Work Text:
There are stars on Warlock Dowling’s bedroom ceiling. Cheap, plastic, glow-in-the-dark, stick-on stars. At night, they appear remarkably realistic. Warlock thinks that’s normal. Nanny Ashtoreth doesn’t comment. No one else ever sees the stars.
Also in Warlock’s bedroom are plants, from Brother Francis. Warlock does not know how to care for houseplants. They thrive anyway. Nanny Ashtoreth says this is because Warlock yells at them. Warlock doubts this. The plants look much less afraid when he bullies them than when Nanny Ashtoreth does. Still, it’s fun.
Warlock’s bedroom shelves hold many books. Nanny Ashtoreth reads bedtime stories about violence and oppression. During the day, Warlock takes books out to the garden, where Brother Francis reads about love and kindness.
There is a tricycle in Warlock’s bedroom. He refuses to ride it indoors.
As Warlock grows, the stars will be joined by baseball posters; the plants by plastic toys; the books by comics. The tricycle will be replaced by a BMX bike that stays outdoors.
Meanwhile, in an art gallery, Crowley describes the room — one part evil, one part good, two parts human — to Aziraphale. They smile. If Warlock’s bedroom decor is anything to go by, this Arrangement is working perfectly.