Crawly sighed at Aziraphale for the tenth time that day. The angel wrung his hands nervously, an action he often did, along with twitching his wings. Since leaving the Garden of Eden, things were always so dry, boring, and long. Long days, long nights. At least he wasn't alone. Aziraphale has Crawly beside him. Although, they did argue constantly. Mostly about how Aziraphale gave away his flaming sword. Today was one of those days. And to Aziraphale, Crawly had blown the act out of proportion. "Well, when you say it like that, it sounds so camp!"
"Yes, angel! That's because it is." The demon motioned around him. Everywhere Aziraphale looked was sand. It had been several years now since Adam had left with Eve. There was really no one else around. Except for the animals. Mostly lions. Maybe Crawly had a point. Oh, no he didn't. A demon was never right. Eve was pregnant, the nights were cold, and there were predators. He'd done a good thing, right? Yes, Aziraphale had done a good thing. But, he had lied to God when She asked where the sword was. So maybe not the best thing to do. But he had good intentions.
Still, Crawly persisted and kept insisting that Aziraphale made a mistake. Angels did not make mistakes. That just wasn't possible. "Now look here Crawly! It was my decision, not yours. And you know they wouldn't have made it. Plus the storm was coming, and they didn't know how to make fire!"
"And what did you tell Her?"
"Er, I didn't exactly tell her the truth."
Crawly snorted lightly. His snake eyes glimmered with curiosity. The serpent sauntered closer to Aziraphale. "And suddenly, I find my interest in you has peaked."
"Well, I should hope so. I am quite enjoyable."
"Perhaps to your Head Office. I'll see you around angel."
"Wait! Where are you going?" Aziraphale felt strange, rushed fluttering in his stomach. Crawly was leaving? So soon? No, that couldn't be right. There was nowhere to go. The safest and most logical place to stay was Eden. No unwelcome surprises. No vicious animals. Yes, Eden was where Aziraphale would stay.
"Nowhere! Anywhere! To explore. My Head Office just told me to stir things up. I don't ask questions anymore. I did once, a long time ago. Look at me now."
Aziraphale sighed lightly. Oh, this demon would cause problems for him. "You remind me of Raphael. Just more…" For once the angel was lost for words and it bothered him to no ends. His wings twitched in annoyance and he huffed lightly.
"Extreme?" Crawly offered in a detached way. Everything about him gave off the distinct feeling of detachment, from the way he walked to the way he interacted with not only Aziraphale but with everyone and everything.
"Yes, I suppose that term works. Well, if you must leave, good luck Crawly."
"Good luck Aziraphale. As far as we're concerned, we'll never cross paths again."
Aziraphale frowned as he watched Crawly slither away. He was all alone now. Well, the birds and far kinder animals still lived in Eden. He had their company. But soon, they'd leave, and what then? Surely, Aziraphale reasoned, that any company, no matter how good or bad, was better than none. Yes, even if Crawly had been thrown in with the wrong lot, he was still better than no one. Aziraphale could go back to Heaven, but, given his current circumstances, he didn't feel like that was appropriate. After all, angelic intervention may be needed. But, never see Crawly again? No, that wasn't what he had hoped for. His wings drooped slightly at that thought. "Surely it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world?"