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.