To Save 'Us'
"We could have been…'Us'"
Aziraphale turned away, not wanting to face that truth. He'd spent an existence gazing at Crowley, and now he couldn't bear the pain of it.
Crowley rushed over, grabbing Angel by the lapels, and urgently pulled him in for the One Fabulous Kiss he hoped would save Them.
"Cro-" was all Aziraphale got out before Crowley's lips were on his, insistent yet gentle. The demon tasted of whiskey and wood smoke – "Crowley, what are you doing? His lips… - he's kissing me!"
Vanilla and beeswax flooded Crowley's senses -Aziraphale's scent that had comforted him through the millennia, only now, exponentially stronger. "Please Angel! Let's be 'Us'!" was the impassioned plea that Crowley was pouring into that kiss. And for just a moment, Aziraphale wanted the miracle of 'Us' as much as Crowley. The angel closed his eyes and held the demon as he returned Crowley's kiss.
Crowley felt the cold, leaden knot that had been inside him since the Fall warm and loosen. Joy and Hope began to spark – "like stars being born!". In that moment, they each knew everything the other had ever felt, but never said.
Then Panic flooded Aziraphale. "No! They'll Destroy us!" He pulled away. Crowley heard "No!" and released him with one last cry- "Angel!". Inside grew dark and cold again.
They stood there, each looking to the other for answers. Aziraphale, shaking and gasping in confusion; Crowley, holding his breath in agonizing anticipation. He would have prayed at that moment if he could. The memory of that kiss remained, like a watermark on their souls. Aziraphale sensed the aftertaste, Crowley the scent, of …. apples.
"I…." Aziraphale stammered, still feeling the promise of that miracle moment. Wanting more than anything to say YES. But the apple taste reminded him of what happened when you crossed God. "How can I save us? We must stay apart". He drew a breath, and said,
"I forgive you."