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

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   Aziraphale drifted awake slowly as he instinctively reached out to stroke his newborn’s fuzzy head but his eyes flew open when his fingers met just a lonely tartan blanket. “Eden?!” He leaned forward and peeked inside the bassinet. It was empty. Eden was gone. Aziraphale swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rose to his feet and winced when he began to walk. His nether regions ached and he nearly doubled over. This must be a side effect one suffers after giving birth….but he ignored it and made his way to the bedroom door. It had been left wide open and he leaned up against its welcoming frame and called out, “Eden? Little One? Answer me sweetpea!”

Another painful ache made him groan and he called out weakly, “Crowley!” He pressed his head against the cool door frame and he heard the voice he so desperately wanted to hear. 

“Jesus Christ angel! What are you doing out of bed?!” Aziraphale looked up when he heard the welcoming burbling of Eden.

“Eden…” He murmured with relief as he pushed away from the door frame and held out his arms. Crowley, with Eden tucked in the curve of one arm, hurriedly guided his exhausted husband back to bed. 

“Angel, you shouldn’t have gotten out of bed, especially after what you’ve just went through! Your corporation is going to need time to get better.” He rubbed Aziraphale’s back when the angel winced again, hoping his touch would help soothe his pain.

 Tracey advised he spend a few days in bed until further notice.

“I woke up and she wasn’t in her bassinet and I got worried….” Aziraphale murmured as Crowley helped him back into bed.  Once he was settled back into bed Crowley passed the baby into Aziraphale’s waiting arms. 

“Sweet angel, you know she’ll always be safe here. I was just showing her around her home, she seems to like your personal book collection already!”

“I’m so glad to hear that my love.” He and Crowley shared a sweet kiss and their gazes turned back to their baby. 

Aziraphale was finally able to relax now that Eden was safely back in his arms. He stroked her fuzzy red hair and murmured, “Good morning my daughter.” 

Little Eden gazed up at her fathers in wonder, her blue eyes studying the pools of amber and pale blue that gazed down at her full of love.  Aziraphale stroked her cheek with a gentle finger and Eden reached up and clasped it. Aziraphale glanced at Crowley, beaming with pride.

Crowley felt fresh tears of happiness sting his eyes as he showered his husband and newborn child in a shower of kisses. 

“Are my angels ready for breakfast?” Crowley asked tenderly.

“I am feeling a bit peckish…” Aziraphale answered, his eyes not leaving Eden’s precious face.

“Good, I have something special in mind, now; I want you both to stay in bed, okay?”

“Yes of course.” Aziraphale replied with a content smile at his husband and Crowley felt his heart melt.

“I’ll be back my loves. Keep an eye on your Papa for me Eden.” Crowley said as he left to prepare breakfast.

At last, the Papa and his newborn were alone. Aziraphale leaned down and gave Eden a kiss on her fuzzy head, “Oh you have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment Eden.”

“My Eden. Eden Alexandria Queen Fell, our new beginning.”  The baby began to suck on his finger. His smile became even brighter. 

“I didn’t think I would survive bringing you into this world, I was sure I would discorporate again….it truly was a miracle.”

Aziraphale continued, “I used to be so afraid but now that you’re here I’m not afraid anymore. You are simply and truly ineffable Little One.”

Aziraphale beamed as Eden cocked her head, as if she were trying to contemplate her Papa’s words.

"I know your father already made this promise to you but now it's my turn. I'll always protect you and keep you safe from all harm. No one will ever hurt you, my precious little miracle. My new beginning. My Little One."

Crowley returned to the bedroom, carrying a tray with his husband’s breakfast. “I’m back my darlings.” He smiled at the sight of Aziraphale. Aziraphale was literally lighting up the whole room with his angelic presence, but so was Eden. She was emitting her own light as well and Crowley was drinking it in.

Crowley set the tray down on the dresser and said, “Angel, I’m afraid you can’t hold the baby and eat at the same time.”

“I know dear boy.” Aziraphale said as Crowley placed the breakfast tray in Aziraphale’s lap. Eggs Benedict today, with a couple of crepes. Aziraphale's favorite. Aziraphale handed the baby to Crowley who sat on the side of the bed, so Eden could be as close to her Papa as possible.

Crowley watched Aziraphale enjoy his breakfast until Eden got fussy. “Oh I think someone else is ready to eat.”

Crowley dashed out of the room and returned with a steaming bottle within moments. 

“You both look so adorable my loves.” Crowley murmured as he watched his husband and daughter enjoy their breakfast. 

Aziraphale smiled but was suddenly hit by a wave of exhaustion when Eden finally finished feeding.  

“Alright, time for you to rest angel.” Said Crowley as he took the baby from Aziraphale. 

“You’re not taking her back to the nursery are you?” He didn’t want her to leave his sight. 

“No angel, I’ll put her in her bassinet so she’ll be close to us.” Crowley said as he placed Eden in her bassinet, which was still in the middle of the bed. Aziraphale lay down and turned on his side with a wince. 

“Are you okay angel?” Crowley said as he rushed to Aziraphale’s side. 

“I-I’m alright dear. Just a little sore….” Crowley stroked his face lovingly as Aziraphale turned his gaze back to little Eden and held her tiny little hand. 

Crowley heard a soft knock on the bedroom door and said, “I’m gonna go talk with Tracy. I’ll be back soon, rest my loves.” Crowley cooed as he approached the door.

He and Tracy stood outside in the hallway.

“How is Aziraphale doing?” Tracy asked. She had spent most of the morning with her new goddaughter.

“I just finally got him to rest. He got out of bed and was looking for me and the baby.”

“Oh my I hope he didn’t hurt himself.”

“No, he’s just really sore and very tired.” Crowley’s voice was heavy with worry. Sadly there weren’t any books about angel or demon deliveries, or how to care for a corporation after a difficult labor that could help him. 

“Well, in that case I am going to extend my stay.” Tracy said. 

“Oh Tracy, you don’t have to do that, you’ve already done so much for us.” She helped them bring Eden into this world and Crowley didn’t know how he could repay her. 

“I insist Crowley, Aziraphale is going to need time to recover and its going to take at least a couple of weeks for you both to get used to the routine of caring for a newborn.”

That was true.

Crowley was so exhausted that he wanted to crash right on the floor. He probably should have gotten some sleep last night instead of watching over Aziraphale and Eden as they slept.

“Thank you Tracy.”