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A heavy feeling settled inside Crowley as he watched the unicorn run, tracking it even as he shouted out, distracting Aziraphale. The angel was attempting to justify God's actions yet again, so it was probably best not to show his hand.
He’d left Aziraphale, still trying to reconcile his faith with the devastation to come. He'd done what he could, now there was only one thing left. By now the water was high, and the rain flooded his eyes and soaked his wings. There was no feathery canopy to shelter under during this rainstorm.
It had been so tempting to ask Aziraphale for help, to confess and beg for assistance, but the fear was too great. Ignorance could indeed be bliss when the alternative was refusal, even betrayal. It was one thing to thwart the angel, but the direct actions of God? Testing the angel's loyalty could only lead to pain.
Through the blinding rain he saw a glimmer of white on a hill and beat his wings more urgently. When he landed, his bare feet joined the unicorn's hoofs in the rising water.
“What you have to go and run away for? Idiot. Now we're both wet.”
Swift and methodical, Crowley wrapped the fabric he'd carried around the unicorn to create a harness of sorts. Close up the unicorn looked heavier than it had earlier. But, he was a demon, he could do this. With a gentle hand he gave the unicorn a reassuring pat. “It'll be fine.”
Grabbing the harness he took to the air, testing the weight. Panic and doubt began to set in then, but there was nothing for it. The unicorn would definitely drown if he did nothing. Then from the rain, a strong hand appeared. Too lost in his thoughts, he hadn't noticed Aziraphale's arrival.
“Let me help,” was all the angel said.
Together they took hold of the harness, and began to fly, the rain that ran down Crowley's cheeks now tinged with salt.
Aziraphale flew silently beside him for a while, emanating an angelic aura to calm the unicorn, and in turn, soothing Crowley's panicked body. He felt the moment Aziraphale realised where they were heading and braced himself for an argument, but though his lips thinned and his thoughts flickered across his face, he said nothing.
As they stood on the familiar wall looking down at the lonely but still breathing unicorn, Crowley felt Aziraphale's eyes on him. The angel cleared his throat gently and he braced himself.
“That was a good thing you did.”
Crowley groaned. “Don't say that angel. Not good, thwarting. Very evil thing this.”
“Ah, yes, of course,” Aziraphale nodded, repressing a smile. “Everyone knows that unicorns are the worst of God's creatures, scandalous that they now get to survive.” At his words a sadness descended over him once more.
Crowley could see the questions in his eyes and suddenly he didn't want to hear them, especially in this place. “Maybe you're right,” he lied. “Maybe it's all ineffable, and you were meant to help me. Big picture or some bollocks.”
“Thank you,” Aziraphale said.
A flush creeping up his neck, Crowley nodded at the unicorn. “Looks like they're settled, should probably be getting back. Check on the ki… the, erm, kissing temptations.”
“Yes, yes, of course. I should be getting back to the ark. I'm quite excited to see this rain bow. When it's over, did you… I mean, will you be there to, you know?”
“I'll try, but you'd maybe better stick around after if you can, just in case?” There was silence for a moment and Crowley wondered if perhaps he'd gone too far, that even this non-arrangement was too much.
“Of course, if I can. I wouldn't want to leave the unicorn all alone.”
Crowley smiled gratefully at Aziraphale, feeling a warmth spreading within. They had a plan then. When the flood was over they'd make sure the unicorns were reunited, here in the Garden, safe and together, forever.