Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Aziraphale stood in the woods, staring at the sky through the tree tops. He was bundled up against the cold: a coat, scarf, boots, hat, and mittens. His eyes peeked out and part of his reddened nose as he trudged out to check the traps. The woods were quiet. The woods were safe.

He used to come out here after. The winter that they all almost died. The winter he’d sold himself to Sandalphon to earn enough food and fuel to keep them all alive. He’d come out here to try to calm down– many a panic attack under these same boughs that watched over him now.

The same branches that watched him fall apart and put himself back together now. The same trees that now watched him weep when he was sure he hadn’t been followed. The forest was quiet. The forest was safe.

Aziraphale forced himself on through the snow, on to the traps, had to pretend to be useful. But, he’d felt useless for a long time now. After he’d arrived home to find his family thriving without him. Saraquel ran the household well and the young siblings were old enough to help her run everything.

When Saraquel had met all the people off the ship, she’d welcomed them quietly with pursed lips. Then after a few weeks of Aziraphale being unable to do anything but help the strangers they’d brought, she suggested that maybe he should get a job. The boys could work on the farm and live in their house with them. Maggie and Nina had enough money that they’d already moved out.

And now, three years later… Aziraphale still felt useless.

Maggie and Nina had their own place with Jarom. Jarom was doing well but Aziraphale could never look at him too long. He looked more like his father the older and taller he got. A reminder of what they’d both lost. Nina had told Jarom who his father was but the boy had already known. He said that he had figured it out because of Lucien. He had always looked out for him, more than Enoch ever did. He was always kind and patient. And Crowley always greeted him kindly too.

Nina had said if Crowley came to find Aziraphale then he could see Jarom as well. She seemed more settled too. Maggie was a good influence on all of them. Once a week, everyone came to the farm, and they had a big family dinner. Even Newt.

He lived on his own near the lake. He worked at the local village stable and he mostly kept to himself. But he was healing. He was still alive. And he showed up every family dinner with stories about the horses. He could even look Aziraphale in the eyes now.

Saturn, Chiron, and Mercury fit in well with his family. They worked hard but still got to be boys. They were close with Raziel, Muriel, and Miriam. His siblings who were so grown and capable now. 

Aziraphale was the odd one out still. Perhaps of his own making, but still, he felt the distance and yet didn't want to cross it. He kept his distance to keep his family safe. He'd do anything for his family. He still was doing anything he could for his family.

He arrived to where the traps started and checked them all carefully. The traps were empty. He’d checked them a few hours ago, slipping away into the forest first thing this morning.

The forest was the only place he could really think. Where he could feel. The woods were quiet. The woods were safe.

It was nice to be back home. It was nice to see his siblings. And yet, in so many ways, he felt suffocated being surrounded by people who cared about him. People who were worried. He was fine. He just missed Crowley. Crowley should be here with them. Crowley should be here with him.

“There you are.” Muriel, one of his younger sisters, one of the twins, came up behind him. “You already checked the traps today.”

“You’re checking up on me?” Aziraphale turned with a grin. He felt like screaming instead but he didn’t.

“You’ve been different since you returned to us.” Muriel studied him. “Saraquel said if you’re checking the traps that much then you need to be checked on too.”

“She’s wise.” Aziraphale admitted. “It’s been different being back. Like I’m glad to be here. I worried about all of you while I was away but now that I’m back, it’s like, you all don’t actually need me.”

“You’re our brother, Aziraphale.” Muriel gave him a strange look. “We’ll always need you. Just because we can help on the farm doesn’t mean we don’t need or love you.”

“Thanks.” Aziraphale looked down at the snow. “I guess I needed to hear that.”

“Mercury says you left someone back in Infinis. Saturn said that you loved him.” She didn’t have to point out that he’d left over three years ago. Three years ago and it still felt like yesterday. Aziraphale would wait though. He had to. Crowley was someone worth waiting for.

It didn’t work if Crowley didn’t come find him on his own. When he was ready. Aziraphale could wait for him to be ready. Even as he slowly drowned in the process, drowning on solid land and clean air. Worried glances and whispers behind his back. Fingers digging into his hips even over his clothes.

Aziraphale didn’t know what to do with his fear if Crowley did come. The one thing he wanted more than anything was the one thing that scared him the most. If Crowley did show up, he would know what had happened to Aziraphale. He’d notice how much Aziraphale was struggling. And he’d call him out on  it.

“I’m not ready to talk about that yet.” Aziraphale whispered. He wasn’t ready to talk about anything yet. “Still feels wrong to have left him there even though he didn’t want to come with me. Feels like I failed him.”

“Maybe he still loves you too even though he doesn’t need your help anymore.” Muriel shrugged.

“You’ve been hanging out with Saraquel too much.” Aziraphale snorted and Muriel laughed.

“Like you said,” she quipped, “she’s wise.”

Crowley stared off over the railing, the wood clenched in his pale hands. He stared at the horizon, half frozen with fear and excitement. He had to wonder what the horizon would bring, the future, as he stepped off the island of his birth as his own man.

He was still learning what he liked and disliked. What he wanted to do. Who he wanted to be. But it was time to leave Infinis behind.

He had left Infinis behind.

The ship he was on was heading for Entalion. No mission. Not really. Nothing other than Aziraphale. He had set off to find the blond but he was also finding himself. Leaving Infinis had left him on his own, outside of his father’s protection. Outside of the society that had shaped him.

He wasn’t the first to leave. Companions were unique to Infinis and Infinis alone— and while Infinis had freed the companions. All of the companions had struggled to find their purpose.
Lucien had helped a great deal of them, Crowley included. But some had given themselves to the sea, whether by boat or by cliffs, trying to deal with all the changes that came so quickly. Trying to find themselves or trying to just escape it all.

Crowley was going to Entalion to learn more about Aziraphale. About himself. And hopefully, to learn more about the world too. The quiet village on a quiet lake sounded peaceful but if Crowley was being honest, which he was slowly learning that he could be honest, he missed Aziraphale. And part of him had wanted to leave with Aziraphale. That he wanted Aziraphale. A life with him, the two of them together again. He just hadn’t been ready yet after everything that had happened on Infinis… but he was ready now.

And he wanted the two of them to find out what the future could hold for them… together. Because, frankly, Crowley didn’t want a future that didn’t have the two of them together.

The voyage passed quickly and then the day came.

The boat would arrive soon, Entalion, a faint looming shadow in front of him, they’d be there by sunset! Crowley was more excited than scared now. Somewhere on that giant continent was a man named Aziraphale and he couldn’t wait to find him.

Chapter Text

Crowley looked all around the bustling port city, soaking up the new sights, sounds, and smells. His stomach rumbled and he started looking for a place to spend the night.

“Crowley!” One of the sailors who had befriended him pointed towards a tavern. “Good food, good lodgings, and good girls!” He laughed raucously and Crowley nodded with a grin. He had no desire to have a girl’s company– it was a little too much like his former occupation– but he could enjoy good food and a comfortable bed.

Money was no object for someone who was basically a prince. Not that Crowley would accept the title. He would never accept that title. His father might rule but he was not that special. He was just Crowley and that was enough. But the money was nice. The money was enough to get him across the ocean. It was enough to find Aziraphale.

He headed towards the tavern and was promptly nearly run over by a large, pale horse.

“Hey! Watch it!” He called out, jumping back just in time. He snarled at the rider. “Slow down while you’re at it.” 

“Sorry! I didn’t see you there!” The rider dismounted, looking him over carefully. “You’re not hurt, are you?” Crowley studied him. He noticed him. His blue eyes. His short, blond hair. His fair complexion. The way he glanced around, knowing his surroundings with just a look. Hell, even his confidence reminded him of Aziraphale. Could this be one of his brothers?”

“I’m fine.” He managed a sly smile. “Any chance you’re related to the Sunfells?” A hard expression crossed the rider’s face before he shook his head.

“Can’t say I have. Should I know them?” He asked carelessly. Too carelessly. Crowley tossed his hair back over his shoulder, watching this man watch the movement. He was guarded but interested. Crowley could work with interested.

“You look like them.” Crowley smirked. “Come on.” He nodded towards the tavern. “You owe me a drink. I’ve come a long way and I didn’t come all this way to get run over.”

“Deal.” He handed his horse off to a nearby groom. “I’m Ajax.”

“Crowley.” They shook hands and Crowley followed the blond into the loud establishment. Music and light poured out of the windows and doors as the sun slowly set behind the harbour. He glanced back at the ship that would wait for him until he was ready to leave. He doubted he would be. He had no desire to leave– not unless Aziraphale was with him.

Oh, how the tables had turned.

“Which ship is yours?” Ajax asked.

“That one.”

“Infinis.” Ajax blinked. “You have come a long way.”

“Better start buying.” They chuckled, making their way inside and getting a table at the back. It was looking like Crowley’s first night in Entalion was going to be a night to remember.

They drank their way through the night before they retired to a room upstairs. It was freezing outside but inside the busy tavern, they were flushed with alcohol and fun. Their bellies were full with good food and good drinks. Ajax tried to kiss him but Crowley just shook his head. He was pleasantly surprised when Ajax just laughed and didn’t try again, just left for the bathroom to change. Crowley went next, ordering a bath and cleaning the voyage off of him. He changed into warm thermals and joined Ajax.

“There’s only one bed?”

“Good thing you’re a gentleman then.” Crowley quipped. They found it easy to lay next to each other, telling stories of their adventures as their eyes slowly closed. Crowley relished the warmth of a body next to him and Ajax satisfied his curiosity of running his fingers through his red hair. Just like Aziraphale.

“How do you know the Sunfells?” Crowley asked quietly, laying on his stomach. Ajax laughed again, begrudgingly impressed.

“You don’t let things go, do you?”

“Not in my nature.” Crowley cracked open one eye to smile up at him. Ajax smiled back, studying him in the light of the candle.

“They’re in my past.” Ajax said for a long moment. “I have no desire to see them again.” He nudged the redhead. “Now what about you? How do you know them?”

“I’m… attached to one.”

“Like a lover?”

“I’d like to be.”

“One of the brothers?”

“Yes.”

“Be careful.” Ajax warned softly. “They mean well, overall, but there’s nothing they won’t do to survive. They lie, steal, and kill if it means they get to survive.”

“Wouldn’t we all?” Crowley asked and Ajax shook his head.

“I wouldn’t have.” And Crowley understood. He heard the betrayal and saw the sadness in the man’s blue eyes.

“I’m sorry they let you down.”

“What else is family good for?” Ajax grounded out. “Heartbreak and disappointment is what keeps us all together in the end.” Crowley couldn’t help but stare. His family had never been like that and he couldn’t imagine it. Lucien had gone to the ends of the earth and beyond for him. He would never abandon and betray Crowley like how Ajax must have been.

“I’m sorry.” He said again. “It’s difficult when the people we think love us most see us only as pawns.”

“You speak that from experience.” Ajax noted.

“Well– the last man I was in a relationship with was a monster.”  Crowley admitted. “It took me a long time to heal and to be ready to love again. What we had… it was never love and I know that now. But damn– I thought I loved him at the time.”

“Rough.” Ajax said it like he meant it. “I’m glad you realized you deserved better.”

“You too.” Crowley said softly and Ajax stiffened.

“Good night, Crowley. I’m glad I almost ran you over. If only for the reason to meet you.”

“You run over all the boys you like?” Crowley commented dryly.

“Just the pretty ones.” Ajax quipped. They laughed again and one by one, slipped off into a deep sleep.

In the morning, they said their goodbyes. Crowley got a carriage and a team of horses. And a driver that knew the land. He gave him the address to Aziraphale’s farm and then he was on his way, staring out the carriage window all bundled up in winter gear. He was going to see Aziraphale and he couldn’t wait.

Aziraphale got up the next morning and got ready for  work like he always did. He had his coffee– his morning nod at his sister who was always already up and going over strategy for the farm. Before the young ones woke up. Before the animals needed care. That was when it was quiet. That was when Aziraphale liked to wake up.

“Going to Sandalphon’s again?” Saraquel asked from over her cup of coffee.

“You said I needed a job.” An old conversation. Their farm didn’t need his help to run but it did need his help to stay running. They needed money and so Saraquel had sent him to find a job. She was worried that with the extra mouths to feed that they would run out of money right in the middle of winter.

So Aziraphale found a job at the only place that was consistently near their village.

Sandalphon’s estate.

Sandalphon Moonchild’s estate.

It was the last fucking place Aziraphale ever wanted to go back to. The last time he’d been here it was the winter that Saraquel and the older brothers were gone, fighting a stupid war. He’d been begging from place to place in the village and someone had sent him up here. Someone had said Sandalphon was always hiring. Always willing to pay for decent work.

No one warned him what the work would be. What Sandalphon would do to a starving kid begging for scraps or money to keep himself and his family alive. When he left, he was changed forever.

Just like now.

“I don’t like him.” Saraquel said quietly. “You should find a different job.”

“No one likes him.” Aziraphale replied. “He’s the only one paying a consistent wage. I get to work in his library. All those books…” He trailed off. “The books are the only good part.”

“Working for him weighs on you though. I don’t think the money is worth it.”

“You’re the one who told me to find work.” He hated the taste of bitterness on his tongue. He hated that he blamed her for what he'd become. He hated that she and Sandalphon both knew he'd do anything for his family.

“Not there.” She gave him an annoyed look.

“There’s nowhere else.”

“Then quit. Come this spring.” Saraquel, ever the practical one. “Once the winter is done, get out of there. You can work with Newt or go into Bridgeport.”

“That’s over an hour away!”

“It’s better than there.”

“All right.” Aziraphale shrugged. “I’ve got to go.” He finished his coffee with a grimace. “Maybe we can get some sugar or honey with all the gold coins I’ve been bringing in. I know the cows are making milk.”

“You know we need to save.” Saraquel sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks.” Aziraphale grabbed his coat and buttoned it. He added his hat, mittens, scarf, and boots. “See you later.” He didn’t wait for his older sister’s answer. Perhaps it was time he moved out of the house. Sandalphon had already offered him a more permanent position in his household. He could live on the estate. Or in a little house in the village where Sandalphon could call on him anytime he wanted.

He already did.

He walked through the snow, entering the forest. It was quiet here. Safe.

No one could touch him here.

Pity he was only just passing through.

Chapter Text

Aziraphale stared up at the ceiling. It was painted, ornate, molded to fit the room it watched over. The wood was carved and placed just so. An angel stared back at him, mocking him with its innocence and purity.

He wasn’t home.

He was still at Sandalphon’s estate. He needed to get up. He needed to leave. He needed to go home.

“You can leave.” Sandalphon Moonchild dismissed him from where he sat at his desk. “Your tasks are done for the day.” He sneered. 

The first time Sandalphon had approached Aziraphale after hiring him as his personal librarian, he had mentioned how well Aziraphale had filled out since that winter. The shame had been instant but Aziraphale hadn’t been able to walk away. He was frozen, just like he was now, wearing nothing but one of Sandalphon’s robes.

“All right.” He forced his sore body up, wincing in a way that made Sandalphon snort.

“Ironic— how one goes from an ambassador to little more than a hired whore.” He sniffed. “My nephew would have never debased himself for just a few measly gold coins.” 

“Pity then he didn’t survive the journey.” Aziraphale snarked, stepping behind the changing screen where he discarded the robe. The thought of any relative of Sandalphon’s being near Crowley or Maggie or one of the boys was enough to make him feel heated. He’d take the heat, helping him unfreeze. And then he bathed quickly so he wouldn’t freeze, drying himself off and getting dressed. He couldn’t wear his usual clothes here. Sandalphon had a uniform. But he kept his estate warm enough that his servants could wear their uniforms.

He wanted to be able to pull down Aziraphale’s pants and have unfettered access. And for extra gold coins, Aziraphale gave it to him. He’d started saving the extra in the forest, plans to get away. Once Crowley was here.

“I don’t think I’ll need you tomorrow.” Sandalphon’s response was instant once he reemerged from behind the changing screen.. “Or the day after. Perhaps next week then?”

“My apologies.” Aziraphale ground out. For all her urging to get a new job, Saraquel would have something to say about this. She always did. “See you next week.”

“You always come crawling back to me, Aziraphale, like such a good pet. A pity that companions never made it to our shores— you’d be suited for it, don’t you think?” Aziraphale shivered as he took his leave, making his way down the dark hallway towards the side entrance. He knew better than to be caught using the main doors.

Maybe he’d never come back. Forget Sandalphon and Saraquel both. Maybe he’d go into the woods and just vanish. It wouldn’t be the first time nor the last time that a traveler never made it out. What was one more ghost in the Sunfell family tree? They were better at dying than they were surviving.

He’d feel bad for leaving his family but they’d shown they were capable of surviving without him. And with the gold that his time and body had earned, well, they could live comfortably for a few years. He didn’t owe them anymore than that.

The walk home was quiet, most of the village long gone to bed. He would have left earlier before the sunset but Sandalphon had required his other services after dark. The gold coins were heavy in his pocket. He didn’t really want to go home. He’d felt like the odd one out for so long, especially after he lost Azriel. His beloved brother. His built-in best friend.

A horse neighed off in the distance and Aziraphale looked up to see a pale horse and its rider dash down the wintry road. He shivered, recalling a passage out of one of Sandalphon’s books.

“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.” Aziraphale murmured quietly. Was it an omen? Could things really get worse? He took the path deeper into the woods instead of the path that led to the farm. He let himself into the old hunting cabin that once belonged to his father– a large shadow of a man that he didn’t even remember.

Aziraphale had the key– everyone else thought it was lost to the woods, but he had found it while searching the area. He’d since outfitted it to keep him alive on a cold, winter’s night. He slipped in and bolted the door, making a small fire in the new stove. He lay down on the hay mattress and sighed. He’d be sleeping in his gear but at least he was alone. No one to bug him or to ask about the money he’d made.

He hid the gold coins in a secret place inside the cabin. Someone would have to burn the whole place down and even then they might not ever find his stash. Then he curled up on the sparse bed, pulling up the flannel blanket and then thick comforter he’d bought a few months ago in town. He kept his boots and woolen socks on and fell asleep quickly.

He always slept deeply after his nights at Sandalphon’s. He thought it might be the only way he could really cope with it.

Aziraphale knew he was punishing himself by working there. He did. He just didn’t know why, not really anyway. Was it because he went there as a sixteen year old, desperate to do anything to keep his baby sisters from dying? To keep himself from dying? Was it because of what had happened to Azriel? He’d tried to help. He tried to stop him and Azriel wouldn’t listen! He still felt his loss keenly– dead to him and the rest of the family in ways Aziraphale hadn’t known they could lose someone.

Was he punishing himself because Crowley was still back in Infinis, Aziraphale failing to protect him time and time again? He still had the occasional nightmare about how they found him at the town square. The things the men had said about him were things Sandalphon said about Aziraphale now.

Aziraphale was sure he deserved this punishment. For something. Maybe for all of the things. But he’d stop once Crowley came back to him– if only so the redhead would never find out what he’d let happen to him.

Crowley slept at an inn, half of the way to the farm.

He tossed and turned, back and forth, dealing with his own nightmare. He still had nightmares, not that he dwelled on them for long. It was the price he paid for surviving what should have killed him. Just like the shiny scars cut into his back. Bad experiences came with a cost to survive. And Crowley was a fucking survival.

He dreamt about Aziraphale being dragged away by executioners with big axes. A fragment of a memory more than a dream. His mother had been dragged away like this, forced to kneel before Enoch and the axe blade, before her head rolled away.

He screamed for them to stop as Aziraphale was put into place but then he was the executioner, standing over Aziraphale’s headless body. Staring at the blood. Staring at the body of the man he loved.

Enoch cackled on his throne and Crowley went over to him next, taking his head too.

It was a dangerous thing to love. Especially when he was always raised to be a weapon. He wouldn’t hurt Aziraphale. He wouldn’t be the reason he died. He would save him where he never could save his mother.

He had to try.

Chapter Text

Crowley grew more and more excited with each day that passed. He was almost to Aziraphale’s farm and he couldn’t wait to see the other man again. He had some nerves too. Perhaps he should have sent a letter, made sure that Aziraphale wanted to see him still before he showed up. But it would have taken so long to send a letter and to wait for a reply– no– this was something Crowley needed to know in person.

Now he was the one needing something real.

Hopefully, Aziraphale still wanted something real too.

Healing had been hard. He was still healing, if he was being honest. He had a lifetime of healing to go. He had a lifetime of forced sexual servitude to heal from and the scars ran deep. Not just the physical ones but the emotional and mental scars too. But he knew he deserved more out of life. Aziraphale had taught him that. He was still healing but he was ready to go back to a life that included Aziraphale in it.

And finally, a few days later, near the late afternoon, the carriage pulled up to a little village near a lake, surrounded by thick, green trees. It was beautiful– a wild beauty Crowley had not experienced. He was used to the wild ocean, yes, but this was a rugged, cold beauty he had yet to experience fully.

He couldn’t wait to experience it all. But that was back on the subject of Aziraphale. They drove to the small village and Crowley couldn’t help but keep his eyes fixed out on the window. He wanted to see Aziraphale.

The  village was quaint and small. The people seemed cold and for the most part, sad. Crowley studied everything, trying to learn what he could. There were some children, some people his age, but everyone else was older. His father’s age or more. Aziraphale had said something about a war. It seemed not even this small village had been spared from great loss.

The driver stopped for directions at the stables. Crowley waved at Newt who just stared at him through the glass before pointing down the road.

“The farm is through the woods. Don’t veer off the path or you’ll miss it.” Newt pointed. “Is that–”

“Thank you, lad.” The driver grunted. “We’ll be on our way.” Crowley waved to Newt again who finally waved back, looking stunned. Crowley wasn’t sure he liked how stunned Newt seemed. Did they not think he’d come for Aziraphale? Did Aziraphale not think he was coming either? Sure, he’d given no promise that he would but he had hoped it would be understood. That he’d come for Aziraphale once he was able. His heart would have given him no rest otherwise.

Not that Aziraphale knew any of this. Crowley had not been able to put his hopes into words before he left, for fear of being needlessly cruel. And he had still been figuring everything out on his own. It was hard to promise something when he wasn’t even sure what the feeling was.

Now he was sure. Now he was here. And he was ready to sweep his Aziraphale off his feet.

Here was hoping that he wasn’t too late.

Aziraphale trudged through the forest, checking the traps. He’d stayed out in his little cabin for the rest of the week but he might need to retreat back to the farm. It was getting too cold. He was getting too cold. And he needed a bath.

The traps were empty so he headed home.

“I’m quitting my job.” He announced as he entered the house. “I’m giving my notice tonight to Sandalphon.” The slimy bastard had summoned him and like a good pet, Aziraphale answered, at least, this one last time. “And I will get another job but it will be on my terms. We have enough money to get through three winters and we both know it. I’m tired. I’m done.”

“We all pull our weight on the farm.” Saraquel gave him a no nonsense look. “And we don’t need your help with the animals or the wood.”

“Then I’ll move out.” Aziraphale smiled, feeling as if the weight of a thousand awful days had rolled off his shoulders. “I’ve made more than enough to manage a modest living for myself.”

“You’d take our money?”

“Oh, I only gave you… mm… about half of it.” Aziraphale gave her a deadly look. “I’m sick of being lied to and manipulated. I’m sick of this family using me and giving me nothing in return. I know I’m the odd one out here! I know you all can’t wait until I’m gone!”

“That’s not true!” Muriel gasped, stepping into the room. “We missed you so much while you were away.”

“Missed my income.” Aziraphale minced, watching Saraquel flinch.

“I didn’t. I just wanted my big brother home. You always tell the best stories and draw the best pictures.” Muriel stepped forward. “Saraquel and you have business.” She made a face. “But don’t think that we don’t love you and want you here.” She took another step forward. “It was you who kept us alive when they were all gone. You don’t think I heard you crying most nights. How you gave us most of the food and you went to bed hungry? How you’d come back late and barely be able to move but you had food and coins enough to feed us for the next few weeks ?”

Aziraphale blinked. He hadn’t thought she noticed. He hadn’t thought she might remember.

“I didn’t know you noticed.” He swallowed hard. “I never meant to call attention to it. I just wanted to keep us alive.”

“And you did.” Muriel stood next to him, reaching down to take his hand. “If Aziraphale goes, I go too, Saraquel. I know you’re trying to protect us in your own way but this isn’t the army. Aziraphale deserves to rest. He’s worked so hard all these years. I mean, I saw the letters the ruler sent– he’s a hero!” Saraquel blanched and Aziraphale turned towards her.

“What letters?” He asked. He hadn’t heard from Beelzebub since he returned. He had thought they forgotten about him. About what he risked. About what he overcame for their country. Muriel gave Saraquel a hard look and she nodded, sighing.

“I didn’t want you to get distracted.”

“I’m your brother, Saraquel. Not your underling.”

“Noted.” She shrugged. “I got the sugar you asked for. And some cream.” She met his surprised gaze. “I know I’m a hard ass but people don’t survive in this country. Our brothers didn’t. I almost didn’t. You four almost died. Mother and Father left a long time ago. The twins were barely one.” She sighed. “We have to be prepared for the worst. Especially when we deal with the likes of the Moonchild’s near our village. Sandalphon has taken farms before. He’ll do it again. And money is the only thing that stops him.”

“How do you know all that?”

“How do you think Mother and Father died? He might not have handled it directly but his refusal to help them because they had no money to pay him had a large part in their deaths. He’s always profited off our family’s misery. The whole town’s!”

“Bastard.” Aziraphale sniffed.

“I’ll be glad that you’re out of his employ. I did not mean to push you so hard.” Saraquel sighed. “But please bathe before you go see him. You stink.”

“I will.” Aziraphale snorted. Muriel was returning with her arms full.

“Go put those in his room.” Saraquel sighed. “We don’t need to make a mess of the table.”  Muriel smiled at Aziraphale and nodded towards the door. He followed her, unsure what to make of the jumble of items and letters in her arms. It seemed he owed Beez some correspondence and perhaps quite a few thank-you notes.

It was almost dark when the carriage pulled up in front of a modest house in front of a large barn. Crowley could barely see all the land through the dusky light but he couldn’t wait to see it all in the morning.

“Wait here.” He smiled at the driver. “Let me see if they’re at home first.”

“If they’re not, closest lodging is over an hour away. Bridgeport.” The man grunted. “It will be a cold one tonight.”

“It’s been cold every night.” Crowley’s eyes widened and the man chuckled.

“Balmy compared to tonight. Everything will freeze if it doesn’t have shelter. And we don’t want to be among them.”

“I’ll be right back.” Crowley promised. He pulled his coat a little tighter as he hurried to the front door. He knocked and then waited patiently.

“Yes?” A young woman stared over at him, her eyes wide as if she was recognizing him from somewhere. She had dark hair where Aziraphale had blond. Brown eyes were he had blue. But the family resemblance was still there.

“Crowley!” Saturn exclaimed. He hurried to the door. “Oh, it’s really you! I knew you’d show up!”

“Who is at the door, younglings?” Saraquel’s voice cut through the excitement.

“I’m Muriel.” Muriel offered a small curtsey.

“I’m Crowley.” He smiled. “From Infinis. I– well– I was hoping Aziraphale might be here.”

“Raziel, go help the driver with the horses. He and Crowley will have to lodge here tonight. It’s too far to get to Bridgeport. Come in!” Saraquel called, her eyes sharp and inquisitive. “It’s not often we get guests from across the sea. But it seems to happen every three years or so.” Crowley chuckled easily, stepping inside. Muriel and Raziel both slipped out into the night. “Welcome, Crowley, I’m Saraquel. The older sister if you will.” She sniffed. “Pardon my appearance, I was meant to die while away at war.” Crowley stepped over to her chair and offered his hand.

“A pleasure to meet you, Saraquel. I was meant to die too.”  She smiled up at him.

“Aziraphale is away. He’s at work. He’ll be back late tonight or tomorrow morning. You’re welcome to his room in the meantime. I’ll put the driver in the boys’ room. They can share with the girls.”

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Crowley thanked her. She waved him off.

“I think it would be my head if Aziraphale came home and I had left you out in the cold. He won’t talk about you much but I think it’s because you’re so important.” She shrugged. “His room is right here.” She gestured with her arm. “I’ll call you when supper is ready.”

“I– I have to get my things–”

“Raziel and Muriel will handle it.” Saraquel gave him a careful look, sizing him up, making sure he met her approval. He smirked back at her and she had to smile again. He stepped into Aziraphale’s room, noting how it felt like the other man. “Feel free to get the fire started. If you need help, I can send in Miriam.”

“I’ve got it, thanks.” Crowley plopped down on the floor and started to work on it. A short while later, he emerged from the room to hang up his coat and to leave his boots by the door. He poked around in his trunk before deciding to leave everything inside of it. He’d get a better idea of what his plans were tomorrow once Aziraphale was here.

“Dinner!” Saraquel’s shout rattled through the house and Crowley had to smile. This was all terribly domestic even if it reminded him of his time at the companion school. He glanced in the mirror, adjusting his clothes and his hair ever so slightly. He was nervous, yes, but he was excited. He could do this. He could charm the family, get to know them, and then he was going to woo the hell out of Aziraphale once he came home.