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Deep deep down, Crawly knew they shouldn’t be tempting the angel. They shouldn’t be leading Aziraphale along and convincing him that surely a little nibble wouldn’t do much harm?
Pride welled up inside of them as they watched him scarf down the ox rib, grease smearing across his cheeks and hands. Eyes wide with wonder as he stuffs his face.
They didn’t know why they had done it… Well, they did. They’re a demon. Tempting is what they do.
But they knew what it felt like to fall. To be exiled from everything you knew. So why were they taking such a risk in tempting Aziraphale?
Maybe, even further down, Crawly longed for a friend they could rely on without question.
With the exception of Hastur and Ligur - those two were inseparable at times - nobody was truly friends with one another in Hell. They were all hesitant to let their guards down, and more than willing to exploit weaknesses.
All shadows of the angels they once were.
But Aziraphale? He had retained his joyfulness and loyalty.
Perhaps it’s because he retained his angelic status. Perhaps he’s still naive.
And perhaps Crawley’s the most demonic of them all for wanting to take that away.
But they hoped, deep deep deep down, that maybe they could have a true ally in Hell if Aziraphale were to fall. An ally who wouldn’t fuss over Heaven or Hell. An ally that could just be by their side.
Of course, this hope dwindled out as they looked Aziraphale in the eye the next day. Tears threatened to escape his wet eyes as he grieved his place in heaven.
He had lied straight to Gabriel’s face. He had sinned.
Crawly never wanted to see him like that again.
So they sat with the angel, reassuring him that he won’t be going to Hell. That they believed he wouldn’t like it there. That it’d be their little secret.
The hesitant relief that washed over Aziraphale’s face sent a warmth through Crawly, something they hoped to experience more as the decades go on.
They didn’t want Aziraphale to fall. Not anymore. But maybe, just maybe, they still found their ally. Maybe it’s not just Crawly’s side anymore.
It could be their side.
"Our side."