#light!ego

Fic Request: Reader x Natelight where the reader is grooming the Angel’s moulting wings. Soothing the soreness from the growing feathers.

“I think I’m just going to have to lock you in a room. Less mess to clean up.” You teased as you picked up yet another long purple feather off the floor.  Smiling sadly when Natelight groaned from the other room. A whimper of an apology following the sound as you wandered into the bedroom. 

Your poor lover was laying on his stomach. Face-planted into a pillow with his wings outstretched across the huge bed.  They twitched and shuffled against the blankets. Looking very untidy with all the old feathers slowly being pushed and replaced with newer, fluffier looking feathers.  You had to admit though, the different shades of violet and purple were beautiful. But you hated how uncomfortable Natelight’s moulting seemed to be. 

“Do you need anything? Another heat back for your back?” You asked as you stepped into the room.  You sat by his head, keeping away from his wings encase your touch or shift in the mattress caused any more discomfort.

NateLight turned his head to look at you. He looked exhausted. The first day of the new feathers was always the worse. And he hadn’t slept at all the night before because of the cramps and soreness.  He’s already had his dose of painkillers. And any more was probably a bad thing. Heat packs worked, but were temporary since they cooled quite quickly.

“Thanks love, but I’ll be ok. Another few days and I’ll be free of this torment.” Natelight said. Flashing you his cutest smile, before collapsing back into the pillow with a mellow dramatic groan. 

“I could give you a back rub? I know how much they help.” You suggested. But you didn’t dare reach out to touch him without permission.  Last time you did, your gentle fingers apparently gave him a spasm of cramps along his wings.  So now, you waited for his say so. And only went by his instructions. 

“Actually...” Came Natelight’s muffled reply from the pillow. “Could you get something from the dresser? It’s in the little wooden box next to the mirror.” 

You frowned. Knowing exactly what box that was.  It was full of Natelight’s Angelic possessions. Things given to him by other Lights of egos, and some created by his power.  You never looked in there. Even when you were curious. But it was Natelight’s special box; and you didn’t want to intrude. 

You nodded and went to the dresser, lifting up the box lid and you were surprised to find it empty. Apart from a thick comb like brush. The bristled were golden and the handle was thin, but felt heavy when you lifted it up and out of the box.  You returned to Natelight’s side, offering him the brush. But Natelight only shook his head.  Smiling at you softly as he shifted his arms to cradle the pillow under his cheek. Supporting himself more as he looked up at you. 

“I...uh...want you to brush my feathers.” Natelight murmured. A light blush covering his cheeks as you stared at him. “The brush is easy to use. Just like brushing your hair. But be gentle. The bristle are soft but the new growths are sensitive. It helps them grow and loosen the older feathers. And... it feels really nice.” 

This was a big deal!  You knew how sensitive a Light!ego’s wings were. They were the source of their power, and gave them the gift of flight. And in turn, it was one of the most precious things about them.  Natelight hugged you and wrapped his wings around you all the time. But you very rarely got to touch them apart from gentle, brief caresses. But to actually be responsible for grooming them, it was a huge deal. 

“A-Are you sure?” You asked. Despite the swell of excitement in you. “I don’t want to hurt you even more. Maybe you should do it.” 

Natelight chuckled softly. And leaned up to press a kiss against your cheek. “I trust you, (y/n). Please? It really hurts and I’m too tired to brush them myself.”

You bit your lip, and nodded.  Natelight smiled and shifted on the bed to make room for you. Which wasn’t much. But he gave you enough room to sit by his right wing and lay it over your legs.  You weren’t quite sure where to begin. And you held the brush tightly in your hand.  Natelight had said it helped with growth and aided the older feathers more. So you started around the fluffier part of his wing. The bristled glided over the feathers smoothly. You felt small tugs against the brush, but a content sigh from Natelight confirmed that it wasn’t hurting him. Only giving him some comfort.  You continued slowly. Being mindful of the patches of new growth that was surrounded by pink skin. It looked painful. But Natelight had explained that was normal. 

With each stroke of the brush, the older feather came loose and fluttered to the floor. You had to stop a few times to pluck out the smaller ones that got caught in the brushes bristles.  Beside you, Natelight hummed and murmured soft encouragements to you. Thanking you in a hush tone for helping him.  His eyes fluttered close, and the longer you spent brushing his feathers, the quicker Natelight fell into sleep.  His tiny snores made you smile. And you were glad he was getting some rest. You continued to groom him. De-fluffing his wings of the crooked and faded feathers. Allowing you to see the shiner, more pristine newer ones that were hidden underneath. 

Your Angel was going to glow with all the bright colours when he’s done moulting. You’ve been with him before when he went through this. But being the one to take care of his wings made you practically glow with adoration and giddiness.  He trusted you enough to touch his wings!!

“Hmm, sorry, darlin’. I slipped off.” Natelight grumbled. His voice gruff with sleep as he turned his head to look at his wing.  You had just finished with the right one and moved over to his left side. The shift in the bed was what stirred him from sleep. And his smile said it all.  He was proud of what you’ve done. 

“Look at that. I look gorgeous.” Natelight murmured. Shuffling his right wing a little as a test. unfortunately, the movement caused a gust of wind to disturb your perfectly placed pile of brushed feathers. And the room was sudden swallowed in a storm of light purple feathers. 

“Oops... sorry, love.” Natelight winced. Looking at you with big puppy, apologetic eyes. 

You sighed and shook your head. Pretending to be very mad at him for what he did. “You are cleaning that up as soon as I finish with you, mister.” 

“Yes, ma’me.” Natelight replied. Looking like a scolded child as he leaned over and kissed the back of your hand. “I love you. Thank you for doing this.”