Chapter Text
Bethlehem, 6 BC
Crawley made their way through the dimly lit streets, candles flickering in windows and the sounds of families eating and chatting filled the air. They looked up at the sky, dark and empty, the only illumination coming from the full moon above. They had missed the stars, the memory of them had been fading for years now, and if making them fall wasn’t enough, the bastards in heaven cursed their eyes to never gaze upon their beautiful creation again.
Lost in thought, Crawley didn't see the figure in front of them and fell to the ground as they bumped into each other.
“Ugh, Watch where you’re goi- … Aziraphale?” Crawley finally got a good look at the stranger’s golden locks, and immediately recognized the angel.
“Crawley? What are you doing here?” The angel asked, dusting his clothes off.
“Just walking around, I heard some rumors that Heaven had something special happening so I got sent up to ‘take notes’.” Crawley stood up shakily, Aziraphale offering a hand out of instinct before quickly taking it back.
“Anyways, I’m lost. They said follow the north star, but I can’t remember where I put that thing up there.” Crawley looked up at the pitch black sky once more, trying hard to remember where it would be, but to no avail.
“What do you mean ‘take notes’? Aren’t you going to cause mischief or something demon-ish like that?” Aziraphale asked, surprised that Hell hadn’t planned something more evil for this, considering the stakes.
“No, no, ‘too much paperwork’, they said. Anyhow, I don't even know what it is, some sort of new animal or plant or something?” Aziraphale shuffled in place, unsure of how much to share with the demon. They were the enemy after all, but they’d promised not to cause any trouble.
“Actually, God has blessed a woman from Nazareth with a child. He is supposed to do great things down here once he’s grown.”
Crawley looked puzzled for a minute. “All this hubbub about a baby? Seems a bit excessive.”
“Well, I think it’s perfectly apt for something like this.” Aziraphale said, fiddling with his hair so it was in the perfect position. Crawley noted how put together he always was, nary a spec of dirt on his clothes, not a hair out of place.
“I suppose I could show you the way there, as long as you promise no… funny business.” Crawley chuckled at the angels’ attempt to be intimidating. “I swear, demons honor. …If that means anything.” Crawley held their hand up, trying to look as innocent as they could.
… and despite Aziraphale’s best judgement, started leading the demon in the right direction.
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After a bit of walking, the two came across a small manger far from the rest of the town, with a small crowd gathered around. Crawley looked at the manger, still full of animals and falling apart and made an unconscious sound of disapproval.
“What?” Aziraphale asked.
“I dunno, just expected a nicer place for the son of God that’s all.” Crawley said, trying to peer over the crowd to get a look at the child.
“Well, It’s no bells and whistles, but I’m sure the Almighty knows what she’s doing.” Aziraphale said, not really thinking about how uncomfortable it must be for the mother until now. From what he could see, she was exhausted but content, looking down at the small infant in her arms.
As the crowd parted, Aziraphale and Crawley made their way towards the manger, Aziraphale took the lead. Crawley would be a liar if they didn’t feel a sense of anxiety at this moment. They wouldn’t get in trouble, they were simply taking notes after all, nothing nefarious. But still, if Heaven found out Crawley was here, what would they do to them?
Or better yet, what would they do to Aziraphale if they found out he had led them here?
“Hello, I come bearing gifts for your child, ma'am.” Aziraphale spoke softly, presenting a small bundle of scrolls wrapped up in string. “I know it isn’t much, but you’re never too young for knowledge.”
The woman, Mary, smiled, her eyes tired yet twinkling with happiness. The small newborn wriggled in her arms, making the occasional babble and weak cry.
Crawley felt a chill go through them. They didn’t know they needed to bring anything, they didn’t have anything on their person apart from a mostly eaten apple and a few coins tucked away in their pockets. Legs wobbling, Crawley slowly approached the small manger.
“I-I apologize, I didn’t bring much of an offering.” Crawley said, voice quivering and near silent.
Mary looked up at Crawley, beckoning them forward.
“Come here. We have been given plenty of blessings, your presence is enough, kind stranger.” She spoke softly, her voice like silk.
Crawley slowly stepped forward, their eyes fixed to the ground. They weren’t prepared to get this close, they thought they’d just slink around in the shadows and take some notes, being all demon-like. Who knows what kind of trouble they could get into if they got this close? What punishment could be worse than the fall? Can you fall twice?
Mary adjusted the baby in her arms, his small puffy face poking out of the blanket, and dark brown eyes peering up at Crawley. The demon kneeled down, a warm feeling went through their cold body, like someone holding them tightly. A feeling they hadn’t felt in a long time. Something familiar.
“What is his name?” Crawley asked, eyes still fixed on the child.
“Yeshua. It is the name God has chosen for him.” Mary brushed some of the baby's dark curls away from his eyes.
Crawley reached out to the child, who took one of their fingers in a tight hold. Crawley felt a tear fall down their cheek, overwhelmed by so many emotions at once. They quickly stood up, wiping their tears away.
“Thank you, I wish you and your family luck.” Crawley said, dashing away in a flash.
Aziraphale looked on in shock at the sudden departure, and quickly followed behind. He looked back at Mary as he ran.
“Congratulations again, madam!” He exclaimed, running after Crawley.
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