Work Text:
Aziraphale slid the large glass door closed as he exited Pandemonium Studio, his husband’s art workshop and office gallery. It had once been a turn-of-the-century beach cottage. His darling husband had seen it and fallen in love, claiming it as his home for many years. But his husband had then fallen in love with him, so they compromised by living in their larger cottage near the village proper. Aziraphale moved from London and rented his beloved bookshop to a sweet young couple while Crowley used the beach property solely for work. Though Aziraphale still caught him sleeping beside the large glass door some mornings when he didn’t come home.
You could lead an artist away from the water—but you couldn’t always make him stay away.
Like now, for instance.
As Aziraphale strolled down onto the beach, he could see the wild red hair of his husband popping in and out of the waves. They had planned to go swimming together, but Aziraphale’s agent called as they were leaving the studio. Knowing it would be a lengthy conversation, Aziraphale shooed Crowley out the door and sat down in the office to discuss contract details with his agent, James Gabriel.
Jim eagerly shared how Zion Publishing had agreed to everything Aziraphale requested for his newest contract, though they did question the need for another nom-de-plume for his newest book. Aziraphale had simply rolled his eyes. This new book was very different than his usual style. Far more contemporary. Far more romance. His first dip into borderline exotica in certain places. He wasn’t ashamed of his newest work, far from it. He'd just thought it best not to confuse his usual and long-time readers.
Written in the Waves by Anthony Eastwind.
The nom-de-plume was a nod to his husband, Anthony Crowley-Easton. He was the muse for the book—their whirlwind romance over 5years ago the inspiration for the plot.
Aziraphale had traveled to the sea-side village of Tadfield on a whim. He had publishing deadlines to hit, so Jim had organized a “writer’s retreat” for him. A place to write what would become the first book in a fantasy-adventure trilogy about two star-crossed lovers turned heroes fighting against the odds of their universe to protect it. Aziraphale had achieved his writing goals during the vacation, but he had also achieved finding the love of his life. A pursuit he didn’t even realize he needed.
“Angel! Good of you to finally join me,” Crowley’s lyrical call pulled his husband back to reality.
“You know how Jim can be, my dear,” Aziraphale called back as he wadded out into the water.
Crowley swam up and wrapped himself around his angel. His tattooed arms clung to Aziraphale’s shoulders and neck. “So? Is the contract a success?”
“Of course, dear boy. Was there ever a doubt? Zion loved the concept and draft I sent them.”
“Even the part about me being a vampire?”
Aziraphale chuckled at the memory of Crowley’s godson, Adam, and his friends teasing about Crowley being a vampire due to his sensitive biology and odd eating habits.
“Dearest, that is a fond memory and a humorous part of the book. Plus, remember—we are not the characters. They are imaginary beings created for my fantastical romance. I was merely inspired by our summer romance,” Aziraphale returned his husband’s watery embrace.
“Of course,” Crowley smiled, the hint of an overly sharpened canine peeking out. “Who’d believe you actually fell in love and married a merman?”
“No one, my dear boy. Obviously. Everyone knows I married a successful artist who has a passion for nature and the ocean.”
“Obviously.”
The smooth scales on Crowley’s tail rubbed against Aziraphale’s legs, sending a pleasant tingle throughout his lower half. The delicate fins swept along his feet, tickling them. But when the writer jerked with a laugh, Crowley’s powerful serpent-like tail tightened. He smiled as his canines lengthened into full fangs, “I’ve caught you, my pretty prey.”
“Of course you did, my sweet sea-serpent.”