Nothing escapes her huh.
“Truthfully, yes. I do need some help.”
“Can I be of an assistance? Or do I need to call Simeon or Solomon?”
“It would be great if you are the one to help me.” Raphael diverted his gaze from her to the cup in front of him. His ears tinged with slight red.
“Sure thing! I'd be glad if I can help you.” said MC as she smiled softly at him.
Raphael stood up from his seat. “Follow me, this is sort of privacy so we can't do this in the kitchen.” Raphael motioned her to step out of the kitchen and walked to the hall where the bedrooms are.
MC followed him with wide eyes, what kind of help does he need that they are going to his bedroom? While it's not her first time going to his room, it doesn't make the questioning in her mind stop.
The sound of his doorknob being turned pulled MC from whatever her mind had fantasized. Raphael opened the door for her and ushered her to enter the room first, before finally closing the door.
The two of them stood in silence for a good seconds as they stared at each other.
“So...what can I help you with?” asked MC cautiously.
Raphael opened his mouth before closing it again, seemingly lost on how to explain it to her. He sucked in a breath, “I need you to help me with my wings.”
“Your wings?”
“My wings, yes.” Raphael closed his eyes, “currently it's the time where they started to shed the old feathers and grow new ones.”
“So in another word you are molting right now?”
“Molting?” Raphael opened his eyes, pondering. “I guess you can call it that.”
“And it feels uncomfortable?”
“Yes, to a degree that it can hinder my activities. Usually the Seraphim help each other when we 'molt'. Back then, Lucifer also helped me when I was much more younger.” explained Raphael.
MC absorbed the new information as she nodded at him, “I see...but I've never done this before. Do you still want me to help?”
Raphael nodded his head, “Don't worry it's quite easy, I will instruct you on what to do.”
“Alright um...shall we start now?” MC asked with her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She won't miss the chance to touch the Seraph's wings for the world. But she tried not to show her enthusiasm too much.
Raphael smiled at her agreement and then proceed to remove his white outer, leaving him with the black top. MC diverted her eyes as blush started to crept up her cheeks.
A light flashed briefly as he let his wings out. He let them flap a bit before grimacing in discomfort. When she heard his grimace she let her straying eyes go back to his form and can't help but stare in awe.
Truly, she never seen anything more beautiful and majestic than a Seraph with their six wings. While it's not her first time seeing Raphael's wings (and Lucifer in his angel form), she still can't help but admire them every time.
She let out a wistful sigh, “You are beautiful.”
Now it's Raphael turn to blush before he coughed and said, “Let's sit on the bed, it will make it easier for us.” The two of them moved to the bed as MC sat behind him, hovering around his massive sets of wings, unsure of what do.
Raphael starts his instruction, “First, take out any fallen feathers. Work your way out from inner to outer...”
MC moved her hands with calculated carefulness, not wanting to cause him more discomfort. She can't help but admire how soft the feathers are, even the old one.
As she worked his top wings first, she asked him, “Does this happen frequently?”
“No, it happen for every few years,” Raphael paused, “but it does happen more frequently when I was a younger angel as the wings are a lot more smaller.”
MC let out a small “Ah.” as she nodded at his words. She can't help but picture a small Raphael with his adorable wings and giggled a little.
“Is there something wrong, MC?”
“Heheh not really.”
Raphael turned his head a little, doubtful expression on his face but he let it go. “If you say so.”
MC quickly learned on what to do as the pile of old and worn feathers starts growing on the floor. Finally, she reached the lower part of his wings.
She brushed the feather lightly before Raphael suddenly jerked forward in surprise.
“Raphael, what's wrong?! Did it hurt? I'm so sorry!” MC retracted her hand in fear that it hurt him.
“N-no, I'm just a bit surprised.” Raphael shuddered, “it's just the lower part is more...sensitive than the upper two wings.”
MC’s eyes widened. Her hands freezed at his words.
“Alright uhh, please tell me if I caused you another discomfort.” said MC as she moved her hand even more gently, almost the point of trembling. Raphael only nodded his head. His cheeks darkening.
Working around the lower wings slowly, she lightly brushed the slightly ruffled feather to straighten it up. Raphael let out a contented sigh that made her blush furiously. Damned angel, please be still my heart!
Finally, MC finished all the lower part. “It's done.” she breathed out, unknowingly had held her breath as she finished the last few feathers.
Raphael looked at the pile of worn feathers on the floor before flapped and shook his wings a bit, testing the feels and nodded in satisfaction as his wings felt better and lighter.
“Thank you MC, for the first time doing it you sure are doing a great job.”
MC smiled at his praise, “My pleasure! You are such a great instructor too so it isn't exactly hard to do.”
Raphael folded his massive sets of wings before making it disappear, leaving his bare back to her. He looked still for a moment, causing MC to worry before he suddenly leaned backward at her, taking both of them down to the bed.
“Wah!” shouted MC in surprise. “Raphael are you okay?!”
“Better than okay, actually,” sighed Raphael, “thank you MC.”
If MC thought she can't blush even more than before, she was wrong.
MC wrapped her hands around his chest and neck, kissing the top of his head before muttering, “You do know you are heavy right?”
Raphael laughed.