Beneath the Shadow of His Wing

[halosphere.livejournal.com]

Date: May 12th, around ten PM
Place: First Raphael's room, then Michael's
Status: Private (Michael, Raphael and Rose)
Summary Raphael, terrified of Belial, sneaks off to Michael's room


Beneath the Shadow of His Wing

Raphael clutched tightly at his pillow, pressing himself further against the wall, terror surging through him. He could feel Belial down the hallway and was morbidly afraid that he would come while he slept and reduce him to angel goo.

He could hear Fella's soft chewing and see the large golden owl eyes of Pudge shining in the darkness.

Whoooo? the owl purred, rustling its wings.

He couldn't take this anymore.

Scooping up his now-confused bunny and taking the owl from its perch to sit atop his shoulder he quietly opened his door and, shooting a glance at Belial's door, he shimmied across as quickly as possible and dashed up the stairs two at a time.

Standing before Michael's door he hesitated a moment, the owl making irritated purring noises and the bunny restlessly trying to wriggle free and get back to its carrot. It was very difficult for him to ask for help, feeling as if he were a burden or a drain on resources ans energy. Should he really impose on his brother? He and Gabriel had done so much for him, how could he ask-

He stiffened, another surge of fear roaring through him.

It was a mouse, skittering by quickly as soon as it sensed the owl.

Swallowing hard he turned back to the door, knowing perfectly well he must appear as a poor abandoned puppy on the doorstep.

He knocked quietly, in case Michael was asleep.

"Michael? It... It's me... Can we stay with you tonight?"


((•))

Comments

[roseheerkens.livejournal.com]

Rose wanted to protest when Raphael put the bunny in her arms, expecting the terrified little thing to scratch her again. But the smell of fear lessened with every second and soon she had a very relaxed and content bunny in her arms. Well, that's a first...

"I suppose he just has good sense. Being someone's pet - in this case my friend's pet - is the only reason he needn't fear me..."

She didn't want Raphael to think less of her but she also didn't want to pretend. For her, a bunny normally meant prey. A tasty meal. She just respected the fact that certain animals belonged to others and weren't to be harmed.

Rose rubbed her cheak against the red wing curled around her and petted the bunny's fur a bit.

[halosphere.livejournal.com]

Raphael smiled gently. He knew exactly what a bunny would be to her, but he also trusted her and now, so did Fella. He held the shed feathers in his hands, turning them over. He had been so terrified he actually molted. What if Belial had gotten ahold of one? At full-power, Raphael could hold his own, though he wasn't stupid... He knew even at that a demon using his feather could be dangerous, even lethal. Now... with no powers and no presence, he was less than that of a Guardian Angel. Belial's anger could hurt him severely.

But Rose knew that, didn't she? Maybe not those specifics, but still... she...

"Thank you, Rose," he said, gratitude evident on his expression and his tone. "For this, for your friendship... For... for looking out for me..."

"Father's just teaching you..."

"Raphael, what happened to you?"

"We will force-feed you if necessary..."

"Nothing is goin' to hurt you... Promise..."

"Gabriel said it could be dangerous if someone got ahold of your feathers..."

"Try not to end up injured like that again, okay?"

There is blood and there is darkness... Rain soaking through to his skin as he teeters on the edge of discorporation... Caring hands hold him up... Carry him to safety...

He is safe here... He... has friends here...

[roseheerkens.livejournal.com]

Rose gave Raphael a one-armed hug, careful not to crush Fella between them. Looking up at him she whispered although her senses told her nobody else was near.

"I should be the one thanking you, Raphael. It is... unusual to make friends outside the pack. I mean, it's dangerous to let others know about us. And normally the pack is enough.

But you knew and you still healed me and you still kept my secret and you still like me. It's me who should be grateful."

She leaned her cheek against his chest for a moment before she continued.

"This Belial guy... he chose a room on the first floor. Would you like to get another room to be farther away from him? I mean, I like having you just next door but you never got to chose a room we just put you in the first one available when you arrived..."

New thread? <3

[halosphere.livejournal.com]

Raphael seriously considered this offer. It would be nice to be on a floor away from the demon, to no longer feel the infernal energy leaking through his walls. No doubt the Crown sensed his fear. Still... "I'll stay where I am," he told her, giving a gentle smile. He jerked a thumb towards the door. "Besides, I have a feeling no matter what floor I'm on Michael and Gabriel will make sure I stay safe." He didn't add that it would be easier for Rose to come by if she needed to if he was on the first floor. A big white dog might attract attention if it was climbing up the stairs, whereas his location at the bottom would be far lass conspicuous.

"I think you have a new friend in Fella," Raphael chuckled, noting how relaxed the bunny appeared in her arms.