Merry Christmas

[sauntereddownward]

While Aziraphale had been in his room letting his cocoa go cold with his nose in a book, no doubt, Crowley had been quite busy down in the library. He'd found a tree. And he'd trimmed it especially for Sol Invictus. It was artificial, of course, since plastics were evil. And Crowley, given the choice, had selected a shimmery black tree. His decorations included blood red tinsel garland, and tiny little angels and demons scattered amongst shiny black and red ornaments.

It stood directly in the middle of the room, between the door and the desk. Annoyingly in the way.

He stood back, quite proud of it.

And then he settled in his favorite chair and pulled out his phone to make a little mischief on the tiktok thing.

Comments

[sauntereddownward]

"But do yoouuu like it?" he asked with a sly smile.

[theangelfell]

"Well, it is... a tree," Aziraphale said. "I like trees."

He honestly couldn't tell if Crowley was trolling him, but just in case, he didn't want to hurt his feelings.

[sauntereddownward]

"I thought so," he said. "I adore that about you. Embracing the pagans. Celebrating the rebirth of the sun. How blasphemous of you, angel," he purred.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale was at a bit of a loss. "Well, I suppose there are a lot of things to celebrate," he finally settled on.

[sauntereddownward]

"Quite true. And still...do you remember the night He was born?" he asked, his voice softer and oddly fond.

[theangelfell]

"Of course," Aziraphale said, a small smile lighting on his lips.

[sauntereddownward]

"She was a lovely girl," he reminisced.

[theangelfell]

"Yes," Aziraphale said. "Never complained a moment." He paused, and then said, "You know, I saw... how you helped."

[sauntereddownward]

"You saw nothing of the sort," he scoffed a bit too strongly.

[theangelfell]

"Ah, my mistake," said Aziraphale, fondly.

[sauntereddownward]

"All I'm saying is that if you have to give birth in a barn, you ought to at least have a blanket. None of those other blokes thought to bring anything useful," he explained. Rather that let it be and shut up.

[theangelfell]

"Yes," Aziraphale said fondly. "Would you like some cocoa?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Obviously," Crowley snipped, then wrinkled his nose, cleared his throat, and tried again.

"I mean, yes. Please."

[theangelfell]

"I have a victrola in my rooms where I could put on some carols if you like," Aziraphale added.

[sauntereddownward]

"You do know how I love the Boston Pops," Crowley smiled.

"That sounds lovely, angel," he added affectionately.

[theangelfell]

"I'm afraid I... didn't get you a gift," Aziraphale said, a touch sheepishly, suddenly wondering if he should have. "But I am happy to share my home with you for the evening. And make whatever sort of cocoa you like. Oh! Should we put whiskey in it?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Delightful," he smiled, stepping close and laying his hand on the angel's back to guide him home.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale felt a little swell of warmth as they walked. "Do you think it might snow?" he asked.

[sauntereddownward]

"I think if you wish hard enough, it just might," Crowley replied as he kept his slender body remarkably close to Aziraphale and yet was never quite in his way. He was simply right

[theangelfell]

"I think a white christmas might be nice," Aziraphale said, and tilted his head towards Crowley. Not quite on his shoulder. "We could look out the window while we sip."

[sauntereddownward]

Cowley turned to look at him, the tip of his nose just ghosting against his face.

"You take care of the cocoa. I'll go threaten the sky," he promised, fond and warm.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale shivered. It must be cold enough to snow.

"Very well," he said, and went to the kitchen.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley watched him peel away, then went to the window and threw open the curtains and pushed open the windows.

The stars were beautiful.

That would never do.

It was a bit more than mere magic could accomplish so Crowley put a little effort into it and by some minor miracle, when Aziraphale returned with mugs, there was already a sparkling inch accumulating all around the school.

[theangelfell]

"Oh!" gasped Aziraphale, delighted. He out a mug to Crowley, their fingers brushing when the demon took it. "It has a kiss of whiskey," he said absently.

[sauntereddownward]

"A kiss, hmm?" he smiled and tasted it. And sputtered. "Good grief, angel...how much, exactly, is a kiss?"