Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“We thank you, kind stranger, for ridding us of the terrible creature that has pestered our village for months now.”

With his mouth slanted into a polite but detached smile, Crowley stared at the pretentious man with the strange purple eyes. He was hardly in a position to judge, he supposed, as his own amber eyes had been the reason why his people had inevitably shunned him. But he had never come across that particular shade before, and there was something eerie about them.

“My name is Gabriel,” the man continued, “may I ask what is yours?”

“You may ask, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give it to you.” 

Then again, perhaps it wasn’t the peculiar colour that put Crowley on edge; the resentment and fear in Gabriel's eyes were only flimsily concealed by fake courtesy—underneath the surface of civility, it was obvious that Gabriel wanted Crowley out of his sight as soon as possible.

“You can call me Traveller,” Crowley added, after a deliberate pause. 

That was what he was, and what he would continue to be, once he had persuaded them to trade him some of their food.

“Traveller.” Gabriel visibly perked up at that, his smile becoming minutely less insincere. “We are in your debt for your invaluable help, Traveller, and as is our way, we are obligated to repay that debt before you leave us.”

“Obligated?” One corner of Crowley’s mouth tugged upwards at the unexpected news. Maybe he wouldn’t have to trade for the food after all.

“Yes. We will of course make sure to recompense for the supplies you lost during the fight.”

‘Fight’ was hardly a fitting word for what had happened, but Crowley wasn’t about to correct the man. 

“And we also would like to offer you this beautiful and obedient omega.”

Crowley’s eyes were immediately drawn to a blonde man hesitantly taking a step forward from the crowd behind Gabriel. They shouldn’t have been able to tell that Crowley was an alpha, but he guessed that someone like Gabriel was prejudiced enough to assume.

“And how does the omega feel about it?” His question was aimed at the man it pertained to, but Gabriel took it upon him to answer in his stead.

“Aziraphale knows it is his duty. Like I said, obedient.” His smarmy smile faded away. “Unless you’d rather have someone else? We have a few other unclaimed omegas, but this one is best equipped to attend to your needs.”

Whatever that meant.

“And what if I don’t want any of them?”

“Traveller?”

Crowley’s gaze shifted to the omega—to Aziraphale. His voice was low but firm, and it intrigued him.

“Yes?”

“May I be so bold as to suggest we go for a walk?”

Gabriel was quick to react. “Yes, please do. Talk, and if he doesn’t please you, I will get the others to meet with you.”

Crowley wasn’t in the market for an omega—or any kind of travel companion, for that matter—but he guessed it couldn’t hurt to let this play out. 

“Sure,” he said, his attention fully trained on Aziraphale. “Lead the way.”

Crowley held back a smile when he caught Aziraphale’s eyes flick over to Gabriel; it was only for a moment, but it was enough for him to realise that perhaps the omega wasn’t as obedient as his leader claimed he was. 

It didn’t matter much to Crowley, but he found it amusing.

They kept their silence as Aziraphale guided them out of the village and down a narrow but well-trodden path into the adjacent forest. Since he was the one that initiated it, Crowley let it fall on him to start the conversation.

“Thank you for obliging me,” Aziraphale finally said when they reached a small clearing. “As you might’ve guessed, I wanted to talk to you without interference from others.”

“Yeah, figured as much.”

“Do you want to sit down?” Aziraphale gestured towards a fallen tree trunk close by.

“No, I’d rather not.”

“Oh.” Aziraphale’s hands clasped over his stomach, twitching lightly as if they’d rather be moving nervously.

Crowley decided to take pity on him. “I assume you brought me here to tell me you’d prefer I choose someone else?”

“No!” Aziraphale took a deep breath and started over. “No. It's rather the opposite, I’m afraid.” He tried for a shaky smile. “I’ve always wanted to see more of the world. Be adventurous.”

“So leave this place. You don’t need me to do that.”

“I’m an unclaimed omega.”

Right. Ironically, sometimes even Crowley forgot how unjust and prejudiced the world could be, especially against a lone omega. 

“Fair point.” Crowley decided to do something unusual and be truthful. “I’ll speak plainly with you. I intend to leave this place alone.”

“Oh, but you must choose one of us! I’m not superstitious myself, but Gabriel truly believes that something bad will happen if the debt isn’t settled. Knowing him, he will probably go to any lengths to make sure that that happens.”

So much for doing good. 

“You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

“Listen, even if I take you with me… Even in the company of an alpha, you might be in danger.”

Aziraphale’s eyes widened slightly. “Not if we are bonded, surely?”

“You want my mating bite?” Crowley was incredulous. “You don’t even know me.”

“I’m well aware of that, but I’m miserable here, and I’d rather take my chances with you.” Aziraphale took a step back, lowering his gaze. “Unless you deem me unworthy, of course. Or perhaps you already have a mate.”

“I don’t,” Crowley found himself saying. “Quite unattached, me.” 

And so he had planned to remain, but he had to admit that the man standing before him sparked interest in both body and mind. Many of the omegas he had met on his travels barely had any agency of their own, so eager to please a potential mate it felt like they had lost their sense of self somewhere along the way.

But not this omega. Aziraphale knew what he wanted—so much so that he was willing to take a risk and leave his home in the company of an unknown man. 

It also didn’t hurt that he was quite easy on the eyes. His unusually white hair and soft features inspired thoughts of celestial entities and heavenly creatures—like an angel living among humans.

“And you’re sure?” Crowley couldn’t believe he was actually entertaining the idea.

“Yes.” Aziraphale straightened and met Crowley’s gaze. “I’m certain that this is what I want.”

“If—and that’s a big if —we do this, would you be satisfied with me just giving you my mark?”

Aziraphale opened his mouth but closed it again promptly, something resembling guilt flashing over his face.

Crowley groaned. “There’s more?”

“I can try to convince them that simply being bonded will be enough, but I fear Gabriel will most likely insist we have a ceremony.”

“A ceremony? You mean, marriage?”

“Yes. If you agree to this, I promise to do everything you ask of me. Sleep with you—or stay away, if you don’t find me attractive enough to share your bed. Prepare meals. Help you hunt.”

“You know how to hunt?”

Aziraphale made a face. “I haven’t been allowed much practice, but the person that showed me how to use a bow told me I was a fast learner.”

“I must be mad,” Crowley murmured to himself. He pressed his eyes shut and rubbed his temple, wondering if he had forgotten his common sense somewhere along the way.

“Is that a yes?”

Aziraphale sounded so hopeful it almost made Crowley feel better about his decision. Almost. He sighed. 

“Yes.”

“Three days?! How could a simple wedding possibly need us to wait three days ?”

Aziraphale winced. Gabriel was a lot of things, but tactful wasn’t one of them. Which was why he would’ve preferred to talk to Crowley alone.

Crowley.

He had told Aziraphale his name on the way back ( ‘figure you ought to know if we’re to be married’ ) and it had felt like a promising start to their budding acquaintance—until Gabriel ruined it by not letting Aziraphale explain the situation to Crowley in private.

“Traditionally, the intended couple must wait a period of seven days to allow for all the necessary preparations to be made.” Aziraphale caught Gabriel’s glare aimed his way, but he pointedly ignored it. “Since we will be leaving after the ceremony and you want us to be on our way as soon as possible, I convinced Gabriel that we can cut everything that isn’t essential.”

“And what the hell is so essential we have to wait three days for it?”

“Don’t you want your omega to look pretty for you? We need three days for your clothes to be ready.” For someone who had seemed eager to send Crowley away as soon as possible, Gabriel looked smug sharing the news. “I’m certain we all want to make sure Aziraphale gets a proper wedding.”

Crowley’s eyes flicked to Aziraphale. “Of course.”

Aziraphale sensed the question underneath his words. “I’m not too fussy about the rest, but yes, I must confess it would be nice to dress for the occasion. That said,” he continued, before Gabriel could butt in again, “we can use my parents’ wedding finery. I’ve kept them in good condition, and it shouldn’t take more than a day to alter them accordingly.”

“Good. So one day, then.”

“Ah, no.” Aziraphale hated seeing Crowley’s small smile evaporate. “The reason why we have to wait three days is because Petra, our wise woman, was called away to a neighbouring village four days ago. We expect her back the day after tomorrow, but knowing her… It’s better to assume she will arrive in three days' time.”

“Which is for the best, because tomorrow we will celebrate the happy occasion!” Gabriel slapped a hand on Crowley’s shoulder, giving him a wide smile. “There will be a feast with plenty of food and wine!"

For a moment, Aziraphale was dead sure Crowley was going to call the whole thing off. He wouldn’t blame him if he did, because the delays and Gabriel’s forced enthusiasm was off-putting even to him—and he was used to his obnoxious ways.

“Alright, fine.” 

To Aziraphale’s relief, Crowley sounded defeated, but not angry. 

“Good!” Gabriel clapped him on the shoulder again. “I’ll leave you two to discuss the details.”

“Mhmm.” Crowley sent a glare after Gabriel’s retreating back.

This is actually happening.

Aziraphale wouldn’t fully believe it until he was on his way alongside Crowley, with a mark on his neck—but at least things were progressing.

“I’m gonna go and find myself a place to sleep. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Wait.” What was he doing?  

“Yeah?” A sprinkle of curiosity brightened Crowley’s otherwise neutral features. 

“It would be quite unconventional, but… You can spend the night in my home, if you find that amenable. I have a spare cot that I hope should suffice.”

“Wouldn’t Gabriel and his lot frown upon us fraternising before the wedding?”

A sly smile blossomed on Aziraphale’s face. “Oh, most certainly.”

“And you’re still offering?”

“Yes.”

Crowley gave him an appraising look. “You're a bit of a bastard, aren’t you?”

“Perhaps.” Aziraphale held his breath as he waited for Crowley’s reply. It was impossible to determine whether the admission was in his favour or not, but he refused to deceive him about this.

Pursing his lips slightly, Crowley stared at him for a few heartbeats. “Fine. Take me there, then.”

Crowley followed close behind Aziraphale as he took them to an unassuming hut at the edge of the village. In general, he preferred sleeping outdoors with the starlit sky as his ceiling, but Aziraphale’s home at least didn’t make him feel like turning back and leaving again. 

It was, for lack of a better word, cosy.

Fresh blue wildflowers in a dented cup, bundles of dried white and pink flowers hanging in strings from some of the lowest beams. Twigs from different kinds of blossoming trees hanging in others.

“You sure you want to leave this?” he asked, looking around.

There wasn’t even a slight hesitation. “Yes.”

Crowley watched as Aziraphale walked over to a large chest sitting at the end of one cot, not even pretending to look away when he bent down to retrieve something from it. His intended had a very nice arse.

“So which one is mine?” 

Aziraphale straightened and walked over to him. “You may sleep over there,” he said, with a nod towards another cot Crowley hadn’t noticed until now, drapes hiding it from view. “But first,” he handed Crowley something black, “take this.”

Crowley accepted it and held it up. It was a black tunic with intricate gold and red patterns stitched into the hem and collar; he had never seen anything like it before. 

“It’s beautiful.”

“It was my mother’s.”

Bringing it closer to take a better look, he caught a whiff of a smell that confirmed what he had already guessed. “She was an alpha.”

“Yes.” A wistful smile found its way onto Aziraphale’s face. “So was my father, but he let her take the lead.” He showed Crowley the clothing still in his hands, a similar tunic but in white, with silver and blue details sewn into it. “I have no idea where they acquired these. They were married before settling down here, and mother never got around to telling me about it.”

“Both of them were alphas?” It wasn’t unheard of, but it was certainly out of the ordinary. Then again, ‘ordinary’ wasn’t something that seemed to apply to Aziraphale. At all.

“Yes. I’ll tell you more about it some other time, but not tonight.” He eyed the tunic Crowley was still holding up. “As I thought,” he said, nodding. “My mother had a similar build as you, albeit slimmer and somewhat smaller. But I think the tunic should fit, and you can use your own trousers in case hers are too short.”

“Right.” Crowley gave it back with careful hands.

“You make yourself at home while I get the fire going. Are you hungry?”

“No.” 

At least not for sustenance. It had been slowly building, but there was another kind of need stirring inside him; the alpha in him started to recognise that he had a willing omega, his omega, all to himself. Jaw clenched, he dragged his eyes away from, he realised with a jolt, what he already considered his.

“Let me know if you change your mind.”

Crowley didn’t sleep much that night. The bed was softer than he was used to, and more than once he contemplated if he should just take the blanket and pillow and sleep on the ground instead. Another part of him urged him to simply go over and slip into Aziraphale’s bed. To be as close as possible to his omega and make sure Crowley’s scent was all over him, ensuring that everyone would know that this one was his.

Possessiveness may be a part of being an alpha, but Crowley had never felt it this strongly. It wasn’t beyond his control, but considering he had only known this omega for less than a day, it surprised him. It made his thoughts spin for hours, only stopping when fatigue finally caught up with him.

The fact that Crowley’s first impulse when woken up wasn’t to reach for his dagger also spoke volumes—his subconscious already recognised Aziraphale’s scent as safe, and his hand decided on its own that it wanted to drag the omega into bed with him. It already had a firm grip on Aziraphale’s wrist when it caught up to him what he was doing. Still, he didn’t let go.

“It’s only me. Aziraphale.”

“I know.” Crowley forced his eyes open to look at his smiling groom-to-be. “Alpha instincts.”

“Really?”

To Crowley’s surprise, Aziraphale’s voice conveyed nothing but delight, the word sounding close to a purr. Honesty had worked well so far, so he continued down that path.

“Mmm.”

“And what do your alpha instincts tell you?”

Well now, if that didn’t sound like an invitation?

“That I should get you into bed with me.” Unless Crowley’s sleep-deprived mind wasn’t imagining things, Aziraphale’s sweet smell was getting stronger. More tempting. “To make sure my scent is all over you.” He released him. “But it’s just instincts.”

Aziraphale was silent for a few heartbeats. “I wouldn’t mind. We are supposed to be quite a bit more intimate after the wedding, after all.”

“We don’t have to, you know.” Crowley raised himself up to lean on one forearm. “A ceremony and a mating bite would be enough to appease Gabriel, right?” He caught Aziraphale’s eyes dipping down to his naked chest. “The sex can wait. Or be skipped entirely, for that matter."

“No.” A coy smile spread on Aziraphale’s eyes as he lowered his gaze. “I would like to. Consummate the marriage, I mean.”

“Because you think you should?”

“No.” When he spoke again, his voice was almost a whisper. “Because I want to.”

“Are you sure?” Crowley already had confirmation as far as his eyes and nose were concerned, but he wanted to hear it.

“Yes.” Aziraphale nodded for good measure. “But only if you deem me…” 

“Fuckable?”

At that, Aziraphale narrowed his eyes. “I was going to say ‘worthy’.” He didn’t put his hands on his hips, but it didn’t seem far from it. “You strike me as a man that is, shall we say, restrictive in his choice of bedmates.”

“I am.” Crowley gave Aziraphale a deliberate once-over. “I wouldn’t have accepted you if I didn’t desire you.”

“Oh.” Every part of Aziraphale seemed to soften. “I guess we’re on the same page, then.”

“I guess we are.”

“I, um, I brought you breakfast.”

“Seems I’ve gotten myself an attentive omega.” Food was the last thing on Crowley’s mind. “But it’s still early, don’t you think?” He lifted a corner of his blanket, revealing more of his chest but also showing he was still wearing trousers. “Care to join me? I promise to keep my hands to myself.”

Wetting his lips, Aziraphale’s eyes flitted between the tray on the ground and Crowley’s relaxed form, his hands fiddling with the fabric of his beige tunic.

“I bet it will annoy Gabriel,” Crowley added. “Make him wonder if you’ve already given yourself to me.”

A devious little smile found its way onto Aziraphale’s face. “Most certainly.”

Crowley scooted closer to the wall to give Aziraphale more room, and a wave of satisfaction coursed through his body when his omega lay down next to him. This could become a regular occurrence, if they both wanted to—and it was with more than a little surprise he realised he could see himself getting used to it.

“Did you sleep well?” 

Aziraphale’s chest rose as he inhaled deeply, hoping that the alluring alpha scent would trick his body into relaxing. This close, the notes of smoke, spices, and tar overpowered the smell of the food next to them. 

He had sometimes wondered if he was ‘broken’, never having experienced a willingness to completely submit to an alpha before. Not like the other omegas in the village. He had of course obeyed alphas with higher rank than him when required, but lying next to Crowley was the first time he wanted to relinquish his control, wanted to surrender himself to the man looking down at him.

It was dizzying—and confusing.

“Not really, no.”

“I’m sorry.” Aziraphale lifted a hand but hesitated, unsure if his touch would be welcome. After a barely perceptive nod from Crowley, he touched the darkened skin above a chiselled cheekbone. Not even fatigue could diminish his beauty. “Is there something I can do?”

“Don’t worry, it’s fine.”

Feeling emboldened, Aziraphale let the pads of his fingers slide lower. He had noticed the odd mark in the shape of a serpent the day before, and wondered. The question never got the chance to leave his lips, nothing but a low sigh escaping him when Crowley kissed him. He might’ve started purring, but he didn’t notice as the heady sensation of a firm body pressing down on him stole all of his attention.

 “Liked that, did you?” 

“Yes.” There was no point in lying. Crowley could probably tell, anyway.

“Mm, me too.” Crowley traced the curve of Aziraphale’s lower lip with a long index finger. “I’ve decided that I look forward to the… consummation.”

“I do, too.” For the first time since they met, Aziraphale questioned the reasoning behind his decision. Was it the lure of freedom, or of this man that had instigated it? “More than I thought I would.”

“Yeah? Good.”

No one, besides his parents, had ever given Aziraphale this kind of undivided attention before. He found that he quite liked it. He sighed. 

“As much as I would prefer to stay right here, my friend Neim is expecting me. She’s helping me make the necessary adjustments to my father’s wedding tunic.”

“And what about me?” Crowley smirked. “Something tells me I’m expected to not just sit around in here all day.”

“You are rather perceptive, my dear.” Aziraphale smiled. “First, I hope you will eat the breakfast I prepared for you.”

“That I can do.”

“After that… Gabriel will probably prefer to have you somewhere he can keep an eye on you.”

“Fuck Gabriel.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

Crowley laughed. “Already possessive, little omega?”

“Yes.”

“That makes two of us, then.”

On Crowley’s insistence, Aziraphale stayed while he finished the meal. He had already eaten, and it was another kind of hunger that stirred low in his belly now.

“Mind if I tag along to your friend?”

Aziraphale tore his eyes away from the long fingers curled around a mug. “No, not at all. Neim will be the one taking care of your tunic as well, so perhaps it is indeed better if you do.”

“That’s settled then.” Crowley rose. “Thank you, Aziraphale. It was nice having someone else prepare breakfast for once.”

“I hope it was to your liking?” It surprised Aziraphale just how eager he was to please Crowley. Like a deep-rooted urge that had been lying dormant until now.

“Yes, you did well. It was absolutely delicious.”

“Really?”

Crowley took a step closer. “Really,” he repeated, but this time his voice was lower, darker. “You’ve made me very happy, omega.”

Aziraphale swallowed, suddenly feeling a need to wet his throat.

“Now let’s find your friend before she sends out a search party for you.”

Crowley may have been the one to suggest it to begin with, but he was starting to regret accompanying Aziraphale to his friend’s house.

Neim seemed kind enough and treated Crowley no differently from her friend, but every time she laid a hand on Aziraphale, he wanted to growl at the beta and tell her to stay away from his intended. He intellectually knew she posed no threat, but his baser instincts apparently judged the smiling woman as a potential contender for the unclaimed omega.

Fortunately, she took it in stride.

“Calm down, if I wanted him as my mate I would’ve made sure that happened years ago,” she whispered to him at one point when Aziraphale didn’t pay attention to them. “Seriously though, I’m happy he’s going with you. I love him dearly, but he wasn’t meant to stay holed up in our tiny village.” She laughed. “No need to glare, I don’t love him like that.”

“Sorry. Perhaps it’s better if I leave.”

Neim placed a hand on his arm. “No, please don’t. I can tell that Aziraphale appreciates your presence.” She winked. “And he definitely likes your attention.”

Crowley’s eyes left her to glance at Aziraphale. Neim had insisted on chatting with them for a bit before getting down to business, and Aziraphale was just then removing his tunic to put on the one Neim was supposed to make alterations to.

This was the first time he saw Aziraphale shirtless, and suddenly the glance turned into an outright stare, his gaze travelling openly over a delectably plump torso. His chest was dusted with hair so light it was almost invisible, and it looked soft to the touch. The urge to walk over and do just that was so strong it took a deliberate effort to stay seated.

Aziraphale was beautiful and clever, and Crowley simultaneously cursed and blessed all others in the village for not seeing what he saw. His roaming eyes lingered on the patch of unblemished skin on Aziraphale’s neck, finding himself looking forward to the moment when he would get to sink his teeth into it, marking the omega as his.

Rather than hearing the quiet gasp, he saw the chest twitch in a sharp inhale, and when Crowley looked up, his eyes locked with Aziraphale’s. There was heat in them, and Crowley had to turn away—otherwise he might break the promise he had made earlier that morning.

Another promise he had made was to stay until Neim was done with them both, and he intended to keep it. Even if it meant shamelessly ogling Aziraphale—which to be fair he had already caught him doing, so Crowley might as well continue. Besides, he told himself, if Neim had spoken the truth, Aziraphale would welcome it. When he looked back, Aziraphale had put on his father’s tunic; the white piece of garment hid his tempting body again, but the colours gave him a new glow, making him even more stunning.

“So where will you two be off to then, after the ceremony?” Neim stepped between them, giving Crowley a mischievous smile, knowing full well what she was interrupting. “I assume you’ll want to leave as soon as possible.” She nodded in Aziraphale’s direction. “I know at least he is eager to get away from this place.”

“Neim..!”

She turned around. “Oh come on, you’ve been daydreaming about venturing out into the world ever since we were children.”

“Well, yes, but— You’re making it sound as if…” He trailed off and walked over to her, placing a hand on her arm. “I hope you know I’ll miss you.”

“Of course I do. And I’ll miss you too, you silly.” She patted his hand. “Now go back over there, so I can start making notes of the adjustments needing to be made.”

Crowley watched them with interest, and perhaps with a detached sort of jealousy. It had been a long while since he’d been that close to someone. That would soon change, though, going by how quickly he and Aziraphale were progressing.

“I don’t know, actually,” he offered to Neim, once she was looking at him again. “I don’t have a particular destination in mind,” his eyes shifted to Aziraphale, “so I guess we’ll decide together.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“I was heading north when the wilai happened to cross my path.” It was somewhat true. “But I’m not opposed to travelling in another direction if Aziraphale has something else in mind.”

“For you it’s about the journey,” Neim said, her tone making it sound like a statement rather than a question.

“Yes.” Again, somewhat true.

The room went silent for a few moments as Neim turned her attention to Aziraphale again.

“How did you manage to best the creature, the wilai, anyway?” she finally asked, as she tugged and stretched at the fabric of the white tunic. “Rahn didn’t see the actual fight, they only arrived as it was running away.”

“I can be very persuasive.”

“But–”

“Neim,” Aziraphale interrupted. “That’s enough with the questions.”

She made an impatient noise and then changed the subject, turning the discussion to the coming feast instead.

Crowley exchanged a grateful glance with Aziraphale. He didn’t mind the intrusive questions, but he didn’t want Aziraphale to feel uncomfortable. Still, it didn’t surprise him when Neim broached the subject again when it was his turn to let her scrutinising eyes assess the black fabric.

“You’re quite the mysterious man, Traveller.”

“I am,” he conceded. “But if it makes you feel any better, know that I don’t intend to hold anything back from my mate.” 

It felt a bit daunting, since Aziraphale would be the first to learn about his secrets—but he knew it would be impossible to hide. Sooner or later, Aziraphale would have questions, so he might as well be upfront about it.

Neim visibly relaxed, her mouth softening into a small smile. “It does, thank you. I meant everything I said earlier, but I still worry.”

Worrying about someone else was an unfamiliar feeling for Crowley, but he had a strong suspicion that was about to change. His eyes found Aziraphale. 

Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing.

Aziraphale would rather have spent the evening alone with Crowley, but tradition called for a feast to celebrate the coming nuptials—and since they would be at the centre of attention, it would be impossible to sneak away.

Watching the other unattached omegas fawn over Crowley made it even worse; Crowley was clearly a coveted alpha, and it wouldn’t surprise him if one or two of them would be bold enough to try and steal him away from Aziraphale. The fact that Crowley kept looking his way made him feel a bit better, but he couldn’t help the twinge of worry deep inside.

Custom called for the couple to sit separately from each other during the festivities, but after a particularly persistent omega Aziraphale already despised tried to sit herself in Crowley’s lap, he’d had enough, stalking over determinedly and removing the girl by the arm.

“Back off, Leine. He’s mine.”

“Not yet, he isn’t.”

“Yes, he is,” Crowley interjected, taking Aziraphale’s hand and guiding him to sit where Leine had tried to foist herself. “Shoo, little girl.”

Just to rub it in, Aziraphale wrapped his arms around Crowley’s neck. “Go and find Faydin, Leine. I know you’ve already practically promised yourself to him, and I doubt he will be happy to hear you’re trying to trade him in for another alpha.”

Leine huffed and stomped her foot. “I wasn’t,” she backtracked, “I was just trying to be hospitable. But I can see that this brute wouldn’t appreciate it anyway.” After another huff, she stormed away.

Crowley’s eyes briefly left Aziraphale. “Going by the appalled looks most of the people are giving us right now, I assume you weren’t supposed to intervene?”

“No. But in a few days I won’t ever have to see them again, so I decided that I don’t care.” He probably should release Crowley again, but seeing some of the other omegas linger close by, he decided it didn’t hurt to stay where he was for a little bit longer. “Thank you for backing me up.”

Crowley laughed, and it was a dark but warm thing that spawned a whole bucket of butterflies to flutter in his chest. “I should be thanking you . I was two seconds away from coming over to take you somewhere that wasn’t here.”

“I take it you wish me to remain where I am, then?”

Crowley’s arm came around his waist in a firm grip. “Yup. I could kiss you to make it unmistakable that I’ve already chosen you?”

“Better not,” Aziraphale replied, even though he would’ve loved to feel Crowley’s lips on him again. “For now, they’re allowing this breach of conduct, but that might be taking it a step too far. Unfortunately,” he added, just to make it clear what he actually wanted.

“Shame. We’ll save it for later, then.”

The way Crowley stared at him was enough for heat to start pooling in his gut. “I’d like that.”

“You need to apologise to Leine.”

Aziraphale groaned. Typical. “I’ll handle this,” he whispered to Crowley before turning his attention to the younger alpha doing his best to loom over them. “No, Faydin, I don’t.”

Hand on his hip, Faydin grunted and pointed at Crowley. “No, I meant him. He needs to apologise.”

“Faydin, Leine was the one that was being rude.” Aziraphale rose to stand in front of him, forcing the alpha to look at him. “If anything, she should apologise to me for trying to take Crowley away from me.”

Faydin scoffed. “As if she would do that when she has me.”

Aziraphale tilted his head just the slightest. “Ah, but you’re not bonded yet, are you?”

“Stop lying about her, omega.” He gripped Aziraphale’s arm. “You’re just jealous you had to be given away to finally have an alpha.”

“Take your hand off of him.”

Crowley’s low growl sent a shiver down Aziraphale’s spine. He knew how to handle the young and impulsive Faydin, but there was something particularly enticing about having a strong and capable alpha stand up for him.

“Or what?” Faydin asked with the sneer of someone not experienced enough to know when to back down.

“Or I’ll have to do something about it.”

Aziraphale winced when Faydin tightened the hold on his arm. This was just getting worse and worse.

Faydin huffed. “You should start with keeping your omega in line.”

“Faydin!” The sharp note in Aziraphale’s voice seemed to get through to him as he got his arm back instantly. “Go back to Leine.”

That was the wrong thing to say, and Aziraphale regretted the words as soon as they left his lips. Predictably, hearing the female omega’s name sparked a new flame of defiance in Faydin, who took a step towards Crowley, challenging him—but where Faydin vibrated with barely suppressed aggression, Crowley exuded calm.

“You should leave before you make a fool of yourself. Well. More than you already have,” Crowley added, raising one eyebrow pointedly.

Aziraphale gasped when Faydin lunged for the other alpha—but Crowley seemed to have been anticipating it, evading the attack easily and shoving him away with a light push. This triggered Faydin even further, and with all force and no finesse, he took a swing at Crowley. Barely having time to react, Aziraphale watched with his mouth hanging open as Crowley dodged the punch and then let his own fist connect with Faydin’s jaw. The force of it had the younger man stumbling backwards and into a low stool. Losing his balance, he fell, landing on his arse.

People around them watched and whispered, but none approached them. Everyone knew what a hothead Faydin could be, and Aziraphale wouldn’t have been surprised if there was betting going on.

“Are you alright, Aziraphale?” Crowley murmured, grasping his wrist oh-so-gently.

“I should be asking you that.” Aziraphale’s arm was smarting where Faydin had grabbed him, but it must be nothing compared to what Crowley’s knuckles just had been put through. Taking his uninjured hand, Aziraphale decided they had stayed long enough. “Come on, let’s get that taken care of.”

“I’m fine,” Crowley said, his voice still low.

“Perhaps, but…” Aziraphale’s eyes wandered over the crowd surrounding them. He held back a smile when he saw that Crowley had caught on.

“Right.” He was speaking louder now. “Perhaps I should let you take care of me.”

Hiding a smile, Aziraphale made sure to lower his head to appear more demure. “Please, let me tend to your injury, alpha.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” Crowley sent a hard stare in Faydin’s direction when the younger man made a wobbly attempt to rise from the ground. “And you.” Faydin averted his eyes and slumped back down. “Stay away from my omega.”

“Y-yes.”

Everyone was watching them openly now, and it was with more than a little satisfaction Aziraphale left the feast with the alpha that had come to his defence. For the first time in his life, they envied him.

Chapter Text

Annoyance was still brewing inside Crowley when Aziraphale asked him to sit down on one of the stools in his hut.

“Are they always this disrespectful towards you?”

“Most of them are, yes. But I’ve grown used to it.”

The way Aziraphale said it so casually had Crowley look up. “I’m sorry you’ve had to.”

“It’s alright.”

“No, it’s not.”

Aziraphale sighed. “You’re right, it’s not.” He gave Crowley a wistful smile. “But in just a few days, I won’t have to see them ever again.”

Crowley’s eyes followed Aziraphale as he went over to a wooden box standing beside his cot, hunching down to rummage through it with a determined look on his face. When he straightened, he was holding a small jar.

“What are you up to now, Aziraphale?”

“I’m going to take care of my alpha, of course.” He sat down and held out a hand towards Crowley. “If I may?”

“You know you don’t have to, right?” Crowley asked, yet did as requested.

“Yes, but I want to.” Aziraphale raised his hand to press a gentle kiss on Crowley's bruised knuckles.

With an almost shy smile, he released it and placed it palm down on the table between them. The kiss had been far more innocent than the ones they had shared that very morning, but it still sent Crowley’s heart into a faster pace.

Pushing down the urge to take what was his, Crowley turned his attention to the jar Aziraphale had brought. The mixture inside looked similar to the salves mostly found with town healers and the like, and after a deep inhale, he concluded that it smelled fairly the same, too. He didn’t know the names of all of the different herbs and plants, but he was familiar enough with the array of scent notes to know what it was used for. 

“You’re a Learned One?”

Aziraphale hummed. “Technically not, no.”

“But you made this yourself?”

“Yes.” With delicate fingers, Aziraphale smoothed a thin layer of the ointment on Crowley’s battered skin. “My mother taught me.”

“Hmm. Your mother was quite the woman, wasn’t she.”

“Yes, she was.”

It was hardly needed, but Crowley didn’t object when Aziraphale dabbed more of the salve on his knuckles. 

“Why didn’t you tell me about this,” he nodded towards the jar, “when you were trying to convince me to take you with me?”

Aziraphale was silent for a moment. “I wasn’t sure it would count in my favour.”

Crowley furrowed his brow. “What do you mean? Knowledge about medicinal herbs can be the difference between life and death when you’re on the road like we will be.” With his free hand, he tipped Aziraphale’s chin up. “As I’m sure you know, too.”

“I do.”

When Aziraphale didn’t elaborate, Crowley searched his face. Traced the features he was already growing more fond of. “It’s the villagers, isn’t it. They’re the reason why you felt the need to withhold this from a stranger.”

There was no joy in Aziraphale’s smile. “Not all of them. But yes, many here are of the mind that I should not have this knowledge. That only those properly trained by another Learned One are allowed to practise the teachings.”

“But what about your mother?”

“She wasn’t considered a Learned One by the villagers, but since she was an alpha—and a strong one at that—they didn’t dare to object to what she was doing.”

“I wish I could’ve met her.” It surprised Crowley to realise the truth in his words.

“If she was still alive, who knows if we would’ve even met.”

Aziraphale had a point, but something told Crowley they would’ve. He didn’t believe in fate per se, but it felt like he had been destined to meet this omega sooner or later.

“I think so.” The palm covering Crowley’s hand felt like it belonged there. It should’ve scared someone like him—always alone, always on the move—but it only inspired a sense of calm. “In one way or another.”

“Really?” There was a faint note of hope in Aziraphale’s voice.

Crowley turned his palm upwards to grasp Aziraphale’s hand, lifting it to his lips in a gesture similar to Aziraphale’s mere minutes ago. The ointment irritated his senses, muddling the sweet, enticing scent of the lovely omega in front of him. As Crowley moved the pulse point by the wrist closer to his nose, Aziraphale’s sleeve drifted down slightly, revealing faint marks where Faydin had grabbed him.

The sight had Crowley growling. “I should’ve hit him harder.”

“No, you did the right thing.”

“Knocked him unconscious,” Crowley continued, ignoring Aziraphale’s words. “Are you hurting?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Hmm.” It occurred to Crowley then, that whatever it was in the salve Aziraphale had used on his knuckles, it seemed to lessen the pain. “I think you're lying.”

“I’m not lying. But, alright, it might be a bit sore.”

Cradling the wrist, Crowley pulled down the sleeve and dipped the tips of two fingers in the still open jar. Aziraphale’s skin was impossibly soft, and it felt like a privilege to touch it. Working in slow circles, he tried not to think about how it would be when his hands would be allowed to roam freely over places currently covered by clothes.

“Feeling better?”

Aziraphale stared at the fingers still caressing his skin. “You have no idea.” 

Even whispered, Crowley could detect a longing matching his own in the words. Moving his other hand just so, he could feel Aziraphale’s pulse beating faster under the pads of his fingers.

A knock had them pulling away from each other. 

“Excuse me, gentlemen. I’m sorry to break up an intimate moment, but I was told you were in need of my assistance?”

“Petra! You’re early.”

Crowley held back another growl as he watched his intended rise and walk over to the intruding woman with a genuine smile on his face. Her light brown hair streaked with silver-white strands, she looked old enough to be his mother, but it didn’t matter to Crowley’s baser instincts when she enveloped Aziraphale in her arms.

“I was already on my way back when Rahn found me.” She released him and patted his shoulder. “Neim found me when I arrived and sent me your way.”

“She did?”

“You know her.” Petra laughed. “She’s not much for wasting time.” She turned towards Crowley. “And this is the alpha you’ve chosen, I take it.”

“Crowley.” Crowley joined them, placing himself close to Aziraphale. “And I like to think that we chose each other. Despite what Gabriel probably will claim.”

Petra gave him an appraising look, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I see that you’ve already made an apt assessment of him. Gabriel, I mean. You’ll be a good fit for our Aziraphale.”

“I know.”

“Hmm.” She stared at them both for so long that it felt like she was looking into their souls. And perhaps she did. “You’re an interesting man, Crowley. Interesting, and with plenty of secrets.”

“Maybe.” He could feel Aziraphale’s eyes on him as he placed a hand on the small of his back. “But I intend to always be truthful with my husband.”

“I know.” Her smile widened. “I also know that you want to be on your way as soon as possible, so Neim and I have a suggestion.”

“Go on?”

“She is almost done with your tunics, and if you’re willing, I can perform the ceremony early tomorrow morning.”

Aziraphale lit up. “While the others are still sleeping.”

“Exactly.” Her all-seeing pale eyes focused on Aziraphale. “I know you would never voice it out loud yourself, but Neim told me you would prefer to have a small wedding. She and Rahn have already agreed to act as witnesses if that is your wish.”

“Are you certain, Petra? You know Gabriel will be angry with you if you do this.”

Petra scoffed. “I can handle Gabriel. Now, what say you?”

“Yes.” Aziraphale glanced up at Crowley. “We accept the offer. Don’t we?”

“We do.”

“That’s settled then. I’ll send Neim or Rahn over to fetch you when we’re ready.”

Aziraphale stepped forward and cradled one of Petra’s hands in both of his. “Thank you, Petra.”

“No need to thank me, I’m just happy to see you finally find the destiny that has been waiting for you.”

Crowley noted her choice of words but said nothing; nor did Aziraphale. He wondered whether she meant Aziraphale leaving this place, or if she meant him . Knowing how cryptic her kind usually were, he suspected she’d never give them a straight answer even if they asked.

“Now. I’m going to get something to eat, and then get some well-needed rest. I suggest you two do the same.”

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea.” Aziraphale took a step back. “We’ll see you tomorrow then, Petra.”

“Sleep well, Aziraphale.” She nodded towards Crowley. “Crowley.”

He nodded in return. “Until tomorrow.”

As soon as Petra left, Aziraphale turned to Crowley. Crowley could tell something was on his mind by the way his hands came up to meet over his waist, wringing nervously.

“What’s on your mind, Aziraphale? We can wait and proceed as originally planned, if you’ve changed your mind.”

“Oh!” His eyes widening, Aziraphale’s hands went still. “No, absolutely not. The sooner, the better.”

“Then what is it?”

“I, um, I wanted to ask you something.”

Crowley took a step closer. “Ask away.”

“Would you mind terribly if we spent the night in my bed? Together? Only to sleep, of course,” he added in a rush.

Crowley smiled. If this omega continued to throw surprises his way like that, life would never be boring again. “Are you sure?”

“Quite.” Aziraphale lowered his eyes. “You may perhaps find it ridiculous, but it seems my omega instincts already consider you mine.”

“And you’ll feel calmer if I’m close by,” Crowley continued. “Not ridiculous at all, I feel the same way. My instincts tell me to keep you near until I’ve given you my mating bite.”

He suspected the row with Faydin had triggered it. The younger man had been easily dealt with, but the alpha in him wasn’t entirely convinced that another, stronger competitor wouldn’t try to take Aziraphale away from him.

“So you don’t mind, then?”

“On the contrary.” Common sense told Crowley he should probably stick to his own cot until they were properly bonded, but the offer was too enticing to resist. “It would be my privilege to do so.”

By silent agreement, they both kept their trousers on, but it still seemed immorally intimate to have Aziraphale’s naked upper body pressed against his. Not that Crowley actually cared, mind, but he recognized that he probably should care. Whatever qualms he might’ve entertained, they were easily quashed when Aziraphale snuggled closer with a contented sigh and dipped the tip of his nose against Crowley’s scent gland.

“Better?”

“Yes. You?”

Crowley tightened his grip for a moment, and then relaxed. “Mmm. Much better.”

When Aziraphale roused from sleep, Crowley was already awake, watching him. The first rays of a dawning sun provided just enough light for him to see Crowley in all his wonderful glory, and while Aziraphale couldn’t decipher the look in Crowley’s beautiful light eyes, it made him go all tingly inside.

“Good morning.” 

“Good morning, Aziraphale.”

“Been awake long?” Despite being the one to suggest sleeping together, Aziraphale found himself feeling a bit flustered when Crowley’s hand settled on his naked waist.

“Nah, just a few minutes.”

“Perhaps we should get up. I’m sure Rahn or Neim will show up any minute.”

“Hmm.” Crowley’s hand drifted further down. “Or we make use of what time we have left before the inevitable interruption. You know, since this might be the last time in a long while we sleep in an actual bed.”

“Oh.” That hadn’t occurred to him until now. Things like a bed would be a luxury from now on. The thought was both scary and exhilarating.

“Or, you know, we can spend another night here before we leave.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m just as eager to leave as you are.” He truly was. He had absolutely no idea what his life would entail from now on, but he couldn’t wait to find out. “And you made a convincing argument,” he added, wiggling closer to emphasise his point.

Crowley grinned. “Good. May I kiss you?”

“Are you sure that’s prudent?” Aziraphale asked with no real conviction behind the question.

“Let’s call it practice. And we’ve already kissed, or have you forgotten?”

“No.” How could he? “Quite the opposite.”

“So that’s a no, then?”

“No.”

“No?”

Continuing to have Crowley’s undivided attention was just as intoxicating as his tempting scent; no alpha had ever given him more than a moment’s interest, so with Crowley looking at him the way he did now, it felt like being blinded by the sun. But in a good way. A very good way.

“No.” 

And like a man exposed to that kind of heat for a prolonged time, he felt parched, craving more and more of Crowley’s mouth, taking as much as he was giving.

“Steady there, omega.” Crowley chuckled, but he sounded just as affected as Aziraphale felt.

Aziraphale’s cheeks heated when he realised that Crowley was now between his spread thighs, his arms locked tight around Crowley’s neck. “You were the one asking for a kiss,” he said defensively.

“I’m not complaining, Aziraphale.” Crowley pressed his lips on his in a lingering kiss. “But we should stick to kissing. For now.”

Aziraphale had the sense that he was saying that to himself as much as to Aziraphale. “Quite right. We wouldn’t want to scandalise my friends.”

He smiled when Crowley’s warm laugh was the only response he got. A laugh, and a look that made his heart flutter. That they would be sexually attracted to each other—and the erection rubbing against his own suggested as much—was something he had hoped for. His mother had taught him how to suppress the worst of a heat or a rut, but sharing them with someone still helped. Love, on the other hand, he hadn’t dared to wish for. But maybe, just maybe…

“What are you thinking about, Aziraphale?”

“Oh, nothing. Just…” His thoughts screeched to a halt. Wait. Heats. Ruts.

“What?”

Aziraphale had no idea why this particular thing hadn’t crossed his mind until now. “I… I need to tell you something.” He forced himself to look Crowley in the eye. “I promise I didn’t keep it from you intentionally, and I won’t hold it against you if you decide to retract your offer of bonding with me.”

Crowley furrowed his brow. “Aziraphale, what is it? Just tell me.”

“I’ve been told that the likelihood of me ever becoming pregnant is miniscule. They didn’t use the word impossible, but I think it’s safe to assume I will never have pups.” He tried for a smile. “For my part, I don’t mind. I’ve not once felt an inclination to become a parent, but I know many have a wish to start a family with their mate.”

Crowley released a gush of air. “That’s it?”

“What do you mean, ‘that’s it’?”

“With the way you prefaced things, I thought it would be something worse.” Crowley shrugged. “I never expected to find a mate, much less have a pup. Realising I was wrong about the first doesn’t make me more eager for the second. If it does happen, great. But I don’t need it to be happy.”

“You’re certain?”

“Yes.” Crowley cupped his cheek. “And for the record, we’ll be a family, you and I. We don’t need a pup for that.”

Aziraphale searched his face. “Thank you.”

Whatever Crowley had intended to respond with, it got lost when a knock stole both of their attention.

“Aziraphale? Are you awake?”

“That’s Rahn.” Aziraphale sighed. “We best get dressed.”

The morning sun cast everything in a golden hue as Rahn led Crowley down the same forest path Aziraphale had taken him not more than two days ago. It made sense for the ceremony to take place somewhere outside the village if they didn’t want to rouse attention from the other villagers, but it still surprised him that they were going to that same clearing.

Although perhaps it shouldn’t. It was fitting that their lives would be tied together here, where the first promise had been made.

When they arrived, Petra was waiting for them.

“Come.” She beckoned them closer. “Neim and Aziraphale will join us shortly.”

Crowley adjusted the flower crown on his head. It, and the fact that his intended had been swept away with Neim to prepare for the ceremony separately, were elements of the local nuptial tradition previously unfamiliar to him. He hadn’t protested—much—when Rahn had handed him the circlet of unfamiliar red flowers, only grumbling a little when he placed it on his head. Rahn’s comment of how Aziraphale would appreciate it made him feel better about it though. Just a smidge.

“There they are.” Petra smiled. “Right on time.”

Crowley swivelled around—and felt his breath catch the moment his eyes landed on Aziraphale. He had seen him wear the wedding tunic the day before, but now it looked like he was glowing. It wasn’t just the flower crown made up of white and blue flowers on his platinum blonde curls, or the way the rays of sunshine seemed to caress his generous features—it was the way a beaming smile lit up his face when he spotted Crowley. Like he was genuinely happy to see the alpha waiting for him. 

Just like Crowley was.

He had only known Aziraphale for a couple of days, but he already felt fiercely invested in the man slowly approaching them. They may not be bonded yet, but Aziraphale was his omega.

“You look beautiful, Aziraphale.” The compliment was rewarded with a bashful smile. 

“Thank you, Crowley. You’re rather handsome yourself, my dear.”

“Thank you.”

Petra stepped forward and placed a hand on each of their arms. “Shall we begin?”

“Yes,” Crowley replied, his eyes never leaving Aziraphale.

Aziraphale nodded.

“Good.” After Neim and Rahn took a few steps back from them, she turned her attention towards Crowley. “I need something from the both of you. A token of your commitment to each other.”

It was Crowley’s turn to nod. He had expected as much, remembering that his native village had the same tradition.

“I don’t own much of value, or sentiment.” His eyes on Aziraphale, he untied the thin leather strap wrapped around his right wrist. “These bands may seem trivial, but they were given to me by the closest thing I’ve had to a parental figure.”

Aziraphale didn’t speak, but something flashing over his features suggested that he was moved by Crowley’s choice of token.

“Thank you, Crowley. A worthy choice.” Petra accepted it with a smile and focused on Aziraphale. “I trust you have something equally meaningful to offer your betrothed.”

“I do.” 

After a quick glance at Crowley, he reached inside the collar of his tunic and pulled out two necklaces; they looked similar in form and style, but the colours were different, matching the tunics they were both wearing.

Crowley wondered when he had put them on, because they hadn’t been around his neck that morning while they were in bed.

“These belonged to my parents. I’m not sure when or where they acquired them, but I do know that they gave them to each other as a symbol of their affection.” His fingers gently lifted one of them by its white and blue pendant. “This one, with my father’s colours, was worn by my mother for as long as I can remember.” Bowing his head, he removed the necklace and handed it to Petra. “She always said that I was a spitting image of him, so I think it quite fitting that my spouse wears my colours, too.”

“It is,” Crowley couldn’t help but say. “I’m honoured, Aziraphale.”

“Thank you, Aziraphale. Please, take each other’s hands.”

Crowley guessed that he was supposed to hold his hand out with his palm upwards, symbolising the alpha supporting their omega. Without hesitation, he raised it with his palm facing Aziraphale instead. A surprised look from Aziraphale, and something resembling approval flashing over Petra’s face, suggested he had been right in his assumption.

With a wondrous smile, Aziraphale lifted his own hand to press it against Crowley’s, tentatively lacing their fingers.

Trust. 

Trust had been a rare thing in Crowley’s life for as long as he could remember, always carrying the burden of wariness wherever he went.

But not with Aziraphale. Crowley had only known him for two days, but he already felt like he could put his life in the hands of this man if needed. Trusted that not only would Aziraphale keep Crowley’s secret, he would understand.

In the corner of his eye, he could see Petra intertwine the leather band and the cord of the necklace in another symbolic gesture. He barely registered her words as she looped them around their hands twice, his gaze not once leaving Aziraphale.

Going on instinct and sheer want, he held out his free hand towards Aziraphale. Aziraphale hesitated only for a moment, and then slid his fingers to curl around Crowley’s. It wasn’t love, not yet—but Crowley could feel the spark of its beginning in his chest as they shared a smile.

Beautiful, clever Aziraphale.

Crowley’s thumb absentmindedly caressed his knuckles as Petra continued the ceremony, speaking of companionship and commitment as she wrapped the colourful wedding ribbons around their joined hands. He may have been reluctant agreeing to this to begin with, but now he wanted nothing else but to be attached to this extraordinary omega, to have him as his partner on his travels and in his life.

A ray of sunshine fell upon them just as they were exchanging their promises to each other, almost as if Mother Nature herself blessed their union. The notion stretched Crowley’s smile wider, liking the idea of getting approval from the only Mother he had in his life.

After tying the final knot, Petra placed her hands on their wrists, her eyes drifting from one man to the other.

“My dear friends,” she squeezed their arms gently and then took a step back, “please seal your vows to each other with a kiss.”

Aziraphale wouldn’t be truly his until Crowley’s teeth had left their permanent mark on his flawless skin—and by Gods was Crowley looking forward to it—but all of the joy and excitement he was already feeling was reflected on Aziraphale’s face, lighting it up from within.

His grip on Aziraphale’s untied hand tightened as he took a step closer. Their kiss was chaste compared to the ones they had previously shared, but the significance of it had Crowley’s heart beat faster, and he couldn’t help but give Aziraphale an extra peck on his lips.

They were married now. No matter what happened next, their lives were forever linked.

Too taken by the moment to smile, Crowley let go of Aziraphale’s hand to adjust the flower crown that had come askew. The smile he received in return for his effort had him kissing Aziraphale again—much to the delight of their witnesses, now approaching them with congratulatory cheers and pats on their backs.

Their hands still tied together, they trailed after Neim as she led them towards a place where they would be left undisturbed for the final part of their joining. It wasn’t uncommon for couples to consummate their marriage in their own hut, but Aziraphale was grateful when Neim told them she and Rahn had prepared another location for them, allowing full privacy from snooping villagers.

Aziraphale knew where they were going from the moment she took them past the clearing and towards the lake; the two of them had found it by accident many years ago, a cave-like rock formation on the other side of the water that one could only reach if you knew about the passage they had literally stumbled over.

She stopped once they reached the edge of the lake. “I assume you have figured it out, Aziraphale?”

“I have. Thank you, Neim, for giving us this.”

She scoffed. “As if I was going to let Gabriel have the chance to spy on you. I imagine most of them are still asleep—and probably hungover if they aren’t—but me and Rahn weren’t taking any chances.” She turned to Crowley. “I hope we’ll meet again before you two leave, but in case we don’t, thank you. You’ll make an excellent mate to our Aziraphale.”

“I promise I won’t steal him away without saying a proper goodbye, but still, thank you.”

“Good, good.” She clasped her hands. “Aziraphale knows the way, so I’ll leave you now.” With a grin, she winked. “Take your time.”

Unable to hold back a blush, Aziraphale glanced up at Crowley. “Come on.”

When they finally reached the cave, he gasped.

“Wow.” Crowley sounded impressed.

Neim and Rahn had gone all out, not only putting several pelts, blankets, and pillows as a nest on the flat stone surface for comfort and warmth, but also leaving them fruit, dried meat, and bottles of wine and water. It made sense, since they would be stuck—quite literally—for a while, but it was still more than he had expected.

“Do you wish to eat before we…” Aziraphale drifted off, trying to hold back a blush.

They hadn’t eaten breakfast before going their separate ways in preparation for the wedding, but there was a different kind of hunger that had his attention at the moment.

When Crowley turned to him, there was heat in his eyes. “Not really. Unless you want to?”

“I’d rather not.”

Crowley led him by their still linked hands to sit down on one of the pelts. In silence, they worked together to untangle themselves from the ribbons without undoing the knots, carefully removing and placing them to the side for safe keeping. As part of the ritual, Crowley unwound the leather band from the necklace and with a touch of reverence, he bound it around Aziraphale’s wrist.

It was a simple gesture, but seeing the matching bands strengthened the sense of connection they already shared, making Aziraphale’s heart swell even more. A smile came unbidden when Crowley scooted closer and bowed his head just the slightest, making it easier for Aziraphale to hang the necklace around his neck.

Aziraphale let one of his hands slide down to rest on Crowley’s chest. Under his palm, he could feel his heart beating, the even rhythm having a reassuring effect on him.

“Before we take this next step, before you’re ultimately bound to me, there’s something I need to tell you,” Crowley said, covering Aziraphale’s hand with his.

“Go on?” Despite the hesitant tone in Crowley’s voice, Aziraphale felt calm. Whatever it was, he could handle it.

“I didn’t fight the wilai. That’s not why it left.” Crowley searched his face, as if looking for signs of alarm. When Aziraphale said nothing, he continued. “It’s a bit complicated, but in simplified terms… I asked her to leave.”

Aziraphale had never heard of anyone being able to communicate with animals, but for some strange reason, it made sense that Crowley could. He had somehow, from the beginning, suspected that there was something special about him. His husband. His mate.

“Alright,” he simply said, nodding.

Crowley blinked, clearly astonished by the lack of reaction. “You don’t have any questions?”

“I do. But it can wait.” He wetted his lips. “Right now, I have other things I deem more important.”

“Is that so?” With a crooked smile, Crowley leaned closer.

“Yes.” The word was nothing more but a whisper, and he sighed contentedly when Crowley finally kissed him.

The timid kiss quickly turned hungry, and moments later, Aziraphale found himself on his back with a ravenous alpha above him, tugging at his tunic. Seeing Crowley’s naked chest sent his pulse racing, barely noticing how both of their flower crowns now lay discarded and forgotten on the ground next to them. He could salvage a few of the flowers later.

Crowley made short work of the rest of their clothes, leaving nothing but the leather bands and the necklaces on.

“My wonderful omega. I can finally make you mine.”

“Alpha.” Aziraphale stared into his eyes, finding both a hunger and devotion so strong it took his breath away. “Make love to me.”

He whimpered when Crowley lowered his head to lap at his scent gland. 

“You smell and taste so good, Aziraphale. It’s intoxicating.”

Being surrounded by Crowley’s heady alpha scent, Aziraphale could do nothing but nod eagerly. He craned his neck, experiencing an urge to submit to the alpha lying between his spread legs, wanting nothing more but to be conquered and claimed.

“Take me. I want your knot.”

Crowley groaned. Rutting his hard cock against Aziraphale’s thigh, he captured his lips in a sloppy kiss. “Do you want to stay like this?”

“Yes, yes, please.” Aziraphale could feel slick drip from where he wanted to be filled. “I want to see you.”

With a gentle smile curling his lips, Crowley took a moment to brush away a few errant curls from his brow. “My clever angel.”

Aziraphale thought about asking what he meant by the new moniker, but before he could do so, his mind took a different turn as one of Crowley’s deft hands circled his aching cock.

“I want a taste of this, but I fear it will have to wait till next time.” Crowley nosed his neck, inhaling. “I need to feel you around me first.”

Aziraphale’s roaming hands travelled down Crowley’s muscled back to find purchase on firm buttocks. “I’m ready.”

He was so slick, he guessed he would need no preparation—but he didn’t protest when Crowley’s fingers entered him, stretching him gently. Not that he didn’t want to object—his body screamed at him to be bred, to be taken. Taken until Crowley filled him with his spend; the omega in him didn’t care that Crowley’s seed wouldn’t take.

When Crowley finally entered him, Aziraphale wasted no time, wrapping his legs around his waist in an attempt to push Crowley inside him at a faster pace.

“Easy, Aziraphale. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’re not hurting me.” Crowley’s cock was stretching him just perfectly, and he wanted more. “I promise.”

“You’re amazing.” Holding against the push from Aziraphale’s legs, Crowley slid in the rest of the way slowly, slowly. When he was inside to the hilt, he bent his head to kiss Aziraphale heatedly. “Let me know if I get too rough with you.”

“Impossible.”

Crowley started off with languid thrusts, his eyes never leaving Aziraphale’s face as if gauging his reaction. Proving yet again what a thoughtful man Aziraphale had been given to.

“I won’t break, Crowley.”

“Is that so, huh?”

“Yes.” He wanted all of him. “Don’t hold back.”

Changing the cant of his hips just so, Crowley increased his pace—much to the delight of Aziraphale, who relished the way Crowley stuffed him full over and over. The sensation was luxuriously thrilling, having him grip Crowley tighter against his chest. Desperate to feel Crowley’s mouth on his again, he sought his lips and moaned into the kiss.

“Aziraphale.” Crowley pulled away, his panting breath fanning over Aziraphale’s heated face. “I’m not going to last much longer.”

Aziraphale gripped Crowley’s arm when he pulled out completely. “What are you doing?”

“Get on your hands and knees for me, omega.”

Just the hint of command lacing Crowley’s words sent a thrill down Aziraphale’s spine. “Yes, alpha.”

He didn’t hesitate, eagerly turning around to take the position his alpha had asked for.

“You’re being so good for me, my sweet omega.” Crowley kissed his sweaty back. “This will be more comfortable once we’re locked together.” He placed another lingering kiss on the nape of Aziraphale's neck, and then pushed back inside.

The new angle had Aziraphale keening. With every thrust, Crowley's cock brushed against a spot that sparked waves of pleasure to course throughout his body; it was like nothing he had felt before.

"Crowley, alpha, I'm close." A shiver ran down his spine when he felt Crowley's teeth teasingly graze the skin by his scent gland. "I want your knot." With a purr, he tilted his head to the side, giving Crowley better access to his neck. "I want your bite."

Crowley nipped at his skin with a low growl. "Don't worry, omega, I will give you both."

Aziraphale arched into the touch when Crowley's strong arms took a steadier grip around his chest and waist, revelling in the way his alpha held him close as Crowley’s hips started snapping harder against him.

"Give yourself to me, Aziraphale."

Aziraphale's breath hitched when he felt Crowley's knot against his slick rim. "Yes, take me, Crowley –ah! "

The knot pushed past his tight ring with Crowley's next thrust; the way it stretched him to aching felt utterly sublime, tumbling him into a toe-curling orgasm. On instinct, he tipped his head, offering himself to his mate. His eyelids fluttered open when Crowley bit down with a possessive growl and emptied himself inside Aziraphale. The pain was fleeting, easily overshadowed by the sensation of Crowley's knot and spend inside him—and the fact that they were now bonded.

Crowley was finally his mate. His alpha.

Which he apparently had said out loud, going by the way Crowley chuckled as he carefully moved them to lie down on their sides on a clean pelt of fur.

"Yes, my darling omega, I'm yours now." Crowley lapped carefully at the bite mark and placed a tender kiss on the sensitive skin above it. "And you're mine. Stuck with me forever now."

Aziraphale sighed, a tired smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I wouldn't want it any other way, my dear."

An involuntary groan slipped out when Crowley reached behind them to grab a blanket.

"Sorry, Aziraphale." Crowley draped it over them and pulled him closer again. "Sore?"

"Pleasantly so. And you? Tired?"

"Mmm. I could sleep for a while."

Aziraphale burrowed further into Crowley's embrace and grasped his hand, lacing their fingers. "Then let us rest, we can eat once we wake up."

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I'm not done with you."

With a small wiggle, Aziraphale giggled. "I certainly hope not."

"Angel?"

"Hmm?" Aziraphale still didn't know why Crowley called him that, but he could ask another time.

Crowley nosed Aziraphale's neck, inhaling through his nostrils with a hum. "I'm happy you decided to take a chance on me. An outsider you knew nothing about."

"Shouldn't I be the one thanking you for taking a chance on me ? And I approached you because you were an outsider." Thinking back to that brought a smile to Aziraphale's face. "And because I found you attractive."

"Likewise. As you know." Crowley pressed his lips to Aziraphale's cheek. "Now sleep, husband."

Aziraphale's heart skipped a beat. Crowley really was his in every possible way. "Yes, husband."

Logically, he knew it was too early for him to love Crowley—but his heart was trying to tell him differently.

Crowley didn’t believe in fate—believing in fate meant giving up control, and maintaining control over his own life had always been crucial for his survival.

Feeling Aziraphale nestled in his arms made him reconsider, though. Changing his route to search out the wilai had been a split-second decision, and had Rahn come that way mere minutes later, Crowley would never have been discovered.

Fate or fortunate coincidence—Crowley was grateful, either way. Meeting Aziraphale had changed his life forever, and he never wanted to go back.

“Shhh,” he squeezed Aziraphale tighter when the omega stirred in his sleep, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”

He smiled when Aziraphale relaxed again. Their life wouldn’t be easy, but they would have each other.