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Warlock knew four things. One, They were in Soho. Two, they needed to get back to the room they were renting. Three, they had no idea how to get back. Four, their phone was dead and they only had a charger, not a battery pack. Maybe they could ask one of the shop owners if they could plug in their phone in their shop? Yeah, that seemed like a good plan.
Warlock continued walking. They didn’t have any money on them, they’d been relying on Apple Pay, so ‘Give Me Coffee Or Give Me Death’ was out. The magic shop was also out, they’d decided years ago that having the name Warlock meant they were never going into a magic shop, not that they’d want to. There was a record shop that looked like a safe bet, but further examination revealed that it was closed as, according to the note on the door, the owner was sick. There was- oh nope, that was a brothel, serious no-go. They stopped walking and looked around for a minute. Their last real option was the bookstore on the corner. They made up their mind and walked towards the shop.
As they stepped through the doors a bell rang above their head and they heard shuffling from what they assumed was a back room. As they walked further into the store, a portly man with white hair wearing a suit, that frankly looked like it belonged in a museum, came out from the aforementioned back room. Warlock stopped halfway between the door and the desk the man was now standing by. “Can I help you?” The man’s voice sounded warm and welcoming, but his body language was cold and closed off, which threw Warlock off a bit. They shifted their weight from one foot to the other “I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m kinda lost and my phone died so I don’t have my GPS and I was wondering if I could plug it in in here for a bit?” At that, some of the tension seemed to ease from the bookshop owner's shoulders and his smile seemed to become just a bit more genuine. He clasped his hands in front of himself, “Of course, you may plug in your mobile. If you’ll follow me, I’m afraid there aren’t many plugs in the main shop and they’re all being used at the moment but there are some in the back room.”
As Warlock followed the man into the back room, they couldn’t help but notice that there was something familiar about him. As they looked at him longer they realized why, he reminded them of Brother Francis. He had the same white hair and the old clothes were similar to the kind of thing the gardener had worn. Brother Francis had also emitted the same warm, comforting aura that Warlock felt from the bookseller.
…ooo0ooo…
They missed Brother Francis, he’d left the same day that Nanny had right before he turned eleven. They missed Nanny too. They’d tried to get into contact with both of them multiple times, the first right after they’d left, the next the day that their parents had told them they were moving to America, and the last the day that Harriet and Thaddeus had told them to leave after they came out as non-binary. They had been so sure that Nanny would finally respond that time.
Warlock couldn’t lie and say they hadn’t been expecting to be kicked out for coming out, that’s why they’d waited till they were eighteen and had full control of their bank accounts. They’d already packed their bags and bought a plane ticket so that when Thaddeus had, inevitably, told them to get out all they had to do was grab their bag and go to the airport. Once in London, they’d rented a cheap room to stay in until school when they’d move into the dorms .
…ooo0ooo…
Warlock suddenly realized two things: one, that the man was talking, and two, they had stopped walking. Warlock flushed slightly and rubbed the back of their neck “I’m sorry I zoned out a bit, could you repeat that?” The man smiled kindly “Of course, I was simply saying that there should be an outlet next to the couch, feel free to make yourself comfortable and you may stay as long as you need. Would you like anything to drink?” Warlock walked over to the couch and turned around “I’m ok, but thank you for your help.”
“It’s no problem. I’ll be out in the shop, if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Mr…”
“Fell. Or Aziraphale. Either is fine.”
“Thank you, Mr. Fell.” Warlock finishes. The- Mr. Fell smiles again then turns around and walks back out into the shop. Warlock takes their backpack off their shoulders, pulls out their charger, and plugs it into the wall then their phone, before taking a seat on the couch and pulling a book out of their backpack. They were gonna be here for a while, might as well get some of their assignments done .
…ooo0ooo…
Fifteen-odd minutes later, they closed their book and stood up walking out into the shop. They looked around for Mr. Fell and when they spotted him walked over to the bookseller.
“Mr. Fell?”
The man jumped a bit and turned “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Warlock said somewhat guiltily. “It’s no problem, dear boy,” Warlock cringed slightly but didn’t say anything. “Is everything alright?”
“Fine, I was just wondering if I could maybe have a glass of water? I’m just a little thirsty.”
Mr. Fell smiled and nodded “Of course.” he said as he turned and walked towards the spiral stairs in the back of the shop. “I’ll be back in just a moment Warlock.” He’d just… Warlock froze. Mr. Fell had called them by their name, they’d never told the man their name, had they? No, they hadn’t.
“How do you know my name?”
Mr. Fell froze, “Whatever do you mean?” he bluffs.
“I never told you my name, but you just said ‘Be back in just a moment Warlock ’, so how do you know my name?”
The bookseller shuffled his feet and wrung his hands nervously. Ice was starting to work its way up Warlock's spine. How did this man know who they were? Were they in danger?
“I well- I” Mr. Fell started.
Just then the bell above the door rang informing the two of the arrival of someone new.
“Angel I’m home.” A voice calls from the front of the shop and Warlock sees Mr. Fell relax slightly.
“Just a moment Crowley!”
He turns his gaze from the direction of the voice to the teen in front of him. “Warlock I promise you there is a completely reasonable explanation for this. If you’ll just come with me to the front of the store I, well we, can explain. I assure you we have no intention of harming you. You are completely safe.” Warlock eyes the man wearily for a few moments but eventually realizes that the front of the shop is probably a better place anyway. On one hand, it’s more open, and it’s also close to the door so they can make a break for it if they need to. They nod reluctantly and follow Mr. Fell back to the front.
…ooo0ooo…
As soon as Warlock sees the person, who is now leaning on the desk, they stop. They’re wearing black ripped skinny jeans that look way too tight to be comfortable, a cropped black turtleneck (minus sleeves per that one post) , and a jacket thrown over her shoulders. What gives Warlock pause is his face and hair. He looks different, but between the dark, round glasses, the snake on their right cheek, and the red hair that reaches just above her shoulders, Warlock would recognize the person in front of them anywhere.
“Nanny?”
When he- Mr. Fell had called them Crowley now hadn’t he?- when Crowley had seen Warlock they’d looked between the teen and Mr. Fell, eventually landing on the bookshop owner, but now she turned to Warlock.
“Hey, hellspawn.” He chanced a small smile.
As soon as they’d received a response, Warlock had thrown themself full force at their Nanny. She’d caught them easily and held them in a tight embrace gently rubbing their back. “I missed you so much,” Warlock muttered into her chest. Crowley smiled and squeezed a little tighter “I missed you too hellspawn.” Finally looking up from the teen in his arms, Crowley looked to Aziraphale for an explanation.
“Perhaps we should all sit down, hm?”
Warlock pulled back from the embrace as they heard their Nanny make an affirmative noise. Suddenly they remembered the previous conversation.
“Wait, hold on, Mr. Fell you still haven’t explained why the hell you know my name.”
“Right. Would telling you that I’ve had some dental work done be a good hint?”
Warlock nearly rolled their eyes. Who the hell was this guy? Why did he know their Nanny? What did dental- Wait… Their eyes went wide, “Brother Francis?” Aziraphale smiled small and sweet.
“Hello Warlock. I’m sorry to have worried you.”
“Wait but… so… I-” They felt a bit like the world was spinning, but Nanny’s hand on their shoulder was grounding them a bit.
“Come, dear boy,” Warlock cringed again, “Let’s go sit down Crowley and I will explain.”
Warlock hesitated and looked down. “I’m not…” they mumbled. Crowley and Aziraphale share a look of confusion and a bit of worry then look back to the teen.
“I- I’m not a boy…”
Aziraphale’s eyes widen and Crowley’s hand drops from their shoulder, bringing Warlock’s stomach with it. They squeeze their eyes shut preparing for rejection. They hear footsteps moving closer, then a hand on their arm and they flinch. Against their better judgment, they open their eyes a bit. Aziraphale is kneeling in front of them now eyes soft and slightly guilty. Aziraphale squeezes their arm gently before speaking: “I’m so sorry my dear, I didn’t mean to misgender you. What pronouns would you like us to use for you?” His voice is gentle and it makes Warlock want to cry. No one’s ever reacted this way when they’ve come out to them.
“You… aren’t… rejecting me…?”
Aziraphale's eyes sadden and Warlock can feel concern and anger radiating off their Nanny from where she stands behind them. Aziraphale opens his mouth to respond but Crowley beats him to it: “Nkg- of course not hellspawn. Bloody hypocrites if we did. We‘re both gender fluid,” He says behind them, “so, what’d you want us to call you kiddo?” Warlock smiles to themself, “they/them. Warlock is still fine.”
“Very well-” Aziraphale stands up “-let’s continue this in the back. We owe you quite the explanation. Oh!” He claps “And I haven’t brought that glass of water. Crowley, could you go with them please? I’ll be back in just a minute.” He turns and walks back towards the stairs.
Warlock realizes the hand is back on their shoulder and turns to look at their Nanny, er, Crowley. “C’mon, hellspawn.” She starts walking towards the back room, but Warlock doesn’t move quite yet.
“Wait… What do you want me to call you ?”
He smiles. “Whatever you want. Nanny, Crowley, Ashy, Anthony, he/she/they. I don’t mind.” They think for a second, “Ngk, well, anything but Crawly, other than that it’s up to you.” Warlock, content with her answer, follows them to the back. They sit back down where they’d been sitting by their phone while Crowley sits on the opposite end of the couch. They sit in silence for a minute before Warlock leans in again for a hug that Crowley returns easily. They stay like that for a moment before Aziraphale walks back in and Warlock pulls away. They take the glass of water that Aziraphale hands them and settle back into the cushions after taking a few sips.
Aziraphale settles in his chair across from the couch. There’s silence for a few more moments before Crowley clears his throat and shifts.
“So Angel, you gonna start or should I?”
“I was considering where exactly to start, my dear.”
“I can help with that.” Started Warlock “Why did you leave?”
…ooo0ooo…
When Nanny had sat them down and told them she was leaving Warlock had been hurt. She’d assured them that it was nothing they’d done and that their parents had just decided that they were too old for a nanny, but they couldn’t help it. Then Brother Francis had left on the same day without any explanation at all. They’d copied Nanny’s phone number from their mom's phone that day and tried texting her, but they’d never gotten a response. They’d never felt as alone as they did now. Their parents had never really been there. It was always Nanny and Brother Francis , but now they were gone.
They knew that Nanny had said that it wasn’t anything Warlock had done, but they couldn’t help but worry. Why would Nanny and Brother Francis leave on the same day if not because of something they’d done?
…ooo0ooo…
Aziraphale and Crowley both flinched. It was coincidentally a great place to start, but it would also likely not be a great conversation. They both just hoped Warlock wouldn’t run screaming by the end.
“Well,” Crowley started, “I wasn’t lying to you when I said that your dad decided you were too old for a nanny, but there was also some… other stuff…” That didn’t make them feel much better, but it was a start.
“Did I do something wrong? Is that the other-”
“No.” Crowley practically snarled. “Us leaving had nothing to do with anything you did. I promise hellspawn, there’s nothing you could’ve done to make us want to leave.”
“Dear, there are some things about Crowley and myself that you need to understand before we continue,” Aziraphale added. “We aren’t exactly human. Crowley is a demon. I am an angel.”
Warlock looked between them unamused. Seriously? Did they think they were still a kid? They’re nineteen for fuck sake. “Ok yeah, sure you are.”
“Hellspawn, look at me.” Warlock turned and froze as soon as they made eye contact with their nanny. Crowley’s glasses were off now and staring back at them were two yellow snake eyes. There was clear worry in those eyes, but once the initial shock had passed and logic came back to Warlock they were more annoyed than they had been. “Alright, cool contacts Nanny. This isn’t funny y’know. I was seriously hurt when you guys left.”
Aziraphale sighed and stood up. Removing his jacket and waistcoat and placing them neatly on the chair. He moved to the middle of the room and rolled his shoulders. All of a sudden Warlock's vision was filled with white. After a few seconds, they realized they were looking at six pairs of white wings, and their brain promptly shortcirculated. They scrambled back on the couch and distantly noticed both beings in front of them flinch.
“What. The. Fuck?” They tried to get their breathing to somewhat normal. “You’re… What?!”
“Warlock…” Crowley moved slightly closer to them, “Kiddo, we’re the same people you grew up with…” She smiled hesitantly, “You ok?”
They thought for a moment. The more they thought about it, the more their childhood made sense when you added in the factor of being raised by two supernatural beings. They looked between the two beings before settling on Crowley, “Yeah. I think I am.” Aziraphale and Crowley both visibly relaxed at this and Warlock realized that the two had been just as afraid of rejection as they’d been just a few minutes ago.
“Great,” Crowley sighed, “now the hard part.”
…ooo0ooo…
As they listened to the beings they had once considered like parents explain they felt dread balling up in their stomach. The angel and demon had been taking care of the wrong kid for almost six years. They had only started taking care of them because they thought Warlock was supposed to end the world. They’d wasted their time and risked the world. Warlock had only been a burden to the two most important people in their life, no wonder they’d never gotten a response to their texts. They were gonna be sick.
“So…” Warlock started after the story had finished “I never really mattered…”
“What?” Crowley asked shocked. “Why the hell would you think that?”
“Well for one, you were just trying to make sure I didn’t end the world. Two, I was the wrong kid anyway so you just wasted your time. Three, you never responded to my texts.”
“Oh, hellspawn no.” The demon shifted closer to the teen, but before she could continue Aziraphale spoke, “Warlock we cared very much, still do. If it had been up to us we would’ve stayed, but it wasn’t. We talked about coming back once everything had calmed down, but we’d already meddled in your life enough, you deserved a normal childhood even if it was only a few years. I’m so sorry we hurt you.”
Ok so the pair had cared at least, that was good, they turned to Cowley, “That still doesn’t explain why you never responded to any of my texts. I mean, I thought for sure I’d get a response when I told you I got kicked out, but still nothing…”
“I only ever got the first one. I changed my number when everything happened, and- wait you what ?!”
“They kicked me out when I came out. I mean I was expecting it, so it’s not that big of a deal. But-”
“Bloody arssse holess! Angel, I ssswear sssome people don’t dessserve to be parentsss.” Crowley hissed. She looked pissed, Aziraphale looked mad too but seemed to be hiding it better.
“Warlock my dear, where are you staying?” He asked, tone clipped.
They looked up at the angel. “At the moment? I’m renting out a room in someone’s apartment. It’s not great , but I’m only there until the fall term starts. I’m usually in a dorm on campus.”
Aziraphale and Crowley share a look and turn back to the teen in front of them.
“You can stay here if you like.” They say at the same time. Warlock's eyes go wide, they’d been hoping to be able to at least keep in touch with the pair, they hadn’t expected an offer of moving in. They must’ve been quiet for too long since Aziraphale added “You don’t have to of course. It’s up to you dear.” And Crowley seemed to deflate a little. Warlock considered it for a moment.
“I wouldn’t want to be a burden. I already wasted six years of your lives.”
“You did not waste our time hellspawn. Those were some of the best years of our very, very long lives. Like I said before, if it’d been up to us we would’ve stayed or taken you with us. We hated that we had to leave you there with them.”
“We would’ve adopted you if it’d been up to us.” Aziraphale mudders under his breath.
Without thinking Warlock added, “You still could.”
Aziraphale and Crowley look hopeful yet weary at their comment. “If that’s something you would want we can certainly discuss it. Perhaps we should see if you enjoy living here though before we take action. I would hate it if we went through with it only for you to realize you don’t enjoy living here.” Crowley nods their agreement and Warlock smiles.
“Any chance I could get a ride to go pick up my stuff?”