WIP Wednesday | Chapter 35 Snippet
What Bloomed in the Darkgarden
Elain was attempting to smooth her tattered skirts and tidy herself which was ridiculous as she was still very much covered head to toe in blood.
Azriel watched and waited through it all with softening eyes before he could resist the urge to touch her no longer.
Shadows curled in his wake as he drew close, that scarred hand snaking around her waist.
“You’re rather lovely like this, you know,” he murmured gently into her ear.
Elain huffed a disbelieving noise, glancing down sheepishly at her blood-soaked hair, her hands, her gown. “Is it not... repelling?”
The shadowsinger’s mouth quirked upward. “I find it rather evoking actually.”
“Evoking?” Elain leaned into him, her own shy grin forming. “Whatever can you mean?”
Hazel eyes simmered with hunger as Azriel slowly pulled her flush. He traced a tender hand down the stained skin of her arm before carefully bringing her delicate palm to his mouth.
The shadowsinger slowly pressed a tender kiss to the underside of her wrist, holding her gaze with hooded eyes all the while.
“Meaning you have my attention, Miss Archeron.”
Elain blushed so deeply it put the autumn leaves to shame.
Azriel’s mouth curved upwards again at the sight. He traced a thumb over her stained cheek.
“And somehow you’ve managed to eat rose petals in the midst of killing wicked males.”
Feyre began coughing through a laugh nearby and Nesta choked on a pull of whisky.
“Mother spare me,” the eldest Archeron muttered beneath her breath.
Elain laughed fully at her sister’s words, the sound like liquid joy ringing throughout the grove. She sank fully into Azriel’s arms and he pulled her behind a tree, unable to ignore his instincts any longer, and kissed her through her smile as if the world was ending.
You are mine
His lips memorized her own.
You are mine and you are safe and I will burn the world to ash to keep you from harm.
Elain returned the favor ardently, lost in the thrall of his comfort.
“If you kiss her that hard she will bruise,” Feyre teased from the steps, joy glistening in her blue-grey gaze.
“If you bruise her I will cut off your fingers and wear them as a necklace,” Nesta added after another pull of whisky.
Elain broke the kiss to laugh again and Azriel used the opportunity to catch his breath.
“Is that a threat, Valkyrie?” he muttered from behind the oak.
Nesta smirked from the steps, cracking her neck. “I’m her sister. I don’t need to resort to threats.”
Azriel gently scooped Elain into his arms in one graceful movement.
“I’m her fiancé,” he retorted with a rather satisfied male grin. “Neither do I.”
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Mashing up the fluff and GO prompts because I love my fluffy celestial beings <3 Posting on AO3 tomorrow as its late now, I'm as tired as a hard-working angel
Prompt: I got you / Pre-Fall
Words: 2419
Rating: Teen I guess (SFW, kissing only)
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They padded down the long, bright corridor, the white flagstones cool under their feet. Leaning round pillars and corners as they moved lightly on the balls of their feet. A shock of ruby curls bounced around their ears as they half-ran to and fro.
"Stars, where are you? Uhh, I hate these offices, go on forever and ever just boring white, white, pale white, off-white, bone white, bright white..." Raphael stopped and sighed, planting their hands on their hips. "Aziraphale! Where are yo.. oh!" They called out and turned, spotting an opening in the sheer white wall. Through the doorway, they could see a desk piled high with parchments and scrolls.
Grinning, they approached the entrance slowly, dragging their fingers on the smooth surface of the wall as they peered in. On the desk amid the stacks of documents, soft white curls peeked out. Something fluttered in their chest. Oh, now that's a nice white, white as the brightest star. They let out a soft hum, the heart beating in their corporation suddenly feeling twice as big as a moment before.
Raphael took only three steps to reach the desk, their long gainly legs almost dancing across the room. They knelt down to better see the chaos around the Principality and chuckled softly. Some of the papers had toppled, falling over the angel's head which lay unmoving, cheek pressed against the translucent surface. Aziraphale was half sprawled across the desk, one hand still holding onto a quill. His back rose and fell slowly. Raphael rested their forearms on the edge of the desk and leaned towards the peaceful, sleeping face of their beloved. Aziraphale let out the softest of snores, and Raphael scrunched their face in delight.
"Look at you," they whispered, "you're gorgeous."
They raised a hand to move the fallen bits of parchment from Aziraphale's sleeping form, then gently plucked the quill from his hand. The angel snorted a half-snored intake of breath then let out a long, low moan of displeasure, brow furrowing. Raphael moved to smooth the brilliant curls, making soothing noises.
"Shhh sshhh, it's alright Angel. You fell asleep, you must be exhausted," said Raphael. They didn't habitually sleep, but sometimes these new corporations they'd been issued with seemed to get very weary. It would all settle down in time, they'd been reassured, just a matter of getting used to it.
Aziraphale huffed and moved his forearms under his head, glaring up at Raphael through tousled hair and dust motes from the papers. He closed his eyes and pressed his head into the redhead's palm. And huffed again.
"What have you been up to? I expected to see you ages ago. I guess you've been buried in plans for Earth, hmmm?" Raphael grinned and wiggled their eyebrows. Aziraphale moaned in response, but they could see his ears move with a smile hidden behind those robust arms.
Raphael bounced up and circled the desk, placing a delicate hand on the other angel's back, between the shoulder blades. Aziraphale felt warm, even through their robes. He always felt warm, it made it feel so cosy being next to him. He was like a tiny Sun all for them, and when he smiled at them, well. It made them feel all shimmering and liquid inside, like a brand-new nebula shifting and twinkling in a perfect sky.
"So...much...paperwork..." Aziraphale's voice was muffled by his sleeves. Raphael slipped their hands down and around his waist, giving a gentle tug.
"Come on Angel. You need some rest. The paperwork will be here later," their voice dropped to a mumble, "s'not like anyone else is going to do it for you."
Aziraphale either didn't hear it pretended not to, and pushed himself up off his arms. He turned towards the tall angel, eyes hooded and dark with sleepiness. Raphael giggled and reached up to peel a scrap of parchment that had stuck to his cheek. Aziraphael cleared his throat and half smiled up at them.
"My dear, what are you doing here? Has so much time passed already? I am sorry if I missed our rendez..." he yawned widely, "vous."
"Oh don't be a silly angel, I knew you'd be here," they gestured widely towards the long corridor, "somewhere. Come on now, let's get you up." They tugged at Aziraphale's waist again with one arm, holding out the other to catch his hand.
Aziraphale pushed back in the chair and rose, enveloping the angel's slender hand in his own. Raphael saw him blush and turn towards the doorway.
"Oh no. I don't. I don't want anyone to see me taking my leave on work time though. That's why I stayed here, I was only going to rest my eyes for a moment. I should stay, I really MUST stay." He turned back towards the desk. Raphael tugged on his hand and bit their lip to stop the exasperated sigh that rose unbidden.
"Oh no you don't! You are coming with me!" They said firmly. Aziraphale spun back around, eyebrows knitting together and lips pursed in annoyance.
"Raphael it's not so simple! You know the rules, we..." he stopped as Raphael placed a long finger against his lips.
"Sssh, now, tired angel. Stroppy angel," they winked at him mischievously and rubbed their thumb across his knuckles, feeling the wide strong bones found there. "I know a place. No one ever goes there, I promise." Aziraphale sighed heavily them met their gaze, all the fight and heat drained out of his face.
"Promise? You're sure?"
"Absolutely! Just a couple of..." they looked up and waved their spare hand around, "Ngh I don't know. Units of time, we've not really nailed down a name for them yet. But you know, a couple of units let's say. Then you'll feel all better, and no one will have noticed a thing."
They looked down at him, tilting their head forward with wide eyes, and blinked a few times in succession. "Pleeease..."
Aziraphale blushed again as he met their gaze. "Alright then, but just for a little while!" He rushed out the words.
Raphael wiggled on the spot, feeling very pleased with themself. Squeezing that big, strong hand they led Aziraphale to the doorway before popping their head around the edge and looking both ways. The corridor was empty in both directions.
"All clear, come on!" Raphael said. They rushed through the doorway, hopping along the shiny floor as though it prickled their soles. They turned back the way they'd come in, heading in the vague direction of the stairwell.
They turned around, feeling Aziraphale's hand heavy in theirs. The angel was yawning again and they couldn't help tilting their head and letting out a soft sound of adoration. When they turned back, the door to the stairwell was suddenly in front of them.
"I'll never understand your offices, Angel." They pushed through the door and the two angels found themselves in a white and grey space, with stairs spiralling up and down. Raphael looked over the railing and shivered when they saw the gloomy blackness swallowing up the stairs far below.
"Right, we're going up. Come on Angel! It's not too far."
"I do hope not or I might just fall asleep right here on the stairs," Aziraphale said tritely. They started up the stairs together, side by side.
"Mm, don't think that'd be too comfy. What I've got in mind is much better." They flashed a smile at their companion.
After a few turns around and up the spiral, the stairway narrowed. They ascended one more flight and found themselves in front of a nondescript grey door.
"This is it," Raphael fizzed inside. They loved showing their Angel new things, little secrets they found here and there across the Universe. It made them feel something divine when they shared these moments. They raised their hand to the door and pushed, leading Aziraphale in by the hand.
The door closed behind them, and it was dark. A warm, velvet dark that lapped over them.
"Let there be light," Raphael whispered and made the tiniest motion. It was important that no one find this place, so they used the tiniest miracle they could. A small orb appeared in their hands glowing just enough to show them the floor and close surroundings.
They started forward again with Aziraphale trailing very close behind. They could feel his breath on the back of the neck. It sent tingles down their spine.
The shape of a doorway materialised out of the shadows and they stepped through. There was more light here, and Raphael snuffed out the light. They drew Aziraphale forward and snugged their arm around his waist. He was looking at them quizzically.
"Angel, look up," said Raphael and they both craned their heads back. Aziraphale gasped then.
Above them, the ceiling was not high. But it was entirely made of glass. Beyond the transparent canopy, the Vaults of Heaven were laid out in all their glory. The dark sky shifted through shades of dark blue, to purple, to almost black, with ribbons of lilac and pink and green meandering across the firmament. Golden stars twinkled, scattered across the vista like thousands of tiny lamps straining to shine the brightest. It was a singular, ethereal beauty. Despite all the work Raphael had done creating star systems, nebulas, and novas; there was still something a bit special about that view. The light coppery hairs on their arms prickled and stood up at the sight.
"Whaddya think?" They whispered.
"It's.. it's.. just divine! Beautiful!" Aziraphale paused for a moment. "Gorgeous, even!" Raphael grinned from ear to ear.
"I hoped you'd like it."
"Oh, I do. Very, very much." Aziraphale turned towards them, a contented smile creasing his eyes. "Thank you so much dearest! It really is wonderful!" Raphael felt their cheeks heating up.
"Aha, and that's not all!" They moved further into the room, easier to see as their eyes adapted to the low light. The room didn't appear well kept, strewn with a variety of oddly shaped dark shadows. Some of them looked like boxes.
In The middle was a particularly large shadow. Raphael smiled and reached down, clutching a large piece of fabric and pulling dramatically. They spun round and let the fabric flutter down to the ground, revealing a dusty, but soft-looking chaise longue with plush navy blue velvet.
"Now, come over here Angel," they stretched out their hand. Aziraphale took a few steps and then lurched forward, arms flailing. Raphael rushed towards him a step and felt the full force of the angel slam into them. They toppled backwards, tripping in turn against the end of the bed.
"Ouf!" Aziraphale said as he fell on top of the fiery-haired angel, who had instinctively wrapped their arms around his shoulders. "Oh darling, I'm so sorry. I tripped on something." He tried to raise himself up but Raphael tightened their arms around him, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
"S'alright Angel, I've got you," Raphael whispered into Aziraphale's ear and nuzzled into his soft curls. The smell of him was intoxicating. They felt him relax into their embrace, their breath rising and falling together.
"We should probably move a little dearest," Aziraphale's voice was muffled again, this time by Raphael's robes. "Shame to not make full use of this lovely spot you've found."
"Mm, I suppose you're right. I was just, you know, enjoying this for a moment." Raphael unwrapped their arms to release the angel, then scooted up onto the recliner which was practically a bed. Conveniently sized for two angels in fact. They leaned back and beckoned to Aziraphale with wide open arms.
Aziraphale climbed onto the bed on both knees and almost crawled upwards towards them. The sight made them feel giddy and glad to be lying down already. The Principality leaned over, planting a thick arm roped with muscle on each side of their fire-crowned head. They licked their lips, taking in as much detail as they could in the dim half-light. Looking up, they found Aziraphale's gaze. His eyes sparkled, shifting tones of grey and dark blue. Feeling his tender smile beaming down at them Raphael thought they might just discorporate there and then.
Aziraphale shifted and Raphael felt his hand against their cheek. Their breath hitched in response to the touch.
"You never cease to amaze me, my dearest darling Raphael." The angel's voice was warm. "My existence wouldn't be nearly as interesting without you."
Then they felt their lover's breath hot on their face, and they reached up to swing their arms around his back.
"Come here Angel."
Aziraphale dipped and they felt his soft, plush lips meet theirs. Sparks shivered through their limbs as they kissed, contented sounds escaping them. They closed their eyes, losing themself in the moment, in the warmth and love rolling off of their Angel's mouth and tongue. When Aziraphale broke their touch Raphael sighed into the space between them. They brushed noses affectionately, and they couldn't help but grin lazily when their beloved shifted to place a soft kiss on their forehead.
"I do love doing that you know," Aziraphale murmured into their hair.
"Mm, me too. S'great" Raphael replied. "But you should be getting some rest now. Come and lie down here." They patted the velvet beside them. "We can kiss some more next time you're free and not falling asleep under paperwork!" They teased.
Aziraphale shifted to lie down and they both looked up at the star-lined vista above them. Raphael wriggled closer, nestling into Aziraphale's shoulder and breathing deeply, trying to inhale the very scent of him, to capture the olfactive memory of the moment.
They shook out their wings then and draped one across the both of them. Aziraphale slid an arm under their neck and reached down to stroke the downy feathers st their shoulder blades.
"That you my dear, that's very nice. Very, what was it that word you found again? Cosy?"
"Mm, yeah, cosy," they sighed, tingles running through them as the angel's fingers stroked their feathers.
They both looked up in silence at the celestial skyscape, their breathing gradually slowing.
"I think I might quite like to come here again, with you darling." Aziraphale's voice was thick and heavy with sleep.
"Me too Angel, me too."
Raphael heard gentle snores and smiled happily. Then, tucked up warm and cosy and loved, they closed their eyes and slept.
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tagging @disaster-dog thank you for the pre-Fall prompt!
The cool evening breeze swept over them as the sky started turning purple. They’d finished dinner early and had quickly escaped out to the gardens to be alone. It’d been like that all summer, really. All Adam and Belle wanted was time alone. So much time. They hardly tore their eyes from each other; their hearts fluttered at the smallest grin. Out in the garden, they had freedom to finally just be together… without worry or wonder.
A large, deep green throw blanket had been laid out on the grass, and the young couple found themselves laying on top of it and facing each other as only they could. Belle rested her hand between them, palm up. Adam, for the past few minutes, had been tracing gentle circles in her palm. Their hands had been dancing all day long; constantly finding one another.
They’d been talking. All evening long they had been joking and sharing and story-telling. But as the stars started to creep along the sky and the moon shone brighter, they’d fallen into this easy silence; one where Adam traced her hand and Belle’s eyes started fluttering closed.
Adam had enjoyed getting to know these hands of hers. He thought they were quite remarkable hands, really. Smaller than his, but still so much wisdom within each crease and callous. These hands had climbed a million branches and thrown every rock along the path her little feet had trod. These hands were strong and resilient and didn’t shy away from the cuts and bruises. They’d seen just as many bugs and twigs as they’d seen book spines and crisp, story-filled pages. Yes, Adam was quite inspired by these hands of his dearest love.
The prince silently stopped his tracing, moving his finger tips up from her wrist to the end of her fingers, aligning their hands perfectly as he pressed his palm to hers.
Belle opened her eyes, sensing the rhythm in her hand change. She looked at Adam, but his eyes were trained on their hands. She smiled at his wonder; his concentration on a union that was nothing new at this point in their courtship. She let his hand move gently along hers and felt, once again, just how soft his hand was. Each time her hand found his, she was overjoyed at its touch. A kind embrace of palms; the gentle lacing of fingers like silk ribbon twisting up the back of a dress. She knew these hands, she loved them. They hadn’t seen struggle and rigorous play, but these were caring hands. She felt safe when they wrapped around her, warm when they held her cheek. Her entire being tingled at each and every touch from these hands; these trusted and good hands of her darling beloved.
She raised hers to his face, tucking a loose strand of his hair behind his ear. He looked up at her, their hands still together between them. She smiled, searching his eyes. She pulled herself just a little closer to him, just enough to move her free hand to his waist and to say the only line that had come to her mind then. “O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do.”
Adam grinned, exhaling a laugh through his nose as he lifted his hand from hers and brought it to her cheek, moving closer and kissing her tenderly. She wrapped her arm further around his waist, desperate to be nearer to him. He deepened the kiss as her other hand found his face. They held each other, locked in an intimate embrace. When they finally pulled apart, they pressed their foreheads together, both a little breathless.
Belle chuckled, still holding onto him. “Wow. I quoted Romeo and Juliet and you kissed me. I thought you didn’t like all that heartache and pining.”
He laughed, she loved hearing that laugh of his. “I don’t like it,” he pretended, looking into her eyes. “But I do very much love you.”
She looked up thoughtfully with a smile plastered across her face. “I suppose I can allow that, for now.”
“Good,” he replied, leaning in to steal another kiss; one that Belle welcomed gladly.
The sky had grown darker and the stars dazzled around the moon. It would be an hour, maybe even two, before this couple would find their way back to the castle. Their hands found each other again, always having a bit of trouble staying apart. Love was in the air on that peaceful summer night, as it had been since she came and everything changed.
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