The Rest of Our Lives - Christmas Extra
In which Aziraphale and Crowley spend their time contentedly indoors in one warm night during Christmas Eve, just relishing in each otherâs company. Just as Crowley starts to fall asleep, Aziraphale gives him an innocent goodnight kiss.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 WIP
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Okay I commented a few songs I like and one of them was Mockingbird by Rob Thomas, but I want to break down my interpretation of some of the lyrics through an aziracrow lense cause it's fun and it makes me happy so here we go:
So I picture the song overall as examining the mindsets of both Aziraphale and Crowley during the Final Fifteen. I'll start with parts in main chorus:
"Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move or we can't stay here"
'Got lost somewhere' referring to their miscommunication/overall dilemma, that they got so far off course that no matter the outcome they are going to hurt each other (hence "can't move" or "can't stay here"). But I also like to think of that as a double meaning, where Crowley "can't move" (go back to heaven as an angel) and Aziraphale "can't stay here" (turn down the chance to attempt to make a difference as Supreme archangel).
"You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing"
Both Aziraphale and Crowley are trying their hardest to be together forever safely without the threat of heaven and hell looming over them. But they go about it in such different ways that it is perceived by the other as a rejection. The 'mockingbird' is the nightingale, mocking them by staying silent.
Now onto individual lyrics:
"Everybody else is smiling
And their smiles don't fade
And you don't even wonder
Why you just don't think that way"
This is Crowley talking to Aziraphale about heaven. 'Everybody' here is all the other angels, whose smiles don't fade because they are were never real to begin with, or because they agree with everything that heaven has done over the past 6000 years. This line is Crowley pointing out to Aziraphale the exact thing we saw him learn throughout the flashbacks in S2: that Aziraphale's values and love of the earth/humanity don't exactly align with heaven's.
"Take my hand
And I will lead you through the broken promise land
Yes I can, oh yes I can
I can be there when you need it
I'll give it all 'til you can't feel it anymore"
Aziraphale talking to Crowley this time, asking him to come with him to heaven (aka the "broken promise land"). Aziraphale knows its broken, but he wants/needs Crowley by his side because he loves him. He would do anything ('I'll give it all') to be there with him. As Aziraphale said "I need you!" He's begging.
"I don't wanna love you now
If you'll just leave someday
I don't wanna turn around
If you'll just walk away"
And in my opinion the most heartbreaking of them all, these lines. The first two are Crowley talking to Aziraphale, with 'leave someday' quite literally meaning Aziraphale leaving Crowley, of Aziraphale choosing heaven over him. In their first fight in the beginning of S2, when Aziraphale insisted on helping Gabriel instead of getting him far away from them (in Crowley's eyes, sort of like choosing heaven over them), Crowley immediately started referring to his "peaceful, fragile existence" that he "carved out for myself." And when Aziraphale called him out "I thought we carved it out for ourselves!" Crowley immediately responded with "so did I!" He shrinks back when he feels Aziraphale might not choose him over heaven.
And then there's the next two, which is Aziraphale talking to Crowley. Crowley is always the one who leaves after they fight, the bandstand, beginning of S2, even turns to leave during the final 15 before Aziraphale stops him. He always comes back, yes, but it hurts Aziraphale every time Crowley leaves. At the very very end, we see Aziraphale so hesitant to look back at Crowley as he's heading towards the elevator to heaven, and while I think part of that is guilt I also think part of it is because it would break his heart to watch Crowley leave. So he doesn't look back until the news about the Second Coming makes him feel he needs to. And I think the fact that Crowley was standing there, refusing to leave until Aziraphale did means a lot (for a variety of reasons I won't get into now cause this point is already long enough as it is).
It's just a kinda sad song about two people trying so hard and yet failing to be together despite loving each other so much, and I can't wait for them to finally figure out how to love each other together in S3 â¤ď¸
Inspired by @gahellhimself-blog Ineffible Husbands art HERE. (So, so stunning)
They exited the shop as they had entered, hand in arm. Only this time Aziraphale snuggled in close. This time he held on with both hands. This time Crowley pressed warm lips to the top of his head. And this time, Aziraphale thrilled with the possibilities of it all.
shower. not a bath, a shower. use water as hot or cold as u like. u dont even need to wash. just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. sit on the floor if you gotta.
moisturize everything. use whatever lotion u like. unscented? dollar store lotion? fancy ass 48 hour lotion that makes u smell like a field of wildflowers? use whatever you want, and use it all over.Â
put on clean, comfortable clothes.Â
put on ur favorite underwear. cute black lacy panties? those ridiculous boxers u bought last christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? put em on.
drink cold water. use ice. if u want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.
clean something. doesnât have to be anything big. organize one drawer of ur desk. wash five dirty dishes. do a load of laundry. scrub the bathroom sink.Â
blast music. listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something thatâs got lots of energy. sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.
make food. donât just grab a granola bar to munch. take the time and make food. even if itâs ramen. add something special to it, like a hard boiled egg or some veggies. prepare food, it tastes way better, and youâll feel like you accomplished something.Â
make something. write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. even if you donât think youâre good at it.
go outside. take a walk. sit in the grass. look at the clouds. smell flowers. put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.
call someone. call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. talk to a stranger on the street. have a conversation and listen to someoneâs voice. if you canât, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. even if you donât say much, listen to them.
cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. take pictures of them. talk to them. tell them how u feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out.
The Rest of Our Lives - Christmas Extra
In which Aziraphale and Crowley spend their time contentedly indoors in one warm night during Christmas Eve, just relishing in each otherâs company. Just as Crowley starts to fall asleep, Aziraphale gives him an innocent goodnight kiss.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 WIP
Patreon | Ko-fi
Hearing Aziraphale explain the tradition of giving gifts to Muriel at Christmas, Crowley recalls another explanation given by Brother Francis years before.Â
Notes
For @parttimefairy in exchange for your donation Alzheimerâs research UK
Prompt requested : "During Christmas time, Crowley and Aziraphale are spending time together preparing the festivities (possibly as Nanny Ashtoresh and Brother Francis for Warlock.) During that, they beginn to bicker about the meaning of Christmas and the purpose of gift giving."
INEFFABLE ADVENT CALENDER
On Ao3
Rating G -Â 1017 words
"Where did the tradition of giving presents at Christmas come from?"
Crowley paused in the doorway of the bookshop as he heard Muriel's question to Aziraphale.
The angel's words transported the demon back in time to when Warlock had asked them the same question.
"Where does the tradition of giving presents at Christmas come from, Nanny?"
Nanny Ashtoreth knelt down beside the little boy and began to explain, "That, my dear boy, goes back a very long way. The ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Saturnalia, where they gave thanks for the abundance provided by Saturn, the god of agriculture. The festivities were celebrated with a sacrifice and a public banquet, followed by private gifts, continuous parties, and a wild atmosphere where social rank was eliminated."
"What does that mean, social rank was eliminated, Nanny?"
Nanny Ashtoreth smiled softly and replied, "Here, for example, it would mean that there would be no more differences between you, me, your parents, and everyone who lives here. Even between me and Brother Francis."
"What kind of heresy are you telling him, Nanny?"
Nanny Ashtoreth watched as Brother Francis knelt and took little Warlock's hand.Â
"We give each other gifts in memory of the wise men who laid gold, frankincense and myrrh at the feet of the infant Jesus."
Crowley shook his head and interrupted, "That was much later. The day on which gifts were exchanged was known as Sigillaria and took place on December 19th. Valuable gifts were at odds with the spirit of the season, so the Romans exchanged more modest items such as candles, seasonal figurines, and other gifts intended to amuse or terrify other guests. Etiquette dictated that the more modest the gift, the stronger the bond of friendship it represented."
"This sucks!" exclaimed Warlock.
Aziraphale smiled broadly, "Oh, then you prefer the story of the wise men."
"No, none of those stupid stories, I prefer the Santa Claus story we heard in school, it's much cooler."
The boy ran off under the eyes of Nanny and Brother Francis, who looked at each other in disbelief.
"So in the end, you see, there are many different meanings behind this gesture of gift-giving, but what I retain after all this time is..."
Crowley was pulled from his thoughts as the angel finished his explanation to Muriel.
The demon approached and Aziraphale, attracted by the movement, turned his head toward him before continuing softly, "It doesn't matter what reason tradition gives or what tradition you choose to follow, the important thing is that you give it with your heart, so even if it's a flower found on the side of the road, if you give it with your heart, the person you're offering it to will consider it their most precious treasure."
Muriel nodded and said quietly, "Thank you, I know what to do now."
Aziraphale asked gently, "What do you mean?"
She replied, "About Christmas presents. I know how to choose what to give you all."
Muriel took their coat and Aziraphale watched them go with a smile on his face as the demon approached him.
Crowley asked quietly, "Theirr most precious treasure, eh?"
The angel nodded and fumbled in his jacket pocket before pulling out a small cloth pouch and holding it out to Crowley.Â
The demon took it, untied the string that held it closed, and turned it over in his open palm. A small, dried white flower fell out.
He looked sharply up at Aziraphale and whispered in wonder, "You've kept it all this time."
Aziraphale approached and, placing his hand on the demon's, said softly, "Of course, one of my most precious treasures."
"What's that on your hand, Nanny?" asked Brother Francis.
Taking off her snow-covered cloak after helping young Warlock shake the snow from his boots, Nanny Ashtoreth turned to Brother Francis and said in the same gentle voice she sometimes used with Warlock, "As we were returning from our morning walk, I saw this little white flower sticking out of the snow and I thought of you."
Nanny held out the little white flower to the gardener, who gently took it.
Brother Francis asked, "You thought of me? But... why?"
"A white flower that manages to grow in spite of the snow made me think of a certain angel who manages to move forward in spite of adversity."
Nanny Ashtoreth turned to take the young warlock to the kitchen for a snack, unaware that Brother Francis' puzzled gaze was following her.
Aziraphale continued, "The more modest the gift, the stronger the bond of friendship it represents. That's what you said. So of course it's become one of my most precious treasures."
He carefully placed the dried flower back in its pouch and slipped it into his jacket pocket.
He barely had time to raise his head before the demon cupped his face in his hands and, bringing his face close to the angel's, murmured against his lips, "Every time I think it's not possible to love you more, and every time you prove me wrong by doing something adorable like this.
Aziraphale chuckled softly and replied a little sheepishly, "But all I did was preserve this little flower."
Crowley replied, "A little flower given to you. By me. And you kept it all this time."
Then he pressed his lips to the angel's and kissed him tenderly.
When they parted a few moments later, Aziraphale said with a playful twinkle in his eye, "The more modest the gift, the stronger the bond of friendship it represents. So I've decided not to give you anything for Christmas this year."
The demon raised an eyebrow, "Angel?"
The angel continued, his expression still playful, "Well, yes, the modesty of the gift is exponential to the strength of the friendship, since I love you immeasurably, nothing is the most modest gift I can give you."
This time it was he who kissed the confused mouth of his demon.
But at the same time, who could disagree with the angel?
There was nothing more precious to offer each other than their mutual love.
Their most precious treasure.
_________
Still not beta'd
Still not my native language
Still hoping you'll enjoy this story đĽ°
Still thanking you for bearing with me đ
Ineffable Growing Love series : (After season 2)Â
Part 1 Story 1-99
Part 2 Story 100-?
Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)
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