You watched sulkily as Aziraphale cleared away the kitchen table after dinner and began washing up. Crowley had already gotten up and wandered to the couch, flopping down dramatically with a book, feet stretched over the edge.
A typical evening.
And that was what hurt so much. They really had forgotten. You had held out hope all day that a surprise was coming...but it never did and wasn't going to.
"Bring me your dishes, would you dear?" Aziraphale chirped happily from the sink, where he was elbow-deep in bubbles, humming softly to himself.
You felt your temper beginning to rise to the surface. You bit down on your tongue, trying to keep it from boiling over.
"And after you've put your dishes away, please go upstairs and start getting ready for bed. I want you to turn in a bit early tonight."
That was it. That finally sent you over the edge and with a clatter you grabbed your plate and silverware from the table, marched over to the sink, and then chucked them into the soapy water, splashing everything in the vicinity, including Aziraphale.
He sputtered with shock for a moment, looking down at his drenched vest and pants before looking up sharply, ready to scold; however, all he saw was your retreating form as you stomped your way out of the kitchen.
"Hey...what's all the hullabaloo?" Crowley asked as you stalked past.
You shot him a nasty look before impulsively shoving his feet off the edge of the sofa.
"Woah...hey!" He'd dropped his book and stood up angrily. By that time a soaking wet Aziraphale had made his way into the sitting area looking gravely stern.
"What in heaven's name has gotten into you?"
You kept stomping towards the stairs, completely ignoring them both.
"Oi!" Crowley barked, his tone indicating that he was no longer amused and dead serious. "He just asked you a question, young lady. I HIGHLY recommend that you drop this attitude and tell us what's going on."
It wasn't actually a request...it was a warning...and Crowley only ever gave one.
You finally stopped at the foot of the staircase, your hand on the rail. You gripped it tightly, the anger and indignation building in pressure deep within your chest.
Don't say it...don't say it...
...but you did.
"No! So you both put your stupid heads together and figure it out yourselves!"
You had just climbed the first step when you suddenly felt a rush of hot air...and knew what was coming.
"Crowley, don't!" Aziraphale cried.
You felt your feet leave the ground and a hot, iron grip around your waist. Your eyes blurred as you were spun harshly and shoved into a sharp hip.
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
You shrieked in pain and indignation as Crowley's hand rained down sharp, stinging blows on your backside.
One warning, and then his reprimands were instantaneous and swift.
Hot, angry tears filled your eyes at the unfairness of it all.
"Put me down!" you yelled, the sting in your backside only adding fuel to the fire of your temper.
"Are you going to apologize to Aziraphale and tell us what the hell's gotten into you?!" Crowley bit back, just as angry, still pinning you to his side like a vice.
"I'm not apologizing to him and I'm never apologizing to you! You should be apologizing to ME you big, mean, stupid twat!"
Aziraphale stared in absolute shock. He had never seen you so angry, nor had you ever spoken to either of them with this level of disrespect. Something was terribly wrong.
"Crowley...perhaps we should listen..."
"You stay out of this, angel! She's officially taken this one too far."
He hauled you under his arm and began marching back to the couch. You were flailing, beating on his back with your fists, clawing at his jacket, kicking your legs wildly trying to get free.
Crowley snarled. "You spoiled little brat. We'll see which of us is more sorry when this is over."
And with that he pulled you down with him onto the couch, pinning you face down across his thighs.
"NO!" you screamed, your feet scrambling for purchase, your hands trying to pull your way off his lap. You writhed and fought like a...well a demon if you were honest with yourself. Crowley was slightly taken off guard by the ferocity of your efforts and you felt his grip on your waist loosen just enough. You twisted fully around and landed a fierce kick to his torso which pushed you to the ground.
You and Crowley stared at each other wide-eyed for a second before his nostrils flared and you shot off down the hall like a bat out of hell.
"Why you rotten little..." Crowley leaped from the couch with a growl.
Aziraphale had quite enough.
There was too much hostility and not enough communication going on. It was time to intercede.
In one swift motion, he miraculously zipped past Crowley and caught you in his arms at the door of his office. You fought against his embrace, but he held you securely to his side. He then threw out his free hand in front of an advancing Crowley, who skidded to a stop, breathing heavily, eyes aflame.
"She's not getting out of this one, angel. You're too soft with her. She needs a proper spanking for that attitude!"
"Crowley," Aziraphale's tone stopped the words in Crowley's throat. He looked at the angel's eyes and recognized the righteous determination in them.
Damn him, Crowley thought.
He stole a withering glance at you before stalking back into the kitchen.
Aziraphale nodded in approval before turning his gaze to you. You were breathing heavily, eyes red with tears, brows furrowed in anger.
"Let's go into my office, dear." and he gently began to steer you inside. You dug in your heels and shook your head.
"Just to talk. Nothing more. You have my word." Aziraphale promised.
"Fine," you whispered, allowing yourself to be guided inside.
Aziraphale shut the door softly and made his way to the sofa. He patted the seat next to him gently.
"Come sit by me and let's talk this through calmly, shall we?"
You stood there for a moment, debating.
Aziraphale just waited patiently. You finally walked over and sat down as far away from him as possible. He raised an eyebrow at this but let it go.
"Now, that's much better. Alright then, will you please tell me what's bothering you so?"
A lump was forming thickly in your throat and the tears were threatening to fall once again. You turned your face away from the angel, unable to answer.
"No, no. Let's not have that." He reached out and very gently turned your face towards his own. What he saw broke his heart.
Tears were now trailing down your face, your lips trembling, eyes wide with hurt. You tried to draw a breath but a whimper escaped. You covered your face with your hands and began to sob, deep heaving sobs that shook your entire body.
"Oh my!" Aziraphale slid close and wrapped you in his arms.
Heavy, ugly sobs ripped from your chest, and your heart felt like it was shattered. You clung to him. He began to rock you gently, hands rubbing small circles on your back.
"Shhh, shhhhhhh. It's alright. I promise you dearest, everything's going to be alright. Shhhhh."
He continued to murmur sweet soothing sounds, holding you gently in his arms until the shaking began to finally subside, sobs turning to hitched breaths. Your face was a mess of tears and snot and you wiped at it pitifully.
The angel tsked and miracled a handkerchief.
"Come now, blow your nose for me." You did, several times. He looked at you fondly and vanished the soiled cloth away.
"Alright...you've had your tantrum and a good cry, so now tell me what's been hurting your heart so terribly to cause such a fuss, my cherub."
His pet name for you melted your anger away like a warm blanket.
You don't know how he managed it, but Aziraphale was always a beacon of comfort and security, no matter how upset you might be at him. You leaned into him and buried your face into his shoulder.
He sighed with gratitude. This was a good start.
It took a few minutes before you could say it, but it came out muffled.
"yufrgtmhbthdy"
The angel's brow went up quizzically.
"I'm sorry? Dearest, I couldn't hear you properly. Can you sit up and please say it again for me?"
He pulled you back gently, hands still supporting your shoulders. You drew a deep breath and whispered:
"You forgot my birthday."
A single tear rolled slowly down your cheek.
The hands on your shoulders suddenly spasmed, fingers stilling like stone. Aziraphale's eyes went wide as he looked down into your heartbroken face.
"Y- Your birthday dear one...it isn't until tomorrow..."
You shook your head.
"The 29th...that's today! It's on the calendar in the kitchen. It's today and you b- both forgot. And Crowley...h- hit me!" And with that declaration, a fresh set of tears began.
Aziraphale gathered you fully into his lap and held you tight, his eyes flickering side to side, trying to make sense of things. This couldn't be happening. He had planned it all so carefully...how could he have missed the actual day?! No wonder you were this upset.
"Oh, you sweet, sweet darling! I can assure you that we did not mean to miss your birthday. It was a complete accident, but I understand why that would not make things better. I apologize with all of my heart for hurting you so. There, there now. Let's not start crying again. Please look at me, cherub."
You make yourself look into the face of a very repentant and sorrowful angel. He held your face in his warm hands.
"You are so very important to us both. We've made a terrible error and we will set things right. I can't change what's happened already, as much as I wish I could, but please...let me try and make the rest of today better for you. Will you let me do that? Please."
His eyes held such sadness that it shattered the rest of your anger in a thousand pieces. You threw your arms around his neck and nodded into his shoulder.
He sighed with relief. Keeping hold, he stood up with you in his arms and made his way into the hall.
"Now then, we need to go and make amends with Crowley."
You tightened your grip around Aziraphale's neck, burying your face deeper into his shoulder as he carried you to the kitchen.
He patted your back. "Come now, brave face for me."
Crowley had the kitchen in order and was leaning back in a chair at the table when the two of you entered the room. He took in the sight of you in Aziraphale's arms and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Of course, you're coddling the brat. Aziraphale, she's never going to learn if you keep-"
"Crowley!" Aziraphale said sharply, gaining the demon's attention immediately.
"What?" he drawled.
"What's today's date?" Aziraphale asked in an overly sweet tone.
"What do you mean 'what's today's date'? Why's that important? And what's with that saccharine sweet voice?"
"Just answer the question, Crowley. What's... today's... date?"
"I dunno. It's a Tuesday. Just a normal boring Tuesday."
"Crowley, please go over to the calendar on the wall and tell me the exact date."
"Why can't you just-"
"Just check it, Crowley!" Aziraphale said sharply, his patience worn thin.
Crowley rolled his eyes and sauntered over to the wall and leaned down to look at the calendar.
Suddenly, Crowley's eyes widened, the frustrated grimace dropping into an expression of dismay. He turned his head quickly to Aziraphale for confirmation, who nodded solemnly.
Crowley brought his hands up to his face and groaned inwardly.
I'm a bloody idiot. A stupid bloody idiot.
Aziraphale cleared his throat and raised his brow, indicating that Crowley needed to say something.
Crowley ran hands down his face and took a deep breath. He walked around Aziraphale and tried to peer into your face. You squeezed your eyes shut and turned your face away from him.
"Hey...I'm just going to say it, alright? I'm an absolute twat. A prick. A wanker. A barmy old codger. A moldy old beanpole. A knobhead. A gormless lanky old prat who couldn't find his way out of a piece of Swiss cheese. A-"
He stopped when he noticed the faint upturn of your mouth. He tapped Aziraphale on the shoulder and held out his arms. Aziraphale smiled warmly and gently disentangled you from his neck.
"Go on, dearest. Forgive the foolish demon for his temper. You know he can't help it."
And he handed you over to Crowley who pulled you into his arms, not saying a word as he carried you back to the sofa, this time sitting down with you much more gently. He turned you so that your back was resting against him.
You were suddenly exhausted, so emotionally spent that you just rest your cheek against Crowley's neck, your fingers automatically going up to his hair, twirling it through your fingers. Crowley grimaced a bit at the contact but allowed it because you only ever did this when you were truly stressed.
"All right...I'll say it first, shall I?" Crowley's deep voice rumbled through his chest and you closed your eyes. Aziraphale watched from the kitchen doorway, a fond smile playing upon his face.
"I lost my temper...badly. I reacted...badly. I should have listened to you first before flying off the handle. I'm-" he curled his lip. Apologies didn't come easy to demons, even when they actually feel remorseful.
You tilt your head up and he looks down into your eyes. He sees the tracks of dried tears, and the red-rimmed lids, and his black heart lightens a few shades.
Sighing, he rests his chin on your forehead.
"I'm sorry. Okay, you little imp?"
He pokes a finger between your ribs, pulling out a squeal. You twist away from him and poke him back, though not unkindly this time. You suddenly feel very ashamed of losing your temper and all of the nasty things you called him. You chewed on your lower lip.
"Crowley?" you asked softly.
He looked at you.
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry I called you all of those awful things. I didn't mean it. And I'm sorry I kicked you. I was just so angry."
He nodded knowingly.
"I get it. I really, really do. I'm afraid my bad temper has rubbed off on you a bit over the last year. I'll work on it if you do...deal?" He held out his hand. You took it and you both shook over your promise.
"A deal with the devil," came an amused voice from across the room. "Can't say I approve, but I'm more than happy that the two of you have made up. Now...I think we have one more thing to discuss this evening, don't we?"
You looked at Aziraphale, somewhat confused.
"What's is it?"
"My dear, Crowley and I never, ever intended to miss your birthday. In fact...I feel it's only right to tell you now that I've been planning a spectacular party for you over the last two months!"
Your eyes went wide with surprise.
"What?!"
Crowley nodded.
"S'true. Could barely get him to do anything else except work on that party. He's planned the food, the decorations, the music, the games, the..." magic show"."
That last bit was said with extreme sarcasm. Aziraphale ignored it, as usual.
"Dear one...ever since you came into our world, your happiness and well-being have been our top priority. While you and Crowley were making amends, I was trying to figure out what happened, and I think I have."
Crowley sinks lower into the couch. You sidle up next to him.
"Well go on then, angel. What happened?"
Aziraphale cleared his throat and began.
"Crowley's quite correct. I've actually spent most of my time working on the party. It made me so happy and was such fun that I quite neglected my other duties, as they are. Yesterday I realized that all of my paperwork and correspondences had been neglected for so long that I was getting notices of collection in the mail. That's never, ever happened before and I may have gone into a bit of a panic. I spent hours at my desk working everything out."
"Coulda just miracled it away, Angel," Crowley muttered.
Aziraphale shot him a sharp look and Crowley shut his mouth with a smirk.
"Now...that's not the right way to handle our responsibilities. We must finish the things we begin, correctly. So as I was saying, I spent hours and hours trying to finish months of missed work. My mind was then so completely locked on those tasks that I fear I simply lost track of the date. It's so silly and foolish, but darling try and understand. Crowley and I spent millennia with a unique view of time. Crowley used to spend decades sleeping! It's actually quite alarming how poorly we manage time to this day."
You were really trying to focus, sort of understanding what he was trying to say. It all sounded like boring grown-up stuff. But you basically understood that they just made a mistake. You make mistakes all the time. And the fact that Aziraphale had been working on a party for you for months...months! You suddenly felt very bad.
Why did you ever doubt how much they cared about you?
Aziraphale and Crowley heard sniffling and looked over at you, startled to find you crying again.
Sitting down on your other side, Aziraphale pulled you close.
"Come now, everything's sorted, apologies made, forgiveness given, and we can begin again! Fresh start!"
Shaking your head, you reached out and took his hand in your left, while reaching for Crowley's with your right. They shot each other a surprised look before waiting for you to say something.
"I feel so bad that I thought you didn't love me, didn't care about me. Then I just threw a fit and made everyone so upset!"
Smiling warmly, Aziraphale knew just what was needed. He pulled you into his soft lap, tilted your face up towards his own, and kissed you softly on the tip of your nose.
"I forgive you, cherub. Nothing else required."
Crowley leaned down and gave your ear a little affectionate tug.
"It's forgotten, imp. Let it go, okay?"
You nodded, and your heart felt lighter.
You were loved, here.
A smile suddenly played across your face...
"Aziraphale?"
"What is it, dearest?"
"Can I still have my party tomorrow?"
"Oh of course you may! I'm sorry the surprise is quite gone but we're going to have the most splendid day!"
Your smile then turned a bit more impish.
"But today is still my real birthday, right? So...are there presents?"
Crowley squawked with laughter.
"Ohhh you cheeky little-. I've got a great birthday present for you."
"You do? Can I have it now?"
"Ohhhh, you betcha."
And with that, you were yanked right across his knees again.
"Hey! What'd I do now?!"
"Crowley, what on earth-?"
Crowley smiled playfully.
"Relax...s'just for fun and it really was something I was going to give you on your birthday no matter what. You, little madam, require a good birthday spanking so you can grow properly this year."
You wriggled, albeit half-heartedly, and pouted.
"No, I don't. You're making that up!"
"Am not. Ask the angel. He knows all about it, don't you Angel? Didn't we discuss it once or twice over the years?"
Aziraphale flushed a shade of red Crowley didn't even know was possible in an angel. He bit back a laugh.
"I-I'm quite sure you told me that long ago, yes. That's all."
"Right-o...sooooo it's my duty and serious responsibility as your guardian to see to it that you grow up big and strong. Now let's see. That's one!"
His hand came down with a thwap...but this time there was no sting. It was just a silly game.
"Two!"
You giggled and buried your head in the cushions.
"Three!"
*he continued on until finally*
"And last but not least...the one to grow on!"
He put a little oomph in the last one, and you yelped, sitting up with a sneer, rubbing the sting away. It didn't really hurt, but you were going to put on a show of it.
Crowley eyed you fondly.
"Oh yeah...definitely got taller on that last one. Have to remember to make 'em harder next year."
"Don't you dare!"
Crowley scrunched up his face in a teasing glare, pushing his nose right up against yours.
"Then grow better!"
You stuck out your tongue and he grinned.
Aziraphale looked at the clock, suddenly realizing how late it was getting. He still had a lot to do before tomorrow morning.
"Come along now. You really need to get to bed. Tomorrow is a big day and I'm going to see to it that it's a happy one from start to finish. Tell that big demon goodnight and go brush your teeth. I'll be along shortly to tuck you in."
You threw yourself at Crowley, and he gave an exaggerated grunt as you landed on his chest.
"G'night...you big old demon."
He ruffled your hair and gave you a peck on the top of your head.
"G'night...you little imp."
You darted up the stairs, brushed your teeth, and found that your pajamas were already laid out. You changed quickly and jumped into your soft bed, sighing with happiness.
Several minutes later, Aziraphale came in, only to find you fast asleep.
He brushed the hair out of your eyes and said a quick blessing over your sleeping figure. You smiled in your sleep and rolled over.
"Goodnight, my sweet cherub."
And he closed the door softly behind him.