Scales

Burns

Aziraphale's face was pale, his heart sank and his stomach turned. "...I-"

Crowley's hands flew to his face, he fell back onto a chair, breathing heavy as he frantically wiped his tears.

"Woah- Crowley it's okay, you-.. you can cry, you're safe here.." Aziraphale sat up, reaching a hand out to Crowley, who swatted it away.

"No- no it burns.. it hurts." He sucked in a sharp breath through his clenched teeth, his hands gripping his knees. Eyes darting up at Aziraphale for a split second.

"Crowley... dear.. look at me." He tried to reach his chin, to see his cheeks and the smoke that wafted around them. His hand was slapped away, a growl residing in the demon.

"Don't touch me." Crowley hissed, a break in his voice and regret in his movements.

Aziraphale flinched away, unsure of what his friend might do in such a state.

Crowley looked up, horrified. Was Aziraphale... scared of him? "I- I'm sorry, Angel- I.. I didn't.." he stood up, his eyes locked on the angel.

Aziraphale noticed burns trailing down Crowley's face, right where his tears fell. "Dear- your tears... they burnt you." He approached the demon, grabbing his cheeks before he could protest.

Aziraphale attempted a miracle to heal the burns, but it didn't work. "Holy water." Aziraphale gasped, backing up. "Your- your tears are made up of... holy water." The sound of hurt was more prominent than ever before in the angel's voice. "Oh, my dear.."

Crowley hadn't dared move a muscle, but the angel had. He felt strong, warm arms embrace him and soft white curls against his cheek. Suddenly, everything felt okay. Nothing mattered besides them, this feeling. Everything else simply melted away, all of Crowley's thoughts, gone.

Before he knew it, his arms were wrapped around the angel in return, afraid to ever let go, afraid that if he did he'd have to say goodbye, even if only for the night.

He felt Aziraphale's arms loosen around him, not wanting the moment to end he tightened his grip, pulling him closer.

Crowley spoke softly, "...don't leave.".

Aziraphale blushed, returning the affection in the hug, "I won't, I won't... uhm, dear? You said- you... love me?" The angel spoke so gently, his cheek pressed to the demon's.

"M'yeah... you don't need to feel the same. I just hope we can still be... whatever we were."  His cheek pressing firmly to the angel's.

"Crowley- listen. I.. I don't know, I don't. I don't know how I feel. I know I love you, whether that is as a friend or more- I'm not sure. I won't let this change us, but I'll need some time to think before I can tell you how I feel."

Crowley let go, looking the angel in the eyes. "Okay... I'm- I'm sorry. About kissing you... I just wanted to show you how much a wanted- needed you to stay, but it wasn't okay. I'm sorry."

Aziraphale nodded, "I uhm... I need some time.", tears forming over his icy blue eyes.