Aziraphale

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley had been having a ball. He'd figured out a bit of hackery with some code and some infernal miracles and soon enough he had millions of people angry at social media for long load times, zero refresh rates, and suspensions that came and were lifted seemingly at random.

He was absolutely giddy as he walked into the bookshop. He spied the angel in his chair and went to the one unanimously agreed to be his and flopped down, legs splayed out long and wide.

"Isn't it the most beautiful day?" he said cheerfully.

Never a good sign.

Comments

[sauntereddownward]

"I was wondering when that would happen," he said. "Seems he's gotten out of the sex trade. For now."

[theangelfell]

"Seems so," said Aziraphale. "I must say, my dear, I do believe my side won this one. Once he got away from that dreadful man. The cannibal."

[sauntereddownward]

"My side clearly wins. Thou shalt not kill is right there in the Bi-"

He choked.

"The rule book. And you know his hands are filthy."

[theangelfell]

"Those weren't entirely your fault," said Aziraphale. "And besides, that was a while ago. And he was under that dreadful man's influence."

[sauntereddownward]

"A while ago?" Crowley scoffed. "There's no expiry date on murder, Aziraphale."

[theangelfell]

"I think murder is a strong word for what those were." Aziraphale wasn't sure why he was so insistent on defending the young man, perhaps his soul just seemed so promising and yet in such a precarious position.

[sauntereddownward]

"Don't split hairs. It's tedious," Crowley said, solid in his assessment that the whore was his.

[theangelfell]

"Well I think I'll just keep an eye on him," Aziraphale said.

Of course, now he regretted saying anything. He should have known Crowley would take an interest.

[sauntereddownward]

"Maybe I will too," he mused. Crowley paused, then smiled a most devious smile. "Want to make it a bit more interesting? Keeping an eye on this one?"

[theangelfell]

"Wouldn't you just rather let him be happy?" Aziraphale sighed.

[sauntereddownward]

"Wouldn't you just rather let him be happy??" Crowley mocked in a pinched voice. "Honestly, angel, it's like you just met me."

[theangelfell]

"You probably think he'd be happier if he just embraced the sin," Aziraphale mumbled.

[sauntereddownward]

"Of course he would. For now," he said.

Crowley really didn't have any interest in the lad's soul nor his eternal damnation. Mostly he was just being a pest to get under Aziraphale's skin.

[theangelfell]

"Well I think he's a lovely young man and will make good choices," Aziraphale said.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley looked snide and a bit pinched as he wrinkled his nose.

"Don't tell me you're genuinely going to take him on. Ugh, angel, he's a lost cause."

[theangelfell]

"I disagree," Aziraphale said shortly. "I like him."

[sauntereddownward]

Oh.

He liked him.

"Gross," he said flatly and settled into a deep, dark sulk.

[theangelfell]

Utterly clueless as to why Crowley suddenly seemed so put out, Aziraphale just sighed. "Honestly, Crowley. You're so judgey. That's supposed to be my side's bit."

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley was too busy grumbling to himself about all the ways he was going to make that boy regret he'd ever met Aziraphale.

Lips pursed, arms folded, he was well on his way to a full on pout.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale frowned, not understanding why Crowley seemed so upset. Maybe he needed tea. "Would you like some tea, my dear?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Yes," he snapped childishly, only more annoyed that the angel was as kind as ever.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale ignored his tone, and got up from his chair. He returned a moment later with his favorite mug, the one with little angel wings on it, and handed it to Crowley, with tea exactly as he liked it. Then he kissed the top of Crowley's head. "There you are, my dear."

Clearly Crowley was simply in a bad mood because he was lacking tea.

[sauntereddownward]

He huffed a breath out his nose as he took the tea.

"Thank you, angel."

Manners. Always.

[theangelfell]

"You're very welcome," Aziraphale said pleasantly, and sat back down. His own cup was still perfectly hot. "What should we do tonight? I thought we might... spend some time together."

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley took a loud slurp of tea, enjoying it dramatically.

"That sounds pleasant," he said. "Oysters?"