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Our big miracle
The powers that be, location unknown.
“They are way too powerful!”
“No single angel of any rank could even come close to that…”
There was a spell of silence, the somewhat bewildered conversation halting abruptly.
“So, we are still going with the premise they did it. And, together?”
“Yes, it has to be the correct assumption.”
“Like stated before, no single angel let alone any kind of demon, not even Lucifer himself has ever managed to break the record. That is one thing which we know for sure.”
“So, we’re all in agreement then?”
Another spell of silence fell into the blank room they were all gathered in to. With glances exchanged between the participants present, none of them truly wanting to make the call. But, they had to as this was a matter of utmost urgency.
As most of all, there were consequences to such unsanctioned actions having been done and someone needed to pay for the insolence. Or rather certain someones.
“We are.”
“So, what of the repercussions then? There needs to be some kind of punishment for sure.“
“We need to make an example of them that much is true.”
“Agreed.”
“Yes, agreed.”
“It was a mistake to let it slide the first time around.”
“That wasn’t our decision to make back then.”
“No, unfortunately it was not.”
“Alas, whatever is to be done now, we cannot do it alone.”
“No, that is a given.”
“The call has to be made.”
“Agreed.”
“So, which one of us will do the deed?”
Another spell of silence, a trend for sure for this, conference if any.
“I will make the call.”
Several low murmurs and nods of agreement followed around the room.
“Alright then. It’s settled. We’ll proceed as per agreed.”
The low voices soon died down, the group disbursing. After all, there were plans to be set in motion.
*
In another part of the universe.
“I think it took.”
The words spoken in a low whisper, as if someone was listening in. And most likely, they were.
“Better than the last time?”
“I would say so. We’ve gotten better at this, me thinks.”
A nervous chuckle followed but he wasn’t wrong. The two had been practicing for a while now. Together. As they really could make great things happen when they worked with each other.
“So, we’re good? Safe for the time being?”
It wasn’t like he expected a proper answer, simply trying to assure them both perhaps with his query.
“Looks like it.”
The two exchanged glances. Neither really trusting in them being safe though. They had been there before and things had gone… badly. But they had to at least believe in it. This time being the lucky charm. Finally being able to have a breather for a moment after being on the lamb for so long. They needed to believe the miracle had taken and was presently shielding them from the rest of the world, the universe among others looking for them.
Their eyes locked, the fear neither was able to hide from the other written there as clear as on a cloudless day.
“I’m sorry love, I should have known better.”
“It’s not your fault. We both knew the consequences of our actions.“
“Yeah… guess we did just that. Know there would be a price to pay. Again.”
The price the two of them had payed already way too high. And the reason? Simply for caring for someone or something. The Humans, the Earth. And now? The second time around? Loving each other. It did not seem… fair somehow. Then again, whomever said life was fair? Even for the etherial it certainly wasn’t.
“So, what now?”
The nervousness and anxiety still present. But what else could they do? They had made their choice after all. Together. Finally admitting to the truth and doing a damn thing about it too!
“Now? We wait.”
Finding a good spot in the small dwelling he made himself comfortable. Sitting on the well worn sofa, cozy and enough for them two despite its condition.
Patting the seat beside him, his arms open wide. “Come on Angel, it’s better to rest. We need the energy.”
The Angel took the offered seat after a brief moment of hesitation. As still, after all this time together he sometimes felt hesitant in seeking solace in the arms of the Demon.
Curling up against the Demon like he always did these days, they both fell into a comfortable silence. Prepared for the long wait once again. As being on the lam from Heaven and most likely Hell as well was never easy. This time they could only hope they would be left alone for good. But it seemed impossible. Someone always having a grudge to hold against them.
After a moment of soft silence in each others arms, the Demon broke to words first.
“Whatever happens… know that I love you, Angel.”
Squeezing the Demons hand gently, the Angel responded in kind.
“And I love you, my dear darling Demon Snake. Forever even if…”
Well they both knew what that meant. The total and utter erasure from the Book of Life.
“Let’s hope it won’t come to that, my love.”
Something they would fight against to the bitter end, that much was a given.
*
Ever since the two had become the Us, things on the planet Earth had become less and less easy for the loving partners. The two of them having been rejected permanently from Heaven and Hell with the clear ultimatums in place. The or else’s looming over their heads ever since. The Angel and the Demon having been trying to live their lives amongst the humans in the best way they could as the ethereals they still were. Performing minor miracles here and there, their powers, surprisingly, never having been taken away. Helping out where they could.
But then, the Big One had happened. Them both joining forces with the some of the humans while helping the supposed good side of humanity. The humans causing once again enough havoc towards destroying the blue globe in the process. And so, the Angel and Demon had used their combined powers to change the tide, things calming down finally on planet Earth. For a while at least.
Only this time, the magnitude of their minor miracle had been far bigger than anyone had anticipated. Well, those in Heaven at least. But the two could not have very well just ignored helping the humans, now could they?! To simply having walked away from what seemed like World War Three happening?
And so, here they were, Aziraphale and Crowley, former Arch Angel and Demon. Together. The Us. On the run from the most feared groups imaginable, the mass of Angel and Demon armies. Or something similar and horrid. Most likely not a mass per se, but enough to destroy the two of them at least. Because they both had converted the most likely awaited Great War by the both sides which would have led to the humans all but destroyed and the remaining people to become divided between the two rulers. A new regime having been established on Earth.
“Not, on my watch!” Aziraphale had stated angrily and Crowley had little to add to his partner’s comment except follow his lead.
After all, the two of them were hitched now, for better or for worse come hell or high water. Only it seemed the humans of the planet were rather apt at warring and so they had to stop the catastrophe before it escalated further. The two of them performing the most and biggest miracle ever seen or heard of. Because together, they could do such a feat. Having become rather good at it too.
Too powerful according to those powers that be.
And so here they were, having managed to stop the war. Spreading good will toward the people of Earth for a while there. But then, they had been found out and now, they were hunted. Having a large size price on their heads. Doomed to run and hide. As clearly no good deed ever went unpunished. The only constant in the world, the universe even.
*
The Angel and Demon had been huddled together in each others arms in perfect silence for what seemed like an eternity. The myriad of emotions running rampant in them both. But somehow, there was no fear present anymore. Aziraphale all the consolation Crowley needed. And for Aziraphale, Crowley was the rock he knew he could always lean on. Together they were stronger than alone. The two of them, a team, a group, the Us as in We.
Crowley broke the silence after some time had passed by.
“How’re you holding up luv?”
Aziraphale, despite their predicament was feeling secure and safe in his partner’s arms. Letting out a soft sigh, his face deep in the nook of Crowleys neck talking against the skin, his voice muffled.
“Mpf…am fine…”
Crowley could not help but chuckle. But despite being somewhat anxious, he too felt… fine. They were together facing whatever was coming their way. And that was all that mattered to him. At least for a moment, Crowley actually believed in that. Feeling safe with his Angel.
They had done a good deed and so, they were ready. In giving up?
Kissing the top of Aziraphale's head, squeezing the Angel tighter against him, holding his beloved in his arms for dear life. Being afraid of letting go. And so was the fear increasing suddenly even if Crowley was trying to act all nonchalant. But…
As if sensing Crowley’s thoughts and Aziraphale most likely was, the calm before the storm for them soon over and the Demon becoming more and more aware of that as well. Still, the Angel had to believe they would survive this. That they could survive this. They had always come through before, right?
A moment of overwhelming fear washed over Aziraphale. The cold sweat he sometimes felt with such emotions taking over. Willing himself to rid of those feelings, those pestering thoughts, pushing them way, way back into his mind he let the calm settle once again. They needed to be strong and together as the Us they were. He knew they were.
Aziraphale looked up and at Crowley, blue meeting yellow.
“We will be alright sweetheart. We will muddle though this. Somehow. We always do:”
His hand found purchase under Crowley’s chin, drawing the Demon closer. Their lips touching, softly, gently, reassuringly. The love they shared never dying. Trusting in that, they deepened their kiss, lingering in the feel of the other for a moment longer.
Letting go, but not. Holding on to each other tightly. They were ready. Waiting for the inevitable to happen. But, they were together in this all. And that was what mattered in the the end. If this indeed, was the end for them both.
Us.