Witches.

Known to be a tricky bunch, their intelligence in the world beyond mere human comprehension and logic made them cunning and shrewd. So Raphael not only didn’t know where to find them, but he also wasn’t sure if they’d even be willing to help them if he did cross paths with one! This flower plan was a gamble, so much so thinking about it was starting to give him a migraine (figuratively speaking). 

He couldn't blame them for being so cautious and staying hidden though. Unfairly persecuted, punished by men full of fear and ignorance that hid behind the words of the Lord, burnt or hanged… they had been through a lot.

And the irony wasn’t lost on him. Heaven was a lot of things, and a saint wasn't one. Though orders against witches were never explicitly sent, offering them assistance wasn’t on the table either. 

They stood and they watched and did nothing. 

More fodder for up above.

No, now was not the time to drown in these thoughts.

Raphael took a deep breath. His husband needed him and introspecting over a system billions of years old while wearing a cute sun-hat wouldn’t help the cause nor the cure.

And on the topic of husbands…

Raphael was preparing everything needed for some seed planting and had Azazel looming over him like a shadow overhead. Raphael didn't mind the closeness. Looking at him from this position the demon's eyes looked tired, but with an expectant gleam. 

"Wanna share something with me?" Raphael turned his head to address his waiting husband, he was curious.

"Can I help?" Aze asked.

"I've done this thousands of times, hon." The archangel looked around the greenhouse, tapping his table, "I have all the tools I need".

"Right." The demon glanced away, as if feeling embarrassed over his own question all of the sudden.

"Why so shy, love?" Raphael smiled. The word in his head at the moment wouldn’t be the first other people would use to describe his husband. Luckily he's not like other people, so he’d say it without issue: Azazel was being cute.

"I just...", Azazel grunted as he got his thoughts right, scratching the scruff of his chin before gesturing at the tools and the already prepped soil. "I don't want you doing all the work.”

The angel shook his head with a soft smile. "My love, you’ve done enough already. Way more than enough.” He cupped his lover’s face gently, like the careful hands of a gardener planting a delicate flower in fresh soil. “Now it’s my turn to do my part."

You saved me! You're hurting because of me! You did all the work, I'm the one who needs to help! 

That’s what Raphael would have wanted to say instead of keeping the thought to himself.

"Look. I know you're great at this." Azazel took a hold of Raphael's wrists to have more contact. "But let me help with anything, anything at all." 

"Anything?" Raphael tilted his head.

"Anything." Aze mimicked the motion in the same direction. 

The angel stared into his goat’s blue eyes for a moment. Another deep breath.

"Let's make a deal", he started, going back to the table to take a pair of gloves and putting them on. "I don't have anything for you to do right now, but you could-"

Raphael stopped himself. Usually he’d have told his husband a full list of tasks by now. However, with how things were going, he wasn't sure if he wanted to put Azazel under more strain. 

"I could…?” Aze raised his eyebrow waiting for him to finish.

Maybe I’ll test the waters first, see how he's doing.

"You could…” Raphael adjusted his hat. “Bring the record player and make me a refreshing watermelon drink. Hm? Everything’s upstairs." 

His lover frowned, blinking in confusion and pouted. "That's it?"

Raphael couldn't stop thinking about the word cute, he was just so cute.

"That’s it. Come back and I'll have more for you to do." The archangel booped the demon's nose. "Maybe even a prize, ohoho", he added in a wondrous tone.

Aze rolled his eyes at his antics, "Fiiiineeeee". But Raphael noticed a tiny, quick spark igniting in those royal blues, his curiosity piqued. Azazel always said he could read his eyes, well, so could Raph!

The demon lifted his hand to a handle, opening a door that wasn't there seconds ago, but before he could go through it Raphael slapped his butt, making him jump forward in surprise. Azazel looked over, squinting at the angel who just waved. He could swear he could see his halo, that schemer.

"That's it. I'll add mayonnaise to your drink."

"What no-" 

And he was gone, took the door with him and left the angel's protests unheard. 

Not cute, no longer cute! 

Oh, who was he kidding? He adored that infuriating goat. 

Raphael chuckled to himself as he put on his apron and grabbed all of his equipment. 

It had been a while since he properly planted something. The large greenhouse was filled but he usually only watered and looked out for signs that his garden was unhealthy. Of course, every leaf and branch in there was blessed and would never disappoint him, but he was always on the lookout. 

Can never be too careful.

The soil was already clean and spotless, just waiting for him to start. He kneeled over it, gently watering it in a way that was almost a caress.

Yes, this is it. 

The archangel instantly felt at ease. He was in his element, so to speak. There was something special, almost mesmerizing about this tranquility: the tending to the earth, the digging with his hands in the moist dirt, the nurturing of all these precious living beings to watch them bloom and grow... It made his soul sing. 

Shovel in hand, Raphael dug and parted the soil to form holes, his mind wandered to a time where this curse business would be a distant memory, buried like the seeds in his apron’s pockets. Perhaps he would teach Azazel some gardening tips. After all, there would be plenty of time once it was all over. 

A smile graced his lips, imagining sitting back without worries, a refreshing icy drink in one hand and his husband’s hand in the other, watching the sun sink behind the horizon together after a job well done… They might even twirl and dance. 

Surrounded by moonflowers, gently swaying to the rhythm as the last strains of soft melodies filled the evening air, his lover looking at him with all the love and fondness an angel could hope for. 

Just the two of them enjoying the moment, enjoying each other, no longer haunted by darkness. They’d be two petals flowing in the night sky. 

The image felt like a soft pillow as he absentmindedly placed the seeds inside of each hole he had made, covering them in more soil with a serene look on his face. 

This will work, Teresa, dear.

The angel's eyes shone and immediately the seeds sprouted. Very pleased with himself, Raph started spraying a mixture of water and lemon extract on them while humming an old melody. 

"Liebesträume?" Aze approached as he took a sip from his watermelon and mayonnaise drink. The demon held two drinks in each of his hands, with the record player under his left.

"Yes, it is" Raphael replied casually, not even a flinch at the sudden appearance. The second he noticed how Aze was holding his player though, he quickly snatched it away, placing it onto the nearest table. "Don't hold it like that!" 

"You didn't specify." Aze took another sip and silently offered the other glass to his husband who took it without another word.

Oh, watermelon, you're so refreshing and delicious.

"Thank you, love." The archangel gave the demon a kiss on the cheek. “You came back at the perfect time”

"For my prize?” 

"Patience is a virtue." 

Before Azazel could talk back, Raphael reached for the record player and pulled down the cartridge, letting the machine play the disk that was already there. 

As soon as the first note sang, the small sprouts began to quiver, reacting to the lively, energetic tune. Imbued with new life, various stems of vibrant green leaves grew at an unprecedented rate, rapidly reaching full maturity in mere seconds! Each tendril wriggling happily as if dancing with the music, twisting around each other with vigor.

The symphony continued to play, the buds bloomed, revealing their stunning colors and elaborate forms, each in its unique luminous hue.

It looked like an animated movie brought to life. 

"OH, AZE! LOOK AT THEM! THEY'RE GORGEOUS!!" Fairy godmother Raphael jumped excitedly, a few juice droplets spilling into the dirt. 

"They sure are." Azazel agreed, taking a closer look to admire them. "Should I call Pablo?” 

“Yes, please.” Raphael replied, scooting over to his husband's side to watch the flowers with him. The round ones were his favorites.

Azazel let out a sharp whistle, a raccoon quickly appearing from inside the bushes and approaching them.

"Hello, little rascal.” The demon crouched down to scratch his head and give him some treats. The raccoon seemed very happy to see him. "Punctual as always."

With a quick hand motion, his angel cut a sample of each flower and handed them to him.

"I need you to do me a little favor.” Aze started, parting each individual flower with his free hand as he kept scratching his head. “Track me these scents and come back once you find something.” The raccoon understood as he sniffed the flowers.

Once he smelt them all, he looked at the couple for a minute and went on his way.

Raphael looked towards where the furry employee went. "Is that it?" 

"They're all about action. So yeah." Azazel replied, manifesting a cigarette with another swift hand motion and lit it up. "Where's my prize?"

Raphael took out a bag of sunflower seeds from his inner pocket and threw them at him, Aze catching them with a smirk.

"Happy?" 

"Incredibly so." 

A smile of amusement appeared on Raph’s face as he opened up a door to the store, Azazel following him with the rustling of the seed packet.

But the angel stopped midway through.

"Do we know a Teresa?”

“Not really… Do we?”

Raphael shrugged it off, closing the door behind them.