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The cottage was quiet, peaceful that late afternoon for once that week. The rain had been nice of course, but sun was a delightful change of pace that had the alpha humming softly as he prepared a tray. Just tea and some lovely biscuits he'd baked the day before using lavender his mate grew. Their new dehydrator was getting quite a bit of use in their retirement.
Once everything was arranged to his liking, Aziraphale picked up the whole thing to cart it outside. The pergola in the the backyard was empty save for the wrought iron table and chairs, the whole thing flanked on all sides by sweeping angel's trumpets in various colours. They were beautiful, the scent strongest in the evenings and something they both were glad to have in the centre of the garden so they had less to worry about with the local youths. Although, Crowley's absence was peculiar as they had planned this. He set the tray down before going to search, not that he thought his mate had gone far.
He was right, the lean omega sprawled out on a tartan blanket beneath a tall flowering shrub full of dull purple flowers. A pile of berries was beside him and Aziraphale watched as slender fingers would pluck up a shiny black fruit to eat. For a moment, he was frozen, left to wonder if this was the inspiration for countless tales of nymphs luring others into temptation. If any had been even a quarter as alluring as Crowley, he couldn't blame them. The pair had only been retired officially about three months but planning started five before. He didn't want to think they'd fled London but some days it certainly felt that way. Even though he knew it was necessary. Particularly as he caught a whiff of his mate's altered scent. The normal apple scent had taken on a hint of plumeria just after they'd left the city - another reason he was glad to have left when they did.
Aziraphale padded over the lush grass until he came to a stop at the edges of the blanket. Seeing Crowley completely at ease was easily the greatest gift he could have ever received. When else had his beloved omega looked so carefree? The content expression on his face had been fleeting if non-existent for most of their lives and Aziraphale vowed to do everything in his power to keep it there.
"If you're peckish, I gave those lavender biscuits you've been so fond of ready," Aziraphale commented quietly as he watched the languid stretch and the way it highlighted the prominent baby bump.
Crowley's stretch morphed into a shift that turned into a sinuous roll onto his knees. Slender fingers reached over to deftly pluck up the last of the berries to carry back before he arched his spine to pop it with a loud groan. He accepted the offered hand up, glad for the assistance even if a small part rankled at needing the help. He was getting better at silencing that part though - it was much easier with his alpha here.
"Where did you plant blueberries, my dear? I could have made you something with them," Aziraphale asked with a pointed stare at the berries in Crowley's hand.
"Still not blueberries, Angel," he laughed before popping another tart berry in his mouth.
Aziraphale only looked mildly disbelieving but was happy enough to lead his mate back to the pergola. Their steps were quiet and for a brief moment, he was sure he could practically hear flowers opening as they walked. It was fanciful but nice, he reasoned as he let go of Crowley's hand to pull out the omega's chair for him before taking his own seat.
It was domestic in a way they were still getting used to - teatime in their own garden.
"I still don't see why you won't let me try them. You snack on them constantly," Aziraphale muttered fondly once the tea ran dry some time later, the tray of biscuits between them mostly devoured.
Crowley sighed and leaned his head back for a moment before answering.
"Because we don't' know what it would do to you to have nightshade berries. Or the manchineel."
He tipped forward with a sly grin as he propped his chin on the palm braced on the table. "You have to remember Angel, you're mated to a demon. What else would our spawn want if not poison?"