Happy Holidays, shae!
Dec. 5th, 2024 05:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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go_exchangeRating: T
Pairing: Aziraphale/Crowley, background Gabriel/Beelzebub
Note: she/her pronouns used for Beelzebub
Summary: When Aziraphale's brother becomes engaged to Crowley's sister they get to know one another better. (Regency AU)
Aziraphale slipped through the door out onto the dark veranda. He took a breath of the bracing evening air, hoping it would settle his nerves. He looked through the window at Gabriel and his soon-to-be fiancée surrounded by their families.
The whole tableau seemed rather strange considering the two families involved. The Edengates and DeVilles had hated each other for centuries. His father had once tried to explain the reasoning behind it all. One of the DeVille ancestors had supposedly stolen a piece of land from one of Aziraphale’s ancestors. That was followed by fighting, discord, then cut directs. Aziraphale soon lost interest in the history of it all, but he did know to avoid DeVilles at all social engagements. Which made the fact that his brother was now meant to marry a DeVille and merge their two families rather ironic.
“How’s it going in there?” said a voice.
Aziraphale jumped, only now seeing a man emerge from the shadows.
“Oh, Mr. DeVille, I didn’t see you there,” said Aziraphale, placing a hand over his beating heart. And no wonder he hadn't seen the gentleman, he was dressed from head to toe in black. Although Aziraphale knew from seeing him around town, that the style was quite common for Mr. DeVille. He preferred black, sometimes with a splash of silver or red.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you knew I was out here. And, it’s Crowley by the way.”
“What?”
“My given name, it’s Crowley. I figure it’s okay if you use it, considering...” Crowley waved his hand at the window. Considering his sister was about to marry Aziraphale’s brother.
“Yes, um quite. You may call me Aziraphale, if you like.”
“Aziraphale... that’s rather angelic.”
“It is. My mother had, well, quite a theme when it came to naming her children.”
Aziraphale glanced through the window.
“Oh dear, it appears the happy couple are arguing.”
“That’s a good sign.”
“Is it?”
“Yeah, it means she thinks he is worth arguing with.”
“Oh, I see, but she just threw her fan at him, that can’t possibly mean...?”
Crowley merely shrugged and gave him a little smirk.
“Are you sure she is going to go through with this?” asked Aziraphale.
“Yep. Bee doesn’t mind a bit of a challenge. Plus she knows how much this means to our mother, and I think she likes the idea of being called a lady.”
That was the draw for the DeVilles. Crowley’s family were gentry, but they held no titles. Supposedly there had been a baronetcy in the family several generations back, but this current branch of the family came from a long line of second sons, who’d made their fortunes elsewhere.
When Aziraphale’s father had died the family had been shocked to learn that they were in a bit more financial difficulty than his father ever let on. His mother, having never much believed in the feud, approached Crowley's mother, and the two had brokered an arrangement. Aziraphale’s bachelor brother would marry Crowley’s widowed sister. Aziraphale was just relieved his mother had not turned her eye upon him. Although, he did think that his mother possibly suspected his inclinations.
“It’s weird, talking like this, isn’t it?” said Crowley.
“How do you mean?”
“I mean we spend our whole lives avoiding each other, and now we can just speak freely.”
“It is going to take some getting used to.”
Under normal circumstances they should have been friends. They were of an age, similar social standing, and frequented the same circles. Instead they were forced to pretend as though the other didn’t exist.
However, by trying to avoid Crowley over the years Aziraphale was constantly alerted to his presence in social situations. Although, perhaps Crowley would have drawn Aziraphale’s eye regardless. Aziraphale had almost been a little envious of him. Crowley always leaned negligently in doorways, never seeming all that impressed by society, unlike Aziraphale who was often anxious and worried about what others thought of him. If he was being completely honest with himself, Aziraphale had to admit that he had a bit of an entendre for Crowley as a younger man, but the circumstances being what they were he put that to bed.
“You know, I often wanted to talk to you,” said Crowley.
“Really?”
“Yeah, you seemed like fun. One time I overheard you making a comment about Havingsham’s waistcoat and I had to step behind a column to laugh,” Crowley said with a grin.
Aziraphale vaguely remembered Lord Havingsham’s horrid puce coloured waistcoat, but he wished he could remember what he’d said, so he could say it again and make Crowley laugh.
“Well, since we’ll probably be seeing quite a bit of each other over the next little while, I hope you find my company pleasant.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will, angel, I’m sure I will.”
“Hello, Aziraphale.”
“Mr. DeVille.”
Crowley raised an eyebrow at that.
“Oh, I mean Crowley.”
“That’s better. So, what’s going on? What’s all the hubbub about?” said Crowley, sitting in a chair next to Aziraphale.
Aziraphale, Gabriel, and their mother had come to the DeVilles’s townhouse for afternoon tea. Aziraphale had been greatly disappointed to find out that Crowley would be absent. Although, it seems he was just fashionably late.
“Well, it seems that Gabriel has asked that your sister’s trousseau be made of brighter colours. It did not go over well.”
“Of course it wouldn’t. Bee’s always preferred dark colours, long before she was ever a widow. It was a big fight to get her to wear white for her coming out. The only reason she agreed to it was that my parents said she could wear a colourful sash; she wanted blood red, they settled on dark pink.”
“Oh dear, Gabriel was suggesting pastels.”
Crowley snorted. “Good luck with that.”
“Our mothers were able to get them to compromise on one dress, they decided on dove grey with lilac trim.”
“How many dresses are there usually in a trousseau?”
“About a dozen, I think.”
“All for someone’s sake. I think we’re going to need something stronger than tea to get through this. What do you say to some whisky, angel?”
“I’d say, ‘yes please’.”
Aziraphale watched his brother Gabriel lead his fiancée about the dance floor. The announcement had been sent to the papers earlier in the week, they were now officially engaged.
“Things appear to be going well,” Crowley murmured beside him.
“Yes, quite. They do make a striking couple. Although your sister does appear a bit tense, are you sure she won’t throw a fan at him again?”
“Don’t worry. Bee knows how to put on a good face for society, when necessary. Besides, what about your brother? His smile looks a tad strained.”
“No need to worry there either, Gabriel knows how to make pretty.”
“He’s not the only one,” said Crowley, looking Aziraphale up and down.
“Oh, um...” Aziraphale fussed with his cream waistcoat. “Um, thank you.”
Crowley grinned, and Aziraphale was afraid he might be blushing.
“Hello, Crowley!” Aziraphale called out, drawing the attention of the man lounging against the side of a building on Bond St.
“Aziraphale, wasn’t expecting you today.”
“Oh, I thought I might explore the lending library.”
Aziraphale looked around.
“Where’s your sister and Gabriel?”
“In that shop,” said Crowley, using his thumb to indicate the doorway closest to them.
“Um, aren’t you supposed to be chaperoning them today?”
“They have to learn to be alone together at some point. Besides, how much trouble can they get into at the milliner’s?”
“Oh, I don’t know, they could pick out a truly horrendous hat.”
“That would probably make Bee love it even more. Say, angel, after this I was going to take them to Gunter’s for ices, care to tag along?”
“That sounds delightful. I suppose I could be tempted into joining you.”
“I thought you might.”
“Hello, angel. What has got the family in a huff today?”
Once again they were at the DeVilles’s for tea. It was getting to be a habit as the wedding plans progressed. Crowley sat beside Aziraphale on the chaise longue, as Aziraphale passed him a cup of tea prepared how Crowley preferred.
“Well, it appears there is some debate about when the wedding shall take place.”
“I thought they already set a date.”
“Not the date, the time of day. Gabriel wants a morning wedding followed by a traditional wedding breakfast. Your sister has suggested having the ceremony in the late afternoon, with an evening celebration.”
“No surprise there, Bee’s never been a morning person.”
“Oh dear, Gabriel loves to go on early morning constitutionals.”
“So, Bee doesn't have to go with him. ‘Sides they each gotta have their own thing, don’t they. So, they’ll have something to talk about when they’re together.”
“I suppose so. You know that is a rather modern way of looking at marriage. You’re full of surprises, Crowley.”
“I bet you are too, angel.”
“What’s all this then?” Crowley asked as he entered the dining room, seeing the spread of half eaten cake slices on the table.
“The cook was kind enough to make cakes for the family to sample. The bride and groom have different ideas again. Gabriel wants a traditional fruit cake, your sister would like carrot.”
“Of course they have.”
“Here,” said Aziraphale, offering Crowley a forkful of cake. But, instead of taking the fork as Aziraphale expected. Crowley wrapped his mouth around the tines, his amber eyes looking directly at him. Aziraphale felt like he suddenly couldn’t catch his breath.
Crowley pulled away and swallowed, never breaking eye contact.
“It’s good, but a bit rich, don’t you think?”
“What? Oh, um...” Aziraphale turned away, putting the fork down on the table. “I suppose it is, perhaps the carrot cake will win out, after all.”
“What would your choice be, angel?”
“Oh, I don’t know, it’s not my place.”
“Go on, indulge me.”
“Well, I’m afraid my preference would be rather basic in nature. A nice vanilla sponge with berries and cream.”
“No, that’s perfectly you, light and sweet.”
Aziraphale could feel the heat rushing to his face once again.
“Crowley!” Aziraphale beamed, as Crowley sat beside him in the theatre box. Gabriel joined his fiancée in the row in front of them. “I thought it was your mother’s turn to chaperone?”
“It was, but she’s feeling a bit under the weather, so I volunteered.”
“Nothing serious, I hope.”
“No, just a bit of a megrim.”
“I supposed that’s to be expected with the big event soon approaching.”
The performance began, and Aziraphale was soon absorbed in the story. Although he couldn’t help being intensely aware of Crowley sitting close to him. He kept glancing over to see how Crowley reacted to different scenes.
At the intermission Gabriel went to fetch refreshments, after escorting Crowley’s sister over to the next box to visit friends.
“What do you think so far, angel?”
“I’m enjoying myself immensely. Although, I feel sorry for the lead’s sister, the one that has disguised herself as a young man. She’s clearly in love with her best friend, the soldier, and he’s ever so confused about his feelings. I’m afraid it might end in tragedy.”
“It shouldn’t have to. The soldier should be free to love whomever they like.”
“In an ideal world, yes.”
“In any world.”
Aziraphale looked at Crowley and was surprised at the intensity of feeling on his face, almost like anguish.
“Crowley.” Aziraphale hesitantly placed his hand on Crowley’s arm. “Everything is going to be alright.”
Crowley placed his hand over Aziraphale’s, and he could feel the warmth seep into his skin. They shared a long look. Aziraphale wished he knew what else to say, anything to make Crowley smile again.
“Angel—”
Gabriel reentered the box carrying glasses of refreshments and they released each other, the strange moment gone.
The bride kissed Aziraphale’s cheek, then hugged her brother. Gabriel gave them both hearty handshakes and Aziraphale a slap on the back. Then they were out the door, with most of the wedding guests following them out to the carriage.
The ceremony had gone off without a hitch, and the couple had surprisingly looked at each other quite fondly the whole time. It had been followed by a sumptuous luncheon, which included a two-layer cake, one layer being fruit cake, the other carrot. Aziraphale had felt beyond happy during the whole celebration, but now he felt curiously empty.
He glanced over at Crowley on his left. There would be no more afternoon teas and cake tastings. No more need for chaperones for outings to the theatre or impromptu shopping trips. No more need for Crowley and him to spend time together. Aziraphale felt like he wanted to hide away somewhere and cry.
“I guess that’s it then,” he managed to say.
“It?”
“But, I’m sure we’ll still see each other occasionally, at family gatherings and such.”
“What? Aziraphale—” Guests started flowing back into the front hall. “Let’s take this somewhere private.”
Crowley led Aziraphale down the hall to the library, closing the door shut behind them. He started pacing agitatedly about the room.
“Look, these last few months we’ve enjoyed each other’s company, haven’t we? We formed a... connection. I don’t want the next time we see each other to be the christening of Bee and Gabriel's first child! I want to see you more than that, loads more. I want to be with you everyday.”
Crowley stopped and desperately grabbed Aziraphale by the shoulders.
“Please, angel. Please tell me you feel it too. That I haven’t just been reading into things.”
Aziraphale responded by doing the most impulsive and possibly the bravest thing he had ever done. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Crowley’s.
At first it was just a gentle brush of the lips, but then Crowley made a wounded sound. Wrapping his arms around Aziraphale, and deepening the kiss. Aziraphale again felt like he wanted to cry, but this time for an entirely different reason.
After a long while they parted. Aziraphale laid his head on Crowley’s shoulder as they continued to embrace.
“My dear, how long have you known?”
“That I was attracted to you? For ages. That I love you? I’m afraid it was just now, at the thought of losing you.”
“You love me?”
“Ngk. Um... yeah, I think I do.”
“Good, because I love you too.”
Crowley’s face broke out into a huge grin.
“Well that’s the best news I’ve had all day, and my sister got married today.”
Aziraphale smiled, before a thought wrinkled his brow.
“Crowley, how will this work?”
“I’ve got no idea, but we’ll figure it out together, won’t we?”
“Perhaps, when Gabriel and Bee do have children, it wouldn’t be that unusual for two bachelor uncles to buy a cottage together near the family estate, so they could visit quite often.”
“Angel, you’re a bloody genius.”
Then Crowley kissed Aziraphale again, and Aziraphale was happy.
Lovely!
Date: 2024-12-05 10:48 am (UTC)Re: Lovely!
Date: 2024-12-05 03:29 pm (UTC)Comicgeekery
Date: 2024-12-05 07:05 pm (UTC)Re: Comicgeekery
Date: 2024-12-05 11:17 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-06 04:07 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-14 11:48 pm (UTC)shae
Date: 2024-12-07 02:28 pm (UTC)This was lovely! Aziraphale and Crowley finding little stolen moments during the lead-up to Beelzebub and Gabriel's wedding, it's so sweet. And I love how you developed the relationship of both couples at once, with Gabriel and Beelzebub's in the backdrop.
Re: shae
Date: 2024-12-14 11:49 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-10 08:46 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-14 11:51 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-13 04:38 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-14 11:53 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2024-12-30 06:00 pm (UTC)The way you portrayed Bee and Gabriel's relationship through these episodes was also delightful :) <3
(no subject)
Date: 2025-01-11 08:24 pm (UTC)