Asmodeus had known him for nearly a month now, and Gabriel still refused to take his armor off. Not even his helmet. "It isn't proper for an angel to make himself vulnerable," he always said as an explanation.

The demon had long since accepted this. He wouldn't—couldn't—force Gabriel to take it off. But that didn't mean he stopped teasing him about it.

Now was one of those times. "I've got no idea what you look like under there. You could have scales and sharp teeth for all I know," he said with a grin.

Gabriel glanced away, drawing his wings tight against his back. "I don't have fangs," he said stiffly.

Asmodeus paused. That was... not the reaction he expected. Usually, the most he got was an insult or simply silence. He connected the dots and realized, Oh, he definitely does.

So did he. Of course. He was a demon, after all. Normally he had them hidden with his glamour, but if Gabriel was self-conscious...

Asmodeus leaned forward, voice softening a bit. "Hey, don't worry. I do too." He dropped the illusion, offering a tenuous smile. This was risking his cover. Probably his life, too.

Gabriel was silent for a long, nerve-racking moment. Then he reached forward, tilting the demon's head up and examining his fangs.

HUH? His previous thoughts evaporated from his mind as he stared up at Gabriel, wide-eyed and flushed. What- Why is- Does he realize- ???????????

After a moment, he released Asmodeus and glanced away. "I, ah... didn't know you had sharp teeth," he said awkwardly.

The demon ducked his head, cradling his cheek with a palm. "Er- Yeah. Yeah, I do," he muttered. "They're useful."

After a long stretch of silence, he added, "Do you wanna get ice cream with me?"

The angel tipped his face downwards. "Yes, I'd like that." He couldn't see Gabriel's expression, but he could hear the smile in his voice.

Asmodeus grinned back, taking Gabriel by the arm. "Come on, then!"

God, he was whipped.