The Promise
Thursday, September 22nd, 2022

Ed let out a sigh as he entered the house, grateful to be home.  He made his way to the back patio where Steve was putting the finishing touches on a tray for their tea.  Something about his beloved so carefully arranging sandwiches and sweets for him shattered the angel.

Hearing Ed's sob, Steve spun around.

"Darling!  What's wrong?" he asked.

Ed motioned for Steve to take a seat on their wicker loveseat then settled beside him, leaning into Steve's ready embrace.

"There now...  Did you have a bad day at work?  You're home now.  You're safe, Ed.  We can talk about it... or not," Steve cooed as he gently ran his fingers through Ed's hair.

"'S nothing.  I mean... it... it is but... it'll be all right.  Just..."  Ed buried his face in Steve's shoulder for a moment then drew in a shaky breath and turned so he was on his back, looking up at Steve.  "Someone found an abused dog and brought him in.  Poor fella will be fine and Fitz and Ihsan are friends with a couple who just lost their old girl.  They've already said they'll adopt him.  So... so he's set for life.  Just..."

"I'm sure it was awful to see," Steve suggested when Ed broke off.

Ed nodded.

"And even knowing there's a happy ending coming, that doesn't change the past, hmm?"

"No... doesn't.  Just... wish I could make him understand that things will be all right.  He just cowered in the corner of his stall a-and flinched whenever I tried to pet him."

"Well, I'm sure with time he'll come to understand that you, Fitz, Ihsan, and his eventual owners mean him no harm.  He just needs a little time, darling.  But he has the very perfect people on his side now."

"Yeah..."  Ed managed a smile then reached up to caress Steve's hair and face.  "Broke my heart to see him.  But also...  I guess it made me think back.  About how it felt to... to think I'd never be happy again."

Steve reached for Ed's hand and pressed a kiss into his palm.

Ed let out a shaky sigh. 

"And it took you a bit to realize that you could be happy again... that you had people who love you.  But you learned, Ed.  So will the doggo."

"So happy..."  Ed smiled up at Steve then brushed away his lingering tears.  "You're right.  Little fella will meet his people and be fine... be treated like a prince, really.  Now...  Got all out of sorts and didn't get my welcome home kiss so..."  Ed moved to straddle Steve's lap.

"Ooh, yes.  But hold on just a moment..." 

Ed looked on curiously as Steve removed a small box from his pocket but before he could question it, Steve's hands were grazing his hips and he refocused on his mission.

After several kisses, the couple pulled themselves away from each other so they could enjoy their tea.  Ed was halfway through his cup and a sandwich when he remembered the box.

"So what's that then?"

Steve's face flushed.

"Oh...  It's probably silly."

Ed beamed.

"I love silly.  Especially when it's you being silly."

"Well... it's just... maybe it's childish but..."  Steve shrugged.  "I've been doing some thinking and I got to remembering that during our senior prom, I gave Maren a promise ring.  Last I saw it, it was in Annie's dress-up box which is where it deserves to be."  He chuckled.  "It wasn't much a-and I got it because some other kids were and I didn't want Maren to feel left out.  Anyway, like I said, it's probably childish but it... it bothered me that I'd done something for Maren that I hadn't for you and... well..."

Ed's eye brows shot up.

Steve reached for the box.

"I went to a craft fair with JenniAnn and Aziraphale that day you, Andrew, and Crowley were delivering that furniture to the Chrysalis.  And I saw this ring that reminded me of you but it wasn't the right size so I asked the vendor to make a custom one and she did and it arrived today.  And... I just wanted you to have it because... well, whatever happens... whatever decision you make in the future about what you're going to do... I promise I'll be there.  Til... til my last breath, darling."

Ed wept happy tears as Steve slid the ring onto his finger.  He kissed him then rested his forehead against his.

"Thank you....  So... so beautiful, love..."

"Just like you.  It... it reminded me of the first time I saw you, dressed in black and purple and with the lights flickering around you... ethereal and gorgeous.  My angel."

"Your demon," Ed corrected with a wavering smile.

Steve shook his head and cupped Ed's face in his hands.

"No.  You were always my angel."

Ed sniffled then threw his arms around Steve, kissing his neck.

"Love you so much, Steve."

"I love you, too, Ed."

Ed beamed at his ring for a few moments then grinned at Steve before starting another round of kisses.



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