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Chapter Text

Aziraphale knew Heaven would come for him eventually. You don't get to avert the apocalypse without consequences. He just wish he had more time to prepare before it happened. One second him and Crowley are getting ice cream, the next he finds himself bound and gagged and being dragged away from Crowley towards a heavenly portal. He tries to yell to warn Crowley to run. Crowley tries to come after him but is knocked out by demons. Aziraphale throws himself against the Angel's hold struggling to get to Crowley as he is dragged to Hell to face his own judgement. The angel's grip is tight and he is soon transported to Heaven. He can only hope now that he will get to see Crowley again.

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Crowley paces in the holding cell Hell has placed him in. He tried to go after Aziraphale to save him from Heaven's wrath, but he was knocked over the head before he could make it 2 steps. They had tried to think of a plan because they knew their employers would come for them eventually. It had been stupid to go out. The more minutes that ticked by the more annoyed and anxious Crowley became. He would take on the forces of Hell to get to Aziraphale and get him to safety, but right now that would be suicide. As much as he hated it, he would have to buy his time right now. He silently hoped that Aziraphale was fairing better than him as demons came and opened his cell.

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Aziraphale tugged on the ropes tying him to the chair. They were very secure and would not budge. He had been waiting for awhile now. When he got here they had taken the gag off and tied him to a chair. Now he was left with Uriel standing guard over him and they hadn't said a word. Aziraphale hoped Crowley was ok and in a better position. Aziraphale straightened up a bit as Gabriel and Sandalphon entered the room behind him.

"Aziraphale so good of you to join us." Gabriel smiled as he squeezed Aziraphale's shoulder tightly.

"You could have sent a message. I mean honestly a kidnapping in broad daylight." Aziraphale rolled his eyes. He noted that Sandalphon was carrying a case in his hand.

"Call it what it was, an extraordinary rendition. Now, on to business, so with one act of treason you averted a war." Gabriel stated.

"Well, I think the greater good demanded...." Aziraphale began.

"Don't talk to me about the greater good sunshine, I'm the Archangel fucking Gabriel. The greater good was we were finally going to settle things with the opposition once and for all. And you go and spoil it by teaming up with a demon and averting Armageddon." Gabriel cut off.

Aziraphale is unfazed.

"We are meant to be the good guys for Heaven's sake." Aziraphale reminded.

"Well for Heaven's sake, we need to make an example of the traitor." Gabriel threatened.

Gabriel snapped his fingers and Aziraphale found himself strung up from the ceiling by his wrists. He was only hanging a few feet off the ground but it was enough to make his feet hang so all of his weight was on his wrists. With another snap his coat, shirt, vest and bowtie were gone leaving him naked from the chest up. He held his head high not wanting to show any indication that he was scared. Sandalphon put the case he had been carrying down and pulled out a whip. Aziraphale could feel the demonic energy radiating off it. Sandalphon gave it a test crack that made Aziraphale flinch inwardly and he saw a trail of fire come off the whip.

"I think you're going to like this. This whip was forged with Hellfire so it's really going to leave a lasting sting to remind you what a traitor you are. And Sandalphon is so precise with a whip, it's like an art to him. I'm sure the reminder will last for the rest of eternity, that is if you survive it." Gabriel explained as Sandalphon twirled the whip in his hand and walked behind Aziraphale.

"Consider it my highest honor." Aziraphale stated sarcastically with a smile.

"You are hereby sentenced to 100 lashes." Gabriel commanded.

Gabriel nodded and the first lash came down across Aziraphale's back. Azirphale bit down on his lip and winced. If this was to be his punishment then he wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of screaming. The whip bit into his skin and probably wouldn't be as bad if it wasn't for the flash of Hellfire that came with it. With each lash Aziraphale would hold back determined not to make a sound. He wanted to remain strong, he knew they wanted to see him scream. To perceive him as weak as they saw him. He thought of Crowley and prayed he was safe from whatever punishment Hell decided to dull out. Suddenly the whipping stopped and Gabriel was in front of him again.

"Not a peep huh? You know it really doesn't matter if you scream or not, we all know how weak you truly are. I mean honestly, to work with a demon and consider him a friend, only someone as weak as you would be foolish enough to consort with a demon. A true Angel would have killed him centuries ago, then again you have never been a true Angel." Gabriel sneered, his eyes piercing into Aziraphale.

Aziraphale met Gabriel's gaze with as much malice as he could as his entire body trembled and his eyes fluttered.

"No matter now, you won't be able to keep up this charade much longer." Gabriel jabbed.

With that Gabriel nodded and the whipping continued in full force, Aziraphale biting into his lip again wincing with each new lash. He tried to remain quiet, but with each new lash it became harder and harder as the Hellfire burned his skin. He hadn't meant for the first noise to escape his lips. Before he knew it a gasp slipped past him. With each new lash he got louder and louder before he was full on screaming.

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Crowley dragged himself up the stairs from Hell and collapsed by the door against a pillar in the lobby. He was bleeding from various wounds, including one on his head. His punishment had started with a beating and then they wanted to destroy him via Holy Water just as he had done with Ligur. He fought his way out, killing a few demons on the way. It wasn't until he beheaded Hastur that Beelzebub finally told the demons to stop. Crowley warned everyone that he was to be left alone before stumbling his way out of Hell. Now he could only hope that Aziraphale would get out of Heaven without being too hurt. He had felt Heaven's wrath before and with the way they took Aziraphale away he knew it wasn't going to be pretty.

Crowley looked up when he heard a familiar beep. The Bentley sat outside for him as if sensing he needed to get away. He allowed himself a small smile, but stopped and looked toward the escalator that led to Heaven. He wondered if he should wait to see if Aziraphale came down or if he should try to rescue him. Getting out of Hell was hard enough he didn't want to imagine what it would be like to try to get out of Heaven. He finally resolved to go back to the bookshop to heal for a bit. If anything he would wait to feel Aziraphale's presence return to Earth and then come get him, if he didn't show up at the bookshop first. Pulling himself up he limped out the Bentley giving it a loving pat on its roof before climbing into the driver seat and driving away to the bookshop.

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Aziraphale's head leaned heavily on his chest. His voice was long gone as was his strength to struggle as the lashes continued to fall on him. The blood dripped down his back and onto the pristine white floor of heaven. His back was on fire and was numb all at the same time as were his arms from holding the position for so long. The final lash came down and Gabriel was back standing in front of Aziraphale.

"What a mess you have made, then again I told you Sandalphon was very precise." Gabriel stated.

Aziraphale made no response. Gabriel snapped his fingers and the ropes holding Aziraphale up disappeared. Aziraphale fell to the ground not catching himself. He let out a loud groan trying to push himself up on his hands and knees, his breathing heavy and ragged.

"You know I want to make sure this lesson really sticks so before you go, just one more thing." Gabriel added.

Gabriel snapped his fingers and Aziraphale's wings appeared. Aziraphale registered his wings appearing.

'This is it. I'm going to fall.' he thought to himself.

He could only hope he would end up somewhere Crowley was.

Gabriel produced his flaming sword and grabbed the left wing. Aziraphale let out an ear piercing scream as the sword was brought done and sliced off his wings.

"Oh, so dramatic. I might not have the power to make you fall and fully cast you out, but I can at least take your wings. You are not worthy of them anymore. You are hereby banished from Heaven. You will never be welcomed back and you are never to contact anyone." Gabriel commanded.

Aziraphale withered on the floor only catching every other word. He was trying to focus, trying to figure out his next move.

"What should we do with him now?" Uriel asked.

"Send him back to Earth, I'm sure he will figure it out from there." Gabriel ordered walking away.

A snap and Aziraphale felt the world spin. It seemed like he traveled forever before he finally crashed down hard somewhere and heard a familiar voice.

"Aziraphale!"

Chapter Text

Crowley hadn't meant to pass out. He had dragged himself back into the bookshop when he got there, not even remembering most of the drive. Some of his wounds were still bleeding but they were slowly starting to heal. His ribs on the other hand were still painful. It hurt to walk, it hurt to breathe it even hurt to think about it.

He collapsed on the couch vowing to only take a minute before trying to come up with a plan to help Aziraphale. He tossed his broken sunglasses on to the table as he laid down to gather himself. But his body had other plans. The only reason he woke up was because a huge gust of wind and a loud thump caused him to wake. Crowley pulled himself up to sit on the couch and look around the corner. In the middle of the bookshop lay Aziraphale. Crowley gaped as he saw the Angel. Aziraphale's back was covered with blood and burns and he withered in pain.

"Aziraphale!"

Crowley threw himself off the couch only to rush to meet the ground. Catching himself on his hands and knees he cursed as he felt how weak his body still felt. His ribs were screaming at him and his vision went white with the pain. Shaking his head to fight off the darkness that threatened to take over him, he crawled weakly over to Aziraphale. Once near the Angel, he found himself afraid to touch him and cause him more pain. Crowley took the Angel's face in his hands.

"Aziraphale? Look at me, please. Focus on me Angel." Crowley commanded.

Aziraphale's cloudy blue eyes slowly focused on Crowley's piercing yellow ones, his body still trembling in pain.

"Crwly........it hurts. It hurts so much." Aziraphale gasped out.

"I know Angel. I know. What did they do to you?" Crowley demanded.

"Whip......it was.....forged in Hellfire. Took.......my wings." Aziraphale groaned.

"Those sick bastards." Crowley cursed.

"Crowley it burns." Aziraphale moaned.

Crowley couldn't take it anymore. He knew that a miracle right now could do more harm than good on his part but he had to get the Angel comfortable. Snapping his fingers he miracled them to the bedroom upstairs that also had a brand new queen size bed with fresh sheets and pillows. Crowley collapsed next to Aziraphale on the bed his head spinning. For a minute Crowley thought he was going to be sick. He forced it down and turned to the Angel again.

"Aziraphale? You still with me?" he asked putting a hand to his cheek.

Aziraphale nodded slowly. He was in so much pain he couldn't think.

"Ok, alright. I'm gonna look at your back ok? Just give me a second."

Aziraphale nodded again. Crowley slowly sat up on the bed and took in the Angel's back. He could see where his wings were cut off with a flaming sword. Two long gashes in between his shoulders marked where the beautiful wings used to be. Crowley wanted to weep, but also had an urge to march into Heaven and throttle Gabriel. He pushed past the urge and examined Aziraphale further. There were other scars and burns covering the Angel. There was so much blood. Crowley knew he didn't have the strength to heal the wounds but he had to at least get the wounds from the wings to slow their bleeding or Aziraphale would bleed out. He was already so pale.

"Ok, I can't heal the wounds right now, but I'm going to try and slow the bleeding." Crowley stated.

"No....your.....your hurt." Aziraphale shook his head.

"I don't care Angel. If I don't slow this bleeding down you will die. I can't loose you Aziraphale, not again." Crowley insisted.

Crowley shuddered as he thought back to seeing the bookshop engulfed in flames, thinking Aziraphale was gone forever. Now that he had him back he wasn't going to loose him again.

Aziraphale nodded slowly.

"Ok, I'm going to put you out while I do this. You need rest." Crowley mumbled.

Before Aziraphale could respond, Crowley forced energy into his hand. Aziraphale's eyes started drooping, he tried to fight it when he realized what was happening, but Crowley didn't waver. Aziraphale's eyes slipped shut and he went limp against the bed falling into a deep sleep.

"I'm sorry Angel. I'm so sorry, I hope you can forgive me." Crowley whispered, carding a hand through the Angel's hair.

Crowley wiped at the tears threatening to spill over and focused his energy to slow the bleeding. He felt his energy wavering, but he didn't stop until he was satisfied that the bleeding was under control.

Crowley collapsed back onto the bed next to the Angel. He took deep breathes trying to keep himself conscious. He really should try to clean the Angel up. He knew the wounds where his wings had been would have to be stitched up, but he didn't trust himself to do it right now. But he could at least get him cleaned.

Carefully standing, Crowley left the bedroom and returned with a bowl of warm water and a couple of rags. He sat everything on the table before sitting on the edge of the bed. Dipping a rag into the warm water and ringing out the excess, he gently started to clean the blood from the Angel's back. The Angel didn't move or make a sound during the whole process.

When his back was clean, Crowley could see how deep some of the wounds were. He didn't have enough energy to heal them and he doubted that demonic intervention would be the best idea for these wounds considering they were made with Hellfire. The best thing would probably be for them to be treated with Holy Water. But that could destroy Crowley if he wasn't careful and Aziraphale was the only Angel he ever knew or trusted. He thought for awhile on how to best help the Angel when it suddenly dawned on him. Getting up from the bed he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and stepped right outside the room dialing a number and raising the phone to his ear. The number rang a couple times before answering.

"It's Crowley. I need a favor, your going to need a few supplies and I need you as fast as possible." Crowley instructed.

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Aziraphale came to awareness slowly. His senses were muddled. His back was hurting but not as much as it did. He was laying on something comfortable and the air around him felt calm. He could feel someone laying next to him and hand on his shoulder. Aziraphale shifted slightly and groaned when a dull pain ran up his back.

"Angel? Angel can you hear me?" A voice asked, the hand on his shoulder coming up and cupping his cheek.

Crowley. Aziraphale knew that if Crowley was around then he was safe. He slowley opened his eyes. He was laying on his stomach in bed at his bookshop and Crowley lay next to him with his hand on the Angel's cheek.

"Crowley?" Aziraphale asked weakly.

"I'm here Angel. I'm here. How are you feeling?" Crowley assured.

"Sore, not as bad as before though. What happened?" Aziraphale questioned.

"I had to slow the bleeding on your back. You were going to bleed out from where those bastards cut your wings. I put you to sleep though, you needed rest. I'm so sorry Angel." Crowley explained.

"It's ok. I understand." The Angel insisted.

Aziraphale saw the dried blood on Crowley's face from where his head wound had healed.

"Are you ok?" Aziraphale asked, reaching up to brush Crowley's hair away from the wound.

"I'm doing better now that I have rested for a bit. Still a little weak from the miracles I used to help you, but I'm getting there." Crowley assured.

"Shouldn't....waste your energy... on me." Aziraphale gasped out.

"Stop it Aziraphale. I wasn't going to lose you. I cleaned you up, but I can't heal you. Demonic intervention wouldn't be best right now with Hellfire wounds, I called in a favor. They should be here any minute." Crowley informed.

"Who?" Aziraphale asked.

"Hopefully someone who can help."

Chapter Text

Anathema and Newt parked outside of the bookshop.

"Thank you my dear. You should go though, I don't know what's going on or how long I will be. Crowley only gave me a few details over the phone." Anathema explained as she gathered the bags from the back seat.

"Are you sure? I don't like the idea of leaving you alone. I can be of help. I can run to get extra supplies if needed." Newt insisted.

"Ok. Just please be careful and do exactly what I say." Anathema stated firmly.

Newt nodded and turned off the car. Helping Anathema carry the bags they walked up the stairs to the bookshop. Anathema knocked on the door and was surpised when it popped open, like the bookshop was welcoming her. Anathema and Newt looked at each other then stepped inside the door shutting softly behind them.

"Crowley? Aziraphale?" Anathema called.

"Up the stairs down the hall to the left!" Crowley called.

Anathema and Newt made their way up the stairs and down the hall. Crowley was waiting for them outside the door to a room. He looked a little better and had cleaned the blood off his face and fixed his clothes. He didn't bother replacing his sunglasses so his yellow eyes shone in the dim light of the bookshop. Even though he had rested for a bit with Aziraphale he was still tired and leaned heavily on the door frame.

"Decided to bring the boyfriend?" Crowley asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"He insisted. He can be of help too if we need more supplies. What is going on? You weren't very clear on the phone. And you look awful." Anathema asked.

"Its Aziraphale. Our sides weren't exactly happy about us stopping the apocalypse. Aziraphale is in very bad shape. Its something I can't fix and being a demon I can't handle Holy Water, so I need your help." Crowley explained ignoring what she had said about himself.

"So that part wasn't a figment of my imagination. You really are a demon and he really is an Angel?" Newt asked.

"Real sharp isn't he?" Crowley poked.

"How bad is it?" Anathema asked ignoring Crowley's jab.

"Very. They cut off his wings. I was able to slow the bleeding, but I am not to a point where I can heal them. I don't even know if I can heal them. And the rest of his back I can't do much to help, that's why I called you." Crowley stated.

"I need to see it Crowley." Anathema urged.

"Ok. Just brace yourself. I cleaned it the best I could but it's still really bad." Crowley warned.

Crowley opened the door and let them into the bedroom. Aziraphale still laid on the bed on his stomach. His arms rested up by his head, his head turned towards the door. His eyes were open half way and his breathing was shallow. A blanket covered him from the waist down. He looked up when everyone entered.

"Hello my friends." He whispered.

"Oh my God." Newt gasped.

"Way to keep it together." Crowley harshley whispered.

Anathema approached the bed. Her hand hovered over the Angel's back as she examined it. She could see the two big scars between his shoulders where she assumed the wings had been. There was still blood around them and there were other scars and burns covering him.

"What did this?" she asked.

"More like who. The Angels up in Heaven. They used a whip forged in Hellfire. Hellfire is deadly to Angels and I thought if these wounds were caused by Hellfire then maybe Holy Water could help heal them." Crowley explained.

"Its a chance, but there is also a chance it won't work." Anathema warned.

"I know, but it's the only thing I can think of. We have to try something." Crowley sounded desperate.

Anathema gave Crowley a small smile before turning back to the Angel. She bent down into Aziraphale's line of vision.

"Hello Aziraphale." she greeted.

"Anathema. So sorry for dragging you into this." Aziraphale whispered.

"Don't be. If there is something I can do to help you heal I want to try." she assured.

Aziraphale gave her a weak smile and nod. She turned back to Crowley and Newt.

"Ok. Newt be a dear and fetch me two bowls, some towels and a couple rags." Anathema instructed.

"The bathroom is just there." Crowley pointed to the door a little down the hall.

Anathema placed bandages, a few flasks filled with holy water, a bottle of disinfecting alcohol and some thread on the table beside the bed. Newt came back in with the supplies she needed. She poured some of the disinfectant into a bowl and dropped a needle into it.

"You might want to go downstairs Crowley. Can't risk you being around when there will be Holy Water flowing." Anathema suggested as she went around and hitched up her skirt as she climbed up on the other side of the bed sitting on Aziraphale's right side.

"I'm staying here. I am going to stand by the door but I am staying here." Crowley stated firmly.

"Ok, just don't come in until I tell you. This might be painful for him but I can't have him getting upset if you are injured by the Holy Water. So I need you to promise me that no matter what happens you won't come in the room unless I tell you to." Anathema told him.

"Fine." Crowley growled.

Anathema nodded and told Newt to pour two of the flasks of Holy Water in the other bowl. She gently eased a towel under Aziraphale the angel moving a bit to help her and she placed a towel over her lap. Newt handed her the bowl and she placed it next to her on the bed.

"Ok. I'm going to go over the wounds with this and I want you to bandage the smaller ones as I go as well as the burns. We have to try and keep these clean to prevent infection. Once we get everything cleaned we are going to stitch the bigger wounds." Anathema instructed.

Newt nodded and started preparing the bandages. Anatema wet a rag with the holy water before turning to the Angel.

"Ok Aziraphale. I'm going to try and be gentle, but I don't know how the Holy Water is going to react to these wounds. Try to stay still and it will be over soon." Anathema encouraged.

"Where is Crowley? Is he safe?" Aziraphale weakly asked.

"He's right outside the door. He is safe." Anthema assured.

Aziraphale lifted his eyes to the door to make sure for himself that Crowley was out of harms way. Crowley offered Aziraphale a small smile.

"I'm right here Angel. I won't come in until the Holy Water is gone." Crowley whispered.

Aziraphale smiled back before relaxing back into the bed. Anathema refocused on her task and gently applied the Holy water to the first wound. Aziraphale inhaled sharply and flinched at the contact. Anathema hesitated before continuing. She shot a look up to Crowley. The demon remained outside the door but leaned heavily and tensely on the door frame using it as an anchor of sorts to keep himself from running to Aziraphale's side.

The process continued for at least an hour. Newt would bandage the wounds as Anathema cleaned. Aziraphale would wince occasionally as the wounds were cleaned. Anathema kept watching Crowley to make sure he stayed outside of the room. Part of her was scared of enticing the Demon's wrath from indirectly causing the Angel pain, but she knew that he knew she was helping and that some pain was part of the process. Aziraphale gasped out in pain and flinched as one of the deeper wounds were cleaned.

"I'm sorry. I'm trying to do this as quickly and gently as I can." Anathema assured.

"Quite alright my dear. It's not your fault." Aziraphale whispered.

Anathema smiled softly as she continued. Once Aziraphale's back was cleaned and bandaged, Anathema gathered all the towels and rags that had come in contact with the holy water and placed them in a bag. She handed the bag and the now empty bowl to Newt instructing him to clean the bowl thoroughly and to place the bag downstairs so she could properly clean the items later. Newt carefully stepped around the demon and made his way downstairs.

"The burns are mostly superficial, but we need to keep an eye on them. Thankfully the only thing that needs stitches are the wounds where his wings were." Anathema explained.

"Can I come in yet?" Crowley asked.

"Not yet. Let us get these stitched up first. Do you think he should drink some of the Holy Water?" Anathema asked.

"Wouldn't hurt I suppose." Crowley shrugged.

Anathema came around to the other side of the bed and picked up one of the flasks.

"Aziraphale? Can you hear me?" Anathema whispered leaning down into his line of vision.

Aziraphale's eyes met hers. They were dull and unfocused.

"Hey. I need you to drink some of this Holy Water. It might help." she suggested.

Aziraphale nodded. Anathema helped Aziraphale turn slightly and lift his head. Holding the flask against his lips she carefully tipped it and helped him drink some of the holy water. Aziraphale sipped it slowly, careful not to spill any. Anathema took the flask away after a couple minutes.

"There we go. We will save some for later." Anathema whispered.

Aziraphale nodded and laid back down making himself more comfortable. Anathema smiled softly and closed the flask. Newt came back up to assist Anathema with the stitching. They both put on gloves and Anathema threaded the needle before handing it to Newt. She climbed back on the other side of the bed and took the needle from Newt.

"Ok Aziraphale, I'm going to stitch these two big wounds. It's not going to be pleasant, but I need to go slow to do it right. Try to relax and it will be over soon." Anathema explained.

Aziraphale nodded slowly and braced himself. Anathema took a deep breath and pierced the skin at the top of the first wound. Aziraphale hissed in pain and flinched. Crowley tensed against the door frame. Anathema continued the process slowly closing the wound. Aziraphale gasped and hissed with each pull and pierce of the skin, his eyes brimming with tears.

"It's hurting him." Crowley pointed out.

"I know it is. But it is the only way. These wounds can't stay open Crowley. It will just open them up to infection." Anathema explained calmly.

"I could try to heal them." Crowley stated.

"I can tell by looking at you that you are in no condition to be expending anymore energy than you are. Please just trust me to do this."

"But it's hurting him." Crowley growled.

"I know Crowley. But it will be over soon, just be patient and let me focus." Anathema stated firmly.

Anathema closed one of the wounds and Newt bandaged it. She started on the next one. Aziraphale yelled out and arched his back.

"Easy Aziraphale, easy. It's ok." Anathema assured placing a hand on his shoulder and gently pushed him back on the bed.

"It hurts." he cried, a tear spilling down his cheek his hands clenching the sheets under him.

"I know. It's almost over, just one more." Anathema coaxed. She shot a look up to Crowley. His face was tight and he gripped the door frame so tight his knuckles were white. She was almost surprised to see tears shining in his eyes. Then again she knew they were close so it didn't surprise her too much.

"He's ok Crowley. I'm almost done." Anathema assured.

Anathema went back to the wound and continued stitching it. Newt bandaged it as she finished. She gathered the items that needed to be thrown out and placed the needle back into disinfectant bowl and handed everything to Newt instructing him to take everything downstairs and she would be down to help him clean everything. Newt stepped around Crowley again who was anxiously waiting for the OK to finally be back at Aziraphale's side.

Anathema climbed off the bed and pulled a blanket up to Aziraphale's shoulders. She made sure the lids to the Holy Water flasks were shut tight before she turned to Crowley.

"You can come back in now. It's safe. But I would be careful not to touch his back just yet. I will wash his wounds again in a few hours once I see how they act to this first treatment." She explained.

Crowley was moving by the time she said he could come back in. He was by the Angel in seconds taking his hand and giving it a small squeeze. The Angel squeezed his hand back and let his eyes slip shut, completely exhausted from the ordeal. Crowley turned to Anathema.

"Thank you Anathema. You and Newt should feel free to make yourself at home. There is tea and some food in the kitchen downstairs." Crowley offered.

"You sure you don't want me to take a look at you? You look worse than when I came in." Anathema pointed out, although she was sure alot of it was from watching her treat Aziraphale and not being able to help.

"No. I will be fine. My healing factor has kicked in and I am hoping his will soon. I'm not sure if having his wings taken will affect that." Crowley explained.

"Okay. I will leave you alone for awhile, I will come up in a couple hours to check on things. Let me know if you need me before then." Anathema stated.

Crowley nodded and watched Anathema leave down the hall before turning back to the Angel.

"How are you feeling?" he asked as he sat in the chair by the bed that Newt had been sitting in, still holding the angel's hand.

"Sore." Aziraphale croaked.

"You should rest some more." Crowley stated as he laid a hand on Aziraphale's shoulder to send some numbing energy down into his back.

"Yes. Thank you Crowley." Aziraphale whispered as he relaxed.

"What for? Anathema and Newt have been doing all the work. I have been standing by useless." Crowley pointed out.

"You got them to come here though and you took care of me the best you could even though you were hurt. Your not useless." Aziraphale assured.

"S'no problem Angel. I just want to get you better." Crowley stated.

"How long were you waiting for me?" Aziraphale asked.

"A couple hours I think. I passed out when I got here, woke up when you were sent back. You should know I wanted to march into Heaven and rescue you myself when I got out of Hell. I almost did, but I was too weak, it would have been suicide for the both us. I am so sorry I didn't try though. I could have probably spared you some of this." Crowley spoke softly.

"It's ok Crowley. It's not your fault. I'm glad you didn't come up to Heaven, they would have killed you and then I would be lost. I don't blame you. I would rather be here with you now then be sent back without you." Aziraphale encouraged.

Crowley held back the tears and reached out to cup the Angel's cheek.

"Go to sleep Angel. I will be right here the whole time." Crowley assured his thumb brushing against the Angel's cheek.

Aziraphale offered a weak smile and his eyes fluttered close. Crowley stroked his cheek as he slipped into a deep sleep. Crowley sighed softly and sat back in the chair letting his body deflate. The last few hours had drained him, physically, emotionally and mentally. The sun was starting to dip in the sky. He would have to talk to Anathema and Newt about staying here for the night, just incase Aziraphale needed more Holy Water. He was glad the Angel seemed to finally be resting peacefully, but watching him in pain and not being able to help crushed Crowley. He wanted to help so bad but one slip of the Holy Water could have been disastrous. A couple drops would burn him at best but any more than that could have killed him. He let out a deep sigh and snapped his fingers, making the sheets on the bed fresh and changing Aziraphale into a pair of comfy trousers. He left his back open to make changing the bandages easier. Moving the chair closer, he propped his feet on the edge of the bed and gripped the Angel's hand.

"Sleep well Angel."

Chapter Text

Anathema came back up to the bedroom after a couple of hours. Aziraphale was still asleep. Anathema thinks he is resting peacefully even though his breath is still shaky. Crowley sits beside the Angel keeping a never ending watch on the Angel holding his limp hand softly in his. The Demon looks a little better now, but is still emotional exhausted from what she can tell from his aura. Aziraphale's is dull and muddled due to his injuries, but seems alright. She knocked softly on the door before coming in.

"How is he?" she asked.

"No change really. He seems to be resting alright." Crowley stated not taking his eyes off Aziraphale.

"Do you mind if I check his stitches?" Anathema asked. She almost felt compelled to ask Crowley before she could approach Aziraphale. As if she was afraid that a wrong move would cause the demon to pounce on her to protect the Angel.

Crowley nodded giving his OK. Anathema lifted her skirt up a bit as she climbed up on the other side of the bed. Carefully she pulled back the bandages covering the stitches and examined them.

"They look ok. They are not bleeding anymore. I'm not a doctor, but I think they are going to be ok." she explained as she reapplied the bandages.

Crowley nodded, still not taking his eyes off Aziraphale. Anathema climbed back off the bed and stood at the end.

"Can an Angel survive without their wings?" Anathema asked.

"It's possible I suppose. I haven't met one yet who has had their wings taken. But Aziraphale has to make it. I don't know what...." Crowley trailed off.

Anathema bowed her head studying the blanket on the bed, having an idea of what he was going to say. She only knew Aziraphale and Crowley for a few days now but could tell how close they were. It almost seemed to go beyond friendship at least for Crowley. The way he cared for the Angel and how anxious and scared he was when they first got here to help clean him up. Anathema was worried that if Aziraphale didn't pull through, the Demon might lose himself.

"I was wondering if you and Newt would be comfortable staying here for a bit? Just incase he needs more Holy Water? There is plenty of room and I can get you whatever you need." Crowley asked finally looking at her.

"I was already thinking the same thing. I sent Newt back to the cottage to grab a few things, but yes we can stay for a couple days." Anathema assured.

"Thank you, I know this probably goes outside your realm, but I have no one else we can trust." Crowley explained.

"I understand." Anathema smiled softly.

Crowley gave her a hint of a smile before turning his gaze back to the Angel.

"I will be downstairs waiting for Newt. Let me know if you need me." Anathema stated.

"I will set up a guest room for you two." Crowley assured.

Anathema nodded as she left the room. She hoped that things would work out in the end.

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Aziraphale woke the next morning in throbbing pain. He let out a loud moan arching his back and squeezed his eyes shut. He felt like he was on fire and every part of his body ached. His head pounded and he could feel his eyes pulsing behind his eye lids. Tears filled his eyes and he felt sweat building on his forehead as a hand was placed on his shoulder.

"Angel? Angel what is it?" Crowley asked.

"It hurts." he gasped.

"What does?"

"Everything."

Crowley started numbing what he could, focusing on Aziraphale's back where he thought a lot of the pain might be. He felt Aziraphale relax a bit.

"Any better?" Crowley asked.

"A little. Gabriel.....said it.......would be painful." Aziraphale mumbled.

Crowley cursed. He wanted to march into Heaven, drag Gabriel out and find the deepest sulfur pit to throw him into. How dare he do something so cruel to someone as pure of heart as Aziraphale? It angered him and made him feel guilty all at the same time that he wasn't able to protect the Angel. Aziraphale flinched in pain again. Crowley pushed back the curls plastered on Aziraphale's sweat drenched forehead. He frowned and placed the back of his hand against Aziraphale's forehead.

"Shit Angel. Your burning up." Crowley cursed.

Aziraphale heard Crowley call for Anathema. He was so uncomfortable and so hot. He tossed and turned the best he could from the position he was in, flipping his head in either direction trying to get comfortable.

Anathema entered the room and felt his forehead. Aziraphale hummed at the contact, her hand blessedly cool.

"Newt go get a bowl of cool water and some rags." she instructed.

Anathema threw back the blanket from Aziraphale's shoulders down to his waist again. Aziraphale made a disappointed noise.

"We have to get him cool."

She placed her fingers to Aziraphale's neck to check his pulse.

"His pulse is racing. Is that normal for an Angel?" Anathema asked turning to Crowley.

"I don't know. We have never checked thossssse kind of thingsssssss." Crowley hissed.

Newt came back in with the bowl of cool water and some rags and handed them to Anathema. She placed them on the table and dunk a rag in the water ringing out the excess. She placed the rag against Aziraphale's forehead. He relaxed against it.

"Crowley you need to step outside the room." Anathema stated.

"Why?" Crowley demanded.

"I'm going to check his wounds, maybe clean them if they need it with the Holy Water again and get him to drink some. You can watch the whole thing like you did before." Anathema explained.

Crowley sighed. He didn't want to leave the Angel's side but knew it was for the best. He knelt by the Angel again.

"I have to step outside Angel, but I will be right back in when its done. I promise." Crowley assured brushing the Angel's hair back.

Aziraphale didn't seem to hear him, too caught up in the pain. Crowley relented and moved to the door as Newt started pouring the Holy Water into another bowl. Crowley watched as Anathema cleaned some of the wounds again as Newt changed the bandages. Aziraphale withered in pain as it was done. Crowley wanted to be in there, to numb the pain and offer soothing words to the Angel to calm him. He remained anchored to the spot gripping the door frame for dear life. It seemed like eternity before Newt finally left the room taking the items drenched in Holy Water with him. Aziraphale finally looked more relaxed but his breath was coming in short huffs, his eyelids fluttered. Anathema came around the other side of the bed again.

"Aziraphale, can you hear me?" she asked softly kneeling in his line of sight.

Aziraphale weakly met her gaze.

"Hey. I'm going to have you lay on your right side ok? Try to make you a little more comfortable and have you drink some more Holy Water." she explained.

Aziraphale nodded slowly. Anathema helped him slowly turn over on to his side. He gasped and hissed in pain as he turned. Anathema arranged the pillows carefully to support the Angel. Once Aziraphale was finally comfortable she replaced the cool cloth on his forehead. She gently picked up his head and placed the flask of Holy Water against his lips.

"Here Aziraphale sip it slowly."

Aziraphale sipped weakly at the Holy Water. He finally rested back against the pillows when he was done and Anathema pulled the blanket back half way up his chest. As soon as Crowley saw Anathema close the flask, he was back by the Angel's side, grabbing his hand.

"A couple of the wounds are infected. The Holy Water is helping though, it could have been worse. I think we caught it early enough that it shouldn't be too bad."

Crowley nodded but didn't look at her, he focused on Aziraphale. The Angel seemed to rest a little more easy now. His breath was short and gaspy and his eyes were closed.

"Thankfully the wounds where his wings were are fine. He should rest for now, but we should wake him in a couple hours and have him drink some more Holy Water. I think its helping."

Crowley nodded and sat in the chair next to the bed. Anathema quietly excused herself, knowing the Demon wanted to be left alone with Angel for a while. Crowley sat there just watching Aziraphale for awhile and hoped this infection would run its course fast.

Chapter Text

Aziraphale rested somewhat peacefully for the majority of the morning before the nightmares started. Anathema rotated bowls of cold water to Crowley trying to keep the Angel cool. Aziraphale tossed and turned, mumbling to himself. Begging Gabriel and even God Herself sometimes for the pain to stop. Crowley tried to calm him. He dabbed at the Angel's face with a cool cloth.

"Please try to relax Azirpahale. Your safe, no one is going to hurt you while I'm here." Crowley assured pressing the cool rag against the Angel's forehead.

"No, no.......stupid angel. Such......a stupid useless......Angel." Aziraphale mumbled as he tossed and turned in his sleep.

"Your not stupid or useless Angel. You are the best Angel there is." Crowley coaxed.

"Please........please Gabriel.......I-I-I-I-I promise.........I'll be good. Please......make it s-s-s-s-stop." Aziraphale begged.

"Gabriel is not here Angel. Your not in Heaven anymore, your in your bookshop with me. Your safe, please try to rest." Crowley whispered pressing his forehead to his hand that rested against Aziraphale's.

A wave of pain shot through the Angel and he grabbed Crowley's hand squeezing it hard. Crowley gripped his hand in reassurance.

"Easy Angel, easy. I'm here." Crowley coaxed.

Aziraphale continued to call out to the other Angels and God begging for the pain to stop. Crowley thought about putting him to sleep again when Anathema came up.

"How is he?" she asked replacing the bowl with fresh cool water and fresh rags.

"Not well. He is delirious, thinks he is back in Heaven no matter how much I try to convince him he is not." Crowley explained.

"We should have him drink some Holy Water." she suggested.

"I'm not leaving this time." Crowley stated firmly.

"Ok. I will sit on the other side of the bed. Just watch yourself." Anathema warned.

Crowley nodded. Anathema climbed up on the other side of the bed and knelt by Aziraphale's head. She undid the flask and gently picked his head up from the pillow. He was still so warm and his hair was damp with sweat.

"Aziraphale? Here you need to drink this." Anathema whispered.

"No no. Please.......I......promise......I'll be good." Aziraphale mumbled turning away from the flask.

"Aziraphale please. It will help make you feel better." Anathema assured.

Aziraphale kept turning his head away from her. Crowley reached forward and cupped the Angel's cheek.

"Aziraphale? Angel open your eyes, look at me Aziraphale please." Crowley begged stroking his thumb over the Angel's cheek.

Aziraphale's eyes blinked open slowly. His eyes were glassy with unshed tears and glazed over from the fever. His bright eyes widened at seeing Crowley.

"Crowley what are you doing here? You have to leave the Angels will find you. You will be killed if they find you in Heaven." Aziraphale rambled trying to force himself up and out of Anathema's arms.

"Easy Angel. We are not in Heaven. We are in your bookshop on Earth. Anathema is here, you need to drink this Holy Water, it will help you feel better." Crowley coaxed as he gently guided Aziraphale back down to the bed and Anathema's arms, "please drink the water Angel. Please."

Aziraphale turned back towards Anathema.

"Anathema...." he whispered.

"Hello Aziraphale. Here drink this it will help." Anathema spoke softly.

Crowley moved back a bit as Anathema tipped the flask towards Aziraphale's mouth and he drank the water. Crowley still kept a tight grip on the Angel's hand. When Anathema was finished she gently lowered Aziraphale back on to the pillows and closed the flask. Aziraphale relaxed against the pillows as Crowley placed a freshly cooled cloth on his forehead.

"I had Newt go get me some more supplies. There is a healing potion that I know of that I am going to try." Anathema stated as she climbed off the bed.

"Why does none of this seem to be helping?" Crowley asked desperately as he sat back in the chair allowing himself to deflate.

"I warned you that the Holy Water might not be a cure all. It is helping his wounds, but a fever is a completely different story. We can only hope that it will help him to break it." Anathema insisted.

"I just want him to be better. He doesn't deserve any of this." Crowley mumbled his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I know he doesn't. No one deserves what he went through. The best we can do is to do what we can to help him. It will take time." Anathema explained.

Crowley didn't respond, he went back to watching Aziraphale try to relax his restless body continuing to fight the nightmares that plagued him. Anathema left the room taking the empty water bowl and used rags down to be cleaned and to prepare for when Newt came back with her supplies to make the potion.

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It was later in the afternoon when Anathema came up carrying a small vile with a sweet smelling potion in it. Aziraphale had finally settled down enough to sleep without any nightmares a couple of hours ago. She knocked softly to enter the room.

"Is that going to help?" Crowley asked turning to her.

"It might. It's worth a shot at least." Anathema offered.

"I want to give it to him." Crowley stated firmly.

"I mixed Holy Water into it."

"I will be careful. I feel useless not being able to do anything, please let me do this."

"Ok, just be careful. I will stay here in case you need help."

Crowley nodded. He stood up from the chair and climbed up on the other side of the bed. He gently picked Aziraphale up leaning him against his chest.

"Angel? Angel, I need you to wake up." Crowley whispered his hand coming up to cup the Angel's neck to support it and lean it against his shoulder.

Aziraphale groaned and shifted against Crowley.

"Crowley?" he asked weakly his eyes slowly opening.

"Yeah its me Angel. I need you to wake up and drink this potion Anathema made." Crowley stated as he adjusted his hold on the Angel, pulling him closer.

"I......I don't....feel good." Aziraphale mumbled burying his face in the crook of Crowley's neck.

"I know Angel, but hopefully this will make you better. Just drink it and you can go back to sleep I promise." Crowley promised leaning his head against Aziraphale holding him tight and stroking his thumb against the baby hairs along Azirphale's neckline.

Aziraphale tipped his head back and Crowley adjusted him to lay in the crook of his elbow. Crowley gave him a small smile and took the vile from Anathema.

"Sip it slowly Angel." Crowley instructed carefully tipping the vile against Aziraphale's lips.

Aziraphale drank the potion slowly. It did make his face scrunch up over the sweet taste, but Crowley gently coaxed him through it. Crowley handed the vial back to Anathema when it was empty. Aziraphale once again nuzzled into the crook of Crowley's neck and adjusted himself to curl up against the demon the best he could. Not being able to (or wanting to) let the Angel go, Crowley arranged the blanket and pillows to best support him and laid on the bed holding the Angel against him.

"I will come check on him soon. Let me know if you need me." Anathema stated as she handed a cool rag to Crowley to press against the Angel's forehead.

Crowley nodded his thanks and Anathema left. Crowley ran his hand through Aziraphale's curls to lull him back to sleep.

"Crowley?" Aziraphale asked weakly.

"I'm here Angel. Go back to sleep." Crowley assured as he pressed the cool rag to the Angel's face attempting to bring his temperature down.

"When......when will.......when will this stop?" Aziraphale's voice shook.

"Hopefully soon. That potion Anathema gave you will get you feeling better. As soon as you do I promise I will take you to an extremely alcholic lunch at the Ritz." Crowley promised.

"That sounds....wonderful." Aziraphale smiled.

"Go to sleep Angel. I'll stay here the whole time." Crowley coaxed.

Aziraphale slowly relaxed against Crowley and fell back asleep as Crowley brushed his hair back. He really hoped this would be the end of it and Aziraphale would finally start getting better. He still wanted to march in to Heaven and barbaque Gabriel and all the other Angels for daring to touch Aziraphale and hurt him. He let himself give the Angel a gentle squeeze to help ground him and push the negative emotions away. He had to stay calm for Aziraphale's sake. What mattered now was Aziraphale being here and still holding on. Crowley found himself falling asleep soon listening to Aziraphale's rhythmic breathing.

Chapter Text

It was a long night. Crowley made Aziraphale drink 2 more vials of the potion Anathema made. Aziraphale's temperature would go up and down causing him to be extremely hot and unbelievably cold. Crowley and Anthema tried their best to keep Aziraphale comfortable, with Newt running back and forth to bring them supplies.

At times Aziraphale slept, then there were times where he cried in Crowley's arms begging for everything to stop. Crowley would hold him and shush him gently, promising it would all stop soon as he tried to keep the Angel comfortable, pushing back his own tears.

In the wee hours of the morning, Anathema came in to check on them.Crowley was sat up against the headboard with Aziraphale between him resting against his chest. Crowley had him cradled in his arms, the Angel's head resting in the crook of his elbow. Crowley was carding a hand through Aziraphale's curls. Aziraphale looked better than he did yesterday. His color was coming back and sweat didn't gather on his forehead anymore. But he looked completely spent.

"How is he?" she asked as she approached the side of the bed and laid her hand against the Angel's forehead.

"Better. His fever broke a little while ago." Crowley whispered.

"Thats good, that means he is through the worst of it. When I last checked his wounds they seemed to be healing." Anathema stated.

"I think his healing factor finally kicked in. I think having his wings taken slowed it down, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has some scars leftover." Crowley explained.

Before Anathema could respond, Aziraphale let out a low moan and shifted in Crowley's arms. Anathema and Crowley both focus on the Angel.

"Aziraphale? Can you hear me?" Crowley asked.

Aziraphale shifted against Crowley, his face scrunching up.

"Cmon Angel, open your eyes. Look at me Aziraphale." Crowley coaxed gently.

Aziraphale woke gently in Crowley's arms with clear, but dull eyes.

"Crowley?" Aziraphale asked weakly.

"Hey Angel." Crowley smiled softly his hand coming to tenderly stroke his knuckles against Aziraphale's cheek, "I'm here, so is Anathema."

Anathema stepped into his line of vision and gave a small wave.

"How are you feeling?" Crowley asked.

"Weak, tired." Aziraphale mumbled.

"How about I go make you some tea?" Anathema suggested.

"That would be lovely." Aziraphale whispered.

Anathema smiled and left the room to go prepare the tea.

"I feel like I have been out of it for a month." Aziraphale croaked out once Anathema had left.

"It's actually only been about 2 days. Heaven really did a number on you. But your wounds are healing and your fever finally broke a couple of hours ago. Unfortunately you will have some left over scars." Crowley explained.

"Gabriel said that would happen. To remind me of what a traitor I am he said." Aziraphale spoke softly.

"You did the right thing. We did the right thing. You didn't deserve any of what they did to you." Crowley urged.

"It was going to happen eventually. They never did like how I conducted myself as an Angel." Aziraphale whispered casting his eyes down.

"I would have stopped them. They never would have touched you. I swear if I could have I would have protected you from them. I tried to get to you and I wanted to come rescue you." Crowley assured lifting the Angel's face up to meet his eyes.

"I know Crowley. I don't blame you, you took care of me that's what matters." Aziraphale comforted.

"You still suffered. It was so hard to see you like this." Crowley mumbled.

"I'm ok now. I still feel weak, but not as bad as before." Aziraphale assured.

"I know. I just wish I could have been more help to you."

Before Aziraphale could respond Anathema came in with a steaming cup of tea and Newt behind her. Crowley helped Aziraphale sit up against the headboard and fluffed the pillows behind him to make sure he was sitting comfortably. Aziraphale took the cup of tea from Anathema with a soft smile and sipped it, careful not to burn his mouth.

"Thank you my dear. Not just for the tea but for coming to help. Both of you." Aziraphale spoke looking at both of the humans with gratitude in his eyes.

"Your welcome. We wanted to do what we could to help." Anathema stated, "that being said we should leave and let you two be alone and get some proper rest."

Crowley stood from the bed.

"Thank you for helping him when I couldn't." He whispered to Anathema as he squeezed her hand in thanks.

Anathema offered a smile and squeezed his hand in return. Crowley offered a small nod to Newt in appreciation which Newt returned.

"Let us know if you need anything. Feel better Aziraphale." Anathema called over her shoulder as they went to gather their things.

Crowley turned back to the bed and sat on the edge as Aziraphale continued to sip his tea.

"Feeling better?" Crowley asked.

"A little. The tea is helping, I don't feel as tired as I did a little while ago." Aziraphale assured.

They lapsed into silence only breaking it when Anathema and Newt stuck their heads in to say a final goodbye. Aziraphale eventually sat his tea cup on the table by the bed.

"Do you need anything else?" Crowley asked.

"No my dear, thank you. What about you? How are you feeling? I remember you being injured?" Aziraphale recalled.

"I'm fine Angel. I healed pretty fast. Your healing factor took awhile to set in due to your....your..." Crowley trailed off.

"My wings being cut off. Its ok Crowley." Aziraphale finished.

"You didn't deserve that Angel." Crowley stated firmly.

"I know. But I am not ashamed. We saved the world, we did what was right. I even told Gabriel before my punishment started that being considered a traitor was my highest honor." Aziraphale explained.

"I'm sure he loved that."

"Didn't seem to matter to him."

They lapse into silence again. Crowley breaks it again.

"Listen, Angel. There is something I want to say. I have wanted to say it for a long time now, but never could find the right time. The last couple of days though with almost losing you twice its made me realize that if I don't get this off my chest soon then one day it might be too late and I will hate myself forever for not telling you...." Crowley rambled until Aziraphale stopped him.

"Crowley my dear stop. Your not making much sense, what are you trying to tell me?" Aziraphale asked.

Crowley took a deep breath and closed his eyes, regaining his composure. Opening his eyes he locked eyes with Aziraphale. In that moment he lost all control and gave in to the desire he has had for the last 6000 years.

"Screw it." He whispers.

Leaning forward he cups the back of Aziraphale's neck in his hand and kisses the Angel tenderly on the lips. At first Aziraphale freezes and goes rigid against Crowley, but only for a moment. He then melts into it. One hand comes up to cup Crowley's cheek and the other wraps around Crowley's back as his eyes close and he looses himself in the moment. Crowley deepens the kiss as he feels Aziraphale's arms around him. He has been wanting to do this for so long and now that its here he wants to savor every second of it. They stay like this a few more minutes. 6000 years of love and desperatation pouring into each other.

They finally break away but only a little each still holding on to the other as they breathe in fresh oxygen. Finally they look at each other.

"You...you were saying my dear?" Aziraphale whispered.

Crowley chuckles and looks into the Angel's eyes.

"I...I love you. I love you." Crowley breathes.

"I love you too my dear. For the longest time now, I just never felt safe enough to express it. Heaven would have taken me away from you." Aziraphale explains

"I would have searched the ends of the Earth and Heaven to find you." Crowley assures.

"I know. But it doesn't matter now. Nothing matters, just right now being here with you." Aziraphale confirms.

They kiss again lightly this time. Breaking apart again and leaning the foreheads together.

"I'm just glad your finally ok. If you feel up to it later I did promise you an extremely alcoholic lunch at the Ritz." Crowley offered.

"I can think of nothing better." Aziraphale smiled.

They smile at each other before leaning in to kiss again, happy to live their lives the way they wanted to, together for the rest of time.