The Known/Unknown Quantity

Chapter 85: Gradual Exit

Chapter 85: Gradual Exit

"This is the only part I need experience with Crowley," he assured with all his might. "No zombie angel will emerge. Those questions have already been answered thoroughly. But this—"

Crowley held up a hand. "Wait, just a minute." His head whipped back and forth between the two Aziraphale's as he explained," Let me just.... heal his neck first...and...get rid of the worst accoutrements—"

"Leave the...insertable." Crowley cussed to make the air boil.

"Not that! Please, not that! That goes beyond pain, that's fucking injuring! That needs emergency surgery!!!"

"And I'm an angel. I don't have emergencies."

"The fuck you don't!"

"Crowley, please. You can miracle it away soon enough."

"It won't be pleasant either way. You know this!"

A nervous nod. Crowley groaned.

"At least let me get the bit out, alright?"

The angel's mouth trembled at the edges. "You never have like anything there besides your phallus."

"Look," the demon barked, wagging his long finger in the angel's face. "As long as I can stand up straight you will never have a gag in your mouth, do you hear me!"

The angel shrugged with his eyebrows. "An o-ring perhaps?"

"This isn't funny! Now look, I won't stand for it!"

"Maybe a wallet..."

Crowley got into his face. "You're getting just as bad as me, ya know!"

The angel smiled nervously," It's nice to have the tables turned for once, dear boy. Rather fun I might say."

"You're covering for your nerves is all," Crowley said, relaxing his shoulders, and his tone.

"Confirmed," the angel admitted. "Alright, Crowley. Go ahead. He still frozen. It's just—"

"Whot?"

"I'll need to bear down on something."

The demon posed with his hips forward, one leg slightly out. He leaned away and rolled his head on his shoulders. The swiftly pulled up his forearm as if to block a blow. "Then bite this."

Aziraphale glared at him. "Why, your arm?"

"Yep."

"But...I could injure you."

"Nope.  I'mean, it'll hurt. Might even break skin. But I'll not have a bit in your mouth. Just....no."

"Crowley."

"Yeah?"

"I love so much."

The demon grunted, looking at the ground. Then he said," I'll never forgive myself if something happens to you, understand? So don't screw this up."

Aziraphale smiled broadly, and kissed his cheek.

"I love you too, angel."

Crowley turned and approached the other figure. He bent down to look into his vacant eyes. The demon looked terrified at the prospect of his friend in this state.

Carefully he got on his knees in front of the other Aziraphale, and dared to run a finger under its gaping jaws. Terrible clicking noises made them both shiver.

"Woll that's it for his neck, and now the...other."

He braced one hand against Chaz, and with his other hand began to pry out the tube. The hateful cylinder was extracted from his throat and slung away in disgust. One last time, Crowley regarded the poor creature, even brought his forehead to his, and kissed his lips. But he did not move. He just looked back over his shoulder, then held out his hand to the angel. "Alright. Come on."