Ineffably Affable

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Crowley savors Aziraphale’s touches, especially now that he’s back to his more comfortable self. He can’t stop himself from laughing softly at his other half’s little act, finding himself falling just a little bit more in love, if that’s even possible at this point. “You’re about the only one that wouldn’t be put off by fangs and scales, my darling.” 

Aziraphale is truly a wonder. 

Even so, Crowley needs and loves that assurance. He positively melts at Aziraphale’s kiss…he’s grown so much more bold about those lately. At first, the man was so timid, and now it’s as if they’ve been kissing and romancing for decades. It’s natural, relaxed, and Crowley lives for it. “Well, I still had my own brain.” He explains. “So I could never hurt you, snake or not.” 

There was a bit of a change, but Crowley sees no point elaborating on that just yet. He did feel more distinctly animal, but it was still his thoughts, his feelings, his words. Not a bad deal, really. At least he didn’t turn into something rabid. 

“My love, you’re a saint.” Crowley praises with a soft smile, so grateful for Aziraphale’s willingness to bring him refreshment. Loathe though he is to let his lover go, it’s for a good cause, so he allows it. Besides, the other man returns quickly enough, and with wine. “Red is perfect, thank you.”

Crowley smiles at his boyfriend, taking his glass and raising it to his lips for a small sip. “Now then. Let’s hope nothing else wild and crazy happens today…”

“I should certainly hope not,” Aziraphale said, reclaiming his seat on the sofa after handing Crowley his drink. He then tilted back his own glass, taking in the first luscious drops of a well-made wine. It was a Malbec of relatively recent vintage, but it was still splendid, nonetheless.

As the wine made its way down his throat, he thought more on Crowley’s comment. Was this it? Was this all there was to it? Was he just a one-trick magician with a sometimes-serpent lover? Really, it would be wonderful if that was the case. If he knew they’d bumped up against the limits of their gifts, he wouldn’t have to worry about what-ifs and accidents, maybes and mishaps.

An anxiety began to bubble in Aziraphale’s chest, and he hurriedly downed two more gulps of wine.

“This…this has been it, hasn’t it?” he then asked, looking into his glass. “Nothing else odd aside from this? Maybe…no, certainly, it won’t be so bad. We ought to manage. Yes, we’ll manage.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Crowley still doesn’t know why calling Aziraphale ‘angel’ just comes so naturally, but he’s just rolling with it. It fits, after all…the other man is so pure, so kind, compassionate, and nonjudgmental towards others, surely that’s worthy of some form angelic label. There’s no one more deserving, really.

He’s relieved when Aziraphale visibly calms, hoping he had some part in that. Crowley doesn’t mind that his clothes are tear-stained, the only thing he’s concerned with is trying to get the lovely smile back on the other man’s face. His favorite smile, for certain. Aziraphale seems to positively glow sometimes, and Crowley adores that.

“I know, but I still regret leaving you alone.” Crowley insisted. “But it’s all alright now, isn’t it?” He assures, gently lifting Aziraphale’s chin so that their gazes can meet properly. “We’re both here now. We may not be fully…intact..as far as memories and all, but we’re here. And that’s a gift I don’t intend to take for granted.”

Aziraphale’s words wrap all around Crowley like a warm blanket, and the man’s kiss has him flushing from the neck up. He’s never been a shy man, but he knows his other half is…..and the fact that Aziraphale did something so brave is mind-boggling. Crowley could positively melt into the bedspread.

“Ah, you’re so sweet.” Crowley purrs in a smooth tone, pressing a few kisses to Aziraphale’s forehead, cheek, and the tip of his nose. Might as well get them all in now while he can. “Would you care to get more comfortable for this cuddling session?” He asks with a gentle chuckle. 

He opened himself up to the shower of kisses, his cheeks burning just a little warmer with each one he caught. What had he done to deserve this? What merit could fate have ever found in those empty afternoons spent puttering around a library, dusting the tidy and categorizing the organized? What merit could it have ever found in those lonely evenings of cooking for one? What merit could it have ever found in his aimless existence to justify this…this gift?

“I would,” he said, finally righting himself and briefly, reluctantly freeing himself from Crowley’s hold. After taking off his shoes, he began to slip off his overcoat, a thick, beige thing from an age long past. He still had no idea where or how he had gotten it, but he knew that as material possessions went, it was one of the most important. Carefully, he pulled it off of his body and folded it over his arm. Even at the height of passion, he was inclined to guard against wrinkles.

Once the coat was attended to, he put his hands on his knees and turned toward Crowley, staring at him with wide, curious, asking eyes. He knew what they had planned, but what had they planned? This lovely, spontaneous business was not something he was at all familiar with. And why would he be? His entire life was paced and planned, carefully measured and exactly as expected. But Crowley…Crowley would know. Crowley was feeling and freedom, daring and reckless abandon. Yes, Crowley would know.

“I…ehm…” he said, lifting one hand from his knee and motioning with it to try to express his uncertainty. He eventually settled for a much more effective shrug. “So how exactly are we to go about this?”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

There’s a few things Crowley expected, but Aziraphale crying wasn’t one of them.

He can’t remember if he’s ever seen the man cry before, but he knows instantly that he hates it. Aziraphale should only ever be happy, never crying. Crowley wants to make it stop, he has to, he simply can’t stand it. 

“Oh, oh darling, no..”

Crowley wraps his arms around Aziraphale nice and tight, letting him know that he’s here, right here, and he’ll never depart from his side ever again as long as he lives. One hand moves only to soothingly rub his other half’s back, pressing a sweet kiss to the top of his head, inhaling only slightly to memorize the smell of that soft, wonderful mess of blonde waves.

“I don’t know if we were like this before, but if we weren’t, clearly we’re both idiots.” Crowley admits with a soft laugh, trying to lighten the mood a little. “I’m so sorry, Aziraphale. I’m sorry I wasn’t there, I can’t imagine how terrified you must have been.” It breaks his heart to hear the man like this, rightly tears it in two.

“But I swear to you, I’m never leaving your side again. I’d have never left in the first place had it been my choice.” Crowley still has no idea how he even wound up here in Twin Rivers, but since it’s where Aziraphale is, it’s the only place he ever wants to be now.

“Hush now, my love.” Crowley soothes, rocking them both slightly as he holds the other man. “I won’t let go of you, I promise. Please don’t cry.” He’s never had to comfort anyone like this, and he’s not sure if he’s doing it right, but when it’s Aziraphale, it seems so natural. Like despite what Crowley might think of himself, he can be a good person. He can be sweet, and kind, and loving. He can be all those nice things. For this man. For the other half of his heart. 

A thought comes to him, and he chuckles again, a smile playing on his lips. “You know there’s no place you could go where I wouldn’t find you, my angel.” 

That word again. Angel. He’d said it so smoothly, so effortlessly, so naturally, as if it were Aziraphale’s true name. Yet, as beautiful an insinuation as it was, it didn’t feel right. A real angel would hold the hurting in their firm, reassuring embrace. A real angel would comfort the weeping, the despondent, and the suffering, soothing them with their dulcet tones and healing words. A real angel would shelter the meek in their boundless love, even if they had done nothing at all to deserve it.

There was an angel here tonight, but it wasn’t him.

His breathing soon steadied, slowing and smoothing beneath the palm Crowley was gently running up and down his back. A few more tears trickled out, some down his cheek, some onto the wet spot on Crowley’s jacket, all of them the last scattered raindrops of a waning storm.

“Oh Crowley…” he murmured, breathing in his scent. He knew it, he realized, he knew that subtle scent from some moment, once cherished, now lost. “You mustn’t apologize. Whatever brought me here wasn’t your doing.”

He had his next thought in mind, but trailed off as a warm, heavy contentedness started to weigh down his body. It reminded him of sitting beside a crackling fireplace on a cold December evening, although now, the glowing hearth was in his heart.

“I believe you,” he finally mumbled softly, tiredly. Somehow, he found the energy to lift his head from its cozy spot upon Crowley’s shoulder and gaze once more upon his face. Glistening blue met vivacious gold, and a tender, satisfied smile graced Aziraphale’s lips. “I’d never doubt you. Not for a second, Crowley. Not when you’ve already come so far for me.”

Aziraphale punctuated his sentence with a kiss of his own, gentle and bashful upon Crowley’s angular jaw. He let it linger for but a moment before allowing his head to hurriedly retreat back to Crowley’s shoulder.

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

It’s only when Aziraphale’s fingers sift through Crowley’s hair that he realizes he’s got hair again in the first place. He immediately looks down, seeing his normal legs and arms, and breathes an immense sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness. I’ve never been so happy to look at my limbs before.” He chuckles a bit, looking up at his lover with a small smile.

“It’s alright, I’m sure you were quite frightened.” Crowley assures as Aziraphale references his own little scrape with ‘magic,’ or whatever the hell this is. “So clearly you and I share the ability to do…unnatural things, be it magic or..whatever. That’s good to know, I suppose.” Maybe they’re on the right track to getting their memories back, finally.

Crowley gets comfortable again, resuming his previous and quite normal cuddling position with the love of his life. “Shit, that was terrifying, huh? At least we have some idea how to get ourselves out of these predicaments now. Seems emotion is a big part of it, that’s a start, right?” 

He looks at Aziraphale fondly. “You’re really quite something. I turn into a snake and you not only manage to stay calm, but still love me. What have I done to deserve you?” Crowley presses a kiss to Aziraphale’s cheek, feeling rather warm inside. This man, his partner, truly never ceases to amaze him.

“I don’t know about you, but I think a glass of wine is in order after that ordeal..”

His fingers worked through Crowley’s hair for a while longer before trailing down the back of his scalp and coming to rest on the nape of his neck. Oh, soft, supple, human skin! He hadn’t realized what a sweet sensation it was until now.

“Why would I not love you?” he asked, faking indignance. The act hardly lasted a few seconds before it was betrayed by the small smile taking shape on his face, a smile only made more radiant by Crowley’s kiss. “Really, Crowley, I’d be an idiot if I cut you loose over what…a few scales? Fangs? It’d be rubbish, absolute rubbish. What would I even do without you?”

He sighed heavily, cathartically, and the tension that had been keeping his body rigid under Crowley began to melt away.

“And, if I might add, you were a rather pleasant snake,” he said, returning Crowley’s peck with one of his own on the ridge of his cheekbone. “Didn’t even nip.”

As the comment leapt from his tongue, his thoughts were drawn back to Crowley’s voice during the transformation. What a strange voice it had been, whispering and wavering, not quite agreeable but not so harsh that it confirmed one’s worse suspicions. What had it been, truly, and what had it meant?

Hissing. Had to be the hissing. Hissing was such a strange, alien sound to the human ear that it was only natural that it set one on edge. Yet, even with its disconcerting qualities, there was nothing at all nefarious about it, especially not when it came from the one man who had nothing but the purest love for him.

“And you’re right, you really do deserve something to drink after that ordeal,” he said, a new cheer entering his voice as he cleared away his concerns. “Stay here, we’ll get back to that other business after I fetch you a glass.”

With that, Aziraphale carefully untangled himself from Crowley and made his way to the kitchen. Hadn’t he put away a nice red wine for the next time he attempted a steak? It wouldn’t hurt to break it open a bit early, would it? Ah, there it was, just waiting to be enjoyed. He grabbed it along with a couple of glasses and returned to Crowley.

“Red wine, I hope you don’t mind.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Aziraphale returns the sentiment once again, and Crowley can’t help but to chuckle softly, still not bothering to move just yet. He places once more soft kiss to those lips he’s beginning to adore, then speaks again. “We are gonna become a ridiculous pair of old saps, I hope you’re alright with that.” He grins, taking both of the other man’s hands in his own. 

“Now, I do believe I offered you some cuddling and movies that we barely pay attention to?” Crowley continues, still filled with so much joy he can hardly contain himself. He finally pulls back and begins to lead Aziraphale slowly further into the apartment, past the kitchen and into the adjacent hallway that leads to his bedroom.

“I’ve also got some rather vintage bottles of wine and champagne we can break into if you feel so inclined.” Crowley winks, knowing how the fineries of food and drink bring such happiness to the other man. “Don’t know about you but this seems like a special occasion to me.” He stops as they arrive at his room, and he deftly kicks the door open to lead them inside.

“You should feel special, you’re the only person I’ve brought into my room.” Crowley admits with a sly grin, feeling rather like a teenager. He’s not exactly had many visitors since coming to Twin Rivers anyway, the only ones who talk to him are his coworkers really, and a few acquaintances. Aziraphale deserves to be the only one he lets get this close.

“Come.” He guides Aziraphale to the bed, sitting down on the edge and guiding his now-lover to occupy the spot beside him. He lifts a hand, touching that lovely face again, a gentle caress to the cheek. 

“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at you. Or touching you. Kissing you…”

The rest of Crowley’s apartment blurred around Aziraphale as he was led to the bedroom. He briefly became aware of a kitchen and a promise of wine, but his mind lagged far behind his physical form. It mulled about the front room, always returning to the place where his lips had touched Crowley’s. It stood in that spot, drinking in the boundless love that had breached the barrier flesh and spilled out onto the floor, against the nearby wall, and into the air. Even as Aziraphale’s body wandered further and further away, his mind sat steadfastly in this spot, serene, satisfied.

Finally, just as the strained tether between the two was about to break, Aziraphale’s mind was suddenly suctioned back to its empty vessel. He was in a bedroom, clean and pristine as the rest of the apartment but also somehow more relaxed. He listened as Crowley explained the significance of his presence in this room and was stunned into silence as he realized just how precious a gift it truly was.

Aziraphale followed when Crowley ushered him over to the bed. There he sat, listening, enthralled, as Crowley started to speak to him, so sweetly, so gently, so adoringly.

Never tire of looking at him, never tire of his touch, never tire of his kiss…

Never, now such a beautiful idea, once so terrifying.

“I never thought I’d see you again.”

The words were strangled, the first spurt of a reservoir of emotion buried deep under the earth, untapped for fear of its potency. Before he continued on, he took his head from Crowley’s hold and rested his face against his knobby shoulder. His arms, desperate for some anchor, came around Crowley’s torso and clung tight.

“Before this…when I was all alone here…I was a right mess. You really don’t know the half of it, Crowley, you really don’t. I didn’t know what to do with myself. All that I had left were a few memories of you, and you were – you were gone…”

His eyes stung with tears, and one escaped onto Crowley’s jacket. Aziraphale hoped he wouldn’t mind.

“Do you think we were like this before?” he wondered aloud. “We…we must have been, don’t you think? I’ve never felt so…”

He paused, reaching for just the right word. Pleased? Fulfilled? Satisfied?

“Loved.”

Another tear slipped out, then another. He stifled a sob, his grip tightening around Crowley as he did so.

“Please…just hold me. Don’t let go.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Oh wow. This is…..beyond words, truly. Crowley is nearly positive he’s never felt anything like this. It’s as if….a thousand or more years of bottled-up emotion has spilled over into this perfect moment, one straight from the movies. It shouldn’t feel this powerful, a kiss…surely this isn’t normal? But it is, nonetheless, and every ounce of Crowley’s soul responds to it like a shout of hallelujah.

And that’s all before Aziraphale really reciprocates.

Tentative lips respond to Crowley’s, a rhythm sets, and he swears he could fly to the moon right this moment. There’s a heat to the way he claims Aziraphale’s lips as his own, but it’s only slight, and there’s nothing sexual to it. He simply wants to show the other man how longed for he is, how wanted and cherished. He seeks to memorize the taste, the feel of those soft lips, the soft scent of natural musk exchanged between them.

Crowley’s hands raise, reaching to gently cup both sides of Aziraphale’s face, keeping his touch tender and reverent. He has no idea how long the two of them kiss, time is irrelevant to him. When he finally has to pull back for air, Crowley’s head is spinning and he’s breathless, not just from the physical act itself. He keeps his forehead connected to his lover’s, a small grin curling up the corners of his lips.

This has got to be the best moment of Crowley’s life. 

Their breaths mingle, and Crowley looks deep into Aziraphale’s eyes, those deep orbs that hold so much love, compassion, honesty, and joy. “I know I’ve said it earlier, and I’ll probably say it at least a hundred more times until you get tired of it, but..

“I love you. So much.” 

Without so much as exchanging a word, Aziraphale understood every facet of Crowley’s want, every detail of his desire. He knew the purity of his passion, an adoration that dove far beneath the skin and gazed longingly at the contents of his heart. He knew the weight of his warmth, a secret jealously hidden away from all except those most precious. He knew the depth of his devotion, a force that would make Crowley move mountains and part the ocean’s waves, if only so he could hold him once more.

Crowley’s hands came to his face, and he lost himself in the kiss. Touch, taste, and scent all merged into one beautiful, brilliant, indescribable sensation. Was this it? Was this what love felt like?

Finally, just as Aziraphale’s lungs began to ache for air, the kiss came to an end. Their lips reluctantly parted ways, two lovers whose reunion had been cut tragically short. Aziraphale suddenly felt dizzy, and he placed a hand around each of Crowley’s shoulders to steady himself. He took a deep breath, leaning his forehead heavily into Crowley’s, but didn’t feel any less light-headed.

How had this happened? Just two hours ago, his heart had been bare, distraught and mourning its emptiness. And now? Now, it spilled over with a feeling equal parts strange and familiar, equal parts intimidating and inviting. He could sense that feeling darting around between his scraps of memory, blowing the dust off of each one so that he could see their contents more clearly. Lunches at little niche cafes became games of cat and mouse, games of furtive looks and covert glances. The bookshop became a gold-hued haven, a place where lover’s secrets were made and kept. But why secrets? What had there been to hide?

He cast aside his questions so he could get lost in Crowley’s golden gaze.

Aziraphale watched as Crowley’s words etched themselves into his features. He read them again and again, first off of his glowing grin, then from his piercing, candid eyes. He was wanted, they said so plainly, he was adored, he was loved.

Aziraphale shut his eyes, lest he became overwhelmed with it all.

“I…” he began, the confession swirling around amorphously in his mind. His grip tightened around Crowley’s shoulders as he strained for words. Yet, a sudden shyness turned Aziraphale’s silver tongue to lead and left all of his love unsaid. Frantically, he searched for a witty turn of phrase that would lift the curse, but nothing rose to the occasion.

In the end, it was four simple words that ultimately came to his rescue.

“I love you, too.”

[ineffxble]

lcstbcys​:

THE  OTHER  MAN’S  enthusiasm  brings  a  rare  smile  to  his  lips .  aziraphale’s  london  may  never  truly  have  been  kell’s  home ,  but  it’s  still  closer  to  it  than  twin  rivers  could  ever  hope  to  be ,  even  after  a  year  of  living  in  this  curious  town .  besides ,  the  anatari  has  always  been  fond  of  this  world’s  london ,  or  at  least  how  he  remembers  it  -  foggy  and  damp ,  the  nights  lit  by  the  flickering  gaslamps  and  carrying  the  sound  of  hooves  on  the  cobbled  streets .  he’s  seen  pictures  of  it  now ,  vibrant  and  pulsing  with  a  new  current ,  modern  buildings  incongruous  in  a  familiar  skyline . so  much  is  new,  but  just  as  much  stands  as  it  always  has ,  entirely  unchanged . 

“ it’s  been  some  time  since  I’ve  seen  the  city , ”   he  says .  it’s  an  obvious  understatement ,  but  he’s  not  about  to  admit  that  it’s  been  an  excess  of  two  hundred  years  since  he  last  wandered  the  narrow  alleys  of  grey  london .    “ but  if  I  ever  find  myself  back  there ,  it  would  certainly  be  a  pleasure  to  share  lunch  with  you . ”    he  pauses  to  take  another  sip  of  tea ,  then  asks ,    “  is  that  where  your  bookshop  was ? ”

“It was,” Aziraphale affirmed. A pensive, distant expression slackened his features, but he soon drew himself out of his bookshop’s winding aisles and back into the present moment. There was no need to pine, not now anyway. After all, this was the one place where he could truly slough off his troubles and go about his day happy and unhindered. Melancholy would only poison the waters of his sacred oasis.

“I’d be happy to show you around if you were to ever stop by,” Aziraphale offered, finally noticing his neglected cup of tea. He brought it to his mouth to sip at it, but paused once the liquid hit his tongue. Oh bother, it’d started going cold. He frowned slightly as he set it back down on the table. “I know I talk an awful lot about it, but you really must see if for yourself. It’s all older works, mostly books but I’ve come across a handful of interesting pamphlets over the years. And maps! I’ve got some rather fascinating maps, back from when they bothered to decorate them. I know that it’s not quite scientific, but I really do like them better that way…”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Dammit. Crowley had really hoped it’d be that simple. He should’ve known there would be more to it than just ‘thinking hard’ about wanting to have two legs and two arms again. 

He looks at Aziraphale curiously, serpentine eyes regarding his lover with a glimmer of hope in them as he listens to the man talk. “Made things disappear..” Crowley echoed, trying to make sense of the words and make them relate to his current situation somehow. Wouldn’t that be nice if his boyfriend could just…poof this problem away?

But again, surely it’s not that easy.

The same idea dawns on Crowley and he blinks, but then calms again as Aziraphale reassures him. Besides, he knows his lover would never intentionally hurt him. But if he didn’t have any control over it….that’s a bit of a frightening thought. “Emotion…” Crowley exhales, mulling it all over. if emotion is the key…what on earth emotion would unlock him turning into..this?

“Good grief, I can’t believe you never told me about this encounter, that sounds positively horrid.” Crowley replies, concerned. He can’t do much about what’s already happened, but he’s on edge. About his own abilities, and now about Aziraphale’s as well. “What a right pair we make. I can turn into a snake and you can make things disappear and reappear.” 

“This must be some kind of  sick joke.” Crowley forces himself to breathe, centering himself, resigning himself to the idea that he might just be stuck like this. If the whole emotion thing has merit, doing what Aziraphale did might just be worth a try. 

As his mind calms and his emotions cease their swirling, Crowley feels a tremor shoot through his limbs that he ignores. Must be a weird snake thing. He closes his eyes as he leans against Aziraphale’s chest, shifting back into his human form, completely unaware of it. 

“I’m sorry, my love. This must be so difficult for you. A snake boyfriend, how terrible.” 

Aziraphale felt the change before he saw it. Crowley’s strong, cylindric core began to broaden and morph, nudging Aziraphale’s arms out from beneath his belly. His hands found a new post on Crowley’s back, and he held on tightly as Crowley’s angular arms and lanky legs made their triumphant return. Soon enough, all that was left was the head. Aziraphale’s heart fluttered as sharp, discernable features carved themselves into Crowley’s smooth snout and formed the beginnings of a man’s face. As he watched the change unfold, he let one of the hands he’d laid upon Crowley’s spine travel to his scalp, where a shock of soft ginger hair had replaced his tough, scaly crown. Slowly, carefully, Aziraphale ran his fingers through that hair, a sense of relief washing over him as it became clear that a return to humanity was imminent.

“There’s no need to apologize,” Aziraphale said, his voice soft and low. He continued to move his fingers through Crowley’s hair, so gently, so lovingly. “You’ve fixed it now, haven’t you? And really, I should be the one apologizing. I should have told you about all of that unpleasant business earlier…”

[ineffxble]

tvkingchvnces​:

               “  Trouble?  “  He  asked,  raising  his  eyebrow.  He  had  a  feeling  that  an  angel  set  loose  with  no  memories  could  cause  issues.  They  had  a  habit of  causing  trouble  even  when  they  knew  exactly  who  they  were,  without  their  memories  they  were  a  ticking  time  bomb.  Hopefully  it  was  nothing  too  catastrophic.

               “  I  do  know  a  great  deal  about  these  things,  yes.  “  He  nodded.  As  Aziraphale  spoke,  Lucifer  relaxed  a  little  bit.  If  all  that  happened  was  that  he  made  a  few  bugs  disappear,  it  was  hardly  as  urgent  as  he  thought  it  might  have  been.  Still,  Aziraphale  was  clearly  rattled  by  it.  “  A  man  who  could  summon  insects?  “  He  asked,  furrowing  his  brow  together.  He  hadn’t  heard  of  anything  like  that  since  his  father  sent  down  the  plague  of  locusts.  He  highly  doubted  that  this  was  the  case  here,  though.  

               “  Well,  let’s  start  with  this.  “  Lucifer  replied.  He  wanted  to  see  what  the  other  man’s  theories  were  before  he  came  out  with  what  was  now  undeniably  the  truth.  It  might  be  less  shocking  that  way.  “  What  do  you  think  happened?  It  doesn’t  matter  how  strange  or  impossible  it  sounds,  I  want  to  hear  your  theories.  “

Aziraphale tilted his head slightly to the side as he studied Lucifer’s expression. He seemed to be taking this somewhat seriously, which at this point really shouldn’t have been a surprise. In all of his conversations with him so far, Lucifer had always appeared to maintain some baseline level of sincerity. This had remained true even during that unfortunate instance where their interaction had edged on the adversarial, a time where any other flippant fiend would have cast him off with an irreverent remark and snide smirk. Yet, Lucifer had let him remain.

As Lucifer spoke, Aziraphale nodded along, less to confirm what was being said and more to reassure himself that yes, he had come to the right person. He’d find answers here, answers and reassurances from someone that knew better, someone who had the nerve to peer into the murk and tell him that there was nothing there worth his concern. He could rest easy, knowing that this power of his was a known entity, something predictable and defined, something that didn’t leave him with worrying what-ifs that whispered in his ear at night. Everything would be explained, and he would wonder no more.

But then, Lucifer posed a question of his own.

A small frown took shape on Aziraphale’s face. His theories? He just wanted someone to tell him that everything would be alright, even if that someone was the Devil. Was such a small comfort too much to ask?

“I – “ Aziraphale stammered, quite obviously caught off guard. Would it be alright to answer that he didn’t have any, that it was simply too intimidating to consider the unknown for himself? “I…It must be some sort of magic. It certainly couldn’t have been anything else, not with the power that I felt when it all happened. It was warm…and it glowed. Rather nice actually. Well, that’s how it seemed in my mind, at least. I can’t see how it was witchcraft…but I really shouldn’t make assumptions, should I? Not after last time.”

Aziraphale stopped to catch his breath and realized something extraordinary: all on his own, he’d taken the leap and made himself the beginnings of a theory.

“Perhaps it really was witchcraft. There really isn’t anything else it could be, is there? The lad with the insects called me an angel, but he was clearly mad,” he continued, a bit more confident. “No credibility whatsoever…and I’m certain I’d know if I were an angel. And wouldn’t you? Given your…ehm…position?”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Crowley gets the door unlocked, ready to get the hell inside already. He simply can’t wait a moment longer, he might explode. He guides Aziraphale inside and shuts the door behind him, keeping a firm hold on his companion’s hand. The place is small, but the furnishings are quite modern…all dark colors and unique shapes.

There’s a number of plants all around…Crowley isn’t sure where his affinity for them came from but he does get rather demanding when it comes to their upkeep. It makes the place look nice, and he can’t stand the thought of something out of place or not up to his high standard. 

“Now then.” He turns to Aziraphale, so happy to finally be alone. This feels like a dam about to burst, and he no longer has to reign himself in. Crowley’s hands lift to cup the other man’s face, just looking at him for a long moment, as if to memorize his features. They’re so vivid, so much more so than his scattered recollections.

The smile that creeps onto Crowley’s face is enough to light the world, surely. Only Aziraphale could produce this kind of expression from him. “I’m going to do something I feel like I’ve wanted to do for a long time.” Closing the small distance between them, he leans in, pressing his lips to the other man’s so softly, almost tremulously.

Crowley isn’t a fearful man, but this is intense. He goes slow, feeling as if he must, simply melding the shape of his lips to that of Aziraphale’s. The kiss is not demanding, more of a silent plea, an answer to questions he didn’t even know he’d asked. 

Aziraphale followed Crowley into the apartment and took in the décor. It was all sleek, dark, and modern, a true extension of its owner. Scattered around the apartment were pots of impeccably kept plants. No matter how hard he searched, Aziraphale couldn’t find a single limp leaf or floundering flower in the little garden. He thought about complimenting Crowley for his handiwork, but quickly abandoned the idea. There was no space for petty pleasantries in a moment saturated by an ardor indescribable.

Suddenly, Crowley’s hand was caressing his jaw and gently guiding it upward. As he tilted his head back, his gaze slowly traveled across Crowley’s face, taking in its beautiful, idiosyncratic topography. He drank in his prominent cheekbones, those long, sharp, exacting mountain ranges that loomed over the gently curving valleys of his thin, hollow cheeks. Still further south was a jaw, narrow and defined, too perfect for it to have been one of nature’s accidents. What master sculpture could have had the talent to chisel it, so carefully, so precisely? And why, why had they let their masterwork loose into his unworthy hold?

He didn’t get a chance to ask.

His lips met Crowley’s for an embrace long pined for and even longer overdue. His mind went silent, its words once again banished by a passion impervious to the adverb and interjection. Slowly, the kiss worked into his flesh, and he did nothing to rush it. He wanted every second of this kiss, he wanted it to linger on, he wanted the persistent progression of time to gaze upon them and be moved to stillness, forever letting them remain in this moment. He bottled up this desire, the strongest he had ever felt, and offered it back to Crowley, leaning into the kiss and doing all he could to make it last, make it eternal.

[nottherealsimon]

Crowley and Aziraphale moodboard ❤️

[ineffxble]

@lotuspetals86xx

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

The more he calms down and focuses his thoughts, the easier it is to maneuver. It’s not that different from his real body, just…less limbs. As far as how in the world to get back to normal, that’s going to take a bit of trial and error. At least, that’s the only strategy Crowley currently has. 

If he’s able to figure this out, he could certainly have a bit of fun with it. He’s not entirely sure in what kind of scenario being a serpent would prove useful, but he’ll certainly figure it out. However, that’s not his primary concern right this moment. When Aziraphale is able to move and supports him from below, it feels…strange. But good.

Crowley nearly preens when his boyfriend starts to rub at that spot…my, that feels awfully good, too. He supposes he’s almost like a pet right now. Could be worse. At least he’s with Aziraphale and not out in public somewhere, that would certainly cause a stir. All in all, he’s thankful to be in his lover’s arms. Even if he’s not his typical self. 

At Aziraphale’s words, Crowley relaxes even further. He could just be a skilled wizard or something, that wouldn’t be so bad. Besides, his lover has a point. They’ve got plenty of time to sort out the whys and hows later, right now he needs to fix himself. 

The kiss has him warming up considerably. That too feels strange in this form, but so…so comforting. “I…don’t know if you can help, darling.” Crowley admits. “I think this is one of those things I need to sort out on my own.” Taking a deep breath, he closes his eyes and focuses his mind, concentrating on the desired result. “But…keeping me calm certainly can’t hurt.” 

“Anything happening?” 

“I’m afraid not.”

Despite Crowley’s best efforts, Aziraphale was still engulfed in his coils, loop upon loop of scales pressing gently into his flesh as he did his best to hold them steady. Alas, there was so much snake and only so much man, and much of Crowley’s form was spilling out from his hold. He brought his other arm down from Crowley’s head to take up more of his belly, but even then, it made little difference.

“I…” he started as a thought suddenly came to him. This was magic. It had to be magic. And hadn’t he once…just recently…?

His mouth clamped shut. No, he knew nothing of it. That thing had found him suddenly, unexpectedly, without so much as a whisper of what it was or where it had come from. A shiver ran down Aziraphale’s spine as he thought of it, so warm and powerful and beautiful, but also so horrible and mysterious and terrifying. He needed a guide. He had to have a guide, not just so he could teach it to others, but so that someone could finally confirm that it truly belonged to him, that it was part of him. He needed that other voice to answer his questions and tell him that they knew, they knew of this and all that he could never hope to understand on his own. He needed that voice to tell him that yes, amidst his worries and doubts, there was someone who could assure him that all was right in the world.

But he didn’t have that voice right now. Heavens knew he might never, stranded in this town by forces as silent as they were ineffable. He only had his lover, and his lover, his poor, poor lover, was in no place to assuage.

“Forgive me for not telling you,” he finally said, his voice wavering and thin as he hesitantly delved back towards those empowered moments. “But…I had a brush with this business recently too. I didn’t become anything, no, but I did make some things disappear. Insects and snakes, mostly. Perhaps a beetle or two.”

He suddenly became aware of how that sounded, given the circumstances.

“Not you! I’d never do that to you!” he insisted before any misunderstanding could be had. “And I hadn’t meant it! I even brought them all back, not a single scratch on them.”

He stopped himself. Rambling, again. Why was it always rambling with him?

“I can’t know if it was anything like this now…” he said, each word deliberate as he tried to restrain his train of thought. “But it was emotion. They disappeared when I was…frightened.”

He forced down a grimace. Although his delicate ways were known to most, he still had enough dignity to hate applying the word to himself.

“And they returned once I had come to peace with it all. Dying, I mean. There was a rather deranged lad with a gun, and he – oh, forget about it, none of that is important now,” he finished. “I don’t expect you to go through any of that. I wouldn’t want you to. There really must be a simpler solution.”

[ineffxble]

tiimetogrow​:

she couldn’t help it - she deflated just a bit. it wasn’t his fault, of course, not knowing about anymore stars. like he said, his home never really allowed for it thanks to all the light pollution ( a common problem on this planet, it seemed ). ahsoka missed the stars, missed being among them, missed watching them melt into streaks when they hit hyperspace. she missed home. “ it’s all right. i understand. ” unfortunately, her voice fit well with her demeanor, her head turning back to look at the sky again. it was grand and foreign, deep and wide, absolutely breathtaking. “ these stars just aren’t like mine from back home, ” she explained, voice going soft, almost as if she was speaking to herself. “ those are the ones i know by heart. ” by heart, by soul - what was the difference. “ but these ones are really pretty, aren’t they ? nothing to hold them back. ” she was smiling, though, a long-ago thought of anakin and her passing through her mind, quick like hyperspace.

Aziraphale raised an eyebrow. Weren’t stars the same all across the world? What he saw now here in Twin Rivers was the same as what he would have seen in London, if the blinding lights and thick smog hadn’t had their say in the matter. Then again, he was no expert in stars. Perhaps things were different in the far reaches of the globe, like the hemispheres’ reversed seasons.

“You’re right,” he started, wistfully looking back up at the twinkling stars. “They’re quite free up there, aren’t they?”

A melancholy thought bubbled its way out of the abyss, but he forced it back down into the darkness. He ought not to trouble her with his worries, he thought, for he had already disappointed her enough as it was.

“Where exactly is it that you’re from?” he finally asked, seizing the opportunity to divert his attention to less bothersome matters. “I’ve not heard of a place with different stars.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Crowley isn’t terribly sure how Aziraphale feels about physical affection, but so far he seems to be receptive. Thank everything, because he thinks he might die if he can’t be close to him. He’s always been one for touch, and never dismissed how powerful it can be. He can’t recall ever being able to be like this with someone, and the chemistry between them is like an electric charge, Crowley can physically feel it.

It’s not even necessarily the physical that attracts Crowley so. Sure, Aziraphale is adorable, with handsome features and an absolutely dazzling smile. But that’s not what has him so entranced. It’s the pure spirit he can sense within the other man, the imagination his companion holds in his mind, and the bond they share. The way they are two sides of the same coin, despite any differences they might have had.

Crowley can’t think of anyone else that could complete him like this.

At Aziraphale’s words, he chuckles. “I’d argue with you, but I know I’d lose.” He looks up at his other half with a soft smile. The kiss his love gives him is so innocent, but he knows the effort he took for Aziraphale to take such initiative, and it fills Crowley with warmth. 

“I can’t believe I’m allowed to feel this wonderful..” Crowley admits in a soft voice, kissing just below Aziraphale’s ear, chaste and soft. Within a few moments, the car is pulling up to his apartment, and his heart pounds. Finally. He thanks the driver, having already paid through his phone, and waits for the other to exit the car before following.

“It’s not much, but it’s home.” Crowley explains, taking Aziraphale’s hand and gently guiding him to the door. 

Aziraphale was silent for the rest of the trip. Crowley’s touch purged his mind of words, and the empty space they had once occupied quickly filled with the marvelous sensation of his darling’s love. Even as Crowley’s lips departed from his skin, the kiss lingered, exciting the nerves to the point of exaltation. Whenever they sensed that the feeling of the kiss was about to fade, they resolutely banded together to recreate it. Aziraphale almost gasped as his skin bloomed anew with the soft impression of his lover’s lips upon his flesh, but he kept himself silent. Such crude sounds had no place in this sacred moment.

Finally, they had arrived at Crowley’s apartment. Aziraphale also offered the driver his thanks before clambering out of the car. Once outside, the first of his banished words began to return to him, slipping in through the cracks and sneaking back to their stolen thrones. It was a fortunate thing that they did, since it was at this point that Crowley decided to restart the conversation.

“I’m sure it’s lovely,” he said, following Crowley to the door. And he knew it would be. Despite the town running ruin on his memories, he was keenly aware of Crowley’s fastidiousness. Even if an apartment was a run-down disaster, he would find some way to make it feel clean and open, almost to the peril of making it seem a bit cold. It was simply who Crowley was.

[ineffxble]

astcroid​:

“ᴏʜ ʏᴇᴀʜ, sᴀᴍᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ."  faye  concurred  apathetically.  though  the  witch  probably  could  have  helped  in  some  way.  her  magic,  or  some  kind  of  magic,  had  just  kicked  in.  it  was  a  dark  power,  but  strong.  certainly  enough  to  pick  up  pieces  of  a  crumbling  building.  but  she  was  too  busy  enjoying  the  moment.  "plus,  given  your  age,  it’s  probably  not  wise  to  run  into  danger.  you  wouldn’t  just  get  in  the  way  of  the  professionals,  but  add  more  work  for  them." 

The barest hint of a smile pushed at the corners of Aziraphale’s lips. Even if the remark was meant to mock him, it did hold a kernel of truth. One thing he had noticed since arriving in Twin Rivers is that its population skewed unusually young. Consequentially, he was practically a geriatric despite not yet being totally divorced from his own prime. Such were the pains of a generational divide.

“I’m afraid you’re right,” he humbly admitted. “I imagine my body isn’t at all that it used to be. I’m sure something would have happened. Knee, perhaps. Or the back. But I’m certain you don’t want to hear about any of that. You ought to enjoy the decades before this business becomes your concern.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

Crowley, despite his state of panic, is infinitely glad that at the very least Aziraphale recognizes him and isn’t also panicking. How his other half is pulling that off, he hasn’t the foggiest idea, but he’s eternally grateful. He’s also glad that Aziraphale can understand him, at least on some level. That will make sorting this mess out ten times easier, no doubt. Two heads are better than one, even if one of those heads belongs to a snake.

It’s weird being touched by his lover when he’s in this…form, or whatever one might call it. Crowley can feel the soft caress, almost in an entirely new way, and it’s not unpleasant. 

Somewhere deep down, Crowley knows he needs to focus and solve this, and freaking out won’t help him go back to normal. “Darling..” He speaks in that deep, foreign voice, “If I knew what the hell happened d’ya really think I’d be so out of sorts right now?” Crowley lays his snake head against Aziraphale’s shoulder, forcing himself to relax.

“Oh, thank fuck for that.” He remarks as he feels himself unclench from around Aziraphale. At least he has minimal control over his movements now, that’s helpful. Crowley’s still looped around his other half, but far more loosely now, allowing the other man to move appropriately. 

“Let me….think.” Crowley closes his eyes, breathing deeply as he gets used to the feel of being in such a streamlined body. “Perhaps if I concentrate I can…get back to normal. I don’t even want to know why I can do this in the first place..”

“Perhaps that Lucifer bastard was right.”

He had a point. Crowley was a crafty rascal at heart, and if he’d had even an ounce of control over this power, he would have found a much more interesting way of introducing it. Aziraphale could see it now: he’d idly pull a book off of his shelf, only to reveal the massive, hissing head of the wily old serpent that had been hiding among the aging pages.  He’d be given a right good start, yelping and clutching the book to his chest, as the snake slithered off the shelf and into his arms. Then, and only then, its unsightly scales would fall away and free the beautiful man concealed beneath. The man would throw his head back dramatically, indulging in a long, canorous cackle before reaching up to Aziraphale’s flushed face to finally make amends.

But alas, that was not at all what had happened. Everything about this had gone wrong, so terribly, terribly wrong, and Aziraphale knew not what to do. He stayed perfectly still as Crowley slowly traveled up his chest, and he surprised himself when he didn’t flinch as Crowley laid his big, beastly head on his shoulder. Somehow, mercifully, the most primal part of his mind was making the distinction between snake and swain.

Suddenly, the pressure against his other arm dissipated and he could move it again. Carefully, he maneuvered it around Crowley’s bulk so that his forearm was under his belly, offering meager support for at least part of his long, ample form. Meanwhile, the hand that had been cupping Crowley’s chin moved to the top of his head, where his pointer and middle fingers lightly stroked the space between his big, peering eyes.

They sat like this for a moment, neither saying a thing until Crowley broke the silence. His whispered words offered Aziraphale the strangest feeling, a feeling unlike any he’d ever endured before. Although he could sense the man he loved within the wispy layers of speech, they still felt dangerous and deceptive, like a promise never intended to be kept.

“Hush,” Aziraphale said, casting aside his doubt to focus once more on his lover. He emphasized the demand by tilting his head downward and planting a quick kiss on the tip of Crowley’s snout. “You’ve only done a little bit of transfiguration, that’s all. Typical magic, really. No reason at all to assume it’s demonic.”

“But we shouldn’t worry about that now – it’s not going to help one bit,” he continued, shifting around to a more comfortable position in Crowley’s loosened hold. “Just relax and tell me what I ought to do to help.”

[ineffxble]

lotuspetals86xx​:

It seems they’re both equally swept up, not paying attention to anything or anyone outside of the two of them. It’s the least they deserve, really. Crowley doesn’t think he’s ever been in such a rush to get somewhere in his life. All he can think about is the freedom he’ll have with Aziraphale once they’re alone, everything he’ll finally be able to do. It’s got his blood practically on fire, every muscle twitching in desperate anticipation. 

The way Aziraphale touches the spot where he kissed is so endearing, Crowley thinks that’s one of the many images that will be permanently etched into his memory. He chuckles, knowing damn well that his companion was about to go off on him, but pleased that he thought better of it.

There’ll be plenty of time for Aziraphale to complain later. Strangely enough, Crowley’s looking forward to it. 

“Consider it done, my love.” Crowley smirks, taking out his phone and selecting a ride via an app. Still amazes him, the technology. He absently squeezes Aziraphale’s hand as they wait for the car, and they share their mutual excitement. When their ride arrives, he smiles even more widely than before, tugging the other man inside with him into the backseat.

Once they’re settled, Crowley rests a hand on Aziraphale’s thigh, confirming the address with the driver. Won’t be long now. He rests his head on his love’s shoulder, speaking in a low voice. 

“Thank you for agreeing to stay with me tonight. You’ve made me the happiest bastard in the world today.” 

Aziraphale slid into the car after Crowley, settling into the slightly worn seat beside him. It felt so odd being so close to someone, especially in this context. Although Aziraphale adored his acquaintances in both this life and the last, he’d never sought to physically express his affinity. But now, he was so near Crowley that if he closed his eyes and tuned out the whining radio, he could hear his gentle puffs of breath mingle with the air. He could hear the sweet, tender murmurs leave his lips and caress his ears. He could hear Crowley’s heart, quivering and restless, calling out eagerly to his own.

When Aziraphale least expected it, Crowley’s hand shifted onto his thigh, and his head found his shoulder not long after. At each point of contact, a wave of some brilliant, new, strange feeling erupted, diffusing though Aziraphale’s body and cleansing it of stresses and apprehensions so old, he’d forgotten from when and where they’d come from. In Crowley’s hold, he was refreshed.

Perhaps it was a bit dramatic to call it a new lease on life, but that was certainly what it felt like for Aziraphale. For so long, he’d stood still, feet firmly frozen to the ground as he peered over his shoulder, searching the thick mist of antiquity for the waning remains of a phantasmagoric past. But now, the sun had finally risen, casting its blazing red light upon him. Its rays banished the mist, chasing away the taunting mirage of memory. Its heat warmed his body, melting the ice gathered around his joints. Its brilliant vermilion glow inundated the earth and illuminated the long, winding path he had stood on for so long but never dared to explore.

Aziraphale turned his head to face the sunrise and find his future under its guiding light.

“You really shouldn’t lie, Crowley,” Aziraphale said, his voice mirroring the gentle smile that had found its way to his face. “How could I ever make you happiest when you’ve made me even happier?”

He pressed a short, nervous staccato of a kiss to Crowley’s temple.

When Aziraphale pulled back, he could hear nothing. The buzzing radio had mercifully fallen silent, and the obnoxious honk of the tailgater behind them had been all but abolished from the world. Only one sound remained, the powerful, pulsating thrum of his heart beating rhythmically against his eardrums. For a moment, he wondered what it was trying to tell him, but he soon recognized it for what it was: the beautiful, primal melody of love.