[ Absolutely nothing that had occurred thus far had stopped Lucifer from believing that these two were a couple. It didn't occur to him to think otherwise, given how they were with each other. Friends were one thing, but these two had a certain intimacy that he had only ever known in couples.
Lucifer tilted his head as Crowley stood up, wondering what was about to happen-
OH.
His eyes go wide in pure delight to see the stunning black wings. Only he had retained the feathery wings of an angel, though Bee and Bel had managed to retain a method of flight in different ways. ]
They're amazing! [ Aziraphale would hear Lucifer's whisper, though when he watched Crowley pluck out a feather, he winced in empathy. His gaze was heavy with curiosity as he witnessed Crowley use some of his own magic - he wouldn't have thought to call it a miracle - and when presented with the card, took it with respect and listened closely as he internally felt out the 'taste' of Crowley's magic now that it was in his hands.
It really did feel like one of his fellow Fallen.
But as Crowley finished his description of what he had so willingly given, Lucifer's eyes went wider than ever. He looked down to the piece of paper in his hand, then back up, struggling to find the words. It was an incredible gift to be given. ]
...thank you, Crowley. [ With an intense gratitude in his eyes. He tucked the card neatly into his inner breast pocket, an idea starting to take root in the back of his mind.
However, Aziraphale had excellent timing to distract him with the brilliant sight of a multitude of pies. Not the only one with a sweet tooth at this table! ]
Ahh...! You need to tell me what everything is! [ Because he was already peering with interest at every little offering, studying them and sniffing a little at the air. Oh it smelled divine! ]
Aren't they just? [Aziraphale whispered back. He may not be as particular about his own wings as Crowley was over BOTH of their wings, but he could appreciate just how well taken care of they were. And just, everything Crowley was magnificent to him.
He nodded at the thanks, feeling awkward, and was grateful for Aziraphale's timing as well.]
Start with that one. [He pointed at the little apple pie bite.] Left to right, apple pie, pumpkin pie, key lime pie, cherry pie, pecan pie, boston cream pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, blueberry pie, and peach pie!
[Crowley looked over at the pies then at the angel.] Really? Not a single English pie? I suppose with your sweet tooth, I shouldn't be surprised. [And, with a snap, another trey appeared next to the first. Similar set up, bite-sized bits, but these pies all smell savoury.]
[ Lucifer all but zoned in on the apple pie, the expression on his face an odd one. Would it taste like what he remembered...? He swallowed down before reaching out and as he brought it close, took in a slow breath, but the scent wasn't anything like what he thought it might. Had his mouth watering, though! So he popped it into his mouth, letting his eyes close as he chewed to really remember the taste and enjoy such a simple pleasure.
When he swallowed, his eyes reopened and he smacked his tongue. ]
...that. is. delicious. [ Aziraphale, what pleasures you have brought this old devil! It was all incredible - even what he liked less than others, just being able to experience them was a joy through and through. ]
Why is the lime 'key' specifically? Is it some kind of special lime?
[Both angel and demon seemed to puff up happily when Lucifer had such a delightful experience with the tasting platter. The question caught the angel off guard, but his expression lit up just as excitedly! He loved any chance he got to share knowledge! ...ironically.]
Oh! It's a named such after a particular type of lime! They're a bit more tart and quite popular on a little group of islands called the Keys!
Angel, you're drooling. [Crowley chuckled and Aziraphale brought a hand to his mouth in shock but found that he wasn't. Oh... Figure of speech. He huffed at the demon, but didn't actually look annoyed.]
That explains why the pie is tart! Interesting! [ Lucifer chuckled himself, swallowing down a bite of the more savory pies - oh, that was very good, he would need to figure out how to recreate that - before he glanced between them both. ]
If it isn't too rude to ask, how long have the two of you been together? From how you've talked about the past, it seems like it's been quite some time. I don't think such a thing has ever happened between Heaven and Hell where I'm from, so the concept is very interesting.
[Look at the proud learned pigeon! He will sit there all puffed up and happy!]
Oh! Not rude at all! I met Crowley once, before he Fell, but we've been officially meeting up for over six thousand years! Right off from Eden, I'd say! It did take me some time to warm up to him, of course, but once I came to accept that he didn't bite, I took to him like a duck to water!
[Crowley. Choked. That swallow of scotch went down all the wrong pipes and he was just grateful he didn't actually have to breathe! The lungs were just for show, having learned to take breaths on regular intervals to fit in with humans.]
A-Angel! [He squawked.] What my good friend here means to say is that we've been friends for over six thousand years!
Yes! We had an Arrangement! [He looked so proud of himself! Completely and unequivocally!]
An Arrangement not to fight each other! [Crowley was struggling to keep the angel's foot out of his mouth! And yet Aziraphale seemed so keen to just open his mouth and keep inserting his loafer! Az started to speak again and Crowley cut him off.] Angel, so help me, if you say another word, I will make you do your own dusting!
[ So it had been quite some time, then! When Crowley choked however, Lucifer looked to him with a blink of surprise, then slowly looked more confused as they both continued on. Both hands ended up being held up, trying to calm things down - in particular, Crowley! ]
Crowley! Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to push buttons. I'm not judging, if that helps. Would be the pot calling the kettle black and all that. Whatever lies between you two, I'm just glad to see you've got each other.
[ A little glance to the side, unconsciously rubbing his thumb against his wedding ring. ] Important to have someone to keep you sane.
[Aziraphale didn't know what the fuss was about! Crowley had never been shy about their friendship before, except when it would get them in trouble. But It was all out in the open now, so...
The angel's gaze followed the subtle movement, the gold glimmer catching his eye when Lucifer rubbed the ring. Oh.
...
Oh!
Crowley was saying something about no buttons had been pressed, really, and that he just didn't want Lucifer to get the wrong idea when the angel squeaked, turning cherry red.]
OH! Oh goodness me! No, no, not together like that! My! We're just friends! Best friends. Well, I'm his only friend. But still the best! Even if the selection for that is more like a participation trophy, but I'll take that if only to call him friend!
[...There the angel goes again, opening his mouth and inserting his foot! Somehow, that felt worse than when he was unintentionally babbling. Mostly because... well... that didn't matter. Time to divert and redirect because feelings and Crowley didn't get along.]
Or someone to drive you insane is just as good, I reckon. And you? How long have you been with Charlie's mother? [Did he catch her name...? Um...] Lilith, right?
[ Well, their awkwardness would become his awkwardness at the question. Lucifer cleared his throat slightly against the tightness in his chest that arose. ]
Well, we were together for about ten thousand years, give or take? But, ha ha, we're on a bit of a... a break, right now.
[ Just admitting she had up and left him and Charlie? He couldn't get it out of his throat even if he tried. Not even for Charlie. He and Charlie still have yet to have a good talk about it, and that was all on him. The whole thing still felt so messy, so wrong to not have her at his side.
But he still wore his ring. He'd promised her that day she slid it on that it would never leave his finger, and so it remained. ]
[Both angel and demon went quiet abruptly. They seemed even more awkward and the angel looked anxious while the demon just looked out of place. It was the angel who pipped up.]
Well, that's far longer than any human relationship could be. This Lilith, she's a sinner, yes? Perhaps she's... oh what do humans call it? Having a mid-life crisis? It's my understanding that, when this happens, they step back from things they love out of some misguided sense to prove themselves. Doing things they normally wouldn't or would be considered foolish.
[Crowley looked more and more uncomfortable as Aziraphale spoke. He knew the angel's heart was in the right place, but...]
Alcohol! [Crowley chimed in and with a wave, a plate of white bread and six glasses of different coloured wines appeared in front of Lucifer.] That's another good tasting cornerstone!
[ The look Lucifer gave Crowley spoke volumes, knowing why the other had chosen to do that and really? He was grateful. It was such a difficult subject for him to even deal with internally, never mind if he had to explain it to someone else. However, looking over the wines, he briefly debated if he even had interest still in the idea of alcohol.
With a flick of his fingers over the offerings, Lucifer forced up a smile over his feelings. ]
Will you both join me? Though, you know, I have a thought running in the back of my mind.
[ With a glance around the circle, an eyebrow lifted in curiosity. Would it be possible? ]
I wonder... if I can be summoned here, could you be summoned by me back to my Hell? What a strange thing to say- 'my' Hell. [ Lucifer snorted, picking up the first glass in long fingers and swirling it once in the glass thoughtfully. ]
[Crowley raised a curious eyebrow. That was indeed an interesting question. ]
Well, I've no doubt a summoning circle could pull me over. The angel could, of course follow with a bit of magic, but...
To Hell? You want to...? Me? An angel?
[That was the kneejerk reaction he expected. Crowley leaned forward resting his chin on his hand and let Aziraphale squirm on the hook for a moment. He saw when the realisation of how rude that came off sunk in and the desperate look the angel gave him. He let Az struggle a tiny bit longer then piped up.]
You'll be fine, Angel. You know I'll never let anything happen to you.
Oh, Crowley... The last and only time I've been to Hell, I took a holy water bath as you.
[Crowley made a halted sound in the back of his throat and was now the one squirming.]
This is a different Hell, Angel. You'll be a guest of Lucifer's, not a prisoner of Beelzebub's. Come on, you love exploring new things as much as I do!
...a habit picked up from you. ...oh, fine. I suppose it couldn't hurt...
[Crowley grinned and finished off his glass of scotch. He was lightly buzzed but that could be easily remedied.]
[ Aziraphale's reaction? Delightful. Lucifer couldn't help but smirk with amusement at the first part-
-which turned into confused shock at the mention of a holy water bath, excuse you!? ]
Oh, oh no, no, you aren't allowed to skip by that statement about a holy water bath in Hell- as Crowley?! How were you Crowley? ...How does a holy water bath even work- why was there even one in Hell?? [ Lucifer visibly and audibly pauses as a thought occurs to him. ] Heh, when I take a bath, is it considered a holy water bath or a demonic water bath? Maybe they neutralize into just water.
[ Though Lucifer does give a nod in Crowley's direction. ] You would both be my honored guests. If anyone so much as sneers in your direction, they'll regret their choice.
[They both paused then looked at Lucifer. Right, that probably did sound odd, didn't it? But before Crowley could form a sentence, Aziraphale was on it.]
Well, you see, we angered Heaven and Hell by stopping their war. They... saw fit to execute us. A book of prophecies warned us of the incoming danger and we planned accordingly. We swapped bodies! When our respective sides captured us, they sentenced us to extinction. Permanent death via holy water and hell fire. Michael lent Hell archangel blessed holy water for Crowley's execution and Hell sent hell fire to Gabriel for mine. But our swap made us immune. Confused the higher ups and we were released!
[The angel seemed so proud of himself while Crowley looked somewhat irritated with just the mention of Gabriel. Those words bouncing around in his head again that had sparked true rage in the demon. Something he never really felt.]
I'd be down for a trip to a Hell that didn't want to bathe me in holy water.
[ Jaw. Floor. Where to even begin in the insanity Aziraphale just spouted out.
Heaven and Hell... executing. Hellfire... could Hellfire really kill an angel? They weren't exactly swimming in fire but there certainly was Hellfire down on the Wrath Ring- no. Not a good train of thought, there. ]
On one hand, I'm impressed with your solution. On the other hand, excuse the language, angel, but that is fucked up! On both ends! I... I can't imagine Heaven straight up executing one of their own like that, but at the same time, it'd be exactly the kind of reason why they would.
[ Lucifer shook his head, taking a sip of wine before letting out a breath. ]
I'll need a bit of time to figure out a proper solution to make sure you'll both arrive safely... and have a bit of disguise for your aura, Aziraphale. Charlie will be so excited to meet you both, I'm sure of it.
Gabriel called it treason. [Crowley practically snarled. A bit of genuine anger showing through.] That what we did went against God's Great Plan. A load of bollix! I'd--
Crowley... [The angel reached for the barrier as if to put a hand on the demon's shoulder but stopped.] It's alright, my dear. It's over.
[Aziraphale brought his hand back to his chest and offered a smile to Lucifer.]
I would be delighted to meet Charlie! She seems like a brilliant young lady! But I do see how my aura could be an issue. We would have to find a way to hide that, I agree. Wouldn't want to cause upset in your kingdom.
[ Lucifer's heart panged with empathy in the wake of Crowley's words. Oh, how he understood the heat there, the sense of betrayal that must have lingered and still did to this day. His eyes looked over to Aziraphale, surprised to see no matched anger in the angel's expression, not even a break of sorrow. Did... Aziraphale believe in Heaven, even after all they had done to both him and Crowley? The idea was somehow both unsurprising and very much so at the same time. Heaven did everything in its power to make sure everyone believed, acted, and spoke in the same way.
(So how had someone like Adam remained there..? A question that still lingered with him to this day.)
When Aziraphale held back his hand, Lucifer raised a questioning eyebrow in his direction. Not questioning why the other drew back, but would Crowley accept his touch instead? ]
I have an idea or two... should be able to use Crowley's magical pager to test it even before you arrive, just to be on the safe side. [ Looking to the other fallen, he held up one finger. ] One pulse means an item to be collected, two means a summon, three... danger.
[Aziraphale believed in Heaven, even to this day, and it frustrated the Hell out of Crowley. No pun intended. Sure, Crowley still loved their Mother very much, but he didn't like Heaven's current hierarchy. Any of it. And he knew She didn't have a hand in anything that happened in Heaven anymore. He'd be willing to bet even Metatron didn't hear from Her anymore.
The angel gave Lucifer a brief nod. If someone could console Crowley right now, he'd happily accept any help offered in doing so. Crowley didn't blindly trust, but they both had those extra senses and Lucifer didn't set off any of Crowley's alarm bells, so Aziraphale was confident that the serpent trusted Lucifer.]
In the case of "danger", should I... pull you over to protect you? [Because, he would. The anger was still simmering just below the surface, but not directed at Lucifer. He was dwelling on Gabriel.]
[ Whether or not He still spoke to any of his angels, Lucifer had no idea, but if he had to guess, it was a negative. It seemed very much like Sera was running Heaven as if she had been personally appointed by Him, and he couldn't imagine what Michael was doing with that. He had never seen Michael among the exorcists.
He didn't know what he'd do if he had. So why... why did Michael allow it?
The whole thing sat badly with him, but what he could do, he had so far done. His connection with their Father had been severed the moment that blade tore through his torso, straight through to pierce through the muscles of his wings, so he couldn't return.
Despite himself, Lucifer couldn't stop a hand from gripping over his chest for a moment, right where the final blade had struck. To hide the gesture the second he realized he had done it, he reached over with his other hand and briefly touched the other fallen's arm. Solidarity. ]
...if it's gotten to the point that I'd need to be pulled over to survive, Hell itself would have fallen. [ A sad, strange sort of smile touched his lips. ] Or it's Charlie that needs to be protected, at all costs.
[ A very not-subtle way of saying if he died, it would be protecting her and nothing less. ]
[Solidarity. The serpent relaxed a hair with the touch, though he was also concerned for Lucifer. And that in and of itself was insane to him! How could two versions of the same being be so vastly different? One of them, he had already taken to and the other... was his worst nightmare.
Still, the words struck a cord with him.]
If it gets to something like that, you and Charlie are welcome to stay with us.
[ Aziraphale wasn't wrong in his private musings; Crowley and Lucifer were far more alike than this world's Lucifer and Crowley by a vast distance. Each world's version of the same story: An angel speaks out against their creator, the snake in the Garden of Eden, the Fall from Grace, and how they are misunderstood by nearly everyone except those closest to them. ]
I'm grateful for that. I know Charlie would fight to not leave, to fight until the end... but if it's that dire, I'm going to do what keeps her safe, no matter what.
As you should. She may be reluctant at first, but she will eventually understand that it's for the best.
[Crowley finished off his plate of food and snagged another of the angel's sweets. After a moment of thought longer, Crowley frowned.]
I wonder how Heaven and Hell would take it if we had to relocate you here in a catastrophic event like that... Two Lucifers. Upstairs would have a fit.
I imagine that we’re so different that they won’t even recognize me. At least I hope not. I’d prefer to remain off any Heaven’s radar. I can’t imagine your version of my brothers will be any better than back home.
[ Though he knew he was being uncharitable to his little brother, he didn’t feel like getting into that entire conversation. ] If your Hell decides to bother me, we’ll get to find out first hand if I have any control there. Or they’ll find out I didn’t lose my more blessed magic.
[ Lucifer smirked with that, showing that despite his somewhat more neutral existence compared to his counterpart, he wasn’t entirely family man and displaced angel. ]
[Somewhere in another universe, an angelic messenger sneezed.]
Oh, they're not all so [Crowley raised an eyebrow at him with a look that clearly said "oh, really?" and the angel stammered.] ...bad.
We'll keep you under wraps as best we can should it come to that. A single being with the power to wipe out both angels and demons? Heaven and Hell won't like that if they find out.
I do like the idea of an established trade route, though. Sending you Earthly goods and tasting more unique food and drink from your Hell. [Crowley nodded to the bottle of scotch.] Quite uniquely tasty, that! Even if the Scotsmen will tell you it's not real scotch, I think it's quite good!
You'll have to let me know what interests you to try, and I'd be happy to send some goodies along. Though, I'll warn you- [ with a specific glance to Aziraphale ] -if you're going to request literature, just... remember where it's coming from. I can offer you books just as they are, so you get the real experience, or I can try to, ah... attempt to steer towards safer options.
[ His gaze went thoughtful as he debated, then shifted back enough to have his lap available to him. With a sweep of a finger, creating as he went, he tried a few different sized cubes before he picked something large enough and tall enough to reasonably hold several items. It built in gold light, he concentrated closely on creating a door with an ornate lock in the shape of an apple and curled filigree.
Inside, he used the tip of a claw to draw a circle, then sealed it with his sigil mixed into a rune of summoning. On the outside, he made it beautifully carved in intertwining branches and leaves, centered around a golden wood apple. He studied his creation, then when he was pleased, gave a hearty tap with his finger atop the box.
It sprang into existence in his lap. ]
There we go! An easier solution! Anything you put into that box will appear in a matching box for me... I just need your sigil, Aziraphale.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-06-06 10:54 pm (UTC)Lucifer tilted his head as Crowley stood up, wondering what was about to happen-
OH.
His eyes go wide in pure delight to see the stunning black wings. Only he had retained the feathery wings of an angel, though Bee and Bel had managed to retain a method of flight in different ways. ]
They're amazing! [ Aziraphale would hear Lucifer's whisper, though when he watched Crowley pluck out a feather, he winced in empathy. His gaze was heavy with curiosity as he witnessed Crowley use some of his own magic - he wouldn't have thought to call it a miracle - and when presented with the card, took it with respect and listened closely as he internally felt out the 'taste' of Crowley's magic now that it was in his hands.
It really did feel like one of his fellow Fallen.
But as Crowley finished his description of what he had so willingly given, Lucifer's eyes went wider than ever. He looked down to the piece of paper in his hand, then back up, struggling to find the words. It was an incredible gift to be given. ]
...thank you, Crowley. [ With an intense gratitude in his eyes. He tucked the card neatly into his inner breast pocket, an idea starting to take root in the back of his mind.
However, Aziraphale had excellent timing to distract him with the brilliant sight of a multitude of pies. Not the only one with a sweet tooth at this table! ]
Ahh...! You need to tell me what everything is! [ Because he was already peering with interest at every little offering, studying them and sniffing a little at the air. Oh it smelled divine! ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 01:13 am (UTC)He nodded at the thanks, feeling awkward, and was grateful for Aziraphale's timing as well.]
Start with that one. [He pointed at the little apple pie bite.] Left to right, apple pie, pumpkin pie, key lime pie, cherry pie, pecan pie, boston cream pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, blueberry pie, and peach pie!
[Crowley looked over at the pies then at the angel.] Really? Not a single English pie? I suppose with your sweet tooth, I shouldn't be surprised. [And, with a snap, another trey appeared next to the first. Similar set up, bite-sized bits, but these pies all smell savoury.]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 01:39 am (UTC)When he swallowed, his eyes reopened and he smacked his tongue. ]
...that. is. delicious. [ Aziraphale, what pleasures you have brought this old devil! It was all incredible - even what he liked less than others, just being able to experience them was a joy through and through. ]
Why is the lime 'key' specifically? Is it some kind of special lime?
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 01:58 am (UTC)Oh! It's a named such after a particular type of lime! They're a bit more tart and quite popular on a little group of islands called the Keys!
Angel, you're drooling. [Crowley chuckled and Aziraphale brought a hand to his mouth in shock but found that he wasn't. Oh... Figure of speech. He huffed at the demon, but didn't actually look annoyed.]
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Date: 2024-06-07 02:08 am (UTC)If it isn't too rude to ask, how long have the two of you been together? From how you've talked about the past, it seems like it's been quite some time. I don't think such a thing has ever happened between Heaven and Hell where I'm from, so the concept is very interesting.
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Date: 2024-06-07 02:32 am (UTC)Oh! Not rude at all! I met Crowley once, before he Fell, but we've been officially meeting up for over six thousand years! Right off from Eden, I'd say! It did take me some time to warm up to him, of course, but once I came to accept that he didn't bite, I took to him like a duck to water!
[Crowley. Choked. That swallow of scotch went down all the wrong pipes and he was just grateful he didn't actually have to breathe! The lungs were just for show, having learned to take breaths on regular intervals to fit in with humans.]
A-Angel! [He squawked.] What my good friend here means to say is that we've been friends for over six thousand years!
Yes! We had an Arrangement! [He looked so proud of himself! Completely and unequivocally!]
An Arrangement not to fight each other! [Crowley was struggling to keep the angel's foot out of his mouth! And yet Aziraphale seemed so keen to just open his mouth and keep inserting his loafer! Az started to speak again and Crowley cut him off.] Angel, so help me, if you say another word, I will make you do your own dusting!
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 03:43 am (UTC)Crowley! Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to push buttons. I'm not judging, if that helps. Would be the pot calling the kettle black and all that. Whatever lies between you two, I'm just glad to see you've got each other.
[ A little glance to the side, unconsciously rubbing his thumb against his wedding ring. ] Important to have someone to keep you sane.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 04:01 am (UTC)The angel's gaze followed the subtle movement, the gold glimmer catching his eye when Lucifer rubbed the ring. Oh.
...
Oh!
Crowley was saying something about no buttons had been pressed, really, and that he just didn't want Lucifer to get the wrong idea when the angel squeaked, turning cherry red.]
OH! Oh goodness me! No, no, not together like that! My! We're just friends! Best friends. Well, I'm his only friend. But still the best! Even if the selection for that is more like a participation trophy, but I'll take that if only to call him friend!
[...There the angel goes again, opening his mouth and inserting his foot! Somehow, that felt worse than when he was unintentionally babbling. Mostly because... well... that didn't matter. Time to divert and redirect because feelings and Crowley didn't get along.]
Or someone to drive you insane is just as good, I reckon. And you? How long have you been with Charlie's mother? [Did he catch her name...? Um...] Lilith, right?
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 03:42 pm (UTC)Well, we were together for about ten thousand years, give or take? But, ha ha, we're on a bit of a... a break, right now.
[ Just admitting she had up and left him and Charlie? He couldn't get it out of his throat even if he tried. Not even for Charlie. He and Charlie still have yet to have a good talk about it, and that was all on him. The whole thing still felt so messy, so wrong to not have her at his side.
But he still wore his ring. He'd promised her that day she slid it on that it would never leave his finger, and so it remained. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-07 05:45 pm (UTC)Well, that's far longer than any human relationship could be. This Lilith, she's a sinner, yes? Perhaps she's... oh what do humans call it? Having a mid-life crisis? It's my understanding that, when this happens, they step back from things they love out of some misguided sense to prove themselves. Doing things they normally wouldn't or would be considered foolish.
[Crowley looked more and more uncomfortable as Aziraphale spoke. He knew the angel's heart was in the right place, but...]
Alcohol! [Crowley chimed in and with a wave, a plate of white bread and six glasses of different coloured wines appeared in front of Lucifer.] That's another good tasting cornerstone!
no subject
Date: 2024-06-10 04:23 am (UTC)With a flick of his fingers over the offerings, Lucifer forced up a smile over his feelings. ]
Will you both join me? Though, you know, I have a thought running in the back of my mind.
[ With a glance around the circle, an eyebrow lifted in curiosity. Would it be possible? ]
I wonder... if I can be summoned here, could you be summoned by me back to my Hell? What a strange thing to say- 'my' Hell. [ Lucifer snorted, picking up the first glass in long fingers and swirling it once in the glass thoughtfully. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-10 12:26 pm (UTC)Well, I've no doubt a summoning circle could pull me over. The angel could, of course follow with a bit of magic, but...
To Hell? You want to...? Me? An angel?
[That was the kneejerk reaction he expected. Crowley leaned forward resting his chin on his hand and let Aziraphale squirm on the hook for a moment. He saw when the realisation of how rude that came off sunk in and the desperate look the angel gave him. He let Az struggle a tiny bit longer then piped up.]
You'll be fine, Angel. You know I'll never let anything happen to you.
Oh, Crowley... The last and only time I've been to Hell, I took a holy water bath as you.
[Crowley made a halted sound in the back of his throat and was now the one squirming.]
This is a different Hell, Angel. You'll be a guest of Lucifer's, not a prisoner of Beelzebub's. Come on, you love exploring new things as much as I do!
...a habit picked up from you. ...oh, fine. I suppose it couldn't hurt...
[Crowley grinned and finished off his glass of scotch. He was lightly buzzed but that could be easily remedied.]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-10 01:23 pm (UTC)-which turned into confused shock at the mention of a holy water bath, excuse you!? ]
Oh, oh no, no, you aren't allowed to skip by that statement about a holy water bath in Hell- as Crowley?! How were you Crowley? ...How does a holy water bath even work- why was there even one in Hell?? [ Lucifer visibly and audibly pauses as a thought occurs to him. ] Heh, when I take a bath, is it considered a holy water bath or a demonic water bath? Maybe they neutralize into just water.
[ Though Lucifer does give a nod in Crowley's direction. ] You would both be my honored guests. If anyone so much as sneers in your direction, they'll regret their choice.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-10 01:52 pm (UTC)Well, you see, we angered Heaven and Hell by stopping their war. They... saw fit to execute us. A book of prophecies warned us of the incoming danger and we planned accordingly. We swapped bodies! When our respective sides captured us, they sentenced us to extinction. Permanent death via holy water and hell fire. Michael lent Hell archangel blessed holy water for Crowley's execution and Hell sent hell fire to Gabriel for mine. But our swap made us immune. Confused the higher ups and we were released!
[The angel seemed so proud of himself while Crowley looked somewhat irritated with just the mention of Gabriel. Those words bouncing around in his head again that had sparked true rage in the demon. Something he never really felt.]
I'd be down for a trip to a Hell that didn't want to bathe me in holy water.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-10 02:48 pm (UTC)Heaven and Hell... executing. Hellfire... could Hellfire really kill an angel? They weren't exactly swimming in fire but there certainly was Hellfire down on the Wrath Ring- no. Not a good train of thought, there. ]
On one hand, I'm impressed with your solution. On the other hand, excuse the language, angel, but that is fucked up! On both ends! I... I can't imagine Heaven straight up executing one of their own like that, but at the same time, it'd be exactly the kind of reason why they would.
[ Lucifer shook his head, taking a sip of wine before letting out a breath. ]
I'll need a bit of time to figure out a proper solution to make sure you'll both arrive safely... and have a bit of disguise for your aura, Aziraphale. Charlie will be so excited to meet you both, I'm sure of it.
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Date: 2024-06-10 03:25 pm (UTC)Crowley... [The angel reached for the barrier as if to put a hand on the demon's shoulder but stopped.] It's alright, my dear. It's over.
[Aziraphale brought his hand back to his chest and offered a smile to Lucifer.]
I would be delighted to meet Charlie! She seems like a brilliant young lady! But I do see how my aura could be an issue. We would have to find a way to hide that, I agree. Wouldn't want to cause upset in your kingdom.
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Date: 2024-06-10 07:53 pm (UTC)(So how had someone like Adam remained there..? A question that still lingered with him to this day.)
When Aziraphale held back his hand, Lucifer raised a questioning eyebrow in his direction. Not questioning why the other drew back, but would Crowley accept his touch instead? ]
I have an idea or two... should be able to use Crowley's magical pager to test it even before you arrive, just to be on the safe side. [ Looking to the other fallen, he held up one finger. ] One pulse means an item to be collected, two means a summon, three... danger.
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Date: 2024-06-10 09:05 pm (UTC)The angel gave Lucifer a brief nod. If someone could console Crowley right now, he'd happily accept any help offered in doing so. Crowley didn't blindly trust, but they both had those extra senses and Lucifer didn't set off any of Crowley's alarm bells, so Aziraphale was confident that the serpent trusted Lucifer.]
In the case of "danger", should I... pull you over to protect you? [Because, he would. The anger was still simmering just below the surface, but not directed at Lucifer. He was dwelling on Gabriel.]
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Date: 2024-06-10 09:23 pm (UTC)He didn't know what he'd do if he had. So why... why did Michael allow it?
The whole thing sat badly with him, but what he could do, he had so far done. His connection with their Father had been severed the moment that blade tore through his torso, straight through to pierce through the muscles of his wings, so he couldn't return.
Despite himself, Lucifer couldn't stop a hand from gripping over his chest for a moment, right where the final blade had struck. To hide the gesture the second he realized he had done it, he reached over with his other hand and briefly touched the other fallen's arm. Solidarity. ]
...if it's gotten to the point that I'd need to be pulled over to survive, Hell itself would have fallen. [ A sad, strange sort of smile touched his lips. ] Or it's Charlie that needs to be protected, at all costs.
[ A very not-subtle way of saying if he died, it would be protecting her and nothing less. ]
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Date: 2024-06-10 10:04 pm (UTC)Still, the words struck a cord with him.]
If it gets to something like that, you and Charlie are welcome to stay with us.
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Date: 2024-06-10 10:41 pm (UTC)I'm grateful for that. I know Charlie would fight to not leave, to fight until the end... but if it's that dire, I'm going to do what keeps her safe, no matter what.
[ The words of a father, those. ]
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Date: 2024-06-11 04:39 am (UTC)[Crowley finished off his plate of food and snagged another of the angel's sweets. After a moment of thought longer, Crowley frowned.]
I wonder how Heaven and Hell would take it if we had to relocate you here in a catastrophic event like that... Two Lucifers. Upstairs would have a fit.
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Date: 2024-06-11 01:33 pm (UTC)[ Though he knew he was being uncharitable to his little brother, he didn’t feel like getting into that entire conversation. ] If your Hell decides to bother me, we’ll get to find out first hand if I have any control there. Or they’ll find out I didn’t lose my more blessed magic.
[ Lucifer smirked with that, showing that despite his somewhat more neutral existence compared to his counterpart, he wasn’t entirely family man and displaced angel. ]
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Date: 2024-06-11 08:04 pm (UTC)Oh, they're not all so [Crowley raised an eyebrow at him with a look that clearly said "oh, really?" and the angel stammered.] ...bad.
We'll keep you under wraps as best we can should it come to that. A single being with the power to wipe out both angels and demons? Heaven and Hell won't like that if they find out.
I do like the idea of an established trade route, though. Sending you Earthly goods and tasting more unique food and drink from your Hell. [Crowley nodded to the bottle of scotch.] Quite uniquely tasty, that! Even if the Scotsmen will tell you it's not real scotch, I think it's quite good!
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Date: 2024-06-11 11:54 pm (UTC)[ His gaze went thoughtful as he debated, then shifted back enough to have his lap available to him. With a sweep of a finger, creating as he went, he tried a few different sized cubes before he picked something large enough and tall enough to reasonably hold several items. It built in gold light, he concentrated closely on creating a door with an ornate lock in the shape of an apple and curled filigree.
Inside, he used the tip of a claw to draw a circle, then sealed it with his sigil mixed into a rune of summoning. On the outside, he made it beautifully carved in intertwining branches and leaves, centered around a golden wood apple. He studied his creation, then when he was pleased, gave a hearty tap with his finger atop the box.
It sprang into existence in his lap. ]
There we go! An easier solution! Anything you put into that box will appear in a matching box for me... I just need your sigil, Aziraphale.
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