Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They say God doesn’t play dice with the universe. She plays an ineffable game of her own devising. Ineffable describes something that is too great or extreme to be expressed or put into words. A perfect example is love. An ineffable love, love so strong you simply just can’t put it into words.

Somewhere in a cozy Southdown cottage, with a black, snow-covered Bentley in the driveway was a former angel and demon living out the rest of their eternity together. It was December 22nd and as the temperature dropped it didn’t affect the two inside who were cuddled up on the couch in front of the fireplace. Aziraphale, wore his glasses low on his nose as he read “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde. With his free hand he combed his fingers through Crowley’s hair, the demon’s head rested peacefully in his lover’s lap, happily basking in his attention like a self centered cat.

“I do wish you’d put the book down, Angel.” He sighed dramatically as he looked up at Aziraphale with pleading eyes to try and coax him to drop the book and give him his full attention. Those big yellow snake eyes he liked to use to his advantage from time to time, mostly when they argued. Crowley could get away with anything if he batted his eyes enough. Aziraphale reluctantly marked his page in the book before setting it aside. “I haven’t got a bit of reading done since we’ve married. I swear you take up all my time and attention.” Crowley snickered, then reached up to pluck the reading glasses from Aziraphale’s face and slipped them onto his own. “You’ve got all the time in the world to read. This is our first Christmas together. We should be…y’know doing Christmas things.” To which the angel replied “We don’t celebrate holidays. We’ve never celebrated holidays. What’s with the sudden interest, my dear boy?” That’s when the demon went quiet which was certainly a first. Like he was trying to gather his thoughts. “Just-…ngk. I just…think it would be nice to have…little traditions of our own.” Aziraphale chuckled and took his glasses back from the wily serpent. “That’s rather sweet, dear. We can do that if you’d like.”

They decided why the hell not and miracled up some decorations. They hung tensile and put up a tree while of course listening to the classic Christmas music on the record player. It was the perfect domestic scene like something you’d see in a cheesy “That’s Christmas” movie but it was just what Crowley secretly wanted. He may have been a big bad Duke of hell but he enjoyed the tender loving moments with his angel.

However he didn’t enjoy it when those moments were interrupted by a banging on the door. It was the middle of the night so who the hell would be knocking on their door at this hour? “Bloody hell…” Crowley grumbled while making his way to the door but when he answered there was no one there, nothing but a picnic basket already collecting snow. “Who is it, dear?” Aziraphale called out from the front room. “It’s…just a basket.” When he bent down to pick it up it was much heavier than he expected. “What the hell?” He brought it back to the front room and set it on the coffee table. “What do you think it is?” “Well let’s just open it.” Aziraphale didn’t sense the wariness in Crowley’s tone. He examined the tag on the handle that had gold almost shining words written on it before reading them aloud. “Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord…they are a reward from her…huh” Aziraphale brushed off the…rather odd scripture before flipping open the lid to reveal a sleeping baby wrapped in a soft white blanket. The angel’s hand clapped over his mouth in shock. The demon peered over his shoulder with his jaw on the floor.

When the shock wore off and the two of them started to process what was going on Aziraphale carefully pulled the baby from the basket, letting her rest against his chest. “This is just outrageous! Who would leave this poor thing out in the cold like that?” He whispered angrily to Crowley, making sure not to wake her. Crowley gently poked at her cheek, he felt the warmth radiating off her. “At least she isn’t frozen. She’s…quite warm actually.” When he lifted the blanket up to see her face he was met with two big blue eyes staring back at him. “Well hello there.” He chuckled which caused the baby to crack a gummy smile. Aziraphale felt his heart rate pick up at the sweet sight of the baby smiling and Crowley getting soft. “How precious.” He cooed “Where do you think she came from?” He looked to Crowley for an answer. “How the hell should I know?” “She has a very strong…otherworldly presence. Can you feel it?” The angel could feel the warmth and love and peace and whatever other nice feeling you can think of radiating off her. Crowley on the other hand couldn’t feel those things. All he saw was a baby and a sweet one at that. Aziraphale let the dots start to connect. “Do you think she could’ve come from…” He glanced up then back to Crowley who seemed to understand what he was getting at. “Upstairs?” “You really think heaven just decided to drop a baby off at our doorstep, Angel?” “Well it’s not impossible!” He huffed then looked back down at the baby in his arms, she stared back with equal curiosity. “Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from her.” He repeated what had been written on the tag. “Perhaps the lord rewarded us?” Crowley’s nose scrunched up in denial. “Highly unlikely.”

Crowley was always the negative type but Aziraphale was fully convinced she was sent from heaven. “Well regardless of where she came from we’re keeping her.” Those words threw the demon for a loop. “Keep? W-Wha- uh- are we ready for that sort of thing?” To which the angel replied “Well of course we are. I actually witnessed the first birth and I believe you were there too. She’s just a baby. What’s so complicated about it?” He sat there staring at his red haired partner with an oblivious smile. How could someone as clever as him be so stupid? “Angle I-“ Crowley watched as his husband doted on the baby, making her smile and he couldn’t bring himself to argue. Aziraphale also had his way with getting what he wanted just without the batting of his eyes or pouting, simply existing was enough for Crowley to fold. “Yes, alright then.” He sighed and rubbed his eyes as he caved but the blinding bright smile his husband shone was enough for him to get over any doubt quickly.

Angels were nurturing by default but Aziraphale had all the other angels beat when it came to his “mother duck” instincts as Crowley called it. Anytime the angel would see a couple pushing a baby in a stroller he had to stop and talk to them, anytime they went shopping he always managed to wind up in the baby clothes section gushing over how small the little shoes were, and anytime they sat in the park he always winced when a kid fell or was playing too recklessly. It was just his angelic nature, loving all creatures, great and small.
“Oh what should we name her, dear?” Aziraphale asked, beaming with glee. “Why not Jeazabel?” Crowley replied to which Aziraphale did not find it funny. “Be serious will you?” He scoffed and looked back down at the baby in his arms who just kept looking around trying to take in everything. “Why not Eve?” “Not terrible, bit on the nose though don’t you think?”

The baby listened to them argue about the name to which she laughed, not fully understanding. The laugh made Aziraphale melt and he couldn’t help but hug her tighter. Crowley smiled at the sight then gently reached out to pat her head. “How about we just sleep on the whole ‘baby names’ for now?” “Agreed.”

As they went upstairs and got ready for bed Crowley miracled a crib for the baby but Aziraphale didn’t seem too keen on letting her go. “What if…she doesn’t want to sleep by herself?” Crowley, who was already in bed sighed. “She’ll be fine.” But Aziraphale wasn’t giving up. “I think she should just sleep with us for the first few nights.” He laid her between them and she smiled happily while kicking her feet. “See? She’s much happier here.” While the baby gravitated more towards Aziraphale and his warmth she seemed interested in Crowley’s eyes and his bright red hair. She didn’t know who she wanted to be closer to. Crowley poked at her pudgy cheeks again and Aziraphale pushed his hand away. “Don’t agitate her.” “I wasn’t!”

Neither of them slept, they were too engrossed in watching her. The room was quiet, they both held their breath in fear of waking her up. “What do you think of the name Theodosia?” Aziraphale whispered “that’s cute I suppose.” Crowley agreed. He gently ran a hand over her head causing her to stir. Both of them stiffened and waited till she settled again before talking again. “Merry Christmas to us huh?” Aziraphale smiled warmly. “Merry Christmas indeed.”

Chapter Text

The next day Crowley snuck out to buy Christmas presents but not without taking a little helper with him. While pushing the trolley Theodosia sat in her car seat looking up at him with those big eyes. “Now I’ve got to get your papa gifts. You can’t tell alright? Not that you could but you know.” He walked through the shop looking for anything that screamed Aziraphale. “What do you think he would like, hm?” He picked up a bow tie and waved it in front of Theodosia. “What do you think of this?” The girl giggled and tried reaching for it. “Yeah it’s tacky and tartan. He’ll love it.” He tossed it in the trolley next to her and continued to shop.

Meanwhile Aziraphale was at home cooking for when Crowley got home. He was drinking and already had two glasses. All motivation left him after the third glass. The angel sat at the kitchen table with his chin resting in his hand, debating whether to pour another glass or not. He’d just miracle up dinner before Crowley got home but he’d leave that part out.

Crowley was finishing up on the shopping, Theodosia was getting fussy. “I guess you need a gift too…” He thought for a moment before heading to the toy aisle. “What do babies like?” He asked himself while lifting her up to show her the shelves. “What interests you, star?” She started squirming in his arms till her eyes landed on a stuffed bunny with cream colored fur. “Is this what you want?” Crowley asked as he held it up for her, it was nearly the same size as she was. Theodosia stared miraculously at the bunny while trying to hold it for herself. “Alright we’ll get it.” When he sat her back in the cart he let her hold the bunny while he headed to the check out.

While the cashier scanned the items she seemed distracted by the baby. Who could blame her? Theodosia was by far the cutest baby. Sadly Crowley had to pry the bunny from her just for a moment, she definitely didn’t appreciate that and started to whine. “It’s just a minute, star. I’ll give it back.” He started getting a little nervous when she didn’t calm down. He didn’t have the same divine presence that eased babies like his partner did. The cashier just chuckled and quickly scanned the bunny so he could have it back. “She’s very sweet.” She commented. “Yes, thank you.” Crowley nodded and gave the bunny back to Theodosia. “What’s her name?” “Theodosia.” “How precious!” The cashier gushed over the baby who was more interested in her new toy than any stranger's attention. “It must be hard being a single parent. Are you seeing anyone?” She leaned against the counter with a small smile and a glint in her eyes. Now she was crossing into some dangerous territory. Crowley had always been oblivious when people flirted with him. If Aziraphale had been here he’d be staring her down with a hollow smile as he clung to his husband to assert himself. He’s had to pull said stunt more times than he’d like to but he couldn’t quite blame anyone who found the devilish dark duke attractive. He was just glad Crowley never caught him getting jealous, it would end with him getting teased for being “improper” and “not very angelic”.

The wires in his brain hadn’t sparked yet. He was painfully oblivious. “Happy married, dear.” He gave her one of those straight lined smiles. (yes the one that makes him look like a muppet. Micheal Sheen’s words not mine!) Her face fell a bit then nodded. “Right…have a good day.”

When Crowley and Theodosia arrived home Aziraphale was waiting for them by the door. He leaned down to kiss the baby’s cheek causing her to giggle then he stood up straight to kiss Crowley to which the demon melted against him. “Mmm you taste like wine.” He whispered against his lips. “You’re an alcoholic, dear boy.” Aziraphale quickly brushed it off as he led him to the kitchen, the table was set and dinner was prepared no thanks to his drinking binge from earlier. “My my, you’ve outdone yourself, Angel.” Crowley cooed. He kissed his cheek, letting his lips linger for just a moment which left Aziraphale blushing like a love sick teenager. “I try.”

The three of them sat down to eat. Theodosia was lying in Crowley’s arms while he gave her a bottle. Aziraphale was too distracted by her to eat. He watched her struggle to keep her eyes open and fight the sleep that was consuming her. When she was done with her bottle and finally fell asleep Crowley took her to their bedroom and laid her in the crib. He tucked her in and made sure she was comfortable before rejoining Aziraphale in the kitchen.

The two of them contently ate together, enjoying each other’s company. The baby monitor sat close by in case anything were to happen. When they were done they started cleaning up the table and washing the dishes. Although it was really Aziraphale doing all the work. Crowley was sitting at the table watching him doing dishes while summoning a bottle of wine. He eyed the angel from behind, appreciating the rather voluptuous view (teehee). “Care for a glass, Angel?” Crowley poured his husband some wine then waved it temptingly in his face. When Aziraphale turned to him he was trying to hide his smirk. “Are you trying to tempt me?” He asked, sauntering over and taking the glass from him. “Maybe…is it working?” Crowley looked up at him with a smirk and wrapped his hand around the back of his thigh to which Aziraphale pinched his chin between his index finger and thumb. “You’re quite brave to try and tempt an angel.” “I just can’t seem to help myself around you.” The demon gently pushed him back to sit on the edge of the table before he stood up to stand between the angel’s legs. “Would you allow me to tempt you?” Aziraphale reached up to pull off Crowley’s sunglasses so he could see those gorgeous yellow eyes he adored. “It doesn’t take much for you to tempt me, my dear boy.”

They never could stay off each other. Their innocent touches and short kisses never stayed innocent or short for long. Their love for each other was simply just too great. It was…ineffable.

“You’re gorgeous.” Aziraphale cooed, forcing Crowley to look at him. Crowley was blushing while trying to stay cool and confident but he didn’t take compliments well. “Ngk…” he hid his face in his neck to hide the embarrassment. He kissed the soft smooth skin of his angel's neck. Aziraphale could feel the heat radiating from Crowley’s face. “My I really did get you worked up.” He chuckled and lifted his chin to look back up at him. “Poor thing.” Aziraphale kissed him tenderly with no intention of letting up. Crowley happily kissed back of course. Their little makeout session was short-lived when Theodosia started to cry on the baby monitor. The two of them pulled apart, Crowley groaned and placed his head on Aziraphale’s shoulder. “Damnit…” “I’ll check on her.” Aziraphale assured him before standing up to head to the bedroom.

Aziraphale entered the room ready to comfort the baby when he froze upon reaching the crib. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight in front of him. “Crowley?” He called out to his husband in a panic. “What?” Crowley yelled back. “Come here please…now!” Crowley rushed in and stopped next to Aziraphale. They stood over the crib in shock, unsure of what to do. “I guess…you were right.” Crowley muttered. “She is a gift from god.” Lying in the crib was a fussy Theodosia now sporting a pair of little fluffy white wings. “She’s an angel.” Aziraphale added before lifting her up to comfort her. “Literally.” Crowley chuckled then gently rubbed her cheek. Theodosia calmed down once she was in the angel’s arms and in the presence of her family. Her wings folded down against her back as she started falling back to sleep. The demon tilted his head as he watched her fall to sleep. “She sure does sleep a lot.” “Yes I suppose we should be grateful.” Aziraphale nodded “I hear babies are lots of work.” “It’s a good thing you like to work.” Crowley smirked and kissed his cheek. Aziraphale just smiled and hugged Theodosia closer. He did like to work.

Chapter Text

It was the perfect Christmas Day. The house was filled with the smell of fresh gingerbread and the sound of music playing softly on the record player. Crowley was sitting in the front room with Theodosia sitting in his lap watching Christmas movies. Aziraphale walked in holding a little reindeer onesie. “Oh Crowley, we must dress her in this. Isn’t it darling?” There wasn’t any debate about it. He was already putting it on her. Theodosia didn’t seem too happy about it. He propped her up on the couch and gleamed at how precious she looked. Crowley was trying not to laugh when he saw her pouting. “If you wanted a doll to dress up we could’ve just bought you one.” “Hush and get your camera.” Crowley pulled out his phone and took a few pictures of the poor girl who clearly wasn’t happy. “Poor thing. You’re torturing her.” “She’ll learn to like it.” Aziraphale picked her and kissed her chubby cheeks. She started whining and wiggling in his arms. Crowley snapped his fingers and got her out of that dreaded outfit. “You’re right, evil for putting her through that.” The angel sighed and petted her head. “Yes, well I’m her father and she’ll just have to learn to love it.” The demon chuckled before taking her from him. “Tell papa we don’t like these silly costumes.” Theodosia started babbling like she was telling him off. It made both of them laugh. The three of them sat on the couch enjoying each other's company. Theodosia laid in Crowley’s arm playing with the stuffed rabbit he bought her. She tried chewing on the ears but Crowley kept pulling it away. “Do you think she’s hungry?” Aziraphale asked while rubbing her cheek. “I think she just likes to put things that don't belong in her mouth. Like buttons and the other day I had to pry ten pence from her.” Aziraphale just stared down at her with a smile. He had a tendency to watch her and every little thing she did. She fascinated him. It was kinda like having a puppy around but this puppy cried and didn’t run around. It was hard not to watch her when she just sat around and looked real cute all the time. “When can she have real food? I bet she’d like a biscuit.” Aziraphale tickled her chin. “She doesn’t even have teeth yet she can’t eat a bloody biscuit.” Crowley spat. “She could have some frosting” Aziraphale grabbed the tin from the coffee table and picked a biscuit with pink frosting. “She’s a baby and you’re already trying to give her a cavity.” Crowley watched his husband smear the frosting on his finger and let her lick it off. She looked confused at the sweet new taste and didn’t seem to know how to feel about it. (My sister did this with her baby and Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter and she loved it lol) Aziraphale chuckled when her eyes went wide with curiosity and delight. “She enjoys it. As do I.” He smirked before taking a bite of said biscuit. The three of them sat around and watched Christmas movies all day. Theodosia wasn’t quite old enough to understand any of it but moving pictures and sounds kept her entertained. Aziraphale would take her to the window and show her the snow. He liked seeing how her eyes lit up. He liked seeing her smile. He liked everything about her. He loved her and sure Crowley did too but Aziraphale felt like he had found something he didn’t even know was missing. She brought out his maternal side. Crowley watched with a smile as Aziraphale stood by the window showing Theodosia outside. She kept slapping the glass with her little baby hands and giggling. The demon enjoyed seeing his lover happy. He also enjoyed the new little addition to the family. She was their precious angel literally! He couldn’t ask for a better gift that’s for sure.

Chapter Text

Theodosia was growing up beautifully. She looked like a little doll. Aziraphale was helping her learn to sit up and soon crawl. He joined a group of parents who also had children around her age. She is about five months old now and he liked being able to relate with others about the struggles of raising a baby but Crowley soon learned he was turning it into a competition. Aziraphale wanted Theodosia sitting up before the other babies then by the time they were learning to sit up she would be crawling.

Crowley watched Aziraphale who was sitting on the floor with Theodosia with her lying on her stomach while surrounded by pillows and blankets. “You’re doing this for the wrong reasons.” Crowley spoke up. Aziraphale whipped his head around and glared at the serpent. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m simply teaching her to sit up.” He spat before turning back to the baby. “Ooooh someone’s tense. Did I hit a nerve?” Crowley chuckled, walking over to kneel next to him. “Rather over zealous about this don’t you think? That’s not very gentlemanly.” He smirked while running his hands through the angel’s hair. Aziraphale rolled his eyes then looked up at him. “Don’t start.” Theodosia giggled and rolled over to her back then started reaching for Crowley. Those yellow snake eyes always caught her attention. Crowley happily obliged and picked her up with a smile. “Hello there Junebug.” He cooed, kissing her cheek which made her laugh more. Aziraphale sighed then finally cracked a smile. “If it were up to you then she wouldn’t even be able to roll over.” “It’s like training a dog plus I don’t think someone with a head this big should be trying to sit up. She's too top heavy like a bobble head.” Crowley laughed but Aziraphale did not find it funny. “Don’t say that in front of her. You’ll hurt her feelings.” Crowley rolled his eyes. “She can’t understand me. If I say it in the right tone she’ll eat it up.” He looked down at Theo in his arms and spoke in a goofy manner. “You’re a life sized bobble head aren’t you, love? You’re a big headed baby.” She found it funny then started to laugh and clap her hands. She kept reaching for him and his eyes. She was fascinated with them just like another angel in the room.

While Crowley’s eyes were a sensitive topic for him, Aziraphale enjoyed them. The only time he took his sunglasses off was when he was home. The angel would spend hours getting lost in those bright yellow orbs. (I giggled typing this) He could write poems, endless ballads of just how mesmerizing he found his eyes. Crowley felt safe enough to let down his walls with his angel. This home with Aziraphale and Theo was his eden.

While Aziraphale was daydreaming about his lover’s breathtaking features Crowley was tending to Theo as she grabbed at his face. He could see the infatuated look Aziraphale was giving him and it only spiked his ego. “You’re staring. See something you like?~” Aziraphale blushed and looked back down at his lap. “I won’t succumb to your temptations or scandalous behavior.” Crowley snickered then sauntered over to sit next to Aziraphale, practically in his lap. He set Theodosia aside before running his hands along the angel’s shoulders. “Oh of course not. You’re too pure to be tempted~” He teased. Aziraphale’s cheek heated up and he refused to meet Crowley’s gaze. “You’re insufferable.” “You’re gorgeous.” Crowley retorted, leaning in to pepper kisses on his cheek. “Let’s put her to bed early.~” Aziraphale blushed harder and slapped his arm. “Crowley.” He mumbled before his eyes trailed back over to Theodosia who was sitting up all by herself, her little wings flapping as she giggled. “Crowley!” Aziraphale gasped, pointing to her. The demon chuckled and felt a sense of pride swell in his chest. “Well look at that? She learned all on her own.” “I taught her you imp.” Aziraphale proclaimed. “Oh I love when you get angry.” Crowley purred before going in for more kisses and not letting him back out.

The next day while Aziraphale sat at the park with a group of other parents he held Theo in his lap with a pompous and proud smile on his face. “Well I have some rather exciting news. Theodosia started sitting up yesterday.” He shared with the group. They all happily congratulated him and Theodosia. He felt immense pride for his little girl. “Soon she’ll be crawling around and you’ll never be able to wrangle her.” One of the moms joked. “Before you know it you'll be sending her off to college then helping her move into uni.” That got a group chuckle. Aziraphale’s face suddenly fell as he felt dread wash over him. He was so keen on teaching her but now he was dreading the parts of her growing up. He hugged Theodosia tighter as a way to try to keep her this little.

Crowley walked up with an ice cream for Aziraphale then leaned against the back of the bench. “Vanilla with a wafer.” The demon traded over the ice cream for the baby. For once Aziraphale felt like he couldn’t eat and Crowley picked up on it. “What’s with that look on your face? Did I get your order wrong?” He gently ran his hand through the angel’s hair. “I’m…not feeling hungry." Crowley’s jaw clenched and he quickly started dragging Azirapahle back to the car. “C-Crowley dear what are you doing?” “We’re going home, you're clearly sick!” Crowley was already strapping the baby in her car seat. “Crowley we don’t get sick.” He sighed as he pulled his hand away. “Then what the bloody hell is wrong?” He fully turned to the angel with a worried expression. “We’ll discuss it later.” He mumbled before getting into the car then Crowley followed.

The whole way home Crowley kept glancing over at Aziraphale who silently stared out the window the whole time. He gently reached over and put his hand on the angel’s thigh to comfort whatever was eating at him. Aziraphale put his hand over Crowley’s then turned to give him a reassuring smile but I didn’t answer his questions.

While at home Aziraphale sat in a rocking chair holding Theodosia. She was slowly falling asleep as he read Winnie the Pooh to her. Crowley watched from the doorway, still worried about his husband. He walked over and sat on the floor in front of him then laid his head in his lap. Aziraphale peered over the book down at Crowley. He ran his hand through the demon’s hair. “Can I help you, dear?” Crowley just sighed in response. “What’s the matter?” “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Crowley groaned while burying his face in his lap. “You’re so secretive. I never know what you’re feeling.” Azirapahle finally gave in and decided to be honest. He hugged the baby closer. “I’m just afraid of her growing up.” Crowley had been looking up at him with worry and concern but now he was put at ease. “Angel, she’s not even a year old. She’s not even six months yet it’s not like we’ll be sending her off to uni any time soon.” “I know, I know…but-“ “But nothing. Listen to me. You have nothing to worry about, I promise you. Yes she’ll grow up but that’s a beautiful thing. She will be a testament of our kickass parenting. It’s scary, sure but there’s nothing we can’t face. We’re a team, a team of the two- er well three of us. We’ll be alright.” The angel let out a breath of relief and nodded his head. “Thank you, dear boy…I need that.” He placed a hand on his cheek and ran his thumb tenderly across his smooth skin. “We’ll be alright.” He leaned down and shared a kiss with Crowley. Everything was going to be alright.

Chapter Text

It was a lovely morning. The sun shined through the curtains creating a warm blanket of light over Aziraphale as he slept. For once Crowley was up first this morning with a surprise. Aziraphale was awakened by Theodosia running into the room and stopping at the edge of the bed. He smiled and lazily pet her head. “Good morning, love bug.” “Happy birthday!” She cheered which caught him off guard. “Birthday?” He mumbled sleepily, rising up to sit against the headboard. Crowley arrived with a tray of breakfast. “It’s your birthday, Angel.” He winked before helping Theodosia up on the bed. She crawled up against Aziraphale’s side and hugged him. Aziraphale wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “My…birthday…right.” He nodded along. “Junie love, go get papa’s present.” Crowley nodded towards the door and she took off to go retrieve it. “We don’t have birthdays.” The angel stated. “Yeah well she’s getting smart. She asked me why we never have parties for our birthdays so I told her we’re too old for that but she didn’t like that answer so then I said well do something special for your birthday…today. Happy birthday.” Crowley kissed his temple with a smile and wrapped his arm around him. “We aren’t human and neither is she. We shouldn’t lie to-“ Theodosia came toddling back into the room with a bag. Crowley leaned in to whisper in the angel’s ear. His nose brushed against his cheek and his lips ghosted the shell of his ear. “Then you tell her.” His tone sounded like he was challenging him, teasing him…tempting him. Theodosia stood on her tippy toes to try and hoist herself up on the bed. Aziraphale hooked his hands up under her arms and lifted her onto the bed with them. She settled in between them then handed Aziraphale the bag. “We’ve got you a present!” “Yes I see that, bug.” Aziraphale smiled and started to open said present. Inside was Shakespeare’s original sonnet 116. “Crowley…where did you-“ “oh you know…back in the day I may have…swiped a few off his desk.” Aziraphale was still speechless. He made sure to be extra careful with the thin parchment that had been well preserved but still frail. “You said you didn’t like his work. You thought he was too pompous and too whiney.” The demon chuckled and nodded along. He was never a fan of Shakespeare, he talked too much and just kept trying to chase fame. “Yeah…but you liked him. That was reason enough for me.” “And you’ve had it all this time?” Aziraphale’s heart was fluttering out of his chest. Oh he was sooo romantic despite his tough, nonchalant exterior. He cupped Crowley’s face and gave him a long and sweet kiss. Poor Theodosia got stuck being squished in between them. “I got you something too!” Theo took the liberty of digging in the bag and showing him the drawing she made him. “Oh darling this is lovely.” Aziraphale patted her head. “You truly are very talented.” He gave her multiple kisses on the crown of her head which made her giggle. Crowley suddenly scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder. “Let’s go make breakfast for papa.” He gave the angel a wink before sauntering downstairs. Aziraphale just sat in bed looking at his gifts feeling his skin prickling and heart warming. The feeling of love was strong in their home and he could feel every bit of it. It was almost overwhelming. Meanwhile downstairs Crowley and Theodosia were starting breakfast. While Crowley could easily miracle up a huge breakfast he wanted to do something much more meaningful. He did most of the work and let Theo crack an egg and stir the crepe mix. He didn’t fully trust her to do anything major. She was just happy he was letting her help. She tugged at his pant leg to get his attention. “Do you think papa liked his presents?” To which Crowley smiled and patted her head. “I believe he loved him. Your drawing was a hard one to beat. I couldn’t find anything to top that.” Theodosia giggled, feeling prideful that her drawing held such a high standard. Aziraphale was making his way downstairs to the kitchen, that was until Crowley caught him. The smell of crepes made his heart race and he couldn’t resist. “This is supposed to be breakfast in bed.” The demon halfheartedly scolded him. Before the angel could answer he was lifted up into the dark duke’s arms. “Oh Crowley!” Aziraphale hugged Crowley tightly so as to not be dropped. He took him back to the bedroom and laid him in bed. “I-…I didn’t know you were so strong, my dear boy.” The angel couldn’t help but feel bashful like a crushing schoolboy as his cheeks flushed and he fidgeted with his hands. “I’ll bring you breakfast when it’s done.” The demon replied then kissed his forehead before heading back downstairs. When Crowley came back to the kitchen Theodosia had been eating the crepe filling. “Theodosia June Fell!” He put on his strict parenting voice. “When I said you could help I also said you can’t eat the cream.” He snatched the bowl from her hands and wiped her mouth clean. She looked up at him with a pout and those big blue eyes. “I’m sorry…” Crowley rolled his eyes then lifted her up to sit her on the counter so she was eye level with him. “That doesn’t work on me, little girl. You gotta learn patience.” Theodosia nodded in response. Crowley started mixing up some more cream for the crepes when he was remembering why he doesn’t do the cooking. Too much stress. Theodosia looked around the kitchen till her eyes landed on the pan on the oven then her eyes widened. “Daddy?” “What is it, star?” He turned to her then saw the smoke rolling off the crepe he had started and completely forgot about. “Son of a bitch!“ He quickly grabbed the pan and tossed it in the sink before turning the water on but it was too late and the fire alarm was going off. Theodosia gasped and covered her mouth with her little hands not because of the dire Crowley almost caused but because he swore. “You said a bad word…” Crowley rolled his eyes. “Yes star I’m aware.” He took a deep breath to calm himself. “I’m gonna tell papa.” Aziraphale came rushing downstairs at the sound of the alarm. “What the hell is going on?!” Theodosia gasped again. “Daddy said a bad word and you did too!” She looked disappointed in both of them. Crowley glared her way. “Hell isn’t a ‘bad’ word. Hell is where I’m going to drag you if you don’t stop being a tattletale.” He growled. That earned another little gasp from her and her eyes went wide. Aziraphale stepped in between them and put a hand on his husband’s shoulder. “What happened?” “I burnt breakfast.” Crowley admitted. His angel’s touch soothed him. Aziraphale chuckled. “It’s alright. How about we make it together?” Aziraphale started to help Crowley with breakfast while Theodosia watched. It was the perfect scene. Crowley wrapped his arms around his angel while he saved the day once again. His chin rested on top of the fluffy blond curls growing from his husband's head. “You always know what to do.” Crowley mumbled. “It’s my job to take care of you both.” Azirapahle beamed. “Happy birthday…” Crowley whispered into his hair before planting a kiss at the crown of his head. Aziraphale smiled and couldn’t help but think happy birthday indeed.