Ineffable Husbands

Ineffable Husbands is the slash ship between Aziraphale and Crowley from the Good Omens fandom.

Before Christ
Aziraphale is guarding one of the walls of Eden when a snake slides up beside him and take the form of a demon. They look out as Adam and Eve leave the garden. The demon says that he doesn't get what's so bad about knowing between right and wrong. Aziraphale says that it must be bad, but gets stuck on the demon's name, who introduces himself as "Crawly". He continues says that Crawly wouldn't have tempted Adam and Eve with the apple if it was good. Crawly questions why god made it so easy to get to the tree and what's god really planning. Aziraphale tells him that they're not meant to speculate on the great plan, since it's ineffable. Crawly then notices that Aziraphale's sword is gone, and asks what happened to it. Aziraphale admits that he gave it to Adam and Eve given that they could get into danger. He hopes that he didn't do the wrong thing, and Crawly tells him that he's an angel, it's probably not possible. Aziraphale thanks him, since it's been bothering him. Crawly admits that he's been worrying that he did the right thing letting them eat the apple, and it'd be funny if they both got it wrong. Aziraphale laughs for a second before saying that it wouldn't.

Aziraphale is watching the building of Noah's arc when Crawly appears. He asks how the flaming sword worked out, and Aziraphale tells him that god hasn't mentioned it. Crawly then asks what's going on. Aziraphale tells him that god might be planning to wipe out the human race. Crawly is very shocked by this, calling it something that the demon's would do. Aziraphale tells him that they can't question god's plan.

After Christ
Aziraphale and Crawly watch as Jesus is put on the cross. Crawly asks if he's come to smirk, since Heaven's the one who put him on the cross. Azriaphale tells him that he doesn't decide on policy, and Crawly tells him he's changed his name to Crowley, since the last one was to squirming. Aziraphale reminds him that he was a snake. He then asks if Crowley ever met Jesus. Crowley admits that he showed him the kingdoms of the world, and that he was a bright young man. Aziraphale asks why, and Crowley says that he didn't have many travel opportunities. He then asks what Jesus said that upset everyone. Aziraphale says that it was to be kind to each other. Crowley says that that will do it.

Eight years later, Aziraphale is in a restaurant in Rome when he notices Crowley. They share a toast, and Aziraphale asks if he's in Rome for long. He's only there for a quick temptation, and asks about Aziraphale. He says that he's there for Petronius' new restaurant, since he apparently he does remarkable things with oysters. Crowley comments that he's never had an oyster, and Aziraphale is about to "tempt" him before commenting that it's more Crowley's job.

In 576, Aziraphale, working for the round table, goes to speak to the Black Knight. Once there he realizes that it's Crowley. Aziraphale asks why he's there, and Crowley tells him that he's there to stir up discord. Aziraphale says that he's there to spread peace. Crowley realizes that they're both just canceling each other out, and it'd be easier if they both just left and sent messages to the head offices saying they did what they did. Aziraphale's against it, since it's lying and they'd check. Crowley argues that the higher ups have better things to do, and as long as their doing something now and again there can't be any harm. Aziraphale says no, and ends their conversation right there.

At the Globe Theater, Crowley arrives to meet Aziraphale, confused since they'd both assumed that they would be able to hide in the crowd that isn't there. Aziraphale asks what he wants, and Crowley asks why he would think that. Aziraphale says that Crowley is up to something bad, and Crowley says that's obvious, just like him being up to good. Aziraphale tells him he's to go to Edinburgh, and Crowley reveals that he has to go there as well. Crowley sees it as a waste of effort for both of them to go, and Aziraphale asks if he's inferring that only one of them goes and does both. Crowley reminds him that they've done it dozens of times, and that their offices don't care how things get done, just that they do. Aziraphale tells him that if hell finds out then Crowley will be destroyed, but Crowley says they don't have to know, and hold up a coin to toss for Edinburgh. Aziraphale gives in, and flips for Edinburgh. They overhear Shakespeare say it would take a miracle for anyone to see Hamlet, and Aziraphale looks to Crowley. Crowley gives in and decides to perform a miracle, his treat.

Aziraphale is in a cell when time freezes, and he turns to see Crowley behind him. Crowley asks what Azirphale is doing there, since he was opening a book shop in England. Aziraphale explains that he was craving crepes and the only place you can get decent one's is Paris. Crowley asks how he thought that was a good idea. Aziraphale says that he heard that the people were getting carried away, but Crowley says that they're a bit past that. Crowley asks why he didn't use a miracle to get him out, Aziraphale explains that he was reprimanded for too many frivolous miracles. Crowley says that he's lucky that he was here, and Aziraphale says that he is, and asks why Crowley is there. Crowley says he was given accommodations for good performance, and Aziraphale asks if Paris is his doing. Crowley tells him that the humans thought it up themselves, and releases Aziraphale from his chains. Aziraphale says that he's grateful and offers to buy him lunch. Crowley question's if that's a good idea, if Aziraphale is going to keep being dressed like and aristocrat. Aziraphale miracle's himself a new outfit, and the two leave.

In St. James park, Crowley and Aziraphale meet. Crowley starts to think about if their arrangement goes sideways, they've got a lot in common. Aziraphale says that they may have both started out as angels, but Crowley is fallen. Crowley says he didn't fall more, sauntered down. He asks for a favor, and Aziraphale reminds him that they already have an arrangement. Crowley that this is different, for in case things go wrong. Crowley hands Aziraphale a note with the words Holy Water on it, and Aziraphale says that it's out of the question. Crowley asks why not, and Aziraphale says it would destroy him. Crowley assures him that it's only for insurance, but Aziraphale won't do it. He'd been massive amounts of trouble if heaven knew that he and Crowley were "fraternizing", and doesn't see the point in discussing it further. Crowley says that he has plenty of other people to "fraternize" with, and he doesn't need Aziraphale. Aziraphale says that the feeling is mutual and throws away the paper.

Aziraphale is about to be "killed" by Nazi's when a door opens and in walks Crowley, basically burning his feet on the church's concentrated ground. Aziraphale asks why he's there, and Crowley says it's to stop him from getting into trouble. Aziraphale assumes that Crowley was behind the whole thing, but Crowley says that he just didn't want to see him be embarrassed. As the Nazi's are about to shoot them, Crowley informs them that a German bomber will drop on the church soon, and they'll only live if they run very very fast. The Nazi says that they're meant to drop on the other side of London, Crowley telling him it would take a last minute demonic intervention to throw them off course, and it would take a miracle for him and Aziraphale to survive it. The bomb then lands, leaving Aziraphale and Crowley as the only survivors. Aziraphale tells Crowley that it was very kind of him to do what he did, but Crowley just tells him to shut up. Aziraphale starts to continue but realizes that his books probably got blown up, Crowley walks over and picks up the bag that the books are held in, non blown up. He gives the bag to Aziraphale and says that he did a little miracle of his own. He asks if he needs a lift home, as Aziraphale finally falls for him.

Several decades later, Crowley enters his car when Aziraphale appears. Crowley asks what he's doing there, Aziraphale telling him that he needed a word. He heard about Crowley setting up a heist for Holy Water, and says that it's too dangerous since it will destroy him. Crowley remind him that he already said this one hundred and five years ago. Aziraphale hasn't changed his mind, but doesn't want Crowley risking his life, especially for this. He pulls out a thermos of Holy Water, and tells him to call off the robbery. Crowley carefully takes is and asks if it's the real thing. Aziraphale says it's the "holyiest", leaving Crowley amazed that he would do this after everything he said. He asks if he should say thank you, but Aziraphale says he better not. Crowley asks if he should drop him off anywhere, but Aziraphale says no. He thinks that maybe one day they could go for a picnic or dine at the Ritz, but not now. Crowley says that he'll take him anywhere he wants, but Aziraphale just smiles at him sadly and says that he goes to fast for him. He leaves the car, and Crowley.

The Anti Christ
Aziraphale receives a call from Crowley, and they agree to meet the next day, to discuss possible Armageddon. Aziraphale asks Crowley if he's sure it was the anti-christ, and Crowley says that he would know, since he handed it over. Aziraphale is sure that heaven will win when Armageddon happens, but Crowley starts to list the things on earth that will disappear if they do. He explains that they have eleven years till they kid grows up and have to work together, but Aziraphale says no. Crowley tries to get him to agree but Aziraphale won't budge. Crowley then suggest they get lunch, since he still owes him one. They go out to lunch, and when finished, head back to Aziraphale's place for a drink.

Pre-Apocalypse
Aziraphale receives a call from Crowley, telling him to meet him at their third alternative rendezvous. Aziraphale asks which one that is, and Crowley reminds him that it's the bandstand. He hangs up and heads out.

Aziraphale meets Crowley, who asks if he has any news on the Anti-Christ, but neither of them do. Aziraphale says that it's part of the great plan, and Crowley yells into the sky over the whole thing. Aziraphale asks that he be forgiven, but Crowley says he won't, since part of a demon's job description is being unforgivable. Crowley know they can find the kid, but Aziraphale asks what happens after that. Killing him? Crowley suggests that someone does, but he's really not up for killing kids. Aziraphale doesn't want to either, and that if he does it then heaven doesn't have blood on its hands. Crowley says that's a bit holier than thought, Aziraphale saying that he is. Crowley says that he's being ridiculous and questions why their still talking about this, as does Aziraphale. He turns and starts to leave just as Aziraphale says that he can't leave since there's nowhere else to go. Crowley says that the universe is big, and they can run off together. Aziraphale stares at him in disbelief before asking if he's listening to what he's saying. Crowley says that they've been friends for six thousand years, but Aziraphale denies this. They're on opposite sides and he doesn't even like him. Crowley says that he does, but Aziraphale says that they're on opposite sides. Crowley insists that they're on their own side, but Aziraphale says that they're not. Not anymore, they're over. Crowley tries to say something, but can only make noises of disbelief. He turns around and leaves, yelling back to have a nice doomsday.

In the Beginning

 * Crowley looks over Aziraphale.
 * Aziraphale covers Crowley from the rain with his wing, and Crowley take several steps towards him.
 * Aziraphale reminds Gabriel that he's been looking over Crowley for a millennia.
 * Crowley tries to call Aziraphale, but forgot he took out all the phone networks.
 * According to god, Aziraphale and Crowley have been meeting in St. James park for quite some time.
 * Aziraphale remembers getting lunch in Paris, 1793 and that they had Crepes.
 * Crowley asks whether the reign of terror in France was heaven or hell but he doesn't remember.

Hard Times

 * Crowley says that it's probably a good thing that God didn't mention the sword to Aziraphale again.
 * Aziraphale is able to recognize Crowley's voice.
 * Crowley corrects Aziraphale's pronunciation of his name.
 * Crowley tells the men behind him to lower their weapons, since Aziraphale is a friend.
 * Crowley watches Aziraphale leave.
 * Aziraphale says that Crowley isn't his friend and that they've never met before.
 * At some point, Crowley and Aziraphale came to an arrangement regarding temptings and blessings.
 * Aziraphale is aghast at Crowley's outfit.
 * Aziraphale asks if he should thank Crowley, but Crowley knows he'll be in trouble if he does.
 * Crowley looks Aziraphale over.
 * Crowley asks what's for lunch, and Aziraphale suggests Crepes.
 * Crowley mockingly repeats Aziraphale's obviously.
 * The Nazi's call Crowley, Anthony J. Crowley, confusing Aziraphale. Crowley asks if he doesn't like it, but Aziraphale says he'll get used to it. He asks what the J stands for, but it's just there.
 * Crowley jokes about finding the Anti-Christs shoe size, which Aziraphale doesn't get.
 * Aziraphale reminds Crowley that he was an angel once, but Crowley reminds him that it was a long time.

Quotes
"Excuse me, gentlemen. Sorry to break up an intimate moment."

- Sister Mary seeing Aziraphale and Crowley; The Book

"I'm going home, Angel. I'm getting my stuff and I'm leaving. And when I'm off in the stars I won't even think about you."

- Crowley; Hard Times

"Don't think your boyfriend in the dark glasses will get you special treatment in hell."

- Uriel; Saturday Morning Funtime

"Crowley had lost Aziraphale, and the world was ending in a few hours."

- God; The Doomsday Option

Songs

 * Somebody to Love | Queen
 * The song plays after Crowley exits the bookstore in flames, believing that Aziraphale died


 * A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square | Vera Lynn
 * The song plays as the two eat at The Ritz, and ends on the more romantic part of the song

Fanon
The two were quickly shipped by fans of the novel. The ship gained even more popularity with the Amazon mini-series.

On AO3, Ineffable Husbands is the most written ship for both Crowley and Aziraphale.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * Aziraphale/Crowley tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Aziraphale/Crowley tag on FanFiction.Net

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TWITTER

Trivia

 * The ship name, Ineffable Husbands, comes from the first conversation that Crowley and Aziraphale share on the wall to the garden of eden. When Aziraphale calls god's plan Ineffable.
 * Both Sheenan (Aziraphale) and Tennant (Crowley) played the relationship as more ambiguous.
 * On Twitter, when asked to give labels to Aziraphale and Crowley, Neil Gaiman left it up to the audiences interpretation, but ultimately said that it was a love story.
 * Several characters have mistaken them for a couple in both the novel and the Amazon series.
 * In the novel, Anthema assumes she could be kidnapped by Aziraphale and Crowley, until she hears Crowley calls Aziraphale Angel and just assumes their a couple.
 * In the Amazon series, these include; Sister Mary, a random passerby and Uriel.
 * According to Fandometrics, Ineffable Husbands was the most reblogged ship the week ending June 3rd, 2019 through the week ending June 17th 2019.