GOOD OMENS 3

FireFenix

Chapter 3

*I've taken forever to upload, I know! I'm sorry, I just have a lot of things on my plate. I hope the quality of the chapter can compensate. Major hurts warning, and I really hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it! Enjoy :)

CHAPTER 3 - WHISKEY AND WINE

Crowley watched in silence as the girl slept on the small sofa, tears still travelling down her rosy cheeks, her delicate features contorted in sufferment. His brow was furrowed as he recalled the unanswered question about the Archangels. The Divine Principality, she had said. The Divine Principality what? His pulse quickened as he thought of the implications; the thought of Aziraphale's possible involvement made him sick. He hadn't been in Heaven for a long time, but he remembered very clearly how things were done. When the Archangels personally intervened, it was because they'd been ordered directly by their superior, the Supreme Archangel of all Heaven. There seemed to be no other possible explanation; but it wasn't right. Aziraphale was the purest-hearted angel in all the realms and Crowley knew, deep down, that he couldn't have done it. He simply couldn't.

He let out a soft, low groan and pushed himself up from the chair, making sure not to wake the child. He began pacing the bookshop, the desire to sleep and the restlessness that usually came with thinking about Aziraphale wrestling inside of him. It had been three years, and he still couldn't decide whether he was angry at the angel or at himself. Or both. Three years, and Mr. The Supreme Archangel hadn't come down once. He turned to the young girl on the sofa once more as she made a little scared sound. She was having a nightmare. Crowley groaned in disgust. After all she'd been through, the least she was owed was a good night's sleep. He went over to her and carefully kneeled down, placing his hand softly on her forehead. He hadn't done a nightmare - dream transformation in ages, but it wasn't a difficult miracle to perform. As the girl's facial muscles relaxed, making a small yet much needed smile appear on her face, the soft chime of a bell disrupted the silence of the cosy bookshop, followed with the sound of a door. Still kneeling down next to Eleyn, Crowley lazily looked up with that swagger of his, expecting a flustered Muriel. And then he stopped breathing. The cherub who stood at the door had short, curly, white hair and cerulean blue eyes. A tender smile graced his lips, highlighting his gorgeous angelic features and, as always, he held his arms behind his back, exposing his impeccably well-kept clothes, including his favourite bow-tie. Crowley slowly stood up, his gaze fixed on the unexpected visitor's eyes. He couldn't believe it…

- Angel... - he sighed, the name like a fragile plea on his lips.

- Crowley - the other replied softly, the sound of his voice sending a chill down the demon's spine - it's...been some time - His gaze broke from Crowley's and travelled to the girl on the sofa. He let out a relieved sigh - oh, thank Heavens you found her -

The angel made to walk closer to her, but Crowley stepped defensively in between them, out of instinct, looking the angel in the eyes once again. He felt a fire burst inside of him, his protective mode springing into action. His heart had leapt at the sight of Aziraphale; but he was angry. Very angry. And afraid. Crowley was afraid that the possibility wasn't just a possibility, and that the Supreme Archangel had descended from the Heavens to finish what he had started. Though it pained him to think that there was even a possibility Aziraphale would do such a thing, he stood between them, his ragged breathing echoing through the dusty bookshop.

- Crowley? - the angel inquired, confused - What are you doing? -

- Why are you here, Aziraphale? - he was finally able to manage - what do you want with her? -

- What? -

- I'm not going to let you hurt her - he said, the words painful in his lips, Aziraphale's eyes opening like saucers.

- Hurt her? - he stammered - n...no! I don't want to hurt...why would I hurt her? -

- You tell me - the demon hissed - you're the one who sent those three idiots to destroy her life -

The angel let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes in desperation - Damn it, Metatron - he said in a near whisper.

- Secret, was it? - Crowley nagged at him.

- What it is, is not true - Aziraphale's expression was slowly becoming desperate - but he made everyone believe it... -

- So you haven't come to kill her? - Crowley asked in a whisper, a slight hint of distrust in his voice.

- Kill her? - the angel furrowed his brow in confusion - Crowley, I'm...I'm the reason you found her. I needed you to save her -

- The hell are you talking about? - Crowley hissed, confused.

- How did you know to go to St. James's? - the angel asked, gaze fixed on Crowley's golden eyes

- I... - the demon realized he was answering his own question - heard a whisper. The Bentley played a song...I had a feeling - he narrowed his eyes - That was you? -

- Yes - he nodded his head, looking tenderly at the sleeping girl, then back at Crowley - I knew that if anyone could protect her, it was you. - he gave a soft chuckle - Just like you did Elsbeth, remember? -

- Ngk - Crowley responded, relaxing his body and stepping to the side, finally letting Aziraphale go to Eleyn.

That explanation had been enough, and the demon had believed every word. The angel was many things, he thought, but he wasn't a monster, and much less a murderer.

Aziraphale swiftly made his way to the little sofa and gazed at Eleyn fondly, his cerulean eyes sparkling in the dimly-lit room. His heart gave a pang of compassion when he saw her contorted features; when he felt the pain and disdain which held her captive in an eternal sufferment. He knelt down beside her just like the demon had done moments prior. Meanwhile, Crowley's anger continued to rise, a fury unlike what he had ever felt. He wasn't completely sure why he felt it, but it was there, flaming like hellfire.

- Poor thing...- the angel whispered - I'm so sorry, Eleyn. This is all so unfair... you're so young...nobody deserves to suffer like you have...nobody...- he stroked her hair gently with a shaky hand, then stood and faced Crowley once more - Thank you - he said.

The demon didn't reply. He stared into Aziraphale's eyes, tender and round, and something tugged at his heartstrings. The anger was still there, but he couldn't help feeling a profound joy to see him, his heart hammering violently against his chest. His breathing was shallow and tears danced on his amber eyes, threatening to fall. He fought them back. He felt incredibly relieved to see Aziraphale; a part of him had come back to life the moment he had seen the cherub on the bookshop's doorstep.

Aziraphale stared back into the demon's gorgeous, golden eyes. He had missed them so much. For years, he had been The Metatron's puppet; doing everything he said out of an imposed fear for Crowley's safety, and one such thing was to never speak with the demon again. After the way he'd broken his heart, Aziraphale was sure Crowley would never come looking for him, so he would be safe. However, he knew that his abandonment had caused Crowley an immense amount of pain which, naturally, had turned to anger. He could see it in the way the demon looked at him. He hated him. And the worst part was that Aziraphale couldn't explain without putting him in even more danger. There was something he had to do, and it wasn't exactly optional. He braced himself, dreading Crowley's reaction to his plea for help, and began to speak.

- Listen - he said, gulping hard - Something's going on. The Metatron is planning something terrible - he glanced at Eleyn - and she is right in the middle of it. We have to... -

- We? - Crowley hissed angrily, not believing what he was hearing - You're...asking me for help? - his eyebrows shot upwards, and his blood boiled beneath his skin. That had done it - after what you did? Seriously? -

There it was. He knew he deserved Crowley's fury,but if he could only make him understand...Aziraphale wasn't an idiot. He knew that Crowley was going to get angrier with every word he said but, as much as it pained him, he had to push forward. The world depended on it.

- Crowley, I... - he was short of breath - I had to...-

- Don't give me that bullshit! - he cut the angel off again, finally exploding, but never raising his trembling voice so as not to wake Eleyn - You abandoned me! I begged you to stay and you left! - he stopped to take a shaky breath, the urge to shout strong within him - and now you prance back in here, three years later, like nothing's happened and ask me for help? What the fuck is wrong with you? -

- I never wanted to leave- Aziraphale's voice quivered, tears at the brink of falling - but there's a reason for everything I did, believe me-

- Oh? - Crowley said - Do enlighten me, Angel -

- I... - Tears began travelling down his plump cheeks - I can't... - he looked away, unable to say the words, and then back at the demon, who was still waiting for an explanation - I can't tell you, Crowley -

The demon gave an exasperated chuckle, looking away from Aziraphale and back at him seconds after.

- There are many things I can't explain yet -the angel quickly added - but I have to ask you to trust me, I... -

- Fuck off - Crowley began walking towards the door, but Aziraphale's voice stopped him.

- Crowley, please! - he begged - this is not some petty favour I'm asking of you, it's about the fate of the universe. Something really big is happening. The Metatron is planning something terrible, and you are the only one who can help me stop him - he paused, breathless, crying hard - I know you hate me, you have every right to. But I also know you adore this planet, this universe, as much as I do. - he took a deep breath - please don't make humanity pay for what I did to you. Don't do that to me, I beg you...-

The bookshop was filled by a deafening silence which shrunk the angel's heart. Crowley just stood there, not moving an inch, unresponsive. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, he finally took a step towards the angel and spoke.

- And if I don't? - he said, making a chill go down the angel's spine - What if I simply ran away from everything, just like you did? -

- That... - he said, anger beginning to tickle his insides, tears cascading down his face - is not fair...-

-Not fair? - he hissed, tears finally making their way down his face - Not fair? - he reiterated, then took a deep breath - Three years, Angel! Three years, and not a word! Not a whisper from you! Nothing! - his voice broke - And now...-

- I know how much I've hurt you, Crowley, I really do - Aziraphale sobbed - A...And you can't even begin to imagine how sorry I am - he took a deep breath, trying to pull himself together - but right now, I need you to trust me. Please -

- Just give me a reason, Angel - the demon's voice trembled - give me one goddamn reason not to walk away and never come back -

- I could always rely on you, remember? You said that - the angel said without a second thought, a sad smile playing on his lips - We're a team, a group of the two of us. Your words. We've been in this together from the beginning, and we still are. We have been friends for six thousand years. Is that not enough? -

- Friendship? - Crowley scoffed, taking another step and standing mere inches away from the angel, their gazes locked together - Oh, Aziraphale, did you forget? - A single tear fell from each of his eyes as he took a breath - Nothing lasts forever. Your words -

- That... - those words had knocked the air out of him, like if he'd been punched straight to the gut - is not what I meant...-

- But you're right - he hissed, stepping away - I don't want to see all of this destroyed any more than you do - he sighed - So, I'll help you -

- Thank you - Aziraphale sighed in relief, still sobbing.

- Don't - Crowley snapped.

With a swift hand he extracted his sunglasses from his jacket pocket and put them on, hiding his reddened amber eyes from the angel's gaze.

- I need a shot of something drinkable - he hissed - I'm going to grab something from the Bentley -

With that he spun on his heels, made his way to the door and threw it open. He was about to cross it, however, when he turned back around to Aziraphale one last time.

- Angel - he said.

- What? - the other replied, more crossly than he would have liked.

- I'm glad you're back -

Crowley stepped outside and slammed the door shut behind him before he could see the cherub's reaction, his tender look the only thing he did not need right now. He slipped inside his Bentley, flopping down on the driver's seat. After a few seconds of complete silence, he finally allowed himself to break down, crying hard and gasping for breath as he came to grips with the only possible truth: beneath all the anger and resentment, his true feelings thrived. Despite everything; it was there, clear as Holy Water, never changing, an eternal constant: love. He still loved Aziraphale more than anything in the universe; and it was painful.

When he had managed to pull himself together, the demon scanned the back seats and finally decided on a good old (very old, in fact) Whiskey. Just as Crowley was about to open the door, the radio turned on and Freddie Mercury's delicate vocals came out of it, making his every muscle tighten.

...

Love of my life, you've hurt me

You've taken my life, you now desert me

Love of my life, can't you see

Bring it back, bring it back,

don't take it away from me because

You don't know what it means to me

...

- Thin. Fucking. Ice. - Crowley snarled at the car. The radio turned off immediately. -Good choice -

Aziraphale watched from the window as the Bentley's lights flickered on and Crowley slipped inside, a few final tears falling from his eyes. Then, a sudden shift on the other side of the room caught his attention. When he turned around he found a dumbfounded Muriel on the bottom of the stairs, carrying a heavy wool blanket on one hand and a jar full of water on the other. She stood there, nervously staring at Aziraphale, unsure what to say or do.

- Ah, Muriel! - Aziraphale attempted to hide his sorrow behind a tender smile - How have you been? -

-Um...I've...yes, jolly good - she said, then immediately stiffened up - Your angelic principality. Sir. - she did an awkward bow.

-Oh, no, please don't do that - the other said - I'm just Aziraphale - he signalled to the blanket - thank you for bringing it down, I'm sure she will appreciate it -

-Well, it's not going to be much use any more...- Muriel muttered.

-Oh? - Aziraphale furrowed his brow in confusion, then spun around to find an awoken Eleyn sitting up on the couch - Oh! Did we wake you, dear? -

- You whisper a lot louder than you think - she replied with a tired voice - So, both of you are angels? -

- Indeed - chimed Muriel - I am Muriel, 38th order scrivener- she signalled to the other one - and this is...well, I thought he was the Supreme Archangel Aziraphale, but it turns out he's just Aziraphale -

- Yes, thank you, Muriel - he bitterly muttered, then addressed Eleyn - Do you need anything? -

- No, thank you - she politely answered - And him? - She glanced towards the shop's doors - The red-haired man, I mean. What is he? -

- That kind gentleman is Crowley. He's a demon - Aziraphale answered in a near whisper, his eyes filling with affection at the mere mention of his name.

- That's ironic... - Eleyn chuckled - He's the demon, yet he's a million times more angelic than your lot - she gestured towards the two cherubs.

- I know - the angel smiled tenderly - but don't tell him that, he'll get angry -

- Noted - she shifted her legs and placed her feet on the ground, reaching out for the water which Muriel was handing her - Thanks -

- I truly am sorry, Eleyn. For everything. Please know I did everything I could to stop them; and that I will do anything in my power to prevent anyone harming you further. You have my word as an angel...whatever that's worth -

- Hang on - she frowned, confused - If you're an angel, shouldn't you be on their side? I mean, shouldn't you want the same thing they want? -

- He just goes along with Heaven - Crowley's voice suddenly rang through the shop- as far as he can -

In the midst of the moment, nobody had noticed the demon re-entering the shop with a whiskey bottle clutched in one of his hands and a shot glass in the other.

- And you? - she inquired, curious.

- I'm on the side that doesn't want to kill everybody - he answered - and on the side of good liquor - he raised his glass in a toast and took a sip.

- Right - Aziraphale pressed the matter - we're kind of on our own side. Now, I'm afraid we have some urgent matters to attend to -

- Yes. You said there was something big happening - Crowley said - What's that about? Or can you not tell us either? - he added with a hiss.

- Yes, I can - the angel said between gritted teeth, then took a breath and continued to explain - It's called "The Second coming" -

Crowley nearly choked on his whiskey, the liquor splashing all over his suit.

- Second Coming? - he said when he'd finally regained the ability to breathe - as in Jesus part two? -

- As in the second child of God arrives and everything is blown up, yes - Aziraphale summarized.

- Aww, that's too bad - Muriel said with a small voice - Humans are so interesting. Must they be destroyed ? -

- That's the point - the angel said - it's never meant to happen, it's not in the Plan. Not yet, at least. Not like this - he sighed - but The Metatron, I fear, has bad intentions -

- You don't say...- Crowley muttered under his breath, making Aziraphale's nose twitch ever so slightly.

- Hold on- Eleyn interrupted - The Metatron? -

- Also known as the Voice of God. He's an ethereal being whose powers are second only to the Almighty's - the angel explained - and he's also the one who gave the order to destroy your birth family, Eleyn -

- So, the biggest bastard in all Heaven. Got it - she said, nodding her head.

- Beautifully stated- the demon said, an amused grin playing on his lips.

- Anyway - Aziraphale made an effort to move the conversation along - The Metatron placed the child on Earth behind God's back, and now everything has been set into motion -

- How is it even possible to go behind God's back? - Crowley asked, confused - She is literally omnipresent ! -

- Obviously, that was slightly over exaggerated - the angel offered.

- I'm sorry, she? - Eleyn asked, her eyebrows shooting upwards in surprise - God is a woman? -

- Eh...- Crowley scratched the back of his head - It's a long story... - he looked at the girl, suddenly realizing - Angel, what does Eleyn have to do with any of this? -

- Oh, she has everything to do with it- Aziraphale answered - you see, the second child of God isn't a son. It's a daughter -

- Shit... - he muttered - Let me guess, Metatron wanted her to almost die so he could lobotomize her and put her back -

- But that's terrible! - Muriel protested - truly awful! You poor thing... - she glanced at Eleyn with tender eyes.

Eleyn had lost her speech. Yesterday she was a normal, average girl and now a demon and an angel were telling her she was the daughter of God. However, it wasn't as bizarre or shocking as it should have been; like if she'd somehow always known. Everything had been so weird the past few days that nothing could really surprise her any more, so she just accepted it.

- Not that bad a chap, he said... - Crowley mocked, getting on the angel's nerves.

- Oh, will you drop it? - he said, annoyed.

- Not planning to - the demon hissed.

- I had my reasons, I told you! - Aziraphale argued.

- Yeah, you did, right before not telling me what those reasons are! - Crowley challenged.

- Well, excuse me for not wanting to get you killed! - Aziraphale challenged back.

- Um... - Muriel interjected - excuse me, but you were saying Eleyn is the daughter of God and the world is going to end? -

- Right, yes, sorry - the angel straightened his tweed jacket, clearing his throat - Eleyn, you are indeed God's second child; and for some reason The Metatron has a special interest in keeping you close -

- So, he wanted to, what, brainwash me to do his bidding? - she asked.

- Something like that - Aziraphale replied - I'm almost certain it has something to do with the signs -

- The Seven Signs of John, you mean? - Crowley inquired.

- Exactly - the angel nodded.

- I don't follow - Eleyn said, the conversation becoming more confusing the longer it went on.

- The Seven Signs of the Divinity of Christ, described in the gospel of John - Muriel explained - Seven special miracles that only the child of the Almighty can perform. Turning water into wine, curing the man born blind, feeding of the five thousand, and so on - she paused to breathe - it is said that only when the second child has performed all seven will he...or, rather, she become fully and undeniably divine - she concluded her explanation.

- You really are full of surprises, Cherub - Crowley commented, amazed by her amount of knowledge.

- Well, I am a scrivener - she blushed slightly - If there is one thing I know about, it's holy texts -

- We need to figure out what the Metatron is planning and stop him before she performs all seven. After the last one is completed, it will be too late - Aziraphale sighed.

- Can't I just not do them? - Eleyn proposed.

- That's not how it works, I'm afraid - Muriel sighed, too - You are destined to perform them all. It's inevitable -

- Does the gospel say anything else? - Crowley asked the cherub - Does it specify what happens when all seven are completed? -

Muriel thought hard for a few seconds, closing her eyes as if she was picturing the texts in her mind.

- No - she said, reopening her eyes - it just describes the signs and then continues with something completely unrelated -

- Are you sure? - said Eleyn - perhaps in another version or a rare edition? -

- Positive. I don't think there actually are any other versions of... - Muriel stopped talking, suddenly realizing something - Hold on!...no, there is one other version. The original gospel is different than all the rest -

- The original? - Aziraphale reiterated, lifting an eyebrow - As in the one written by John himself? -

- That one. It should be somewhere on Earth, and it is said to contain some passages that were excluded in later editions. So, all of them, really -

- You speak as if you've never seen it - Crowley observed.

- I haven't - she assured - It's a forbidden text. Angels can't touch the book, much less read it. However, I do remember the day of its prohibition very clearly. You see, I was the one who took it off the list; by order of The Metatron himself - she smiled, proud of her memory - You never forget it when a giant head pops up in your office... - she added in a rush.

- That can't be a coincidence - said Aziraphale.

- We need to find that book. - Crowley said - You wouldn't happen to know where it is, would you? - he asked Muriel.

- No clue - she swiftly replied - it was erased from all lists in Heaven, so nobody knows it's location -

- Great... - Crowley rolled his eyes - we just have to find a single book in the entire globe - he growled at Aziraphale - before your best friend goes Deus ex machina on us all -

-Oh, for...! - the angel exclaimed, his temper rising - He's not my best friend! -

- Really? - the demon rhetorically asked - because you seemed jolly happy going into that elevator with him, Mr. Supreme Archangel of Heaven! - he said with a tone of mock in his voice.

- Actually, it turns out he's not... - Muriel attempted to say with a small voice before being completely ignored and interrupted.

- You are being utterly childish! - Aziraphale had had enough.

- Childish? - Crowley hissed - what I am is pissed that you ditched me for a promotion; that's what I am! - he pointed an accusatory finger at Aziraphale.

- I did not ditch you! - the angel insisted, his hands folding into fists.

- No? What do you call it then? - Crowley challenged, puffing his chest.

- I call it temporary separation for superior motives! - Aziraphale challenged back, straightening his posture

- Superior motives? - he scoffed, his eyebrows shooting upwards - that's what you're going with? -

- Yes it is! - the angel stood his ground.

- Superior motives which you refuse to tell me about... - Crowley was interrupted mid-sentence.

- For your own safety, you stubborn demon! -Aziraphale interjected.

- Yeah, right - he hissed, aggressively moving towards the angel - you won't tell me because there aren't any superior motives and you have too much of an ego to admit you really fucked up! -

- Angels don't have an ego! - Aziraphale cried.

- Tell that to your best friend! -

- He's not my...! - the angel groaned in desperation - you know what, I'm not arguing with you! -

- Running away! - Crowley scoffed, stepping back - as per usual! -

- Oh, please! It's like talking to a broken record!- Aziraphale said - You are being unreasonable, Crowley! -

- Unreasonable? - the demon hissed - I'll show you unreasonable, you little...! -

- OY! - Eleyn roared out of nowhere, making both of them fall silent - We were discussing how to avert the end of the world?- she raised an eyebrow.

- Until someone sidetracked the conversation...- Crowley rolled his eyes at Aziraphale.

- You started it! - the angel said in reply.

Before the demon could put in another word and reignite the argument, Muriel stepped in with a chime - If I may, I think I have a solution for our literary predicament... - she said, immediately getting their whole attention. - Okay, so it just occurred to me that there is one list in which the gospel should figure alongside its last known location -

- Brilliant! - Crowley clapped his hands together.

- But there's a problem. I'm talking about the list of forbidden texts, which is...well... -

- Well? - Crowley pressed.

- Um... - she pointed a finger at the ground - it's down...there... -

- Of course... - Aziraphale let out an exasperated sigh - of course our only clue would be down below -

- Just to be clear - Eleyn interjected - When you say "down there", you mean... -

- Hell - Crowley answered before she had finished posing the question.

- Right - she said, nodding her head - and what exactly is the problem? I mean, if you're a demon can't you just go down and check it out? -

- I wish it were that simple - the demon groaned, flopping down on the couch beside her - Hell and I aren't really on the same page. And by that I mean I'm a traitorous bastard to them -

- And I am a fugitive Supreme Archangel. My presence in Hell would not go unnoticed - Aziraphale added.

- A demon loathed by Hell and an angel hunted by Heaven taking a stroll between pools of boiling sulphur. What could possibly go wrong? - Crowley said, taking a sip of whiskey.

- I'm sure we can think of a way - said Muriel, ever the optimist - we just need a plan -

- I need a glass of wine - Aziraphale whispered, massaging his temple.

- Good luck with that one - the demon chuckled.

- What do you mean? - the angel furrowed his brow, confused, then turned to look at Muriel - What did you do to my wine? -

- Um...I didn't want it and it was taking up space, so...-

- Oh no, you did not! - Aziraphale said, almost offended - But, my Burdeaux collection! I have had those bottles since 1854! -

- Sorry...- Muriel muttered.

Eleyn, who had been silently observing the scene, couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor cherub. Crowley and Aziraphale were so mad at each other that they were unknowingly taking it out on Muriel, who was just trying her very best to be helpful. She could see the young angel's hands trembling when Aziraphale went off about the wine. The daughter of God stared down at the jug of water held between her hands, wishing she could do something to make the angel less angry and Muriel more comfortable. In that precise moment she felt a tingle travelling up her spine and all the way to her fingertips, which she could swear slightly heated up against the glass. Eleyn blinked and, to her amazement, without knowing how or why, the water in the jug had turned crimson red.

- wine... - she whispered, then realized two seconds later - WINE! - she exclaimed, making Aziraphale spin around towards her in shock - The...the water, it turned to wine. That's one of the signs, isn't it? - she stopped to take a breath, staring at the jug once again - I'm not sure how it happened, I just... -

- The countdown has begun - Aziraphale said, looking Crowley in the eyes.

- Time's a ticking - the demon said in response.

Please feel free to review (for good or for bad), a million thanks if you already have and I will do my best to upload chapter 4 by the end of this week/start of the next.