Terrace overlooking the forest

Clouds rarely gathered over Tetfield, and if they did, it was very timely and by the way: Mr. Young just had time to finish his pipe and go into the house, hailed by his beloved Dedre, and Anathema Gadget and Newton Pulcifer collected the girl's books and records, intending to go for tea. On the same day, the weather was just wonderful! The summer sun was no longer burning as hard as it was at noon and two o'clock in the afternoon, and it was possible to fool around outside until it got completely dark. The soft reddish light emitted by the daylight going beyond the horizon penetrated into the houses and spread out in stripes on the floor, it gilded the tops of trees in the forest, which was viewed from the terrace of a small house with a tiled red roof. Comfort reigned in this house: it was always cleaned, smelled clean and books, shelves with which stood and hung all the time (there were especially many of them in the study of one of the owners), music could be heard in the corridors, mostly classics, but also Elvis Presley and Queen's favorite songs by the second owner of the house, laughter rang the whole family, and the aroma of fresh pancakes was in the air. Now the house was very quiet, because the owners had left it and were having fun on the street. Two snakes crawled out from under a stone overgrown with moss that lay under an apple tree growing near the house. They were black and white asps. They furtively looked around, probably looking for someone, and then crawled on, planning to hide in the gap between the boards lining the terrace. An angel, whose name was Aziraphale, was resting on the porch. Carried away by the newspaper with the news, brought in the morning by the local postman, he did not notice anything around him, only occasionally glancing at the frolicking children and their second parent and rocking in a rocking chair. His legs were carefully covered with a blanket, by the hands of this very second parent. And, despite the fact that Aziraphale was completely involved in the London bustle described on the smelling pages, it was not difficult for him to notice two snakes approaching him. This angered the angel, and he exclaimed: — Crowley, Elizabeth! It's not fair! The reptiles froze, and then turned into a red-haired man and a blonde girl. The first, according to his customs and customs, was dressed in a black shirt and the same black trousers, which were encircled by a black leather belt. The plaque on the belt was decorated with an engraving with a snake. The girl was wearing a white blouse with lantern sleeves and a checkered beige sundress over it. In short blond hair, just like Aziraphale's curls, there was a hairpin in the form of a flower. — Oh, come on! - grinned the demon, whose name was Crowley (in fact, he was just not called: his first name was Roof, from which he later formed his surname, and then his name was Anthony, on which he stopped. And these are only his official names). He put his arm around the girl, and smiled first at the angel, who was now his husband, albeit unofficial, since they are an angel and a demon, and they don't need these human formalities at all, and nevertheless, Crowley preferred to call Aziraphale his spouse, and then he smiled at the baby. — We're playing. If you want to win, know how to spin. Yes, daughter? — If you want to live, you should be able to spin, Father, that's what the Russians say, - she corrected her parent, hugging his leg. "And you're right. Really, Dad, what's wrong? - She was talking to Aziraphale now. Yellow snake eyes looked at the angel with love and kindness, as well as notes of cunning and meanness inherent in the gaze of not so much snakes as tempters. — Well, look at how smart our daughter is! - Crowley exclaimed, grabbing the baby in his arms. Elizabeth laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. —Ah, well, just like my father, - the angel sighed. — How would Michael look for you?! - Aziraphale didn't know how to get angry, although he tried very hard to sound so that these two would understand how much he resented such a trick. — No, Daddy, don't swear at them. They just wanted to win, - a red-haired boy with clear blue eyes approached the angel and put his hand on his shoulder. He, who had been looking for his sister and father in the bushes, came to the screams. — And it's just a game. Michael smiled good-naturedly. —Where's Muriel? - Aziraphale asked, sighing and stroking the top of his son's head. — And here I am, Mr. Aziraphale! - the angel jumped down from the branch of the apple tree and straightened her skirt. —What time is it? —It's almost seven in the evening, - Angel said, glancing at his pocket watch. — Oh, really?! - Muriel looked scared. — I have to go already! See you later, Mr. Aziraphale, Mr. Crowley and little Elizabeth and Michael. — Bye, Muriel! - Elizabeth called after him. — It's fun to play with you! The others also said goodbye to a family friend. The angel had been visiting them often since Crowley and Aziraphale had left Hell and Heaven forever. Anthony approached his beloved, releasing his daughter. He bent down and kissed him gently on the forehead, and then hugged him. Aziraphale's carefully manicured hands with short fingers, which Crowley loved to kiss so much, wrapped around the demon's neck. The angel left her hot kiss on his cheek. The demon sat down next to him, pulling up a chair. He hugged Fell with one arm and pressed his forehead to his shoulder. He could not help but pay attention to him and began to gently stroke the red top of his head. Adam Young, once reputed among the Incessant Order of St. Beryl and representatives of the Lower World to be an Enemy of the Human Race, a Destroyer of Kingdoms, an Angel of the Abyss, a Great Beast whose name is Dragon, the Prince of this World, the Father of Lies, a Product of Satan and the Lord of Darkness, or even more simply, the Antichrist, was a kind-hearted child. His soul, woven of darkness, turned out to be so pure that the world was not destroyed, and all the power of this child now served for virtue and creation. Sometimes, of course, Adam did not do the best things, but that's why he is a person to make mistakes and choose his path. The boy, along with three of his friends, passed by the house of the Aziraphale and Crowley family. Together with the guys there was also the son of Anathema Gadget and Newton Pulcifer, Dave, a cute little boy, damn similar to his father. — Good evening, Mr. Aziraphale, good evening, Mr. Crowley! Adam greeted them, waving his hand. Each of the company greeted the family in turn. — Hello there! - Crowley said. — Oh, Adam! Hello! - the angel responded next. — Hi, Adam! - Elizabeth and Michael shouted in unison. These two were too similar, even their thoughts sometimes coincided. — Hello. Do you want to take a walk with us? We're going to the forest, I've come up with a new game. — Oh, really?! Elizabeth looked back at her parents. — Father, Dad, can we go for a walk? Please, please! —I promise we'll be back by ten o'clock tonight, - Adam added, just to be sure to convince the angel and the demon. Aziraphale looked at Crowley. He always consulted with his Snake before making a significant or not-so-important decision. Crowley, in turn, was looking at his angel. His opinion was always in the first place for the demon, and then his own thoughts. As soon as their eyes met, they understood each other. — Go ahead. But to be home by ten! And be very careful in the forest! - Aziraphale gave the go-ahead with a smile. — And your father and I will cook a delicious dinner in the meantime. Yes, Crowley? — Yes, Aziraphale. Don't burn down the forest, - Crowley smiled. — The serpent! The angel pulled him gently by the ear. At this, the demon only laughed loudly, followed by Fell himself, unable to stand it. The children ran up to them and gave everyone a strong hug and a sincere kiss, expressing the purest childish love for their parents, and then left the yard with Adam. —The Antichrist turned out to be the kindest boy, wow, - Crowley grinned. — And yet, the gardener Francis influenced him well. —Without the intervention of Nanny Ashtaroth, he would hardly be what he is now, - Aziraphale smiled. Anthony, like an affectionate cat, clung to the cheek of the named spouse, rubbing against it. Aziraphale responded to the caress by rubbing the tip of his nose against the Tempter's cheek. He gently kissed his demon, which caused him to melt and, hiding his nose in the curve of the blond man's neck, became quiet. His warm breath warmed Aziraphale, and such a funny reaction made him smile. Next to Crowley, he didn't stop smiling. Smile sincerely. —For six thousand years we've had such a lovely love in our hearts, - Azi whispered, stroking Anthony's hair. —Why didn't you tell me a little earlier? — Because I was afraid of losing you. I thought you'd be scared and I'd never see you again, - Crowley fingered Aziraphale's fingers, stroked them, examined every crease on the skin. The sunglasses magically ended up on the table next to the cup. — And I was scared, - the angel sighed heavily, remembering the day when he left Anthony Crowley, although he promised himself a hundred times not to think about what happened then, to stop trying to build a different scenario in his head and leave everything as it is. After all, now... —But we're happy now, - Crowley smiled. — And it doesn't matter what happened. Now you are next to me, and I feel good, I feel calm. Aziraphale, even when I wasn't aware of my feelings yet, when you were a friend to me, I was terrified that you might leave me. After all, you were my only friend, both in those days when I was an angel and in those when I became a demon. —You never stopped being an angel to me, Crowley, - Aziraphale put away the newspaper and took off his glasses, hanging them on the edge of his snow—white shirt. — And you don't stop now either. Maybe you're wearing black now, and your eyes are exactly the same as a snake's, but they have a kind look. And you have a good heart, too. — Angel, stop it. I'm a demon, I can't be kind. — You can't run away from yourself, Crowley, - the angel smiled, and in this smile Crowley recognized a kind of mockery. — Angel! Aziraphale giggled, covering his mouth with his hand. —Well, - said the serpent, finally pulling away from the angel. His hand, however, remained on Fel's shoulders. — Since the kids are gone, we can pay a little attention to each other. — We are together all the time, - Aziraphale has long learned to understand the hints of the demon, but every time he pretended that it was not so. And the cheeks were blushing. Crowley thought it was pretty damn funny. —Special attention, Aziraphale, - the red-haired man said with a sneaky demon smile. —But Crowley! - the angel was indignant. — Children can come at any time! Anyone can come! —And that's why we have to deny ourselves the pleasure? Oh, come on! — But... Ah, well, - God's messenger thought about what was the last time he was able to say "no". What happened was this: he was finally able to free himself from the shackles and go to someone who really needed him and who really loved and waited for him. The Lord, however strange it may be, calmly let him go. Aziraphale was more than sure that this was exactly what it was meant to be. The ways of the Lord are inscrutable, but he always knows everything in advance. Aziraphale no longer thought about it, but God also knew that of all the angels who served him as a real angel in the usual sense of the word, it was Aziraphale. Pure, filled with love and compassion. Moreover, he had his own opinion, and he loved people, and not only people, but everyone around him. In the boundless essence of the angel, there was also a place for love for the demon. This is how the Almighty conceived his creations. And He knew for sure that Aziraphale hadn't passed it on. The rest of the angels were firmly convinced of the opposite. It is worth saying that the Lord was also pleased with Gabriel. He was not afraid to go against the system that had arisen, acting, it seemed, like a Swiss watch. Two gears fell out of this mechanism for the first time in many millennia, but none of the Archangels, angels, and even the "gears" themselves thought that nothing had changed from this. The clock of the System both ticked and ticked, and will continue to tick, regardless of the course of events and how many more details will fall out, and moreover, the hands will keep up second by second. God knew everything initially and for sure. The same could be said about the Devil. —Let's go inside, angel, - Crowley interrupted Aziraphale's thoughts. — In fact, we need to cook dinner, and then we can cuddle. —Of course, of course, my dear. The kitchen was soon filled with the smells of boiled potatoes and fried meat. After impaling a piece of meat on a fork, Aziraphale first blew on it, and then, holding his hand under the cutlery so as not to accidentally stain the floor with oil, he handed it to Crowley. The demon gladly tasted what was offered to him and, after carefully chewing, gave his assessment: — It's ready. — Did I put too much salt in it? Angel asked cautiously. His gaze was worried. Undoubtedly, he knew that Crowley would definitely fix the situation if anything happened, because he loves to help him so much, but it was very scary to mess up himself. — No, angel, it's all right, - the demon came up from behind and, having untied the hastily tied knot of the pink cotton apron strings on Aziraphale, turned it into a neat bow. Affectionate hands embraced the blonde, feeling his tummy, and Crowley's chest pressed tightly against his lover's back. Crowley loved nothing more than hugging him from behind, nuzzling his curly snow-white hair, inhaling their painfully familiar and native fragrance, gently kissing the back of his head. And Aziraphale, in turn, liked to snuggle up to him as tightly as possible and feel the warmth emanating from the very heart of the red-haired demon, to feel all the affection and love that the serpent diligently tried to show in due measure. —Nina and Maggie, however, were right, - Crowley said suddenly, putting a strand of blond hair into a hairstyle. — About the fact that we don't talk to each other? - the angel asked, draining the excess oil from the meat, and then spreading the fragrant pieces into the potatoes, turned into a thick puree by the demon. — Yes, - the snake nodded. — Maybe we became closer after being trampled from Heaven and Hell, but we were still silent. We couldn't tell each other what we feel. It was as if there was no friendship between us, only an unattainable distance. — Perhaps we both blindly hoped that then it was no longer you and me, but us, - Aziraphale turned to him, wrapping his short arms around the neck of the chosen one. —Yeah, that's right, - Crowley sighed. —I thought I was doing the right thing, but I had to go with you. I promised you I would always be with you. —Oh, Crowley, you did the right thing, - the book lover laid his head on the Tempter's shoulder. "I should have stayed with you. Because... After all, you were right. This separation was so unbearable! —My Aziraphale... - the demon whispered affectionately, rubbing his cheek against his cheek. This was Crowley's favorite gesture, showing sincere love for the gentle creature of heaven. — When we talked... — It became easier, yes, - the angel smiled. — It became easier for me to understand you. —Neither do I, - Crowley smiled. — Is dinner ready? — Yes, if you put the desserts in the refrigerator. — I did, don't worry. — Then, I suppose, we can pay special attention to each other, - with a smile on his lips, in the corners of which a note of lust lurked, Aziraphale pressed his lips to the lips of his beloved man. Not missing the moment, Crowley pulled him into a hot kiss. He wasn't as inept as their first one, but he was still as innocent. Passion burned in them, but it was definitely not what happens in people. And the love of higher beings is special. In particular, if it concerns an angel named Aziraphale and a demon named Crowley. The men went into the room belonging to them. Having quickly finished with the buttons of the shirt, Aziraphale pulled it off Crowley's shoulders and pressed his plump lips to his neck. The demon saved him first from the vest, and then from the snow-white shirt, ironed by the serpent himself, and thrown by him as if in vain on the floor. Anthony's lips began to leave wet kisses on the velvet skin of the angel. They sat down on the bed. Perhaps, due to their unearthly origin, Aziraphale and Crowley had only to mix their energies emanating from the auras of the essence that the witch Anathema could see, and yet, in view of the fact that, as Michael or Beelzebub would say, both of them were "native", the angel and the demon preferred human caresses. Most of all, they loved to kiss each other and stroke where readers younger than the age of majority are not supposed to know, which they most often did. It rarely came to full-fledged sexual contact in the usual understanding for people. Do they need anything more? Unlikely. That's how Crowley and Aziraphale thought, giving each other hot kisses. *** —Actually, all demons are evil," said Wensleydale, who was christened Jeremy at birth, but no one called him that, not even his parents. To everyone, he was just a "Baby." — And here it is not, and here it is not! Elizabeth argued with him, jumping over the string that Adam and Pippin Galadriel Moondew, also known as Pepper, were twisting. —They're fallen angels who went against God, - Jeremy adjusted his glasses. —They resisted the established order, and we all know what happens to such people, so they are bad. — Not bad! - the girl stubbornly objected, either an angel or a snake. She didn't wear glasses, and by her special luck (in fact, with the help of a small miracle created by the girl herself)no one paid much attention to her eyes. — My father is not bad! And he's a demon! —Your father can't be a demon, they're in Hell, and he's here, - the boy didn't give up either. — What do you think, Adam? Brian, playing cards with Michael and Dave Pulcifer, got into the conversation. — Are demons bad or not? —I don't know, - the guy shrugged. — I haven't seen them. Adam and Elizabeth exchanged glances. That Sunday, everyone woke up not remembering the events foreshadowing Armageddon. Only Adam, a certain angel and a certain demon remembered. And already the children of these same angel and demon received this knowledge together with the matter that created them. Aziraphale and Crowley had to beg the Lord for a long time to give them two babies similar to them. He can, but they want to. Why not help out of old friendship, really. With grief in half, but they managed to persuade the almighty to create a small miracle. And since the old man had not done that for a long time, it turned out that it happened. And yet everyone was satisfied. Adam knew not only about Armageddon, but also that not all demons are evil. He was personally acquainted with one such demon who tried his best to stop the end of the world, along with an angel who was not exactly a saint, but still an angel. And Elizabeth was sure that Adam knew who her father was by origin and in general, as well as what he was doing contrary to the system. Michael noticed their exchange and smiled. He didn't add anything. Let people continue to think that there is a clear line between good and evil, that there is no neutral side, the junction of these two sides in the person of some of God's creatures, two of whom were his parents. —It's getting dark, - Pepper sighed. — What time is it? —Closer to ten, - the Antichrist informed her. — It's time to move home. —It's about time, - the other guys agreed. — But first let's look at the stars. It's supposed to be a starfall today, isn't it? —That's right, - Wensleydale nodded. — There are always starfalls in August. The company came to a clearing with a view of the sky. Bright stars shone on the black velvet of the sky. Jeremy and Dave were looking for co-stars; Pepper, Brian and Michael were just waiting for the beautiful spectacle to begin; Elizabeth and Adam were sitting next to each other. The guy covered Nephelim's palm with his own. The girl looked at him shyly, then lowered her eyes and straightened her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. Young smiled. He did not hide much that the neighbor's daughter was cute to him. — Look, it's started! - Dave and Jeremy shouted in unison. And indeed, it has begun! The lights of shooting stars flashed and disappeared, leaving only a pleasant memory. —When you see a shooting star, you need to make a wish, -Pepper said, already thinking about what to ask for. The guys were silent. Adam asked Elizabeth to become his wife in the future, when Betty herself asked Adam to marry her. Jeremy asked his parents to finally see him as an adult and reasonable person and stop calling him an offensive nickname. Pulcifer Jr. wished for mom's cookies with milk before going to bed and that Dad didn't break his computer. Pippin Galadriel Lunnodeva did not come up with what to wish for, so she limited herself to "world peace", which usually sounded like a toast at the festive table. And Michael asked that their family dinners always be as sincere, with an atmosphere of love and warmth, as it has always been. Nephelim loved them more than anything else in the world. It was not only the guys from Adam's team who looked at the stars that night, which did not break up even after five and a half years. Aziraphale and Crowley, lying on the grass near the house, watched the starfall in each other's company. — Do you think, angel, wishes really come true when you make them at the sight of a shooting star? Crowley asked, turning to him. He was now in his angel's shirt, while the angel was in his own. —I suppose so, - the angel of the eastern gate said thoughtfully. — The Lord, I think, hears them. After all, your creation is beautiful. — What are you talking about? — Well, the stars. The universe, nebulae, all that. With the help of them, people can unknowingly communicate with the Almighty. —You're right, - Crowley said. He wanted to say something else, but his attention was attracted by a body that flashed in the night sky. It was a comet. The demon decided to make a wish. And it was like this: to spend the rest of eternity with your beloved Aziraphale and family. He was not afraid to communicate directly with the Lord and sincerely believed that He could hear him. Even though Crowley left Paradise a long time ago and ceased to be an angel, in his heart the love for his father who threw him out of the "house" has not faded. And Aziraphale knew it. The angel didn't ask for anything. He was modest, besides, he thought that the gift in the faces of their babies was quite enough. — You know, Aziraphale, no matter how beautiful the stars I created are, the most beautiful ones are those that sparkle in your eyes... Crowley whispered fondly. —Oh, Crowley... Aziraphale blushed, but it couldn't be seen in the dark. They turned to each other. Anthony approached to kiss his lover, but the touching moment was not destined to happen. Laughing, the children rushed at them, screaming about something in one voice. — Quiet you, ha-ha-ha! - Crowley caught Michael, hugging him. He tousled his son's hair. — What is it, what happened?! Aziraphale asked worriedly, placing his palm on Elizabeth's cheek, but the girl only hugged him around the neck, laughing. The angel melted and, hugging his daughter in response, quietly giggled. — Have you seen a comet? Betty asked, not without passion, obviously experiencing a lot of emotions from what she saw. —Yes, - Aziraphale said, and the smile on his face widened. — She's so beautiful! Michael said enthusiastically. — It was your father who created such a charm, - the angel looked at Anthony. The latter smiled shyly. — Come on, whatever, I was just taking part. The comet, of course, is beautiful, but there is one thing that is even more charming than it - the appearance of the snake has become conspiratorial. — And what is it? - looking at the father, the children asked. There was a spark of sincere childish curiosity in their eyes. —Your dad's eyes, of course, - the demon said with a gentle smile. —Well, Crowley! The angel of the eastern gate was indignant, embarrassed. — Not in front of the children! — What did I say? The serpent chuckled maliciously. He knew that even such words could confuse his angel, but he simply could not miss the opportunity to see him like this. Yes, and he said the purest truth. Elizabeth and Michael giggled. The love of their parents was for them an example of examples, something incomprehensibly beautiful and sensual. Their concepts of love were equated with those of the most ordinary angels, so it was not difficult for them to understand the feelings of Crowley and Aziraphale. The truth of their feelings was indicated by a bright and warm aura, which surrounded both the angel and the demon themselves, and their offspring. — Well, since you're here, -said Aziraphale, clumsily getting up from the ground. —it's time to go to dinner! The angel was smiling with his hands folded in front of him. He was already looking forward to a nice evening with his family. Crowley got up after him and shyly pulled back his clothes. He planned to get up first and give Fell a hand, then kiss her to see again the shadow of embarrassment settled on the angel's face, but he was ahead of him and stood up himself. —Yes, it's time, - the demon sighed. Aziraphale put his arm around his arm, pressing his cheek against his shoulder. And Crowley melted, squeezing his palm. Anthony was bustling around the cutting table, quickly slicing bread. Aziraphale, along with the children, as always chattering incessantly, sat at the table and listened attentively to his pupils. No matter how much he tried to help, Crowley forbade him to get up, kissed his palms and said that these hands were created to kiss them, not to bother.The angel was undoubtedly embarrassed, but did not contradict him. Besides, the serpent did a great job without him. Soon he was sitting in his seat next to his favorite bookseller, chewing potatoes and listening to the children. —And Jeremy said, - Elizabeth chattered, barely managing to swallow her food, —that all demons are evil and bad! But this is such nonsense! — Elizabeth, you don't talk with your mouth full, - Aziraphale reminded her sternly. — Am I evil? Crowley asked, puzzled, still lost in his thoughts. He compared his daughter to the nuns of the Order of St. Beryl. She would fit in perfectly with their company, the demon thought. — Of course not! — Michael objected. - You are very kind and good! And you love Dad very much. Aziraphale was embarrassed again, wiped his lips with a napkin, looking down. — And here I did not guess, ha-ha-ha! I am very angry! And a scoundrel! - in the meanest way, the snake grabbed Michael by the side. The boy squealed, and then they all laughed together. Only Aziraphale was indignant, but he could not restrain the ringing angelic laughter for a long time. After dinner, according to the tradition that has developed over five years of family life, as soon as Elizabeth and Michael brush their teeth, take a warm bath and find themselves in bed (they refused to sleep separately at all), Aziraphale and Crowley, sitting on either side of their babies, opened a book from the angel's library and read some roles a bedtime story. Crowley was great at portraying princesses and witches, but it's better if he doesn't know about it. —So, Cinderella, - Aziraphale announced. — Where were we? But Elizabeth suddenly closed the book, preventing the parent from finding the right page. —We've heard it all before, - she said. - Yes! — Michael interjected. - And let's you... — Come up with your own fairy tale! The Nephelim said in one voice. — Your fairy tale ...? - the angel Aziraphale was confused. — Yes! - repeated the crumbs. The blond man looked at his lover. Crowley was serene. He took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and, sighing, said: — Why not? — But Crowley... — I'll start, - the man smiled at him. This smile comforted the angel. The demon loved helping him so much! — Ita-a-ak... Once upon a time I lived in the world... Princess! She...she was so beautiful that everyone was fascinated by her and even the most callous and evil person was kind from her smile alone... All this time Crowley kept his eyes on the interested Aziraphale and smiled at him. —...She was blond, blue-eyed. And she had a prince... — The prince was a bad character, but the princess knew that he was real at heart...an angel! Aziraphale picked up the topic, realizing what his beloved copper-haired demon was talking about. — The prince was very curious, and once, having got involved with a bad company, he paid for it. The king-father kicked him out of the palace and then... — And then the prince became a robber, like those guys he got involved with. But, unlike his comrades, he did not like to do evil and tried to pretend that he was...bad guy. They had known the princess for a long time, and since she was pure in heart, even when the prince became like this, she loved him with all her heart. — And the prince, even though he was dressed in robbers' robes, was always the same prince in the eyes of the princess. And the beauty of that prince was unearthly... — But not as handsome as the princess, of course. The children had no idea that the fairy tale that interested them so much was a piece of their own lives. A fairy tale is a lie, but there is a hint in it. — But one day their parents found out that they love each other despite their prohibitions... Aziraphale was saying. — And they had parents... The Witch and the Dragon! Crowley chimed in. —The witch enchanted the king, the prince's father, because he opposed her will... — But they were once true friends to each other! They really doted on each other. — Oh, yeah. And they decided to separate their children. — The princess, like the prince, did not understand... They even condemned some of their parents' actions. They were loved by people, but not by palace servants... — But their children were happy with each other, why did they want to separate them?! - little Elizabeth was indignant, flapping her yellow snake eyes. — Who knows, - Crowley sighed. — In the past, something was not shared, and the children are paying... — But this is wrong! - now Michael also expressed indignation. Aziraphale stroked his son's head. — But the Witch and the Dragon had their own opinion on this. — And what happened next? Betty asked. — The sorceress sent her very close servant to the princess. He was eloquent, really, eloquent," Anthony continued. — He told the princess that she was...she will be able to influence the actions of her parent, she will listen to her more often, and in her service she will have those servants who once bullied and offended her. Aziraphale sighed. How right Crowley was. —And the princess didn't recognize the deception in his words? - Michael stared at his father. —No, - Aziraphale shook his head. — She is... —... was too kind, gentle and trusting, - Crowley finished for her husband. Seeing a bitter smile on his face, the snake put his arm around his shoulders. — She thought that she could change everything, that the servants would become kinder, and the poor people who suffered from the deeds of the Sorceress and her minions would be happy. And the minions themselves will become kinder. —How wrong she was! - angel sighed. — But the Witch was kind... And the princess never doubted her. For the time being, of course. An eloquent servant told her that she could take the prince with her. She was delighted and went to tell the happy news to the prince, but he understood everything and tried to dissuade her. The prince loved the princess with the purest love, and he did not hold her, just said that he was very against it... She asked him to leave with her, she said she needed him. And yet they misunderstood each other and quarreled. They grieved without each other, but they were firmly convinced that they were doing the right thing. —The Prince has lost his peace since that day. He hardly slept, walked in the rain and called his princess, - Anthony Crowley spoke in a lower voice than he had spoken before. — He tried to learn to live without her, he cried a lot, but he couldn't do anything with himself - that's how strong his love for her was. —The Princess cried a lot too, -Aziraphale added sadly. — She missed her lover. Nothing had changed, but now the princess was dependent on the Sorceress. And then she doubted her. Feelings tormented the princess, and she decided to take a desperate step. She loved her prince so much that she was not afraid to leave after losing the crown, because she realized that no one but the prince needed her and no one but him loved her. —And she left...? - Elizabeth asked cautiously. — Yes, - the angel-father nodded. —she left and found her prince. — He was looking for her, too," Crowley added. — And when I found it, I was very happy. — They embraced and the princess, running her hands into his fiery hair, pulled him to her face and kissed him gently. — And then they left and began to live among those unfortunate people. And they realized that they could be really happy here. And the Dragon and the Witch very soon forgot about them. — About my own children... - the daughter of an angel and a demon was upset. Aziraphale stroked her back. — But it's better, of course, when Mom and dad love their children. —Or Dad and Dad, - Michael smiled. Crowley patted him on the head. — That's it. Now, let's go to bed. We're going to London with Dad tomorrow on business," the demon looked at the angel. — Can I bring you some sweets? —Yes! - the crumbs responded. — Then sleep well! Aziraphale smiled, getting off the bed. Together with Crowley, they straightened the blanket with which their son and daughter were covered, kissed each good night and left the room, putting out the lamps. The angel closed the door behind them. —And what, - he asked, —did the Sorceress and the Dragon not reconcile? — Alas, but no, - Crowley put his arm around his lover's waist. — Yes, and I don't care about them, the main thing is that an angel... That is, the princess and the prince are happy. Fell smiled. He kissed his prince on the cheek. —You're right. They will have time to think about what their stupid quarrels will lead to. —Absolutely, - Crowley nodded, and together, hugging, they went to their room. A certain angel and a certain demon fell asleep in each other's arms that night, lying in a warm bed. They watched the same dreams about a beautiful and trusting princess and a kind robber prince.