“Aziraphale,” he repeated softly.
"Ah. Nnh. Eh. Ah. Nng. El."
Aziraphale held his breath while the merlotl went through the sounds again, trying to fit them in a mouth that was either out of practice or was never designed for such a name as his. It started and ended with a sigh, the barest exhalation of sound, but the middle sounded like he was swallowing, choking on the syllable with a squeeze of air forcing a click through his throat.
Aziraphale felt something painful twist in his chest. He had known humans to make less effort with his name. People who could speak it perfectly well if they just took the time to. They just didn’t think he was worth the bother. He felt his eyes water, and he knew he was going to start crying in a moment.
“That’s it. Angel.” He pressed a hand to his chest again. “Angel. Angel—try that?”
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The question of intelligence and cognition in Xenoerpeton anthropoides is one that has never been asked before, much less explored. To do so would require a researcher to come into contact with one of these elusive semi-aquatic creatures (more commonly known as merlotl). Professor Aziraphale Eastwise, finds himself in the curious, privileged position to engage with one of these creatures up close and personal. Finally, a chance to answer all the questions he’s ever had about these strange evolutionary cousins. And the answers he receives aren’t what he expects of a simple creature—even one who is human-like.
Crowley is a social pariah among his kind who is undeniably funny, clever, curious, sensitive, caring, and intelligent. His discovery of the depths of merlotl thought and social habits could cement his fame and renown for decades to come, but this opportunity comes at a cost—Aziraphale is trapped in a cave with slowly dwindling supplies and rapidly diminishing hope. The longer he’s trapped, the more he finds himself considering questions of a forbidden nature. Questions that can’t possibly be ethical or natural. Or wanted.
Besides, surely it isn’t productive to even consider what attraction or mating behaviors look like in merlotl. After all, if a primate and an amphibious creature fell in love, where would they live? And Aziraphale needs rescue soon. Never has the adage, “publish or perish” been more apt. Or: How budget cuts lead to the discovery of a century—and the discovery of Aziraphale's heart. A story about falling in love with the subject of one’s research grant.
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It's here! This is what I've been steadily working away at since March based on art by the incredible @sungmee!! A tender monsterlover tale full of angst and survival and terror. (But also love and healing.)
Read Social organization and adaptability in Xenoerpeton anthropoides: transference of social bonding habits and mate selection on AO3
