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Sea Serpent

Summary:

“Oh, my.” Sand crumbling beneath his feet, Aziraphale cupped a hand to his eyes so he could better see the gargantuan, scaly form in the water just beyond the beachline. “Crawly, is that you? What are you up to now?"

The creature raised its head, meeting Aziraphale’s eyes, and the sight of its own yellow slits dispelled any remaining doubt as to its identity.

“I’m a sssea ssserpent."

Notes:

For the prompt "Beach or Waterfront."

(See the end of the work for more notes and other works inspired by this one.)

Work Text:

“Oh, my.” Sand crumbling beneath his feet, Aziraphale cupped a hand to his eyes so he could better see the gargantuan, scaly form in the water just beyond the beachline. “Crawly, is that you? What are you up to now?"

The creature raised its head, meeting Aziraphale’s eyes, and the sight of its own yellow slits dispelled any remaining doubt as to its identity.

“I’m a sssea ssserpent,” Crawly hissed ominously. “Lurking in the depths, frightening ships off their course, kidnapping innocent princessssses and eating them for lunch…"

“I think those are dragons you’re thinking of."

“Oh.” If it were possible for a sea monster to look crestfallen, then Crawly did.

“The lurking sounds quite impressive, though,” Aziraphale offered conciliatorily. “And the ship-scaring. Though I do hope you didn’t wreck any.”

“Course not, what do you take me for?” Crawly rippled irritably, the movement creating a particularly large wave which crashed on the shore, splashing Aziraphale’s feet. “Actually, though, I didn’t even see anyone. Until today, anyway.”

“Really?” Aziraphale hadn’t expected that. “How did so many ships see you, if you didn’t notice them?”

“...They ssaw me?” Crawly swore.

“There were far too many reported sightings to be a coincidence. That’s why I came out here at all, you know.”

“Huh." Now the sea serpent sounded interested. "That sso?”

Aziraphale squirmed.  “To investigate,” he clarified hastily. “In case you needed thwarting, that is.”

“Hm.”

Quickly, before Crawly could draw further attention to the fact that Aziraphale was very obviously standing and talking rather than thwarting, the angel went on. “Well. What were you doing out there, then, if not deliberately terrifying people?”

“‘S nice and quiet. And comfortable, floating.”

“Pardon?”

More watery turbulence as the sea monster managed, somehow, to pull off a shrug. “I was just taking a nap.”

Notes:

Heh. I have no idea where this idea came from — but it was fun to write, and I hope it was fun to read! If so, and if you're considering leaving a comment, I would as always be ecstatic to hear from you. Be well.