Genre: angst

Inspired by: moonshinebxy

AN: I won't be using the same demon aziraphale from the story i was inspired by, his appearance is at the top.

Word count: 3613

Summary~
    After the not-pocalypse, crowley starts to have second thoughts about aziraphale, causing them to drift apart. Months go by and crowley hasn't seen the angel at all. Then one day, out in the rain, he sees a figure outside beside his bently, carefully holding an umbrella.

~<*>~

    A gasp of air is taken sharply and the figure upon the couch jolts. A demon with firey hair catches his breathe over the emotional and overbearing dream.
    The fire crackles with an excited flare, the night creeping within the window of the very dark living room. The celestial runs a sweat coated hand through his hair. What in the name of satan just happened?. Within shakey steps, he makes his way to the kitchen in attempt to cool himself. Snake eyes overseeing the sink in heavy gasps. Something felt off, not that he had actually fell asleep, but the fact that dream felt real. In a dreary state and water soaking his skin, he retreats back to the couch to watch as the fire burns and smokes. Almost reminds him of his wings...when he fell. Burning like hellfire in speakably fast winds. Staring, he felt like he was missing something, about the dream of course. As the demon settles back once again, he inspects the intiquity of the ceiling. How long has he had this house? He chuckles and remembers when it was first built. He was with azirphale when he chose this lot. And he had killed another demon in this place too. Was working with an angel really the best action he could have done? No, they were only friends, nothing more, maybe not even that according to the angel. But he couldn't help but think, that same angel was with gabriel when he had fallen, seen as all the angels wings were sawed off and thrown off the edge like a mother bird with her nest. He couldn't help but loath and feel spiteful toward the angel at moments. He did nothing against gaberial, to at least fight for the angels as they fell or just something. Maybe even...no, that was being selfish. Aziraphale could never be a demon, just thinking about it makes something in him not feel right.
    Maybe it was best if he cut ties with the angel. Ever since he had spent more time with him, the more he failed his duties in temptation. The more he betrayed his fellow fallen angels. They fought along side him, but he always put the angel first. Them first. When he finally snapped himself out of his thoughts, he found himself gnawing on his thumb. Light was flooding the room and he could hear the shaking of plants in the other room. Morning had risen. That means the angels were up. And the demons sleeping in.
    Sitting up as his hair parted and flowed to one side lazily, he got up to go to his room. Changing into a blazier and throwing on some glasses, he stepped into his bently. Why was he getting into his bently? He knows, his almost daily routine, get up, go to the bookshop, check on aziraphale. "Call Aziraphale" the demon spoke out. The small microphone and speaker repeating the phrase. Not long after, he heard that voice he knew too well.
    "Hello?" Crowley took a deep breathe, clenching the rough leather of the steering wheel.
    "Hey, i'm gonna be busy, today don't bother me" a blatant lie. He didn't know what he was gonna do that day, just anything not with aziraphale. He can't be so clingy anymore.
    "I-...very well, dear. Tomorrow a good day?"
    "No, i'll be busy then too" he wanted so badly to do what they always did, but what did the angel ever do for him?.

~<*>~

    As the phone clicked to its stand, the angel sighed. What was this sudden uninterest?. Like at that exact moment, he felt something bad in the air. A bad odor or feeling. Just something that made him feel shivers. Going back to reading his book, he found himself unable to focus. All he could think about was crowley. Even the words were forging into descriptions of crowley.
    'With every step, she grew closer to her lover, she found herself tongue tied. Her stomach doing flips and her fingers twiddled amongst themselves. As her feet stepped within the autumn leaves, she stopped short of the bridge, her one and only standing near the apex. Dressed in dark clad and fancy attire and starring into the glistening water. To her surprise, he had not been wearing his sunglasses, showing his oh so beautiful eyes. She fumbled with the box between her hands, thinking of the words she wished to nervosuly say. Then he turned, starring into each other's eyes lovingly. "Why hello there" the sound of his voice breaking the silence snd snapping her out of her daze. She didn't even realize she had walked toward him. She couldn't help but smile at the lovley warmth he emitted. His smile, his eyes, and his pale skin. She could feel a trace of a hand following the line of her jaw and softly over her lips. "You look lovely today" she had no words, only her love struck expression graced her face. Her eyes half lided. But she had to do what she came to do. She backed up a few steps, leaving a small frown on her boyfriends face. She fumbled with the box once again, hidden behind her back. The sun glistened off his cheek and snake like eyes in wonder.
    "Crowley, will you marry me?" the man held back a look of surprise and held a small smile as he looked at the man in front of him.
    "Why of course Aziraphale-'
    Fiercely closing the book in pure shock, red gracing very part of his face. Every word only turned more and more into crowley and him. Oh he could only wish it was that way. Leaving the book and his friveless fanatsies, the squealing of a pot of tea was heard. He sipped from his cup and wondered more about his beloved crowley.

~<*>~

    It had been an entire week and aziraphale had completely lost touch with his best friend. What was worse was that feeling of dread that brewed in his stomach. And of course, his gut was right. Because later that evening, he had gotten a visit from Gabriel and Michael. Which was odd because michael doesn't usually take trips to earth, especially to see him of all things. He knew they were the ones that ended the war between angels in a rather...gruesome way, but they should have forgotten that battle, especially since they usually don't read books. All angels that were left after the war had forgotten everything about what the demons had been when they were angels, but, when books were invented, it didn't stop any of the demons from sharing the stories of the war in script. Aziraphale was very lucky to have crowley grab a few different copies to read. The books that he had read, told of gruesome renaissance style be-pinionings. As Michael had held each angel tightly with chains and Gabriel slowly but surely sawing their wings off with sanctified daggers and swords. Then, very carelessly, kicking them off the edge to hell below, to grow new wings. One of the few copies told of an angel he had trouble doing so with. A short haired angle who pleaded to gabriel in every holy word she knew. How the demon had described her, reminded aziraphale a lot of beelzebub. Chin length hair, short height and small proportions. He found it very interesting, to say the least since gabriel had asked micheal to finish the job as he had turned away.
    Aziraphale quickly got up, walking towards the two to see what they needed. The air seemed to become tense, as they simply stared at each other. Aziraphale cleard his throat, cutting the silence in thick pieces. "Would you like to explain Gabriel?" Michael spoke slowly, almost ominously. She looked to aziraphale and gave a small angelic smile to him, which had only furthered aziraphales suspicions.
    "Ex-explain what? Exactly...?" Gabriel smiled widely, his pure eyes shining in excitement.
    "To be blunt, we're going to torture you!" gabriel hands folded neatly against his stomach. Aziraphale retched in dread. "Oh no, no, no, nothing like the Egyptian, Medieval or Renaissance times! Call it more...modern? Hm? Something kind of like a school bully." aziraphale didn't know what to think. His mind was jammed with that word. Torture. He wanted to runaway, something, just anything but near gabriel and michael. Maybe even run to crowley...no, he had to stand up for himself, he couldn't always rely on him, especially when he didn't want to be bothered. Just as he was about to say something, all he saw was dark and a cold throbbing pain in his temple.

~<*>~

    A month, but it felt like longer. His eyes were dull and his face was bruised. His eyes was a dark shade of purple and blood dripped eerily from his mouth. His mortal body almost couldn't take all of the pain and damage that was happening to him. He sometimes wished crowley was by his side, but he would withstand it. Anything but to annoy the demon. The 'torturing' came every other day. Of course, since the bookshop was really the only place he stayed without crowley, he had to endure these beatings. Finally came the day they decided to sit and speak with the broken angel. "How are you feeling today, Aziraphale?" the angel looked at the taller, staring almost angrily into his eyes. Those stupid purple eyes.
    "Like any other, you should know." aziraphale looked away, starring out the window from the floor he sat on, a book loosely between his hands. "Let me guess, the normal routine?" aziraphale sighed as he began getting up, feelinga hand on his shoulder.
    "Not exactly, meet me at head quarters tomorrow afternoon." Gabriel gave a menacing smile. "I'll be putting you...how would you put it...under new management, ah yes that's the right wording." gabriel turned and left, leaving the broken and confused angel to wallow in his own sorrow.

~<*>~

    The next day, the angel miracled an assortment of makeup out of thin air. He was going to speak with crowely before whatever gabriel may do. He hadn't a clue how makeup was applied, nor how it worked. He just knew it covered the skin. He needed to hide the bruises covering his cheek and eye. He glanced over the colorful makeup before him. Maybe something simple?. He thought. Grabbing the small container of a fleshy tone, he applied it to the skin, not knowing or caring if it looked good or not.
    Aziraphale flagged down a taxi, the driver giving weird stares at him as they neared the demons house. Finally, he found himself at the door of his flat, his fist balled and leaning on the door. With a sigh and an urge of confidence, he knocked loudly, except no noise came from inside. He knocked again, hoping he would get an answer, he kept knocking until he was almost desperate. Tears were plaguing his eyes and he started to sniffle. He missed crowley, he missed their time together, why did he seem so distant?. That's when he heard someone clearing their throat behind him. "I-i'm sorry, i'll be-" aziraphale turned to see the face he had been so desperate to see. Aziraphale was about to go in for a hug when crowley's voice pierced his ears.
    "What are you doing here, angel?" he hadn't an answer for the question.
    "What...what do you mean what am I doing here, dear? Haha, i'm here to see my best friend!" aziraphale nervously chuckled, twiddling his thumbs. He could feel the air grow tense again, like that first day with gabriel.
    "You come to my flat with makeup splotches that don't even match your skin and your crying at my door." crowley's heart felt like it was rending. Red flags were going off in his head, wanting him to ask what's wrong, why his angel was covered his bad makeup, drenched in tears and worst of all, disheveled clothes. Aziraphale was always prim and proper, it was absolutely heart rentching to see the angle in such state.
    "I...I-I wanted to come talk to you before I head upstairs, ya know, buisness and all...dunno how long i'll be gone..." aziraphale spoke with uneasiness, and a stutter in his voice.
    "Well, get on with it." aziraphale leaped forward, taking the demon in a hug so tight and full of emotion. Crowley held back the urge to hug back, keeping a straight face through out. Aziraphale pulled from the demon, giving the sweetest smile, the running towards a taxi. Crowley feels as if...something abouts to go wrong...and he could have stopped it...

~<*>~

    That hug made aziraphale more confident in himself. He had finally gotten to see his beloved demon. Uncovering his floor, he stepped inside. He opened his eyes without realizing he closed them, blinded by the overwhelming brightness. Of course, everything was white, complete opposite from earth. Full of order and council. He stepped carefully through the halls, looking for someone he didn't even want to see. When he made his way out back, he finally found gabriel. Just him...alone. "Oh, there you are. What is it you wanted?" gabriel looked out to the sky, standing at the edge of a cloud.
    "Do you remember what happened in this spot?" aziraphale shook his head.
    "Uh...no sir..." gabriel half turned, still staring out to the sky.
    "Do you remember the war?" aziraphale gulped. He could feel the lump in the back of his throat.
    "N-no, no sir..." gabriel eyes finally made eye contact, immediatly tensing aziraphales entire body. It felt so intimidating.
    "An angel has not fallen in over 6000 years, i think its about time for a change." gabriel walked up to aziraphale, towering over him.
    "Y-you don't...you don't mean-"
    "Yes aziraphale. You've been a nuisance for far too long." suddenly and very quickly, chains shot out from the building, instantly summoning his wings and wrapping around them tightly. Hot tears streamed down his face as micheal held a sheathed sword carefully in her hands. It was a sanctified one, the very same that deprived many other wings from many other angels.
    "No! Y-you can't do this!" aziraphale gritted his teeth, tasting the salty tears that poured like waterfalls.
    "Dear aziraphale, i'm of much higher rank! I should've done this years ago! If hell fire can't hurt you, then i'm sure falling will." a sadistic smile spread across his face as he raised the sword towards aziraphales back.
    "NO, PLEASE!" it was too late. His screames pierced the air and the sword slid through his bone and feather. With another sickening hack and ear ringing scream, the wings had come off, aziraphale body falling to the ground in exhaustion and unbearable pain.
    "Michael, would you like the honor?" Micheal handed the sheathe to gabriel and nodded.
    "It would be my pleasure." michael picked up azirphale by the waist, dragging his limo body to the edge. Then a firm) grip was placed on her forearm.
    "I'll see you in hell..." aziraphale chuckled to himself slightly. Michael growled, jolting aziraphale up and throwing him over. And crowley could have sworn he could hear that very same scream.

~<*>~

    The fall itself was painful. It was like a life changing process. It changed your biological DNA, even if it seemed impossible. During the hour or two of falling, he could almost feel his skin become rougher, his eyes change color, his hair turn darker and his wings materializing. Without a seconds notice, the ground hit was hard. It knocked aziraphale clean out.
    As the newly formed demons eyes fluttered open, he was met with a grotesque ceiling. With a groan, he looked about his new confinings. It was fairly small room, a basement looking, hazardous room. Filled with cobwebs and spiders. Although, there was a singular long mirror on the wall. Aziraphale gasped, tears brinking his eyes and hand clutching his heart.
    There was a shell like piece on my cheek, something if a tortious's shell. Then he looked at his handsl. His wrists were covered in square like shell pieces of smaller size. He scratched and scratched, but it was connected to his body, like a bone to skin. That wasn't the only thing. His hair wasn't pure white anymore. It was anything but that. It was dirty blonde, no longer his favorite pure angelic ivory. His suit was a dark brown with a plaid bow tie. He knew he was no longer an angel. He could feel the emotions he had pushed down for ages rise like lava. Anger, lust, gluttony. Over many of the rings of hell. Aziraphale turned to see a large window that mirrored him. It most likely was a two way mirror. That's when the old bunker like door opened, and beelzebub of all people came in to greet him. He looked just as surprised to see him.
    "I-...hello" his lips were pressed into a thin line, most likely the anticapation of aziraphale's answers clawing at him. They knew they both knew each other. But it was better not to mention it.
    "Yeah...hi..." the awkward silence could be could with a knife.
    "Would you...would you like a tour?" aziraphale was greatful he didn't ask why he had fallen as he gladly nodded. Beelzebub gave a look of sympathy, leaving the room. Aziraphale was quick to follow, only to see many other demons on the other side. They all seemed to sympathize with the fallen angle.
    The two walked about quietly, allowing aziraphale to inspect his new head quarters. It felt so cold, so much different than heaven. He could even hear his feet echo as he stepped in the hollow hallway.
    "Well, I hope you have a good day...just press london on the globe." Aziraphale stared at the dark gobe before him. The states were red and the water was black. Beelzebub handed him a small piece of paper. "This is to hide your-..." he coughed "reptile appendages while your among humans..." aziraphale nodded, grabbing the paper. It dissolved in his hand as he held it. "You'll be able to change your apperance temporarily while your around humans on your own free will...enjoy your day." the fallen angle takes in a deep breathe, reaching out to the globe and pressing lightly.

~<*>~

    Crowley was having the worst anxiety attack of his life. What the hell was that?!. He thought. Why did he feel like there was something he was missing, something preventable. He was agitated beyond belief. Pacing back and forth between his plants. His phone began to ring causing him to get set off. He rushed to the phone as he aggresively picked it up, shouting into the speaker. "What?!" whatever it was...was clearly getting to him. It was Hastur.
    "What crawled into your skin?" crowley fell into his chair, lifting his feet onto the desk.
    "None of your damn buisness." there was a small smokers chuckle on the other side of the line.
    "Apparently there's a 'protocal' on this, but there's a new fallen. Don't know why I had to tell you-" crowley was suddenly very interested.
    "What did you just say?" crowley spoke very quickly and most of all in an intimadating tone. "There hasn't been a fallen since the war!"
    "Exactly, that's why its protocol to inform all demons of this arrival."he felt as if he knew who had fallen but he didn't want to believe it. His back slouched and he covered his mouth. He stared at the ceiling once again, just like how all of this started. He started to feel the tears again, but, being crowley, he shook his head fiercely as he gritted his teeth.
    "Whatever" and with that he hung up. He couldn't bare the thought of azirphale, his angel, the kindest and most pure person he's ever met...being a demon.

~<*>~

    Its been three months...he hasn't seen aziraphale at all. Halllucinations of shadows of his figure. He's checked the bookshop, only to find it closed and run down. He's checked their favorite restaurant, he was even willing to go to other countries... anything to see his angel safe and sound. But...as he tugged his jacket on and fumbled with his glasses...as he stepped out of the flat towards his bently...he saw him. In the rain carrying a large umbrella. Crowley wanted to cry, scream!...hug...hold aziraphale...
    The figure looked to him, shell like pieces covering his skin, and a sweet smile on his face. Crowley was glued and frozen, the rain drenching him, his hair falling to the side as the fallen angel walked to him. The umbrella now hung over them both, staring into each others eyes. Aziraphales hand traced the side of crowleys cheek, to his jawline, and to his lips tracing the bottom lip gently. "Hello crowley...you look lovely today..."