Fanfic Short Stories

Good Omens: Why Not Both?

Summary: Hell prefers fire. Heaven prefers ice. The ineffable husbands prefer a comfortable combination of the two. Set between seasons 1 and 2.

"So, Armageddon failed," Crowley said, sprawled indolently in a chair in the bookshop as if he hadn't a care in the world. "What do you suppose they'll try next?"

Aziraphale reached toward a shelf, his hand hovering momentarily over the volumes, and then plucked a book of poetry by Robert Frost, in much the same way a gardener might pluck a rose. He carefully consulted the table of contents and found the correct page. Then he read aloud:

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

"Hell would prefer fire," Crowley said. "I guess that leaves ice for Heaven. They always were a cold lot, in my opinion." He paused. "Present company excepted, of course."

"Of course. I think the important thing is to strike a balance," Aziraphale said. "Fire and ice are both nice, particularly in combination." He nodded toward a cozy fireplace, and the iced bottle of champagne beside it.

"Well, that's compromise, isn't it? Neither side is much good at that."

"Perhaps they can learn. After all, we did." Aziraphale picked up two champagne flutes. "Shall we?"

A/N: Written for Fluftober prompt: Fire & Ice.