Happy Holidays, cursiell_4!
Dec. 12th, 2022 02:55 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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go_exchangeTitle: Wish Upon My Heart
Summary: An archeological dig site holds the key to the mystery of a long lost treasure that should not be allowed to fall into human hands. But when Aziraphale is sent by Heaven to retrieve it, he wishes someone had told him it wasn’t supposed to fall into non-human hands either. An ancient serpent monster would understand a simple mistake, right? AU with Angel Aziraphale and Magic Serpent Crowley.
Rating: Teen
Pairing: Aziraphale/Crowley
Tags: AU- Magic/Fantasy, Angel Aziraphale, Magical Serpent Crowley, wish granting, spells, meet-cute, getting together, Aziraphale loves Crowley, Crowley loves Aziraphale
A/N: Hope you enjoy your gift cursiell_4! Special thanks to HolRose for the lovely beta work!
………………
Aziraphale did not like caves. In some ways, they were certainly a wonder to explore and served to intrigue wandering animals and humans alike. In others, they were hollow labyrinths on the brink of collapse with nothing but endless darkness. These caves would either be the source of legends told by travelling bards or an optimal point for humans and other supernatural beings to stow away certain priceless artefacts.
Aziraphale was currently navigating through one of the latter ones. Gabriel had not been overly specific about the assignment, only that they were reasonably sure a collection of prophecies had to be locked away here. That on its own would not have been an issue, human prophecies tended to be a mix and match of truth twisted with phoney predictions, but it was a circulating rumour that the tome he was in search of also contained spells of unknown origins. Said spells were far too close to real incantations, it was bound to lead to some mystical mayhem if left unchecked.
Although he could understand the need for urgency in such matters, Aziraphale really did not think the lengthy travel (without miracles no less, as they might draw too much attention) away from the comfort of his current cozy abode was strictly necessary. Surely no human was going to try and scale the Northern mountains during the winter months.
Unfortunately, Gabriel and the others were not amused by this; shouldn’t Aziraphale strive to be ever vigilant against the dark forces in action? Didn’t he want to prevent evil and claim victory for the Heavenly Host?
Given humanity's overall penchant and remarkable capacity for both good and evil, Aziraphale doubted anything he could do would permanently prevent them from creating innovative answers themselves for their problems. But he was an angel, it wasn’t his place to question direct orders. He was doing it all for the Greater Good.
This was why, finally standing in front of the right wall, the angel assured himself that there was a purpose for all of this, it was all a part of the Great Plan and he was playing his role in it. His constant comfort was the thought that the sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could return to his usual routine. He was not going to admit it, especially not in his report for this expedition, how much he didn’t find any fulfilment in them in recent years. All assignments were just that, tasks and chores to get out of the way. What he truly never wanted to give up was watching over humanity, watching them grow and create and wonder and learn– that included the good and the bad.
He would have never imagined his post on Earth would be anything other than duty and responsibility, and yet here he was, a few million years after he had first seen the blue planet from Heaven's observatory, harbouring a growing fondness, admiration and mild caution towards humankind. Even impromptu travels and treasure hunts for occult items could not negate the positive affections he had gained over the centuries protecting and guiding his charge.
Right, best get on with it then.
He was now nearing a section of familiar symbols, matching the ones he was shown in his assignment briefing. The unlocking mechanism was a simple push of a tile and the doorway opened up without any further prompting. Aziraphale was now that much closer to the end of his journey.
The newly revealed opening in the wall was marked with simple engravings, some corresponding to protection symbols etched onto the stone as well. Aziraphale expected to find the typical horde of hidden treasure to pick through to find what he was looking for, but to his surprise, the door only led to a small room with a desk-like structure. Upon it was the single, leather-bound book that he needed.
The room itself was also bare, although Aziraphale still stepped cautiously as he entered, wary of any hidden traps that might be triggered. Humans did so love to come up with elaborate ways to protect their precious belongings.
Book secure, Aziraphale left the cave anticipating the end of his little foray. He was already anticipating stopping by some of the inns and markets he did not have time to visit could not on the initial journey when a creeping sensation of a shadow passed over him. For a split second, a looming figure seemed to be nearing him, almost reaching out, before flickering away into the darkness around him, leaving no trace behind.
As a celestial being, Aziraphale trusted his intuition more than most. However, after several moments of nothing else materialising, he had to consider the possibility of some remnant magic having escaped or diffused after the tome was retrieved. It was not unheard of and was often practically harmless on most occasions, even if the power he could sense from within the pages seemed to be more than the level he usually detected.
Resolving to make a note of it in his report, Aziraphale took one last look around the expanse of the cavern and then started his trek down the mountain.
………………
After almost a month’s worth of travel, Aziraphale sat down on the soft bedding at the inn and exhaled in relief. He would write up his report to Heaven, send the tome along with it and then was free to spend his days as he pleased for the next couple of centuries or so. While he would admit to getting lonely from time to time, with all the hustle and bustle of the ever-expanding human settlements, it hardly ever got boring.
It was still, somehow, more preferable than staying in Heaven.
As soon as the thought entered his mind, Aziraphale forced himself to shift his focus. Nothing good ever awaited him when reflecting on such matters...
Wanting to clear his head and settle down for the evening, Aziraphale decided to sate his curiosity and leaf through the book. Just to assess the level of danger it possessed, of course.
Sipping the mead he had brought with him, Aziraphale hummed and brushed careful fingers over the cover a few times, letting the feeling of the smooth leather soothe him. He set down his cup and…
…and then stared in mute horror as fog rushed out of the pages. In the following seconds, a thick cloud had enveloped most of his room and Aziraphale realised something was very, very wrong.
The fog had a peculiar red tinge to it and as it amalgamated beside his desk, the angel prepared to call on a miracle. What he was not expecting was a fashionably dressed figure to emerge, adorned with gold and other jewels. The moment it was clear enough to determine whoever had materialised was in no way human, Aziraphale struck with his power; aiming to smite the creature on the spot.
However, when the dust settled and the figure still stood blinking in confusion, the angel was taken aback.
“Well, this is a first.”
The level, almost friendly, tone caught Aziraphale off guard. Golden serpentine eyes surveyed his surroundings and then regarded the angel in front of them. A quick snap and the figure was now dressed similarly to Aziraphale, albeit with accents of red and gold woven into the fabric. Aziraphale suppressed his surprise and tried to collect himself.
“Well excuse me for that…er–”
“Crowley.”
“Crowley. Well, excuse me for not expecting your sudden appearance Crowley,” Aziraphale stated. He felt that his reaction was quite well-founded. He had every right to be wary of a strange being in his quarters. “I wasn’t the one sneaking into someone else’s rooms and–and appearing out of nowhere.”
“I didn’t sneak in anywhere, the book you stole called me here!”
The statement gave Aziraphale pause. He chose to ignore the second half of it.
“I’m sorry, did you just say you were summoned by the book?” It was of course plausible to some extent; true occult texts did wind up on Earth from time to time. But…"I haven’t even read any of it yet."
“Weeell, summoned in a sense. I’m supposed to be waiting for some poor bugger to come around and find me so I can grant their wishes, then wait for the next one. Easier to get 'more targets' if it's simpler to use than reciting verses and whatnot," said Crowley, as if quoting from some profound text.
“‘Grant wishes’?” Aziraphale was certain nothing of the like had been mentioned in his briefing. A snake-like creature granting wishes from within a hidden spell book? If it wasn’t happening in front of him, he would have never believed it.
“Yup,” Crowley replied casually, but then continued somewhat hurriedly, “so what will it be for you? Fame, money, fortune?” He took a minute to look around. “Some better furniture?”
“Um... Oh! Well my dear, I hardly think any of those things appeal to me, I’m just passing through. And, well, I have no need of them you see.” Aziraphale decided to at least start with all his cards on the table, so to speak. He unfurled his wings from the celestial plane for a brief moment, long enough to be noticed, then put them away. He raised his eyes to watch his mysterious guest’s reaction.
Crowley was staring right back.
“You — you're an angel?”
Aziraphale had no reason to feel a blush bloom on his cheeks. A lot of humans have had a similar reaction, at least the ones who did not start screaming or panicking at the revelation (Those were always difficult assignments), yet Aziraphale liked the way Crowley had just called him ‘angel’. With less fright and more amazement.
“Indeed, getting that book of yours was an assignment of mine. I actually have to send it back up top with my report–”
“No!”
His sudden yell surprised both Aziraphale and Crowley. Although the latter recovered first.
“Er, sorry, it’sss, I mean I just meant that are you sssure you don't want to make a wissh?” If Aziraphale was hearing correctly, it seemed like Crowley elongated the ‘s’ consonant when speaking this time. Was it a serpent trait?
“It can be anything, even sssomething completely random, y’know?” Now there was definitely an edge of desperation to Crowley’s voice. Was fulfilling a wish truly that important to him?
“Hmm, I suppose…” Aziraphale knew he made silly mistakes from time to time, but even he understood transactions like these usually had a price. Maybe if he learned more about the situation, he could make an informed decision. This was entirely new territory for the angel. “Could you, if you want to mind, tell me a bit more about all of…this? Spell books and wishes and whatnot, I’m afraid it’s never really come up for me before.”
Crowley deflated as if a great stress was relieved from him. Maybe he thought if he explained, Aziraphale might agree to make a wish. Aziraphale was just glad to see the twinkle of mischief replace the panic in his eyes.
“Will you look at that, an angel is inviting me to stay and I don’t even know his name!” Crowley was most definitely teasing now, the mirth clear on his face.
“Oh! Oh dear, where are my manners? My name is Aziraphale.”
“Nice to meet you, Aziraphale.” Aziraphale rather thought he liked the way his name sounded in Crowley’s voice.
Oh dear, he should stop thinking things like that.
“A pleasure to meet you too, Crowley.”
………………
“So that’s pretty much all there is. Got caught snooping around where I shouldn’t and now I live out my existence bound to grant the owner of that book anything they desire,” finished Crowley. For a bleak reality of eternal servitude, Crowley sounded awfully cheery about it. Aziraphale tried not to question how his grin had become endearing to him already.
He felt it a privilege that he had earned Crowley’s trust in such a short time, they had technically just met. The way he told his tale also helped to alleviate some of his initial worries about his purpose here. Not the least of which was that Crowley was practically harmless.
“Anyway, one wish is all you get. And then I'm gone.”
“Gone? Where to?”
“Somewhere, anywhere, I’ll just poof away as I appeared here in the first place,” Crowley said matter-of-factly.
“And the book goes with you?”
“Well yeah, have to get the next person — human preferably,” he said pointedly. Aziraphale rolled his eyes, “Then they make a wish and so on and so forth.” Crowley made a circling gesture with his hand.
“Hmm, I can't part with the book yet I'm afraid. I don't know where you'll end up and I'd hate to go looking for it all over again.” Would Gabriel send him right off to find it again? Would he get reprimanded for losing it?
“Oh, we won't cross paths again.” Aziraphale focused back on Crowley.
“Why is that?”
“You make a wish and then the spell resets so the next person finds the book. It's to stop people from just keeping it to themselves, I suppose, but yeah, usually means I don’t stay long. And I never meet the same people twice.” Aziraphale thought that Crowley sounded genuinely upset at the prospect of going away.
Which was...which was preposterous obviously, they hardly knew each other to begin with.
“I don't want to get you in trouble though, if you have to do your job then I won't stop you from delivering the book.”
“What if I wished you free? I could take the book and you wouldn’t have to worry about sitting in Heaven’s archive for the foreseeable future,” Aziraphale offered.
Crowley was silent for a moment, looking as if to confirm Aziraphale was actually proposing this as a choice. His gaze turned a bit soft but his words were resigned as he replied.
"That would've worked normally, but there’s this counter-spell against those kinds of wishes." Crowley chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating whether to continue or not.
"Not to worry, we can think of something else, you don't have to tell me."
"Nah, it'ss only that I know we were brainsstorming ideass," The unique lisp was back. By now it was an obvious indicator of stress, "so you probably didn't mean it but...if anyone wisshess me free, it, um, it binds me to them instead."
Oh.
"Oh."
"Yeah, 's ok. You didn't know."
At that moment Crowley looked so unbelievably lonely that Aziraphale had to stop himself from saying something outrageous like 'Well that doesn't bother me, I think I would like having someone like you bound to me'.
"I'm sure we can come up with something," he said instead.
"Yeah, better hurry too. Don’t want you to be in trouble ‘cause of me," Crowley said sympathetically. How very sweet of him, Aziraphale thought.
“Ah.” Aziraphale had not thought of what to say, but now that Crowley was looking at him hopefully… “You see it’s only that I do not, strictly speaking, have to hand in this report until I reach my personal lodgings. Perhaps, if you were amenable of course, we could continue our conversation there?” Aziraphale struggled to keep his nerves in check as he waited for a response.
Crowley stared at him as if he wasn’t sure he was real. As if Aziraphale was something worthy to stare in wonder at. The angel wanted to know what was going on inside his head.
Before Aziraphale could start fretting about his forwardness, an expression he could not identify — but would always keep the memory of — settled peacefully on Crowley’s face.
“Yeah, I think, I think I would like that, angel.”
Aziraphale wanted nothing more than to bottle the sudden rush of happiness that simple statement brought him.
………………
Though they had reached his home, Aziraphale had calculated that Heaven might still not check up with him until the winter solstice which meant that they had a few weeks at most to get everything sorted. They vowed to focus on the matter until they found a viable solution.
That resolve didn’t last long.
Reintroducing Crowley to current society was as amusing as it was enjoyable; he had taken to it like a duck to water. A rather ambitious duck that didn’t slow down before jumping head-first into a pond. Despite the hiccups, the days spent in Crowley’s company were so undeniably lovely. He knew enough about human life that he could blend in with the locals, any slightly out-of-touch behaviour was explained away as him being new to the town. Even when his penchant for standing out from the crowd had gotten him into a spot or two of trouble, the angel didn’t have the heart to tell Crowley to stop. He was such a dear with how he would come running to tell Aziraphale any latest news (more accurately: gossip) or to show him some new trinket he’d picked up (which Aziraphale would pay for later). He even took to managing the back garden and was quite proud of how it was coming together, even if Aziraphale raised some objections to his choice of gardening methods.
Most of all, it made him hesitate to think about not having the serpent's familiar presence near.
It was an irrational fear. He had barely known Crowley for a month, and he was already attached. What must Crowley think of him? It was getting harder and harder not to consider making the wish. It was such an achingly simple solution to an increasingly complex riddle in his mind. But he must not falter and give in to the temptation. He had promised himself to not make a wish just to complete his assignment. That simply wasn’t an option.
One evening, Aziraphale pretended to concentrate on reading while Crowley had gone out to the market. He wanted to surprise Aziraphale with dinner and had been sneaking around all morning. Aziraphale couldn’t help but be endeared by his enthusiasm and care. It drove him to think about what it might be like if they could stay like this, if he could put off Heaven’s suspicion for a bit longer, and somehow return the spell book without handing over his only friend in the process. And perhaps it was even more heartbreaking because it was possible. If he made his wish and freed Crowley, he wouldn’t be bound to one place anymore and there rightfully wouldn’t be an issue. They could go exploring the world together and Aziraphale could show Crowley so many more things. They could have more dinners and picnics, relaxing afternoons with Crowley working on their garden where–
Where he would be stuck with Aziraphale. Forever.
That wasn’t right.
This need was so completely irrational, without any rhyme nor reason. Aziraphale was usually better prepared and he knew he couldn’t just keep Crowley like a domesticated animal. He deserved to see the world for himself, be free, have adventures and find new stories. He didn’t deserve to be tied to Aziraphale for the rest of eternity. Crowley wouldn’t want that.
The fact that he even considered it was — well, it was not very angelic of him now was it?
Resolving to not let this new development put a damper on tonight’s plan, Aziraphale locked up further thoughts on the matter and headed down to read until dinner.
………………
“I told you it was too cold to go out without a warm cloak Crowley!” Aziraphale fussed
“The day I willingly put on anything with bloody tartan is the day my style dies,” Crowley replied dramatically. Aziraphale fondly rolled his eyes.
“Tartan is stylish!”
“I hope your palate is better than your taste in clothing.”
“I hope your cooking skills turn out to be better than your acting, dear.”
“I'm wounded, angel! All that hard work I went through and you don’t trust me.” Crowley peeked sideways at Aziraphale with a comical pout.
The angel giggled at the sight, such a silly serpent.
When he glanced back at Crowley, he was watching him again. It was something he would be caught doing often, mostly when he assumed Aziraphale was not paying him any mind. And it was always with the same open admiration Aziraphale dared not call out, yet craved more of. Even when Crowley would immediately turn away when caught.
“Why do you always look at me like that…” Aziraphale whispered to himself. But Crowley had heard.
“Like what?”
“Like — no, never mind, don’t let me keep you from your work,” Aziraphale deflected.
“Angel.” He was never going to get used to Crowley calling him that, was he?
“Yes, my dear?”
“Um, er, well, I kinda — y’know,” Crowley seemingly gave up on that sentence, “I don’t want you coming in before I say so, alright? I want this to be a surprise.” He attempted to look stern, but Aziraphale could see the excitement he was hiding underneath.
“Alright, please try not to burn down the kitchen dear.”
“Have a little faith, angel.” Crowley winked and swayed out of the room.
Aziraphale hastily went back to his book to hide his blushing cheeks.
………………
“Crowley, all of this looks simply scrumptious!” Aziraphale praised, excitedly eyeing the spread.
Crowley stood to the side and pretended not to preen at the compliment.
“I don't think I know where to start!”
“Heh,” Crowley shrugged, nonchalant, “It's all for you, go ahead. And feel free to tell me if it tastes like dirt; I can take it.”
Aziraphale chuckled, as if that could be possible. Still, Crowley had yet to take a liking to any particular food group.
“There must be something to your taste,” Aziraphale pouted.
“Don’t worry about me.” He casually sprawled in his chair. A comfortable motion, something he had gotten used to doing. “I'll find something eventually. Maybe next time.”
They both paused at the choice of words. The atmosphere was rife with the reality that time was moving too fast, and very soon there would be none left at all.
And they were no closer to any sort of answer than they were at the beginning.
Aziraphale did not feel the need to eat all of a sudden. Crowley must have noticed — he was always so attentive — because he made a little noise and pushed a plate closer to the angel.
“We'll figure it out angel, promise, let's–”
As if the universe wanted to laugh at their troubles, a sharp smell of ozone permeated the room. A single white envelope fluttered delicately on the table next to Aziraphale's plate.
If he didn't already know where it came from, the neat, golden heavenly seal emphasised it.
“It's Gabriel he's…” Aziraphale sighed, “he has scheduled a meeting for my report. Crowley…”
One look at the serpent had Aziraphale tripping over his words. He didn’t want to say it, didn’t want to ruin their lovely evening. Didn’t want Crowley to look so unhappy.
“Crowley, I have to meet them tomorrow.”
“Oh, yeah — yeah, ok.” Worry was evident in his features.
“And we, we haven't figured it out–”
"Lissten Ang- Aziraphale, I've been thinking," Crowley's nervous habit was back and Aziraphale longed to take his hand to comfort him.
"The wish you still have, maybe you could use it in another way."
When Aziraphale didn't immediately interrupt, he went on.
"You can't have me free from the spell book itself, but there's nothing that says I can't be bound to another object or what have you."
"Another object…" Aziraphale thought about it, "you mean something else could take its place and function like the spell book does?”
"That’s the idea, yeah." Crowley still wouldn’t look at him.
"Oh," Aziraphale tried to consider it. "Oh, yes, I do think that might work." He turned with a small smile towards Crowley but caught the change in his demeanour.
"Right, yeah," he didn't sound relieved, "and once you make the wish for it...that is, once my job is done, I’ll..." Crowley couldn’t finish the sentence. Aziraphale completed it for him.
"You would have to go." You would have to leave forever.
"If — if that is what you want my dear, I'll gladly be of assistance." He scolded himself internally to keep his voice level. This was not his decision. Crowley was already helping him so much; that he was willing to sacrifice his freedom just because Aziraphale would get in trouble with Heaven...it was the most anyone had ever offered the angel.
He looked into Crowley's downcast eyes.
He couldn't accept it.
"Aziraphale...."
He couldn't let Crowley disappear forever.
"...Angel, what's–"
They only just met, it didn't seem fair at all.
"Hey, hey, angel." Gentle clawed hands reached for him; he knew they would never hurt him. "Don't cry, whatever I said I'm sorry, yeah? We don't have to think about this anymore; there's still hours till tomorrow so let's enjoy the dinner–"
Aziraphale hadn't realised he was crying. It all just seemed so hopeless; he knew giving this more time they didn't have wouldn’t reveal a better answer.
What other choice did they have? Either he brings the book to Heaven, and hands over Crowley along with it, or wishes him to be trapped in another prison. He couldn't free him without dooming him and he couldn't do what Crowley was suggesting without losing his friend forever.
“Maybe the book has a solution?” Aziraphale knew it was a desperate attempt. “There has to be something in here that could lend a hand."
“If there was, then I’d know; read the blasted thing forwards and backwards trying to get out when…” Crowley noticed the worried look on Aziraphale’s face and cut himself off. “What I’m suggesting, it’s not that bad, right? We weren’t supposed t–to meet anyway.” His voice faltered in the end, and so did Aziraphale’s resolve.
And then it shattered.
“I–I, oh this may sound so silly to you Crowley, but I really don’t want you to leave.” He couldn’t hold back the hitch in his voice. “Before, before I met you, I was — just, very…”
“Lonely.”
Out of all the things they had talked about for the past weeks, all of the memories they now shared, old and new, this unspoken truth was always kept just below the surface. It hadn't taken long for either of them to recognize the other's loneliness within themselves.
"I guess I just never thought I would have anyone, not like — well, not like how the humans have their friends."
Seeing Crowley's face light up at being called his friend, despite the circumstances, was worth it. They gazed at each other, just taking in one another's presence.
“I haven’t either, you know,” Crowley spoke to break the silence that had descended, “Never had anyone just be with me. No one used to listen before, and after I was granting wishes, I was rarely sought out because they wanted my outstanding company." They both cracked smiles at that.
“I hope you don’t mind if I say that I am so glad I found you, my dear.” Aziraphale gave a trembling smile.
"I'm really glad you did too, angel." There was so much fondness in the way he said it, so much warmth in the endearment. How was Aziraphale ever going to give that up?
“What are we going to do, Crowley?” Aziraphale sniffed.
Crowley’s eyes dimmed as he considered their circumstances. Aziraphale already knew he was running around the same circles as he was himself. There had to be some way out.
“Still won't make a wish, huh?” It was a half-hearted attempt.
“Absolutely not.”
They fell into silence once more before a sudden cackle from Crowley startled Aziraphale. He looked over at the serpent to see him trying to hold back giggles. Oh dear, was this taking more of a toll on him than he had anticipated?
“Heh, ssorry — pffft, was just t–thinking that if I had someone to grant wishes I would take the chance y'know? But then — then I thought what if I could make a wish for myself. How would that even work, can you imagine? Ha! Hilarious.” He continued to snicker at the idea.
Aziraphale, who was starting to chuckle at the slight silliness of the concept, went deathly still.
“What, what did you say?”
Sensing the change Crowley sat up a bit, all laughter chased away.
“That I would have made a wish if I could?”
“Yes, but after that, about making one yourself.” The lines on Crowley's face cleared as he understood.
“I–I never…”
“You never made a wish.” Aziraphale did not want to sound hopeful, they didn’t know if this would even work — but it might, it just might, and that was all he could ask for.
“No, no, never thought about it before. You don’t think…could it actually…?”
“Can we — can we try?” Aziraphale asked tentatively.
“Wuh — yeah, I mean, what should I wish for?”
To go everywhere you couldn’t before. To do everything that wasn’t possible for you. To stay with someone as simple as me and let me be selfish in the gift of your company.
“To be free. To have your own life back.”
Crowley’s eyes misted over, he gazed at Aziraphale with infinite tenderness and then slowly nodded his head, closed his eyes.
Aziraphale’s gaze never left him.
For a moment, as the air crackled with familiar magic, as their hopes hung on this single second, Aziraphale thought he heard the whisper of the words: ‘To be free with Aziraphale as long as he’ll have me’.
Then it was over. The hum of magic dimmed, then dispersed like the wind.
Crowley opened his eyes and adoringly looked back at Aziraphale. There were still tears there, matching flecks on blue and gold, but now their purpose was different.
Neither of them spoke, holding their breath for…anything to happen really. Slight traces of the wish still lingered, but it didn’t feel confining. Until Crowley gingerly rose from his seat and walked over to the desk. He picked up the spell book with careful hands. Took a breath. Managed a hopeful twitch of lips, undercut by fresh tears falling.
“I believe you have a report to submit tomorrow, angel.”
………………
There were birds flying from one branch to the next. Aziraphale wondered if any of them would make a nest here; it was getting warmer now.
A soft hand stroking his hair made him smile. He looked beside him to see Crowley carrying warm mugs and settling in next to him.
“Hey angel, you never did make your wish,” Crowley mumbled into his hair.
Aziraphale looked out at the birds, onto the garden, and breathed in the breeze. He felt the warmth and softness of his love huddled close to him. Though he hadn’t known it then, somewhere along the way his heart had made his wish. And it had come true.
Aziraphale turned to plant a kiss on Crowley’s cheek.
“I never needed to, dearest.”
Summary: An archeological dig site holds the key to the mystery of a long lost treasure that should not be allowed to fall into human hands. But when Aziraphale is sent by Heaven to retrieve it, he wishes someone had told him it wasn’t supposed to fall into non-human hands either. An ancient serpent monster would understand a simple mistake, right? AU with Angel Aziraphale and Magic Serpent Crowley.
Rating: Teen
Pairing: Aziraphale/Crowley
Tags: AU- Magic/Fantasy, Angel Aziraphale, Magical Serpent Crowley, wish granting, spells, meet-cute, getting together, Aziraphale loves Crowley, Crowley loves Aziraphale
A/N: Hope you enjoy your gift cursiell_4! Special thanks to HolRose for the lovely beta work!
Aziraphale did not like caves. In some ways, they were certainly a wonder to explore and served to intrigue wandering animals and humans alike. In others, they were hollow labyrinths on the brink of collapse with nothing but endless darkness. These caves would either be the source of legends told by travelling bards or an optimal point for humans and other supernatural beings to stow away certain priceless artefacts.
Aziraphale was currently navigating through one of the latter ones. Gabriel had not been overly specific about the assignment, only that they were reasonably sure a collection of prophecies had to be locked away here. That on its own would not have been an issue, human prophecies tended to be a mix and match of truth twisted with phoney predictions, but it was a circulating rumour that the tome he was in search of also contained spells of unknown origins. Said spells were far too close to real incantations, it was bound to lead to some mystical mayhem if left unchecked.
Although he could understand the need for urgency in such matters, Aziraphale really did not think the lengthy travel (without miracles no less, as they might draw too much attention) away from the comfort of his current cozy abode was strictly necessary. Surely no human was going to try and scale the Northern mountains during the winter months.
Unfortunately, Gabriel and the others were not amused by this; shouldn’t Aziraphale strive to be ever vigilant against the dark forces in action? Didn’t he want to prevent evil and claim victory for the Heavenly Host?
Given humanity's overall penchant and remarkable capacity for both good and evil, Aziraphale doubted anything he could do would permanently prevent them from creating innovative answers themselves for their problems. But he was an angel, it wasn’t his place to question direct orders. He was doing it all for the Greater Good.
This was why, finally standing in front of the right wall, the angel assured himself that there was a purpose for all of this, it was all a part of the Great Plan and he was playing his role in it. His constant comfort was the thought that the sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could return to his usual routine. He was not going to admit it, especially not in his report for this expedition, how much he didn’t find any fulfilment in them in recent years. All assignments were just that, tasks and chores to get out of the way. What he truly never wanted to give up was watching over humanity, watching them grow and create and wonder and learn– that included the good and the bad.
He would have never imagined his post on Earth would be anything other than duty and responsibility, and yet here he was, a few million years after he had first seen the blue planet from Heaven's observatory, harbouring a growing fondness, admiration and mild caution towards humankind. Even impromptu travels and treasure hunts for occult items could not negate the positive affections he had gained over the centuries protecting and guiding his charge.
Right, best get on with it then.
He was now nearing a section of familiar symbols, matching the ones he was shown in his assignment briefing. The unlocking mechanism was a simple push of a tile and the doorway opened up without any further prompting. Aziraphale was now that much closer to the end of his journey.
The newly revealed opening in the wall was marked with simple engravings, some corresponding to protection symbols etched onto the stone as well. Aziraphale expected to find the typical horde of hidden treasure to pick through to find what he was looking for, but to his surprise, the door only led to a small room with a desk-like structure. Upon it was the single, leather-bound book that he needed.
The room itself was also bare, although Aziraphale still stepped cautiously as he entered, wary of any hidden traps that might be triggered. Humans did so love to come up with elaborate ways to protect their precious belongings.
Book secure, Aziraphale left the cave anticipating the end of his little foray. He was already anticipating stopping by some of the inns and markets he did not have time to visit could not on the initial journey when a creeping sensation of a shadow passed over him. For a split second, a looming figure seemed to be nearing him, almost reaching out, before flickering away into the darkness around him, leaving no trace behind.
As a celestial being, Aziraphale trusted his intuition more than most. However, after several moments of nothing else materialising, he had to consider the possibility of some remnant magic having escaped or diffused after the tome was retrieved. It was not unheard of and was often practically harmless on most occasions, even if the power he could sense from within the pages seemed to be more than the level he usually detected.
Resolving to make a note of it in his report, Aziraphale took one last look around the expanse of the cavern and then started his trek down the mountain.
After almost a month’s worth of travel, Aziraphale sat down on the soft bedding at the inn and exhaled in relief. He would write up his report to Heaven, send the tome along with it and then was free to spend his days as he pleased for the next couple of centuries or so. While he would admit to getting lonely from time to time, with all the hustle and bustle of the ever-expanding human settlements, it hardly ever got boring.
It was still, somehow, more preferable than staying in Heaven.
As soon as the thought entered his mind, Aziraphale forced himself to shift his focus. Nothing good ever awaited him when reflecting on such matters...
Wanting to clear his head and settle down for the evening, Aziraphale decided to sate his curiosity and leaf through the book. Just to assess the level of danger it possessed, of course.
Sipping the mead he had brought with him, Aziraphale hummed and brushed careful fingers over the cover a few times, letting the feeling of the smooth leather soothe him. He set down his cup and…
…and then stared in mute horror as fog rushed out of the pages. In the following seconds, a thick cloud had enveloped most of his room and Aziraphale realised something was very, very wrong.
The fog had a peculiar red tinge to it and as it amalgamated beside his desk, the angel prepared to call on a miracle. What he was not expecting was a fashionably dressed figure to emerge, adorned with gold and other jewels. The moment it was clear enough to determine whoever had materialised was in no way human, Aziraphale struck with his power; aiming to smite the creature on the spot.
However, when the dust settled and the figure still stood blinking in confusion, the angel was taken aback.
“Well, this is a first.”
The level, almost friendly, tone caught Aziraphale off guard. Golden serpentine eyes surveyed his surroundings and then regarded the angel in front of them. A quick snap and the figure was now dressed similarly to Aziraphale, albeit with accents of red and gold woven into the fabric. Aziraphale suppressed his surprise and tried to collect himself.
“Well excuse me for that…er–”
“Crowley.”
“Crowley. Well, excuse me for not expecting your sudden appearance Crowley,” Aziraphale stated. He felt that his reaction was quite well-founded. He had every right to be wary of a strange being in his quarters. “I wasn’t the one sneaking into someone else’s rooms and–and appearing out of nowhere.”
“I didn’t sneak in anywhere, the book you stole called me here!”
The statement gave Aziraphale pause. He chose to ignore the second half of it.
“I’m sorry, did you just say you were summoned by the book?” It was of course plausible to some extent; true occult texts did wind up on Earth from time to time. But…"I haven’t even read any of it yet."
“Weeell, summoned in a sense. I’m supposed to be waiting for some poor bugger to come around and find me so I can grant their wishes, then wait for the next one. Easier to get 'more targets' if it's simpler to use than reciting verses and whatnot," said Crowley, as if quoting from some profound text.
“‘Grant wishes’?” Aziraphale was certain nothing of the like had been mentioned in his briefing. A snake-like creature granting wishes from within a hidden spell book? If it wasn’t happening in front of him, he would have never believed it.
“Yup,” Crowley replied casually, but then continued somewhat hurriedly, “so what will it be for you? Fame, money, fortune?” He took a minute to look around. “Some better furniture?”
“Um... Oh! Well my dear, I hardly think any of those things appeal to me, I’m just passing through. And, well, I have no need of them you see.” Aziraphale decided to at least start with all his cards on the table, so to speak. He unfurled his wings from the celestial plane for a brief moment, long enough to be noticed, then put them away. He raised his eyes to watch his mysterious guest’s reaction.
Crowley was staring right back.
“You — you're an angel?”
Aziraphale had no reason to feel a blush bloom on his cheeks. A lot of humans have had a similar reaction, at least the ones who did not start screaming or panicking at the revelation (Those were always difficult assignments), yet Aziraphale liked the way Crowley had just called him ‘angel’. With less fright and more amazement.
“Indeed, getting that book of yours was an assignment of mine. I actually have to send it back up top with my report–”
“No!”
His sudden yell surprised both Aziraphale and Crowley. Although the latter recovered first.
“Er, sorry, it’sss, I mean I just meant that are you sssure you don't want to make a wissh?” If Aziraphale was hearing correctly, it seemed like Crowley elongated the ‘s’ consonant when speaking this time. Was it a serpent trait?
“It can be anything, even sssomething completely random, y’know?” Now there was definitely an edge of desperation to Crowley’s voice. Was fulfilling a wish truly that important to him?
“Hmm, I suppose…” Aziraphale knew he made silly mistakes from time to time, but even he understood transactions like these usually had a price. Maybe if he learned more about the situation, he could make an informed decision. This was entirely new territory for the angel. “Could you, if you want to mind, tell me a bit more about all of…this? Spell books and wishes and whatnot, I’m afraid it’s never really come up for me before.”
Crowley deflated as if a great stress was relieved from him. Maybe he thought if he explained, Aziraphale might agree to make a wish. Aziraphale was just glad to see the twinkle of mischief replace the panic in his eyes.
“Will you look at that, an angel is inviting me to stay and I don’t even know his name!” Crowley was most definitely teasing now, the mirth clear on his face.
“Oh! Oh dear, where are my manners? My name is Aziraphale.”
“Nice to meet you, Aziraphale.” Aziraphale rather thought he liked the way his name sounded in Crowley’s voice.
Oh dear, he should stop thinking things like that.
“A pleasure to meet you too, Crowley.”
“So that’s pretty much all there is. Got caught snooping around where I shouldn’t and now I live out my existence bound to grant the owner of that book anything they desire,” finished Crowley. For a bleak reality of eternal servitude, Crowley sounded awfully cheery about it. Aziraphale tried not to question how his grin had become endearing to him already.
He felt it a privilege that he had earned Crowley’s trust in such a short time, they had technically just met. The way he told his tale also helped to alleviate some of his initial worries about his purpose here. Not the least of which was that Crowley was practically harmless.
“Anyway, one wish is all you get. And then I'm gone.”
“Gone? Where to?”
“Somewhere, anywhere, I’ll just poof away as I appeared here in the first place,” Crowley said matter-of-factly.
“And the book goes with you?”
“Well yeah, have to get the next person — human preferably,” he said pointedly. Aziraphale rolled his eyes, “Then they make a wish and so on and so forth.” Crowley made a circling gesture with his hand.
“Hmm, I can't part with the book yet I'm afraid. I don't know where you'll end up and I'd hate to go looking for it all over again.” Would Gabriel send him right off to find it again? Would he get reprimanded for losing it?
“Oh, we won't cross paths again.” Aziraphale focused back on Crowley.
“Why is that?”
“You make a wish and then the spell resets so the next person finds the book. It's to stop people from just keeping it to themselves, I suppose, but yeah, usually means I don’t stay long. And I never meet the same people twice.” Aziraphale thought that Crowley sounded genuinely upset at the prospect of going away.
Which was...which was preposterous obviously, they hardly knew each other to begin with.
“I don't want to get you in trouble though, if you have to do your job then I won't stop you from delivering the book.”
“What if I wished you free? I could take the book and you wouldn’t have to worry about sitting in Heaven’s archive for the foreseeable future,” Aziraphale offered.
Crowley was silent for a moment, looking as if to confirm Aziraphale was actually proposing this as a choice. His gaze turned a bit soft but his words were resigned as he replied.
"That would've worked normally, but there’s this counter-spell against those kinds of wishes." Crowley chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating whether to continue or not.
"Not to worry, we can think of something else, you don't have to tell me."
"Nah, it'ss only that I know we were brainsstorming ideass," The unique lisp was back. By now it was an obvious indicator of stress, "so you probably didn't mean it but...if anyone wisshess me free, it, um, it binds me to them instead."
Oh.
"Oh."
"Yeah, 's ok. You didn't know."
At that moment Crowley looked so unbelievably lonely that Aziraphale had to stop himself from saying something outrageous like 'Well that doesn't bother me, I think I would like having someone like you bound to me'.
"I'm sure we can come up with something," he said instead.
"Yeah, better hurry too. Don’t want you to be in trouble ‘cause of me," Crowley said sympathetically. How very sweet of him, Aziraphale thought.
“Ah.” Aziraphale had not thought of what to say, but now that Crowley was looking at him hopefully… “You see it’s only that I do not, strictly speaking, have to hand in this report until I reach my personal lodgings. Perhaps, if you were amenable of course, we could continue our conversation there?” Aziraphale struggled to keep his nerves in check as he waited for a response.
Crowley stared at him as if he wasn’t sure he was real. As if Aziraphale was something worthy to stare in wonder at. The angel wanted to know what was going on inside his head.
Before Aziraphale could start fretting about his forwardness, an expression he could not identify — but would always keep the memory of — settled peacefully on Crowley’s face.
“Yeah, I think, I think I would like that, angel.”
Aziraphale wanted nothing more than to bottle the sudden rush of happiness that simple statement brought him.
Though they had reached his home, Aziraphale had calculated that Heaven might still not check up with him until the winter solstice which meant that they had a few weeks at most to get everything sorted. They vowed to focus on the matter until they found a viable solution.
That resolve didn’t last long.
Reintroducing Crowley to current society was as amusing as it was enjoyable; he had taken to it like a duck to water. A rather ambitious duck that didn’t slow down before jumping head-first into a pond. Despite the hiccups, the days spent in Crowley’s company were so undeniably lovely. He knew enough about human life that he could blend in with the locals, any slightly out-of-touch behaviour was explained away as him being new to the town. Even when his penchant for standing out from the crowd had gotten him into a spot or two of trouble, the angel didn’t have the heart to tell Crowley to stop. He was such a dear with how he would come running to tell Aziraphale any latest news (more accurately: gossip) or to show him some new trinket he’d picked up (which Aziraphale would pay for later). He even took to managing the back garden and was quite proud of how it was coming together, even if Aziraphale raised some objections to his choice of gardening methods.
Most of all, it made him hesitate to think about not having the serpent's familiar presence near.
It was an irrational fear. He had barely known Crowley for a month, and he was already attached. What must Crowley think of him? It was getting harder and harder not to consider making the wish. It was such an achingly simple solution to an increasingly complex riddle in his mind. But he must not falter and give in to the temptation. He had promised himself to not make a wish just to complete his assignment. That simply wasn’t an option.
One evening, Aziraphale pretended to concentrate on reading while Crowley had gone out to the market. He wanted to surprise Aziraphale with dinner and had been sneaking around all morning. Aziraphale couldn’t help but be endeared by his enthusiasm and care. It drove him to think about what it might be like if they could stay like this, if he could put off Heaven’s suspicion for a bit longer, and somehow return the spell book without handing over his only friend in the process. And perhaps it was even more heartbreaking because it was possible. If he made his wish and freed Crowley, he wouldn’t be bound to one place anymore and there rightfully wouldn’t be an issue. They could go exploring the world together and Aziraphale could show Crowley so many more things. They could have more dinners and picnics, relaxing afternoons with Crowley working on their garden where–
Where he would be stuck with Aziraphale. Forever.
That wasn’t right.
This need was so completely irrational, without any rhyme nor reason. Aziraphale was usually better prepared and he knew he couldn’t just keep Crowley like a domesticated animal. He deserved to see the world for himself, be free, have adventures and find new stories. He didn’t deserve to be tied to Aziraphale for the rest of eternity. Crowley wouldn’t want that.
The fact that he even considered it was — well, it was not very angelic of him now was it?
Resolving to not let this new development put a damper on tonight’s plan, Aziraphale locked up further thoughts on the matter and headed down to read until dinner.
“I told you it was too cold to go out without a warm cloak Crowley!” Aziraphale fussed
“The day I willingly put on anything with bloody tartan is the day my style dies,” Crowley replied dramatically. Aziraphale fondly rolled his eyes.
“Tartan is stylish!”
“I hope your palate is better than your taste in clothing.”
“I hope your cooking skills turn out to be better than your acting, dear.”
“I'm wounded, angel! All that hard work I went through and you don’t trust me.” Crowley peeked sideways at Aziraphale with a comical pout.
The angel giggled at the sight, such a silly serpent.
When he glanced back at Crowley, he was watching him again. It was something he would be caught doing often, mostly when he assumed Aziraphale was not paying him any mind. And it was always with the same open admiration Aziraphale dared not call out, yet craved more of. Even when Crowley would immediately turn away when caught.
“Why do you always look at me like that…” Aziraphale whispered to himself. But Crowley had heard.
“Like what?”
“Like — no, never mind, don’t let me keep you from your work,” Aziraphale deflected.
“Angel.” He was never going to get used to Crowley calling him that, was he?
“Yes, my dear?”
“Um, er, well, I kinda — y’know,” Crowley seemingly gave up on that sentence, “I don’t want you coming in before I say so, alright? I want this to be a surprise.” He attempted to look stern, but Aziraphale could see the excitement he was hiding underneath.
“Alright, please try not to burn down the kitchen dear.”
“Have a little faith, angel.” Crowley winked and swayed out of the room.
Aziraphale hastily went back to his book to hide his blushing cheeks.
“Crowley, all of this looks simply scrumptious!” Aziraphale praised, excitedly eyeing the spread.
Crowley stood to the side and pretended not to preen at the compliment.
“I don't think I know where to start!”
“Heh,” Crowley shrugged, nonchalant, “It's all for you, go ahead. And feel free to tell me if it tastes like dirt; I can take it.”
Aziraphale chuckled, as if that could be possible. Still, Crowley had yet to take a liking to any particular food group.
“There must be something to your taste,” Aziraphale pouted.
“Don’t worry about me.” He casually sprawled in his chair. A comfortable motion, something he had gotten used to doing. “I'll find something eventually. Maybe next time.”
They both paused at the choice of words. The atmosphere was rife with the reality that time was moving too fast, and very soon there would be none left at all.
And they were no closer to any sort of answer than they were at the beginning.
Aziraphale did not feel the need to eat all of a sudden. Crowley must have noticed — he was always so attentive — because he made a little noise and pushed a plate closer to the angel.
“We'll figure it out angel, promise, let's–”
As if the universe wanted to laugh at their troubles, a sharp smell of ozone permeated the room. A single white envelope fluttered delicately on the table next to Aziraphale's plate.
If he didn't already know where it came from, the neat, golden heavenly seal emphasised it.
“It's Gabriel he's…” Aziraphale sighed, “he has scheduled a meeting for my report. Crowley…”
One look at the serpent had Aziraphale tripping over his words. He didn’t want to say it, didn’t want to ruin their lovely evening. Didn’t want Crowley to look so unhappy.
“Crowley, I have to meet them tomorrow.”
“Oh, yeah — yeah, ok.” Worry was evident in his features.
“And we, we haven't figured it out–”
"Lissten Ang- Aziraphale, I've been thinking," Crowley's nervous habit was back and Aziraphale longed to take his hand to comfort him.
"The wish you still have, maybe you could use it in another way."
When Aziraphale didn't immediately interrupt, he went on.
"You can't have me free from the spell book itself, but there's nothing that says I can't be bound to another object or what have you."
"Another object…" Aziraphale thought about it, "you mean something else could take its place and function like the spell book does?”
"That’s the idea, yeah." Crowley still wouldn’t look at him.
"Oh," Aziraphale tried to consider it. "Oh, yes, I do think that might work." He turned with a small smile towards Crowley but caught the change in his demeanour.
"Right, yeah," he didn't sound relieved, "and once you make the wish for it...that is, once my job is done, I’ll..." Crowley couldn’t finish the sentence. Aziraphale completed it for him.
"You would have to go." You would have to leave forever.
"If — if that is what you want my dear, I'll gladly be of assistance." He scolded himself internally to keep his voice level. This was not his decision. Crowley was already helping him so much; that he was willing to sacrifice his freedom just because Aziraphale would get in trouble with Heaven...it was the most anyone had ever offered the angel.
He looked into Crowley's downcast eyes.
He couldn't accept it.
"Aziraphale...."
He couldn't let Crowley disappear forever.
"...Angel, what's–"
They only just met, it didn't seem fair at all.
"Hey, hey, angel." Gentle clawed hands reached for him; he knew they would never hurt him. "Don't cry, whatever I said I'm sorry, yeah? We don't have to think about this anymore; there's still hours till tomorrow so let's enjoy the dinner–"
Aziraphale hadn't realised he was crying. It all just seemed so hopeless; he knew giving this more time they didn't have wouldn’t reveal a better answer.
What other choice did they have? Either he brings the book to Heaven, and hands over Crowley along with it, or wishes him to be trapped in another prison. He couldn't free him without dooming him and he couldn't do what Crowley was suggesting without losing his friend forever.
“Maybe the book has a solution?” Aziraphale knew it was a desperate attempt. “There has to be something in here that could lend a hand."
“If there was, then I’d know; read the blasted thing forwards and backwards trying to get out when…” Crowley noticed the worried look on Aziraphale’s face and cut himself off. “What I’m suggesting, it’s not that bad, right? We weren’t supposed t–to meet anyway.” His voice faltered in the end, and so did Aziraphale’s resolve.
And then it shattered.
“I–I, oh this may sound so silly to you Crowley, but I really don’t want you to leave.” He couldn’t hold back the hitch in his voice. “Before, before I met you, I was — just, very…”
“Lonely.”
Out of all the things they had talked about for the past weeks, all of the memories they now shared, old and new, this unspoken truth was always kept just below the surface. It hadn't taken long for either of them to recognize the other's loneliness within themselves.
"I guess I just never thought I would have anyone, not like — well, not like how the humans have their friends."
Seeing Crowley's face light up at being called his friend, despite the circumstances, was worth it. They gazed at each other, just taking in one another's presence.
“I haven’t either, you know,” Crowley spoke to break the silence that had descended, “Never had anyone just be with me. No one used to listen before, and after I was granting wishes, I was rarely sought out because they wanted my outstanding company." They both cracked smiles at that.
“I hope you don’t mind if I say that I am so glad I found you, my dear.” Aziraphale gave a trembling smile.
"I'm really glad you did too, angel." There was so much fondness in the way he said it, so much warmth in the endearment. How was Aziraphale ever going to give that up?
“What are we going to do, Crowley?” Aziraphale sniffed.
Crowley’s eyes dimmed as he considered their circumstances. Aziraphale already knew he was running around the same circles as he was himself. There had to be some way out.
“Still won't make a wish, huh?” It was a half-hearted attempt.
“Absolutely not.”
They fell into silence once more before a sudden cackle from Crowley startled Aziraphale. He looked over at the serpent to see him trying to hold back giggles. Oh dear, was this taking more of a toll on him than he had anticipated?
“Heh, ssorry — pffft, was just t–thinking that if I had someone to grant wishes I would take the chance y'know? But then — then I thought what if I could make a wish for myself. How would that even work, can you imagine? Ha! Hilarious.” He continued to snicker at the idea.
Aziraphale, who was starting to chuckle at the slight silliness of the concept, went deathly still.
“What, what did you say?”
Sensing the change Crowley sat up a bit, all laughter chased away.
“That I would have made a wish if I could?”
“Yes, but after that, about making one yourself.” The lines on Crowley's face cleared as he understood.
“I–I never…”
“You never made a wish.” Aziraphale did not want to sound hopeful, they didn’t know if this would even work — but it might, it just might, and that was all he could ask for.
“No, no, never thought about it before. You don’t think…could it actually…?”
“Can we — can we try?” Aziraphale asked tentatively.
“Wuh — yeah, I mean, what should I wish for?”
To go everywhere you couldn’t before. To do everything that wasn’t possible for you. To stay with someone as simple as me and let me be selfish in the gift of your company.
“To be free. To have your own life back.”
Crowley’s eyes misted over, he gazed at Aziraphale with infinite tenderness and then slowly nodded his head, closed his eyes.
Aziraphale’s gaze never left him.
For a moment, as the air crackled with familiar magic, as their hopes hung on this single second, Aziraphale thought he heard the whisper of the words: ‘To be free with Aziraphale as long as he’ll have me’.
Then it was over. The hum of magic dimmed, then dispersed like the wind.
Crowley opened his eyes and adoringly looked back at Aziraphale. There were still tears there, matching flecks on blue and gold, but now their purpose was different.
Neither of them spoke, holding their breath for…anything to happen really. Slight traces of the wish still lingered, but it didn’t feel confining. Until Crowley gingerly rose from his seat and walked over to the desk. He picked up the spell book with careful hands. Took a breath. Managed a hopeful twitch of lips, undercut by fresh tears falling.
“I believe you have a report to submit tomorrow, angel.”
There were birds flying from one branch to the next. Aziraphale wondered if any of them would make a nest here; it was getting warmer now.
A soft hand stroking his hair made him smile. He looked beside him to see Crowley carrying warm mugs and settling in next to him.
“Hey angel, you never did make your wish,” Crowley mumbled into his hair.
Aziraphale looked out at the birds, onto the garden, and breathed in the breeze. He felt the warmth and softness of his love huddled close to him. Though he hadn’t known it then, somewhere along the way his heart had made his wish. And it had come true.
Aziraphale turned to plant a kiss on Crowley’s cheek.
“I never needed to, dearest.”
Gorgeous
Date: 2022-12-12 10:40 am (UTC)"lonely"
Date: 2022-12-12 07:52 pm (UTC)thank you for this sweetness.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-12-13 05:39 am (UTC)I ADORE Aziraphale's point of vew! The hints of his bastardness and how it turned to grow attached to humanity slightly different because of Crowley not being around is just aaaa!!. Enjoyed a lot how he is dying to be selfish and wants to be together with Crowley but he LOVES him and can't stand the idea of Crowley imprisoned in any other way, even considering himself a prison <3 <3 <3
It has a nice amount of MAGIC (loved the magical effects) and archeology and adventure! I feel the way you described Aziraphale enjoying food and books but still a bit different from the way he does with his demon by his side is amazing!!
Also Crowley being a Serpentl-ike fashionista Ginie was very exciting.
"Aziraphale thought he heard the whisper of the words: ‘To be free with Aziraphale as long as he’ll have me’" Crowley obviously having the mutual feeling and letting the angel know his feelings warms my heart forever!
What I'm trying to say is I like it a lot and now I can't stop imagining Aziraphale with explorer clothes and Ginie Crowley :D
(no subject)
Date: 2022-12-17 05:07 am (UTC)Such good bickering!
The emotions in the wish scene are so good! And the very last scene is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story!