The Magi, you say

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley was rather pleased with himself. It had taken a bit of doing, but he was certain his plans were all coming together and one particular couple's holiday celebrations would be ruinous. Tragic. Wasted money, wasted time...

She had the most beautiful hair and He knew the combs would look gorgeous. Crowley convinced him to sacrifice his prize watch. At the same time, she admired the fob, and Crowley came to her, offering coin for her lovely locks.

By tonight it would be a done deal and the demon sat with his wine, sure he'd have two more souls by dawn.

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[theangelfell]

Aziraphale had been keeping an eye on Crowley's attempts with the young couple with interest. It really was quite an elaborate plan, and he was rather impressed that he managed to pull it off. But at the same time, Aziraphale felt quite confident that he didn't need to do a single thing to attempt to thwart it.

He did however hear that they were planning to meet for a romantic dinner at the tavern to exchange gifts, and so he was already there waiting, sipping a cup of tea.

[sauntereddownward]

As the angel took his seat, the demon sauntered over to join him.

"Not the place I'd expect to find you," he said. "Did you come for the oysters?"

[theangelfell]

"I came to watch the fruits of your labor," Aziraphale said. "But also the oysters. And perhaps a glass of wine once I've finished the tea."

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley's smile oozed Pride.

"This will be a work of art, angel. Thank you for coming for the show."

The fellow walked in, then, with a box simply wrapped in brown paper with a green velvet ribbon. He was seated right in front of the pair.

[theangelfell]

"How do you think it will go?" Aziraphale asked, looking only at Crowley. "What do you think will happen when they exchange the gifts?"

[sauntereddownward]

"They should both be crushed," he grinned, giddy.

She walked in, a warm hood pulled over her head. She carried a small, narrow white box, tied with a simple black ribbon.

The demon nearly was bouncing as she approached.

"Watch..." he hissed.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale said nothing in response to Crowley's comments, and watched the couple.

"Oh my," he murmured. "They look so very in love."

[sauntereddownward]

"Disgusting, isn't it?" he said.

He sipped his wine, then pointed at them.

"He adores her hair. Can't get enough of it," he mentioned as she took her hood down to reveal the most cropped pixie cut any woman had ever worn in the village.

The shock on his face made Crowley giggle.

[theangelfell]

After a moment of them speaking in hushed voices, the man pushed up his coat sleeve to revel a bare wrist.

They both stared down at the gifts on the table.

And then suddenly they were both on their feet and in a passionate embrace.

Aziraphale sipped his tea smugly.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley looked confused.

A bit upset.

But mostly confused.

"No!" he cried out. "That's not it!"

She grabbed the man's face and kissed him deeply and his arms wound round her waist.

"Stop it!" the demon insisted.

[theangelfell]

"Crowley!" Aziraphale hissed, and grabbed his arm to yank him back down into his seat.

[sauntereddownward]

He sat down abruptly with a scowl.

His wine hesitated, then dropped neatly back into his glass.

"Utter failure," he grumbled.

Except...except he didn't look terribly upset. He looked a bit like he was putting it on. Like maybe...he'd not really meant to destroy them...

[theangelfell]

"I think it's sweet," Aziraphale said. "You helped to show them how much they were willing to sacrifice for each other. That's real love."

[sauntereddownward]

"No, no," he insisted. "You say it like that and it sounds sort of Good. No, no."

The couple sat down to dine and when the waiter brought their wine, it spontaneously decided to be the best version of itself it could be...just for them.

The most minor of miracles.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale smiled over at them. "It's Christmas," he said. "I think a little accidental Good is all right."

[sauntereddownward]

"Like when I told those blokes how to get to Bethlehem, hmm?" Crowley chuckled.

[theangelfell]

"It was a very cold night," Aziraphale said. "I'm glad they had a warm place to stay."

[sauntereddownward]

The couple enjoyed their wine and their meal and Crowley picked up the menu as if he didn't already know what he wanted.

"That star was such a nuisance. I got no rest," he said, utterly disregarding his own Evil.

[theangelfell]

"Mmmm," said Aziraphale. He took the last sip of his tea. "Do you have any more plans for tonight? I'm sure there are some more young lovers in here who could use a bit of a push."

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley looked him up and down.

"This plan took weeks! Do you think you can do better on short notice?" he challenged.

[theangelfell]

"Well I was actually suggesting that you should," Aziraphale said. "But, perhaps. It's Christmas. Love is in the air, is it not?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Suggesting I..." he coughed, sputtered, then shook his head.

"Christmas turns you mad, you know that?" he accused with a barely repressed smile.

[theangelfell]

"Me?" Aziraphale asked innocently. "Well. Why don't you pick, then."

[sauntereddownward]

As much as Crowley enjoyed a good verbal spar, a little back and forth, he also was an absolute sucker when Aziraphale invited him like that.

"Oh, ho, ho...why don't I pick, hmm?" he said, then began to peer around the couples to choose from.

[theangelfell]

Perhaps Aziraphale was still just on a bit of a love high from the lovely young couple and their mutual sacrifices. He truly did feel right now that everyone must be happy and in love. "I believe in you," he said cheerfully.

[sauntereddownward]

The angel couldn't possibly know how that tickled up and down his spine.

It made him smile as he surveyed the crowd. He couldn't make this easy...

His eyes landed on a scruffy, dirty blonde man with a pipe and an old sailor with a peg leg.

"Them."

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale looked over... and then frowned. "Do you think they're a couple?"

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley studied the pair for a moment.

"They aren't enemies," he offered.

[theangelfell]

"Sure, but... I think they might just be... drunk," Aziraphale said, studying them. "What if they're just friends?"

[sauntereddownward]

"They both look lonely. Maybe they just need a nudge..." he tempted.

[theangelfell]

"Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt..." Even if Aziraphale didn't look especially convinced.

He glanced over at them, and just gave them... well. A little nudge.