#ineffable husbands through the years

[cautiousyoungman]

I'm sorry but Gabriel and Beelzebub's relationship is just so damn wholesome and it's also so different from Crowley and Aziraphale.

Crowley and Aziraphale are never on the same page about what the other wants or what the other is trying to say/do. Crowley is an expert at anticipating what Aziraphale wants or needs, but he doesn't have a good grasp on how Aziraphale communicates. Aziraphale can't anticipate what Crowley wants, needs or what he'll do next, but he understands Crowley's words better.

To explain, Crowley knew Aziraphale would love food before Aziraphale had ever considered trying it. It is now one of Aziraphale's favourite things on earth. Crowley went to Aziraphale immediately after the whole ordeal with Job, which to me suggests that he knew Aziraphale would need comforting. He rescued Aziraphale in Paris, 1793, from the Reign of Terror and he rescued him in London, 1941, from the Nazis. When it comes time to talk about Armageddon, Crowley knows the things Aziraphale will miss when Earth is gone. He knows the things that will drive Aziraphale insane in Heaven for eternity. Crowley knows Aziraphale the way people know their first language: it just comes naturally to him. It's been ingrained in him.

Aziraphale cannot anticipate Crowley. Even with Job, when Aziraphale knows that Crowley doesn't want to kill the children, his attempt to stop him feels like he's bluffing. That he isn't 100% confident that Crowley won't do it. He is puzzled and (pleasantly) surprised to find that Crowley didn't even have the heart to kill the goats. But, when it comes to verbal communication, Aziraphale is more in tune. He quickly picks up on when to take Crowley's word seriously, and when not to. We see this a few times, like in Edinburgh, 1827, when Crowley responds (as he often does) in anger to being praised for his kindness, and again in modern day S1 at the old satanic hospital. Aziraphale isn't the slightest bit affected by what Crowley says or does in response to him. He just patiently waits, and almost smiles, as Crowley talks. He isn't afraid of him, even when Crowley slams him against a wall. He isn't off put. He deeply understands what Crowley is saying, why he's saying it, and that it isn't personal. He's just being defensive. And throughout the show in general, Crowley says plenty of hurtful things to Aziraphale that Aziraphale just knows not to take to heart.

In most of the show, these are great strengths for both characters and their collective dynamic. But in their final interaction, it shows that they need to learn the understanding that each of them is respectively lacking.

The entire dispute starts because Aziraphale can't anticipate Crowley. He thinks Crowley will be happy about going to heaven, but the viewers (and, if you ask me, the Metatron) all seemed to know that he would be upset. Aziraphale should know him better than anybody does, including the viewer. But he doesn't. He never learned a fundamental part of understanding Crowley, which leads to...

Crowley takes everything Aziraphale says personally. In the gazebo scene in season one, he is better at taking Aziraphale's hurtful words in stride. But in S2E6, Aziraphale doesn't do a great job of explaining himself or the proposition of them returning to Heaven. And Crowley doesn't have the patience to try and give his explanation the benefit of the doubt. He takes it at face value, so things Aziraphale says - such as saying "Of course you said no to hell, you're the bad guys." when Crowley mentions rejecting hell - Crowley takes that as a personal attack or rejection. He never learned a fundamental part of understanding Aziraphale.

Now I know this seems like I've gotten off topic, but trust me, I'm about to bring it back around.

The difference is, Gabriel and Beelzebub could anticipate each other immediately. I'm sure there's a lot of meetings between the two of them that we didn't get to see in the show. But, with the evidence we have, we see two people who are always on the same page. They say there's no reason for them to meet up anymore, and give each other a knowing look that suggests "but we will continue to see each other anyway." Beelzebub likes a song, so Gabriel (who doesn't even have a grasp on what music really is) plays it on an infinite loop for them. Beelzebub is soft spoken and more gentle with Gabriel than anyone else we've seen. Gabriel buys them drinks and food to keep up appearances, and immediately reassures them that they don't have to consume any of it. Beelzebub brings him a fly, seemingly knowing that things will go poorly in Heaven soon. They have an equal exchange of gestures and communication that works so perfectly for them, its like its inherent. And when it comes down to where they want their future to go, they both essentially say, "I just want to be where my love is." They're on the same page, and that page is just that they want each other.

Aziraphale and Crowley will always try to find the next big thing to make the other one happy. But doing that will always sacrifice the present moment. They both think they understand the other, when in reality, they're hurting themselves - and each other - to comply with rules no one made for them.

Aziraphale thinks Crowley will be happy in Heaven. He thinks he can fix Heaven for Crowley.

Crowley thinks Aziraphale is choosing Heaven over him. He thinks Aziraphale wants to fix him.

They both tried their best. But they don't understand each other. And at this point, it's almost like they're not trying to understand. They're just trying to be right.

Anyway, I hope Beelzebub and Gabriel are very happy together for eternity and if they separate, I don't believe in love anymore.

[nobie]

One-Year Anniversary: Good Omens Series Two (in/sp) (series one ver.)

[actual-changeling]

look i know we're all here for reunion marathon sex once they don't prevent the apocalypse because they're incompetent and someone else does it, but realistically? they will both be EXHAUSTED.

aziraphale from constantly having to be on guard in heaven and crowley because he went through emotional turmoil bigger than the entirety of london. so what i really wanna see more of is them just. curling up in bed together and sleeping for a year.

and THEN they have sex for two weeks straight.

[onlylurkingreadingstuff]

He gets used to that weight and pulls it on like a jacket. Like a placeholder for a real thing.

—Sleight of Hand Ch. 5/ Strange Moons

For @racketghost

Companion piece to Aziraphale in The Book of Ruth/ Strange Moons

Art by @onlylurkingreadingstuff

[mondodisco]

(Spoilers for GOS2 / OFMD S1 / WWDITS S3)

CAN’T FUCKING DO THIS SHIT EVERY TIME I WATCH A GAY SERIES FUCK

[steamclouds]

Temptation accomplished! Anyone else want some oysters?

[cleanfloss]

may you be forgiven

[aziraphales-library]

Hi, first off, thank you for this blog, I've read so many brilliant recommendations from here. You folks have been my go-to for Good Omens fics for a good month now, and I must have spent hundreds of hours in that time reading based on this blog.

If it's possible, could I also ask if you know a fic I read a while ago but can't find again? It's quite long, maybe 20 chapters or so, and it goes through history with the ineffable husbands. The one thing I really remember is that the watchers are involved. Crowley and Aziraphale meet one of them on the wall, and the watcher warns Aziraphale about Crowley. We then see the watcher fallen, with a peacock aspect, chained under a mountain for the whole nephilim business, reading reports that Dagon brings. Crowley goes to the fallen watcher at various times to moan about his longing for Aziraphale. It's been driving me bonkers not being able to find it, so I'm hoping you may have better luck (or rather, better skills)!

2/2: Ahoy awesome archivists! Could I please cancel my request for a lost fic? I found my white whale! It was https://archiveofourown.org/works/22457749

Thank you for coming back to let us know you found it! Your asks were months apart, but your username stuck in my memory so I could match them up!...

Where the Mountains Meet the Heavens by KannaOphelia (E)

"I don't want to let go of you. Never again." "Crowley," Aziraphale breathed, and for one heady, impossible moment Crowley thought the miracle would be even bigger than he thought, that the embrace and the my darling would be followed with a kiss, because Aziraphale's gaze was on his mouth and there was a heat to it, as if it was tinged with desire as well as tenderness. **** 6,000 years of pining. Collaboration with the amazing Tamsly and lonicera_caprifolium as artists for the 2020 Good Omens Big Bang.

- Mod D

[procrastiel]

so, uhm, can we pretend Crowley gets drunk af and then watches our flag means death and that makes him think about all the ways they might have misunderstood each other and that it’s about communication, and this gives him the strength to get ready and fight for his angel because he hasn’t given up hope yet

[spacechalk]

Persuasion

The sky had been grey for so long Aziraphale couldn’t tell what time of day it was, or even if it was the same day at all. It made no difference to him. He was liable to lose time reading anyway, regardless of the weather.

            The kettle came to a boil and he reluctantly marked the page using a pressed leaf from one of Crowley’s plants and stood. A few minutes later he was back on the sofa, the faint scent of lavender wafting from the steaming mug freshly placed on the end table beside him. He eagerly reopened Anne of the Island and fell immediately back into the story. The rain was a comforting hiss in the background. The lush plants on the windowsills and hanging from the ceiling seemed to press their leaves against the cool glass as though trying to catch a glimpse outside.

            Aziraphale heard but did not note the footsteps, but he was forced to look up from his book once again when Crowley pitched backward over the sofa’s armrest, sprawling across the whole length of the cushions, and ending up with his head in Aziraphale’s lap. Aziraphale blinked down at him, nonplussed.

            “There’s nothing to do,” Crowley complained. He held up the book in his hand by way of explanation. “I thought I’d join you.”

            Aziraphale tilted his head to catch the title and his whole face brightened as he beamed. “Oh, Persuasion! It’s one of my favorites. What part are you on?”

            “Hmmm,” Crowley hummed, brow creasing as he opened the book and scanned its pages. “Anne is visiting Mary. Wentworth just showed up and she’s all in a snit about it.”

            Aziraphale sighed dreamily, looking out the window. His fingers found their way into Crowley’s hair and brushed it back from his forehead. “Oh, the first time she sees him again and she’s so nervous and overcome and he’s acting all cool and unaffected – it’s so deliciously poignant, don’t you think, my dear?”

            “I guess,” Crowley said doubtfully.  

            Aziraphale poked him gently. “Why don’t you read to me for a little while? It’s been a long time since I read it, I’d like to revisit it a little.

            For some reason, Crowley’s cheeks flushed red. “I don’t know, angel. I’m not the best reader.”

            “That doesn’t bother me. I’d like to read with you for a while, if that’s all right with you.”

            Crowley hesitated. Finally he lifted the book and held it above his face. Aziraphale’s fingers sank deeper into his hair in encouragement.

            Crowley found his place and cleared his throat. “The walking party had crossed the lane,” he began slowly, bringing the page closer to his face as he read. Aziraphale closed his eyes and relaxed into the sofa. “…and were sor – sum –” Crowley paused. There came the sounds of tapping against paper. “Sur – mount – ing,” Crowley read with a tap each time, and continued: “an opposite stile; and the admiral was putting his horse into motion again, when Captain Wentworth cleared the hedge in a moment to say something to his sister, guessed by its – no wait.” Crowley shook the book and tossed his head a little, jaw a bit tight. Aziraphale brushed his fingers gently through his hair. Crowley brought a hand up and followed the line with a finger. “Captain Wentworth cleared the hedge in a moment to say something to his sister, - The something might be guessed by its effects.”

            Once Anne was safely in the carriage, Aziraphale sighed. “Poor Anne,” he mused. “No one pays any attention to her.”

            “Wentworth does,” Crowley protested.

            “Hmmm,” Aziraphale hummed uncertainly. He squinted down at Crowley. “Does he?”

            Crowley’s eyes flicked up to meet his, his brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean? Everyone else is wrapped up in their own shit, but he’s always looking out for her.”

            “He’s always aware of her,” Aziraphale agreed. “He’s always thinking about her. He loves her, so he wants her to be happy and comfortable. But it’s not clear to me that he understands her.”

            Crowley squinted at him, a smile slashing his mouth. “Are we getting into spoiler territory here, angel?”

            Aziraphale tilted his head, considering. “My point might be even more clear once you’ve finished the book,” he said, “but I think it’s evident from the beginning. How does he seem to you?”

            Crowley shrugged a little. “He loves her, but he’s mad at her. And he’s embarrassed. She rejected him and he doesn’t want to look pathetic by showing that he still likes her.”

            Aziraphale blinked. “Oh, I hadn’t picked up on that,” he said, delighted. “The anger is apparent, but it hadn’t occurred to me it might be compensating for wounded pride.” He sighed. “Silly man.”

            Crowley quirked an eyebrow at him. “Why? What do you think he’s missing?”

            Aziraphale smiled wryly. “He thinks that because she wouldn’t marry him, that means she doesn’t love him,” he said, his tone indicating the depths of stupidity he thought this revealed.

            Crowley stared at him. “…doesn’t it?” he asked.

            Aziraphale reeled back and stared down at him with huge eyes. “No! Of course not!”

            Crowley threw his hands up. “Why didn’t she marry him then?” he hollered.

            "There were other things to consider!" Aziraphale protested.

Crowley sat up slightly, twisting urgently toward him. "They were in love! What else is there to consider?"

"Quite a lot!" Aziraphale shouted.

They both paused, staring at each other. They took in the tension in the other's shoulders, the lines in the other's face. Slowly, they both relented.

Aziraphale’s face softened. "I'm just saying - as important as he is to her, she has connections and obligations to so many other people. She couldn't make this one relationship the only important thing in her life to the exclusion of everything else."

Crowley’s jaw tightened. It was a moment before he could speak. "It's not right that she's responsible for all of them," he said. "They're all adults, they should be able to take care of themselves. She shouldn't let them take advantage of her like that."

Aziraphale shrugged helplessly. "Maybe not. But she would never be able to cut ties with them entirely. She loves them too," he said.

Slowly Crowley lay back in his lap. He stared up at the ceiling. Aziraphale’s fingers had gone a bit tight in his hair. He quickly relaxed his hand and stroked soothingly through the strands in apology.

"I suppose..." Crowley said slowly, "He should have known she wouldn't be able to choose between him and her other ties. Her kindness is part of what he loves about her."

Aziraphale hesitated. "And I suppose that she could have done a better job of making sure he knew her rejection wasn't about his worthiness or her feelings for him."

They were both silent for a while.

Crowley turned his head toward him. "I think I'm done reading for today," he said. "Do you want to read me some of yours?"

Aziraphale offered him a hesitant but genuine smile. “Of course, my dear.”

He stroked through Crowley’s hair once more before reluctantly letting go to open his book to the appropriate place. He found his spot and opened his mouth. Anne was speaking: “Of course. Everybody has. It wouldn’t do for us to have all our dreams fulfilled. We would be as good as dead if we had nothing left to dream about…”

[everysongineverykey]

"but if aziraphale and crowley become human in the end it won't be fair because they'll only have a handful of decades to spend with each other :(" ok. well have you considered that their time together would not be any less valuable or happy if it were limited. have you considered that we wouldn't appreciate anything as much as we do if it weren't finite. have you considered that crowley and aziraphale have always, always only ever wanted to love and live like real people do like humans, without heaven and hell breathing down their necks, without judgment and constraints. that alpha centauri probably wouldn't be as beautiful up close as it is from earth, through human eyes. that the biggest miracle in crowley's eyes is aziraphale and vice versa. that yes their time together may be limited but it will be the sweetest most fulfilling most peaceful time either of them have ever lived, and when one finally goes gentle into that good night, he will know he's got nothing to fear, because the other will be waiting for him on the other side- he always will, in any decade, any century, any lifetime. have you considered any of that?

[cautiousyoungman]

I swear to god, in season 3 we better have a Queen concert flashback. You can't convince me Crowley loves Queen so much, but never went to their concerts.

I want to see a damned scene of that demon watching Bohemian Rhapsody live.

Give me Aziraphale with him, skeptical at first because he isn't a fan. But slowly coming around and enjoying the music.

Aziraphale with round eyes and parted lips watching Freddie Mercury perform. Utterly in awe.

Give me Crowley not hiding the fact that being there makes him a little emotional. Crowley screaming louder than everyone else in the audience, whistling and clapping, excited enough that he's affecting the weather without realizing it.

Aziraphale stealing a glance at him side on with those love sick eyes he always has and forcing himself to look away before Crowley catches him.

Crowley clapping along, or swaying his hips ever so slightly so it's hardly noticeable. Aziraphale tapping his toe or humming along. Their hands just an inch apart from one another in the crowded section. Aziraphale's fingers twitching but getting no closer.

Both of them enjoying the music together, but not dancing. Because they don't do that.

[muriel-not-the-dim-one]

@actual-changeling explained, beautifully in my opinion, what happened that afternoon in the bookstore. I did look in the window but only for a moment to thank Mr. Fell for the book Mr. Crowley gave me. At that moment, I realized what “broken heart” really meant.

I decided to write down some things for Mr. Crowley in case he ever came back by. I’m only a 37th scrivener, but I keep very good records.

From the journal of Muriel, 37th Scrivener, Assistant Bookstore Keeper to Mr. AZ Fell: Entry #1

It’s been *7 hours and 15 days*, since Mr. Fell and Mr. Crowley left. I keep finding things to keep myself busy, but I find myself missing them both.

I love the books. The rich smell of them. The sweet bergamot, leather, Earl Grey and Talisker that lingered in the back room especially.

Sometimes I take Mr. Fells soft, grey jacket off the coat rack, where it has lived since he left, wrap it around my body and sit in the sunlight, my body tucked into the chair I have come to love. The first time I did this, it was almost a guilty feeling. Like peeking into someone’s private memories without their permission. But as time went on, it became soothing, calming, loving.

I close my eyes and see flashes of memories. Meeting the snake/demon in the garden. Feeling that first rain, and the overwhelming feeling to protect the demon. To cover him with his wing, when what they really wanted to do was wrap him tightly, hold him close. To take away the pain they felt within.

Sometimes I never even opened the blinds in the shop. (That came as no surprise to anyone who was familiar with the bookshop and it’s strange hours.) The memories flooding through me, transporting me to a time that only a deep love can take you to. As much as I loved reading the books, wearing Aziraphales jacket was like BEING in a book, like living each moment.

Standing with Crawley/ Crowley feeling the rain on their face as the flood was beginning. Sensing the pain inside the demon as he looked at the kids playing. I knew something was wrong with this, but God had to do it, right? I just couldn’t put my finger on why.

Being in Rome, hearing Crowleys voice. Aziraphales heart (even though angels and demons didn’t need them) leaping in excitement, only to feel the overwhelming anger, anxiety, deep shame (?) not because of Crowley or what he had done, but because of the human capacity for evil, far worse than even hell and it’s demons were capable of. Trying to joke with Crowley about still being a demon, only to have it backfire in his face. Telling Crowley he was in Rome to go to a new restaurant. (I really need to try some of the human food. If it was as good as the cuppatea and cocoa I had tasted, I was pretty sure I would like it.) Aziraphale offering to tempt Crowley with oysters and the warmth that surged through their body when Crowley looked at Aziraphale, that half smile radiating like the sun within them.

Standing in a crowd, watching the horror they were inflicting on this beautiful, kind soul. Hearing Crawley/Crowley come up beside him. Turning to look at the demon, her beauty radiating. She cared deeply for the carpenter, and couldn’t understand until Aziraphale told her the message the carpenter was delivering, why they would choose to hurt him. That memory seemed the most painful to me.

Realizing Crowley would face a horrible death if Hell ever found out about Job and what Crowley had done. The pride I felt knowing that Aziraphale, his love of Humanity and Crowley, would be willing to sacrifice his life as well.

On and on the memories went, flashes of joy, love, and a never ending relationship between them.

The Globe and Shakespeare. Why did Aziraphale deny Crowley so much? I couldn’t decide if it was fear or protectiveness.

The way Crowley would do anything for him.

Saving him from the Bastille when he could have saved himself.

Realizing Crowley was always watching out for his Angel. The nazis and possible discorporation, saving Aziraphales beloved books. The touch of his hand as he gave him the sachel. The almost breathlessness I felt at that moment revealing the depth of love that Aziraphale felt for Crowley. The magic show Crowley gave him the confidence to do.

Crowleys note when he asked Aziraphale for insurance. The complete HORROR he felt when he thought Crowley wanted it in case he needed to destroy himself. It seemed to Crowley the way Aziraphale acted, he was appalled at him for asking. Like he thought he wanted him to possibly get into trouble for it. In reality, Aziraphale couldn’t bear the thought of a life without Crowley, the pain and terror showing on his face.

Later hearing about Crowleys “little caper” scared Aziraphale. It made him almost go mad with worry. He knew no one involved but he, understood what even one drop of Holy Water could do to Crowley. As much of a danger, sneaking Holy Water to a demon could be for Aziraphale, he was NOT going to let this happen. He was not going to allow a chance that anything could happen to Crowley.

The sense of relief, the deep love, the rush of feeling, I heard the words almost spoken with an ache, “Aziraphale DOES love me as much as I love him.” The power so strong, so beautifully pure it slammed me in the chest. I had to stand and take the jacket off.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and as I touched the wetness on my cheeks, unbelievably aching for an Angel and a Demon that were kind to me.

*End Journal Entry for the day*

I began sorting through the books, anything to keep myself busy, willing the tears to stop.

[purplemoonabove]

I am done.

You hear me?

Done!

I can’t take more divorces between gays anymore! I’m losing my mind for months now! Wake me up when season 3 comes after the last episode.

Until then, as it has been for the past two days, I’m going back to them, making me all warm and giggly and healing my damaged, gay-obsessed mind

⬇️

⬇️

⬇️

In fact—Hooty!

My man! My bird worm brotha!

Think you can help us out here, buddy?!

[aphropanacea]

Ineffable Wives 1920s Version

[queerhoodies]

insane how aziraphale and crowley’s first meeting ties into the those last ten minutes of season 2 so well.

(mini rant that i don’t know if makes any sense)

“if i was the one running it all, i’d like it if someone asked questions. fresh point of view.”

aziraphale needs crowley and wants him to go back to heaven. not only because he loves crowley, but because he knows he has so much kindness and compassion inside of him, more than the others archangels have ever shown. knows that crowley would give him his honest opinion about anything. and aziraphale is aware he does not always get it right. most if not all his plans that have have worked out before were the result of them as a team.

but the metatron has gotten in his head now. “coffee theory” or not, i do believe aziraphale is not in his proper state of mind. he is kind of drunk on the idea that heaven could finally do its job properly for humanity, he’s been yearning to make a difference and suddenly an opportunity falls miraculously at his feet. and especially that he is finally being listened and appreciated. supreme archangel of all heaven!

so, before the beginning we have:

- crowley wanting to stand up for what he believes, unaware or not even caring if it gets him into trouble with his bosses.

- aziraphale and his compulsory nature of needing everything to be good, not asking the necessary questions because of it, plus maybe the guilt of possibly having been the one who made crowley question god in the first place.

so after all this time and everything they went through, have they really changed?