Good Omens: Our New Beginning (Bad Omens Prequel Novella)

20

"I like the name Angel." Crowley suggested as he helped Aziraphale to sit in his reading chair in the family room of South Downs. "Or we can call her Azira. Or just Zira. Either one will do for me." 

"I'm flattered my dear but I don't think those names would suit our daughter. I have considered Victoria…..but that’s too old fashioned, even for me, especially since I prefer Alexandria, in honor of that wonderful library…..but I don't think that would suit her either. Not as a first name anyways."  Crowley knelt down and rested his head against his husband's swollen stomach. Aziraphale ran a hand through Crowley's spiky red hair, smiling. "I'm surprised you haven't suggested Queen as a name for our daughter, dear boy."

Crowley met Aziraphale's bright blue gaze. "I would like that, believe me, but she deserves the best name in the entire world. Besides, Queen sounds more like a middle name to me….."

"Wouldn't you like to name her after you then?" Aziraphale asked. "Perhaps give her your old name?" 

Crowley shook his head. "Nah. My old name wouldn’t suit her no matter how much we tweak it. And I refuse to give her a shoddy feminine version of my human alias."

"Just something to consider, my love." Aziraphale chuckled at the look of determination in his husband's amber eyes. He knew Crowley well enough to know that Crowley wanted nothing but the best for their daughter.  Crowley had already begun drawing up plans for the nursery and baby shower, only involving Aziraphale when absolutely necessary so he could focus on resting…..just thinking about it made Aziraphale teary eyed.

Thunder rumbled in the sky as the clouds darkened. Aziraphale gasped at a sharp pain from a sudden kick. "Aziraphale?!" Crowley shot to his feet as Aziraphale clutched his stomach. 

"I'm alright dear. I-I think the baby was startled by the thunder is all…." Aziraphale winced again at another sharp kick. Crowley helped Aziraphale to his feet. "Let's get you both to bed. Maybe that'll calm her down."

A white flash of lightning lit up the bedroom as Crowley helped Aziraphale into their bed. "Can I get you something? Anything?" Aziraphale shook his head. "Just stay with us. Please…." Crowley didn't hesitate as he curled up next to his husband in the bed. He placed a hand on Aziraphale's stomach. "It's okay now my darling. I'm not going to let a thunderstorm or anything hurt you or your Papa. Evah."

Aziraphale smiled and for a brief moment was distracted by the sound of raindrops pattering against the roof of South Downs. 

"Who'd have thought this is where we would be? It seems like only yesterday when we met at Eden….." Aziraphale felt Crowley tense beside him. "Say that again angel…."

"Er, it seems like only-" 

"Not that. The last thing you said."

"Eden?" Crowley's amber orange eyes met his. "That's it. That's her name!" 

"Eden?" Aziraphale asked, confused for a moment,  but then clarity hit him. "Eden."

"Eden." Crowley repeated. "Our Eden. Our beginning. Our new beginning."

Aziraphale, tears stinging his eyes, rasped. "That's perfect."

"You mean ineffable, Angel." Crowley murmured as he showered his husband with kisses. 

Ineffable indeed.

"Oh my, so many wonderful gifts!" Aziraphale gushed. "Thank you all so much!" Aziraphale was starting to get teary eyed. "I don't know what else to say....." Everyone he and Crowley invited had come and he didn't have to bribe anyone this time. Crowley had been the one who had gone out to drop off the invitations and even deliver the news in person. Mr. Brown was especially pleased when Crowley showed up months in advance in need of a carpet for the nursery. The bookshop was packed with people and the decor was in the style of the Victorian Era swathed in pink and white.

"Oi, you still have our gifts to open!" Shadwell barked out. The Scotsman had been bragging to the guests, mostly about how he was the godfather while Crowley went out of his way to make sure that Aziraphale felt special and that everything ran smoothly, only talking about his husband and child with uncontained pride.

"Oh yes, i can't wait!" Tracy and Shadwell handed Aziraphale two parcels and the angel ripped them open eagerly. He gasped at surprise at the sight of a handmade patchwork plush duck with black wings and white wing tips. The best part was that the duck was wearing his very own tartan bow tie. And Aziraphale found a tartan bow barrette that matched in a small pink gift bag.

"Oh Tracy...." Aziraphale rasped. "Did you make these?" Aziraphale held up the tartan bow barrette, beige like his own, its silver clip gleamed in the light.

Tracy nodded, "Yep, and Shadwell helped me get the materials."

"I want my wee bairn to be as cute as a button!" Shadwell declared.

"Crowley, look!" Crowley grinned. "She's going to look great in tartan, like her Papa."

Aziraphale blinked tears of joy out of his eyes as Crowley kissed his cheek.

"How did you even find this color of tartan?" Aziraphale asked as he wiped his eyes.

"Found it while we were shopping for materials for the duck. It wasn't much but Tracy managed to make it into a bow."

"I can't believe it." Aziraphale murmured. "I haven't seen this type of tartan in hundreds of years. It's a miracle."

"Yeah." Crowley added. "A miracle."