GOOD OMENS 3

FireFenix

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8 – MUCH TALK, LITTLE LISTENING.

Crowley's dripping hair slowly soaked the velvety cushion of the couch on which he had thrown himself with a loud thud. After that, Eleyn had offered to clean the small table and Muriel had excused herself, entering the bedroom which she and Aziraphale shared. The demon, his long limbs comfortably curled up in a fetal position, had no intention to sleep whatsoever; so instead he just laid there, breathing in and out, concentrating on the distant chime of teacups and china plates in the sink. Then there were steps, small and unhurried, coming towards him.
Eleyn watched the slim figure slumped on the couch with a twinkle of compassion in her eye as she advanced towards him. He laid with his back to her, pretending to sleep, and his eyes were concealed, as usual, behind his dark glasses. The Daughter of God sat down beside him, on the long side of the couch, and spoke with a tender, serene tone:

- Hey - she whispered - You good? -

- Oh, yeah, jumping up and down - he growled, his tone sarcastic - Can't you see me? -

- Whoa - she joked, trying to dissipate the tension - Talk about a grumpy demon... - she rolled her eye

- Look, Eleyn, just... - he sighed - I just want to be alone, okay? -

- Oh, I'm aware - Eleyn replied with a small smile - That's why I'm not leaving -

Crowley immediately recognized the words as his own and raised his head, throwing her a glance through the dark lenses.

- That - he hissed - was cheap. Very cheap -

- I know - her eyes were full of tenderness - But you didn't leave me alone at St. James', so I figured I'd return the favor -

- If you want to return the favor, you can do it by going to sleep and leaving me to mind my fucking business - the demon growled, turning his head back away from her.

- Oh, come on! - she was slowly beginning to lose her patience.

- No, 'cause I'm curious - he sat up, his infamous temper rising - I'm really curious as to what part of my current demeanor could possibly suggest that I want to have a goddamn conversation right now! -

- How about the broken heart, hm? Or the teary eyes which you try to hide beneath those things? - She gestured towards the sunglasses - You don't fool me with the tough and rough act, Crowley. It's eating at you; and you need to talk to someone -

- Talking talking talking! - he hissed - Always talking! Why do people keep telling me to fucking talk?! -

- Because you don't listen to any of them, you idiot! - Eleyn was scolding the demon at this point - You simply won't understand that it'll make you feel better! -

- Loads better! - he sardonically said - Like that one time I talked to Aziraphale and ruined my entire goddamn existence ?! - he bared his teeth - Yeah, you're right, that made me feel so good! -

- That's not...! - Eleyn sighed, realizing that arguing with the demon wouldn't solve anything, and her tone turned soft once again - Don't be daft, Crowley. You two need to clear the air, and you know it. It's hurting both of you, and Muriel and I are growing tired of the endless celestial row. Heck, even the car is looking at the dismantling centre options in town! - she calmly explained.

- Why the hell do you care so much?! - the demon huffed - It's not your problem! -

- Except it is! - Eleyn took a deep breath - It became my problem when you saved my life and then put yours in danger to protect me! Aziraphale and you...you're my friends. I can't just stand and watch -
Crowley glanced nervously around the room, his breaths heavy, and fought the tears with each and every fiber of his being.

- And what am I supposed to do ? - he was finally able to say, his voice at breaking point - I fucked up. I thought we... - he could barely articulate words - I thought...shit...what does it matter, anyway? He doesn't...He sees something different -

- You're kidding me, right? - Eleyn raised her eyebrows in pure disbelief, and the demon looked at her, confusion etched on his face - Crowley, that angel is madly in love with you. He couldn't physically be more in love with you -

The demon stopped breathing. The mere notion of those words having been said out loud made a tight knot form in his stomach. He wanted to believe them, he truly did, but the small seed of doubt and fear nagged at him incessantly. With trembling fingers, he slowly reached for his glasses and slipped them off, finally letting Eleyn see through to him, his reddened, sorrowful eyes completely exposed. He stared at her for a few, silent seconds and, when he spoke, his voice was the most vulnerable she had ever heard it.

- Don't... - he took a shaky breath – Just don't, Eleyn -

- But it's true! - she insisted - I promise you, it is. He loves you; he really, really does. He... -

- Stop it! - Crowley hissed, making her fall silent - You don't know anything about... You're a kid, for whoevers sake! You couldn't even drink three days ago! What the fuck do you know about love ?! -

- Yeah, okay, maybe you're right - tears now began forming in her eyes - But do you know what I could do three days ago? I could hug my mother. Give my father a kiss. Play with my little brother - she stopped to take a choked breath - And now all of that is gone, so yes, perhaps I don't know the first thing about love; but I do know about loss. I'm going to have to live the rest of my existence knowing that I could have said "I love you" one more time. Because when you love someone, and then you lose them, you will never have said it enough. But you?! - she had to stop to breathe once again, a tear rolling down her cheek, and Crowley just listened in awe - You have eternity with the one you love. Eternity! Do you have the faintest idea how unfair that is?! Have you got even a slight clue of the lengths any mortal who has ever loved would go to just to have a negligible part of what you have?! - she'd run out of air once again, so she took a few shaky breaths and then spoke in a whisper - Every second, every heartbeat you waste moaning about you misery instead of telling him how much you love him is a sign of disrespect, Crowley. Towards yourself, towards me, and towards anyone who has ever loved and ever lost. - She paused, teary-eyed - I can't have my family back, but I might as well fix my new one. Just give me that. Please - her breathing slowly went back to normal, and she dried her tears as soon as she realized they were there. Then, Eleyn addressed the demon one more time - Think about it, at least. I'm exhausted, I think I'll try to sleep for a few hours. Don't make noise if you come into the room - there was a moment of silence - Good night, Crowley -

The demon watched as she stepped towards the bedroom door, her heartbreaking speech replaying in his head over and over again. Eleyn had almost closed the door when Crowley finally spoke again, his words coming out as nothing more than a breath.

- Sleep well -

It didn't rain that evening, either. The Edinburgh night sky was lit up by thousands of stars and a breathtaking full moon; and there wasn't a cloud in sight. As the day began coming to an end, shopkeepers closed down or escorted the last client out with tired smiles. Workers of every age abandoned their offices, the desire to rest etched in their faces; and sleepily walked to their cars. Lights began to shut off, and streets began to empty.
A park, shrouded in the dark embrace of the night, stood empty and quiet except for the occasional bark of a passerby dog. There, on a bench in the middle of the darkness, sat two figures clad in white-gray suits. They could have been normal people, but there was something in the way they held themselves. Their posture was regal; rigid but nonetheless elegant, and their chins were always raised, as though they were used to looking down at the world rather than staring it in the face.

- Are you sure they're here, Michael? - Uriel asked for what must have been the fifth time that night, their voice showing the usual hint of distrust.

- Again, Uriel - Michael responded, their patience beginning to quiver - The Metatron sent me here personally. They are here -

- Hm - Uriel looked around, still not completely convinced - I just don't understand what their problem is -

- Nobody does - the other corrected - I think they've been on Earth for too long -

- Perhaps - they agreed - I don't see any other reason for their stubborn resolve not to let the world end. I mean, why? What is it about this little planet and its little people that they adore so much? -

- I dare think - Michael suggested - that they have...grown accustomed to it -

The Archangels said nothing for a few moments; a dog walker passing by with a small corgi on a leash.

- The demon - Uriel proclaimed when the passerby had disappeared behind a bush - Crowley, right? -

- What about him? - Michael coldly asked.

- Do you think Aziraphale and him...? - they couldn't bring themselves to complete the question, the mere thought of it making them sick.

- It would seem so - the other replied, their eyes fixed on the lake in front of them - You were there Uriel, in the bookshop, that day. You must have felt it as well. The love which radiated from both demon and angel -

- Yes, but... - they glanced at Michael, their tone slightly confused - Is that even possible? A demon, capable of love? -

- It's unlikely, yes, but evidently not impossible - the Archangel reasoned - Either way, it's disgusting -

- We agree in that respect - Uriel sighed - But what unsettles me most is the fact that Aziraphale reciprocates. An angel! In love with a demon! -

- Don't say such things out loud, Uriel! - Michael scolded them - But I must admit you're not wrong. Aziraphale has betrayed his angelic grace; and She who spoke him into existence along with it -

- Why does She allow it? - the other inquired - She knows, surely, so why not smite them? - they paused for a second - They abducted Her child, for heaven's sake! -

- That's precisely why we are here - Michael explained - To make things right. The Metatron was very clear. Wait until they make a move, take the book from their hands before they can read it and save the Daughter from their tyranny - they took a deep breath - If the demon and the traitor happen to be smitten in the process, well, bad luck -

- And the other cherub? - Uriel asked - The one who was left in the bookshop, I mean. What of her? -

- Who cares? She's nothing more than a scrivener. A quick shove down to Hell and problem solved. No angel will even remember her - Michael dismissively replied, not concerned in the slightest.

- I was going to suggest feather plucking; but that works just as well - the other shrugged, then sighed - I'm curious, Michael. Why is the book so important? Did The Metatron say? -

The soon-to-be Supreme Archangel leaned closer to Uriel, and whispered into their ear.

- No - they shook their head - but whatever it is, it must be very bad. I don't think I've ever seen The Metatron so concerned. Or so furious -

- Neither have I - Uriel said.

With that, they fell into complete silence once again. The moon cast a delicate, silver shilouette in the calm waters of the little lake; and for a few minutes the Archangels simply watched it. Then, Michael spoke again.

- Is everyone in position? - they demanded, their tone that of one who thinks they're already in charge.

- Yes - Uriel replied without hesitation - If they do so much as blink, we'll know immediately -

It was somewhere around three a.m. and the night had become cold and still; the moonlight completely blocked by dense, low clouds. Aziraphale hadn't slept at all, driven mad by the constant wrestle of his mind and heart. The conversation with Muriel, and the revelation that she had known the truth from the beginning, had been replaying incessantly in his memory. He laid face-up, staring at the gray ceiling like he had been doing for the previous three and a half hours, counting his breaths. Thirst had been nagging at him for some time, half an hour perhaps, but he'd decided to ignore it out of refusal to leave the reclusiveness and safety of the room. However, the dryness of his lips had become so unbearable that he needed to drink something before they began peeling off. Reluctantly, and not making a sound so as not to wake a peacfully slumbering Muriel, he got off the bed and slipped past the bedroom door. The suite was seemingly empty and pitch-black; but he could just barely make out the outline of the couch and the opening which led to the kitchenette. Taking slow, silent and deliberate steps, the angel made his way to it and began searching for the kettle, taking extra care not to make the doors and drawers creak. Oddly, it was nowhere to be found. His eyebrows went down in confusion as he scanned the open cabinets once again. Surely an establishment like that one had to have a kettle, right? He was on his tiptoes, glancing inside one of the higher cabinets, when a low voice suddenly rang through the silence, nearly discorporating Aziraphale out of shock.

- 's already on the boiler - Crowley's voice stated.

- Good lord, you gave me a scare! - the angel whispered, clutching his chest.

- Ngk - the demon shifted on the couch - Boiled it 'bout forty minutes ago, fancied something warm -

- Ah - Aziraphale nodded, then retrieved a porcelain cup from one of the glass-door cabinets - Not slept, I presume? -

- Nah - the other replied with his usual nonchalance - Don't need to. You? -

- I'd like to - he sighed, pouring himself the warm tea and leaning against the counter - But I can't. Usually, I'd kill time with a good book...oh well. -

Silence fell between them as the angel took the first sip of tea, the liquid warm and soothing in his lips. He glanced towards the darkened couch, where Crowley's voice had come from, and he caught a glimpse of a pair of amber eyes, glistening in the shadows. He felt his heartbeat accelerate and his breath shorten. Those eyes; oh how he had missed those eyes...

- Of course - the angel heard himself say - Snakes. Infrared vision, I gather? -

- Yup - he sighed - A bit of that, a bit of good night vision -

- Handy, that - Aziraphale laughed nervously - Stops you from running into things at night -

- Yeah, well - Crowley said in a low hiss, glancing out the window at the night sky - Everything comes at a price... -

- How do you mean? - the angel's curiosity was piqued.

- Doesn't matter - the demon growled, separating his eyes from the window and adjusting his sprawled position on the couch.

An uncomfortable silence settled between them again. Crowley's eyes were fixed on Aziraphale's glowing form, leaned against the cold marble counter. The demon had always been able to see slightly infrared at night, more so when he was in his snake form, and he'd learnt to live with it. He had even managed to use it to his advantage from time to time, and it had become a crucial part of his temptations. Thanks to the slight changes in body temperature, Crowley could know when a certain tactic was working; he would try different paths until he saw the heat rising and figured out what keys to press. That was part of the reason he'd become so good at it. The darker it was, the better he could see the infrared. When there was light, the humanoid part of his eyes would allow him to see almost clearly except for certain colours which just would not register. So he hadn't really ever seen Aziraphale's body temperature like that before. It was rather mesmerizing. He would see most living beings in orange and blue, maybe green. But the angel was glowing in a white-yellowish hue, like the sun on the precise moment it touched the horizon. He couldn't help but stare. Luckily, the darkness between them prevented the angel from realizing.

Crowley let out a silent sigh. Eleyn had a point, he and Aziraphale had the luxury- or curse, depending on the situation- of eternity. Where she was wrong, however, was in the matter of the angel's feelings. Aziraphale didn't reciprocate his feelings. He never had. Though it had hurt him infinitely to admit it, he now understood that he could never make Aziraphale happy in the same way his angel's presence filled him with joy. But he still loved Aziraphale, this remained as unaltered as the Ten Amendments, so he would do anything to make him happy. Even if that meant letting the angel go.

Aziraphale, on the other hand, stared down at his tea. Muriel's words echoed inside his mind. "It's not my place to tell him, it's yours". "It's gotten out of hand". After comforting him for a while, Muriel had fallen asleep; but Aziraphale had been wide awake for hours, pondering over every word she'd said. In the end, his mind had accepted that she was right. Ever since they'd reunited, he and Crowley had done nothing but drive themselves further and further apart. If they were going to stop The Metatron, they needed to work things out. The angel gulped hard, anxious, and finally reignited the conversation.

- Crowley, listen... - his voice trembled slightly - There are some things we should...discuss... -

- Don't - the demon hissed - Stop. I don't wanna hear it - the idea of the angel explaining in detail how he'd decided to abandon him because he wasn't good enough was too much to bear.

- But... - he stopped, unsure what to say - This...It can't go on like this forever, we... -

- It won't - the demon growled - When we finish doing whatever the hell it is we have to do, I'll go my goddamn way and you're free to...go back to Heaven -

What? Aziraphale felt the air leave his body. Was that what Crowley really wanted? The harsh truth finally settled. Where there may have once been a different kind of feelings, now there was only hatred. He could feel it once again, the despise seething out of the demon. Crowley didn't want anything to do with him; and Aziraphale accepted it.

- Very well - he whispered, fighting back the tears - But if we want to pull this off, we at least need to cooperate - he observed.

There it was. Crowley's heart gave a violent thump. The little doubt he might have had was now gone. Aziraphale had given his answer, and it was final. He wanted Heaven, not him. A wave of anger surged through his veins, making his blood boil. The disgust and despise towards himself, towards what he was, rged inside of him like the winds just before a storm. He was furious, not at the angel, but at everyone and everything else in the universe.

- Cooperate... - he hissed, swinging his legs around and sitting up on the couch, eyes fixed on the window right in front of him – You know what is necessary for cooperation, Angel? -

- Yes – the angel nodded – That we momentarily put our differences aside and work together to... -

- Honesty – the demon growled angrily, completely cutting him off – That's what. Fucking honesty, Aziraphale -

- I'm sorry – Aziraphale challenged, almost offended by the insinuation – When have I ever been dishonest with you? -

- When?! - Crowley spat out, turning his head and locking eyes with him – Ever since you set foot back in the bookshop you've done nothing but hide the goddamn truth! - he scoffed – Just when I thought you trusted me -

- You're being ridiculous, Crowley! – the angel put his foot down – Of course I trust you! I always have! -

- Yeah, Angel? - His eyebrows shot upwards.

Crowley stood, his snakey form barely distinguishable in the darkness, and strode with resolve into the kitchenette, towards the angel. He closed in on him, but Aziraphale didn't lean back. The demon stopped mere inches from the angel, their noses almost brushing. The little moonglight which filtered through the window Crowley had been looking out of partially illuminated his features, casting long shadows on his face which only enhanced his amber gaze, the slit-like pupils fixed on Aziraphale's azure eyes. He looked furious. The angel gulped, but he didn't step back.

- Yes – he firmly stated, holding his breath.

- Why did you leave? - the demon breathed, his words coming out as a rageful hiss.

Aziraphale let out a breath, and his lips began to tremble. He opened his mouth, but closed it immediately after. He couldn't tell Crowley the truth. He wanted to, desperately, but he couldn't risk putting the demon in even more danger than he already was. Muriel's words reverbrated once more inside his mind, and he opened his mouth again, only to close it moments after. A tear began rolling down his face, and he turned his head away fom Crowley, stating with one gesture that he would not yield. The demon gave a bitter chuckle.

- Yeah, that's what I thought – he whispered.

- You don't understand, Crowley! - Aziraphale turned his head back to him, his eyes reddened – You just don't understand! I'm trying to... -

- Oh, I understand Angel – Crowley hissed – I fucking understand that all it took was one cup of coffee. One goddamn cup of coffe from a man, or angel, or whatever the hell you want to call him, who appeared at the last second, who had done nothing but mock and demean you... – he reluctantly stopped to breathe – And you left, wihout even looking back. Like if the past six thousand years of your existance; of our existance, never even happened. Gone! Like that! - he snapped his fingers.

- I had no...! -

- Yeah, yeah, you had no choice – he sardonically said, overexagerating quotations with his fingers, then rolled his eyes – You could at least come up with a proper lie – he was now the one who turned his head away.

- I'm not lying! Why don't you listen to me?! - Aziraphale was beginning to sound desperate – I was just trying to do the right thing! -

- That's the problem with you lot! – his and Aziraphale's eyes met once again, and the demon's rage finally got the better of him – It's all about doing the right thing, isn't it? The right thing for whom?! - he took a deep breath – You're so caught up in the right fucking thing that you don't realize that half of the goddamn time you're being just as selfish as you claim the Devil to be! - he shook his head in disgust – And then you have the nerve to call yourselves the good guys -

- Are you saying... - Aziraphale could feel the anger begin to boil his blood – Are you saying that Heaven is bad?!

- You still don't get it, do you? - Crowley's tone was both incredulous and slightly derisive – Bad, Good; Heaven, Hell...who the fuck cares?! They're just names, Angel! Both sides are just the same!-

- You speak out of resentment! - the angel fought back – Just because you fell, it doesn't mean...! -

- Fell? I didn't fall! - the demon hissed – I was pushed off a fucking cliff! Because that's the other thing. The second somebodey dares to ask why, you exterminate them. How can you not see the hypocrisy?! How can you be so blind?! -

- I never said I agreed with their politics, Crowley! - Aziraphale reciprocated his rage – But you can't say they're as evil as your lot! You can't compare angels to demons! -

- No, you know what? You're right! – Crowley snarled, to the angel's surprise – They're nowhere near the same! Angels are far worse! -

- How dare you say that?! - Aziraphae raged, scandalized, forcefully setting down his plate and teacup, the sound of china echoing through the suite.

- Oh, I dare – the demon hissed – You give them hope! - he pointed out the window – They genuinely believe that you're all kind and warm and pure-hearted! -

-Because we are! - Aziraphale cried - Where do you think they got that from?! -

- You can't say that when I've just stopped an innocent child from taking her goddamn life because three of those arseholes you call "pure hearted angels" have destroyed her fucking life! - Crowlwey gestured towards the general direction of his and Eleyn's shared bedrooms – She's eighteen years old! -

- You're seeing what you want to see! - Aziraphale angrily scolded him – I grant you that there are bad angels; I mean, The Metatron, for Heaven's sake! – he threw a hand upwards over his head – But that doesn't mean we're all evil! -

- Bollocks! – Crowley spit back – You're all nothing more than a bunch of demons in white robes! -

- You wouldn't dare call me a demon! - Aziraphale's eyes widened, and his tone turned stern – Don't you dare, Crowley! - his voice trembled with rage, and his words only infuriated the other further.

- Oh, that's an insult now, is it?! - the demon hissed – Well, do excuse my insolence, oh Supreme Archangel – he mocked, bowing in a derisive and exaggerated manner.

- Really?! - Aziraphale too mocked – You're that infantile?! -

- Isn't this what you wanted?! - Crowley was unfazed by the angel's words – For us all to bow in your presence, your royal excellency?! -

- That's not...! - the angel cried, anger and exhasperation coursing through him, taking a breath just in time to stop himself from finishing that sentence – Look, this is hardly the time for childish mockery, Crowley! We have more important matters at hand, and all I'm asking you to do is to work with me! – he looked the demon dead in the eyes – Would it kill you to do that?! -

- Ngk – Crowley tore his eyes apart from the angel's mesmerizing blue gaze – 'kay, yeah, sure, I'll cooperate, if that means getting this shit over with sooner, so that I can go back to minding my goddamn buisiness! -

- Good, then we are agreed! – Aziraphale tugged at his knitted vest, straightening it with an elegant yet slightly aggressive movement.

- Fine! -

- Fine! -

With that Crowley spun on his heel, stormed out of the kitchenette and turned on the living room lamp with a swing of the hand. Whilst he did so, both bedroom doors swung open, and the demon stopped dead in his tracks. A sleepy cherub and a drowsy messiah stepped out into the main suite, the latter rubbing her eyes and yawning.

- Jesus, guys, it's not even two in the morning – Eleyn immediately realized something was wrong – What the hell happened? -

- We talked – Crowley hissed, then opened the front door and charged out of it, slamming it behind him.

I know, I know, please don't kill me. I'm really sorry, but what with term exams coming up, and an unexpected, sudden writer's block, I just couldn't bring myself round to actually writing. But I finally did it, so yay! (I promise I'll try to be more consistent, 'k? :) ) As always, if you've actually taken a fragment of your precious time to read this little story of mine, a million million thanks! Thanks for all the hype and inspiration you guys give me with your reviews, too! (Feel free to comment, for good or for bad)

Now then, these two...yeah...Don't worry, my own sanity is beginning to slip away too, so very soon now they'll have their blissful reconciliation! - Provided Muriel, Eleyn and the Bentley don't kill them first, that is.

Also, Season 3?! Can I hear a Yahoo!?.

Absolutely love you for ages, hope you're enjoying so far, and have an ineffably very merry Christmas! 3