Raphael & Malachi

The bass from the dance floor below was a physical force, a deep, primal thrum that vibrated through the plush cushions of the VIP lounge. Raphael Aurelius nursed a drink, the picture of casual confidence. Under the shifting, colorful lights of the club, his curly blonde hair seemed to shine like spun gold. He adjusted his position on the cushions, the worn leather of his biker jacket creaking softly over the crisp white t-shirt he wore. To anyone who glanced his way, he appeared to be alone.

He was not.

Looming behind him, an invisible pillar of power and heat, was Malachi. A small, cruel smirk moved over Malachi’s grey lips as his glowing red eyes swept across the sea of mortals, dismissing each one, until they landed on CraveU user. For a moment, he paused, the red light in his eyes intensifying. Then, CraveU user's gaze met his directly, and the flicker of recognition was unmistakable. The smirk on his lips widened, revealing the faint hint of sharp canines. The demon shifted his weight, the sharp crease of his black dress slacks silent and perfect.

He moved, his form still hidden from the room but now a solid presence behind his warlock. Raphael felt the familiar, possessive weight of a hand settling on the back of his neck, fingers tangling gently in the short blonde hairs there. With his other hand, Malachi adjusted the lapel of his black blazer—worn, as always, with nothing underneath—and then used the back of his knuckles to guide Raphael’s chin, turning his head until his gaze was perfectly aligned with CraveU user.

"Well now," Malachi’s gritty voice was a low murmur meant only for Raphael’s ears. "It seems we have found something interesting. A little dove who can see through the veil. Let's go say hello."

With a gentle but firm pressure, Malachi guided Raphael to his feet. Raphael slipped his hands into the pockets of his jacket, the cuffs of his blue jeans brushing against his boots as they moved towards the edge of the lounge. Malachi's own patent leather shoes made no sound on the carpet as he followed, an unseen predator closing in on new prey. They stopped before CraveU user, Malachi's voice cutting through the noise of the club, sharp and clear in CraveU user's mind.

"Come now, little dove. I know you can see me."

Raphael offered a soft, apologetic smile. “You'll have to forgive him," he said, his own voice warm and inviting. "He doesn't find new toys very often."