On Our Side [ENG]

On Our Side

   Thunder roars like a war drum, steady and loud, while lightning tear through the dark clouds. A figure is illuminated inside the South Downs cottage: Crowley is intent on preparing the kitchen table with what should be a breakfast. But as soon as they set down the main course, a dull thud reaches their ears. It comes from upstairs. The demon don't think twice before running.

  Aziraphale stirs in bed, shaking their head and muttering something under their breath. Crowley's brow furrows in concern and they rush to the Aziraphale's side.

- No... No... -

  Crowley grabs Aziraphale's shoulder and shakes it, trying to wake them up.

« Aziraphale... »

- No, stop! -

  Aziraphale's voice grows louder, trembling.

« Aziraphale. »

- I don't want to... Stop it! -

« AZIRAPHALE! »

  Crowley screams. They shake Aziraphale, move the wet curls out of their face, slap them.... Aziraphale opens their eyes, wincing at those screams. They snap into a sitting position, hugging their knees to themself and hiding their face. They tremble.

- I was there... I was in Heaven... T-They were- -

« Shh. You were dreaming. »

  Aziraphale's hands reach out to clutch the cloth at the height of the demon's chest.

- It was not a dream!!! -

The demon swallows. Crowley's hands rest on Aziraphale's.

« You are no longer there. No one will harm you any more. You are here with me now. »

  The blue begins to fill with tears, a vision the demon cannot bear. Instinctively Crowley pulls Aziraphale close, hiding Aziraphale's face in their own chest, to calm them, but also to hide their own eyes. The wound for the other is still fresh, for the demon it has just reopened, as vivid as if it were yesterday. Crowley curse themself for not having been there, for not having been able to prevent it. They are not the type for such spontaneous effusions, but they know exactly what Aziraphale needs at that moment: a hug, strong and protective, like an impenetrable armour. Not out of penitence, but out of love, pure and simple.

  Crowley lets Aziraphale vent for as long as it takes, they remain silent. Crowley feels Aziraphale shaking, feel the tears dampening their shirt and the only thing Crowley do is try not to let their emotions get the better of them. Crowley don't want to leave Aziraphale alone, they know very well what Aziraphale is feeling and Crowley knows they are the only one who can console Aziraphale... as the other is the only one for them.

  When the situation calms down, Aziraphale finds the courage to show a little smile, patting Crowley's chest.

- How silly. Sorry... I also ruined your shirt. -

« Forget the shirt. »

  Aziraphale keeps their gaze down, Crowley makes them look up.

« Look up at the stars, not down at your feet. »

  Crowley runs a thumb over Aziraphale's damp cheek, who smile faintly, in pain.

- I failed... -

« They didn't deserve you. »

- I know... But now I'm... -

« On our side. »

  Yes. Aziraphale lost everything, everything they believed in, everything they possessed, or thought they possessed. Yet, smiles the fallen angel, because in the end they are left with the most important thing: love.