mimisempai

[mimisempai]

Like a dream come true 3/3

Chapter Summary

The long-awaited date.

Notes

There'll be no angst, no more complicated plot, just them getting together and a fair amount of fluff.

On Ao3

Rating G - 1266 words

Masterpost here

"Gosh, I have to deal with hordes of wayward teenagers every day, and I'm a nervous wreck at the thought of a date."

Aziraphale sighed as he looked at the pile of shirts and suit jackets covering his bed.

He and Anthony had managed to find a new date for their dinner, the day after the one they had missed.

A new plate of pastries had been left for him at Nina's the next morning, along with another note suggesting they meet at Justine's that evening. Needless to say, Aziraphale had eagerly accepted.

His phone rang, jolting him from his reverie, and he rushed to answer it, thinking it was the object of his thoughts. But when he saw the screen, he realized it was Maggie.

Knowing you, you're probably racking your 

brain trying to decide what to wear for your 

date with your handsome pastry chef. 

My advice: be yourself.

Don't try to impress him.

Received at 6:30 p.m.

Aziraphale felt immediately appeased. Maggie always knew just the right words to soothe him, and she was incomparable in restoring his confidence. 

He answered her.

Thanks for the tip.

He's not MY pastry chef.

Sent at 6:32 p.m.

The answer was not long in coming.

Not yet. 

Received 6:33 p.m.

Aziraphale smiled. If he was honest with himself, he hoped this dinner would change things.

He carefully folded and put away all the clothes he'd taken from his closet. He put on one of the beige suits he wore every day, the only difference being that instead of the usual shirt, jacket and bow tie, he opted for a caramel-colored turtleneck.

Satisfied, he ran a hand through his hair, which had always resisted any attempt at discipline.

Although the nervousness was still latent, the anticipation was much stronger, and Aziraphale was now looking forward to meeting Anthony. 

It had been so long since he'd felt that way.

It was exhilarating.

After slipping on his shoes, he grabbed his keys and wallet, and a few moments later was about to walk through the door of the restaurant where they'd agreed to meet. It was the Marguerite, just a few steps away from their apartments.

He took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the restaurant. When Justine saw him enter, she told him that Anthony wasn't there yet, and Aziraphale was ushered to the table they'd been assigned. He was pleased to see that it was a table in a secluded corner. He sat down and couldn't help but tap the table nervously, looking for the restaurant's front door.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Anthony push open the door and forgot all about it the moment he saw the smile on the man's face as his eyes fell on Aziraphale. It made Aziraphale's heart beat faster in a pleasant way.

Anthony stepped forward and pulled a small white rose from behind his back. "This is for you," he said, smiling softly as he handed it to Aziraphale.

Aziraphale, deeply touched by the gesture, couldn't speak immediately and took the flower to place it next to his plate.

Before sitting down opposite him, Anthony pressed a light kiss to Aziraphale's cheek, repeating the same gesture with which he had left him two days before, as if to imply that this was a continuation of their first meeting. 

From then on, dinner passed like a dream. Anthony was sweet and funny, and like two days ago at Aziraphale, the conversation was easy and stimulating. Just looking at the man before him melted Aziraphale's heart. He was fascinated, so much so that he didn't notice when the waiter placed the food on their table. It was only when Anthony told him to eat before it got cold that Aziraphale noticed the plate in front of him.

They continued to talk as they ate, Anthony not hesitating to touch Aziraphale's hand, and Aziraphale, comfortable with his natural demeanor, not shying away from returning the gesture. 

Everything was so easy between them, the conversation, the way they looked at each other, the way they touched each other, as if they'd known each other all their lives. 

They finished their desserts and continued to chat over their coffee, indifferent to anything that wasn't them.

Now that he was no longer busy eating, Anthony's hand had not let go of Aziraphale's, and he occasionally caressed the back of the other man's hand with his thumb. It was only when Justine pointed out that the restaurant was about to close that they realized how much time had passed.

Once outside, they began walking home along the street, Aziraphale shoving his hands deeper into his pockets because, like an idiot, he'd forgotten to take his gloves with him. He glanced furtively at Anthony walking beside him, finding him absolutely adorable with his red hair streaked with white from the gently falling snowflakes.

His companion turned his head to smile at him, and Aziraphale smiled back, unable to resist raising his hand to brush the snowflakes from Anthony's hair.

But Anthony grabbed Aziraphale's hands and blew on them to warm them, before clasping his hand to her arm and they walked on like this, linked together, until they reached the space between their two apartments.

Once there, Anthony turned to Aziraphale, still holding his hand, and said softly, "I had a really good time tonight."

Aziraphale swallowed and whispered, "Please don't say goodbye." His voice choked at the end of the sentence.

"What?"

Aziraphale repeated more clearly, "Please don't say goodbye. I don't want the evening to end."

A sudden gust of wind made him shiver.

Anthony pulled out his scarf and wrapped it around Aziraphale's neck, pulling him close enough for Aziraphale to feel his warm breath on his face.

They looked at each other for a few seconds, and it was Aziraphale who closed the remaining distance by standing on tiptoe. He pressed his lips to Anthony's and ran his hands through his hair, tying them behind his neck. He knew immediately that he would never be able to live without the feel of Anthony's hair under his fingers, nor the taste of him on his lips.

After a few seconds, he wanted to pull back, but Anthony barely let him, grabbing the lapels of Aziraphale's jacket and pulling him close again before capturing his lips for another kiss, and Aziraphale discovered that reality was far beyond anything he had imagined.

When they pulled away to catch their breath, they stared at each other in silence for a few moments, panting, the air forming small clouds of smoke between them. 

Anthony broke the silence by murmuring softly, "I've wanted to do this ever since I first saw you."

Aziraphale laughed softly, "I've wanted to do that since I first saw you."

They both laughed, all shyness gone.

In all his life, Aziraphale couldn't remember being more content than he was at that moment, and with a gentle smile, he repeated what he had said before their kiss: "I really don't want you to say goodbye."

Anthony, a tender expression on his face, said softly, "Then I won't say it." 

He stroked Aziraphale's cold-red cheek gently with the back of his hand, then dropped it and grabbed the other man's hand.

Without a word, he pulled him behind him toward his apartment.

He didn't say goodbye that night.

Neither of them said goodbye.

Not that night, not later.

There were hellos, good nights, see you soon, and other greetings, but never goodbyes.

Never again.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

It's never too late to love 2/2

Chapter Summary

The day of the date has arrived. The two men are full of insecurities, but fortunately they have precious friends to set them straight.

Notes 

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback on the first chapter. This is just the first in a series of stories in which we follow our two lovebirds as they develop their relationship.

On AO3

3511 words - Rating G

Several times in the morning, Iruka had to stop himself from contacting Kakashi to make sure they would have dinner together tonight, so unreal it seemed.

If Iruka was honest with himself, he hadn't felt such anticipation since... since... in fact, it was probably the first time he had ever felt like this. 

He had had a few affairs when he was younger, but never anything very serious and more of an exploration than anything else. And once he had realized that what he felt for Kakashi was more than just infatuation, no one else had really held his interest and, it was probably silly, but he would have felt like he was betraying his heart. So he had resigned himself to a life alone, to pining for the ninja from afar. 

He had watched Kakashi when he had the chance and just like his outfit, it was easy to see that the ninja had many layers and that he only showed what he wanted people to see.

He often hid his kindness and seriousness behind a casual demeanor, but if you looked closely, as Iruka did, you could see it.

So last night had really surprised him with how direct Kakashi was and for the first time, Iruka had wanted to take a risk. To do more than just watch from a distance without touching. 

Iruka was also a man of the flesh, so of course, in addition to being attracted to Kakashi's personality, he couldn't deny that he was also attracted to his physical features, and more than once, Iruka had wondered what it would be like to have Kakashi's strong arms around him.

A light tap on his window brought him back to the present and he saw that a carrier pigeon had landed on the ledge.

He took the message the bird was carrying in a small case around its neck, gave it some seeds and unfolded the piece of paper.

Iruka-sensei 

Recognizing Naruto's chicken scratch handwriting, he continued to read.

I have something to tell you that is of the utmost importance. Could you come to my office (my Hokage's office, hehehe) at noon? 

P.S. Don't forget to stop by Ichiraku before you come. 

Iruka couldn't help but chuckle. This Naruto. He hadn't changed at all.

Iruka looked at the time and saw that it was a few minutes before noon. He put on his jacket and left his house to go to Ichiraku. There, he bought two bowls of ramen and asked Teuchi to be generous with Naruto's favorite toppings, then a few moments later, he knocked on the door of the new Hokage's office.

"Come in!"

Iruka entered the office and said with a playful twinkle in his eyes, "Hello, Nanadaime-sama."

Naruto had already stood up and exclaimed, “Iruka-sensei!” 

Then he frowned when he realized how Iruka had greeted him, "Oh, please, there's no need for formalities between us."

“So drop the sensei, okay?”

Then Iruka handed him one of the bowls which Naruto eagerly took before he invited Iruka to sit down in front of him at his desk.

Naruto inhaled the soup and exclaimed, "Aaaaah, I'm alive again. Thank you. And thank you for the double portion of toppings."

"I thought you could use a little comfort. But you said you had something important to tell me."

Narutos grin did not give him a good feeling. 

The Hokage said to him in a conspiratorial tone, "I hear you're having dinner at Yakiniku Q with Kakashi-sensei?"

Shocked, Iruka asked him, "How do you know that?!"

"I am the Hokage. I know everything."

"Narutooo..."

Naruto replied amused, "Well, you know that my advisor is Shikamaru, and Yakiniku Q has always been the headquarters of Team 10. The owner is practically family, so when Shikamaru came by this morning and greeted her, she told him that she was very surprised that Kakashi had reserved a table for himself and Umino Iruka."

That was the problem with villages where everyone knew everyone. It was impossible to keep a secret and rumors spread faster than the fastest ninja. 

Iruka rolled his eyes and muttered, "Wonderful, I guess everyone knows..."

Naruto replied with a half-smile: "Uh, not Shizune. And not Choji either. But then again, if you wanted to keep it a secret, you should have booked somewhere else."

He wasn't wrong, but first of all, it was difficult to find a restaurant that wasn't in Konoha and not too far away, and at the same time, it was a bit like neutral territory, both of them would be in a familiar environment for a first date.

Wait, it was a date, right?

What if he got the wrong idea.

Kakashi hadn't mentioned a date...

"Iruka? Are you okay?"

Naruto had put his hand on his forearm and looked at him with a slightly worried expression.

Iruka reassured him, "Yes, yes, everything is fine," before he added as if to himself, "I'm just a little out of my comfort zone and I'm asking myself a lot of questions, but I think I'll figure it out tonight."

"Figure it out?"

Iruka shook his head and replied, "Nothing, don't worry."

As if Naruto had sensed his uneasiness, he changed the subject and they continued to eat their ramen in a light-hearted atmosphere. When they finished, Iruka collected the empty bowls.

"Well, I guess you don't have an extended break and duty calls, so I'll be on my way."

"Thanks. That was great. I'd like to do it more often."

Iruka winked at him. 

"Just send me a message like you did this morning."

"Deal."

Iruka nodded, then turned to leave the office, but just as he was about to walk out the door, he heard Naruto say softly, "I'm happy for you. I hope you have a nice evening."

Iruka was touched and stuttered a thank you before he left and quietly returned to his home. 

Once there, he decided to take a short nap so that the time would pass more quickly and he could forget for a moment the questions that were bothering him about the upcoming dinner. 

What he didn't know was that another ninja not far away was going through the same emotional rollercoaster and asking almost the same questions.

After a light lunch, Kakashi had picked up a book and was now leaning against a tree in his garden, lost in his reading.

"Oh, I see you are reading Icha Icha Tactics, are you trying to learn how to seduce me, rival?"

Kakashi looked up to see Gai hanging by his feet from a branch, giving him the dazzling smile that was his trademark.

"Not even under the threat of a kunai would I want to seduce you, I'm sorry, but you're absolutely not my type, Gai."

"Yes, yes, I know, your type is a kind and sweet teacher from the ninja academy." 

He let himself fall from the branch and came to sit next to his friend, then he nudged Kakashi with his shoulder and added, "And I have the impression that things have changed since yesterday, huh?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes and asked in a neutral tone, "What do you mean?"

"I might have heard from Tenten and Lee, my dear students who had a boozy night yesterday, that Kiba told them that he saw Kakashi-sensei and Iruka-sensei looking very intimate in front of the latter's house." 

Gai finished his speech with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows.

Kakashi replied, "They were drunk, they don't know what they saw or heard.

Gai replied with a smile, "But there's nothing to be ashamed of, my old friend is not too old to enjoy the flame of youthful love."

Kakashi rolled his eyes as his friend launched into a grandiose speech of his own and, no longer listening to him, thought about the upcoming date.

Because it was definitely a date, wasn't it?

Wait, what if Iruka had only agreed to please him because Kakashi had insisted. After all, he hadn't wanted to come for a drink before and - "Hatake Kakashi, my eternal rival, you will do me the favor of not thinking about what you are thinking."

Gai looked serious now as he continued, "You're wondering if it's a date, what Iruka's motives are, all the questions I know you're asking yourself just because you're actually afraid."

"Me, I'm afraid?"

"Oh yes, you are afraid. And your threatening look won't change my mind. You are afraid because you have something to lose, because Iruka could see behind the mask. And do you know what you have to do?"

Kakashi said dryly, "Go ahead, tell me, you who have all the answers."

Gai replied simply, "Forget the games and be honest. From what I know of Iruka, he's the right person to do it with."

"What if he doesn't like what he sees or learns?"

"I think he sees you more clearly than you think. You behave differently when you're with him."

"I don't feel different." 

Gai gave him another nudge.

"Rest assured, I can see it because I've known you for a long time."

Kakashi, feeling uncomfortable because the discussion was getting too deep, asked mockingly, "Since when are you an expert in romantic relationships?"

"It's an area where I outrank you, my rival, and I don't need Jiraya's novels to know about it."

Kakashi hit him on the head with the book in retaliation, causing his friend to burst out laughing. It had the merit of lightening the mood and Kakashi felt a little lighter.

Gai stayed with him for a good part of the afternoon and thanks to his antics, Kakashi did not have to lose himself in speculation about the upcoming evening.

Iruka glanced at the wall clock for the tenth time in five minutes, complaining to himself that the time did not pass any faster as the meeting time approached. However, this did not stop him from jumping when he heard a light knocking at the door. 

He grabbed his light jacket and went to open the door, greeting Kakashi with a broad smile.

"Good evening, Iruka."

"Good evening, Kakashi."

Iruka was about to put on his jacket when Kakashi took it from him to help him put it on.

Touched by the gallant gesture of the other, Iruka said gently, "Thank you.

"You're welcome. Shall we go?"

Iruka bit his lip and then said hesitantly, "Before we go, I'd like to ask you something."

Kakashi nodded.

"I'm listening."

"Is this a date?"

Not expecting such a straightforward question, Kakashi's instinct was to answer, "Do you want it to be?"

But he immediately changed his mind; he didn't want to play this kind of game, no pretending, no guessing, no half-truths. As Gai had said. 

Kakashi said in a clear, firm voice, "It's a date."

There was no doubt about the look of relief that crossed Iruka's face and Kakashi knew that he had been right to choose the path of honesty.

With a slightly twisted smile, Kakashi said ironically, "There is only one problem."

Iruka, looking perplexed, asked, “Which one?”

"It's been so long for me, I don't know what to do anymore."

Iruka chuckled slightly before replying, "Well, at least we're on the same side. We will both make it."

The two men laughed softly, both amused and relieved.

They had only taken a few steps towards the restaurant when Kakashi muttered, "Is it just me, or do I feel like we're being watched?"

Iruka chuckled and replied, "Well, the news of our... date has been reported to the Hokage, so I'm not surprised."

Then his expression became serious again and as he moved away from Kakashi, he said quietly, "Unless you'd prefer that people not know."

Kakashi approached him, tapped him lightly on the shoulder and said teasingly, "I think it's too late for that, and besides, I was the one who invited you here, wasn't I?"

A few moments later, the restaurant owner led them to their table, and they were pleased to see that it was an isolated table that would allow them some privacy. 

From then on, the dinner passed like a dream. They talked, open and honest in their questions and answers, realizing that even though they had known each other for a long time, there was still so much they didn't know about each other. 

They had just finished their dessert when Iruka suddenly stood up and Kakashi saw him go to comfort a little girl who was crying a few meters away. Iruka wiped her eyes and kindly took her back to her mother, who had apparently been looking everywhere for her and seemed relieved to find her.

Then Iruka came back and sat down opposite him, apologizing sheepishly.

Kakashi put his hand on his and said kindly, "Don't apologize for being kind. It's not the first time I've seen you do this. Comforting a lost little girl. Helping a grandmother cross the street and carry her groceries. Taking a little boy out for ramen to cheer him up."

Iruka shook his head, "It's nothing special."

Kakashi, stroking the back of Iruka's hand with his thumb, said softly, "It's special to the person you're doing it for."

They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds, aware that something special was happening, but unfortunately, the moment was interrupted when the owner coughed, making them realize that closing time was near.

Kakashi withdrew his hand and Iruka immediately missed its warmth and, not wanting to show it, reached into his pocket for his wallet when Kakashi shook his head and said softly, "I invited you, so I'll pay." 

Iruka replied, "Then next time, it'll be on me."

When he realized the meaning of what he had just said, he was relieved and pleased to see Kakashi nod with a small smile on his face. There would be a next time.

"Actually, this time it's for me, gentlemen."

They looked up at the owner who added, "It's actually a gift from our new Hokage."

Iruka whispered, "Naruto..."

Kakashi winked at him, "At least that means he approves."

Then they thanked the owner and got up to leave the restaurant, noticing that it was empty now and that they were the last customers.

As they walked slowly towards Iruka's house, they were much closer than they had been earlier in the evening, and with each step, their shoulders and arms brushed against each other, but neither of them could bring themselves to make the gesture that would reduce the distance between their hands.

They arrived at Iruka's house and he opened the door before turning to Kakashi who said softly, "I had a great time tonight."

Iruka nodded and tried to say something but gave up, so Kakashi added, "Good night, Iruka," then turned to leave but couldn't because Iruka was holding him by the sleeve.

"Iruka?"

Iruka asked with a slightly hesitant voice, "Would you like a nightcap?"

Kakashi, who was not afraid to appear eager, immediately agreed and was rewarded with Iruka's smile before he turned to enter the house.

Once inside, Iruka told him to make himself comfortable and went to get a bottle of sake and glasses from the kitchen.

Kakashi saw some photos on a shelf and out of curiosity, he couldn't help but come closer to have a look. 

He was touched to see the photo of the brand new Team 7 with him and couldn't help but laugh at the expression on his students' faces. 

He murmured, "It's been such a long time..."

Iruka, placing the glasses and bottle of sake on the coffee table, replied, "And sometimes, it feels like it was only yesterday."

Kakashi hummed before joining Iruka on the sofa and taking the glass he held out to him. He raised it and said, "To an evening that continues to be excellent."

Iruka laughed slightly, then stopped when he saw that Kakashi turned his head slightly to drink without removing his mask.

"Kakashi... you don't have to answer if you don't want to talk about it, but... why do you wear that mask all the time?"

Kakashi lost his smile, put down his glass and stood up, turning towards the window.

He heard Iruka approaching and the younger man put a hand on his shoulder before saying in a soothing tone, "I'm sorry Kakashi, I didn't mean to..."

"You... you have the right to ask the question. First, I started wearing it because people kept saying I looked like my father, and not in a good way, as you can imagine, given his history. Then I kept it for a more ridiculous reason. I think myfaceistoosoftwithoutthemask."

He had said the sentence so fast that Iruka hadn't understood anything.

"What? You have to repeat it."

"I find my face too soft. It doesn't fit my image." Then he added with a self-deprecating tone, "It's okay, you can laugh."

But Iruka didn't laugh and put his other hand on Kakashi's other shoulder, pressing lightly and making him turn around.

He asked gently, "You know me. You even said that I am kind. So you know that I wouldn't make fun of you. Won't you show me?"

Kakashi shook his head slowly and said in a low voice, "I don't want you to see me differently."

Iruka raised his hand and placed it gently on Kakashi's chest before saying, "I'm sure I won't."

Then he raised his hand even higher and placed it gently on the other man's cheek, adding in the same soft tone, "Kakashi, I want you to kiss me and I don't want you to do it through a piece of cloth."

Kakashi let out a long sigh before he whispered, "All right..."

Then Iruka placed the tips of his fingers on the top of Kakashi's mask and asked gently, "May I?"

Kakashi swallowed before nodding slowly.

Iruka gently slid the mask down and Kakashi instinctively lowered his head. Iruka placed a hand on his cheek and made him raise his head, saying softly, "Don't hide from me, please."

Iruka's face was so close to his that Kakashi could not doubt the sincerity he read in his eyes and heard in his voice when Iruka said softly, "Stunning."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Kakashi hugged Iruka and held him close to his chest, not caring that the mask had slipped to the floor.

Iruka in turn wrapped his arms around Kakashi's waist, waiting a few moments for Kakashi to calm down before gently pushing him away. Then he raised his hands to frame his face and with his eyes fixed on Kakashi's face, he smiled and asked, " May I now have my kiss?"

Kakashi, his voice still a little hoarse with emotion, replied cheekily, "I've shown you my face, I'm the one who deserves a reward."

Iruka chuckled softly before he moved Kakashi's face closer to his own and, narrowing the distance between their mouths, gently pressed his lips against the other man's.

It was only a light touch at first, but the feeling of Kakashi's lips against his was enough to overwhelm Iruka with emotion. Kakashi slid his hand along Iruka's neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. Iruka parted his lips in response and Kakashi's tongue slid along his lower lip, sending an electric chill down Iruka's spine. As Kakashi's tongue continued to explore his mouth, Iruka's every sense seemed to awaken and he felt almost dizzy, clinging even tighter to Kakashi's shoulders.

Sensing how overwhelmed his lover was, Kakashi pulled back a little so they could catch their breath. Then, as if he couldn't help himself, Iruka brought his lips closer to Kakashi's again, caressing them with another kiss.

They kissed like this for several long minutes, not trying to go any further, content to enjoy the kiss, their lips and bodies touching, getting to know each other, becoming familiar.

Much later, without really knowing when they had moved, they were catching their breath on the sofa. Iruka cuddled up to Kakashi, his head on the other man's chest as Kakashi ran his long fingers through his lover's hair, marveling at how soft it was.

He said softly, "I will repeat what I said earlier, I had a wonderful evening."

Iruka laughed softly against his chest and, feeling bold, replied, "Let's hope it's the first of many."

Kakashi, of course, heard the slight uncertainty in his lover's voice and replied in a clear voice, pulling him closer, "Don't doubt it."

He felt Iruka smile against his chest as he snuggled even closer.

Kakashi should have felt vulnerable, somehow exposed in a way he had never been with another person and yet he had never felt so strong and he knew that it was thanks to the man he was holding in his arms. 

A man who had no idea what a treasure he was.

Pressing his bare cheek against his lover's soft hair, Kakashi promised himself that he would show him again and again just how precious he was.

Chap 1 - Chap 2

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

[mimisempai]

It's never too late to love 1/2

Summary

Naruto is finally Hokage. Although Iruka is deeply happy for him that he has achieved his dream, he cannot help feeling a certain melancholy. But then Kakashi arrives and helps him put things into perspective, and looking into the other man's gentle eyes, Iruka finds himself hoping that he too could achieve his own dream. The one in which Kakashi has the leading role.

Notes 

They both deserve to be happy together, right?

I hope you'll enjoy the way I write them

On AO3

1436 words - Rating G

"So that's it, our little Naruto has finally become the Hokage. You must be proud of him, right, Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka emptied the rest of his bowl before answering Teuchi.

"I am."

He reached for the money to pay for his bowl of ramen, but the shopkeeper stopped him, saying, "No, today's on the house, in honor of the new Hokage."

"That's nice of you. Thank you."

Then he greeted Teuchi and Ayame and left the ramen stand to go home. He wasn't in a hurry, after all, no one was waiting for him. 

He couldn't help but wonder if Naruto would still have time to share a bowl of ramen with him now that he was the Hokage. 

He sighed, unable to shake his gloomy mood. He should be happy for the younger man, whom he thought of as a little brother, and he felt even more guilty for not being able to rejoice.

"Yo, what's with the big sigh?"

The voice snapped him out of his thoughts and Iruka quickly turned his head to the man who had just appeared at his side. 

"Kakashi-sensei."

"Hey, stop with the sensei stuff. Come on, let's have a drink and you can tell me what's bothering you."

Iruka shook his head.

"No need. There's nothing special to tell."

"Then let's have a drink to celebrate."

Iruka looked at him confused and asked, "Celebrate what?"

Kakashi winked at him and replied, "My freedom! You are looking at a free man. No more paperwork, no more chores, no more Shikamaru and Shizune to keep me in line. That's something to celebrate, isn't it?"

Iruka couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the other man as he continued.

"Now it's Naruto's turn. He doesn't know what awaits him. But now, it's his problem. So, how about that drink again?"

At the mention of Naruto, Iruka's somber mood returned and his smile faded as he replied.

"No, not tonight." 

Kakashi immediately noticed his change in mood and said softly, "Okay, you don't want to have a drink with me, but at least tell me what's got you in this mood.

Iruka looked away and replied, "You'll think I'm an idiot and a selfish bastard."

"Well, let me be the judge of that."

"You asked for it."

They walked in silence for a few moments, then Iruka spoke. 

"Actually, I am happy for Naruto. Really. But I can't help but feel a kind of sadness or melancholy, call it what you will. And I blame myself for it."

He put his hands in his pockets and continued, "Naruto has finally realized his dream. All of my students seem to be thriving. They are all moving forward and many have achieved their dreams. I should be happy, but at the same time, I realize that I am stagnating and I can't help but feel a little depressed."

Kakashi put a hand on his arm to stop him and asked him gently, "And what is your dream?"

"It's not... I mean... I..." 

"I'm serious Iruka, what is your dream?"

Iruka shook his head.

"I don't have a big dream, I am a simple man with simple dreams that are not worth telling."

Kakasi grabbed his shoulders and asked seriously, looking into Iruka's eyes, "But I want to know. Tell me," 

Iruka swallowed before answering, "It's really ridiculous. Nothing great. I just wanted to be a good teacher and have a family."

"Why do you say it's stupid?"

"Because you are all extraordinary ninjas who have done great things for the village. I don't-"

Kakashi shook him gently, "Yes, it's ridiculous. It is ridiculous that you think that you have achieved nothing. You realize that without your teaching, Naruto and all his friends wouldn't be where they are today. You are the foundation. The soil in which these young seedlings developed the roots of the great trees they are today!"

Iruka tried to interrupt him, but Kakashi, now fired up, continued, "You should give yourself more credit, you know? You're brave too. Or have you forgotten the time when you went alone to save Naruto from those three ninja in the forest, even though you told me that you didn't know how to handle him, or when you chose to remain silent in front of Pain in order to protect Naruto at the risk of your life?"

"Yes, but each time, you were there to save my ass."

Kakashi shook his head.

"That doesn't diminish your courage. And you and Naruto are precious, of course, I won't let anything happen to you."

Iruka laughed self-deprecatingly.

"I understand that Naruto is precious. But me? It's ridiculous."

Kakashi sighed.

"It really is second nature to you, Iruka, isn't it? To sell yourself short."

"But..."

Kakashi's hands had slipped from Iruka's shoulders and he was now holding his hands in both of his, preventing him from moving away but not letting him continue.

"From the day you stood up to me regarding the chûnin examination, I knew you were special."

"But I challenged your authority. I questioned your judgment and that was extremely disrespectful to someone of a higher rank and..."

Kakashi shook his head.

"I have never seen it like that. That day, I saw a teacher who loved his students and was willing to do anything to protect them. Like I said, it's precious."

Iruka, moved by Kakashi's passionate speech and his kind words, could not look away from his gaze.

Seeing that he wouldn't be able to find an argument, he just said quietly, "Thank you."

Kakashi let go of his hands and they continued their walk.

"There's no need to thank me for telling the truth."

After a few steps in silence, Kakashi began again, "I understand that you're not in the mood for a drink tonight, but how would you like to have dinner with me sometime? Tomorrow?"

Iruka stopped dead in his tracks.

"Dinner?"

"Yes. Since I am no longer Hokage, Professor or ANBU or whatever and since it is summer vacation, you are technically not a teacher at this very moment, why don't we meet as Kakashi and Iruka, two Konoha residents on break?"

"Why?"

"Because I would like to know who Iruka is when he is not with Naruto, when he is not a teacher."

Iruka had to stop himself from pinching himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. 

He had another dream that he hadn't told Kakashi about because he knew that it was absolutely unattainable.

In his dream of family life, Kakashi had a prominent place. The most important place.

So yes, Iruka was stunned by the idea that Kakashi could be interested in him in any other way than as being a teacher at the Konoha Ninja Academy.

When you are offered the chance to touch even a fragment of your dream with your fingertips, you obviously accept it.

Iruka replied quietly, "Okay for dinner."

"Tomorrow?"

Iruka nodded and Kakashi continued, "I suggest Yakiniku Q. At least there are booths that offer some privacy."

"It will be a change from ramen," Iruka joked, chuckling slightly before he continued, "Do you think Naruto will be able to go to Ichiraku so often?"

"You know him, right? I'm sure he'll always find a way."

They were both still laughing when they arrived at the door of Iruka's house.

Kakashi said warmly, "I'm glad."

"Why?"

"You're smiling again."

Iruka told him softly, "It's because of you."

It was true. With his humor and kindness, Kakashi had managed to bring Iruka out of the cloud of melancholy he had been in and now, thinking about Naruto and his new situation, he felt nothing but joy.

So, whether it was the darkness, the deserted street or the feeling that something had shifted in the atmosphere, Iruka could not resist an impulse.

He approached Kakashi and, standing on tiptoe, planted a light kiss on the other man's masked cheek.

Then he whispered, "Good night, Kakashi. See you tomorrow," before he entered his house and closed the door behind him without looking back.

If he had looked, he would have seen that Kakashi had not moved an inch and that even his mask could not hide his astonished expression.

Kakashi stayed for a few more seconds, resisting the urge to touch his cheek where Iruka had just pressed his lips. Despite his mask, he could still feel the warmth and chastised himself for acting like a teenager in love. 

He wasn't sure if he was ready for so much sweetness.

But what Kakashi was sure of was that he couldn't wait until tomorrow night.

Chap 1 - Chap 2

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

[mimisempai]

Like a dream come true 2/?

Chapter Summary

Aziraphale and Anthony want to plan their dinner, but their respective jobs do not make it easy for them. 

Notes

Just them being cute…

On Ao3

Rating G - 1556 words

Masterpost here

Aziraphale closed the door of his apartment behind him in the best mood he had been in for a long time as he faced a long day of classes.

He even caught himself whistling as he crossed the street to enter Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death.

He walked right up to the counter and his good mood went up another notch when he saw that there were no customers in front of him.

"Good morning, Nina!"

"Good morning, Aziraphale, you seem to be in a good mood, tell me." Then she added, turning to the storeroom behind her, "What do you think, Maggie?"

Maggie came out of the storeroom and, looking at Aziraphale, replied with a mischievous smile, "Oh, yes, in a very good mood. I wonder why." 

Aziraphale replied in as neutral a tone as possible, "No reason at all."

Nina pushed a plate in front of her and said in the same tone as Maggie, "I think I know the reason."

Aziraphale looked down at the plate of small pastries and said in a confused tone, "But I didn't order anything."

"I know, but how can I put this..."

"Someone did it for you."

Then Maggie slid a small piece of paper onto the counter next to the plate and added, "And that someone left a little note for you."

Ignoring the prying eyes of his two friends, Aziraphale took the note and unfolded it, eager to read.

Good morning, Aziraphale.

You seemed to say you had a long day yesterday, so I hope this will help you get through it a little easier.

We have a dinner to plan, if you remember, so here is my phone number.

I look forward to hearing from you.

x

Anthony.

"Aw, look at him Nina, he's blushing, so cute."

The barista chuckled. 

"Another one bites the dust."

Aziraphale pulled himself together, picked up the plate and simply said, "Have a nice day, girls. See you soon." 

Then he quickly left the coffee shop, snickering at their cries of protest. No doubt he would soon be subjected to a full interrogation by his two friends. But not now. 

He had more important things to do. He had to answer a message.

He didn't know which part of the message touched him the most. Anthony's thoughtfulness, the fact that he was really serious about having dinner with him, or, more childishly, the "x" at the end of the message.

He returned to his apartment, neatly wrapped up the pastries to take with him, and then took out his cell phone to carefully save Anthony's number.

He then typed a message and sent it before leaving for work, not waiting for a reply.

**********

"Five times. That's five times in ten minutes!"

Anthony, who had just picked up the pastry bag to pipe the cream onto the strawberry shortcakes destined for the display, turned to Muriel with a puzzled expression. 

"Five times what?"

Muriel, his best friend and co-owner of the pastry shop, stood in front of him with their hands on their hips to answer him.

"Five times you've looked at your phone in the last ten minutes, and I don't know how many times since we started working this morning."

Anthony shrugged and turned to continue his work without answering.

"Anthony Crowley! You're hiding something from me. So tell me, or you know I won't leave you alone until you tell me everything."

"But I have nothing to say."

Suddenly his phone vibrated in his pocket and he immediately put down the piping bag to answer it.

A text message.

From an unknown number.

Good morning, Anthony.

Thank you for the thoughtful gesture, it will no doubt help me get through the day.

I'm almost late, but I promise to text you later to set up a time for our dinner.

x

Aziraphale

Received at 7:45 am

Anthony, absolutely delighted, began to walk around the counter under Muriel's intrigued gaze.

He took a picture of the pastries on display and sent it to Aziraphale along with a text message.

If you need anything else, don't hesitate ;)

Sent at 7:48 am

Then he put his phone back in his pocket.

"Ooooh, I know that look. Anthony. Could it have something to do with that neighbor you've been talking about ever since you moved into your new apartment?"

Anthony really wanted to tell his friend everything, so he didn't keep them waiting any longer, and as he continued to work, he told them about the previous evening's encounter.

At the end of his story, Muriel gave him a big pat on the back and exclaimed, "Anthony Crowley is getting back on track! It's about time!"

"Yeah, well, it's only one dinner."

"But you have a good feeling about it."

"But I have a good feeling."

Then they had to stop chatting because the first customer had just arrived and they couldn't resume because the pastry shop, which doubled as a tea room, was busy all morning.

When Anthony was finally able to take a short break around noon, he sat down at his desk and to his great delight saw that he had received a text message from Aziraphale.

He slid the screen to read it and gasped in surprise because it wasn't just a text message, it was a selfie.

A picture of Aziraphale biting into one of the pastries and underneath a text.

I will never be able to eat pastries again, except the ones you make.

Received at 11:40 am

Adorable.

Crowley replied almost immediately.

Does that mean I have exclusivity?

Sent at 12:55 am

Fully aware of the ambiguity of his question, he eagerly awaited the other man's answer, which was not long in coming.

I'm not the kind of bee that collects pollen from several flowers at once. I prefer to concentrate on a single flower.

Received at 12:58 am

Crowley swallowed.

Honest and direct.

He would have to be as well, so he replied in kind and waited for the answer.

About our dinner, is tonight too soon?

Received at 01:00 pm

Tonight.

Anthony tried not to get too worked up, but if Aziraphale was asking him about tonight, it was because he couldn't wait to see him again either, right?

He was about to answer when he suddenly remembered.

"Shit!"

He couldn't make it tonight, it was the longest day of the month. The day of the inventory. He wouldn't get home until very late.

With a heavy heart, he typed his reply with a new date proposition and sent it to Aziraphale.

"Crowley! New customers have arrived, I need you out front."

He sighed. He would have to wait for the answer.

But even though he was annoyed, he couldn't help but smile as he entered the shop, thinking back to the exchange he had just had with his adorable neighbor.

*********

I'm really sorry. As much as I would like to say yes, I have to do the inventory. Tomorrow?

Received at 1:02 p.m.

Aziraphale let out a small sigh of disappointment, but was delighted that Anthony had already offered another date.

Classes would resume soon, so he hurried to type his reply before heading to his classroom.

After that, the afternoon passed without any particular events, as both of them were busy with their respective work and did not have the opportunity to exchange messages all afternoon.

*********

It was almost 11 p.m. when Anthony arrived at his apartment door, completely exhausted. The tearoom and pastry shop had been packed all afternoon, giving him and Muriel no respite, and then inventory had taken its toll on his last reserves of strength.

He took out his keys to open the door to his apartment, and just as he was about to put them in the lock, he stopped in surprise. 

Hanging on the doorknob was a small pouch closed with a thin cord. He grabbed it, opened the door and, once inside, hurried to open the bag, curious to know what it was.

Puzzled, he took out two tea bags, some chocolates and a small piece of paper folded into four.

More and more curious, he unfolded the paper and read the words written in a beautiful, elegant handwriting.

Dear Anthony,

I hope you are not too tired. For you, these few little treats and a tonic tea to give you courage. (It's obviously not as great as your delicious pastries.)

See you tomorrow. 

x

Aziraphale

Touched by his neighbor's thoughtfulness, Anthony ate one of the little chocolates before taking a shower in a daze. Then, without even taking the time to dry his hair, he threw himself onto his bed, grabbed his cell phone, and tapped out a quick message to Aziraphale. 

It's much better than my pastries.

Thank you. 

Good night.

x

Sent at 11:40 pm.

He wasn't expecting a reply and reached to put his phone on the nightstand when it vibrated in his hand.

Aziraphale had texted back.

Good night, Anthony. Sweet dreams.

x.

Received at 11:41 p.m. 

With a blissful smile on his lips, Anthony placed his phone on his nightstand before slipping under the covers and letting sleep take over.

Barely twenty-four hours had passed and Anthony was already falling. 

Hard and fast. 

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Like a dream come true - Complete

Chap 1 - Chap 2 - Chap 3

[mimisempai]

Thanks for your donates and orders, we now have enough money for the tickets and maybe even for the first week in France. I can’t express how much this means to us! ❤️‍🩹

It’s a miracle you made happen, and we really have hope now.

I’ll try to reply to all your comments and messages as much as I can tonight, sorry if my autistic brain is a bit slow with it. 

As promised, I’ve set the lowest possible prices for all our GO stuff. I’ve also enabled the "Pay what you want" option, for those who want to add something.

The magic code LOVEWINS for an additional 20% off will work till March 1st.

Here is the link to my Ko-fi ❤️

[mimisempai]

This time is ours

Summary

15 years have passed since the end of the war, and today is the day of the institution of the new Hokage, and Naruto bids farewell to the living and the dead to begin a new life in the company of the one he loves.

Note

I'd had this story in my head for a long time. Canon compliant until the end of the war and not at all afterwards. I'm ignoring Boruto's events, because I just want them all to live in a peaceful world. This is the first story in a series that will follow our two lovebirds in their new life together and, at the same time, look back at the events that led them to each other.

On AO3

2468 words - Rating G

"Konohamaru, that's enough! You can't wear that today!"

"Come on, Iruka... it won't even show underneath..."

Amused, Naruto didn't even bother to knock on the door and entered his friend's apartment.

"Looks like we're having fun here!"

Konohamaru and Iruka turned to him.

"Naruto, you came at the right time..."

"Hiruka-sensei won't understand..."

"Konohamaru is too stubborn, he..."

Naruto started to laugh and raised his hands.

"Slowly, guys, one at a time. Honor to the eldest. Hiruka-sensei, I'm listening."

"This young man here doesn't understand that he has to take off his blue scarf for today's ceremony. It does not fit with the solemnity that the event requires."

As soon as he had finished, Konohamaru continued, "But it's my signature. It's me. It won't change just because I'm a Hokage."

Naruto nodded, "He has a point, Hiruka-sensei."

"But..."

"How about a compromise between the two of you? During the initiation ceremony, Konohamaru, you will take off the scarf and then you can put it back on immediately. And besides, Hiruka-sensei, seriously, since when have the kages of Konoha been conformist?"

Naruto winked and spread his arms.

"Did you get a good look at me?"

Admitting defeat gracefully, Hiruka took the scarf from Konohamaru's hands and folded it carefully. "I promise to tie it around your neck myself as soon as the ceremony is over."

"Thank you, Sensei."

Naruto snickered.

"Who would have thought that my last conflict as Hokage Nanadaime would be over a scarf."

"By the way, what are you doing here, Naruto?"

"Well, since the ceremony is not until this afternoon, I thought I would invite two of my oldest friends to share a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku."

And so, a few hours later, three satisfied friends rose from the counter of the noodle shop. 

Hiruka patted his stomach.

"I didn't notice the time. Konohamaru, you've got to get ready now."

Naruto said quietly, "You two go ahead. I have to take care of something."

The two friends nodded and left, bickering as they often did. 

Naruto turned to Teuchi and Ayame and said softly, his throat tightening with emotion, "I... um... I never really had a chance to thank you both. Even when the village looked down on me, you always welcomed me here. You made no difference."

Teuchi threw up his hands, "But no, it's normal..."

Naruto shook his head, "You know, I'm often given the nickname 'Hero of Konoha', but to me, being a hero means offering a bowl of noodles with his favorite topping to a little boy crushed by loneliness."

Naruto held out his hand.

"So thank you, Teuchi. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Teuchi took the outstretched hand and replied, his voice a little hoarse, "It is an honor for me to have been able to help this little boy who became a great man."

Naruto nodded, "We will see each other less often from now on, but I will be sure to visit you when I return to the village."

"I won't forget your promise."

Naruto winked at him, "My way of the ninja has not changed, I never go back on a promise."

It had been hard at times, he had sometimes wanted to give up, but he had never let go. No matter what it had cost him. He had fulfilled the dream of his sensei and godfather. For almost fifteen years, the ninja world had lived in serene peace.

It had taken a lot of work from all sides, but they had succeeded. The Shinobi Alliance had remained in place, the Council of Kage had become something regular and consistent, the big countries protected the smaller ones, and Naruto was relieved and happy to see that the following generations walked the same path and tried not to repeat the mistakes of their elders and ancestors.

A good example of this was the one who would succeed him.

Naruto stood at Konohamaru's side at the top of the Hokage's residence and addressed the crowd gathered in the place below.

"People of Konoha.

Today, for the last time, I will address you as Hokage Nanadaime. I, Uzumaki Naruto, have always strived to carry on the will of the fire that was passed on to me by my senseis and elders, and it is with pride and joy that I pass it on today to Sarutobi Konohamaru, Hokage Hachidaime!"

He took the Hokage hat and solemnly placed it on the head of the new Hokage, then stepped back to let his friend enjoy the moment.

"Are you sure you won't regret this?"

Naruto turned to Tsunade who had just spoken and shook his head. 

"Absolutely, Tsunade baachan."

"It's clear that no one can change your mind once you've made a decision. When will you leave?"

"In the evening, we'll stay just long enough to enjoy the reception and say a few goodbyes. But it's not like I'm disappearing."

He winked at her, "And then you can come visit me. I'll make sure we have some good sake."

"You little brat."

Naruto chuckled softly and then stepped back slightly when he saw her reach out as if to hit him. But just like almost twenty years ago, she just grabbed his chin and kissed him gently on the forehead before saying softly, "He would have been so proud of you. Take care, Naruto."

Naruto, who knew who she meant, felt his throat tighten slightly and just nodded.

Then Tsunade put her arm under his and led him to the stairs. 

"Let's stop with the emotional stuff, you mentioned sake and it made me thirsty. Let's enjoy this reception in honor of the new Hokage."

Some time later, the party in the gardens of the Hokage was in full swing. 

Naruto had gone from group to group and now, leaning against a tree with a drink in his hand, he watched and took one last look at all the people who had been or still were more or less important in his life.

He felt a certain nostalgia, he couldn't deny it. But it was tempered by the fact that it wasn't a final farewell and also by the excitement of what was to come.

His gaze fell amusedly on the group of Kiba, Shino, Tenten and Lee, the eternal bachelors and companions of boozy evenings. 

Lee piled glasses on his forehead while standing on one arm. Once again, he had found a challenge that pushed him to surpass himself, his enthusiasm not diminished by the years. 

Naruto glanced at the next group, which consisted of Shikamaru, Temari, Kakashi and Hiruka. 

Shika would remain Konohamaru's advisor. Naruto could never be grateful enough to his friend who had been a most valuable advisor during his years as Hokage, never hesitating to put him back on the right path when he saw that Naruto needed it. And if Shika had been his advisor professionally, his wife had been Naruto's advisor more than once in the former Hokage's private life. Temari had given Naruto some valuable advice in the early stages of his relationship with her brother. 

If Naruto hadn't been surprised when Temari and Shika made their relationship public, he had been more surprised when Hiruka and Kakashi did the same. 

But when he thought about it, it made sense. One day, in a rare moment of openness, Sasuke had confided to Naruto that if he was a blade, Sakura was like his sheath. The place where he knew he could let his guard down. It must have been the same with Kakashi and Hiruka. In any case, Naruto hadn't hesitated to tease Kakashi about the effectiveness of Jirayia's Icha Icha tactics and couldn't help but chuckle when he thought about it.

His gaze continued to sweep over the guests, Sai and Ino, Choji and Karui, the various Kage who had come for the occasion, including Kankuro, the new Kazekage. 

His gaze lingered for a moment on the small group formed by Shizune supporting a rather tipsy Tsunade accompanied by Sakura and Sasuke.

Naruto smiled with deep affection at the sight of Sakura. His first crush had become his best friend, taking the place of Sasuke, whom Naruto had long considered his true best friend. 

But even though he and Sasuke had reunited after the war and were now friends, there had been too many wounds for them to regain that closeness, that bond that had once driven Naruto. 

After peace had returned and reconstruction had begun, Naruto had done a lot of work on himself, which had made him realize that he had the right to want things in any relationship and that he didn't have to endure cold treatment and denial over and over again, that he didn't have to prove that he was worthy of being loved. 

The war had taught him that what drove him to surpass himself again and again, that his way of the ninja was no longer motivated solely by the bond he had with Sasuke. Over the years, he had formed so many deeper and better bonds with others. 

They had made peace, were friends, but Sasuke would never know Naruto as Sakura and other closer friends knew him. Because they had seen his suffering and what he had gone through because of and during Sasuke's absence. They had shown him that he didn't have to be strong, better or smarter to be loved for who he was. He didn't have to prove himself to them.

But that did not stop him from being sincerely happy that Sakura's faithful and resilient love for Sasuke had finally been rewarded and he rejoiced in their happiness. 

They all deserved to be happy after all they had been through. And now, Naruto would work on his own happiness. He felt almost elated when he realized how close he was to achieving it.

Naruto made his way to one of the tables, put down his empty glass and whispered softly, "Goodbye, my friends, see you soon," before he slipped away discreetly so as not to be noticed. 

Back in the square at the foot of the Hokage residence, he began to stroll down the main street, taking his time, enjoying the smells and sounds that had been so familiar for all these years.

Until he arrived at the place of final farewell. After greeting the living, he went to greet the dead. All those people who had left a mark on his life as a ninja.

He crossed the main aisle and stood in front of the monument dedicated to those who had died a hero's death for the village.

Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Asuma

Uchiha Itachi

It was one of the first names that Naruto had had engraved on this stone. Itachi had given and lost so much for the village and would forever be remembered as one of its greatest heroes. 

"I hope that wherever you are, you rest in peace and that you have finally tasted some happiness."

Jiraya

"A man grows when he's able to overcome hardships. Protection is important, but there are some things a person must learn on their own."

The loss that left the biggest hole in Naruto's heart. 

"Thank you, Ero Sennin. Thank you, Godfather. I will miss you forever."

Hyuuga Neji

"Because Naruto... you saved me from the darkness.”

"Neji, you saved my life and I will never forget you. Genius."

Naruto, overwhelmed with emotion as the flood of memories resurfaced, simply let his tears flow because he had known for a long time that they were necessary and part of the grieving process.

He also let his smile and laughter blossom as the happy memories gave way to the sad ones. And there were happy memories. Many of them.

The sun was beginning to set on the horizon when Naruto finally began to move. He stepped forward, placed his hand on the sun-warmed stone and whispered softly, "Thank you.

Suddenly, he felt two arms wrapping around his waist and a familiar voice whispered in his ear, "Are you ready?"

Naruto turned around and, placing his hands on Gaara's chest, he said quietly, “Almost. I just have one more little thing to do.”

He was about to move away when Gaara stopped him and looked at him intensely, asking in a slightly worried voice, "Are you okay?"

Naruto nodded.

"Yes, why do you ask?"

Gaara let go of him and raised his hand to place it on Naruto's cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had lingered in the corner of his lover's eye.

"You were crying."

Naruto leaned his cheek into Gaara's warm hand and replied softly, "Just some emotional stuff. You know... being here and all. But don't worry, I'm fine."

Gaara looked at him for a while, as if to make sure, then let go of his hand after a gentle caress.

"Did you say you had one more small thing to do?"

Naruto nodded quickly and took his lover's hand to pull him behind him.

"Yes, and you must come with me."

Gaara, now amused, let himself be led by his lover.

A few moments later, they stopped in front of a grave and Gaara gasped when he saw the names engraved on it.

Kushina Uzumaki

Minato Namikaze

Naruto squeezed his lover's hand in his and,looking at the stone, he said softly, " Dad, Mom, this is... this is Gaara. I've told you about him many times over the years. You've often heard me say that I wanted what you had. The same love. Well... I found it. It took time. Like you, we have been through a lot. But I love him, more than my life and... he seems to love me. Today, we're going to start a new life together, between Konoha and Suna. A new adventure. With him. That's it."

He turned to Gaara with a slight blush in his cheeks and said, "It's okay. I'm ready."

He wanted to walk away, but Gaara stopped him.

"Wait."

Naruto looked at him confused and Gaara, his eyes fixed on the gravestone, said softly, "Mother-in-law, father-in-law, I love your son with all my heart and I promise you that I will do everything to make him happy."

Then he turned to Naruto and, cupping his face in his hands, he added softly, "I will do everything I can to make you happy."

Closing the distance between them, he pressed his lips to Naruto's and kissed him tenderly before pulling away.

With a twinkle in his eye, he said with a smile, "There. Now we can go."

Naruto laughed softly, then grabbed Gaara's hand and shouted, "Let's go!" before launching himself into the air.

They were ready.

For a new adventure.

Their new life. Together.

It was their time to live.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

[mimisempai]

I'll always be there for you

Summary

Greg is receiving an award for his work, and he does not expect Mycroft to be there, but he may well receive a greater reward than a medal pinned on his uniform.

Mystrade Monday  4.0  #4 - “You said you’d be here"

@mystradepromptsandscenarios

On AO3

536 words - Rating G

"It is my pleasure today to award the King's Police Medal for Distinguished Service to Detective Inspector Gregory Lestrade for services to the Metropolitan Police."

Greg, who didn't like being the center of attention, hurried back to his seat as soon as he had pinned his medal on his uniform jacket and spent the rest of the ceremony in a kind of fog, impatient to go home and be back in a more familiar world. Not this world he did not belong to. But first he had to make an appearance at the reception that followed the medal ceremony.

He scanned the crowd, meeting the cheerful smiles of Sally and his other colleagues, but one face was missing. He wasn't really surprised or even disappointed, he hadn't expected Mycroft to be there. He knew his lover's schedule was more than busy and even though Mycroft had said he would try to be there, Greg was sure he had been held up for some important reason.

He waited for the main part of the crowd to go to the cocktail party in an adjoining room before he went there himself. He walked along the wall of the ceremonial room, keeping his eyes on the ground so he wouldn't have to engage in conversation and receive congratulations he wouldn't know what to do with, since he didn't understand why he was being rewarded for doing his job.

Suddenly he was forced to stop because his head had just hit an obstacle.

"My my, Detective Lestrade, I know you're used to rushing headlong, but still..."

At the sound of the voice with such a familiar inflection, Greg gave a small gasp of surprise and raised his head abruptly.

"Mycroft!"

"Don't look so shocked, I told you I'd be here."

"You said you'd be here, yes, but I also know how difficult it is for you to free yourself for this kind of..."

A finger on his lips interrupted his flow of words as Mycroft replied, "There are no buts, you should know by now that as far as you're concerned, I'll always be here."

They were now alone in the ceremonial hall and Mycroft, seizing Greg's hands, gently pushed him towards an alcove. 

"Mycroft, what..."

"Shhh..."

Mycroft cupped his lover's face in his hands and continued, "Let me give the recipient of the day the congratulations he deserves."

He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to Greg's in a tender kiss.

When he pulled away, Greg shook his head, "It's nothing special, I'm just doing my job." 

"But you do it especially well. So let me congratulate you again and tell you that I'm proud of you."

As Mycroft leaned in to capture his lips in another kiss, Greg read in his eyes that there was no point in arguing, and as the kiss lingered, he told himself that this was his greatest reward today.

Someone who loved him and was proud of him for what he had done. 

After all, Mycroft was the only one whose opinion mattered to him, not a bunch of officials who didn't know anything about him. 

Then Greg stopped thinking and surrendered to the kiss, enjoying the reward with all his soul.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Mystrade mondays 4.0 : here

Mystrade masterlist here

[mimisempai]

Like a dream come true 1/?

Summary

Although he refuses to admit that he has noticed his beautiful hair and bright smile, Aziraphale cannot help but think about his new neighbor, to the point of dreaming about him. So when Anthony knocks on his door one day, he still thinks he is dreaming...

Or the one where pastry chef Crowley and Professor Fell are neighbors and more if you hit it off...

Notes

A little fluffy neighbors AU

On Ao3

Rating G - 2454 words

Masterpost here

"Exhausting..."

Aziraphale sighed and frustratedly threw away the red pen he had been using to correct his students' tests. He took off his glasses and placed them carelessly on the pile of red-crossed papers in front of him, then leaned back in his desk chair and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"I need to take a break..."

As he stood up, as if to confirm this, his stomach began to growl, reminding him that his dinner was a distant memory.

"Hmm yes, let's see if I still have some sweets to snack on."

He had lived alone for so long that he had gotten into the habit of talking to himself, aloud. As he once told his friend Maggie, when she gently teased him about this little habit, "At least I can be sure I'll never be contradicted."

He walked more briskly toward the kitchen, but was disappointed when he realized a few moments later that he didn't have much to eat.

Aziraphale, edgy after the day's lesson, to which had been added the obvious proof that half the class wasn't listening to him, began to rant loudly as he paced his kitchen, "What an idiot! I should have remembered to do the shopping! Now it's too late and everything's closed. Not even a little cookie to nibble on! For God's sake!

Bam bam 

He paused, surprised by the sound coming from the entrance of his house, and went to the front door, wondering who it could be.

He looked through the porthole on his door and was surprised to see his new neighbor who had moved into the house next to his a few weeks ago. A neighbor whose wandering silhouette, red hair, and devastating smile Aziraphale had, of course, not noticed.

Absolutely not.

He hurried to open the door, curious to know what the man wanted.

He couldn't help but gasp when his eyes fell on the plate of pastries his neighbor was holding in his hands.

"Um... good evening, Mr. Fell. I know we haven't met. But the thing is, I'm your neighbor, Anthony, and I suppose you know that the walls between our two houses aren't very thick, and um... well, I hope you don't find me too presumptuous, but I overheard you just..."

Aziraphale, blushing slightly with embarrassment, interrupted him, "Oh, I'm sorry, I was talking too loudly, I-"

But Anthony shook his head.

"No, no, it's not that, but if I heard correctly, you were disappointed that you didn't have any sweets to eat. Well, I happen to be a pastry chef and I always take some unsold items home with me in the evening, so there you go."

He held the plate out to Aziraphale, who could not believe his eyes, ears, or good fortune.

"Oh... Oh... This is very thoughtful of you. But I'm even more sorry to have inconvenienced you."

Aziraphale took the plate of pastries and continued, "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To show my gratitude, let me invite you to share them with me over a cup of tea."

Seeing the other man's hesitation, Aziraphale adopted the pleading puppy eyes that always made Maggie give in, and he was not disappointed when Anthony nodded.

"All right, Mr..."

"Oh no, call me Aziraphale." 

Then Aziraphale showed him the way to the living room and added, "Welcome."

He let his handsome neighbor in and as he followed, he didn't know what made his mouth water more, the pastries or Anthony's swaying hips.

Bam bam bam

Someone was knocking on the door again.

Aziraphale didn't have time to react before the knocking became repetitive and louder.

Bam Bam Bam

Aziraphale awoke with a start at the noise, taking a moment to realize where he was. Blinking his eyes to adjust to the winter sunlight filtering through the window, he realized he was at his desk, where he had fallen asleep in the middle of grading papers. 

Then, sitting up, he muttered, "I dreamed about him again."

Aziraphale had been pleased to see that the "For Sale" sign on the house next to his had disappeared, and even more pleased to see the neighbor fate had given him. 

They had exchanged a few words and their names, nothing more, but since Anthony had moved in, Aziraphale could no longer count the nights when the man with the beautiful red hair had starred in his dreams.

Bam Bam Bam

Aziraphale realized that the noise was not part of the dream, but that someone was really knocking at the door. He went over and looked through the porthole. His heart leapt as he saw the object of his dreams and daydreams standing at his door, an adorable cap on his head, cheeks flushed with cold, and a plate of pastries in his hands.

Resisting the urge to pinch himself to make sure it wasn't a dream this time, he opened the door with his most welcoming smile.

"Um, hello Aziraphale, I don't want to disturb you, but I saw that you also cleared the snow from in front of my entrance the other day, and I wanted to thank you first, with this." He handed Aziraphale the plate he was holding and continued, "I'm a pastry chef and I deliver the Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death. Nina told me they were your favorites."

The coffee shop was right across the street from his house, and Nina was the girlfriend of Aziraphale's best friend, Maggie. So she knew him well. 

Aziraphale was speechless that his neighbor would go to such lengths to thank him and didn't know what to say, so Anthony continued, "And I also wanted to ask if I could borrow your snow shovel because it just snowed again and..."

Aziraphale, who had only been looking at Anthony since he had opened the door, looked around and realized that it had snowed quite heavily while he had been taking his nap. 

But he shook his head, "Oh no, there's no need. I didn't do this for... I mean, don't feel obligated. A few more feet of snow removal was nothing and..."

But Anthony cut him off, "I insist. It would make me happy to share this task with you. Really."

Faced with the dazzling smile, Aziraphale had no choice but to comply.

"All right, I'll get the shovel."

He grabbed the plate of cake, put it on the kitchen table, and went to the closet where he kept his tools to get the shovel to bring to Crowley.

The pastry chef grabbed it and said to him with a broad smile, "I'll bring it back to you later."

Aziraphale nodded and watched as Anthony walked toward the front door of his own house, whistling. Then an icy gust of wind left him no choice but to return to the warmth of his home. Aziraphale went to boil some water and returned to his desk to grade his students' tests, a task he quickly abandoned as his thoughts turned to his neighbor, who was busy clearing the snow.

Disappointed several times by relationships that had led nowhere and had left him feeling a little empty each time, Aziraphale had finally decided that love was not for him. Until this very moment. Because for the first time in a long time, he felt something special, something new, something unknown. The possibility of something good. Something that was still invisible, but whose presence could be felt.

That something that was reflected in Anthony's eyes and smile. 

Anthony could have been content to bring him any pastry to thank Aziraphale, but no, he had brought him his favorites, he had asked Nina. Which suggested that he had noticed that Aziraphale knew her. That he might have been watching Aziraphale.

Aziraphale began to hope that he might not be the only one whose thoughts often turned to his neighbor.

A small knock on the window made him look up to see Crowley, shovel in hand, waving to him, which he returned. Then Crowley called to him, "I'll be done in ten minutes."

God, he was adorable, his face flushed from the cold and still wearing his incredible smile.

Aziraphale smiled and gave him a thumbs up, and as he watched him go back to clearing the snow from the sidewalk, he got up and went to the kitchen, where he put the kettle on. Then he went to revive the fire in the fireplace, took out the tea set, which he arranged elegantly on the coffee table, and added the pastry plate. He had hardly put the kettle down when there was a knock at the door.

He tried not to rush at first, then muttered to himself, "Why pretend?!" and hurried to open the door.

Anthony handed him the shovel, "There you go, that'll do till next time."

Aziraphale took it and placed it against the wall before saying in a hurried tone, fearing that his neighbor might already be leaving, "Since we are sharing the task, why not share the thanks? How would you like to share these delicious pastries over a cup of tea?"

Aziraphale had to summon all his courage not to look away, and was rewarded when Anthony's smile widened as he replied in a clear voice, "With pleasure."

As if in a dream, Aziraphale opened the door wide and beckoned Anthony in.

"Welcome."

As he followed, Aziraphale wanted to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming, since it was so close to what he remembered from his dream. But he didn't need to, because the body he bumped into was very real.

Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed that his guest had stopped dead in the doorway to the living room.

Anthony immediately turned and grabbed Aziraphale's shoulders to stop him from tumbling.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I was startled."

Aziraphale shook his head.

"It's okay. Everything's fine. I am curious, though, what startled you?"

"The fact that our houses are reversed. It's really strange to see."

"Well, come in, give me your coat and beanie, and sit on the sofa while I bring the tea."

"Oh, I see, you're a bossy one."

"Of course, I'm a teacher."

Anthony chuckled slightly.

"Oh, I understand better. What subject do you teach?"

"Guess," Aziraphale replied before fetching the tea from the kitchen.

"Wait..."

When he returned to the living room, Anthony was sitting comfortably on the sofa, looking around and muttering, "...um books...lots of books...books everywhere..."

"I know! You're a physical education teacher!"

Aziraphale almost knocked over the kettle in shock and, looking at his neighbor, saw the mischievous smile on his lips and shook his head.

Anthony continued, "I don't think I'm wrong when I say you're a literature teacher. You certainly look like one."

"Well done. You get a gold star."

Aziraphale appreciated the simplicity of the banter between them.

He handed Anthony a cup before sitting down beside him as the other man asked him, "A gold star? Can I choose my reward?"

In addition to the mischief, Aziraphale thought he detected something else in Anthony's gaze and felt that the question was not as innocuous as it seemed.

He swallowed before answering.

"Whatever you want."

Anthony blew on his tea and looked Aziraphale in the eye over his cup, "I'll save this for later."

Then he set the cup down, picked up the pastry plate, and held it out to Aziraphale.

"Eat, they're your favorites."

Aziraphale grabbed an angel cake, bit into it with relish, and couldn't help but close his eyes as he let out a moan of pleasure at the explosion of flavors on his taste buds.

A soft chuckle made him open his eyes and he began to blush, but Anthony shook his head and said, "No, no, don't be embarrassed, it's rather nice to see someone enjoying something I made to such an extent."

Aziraphale swallowed his bite and exclaimed, "You, you have gold in your fingers. I have never eaten anything so delicious."

This time it was Anthony's cheeks that blushed at the compliment.

From then on, any awkwardness between them disappeared, and after a few minutes, both felt as if they had known each other forever. The conversation flowed easily, they moved from one topic to another with ease, accepted each other's different opinions, laughed at the same jokes, became passionate when they talked about their common interests. They were so immersed in their conversation that it was only when Aziraphale got up to turn on the light that they realized that night had fallen.

At the same time, they glanced at the wall clock.

"I'm sorry..."

They started to laugh because they had both spoken at the same time.

Aziraphale held out his hand, "You first."

Looking sheepish, Anthony said quietly, "Although I'm having a most enjoyable time, I really have to get home. Tomorrow is a big day at the bakery and I have to get up very early."

"I understand, and I was about to tell you the same thing. I still have a lot of papers to grade and I have classes all day tomorrow."

Aziraphale got up and continued, "I'll get your coat and hat."

By the time he returned, Anthony had joined him in the hallway. Aziraphale helped him put on his coat, and Anthony said to him in an amused tone, "How gallant.

Then, getting serious again, he added, "I really had a great time with you, Aziraphale."

"So did I, Anthony."

Anthony walked to the front door, which he opened, and as he was about to descend the few steps in front of the door, he turned and said, his eyes locked with Aziraphale's, "You owe me a reward."

Aziraphale's heart began to beat faster at the intensity of his neighbor's and new friend's gaze.

"Yes, it's true."

"I've decided what it is."

"Oh?"

Anthony said quietly, "Dinner."

"What?"

He hadn't heard what Anthony had just said, had he?

Or was he still dreaming?

"Dinner with you in a restaurant."

It wasn't a dream.

Aziraphale replied in a slightly shaky voice, "Okay."

Anthony exclaimed, "Great!"

Then he leaned over to Aziraphale and softly added, "Good night, Aziraphale," before planting a light kiss on Aziraphale's cheek.

Aziraphale, stunned, watched Anthony go home in a daze.

As his neighbor entered his own house, Aziraphale couldn't resist the urge to touch the cheek where Anthony had pressed his lips, then whisper, "It really wasn't a dream."

He finally lowered his hand and went into his house, where the two abandoned cups on the table and the empty plate reminded him once again that everything was real and a thousand times better than his dream.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Crowley on his way to his wedding with Aziraphale 😌

THE RED AND GOLD OMG 😭😭😭

[mimisempai]

Alert spoiler Captain America Brave new world

We're soooo back 🥺

I haven't gone to watch it yet, but spoilers have never bothered me. 

In "The nerdist" they mention a photo of Sam and Bucky in Sam's apartment that looks like it was taken around the time of the TFATWS events

The nerdist: 

“It's nice to see that Sam keeps a picture of him and his friend around to make his apartment feel like home.”

Me reading and correcting: 

“It's nice to see that Sam keeps a picture of him and his BOYfriend around to make his apartment feel like home.”

2 weeks... is way toooo long until I can go to theater...

[mimisempai]

A love celebrated every day

Summary

Crowley has forgotten about today's special date, but Aziraphale doesn't hold it against him and instead shows him that there's no need to do anything special to celebrate their love.

Notes

Warning : Fluffy fluff…

Whether you're a couple or not, I wish you all a joyous celebration of love.

On Ao3

Rating G - 567 words

"Angel, I'm home."

Crowley tapped his feet on the doormat outside the door to shake off the snow that had stuck to his shoes before entering the warm house. Once the door was closed, he hung his coat, scarf and hat on the coat rack in the foyer before heading into the living room.

He was surprised to find the room in semi-darkness, and as he approached the sofa, he saw a figure lying on it as the gramophone made the little repetitive sound that indicated the end of the record.

The demon smiled tenderly when he saw that Aziraphal was fast asleep, with a blanket over his knees, an open book on his chest, and his small round glasses askew on his nose.

He approached him and knelt down to gently remove the book, taking care to insert the bookmark before closing it, and placed it on the coffee table. He slowly pulled the blanket up a little higher than the angel's waist. 

He leaned in a little more, and just as he was about to take hold of Aziraphale's glasses, the angel opened his eyes. Crowley straightened the glasses on the angel's nose before gently stroking his cheek with his knuckles.

"Angel, I'm home."

Aziraphale replied, his voice still sleepy, "Welcome home."

Then he pushed himself against the back of the sofa to make room for the demon and, lifting the blanket, continued, "You must be freezing after those long hours outside, come and get warm."

Obviously unable to refuse such a sweet invitation, Crowley immediately lay down against the angel on the sofa, wrapped his arms around his waist, and curled up against him.

Aziraphale pulled the blanket up to cover them both, then with a slight movement of his hand, started the gramophone, which immediately played some soft music, and with a second movement, rekindled the fire in the fireplace.

Crowley snuggled up even closer, and with his face buried in the angel's neck, he hummed, "Hmm, that's perfect."

Aziraphale pressed a kiss to the red hair and then asked quietly, "Do you know what day it is?"

Crowley shook his head.

The angel tilted his head slightly and whispered in the demon's ear, "Happy Valentine's Day."

He felt the demon gasp against him, but he gently stroked Crowley's back as he continued in a soothing voice, "Hey, it's okay. I don't blame you for forgetting, you know."

"But didn't you want to go to the Ritz to celebrate? To mark this day? Our first-"

Aziraphale took the demon's face between his hands to make him look up at him, then said quietly, "Actually, there's only one thing missing to make this Valentine's Day perfect."

"And that would be?" asked Crowley, looking puzzled.

"A kiss from my beloved demon."

Crowley's face lit up with a smile and, moving his face closer to the angel's, he replied softly, "Then let me make this day perfect. Happy Valentine's Day, my angel." 

The demon closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to the angel's soft ones in a tender kiss, wanting to do everything to make this celebration of love perfect.

And perfect it was.

There was no need for fancy food, roses, chocolate, heart-shaped boxes. They had waited so long to live their love openly that the preciousness of it was celebrated each time they shared a simple and tender moment like this.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Forever is our today

Summary

When Crowley surprises Aziraphale, the angel doesn't expect to see an element of their past reappear and, above all, to realize that forever is just around the corner.

Notes

February challenge…

Day 3 : Forever

Day 4 : Bench

On Ao3

Rating G - 513 words

"Crowley, where are you taking me?"

Aziraphale, his eyes hidden by the demon's hands, felt his breath on his neck as Crowley replied in an amused tone.

"Angel, do I have to explain the concept of surprise to you after all this time?"

Aziraphale pouted but kept moving, gently nudged by the demon who continued, "Just a few more steps, we're almost there."

The angel really wondered why Crowley was being so mysterious.

But he didn't have to wonder anymore as the demon suddenly stopped and, removing his hands from the angel's eyes, said softly, "Here we are."

"But it's just the pond at the end of the gard..."

Aziraphale gasped.

It was no longer just the pond at the end of the garden.

A new feature had appeared.

A wooden bench.

Right between the woods and the pond.

But more importantly, it was not just any wooden bench.

"It's... it's..."

"Our bench, yes."

Crowley sat down on the bench and held out his hand to the angel.

Aziraphale joined him and, before sitting down, ran his hand gently over the back of the bench. The bench of St. James Park.

Their bench.

The same bench.

He sat down and Crowley put an arm around his shoulders.

Not exactly the same bench, because they'd never had that kind of closeness on the one in St. James Park.

Aziraphale couldn't hide his surprise and asked, "But how... why..."

The demon shrugged, "To be honest, I don't really know. Let's just say I missed it in general, just a little. You know me on the bench, waiting for you to come. Always you on the right, me on the left. Of course, there's no spy to mock or ice cream man, but there is a pond and ducks. It's probably a bit of silly nostalgia."

Aziraphale dropped his head on the demon's shoulder and said quietly, "It's not silly. Charming and certainly not silly."

For a few minutes, they remained like that in silence, watching the ducks on the pond, until Aziraphale said in an emotional voice, “This time I'm the one who might sound silly. You know, I think I finally realize we're going to have this forever."

Crowley chuckled slightly.

"Just realizing that now, Angel?"

"I told you it was silly. But sitting here on this bench like this, so familiar and yet different because we're closer than we've ever been... I guess that makes it all real."

Crowley hummed.

"I see what you mean."

The demon moved a little and turning to the angel, now with a mischievous gleam in his eye, he said playfully, "Though I think I can make it even more real."

The angel didn't have time to ask how, for Crowley pressed his lips to his. 

And everything made it perfectly real.

The hardness of the bench against his back.

The scents coming from the forest.

The splash of water in the pond.

The warmth of Crowley's body against his own.

The softness of his lips against his.

Their breath mingling.

It was all real.

Real and forever.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Bouquet of love

Summary

Aziraphale gets hay fever from flowers offered by Crowley. Not wanting to disappoint him, he tries to hide his condition from him at all costs.

Notes

Catching up a February challenge.

Day 1 : Hay Fever 

Day 2 : Bouquet

On Ao3

Rating G - 955 words

"Achoo!"

Aziraphale pulled out his handkerchief, quickly wiped his nose, and resumed arranging his books.

"Did you call me, Angel?"

The angel turned to Crowley in what he hoped was a natural way and replied with a look of astonishment, "Me? No. Not at all. Not at all." 

"Ah, I thought I heard you calling me. Anyway, I was just about to make myself a cup of coffee, would you like some tea?"

Aziraphale nodded vigorously.

"With pleasure."

"Good, I'll be in the kitchen."

The angel waited until the demon was gone before he let out a sigh of relief.

"Phew. He didn't notice anything."

Aziraphale took out his handkerchief again and stifled another sneeze.

He didn't want Crowley to notice because he knew the source of his hay fever. 

Since moving into the cottage, the demon had let his love of plants soar and thrived on the activity. While clearing the back of the orchard, he'd discovered several bushes infested with thorns and weeds, and had made it a point to carefully tend to each one. 

This morning, he had been delighted to see the first one bloom, and had cut off a few branches to make a bouquet, which he had proudly offered to Aziraphale.

The bouquet that now sat in the middle of the coffee table in the living room.

The bouquet that was the cause of Aziraphale's hay fever.

Crowley had looked so happy to offer it that the angel didn't have the heart to tell him and did everything in his power to hide his state from him.

Aziraphale had just stifled another sneeze when Crowley arrived carrying a tray with their cups and some cakes.

"What do you say we take a little break?"

Aziraphale watched as the demon sat down on the sofa, facing the large bouquet of branches with pretty yellow flowers.

Damn.

"Coming, my dear."

He quickly wiped his nose before making his way to the sofa and sitting down next to Crowley.

The demon handed him his cup, and Aziraphale quickly took a first sip, enjoying the warmth of the tea as it went down his slightly sore throat.

He was about to reach for a biscuit when he felt another sneeze coming on. 

He had to get Crowley's attention.

He pointed to the window and exclaimed, "Oh, look, it looks like a duck is flying over there."

Crowley immediately turned his head, and Aziraphale took the opportunity to take out his handkerchief, hoping to cover his sneeze.

"Angel, you must be hallucinating because there isn't a single bird in the sky." 

The demon had turned his head again and Aziraphale froze, handkerchief in hand.

Suddenly there was no longer any place to hide, and all the angel could do was turn his head and put his handkerchief to his nose. 

“Achoo!”

Aziraphale wiped his nose and turned back to the demon, whose narrowed eyes stared at his face. 

"Angel..."

"It's nothing. Just a little cold."

Crowley grabbed the angel's chin and retorted, "A little cold? With your eyes and nose all red?"

Aziraphale felt another sneeze coming on, so he broke free of the demon's grip and had just enough time to bring the handkerchief to his nose for three consecutive sneezes.

He turned to Crowley, "I..."

He cleared his throat, hoarse with irritation.

"I really must have caught a little cold, I..."

Crowley shook his head.

"Angel, after all this time on Earth, you think I can't tell the difference between a cold and hay fever?"

Aziraphale swallowed and couldn't help but glance at the bouquet on the table. Then, watching Crowley, he saw him gasp at the moment he understood.

"Don't tell me that..."

Aziraphale lowered his head.

"Sorry."

"You idiot."

Feeling the sofa next to him move, Aziraphale looked up to see that Crowley had risen and was reaching for the bouquet. 

"Crowley..."

The demon didn't answer. He took the bouquet outside and set it down a short distance from the entrance, then returned to sit next to the angel.

There he handed her his cup and said gently, "Drink, Angel, this will ease your throat a little."

Aziraphale nodded shyly and drank some tea before putting the cup down.

"I'm sorry, Crowley. You were so excited about this bouquet, I didn't want to disappoint you."

Crowley grabbed the angel's hands and, pulling him close, said softly, "And you think I'm happy to see you in such a state because of those flowers?"

Aziraphale cuddled up to the demon, who leaned over to press a soft kiss on his lips.

"I'm surprised you want to kiss me at all," the angel mused.

"Angel... it takes a lot more than hay fever to keep me from kissing you."

He planted another kiss on the angel's nose and said in an amused tone, "Besides, you look cute with your reddened nose."

"You..."

The angel didn't have the strength to continue.

No longer needing to hide his condition, and now feeling exhausted, he snuggled even closer to the demon and let out a last little sneeze.

Crowley gently stroked his back while planting another kiss on his forehead.

"Why don't you try and get some rest, Angel? I'm sure you'll feel better when you wake up."

Aziraphale nodded his head against the demon's chest and asked in a hoarse voice, "Will you stay with me?"

"Of course."

The angel felt another kiss on his hair and then Crowley's lips moving as he whispered, "See, this, this makes me much happier than giving you flowers from our garden."

Aziraphale hummed contentedly before drifting off to sleep, a smile on his lips at the thought of making his demon even happier when he would wake up.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

The kisses that belong only to you

Summary

A reunion with their friends on Wickber Street is another opportunity for Aziraphale to blow Crowley's min

Notes

As always just a little fluffy thing

On Ao3

Rating G - 384 words

Crowley walked a few steps behind Aziraphale, amused each time the angel was approached by a shopkeeper or one of their friends. Each in turn would pull him in for a hug, a kiss, or simply an informal exchange of news.

Since the first Wickber Street Merchants' Ball, as it was now officially called, a few years ago, it had become an annual event. Even now, when Aziraphale wasn't really part of the Wickber Street Shopkeepers Association anymore, the angel and the demon had received an invitation to the ball by mail. Crowley, though obviously not thrilled, had accompanied Aziraphale anyway, and they had come all the way from the South Downs to attend the ball.

Knowing the angel's benevolent and generous nature, it was obvious that many people were happy to see him, and the greetings were more affectionate than usual.

Aziraphale didn't seem bothered by these displays of affection, which was not the case with Crowley, at least as far as he was concerned. The good thing was that people knew him well, too, and knew better than to make such displays of affection, so even if their greetings were just as warm, they didn't go any further.

Now it was Mrs. Sandwich who came to embrace Aziraphale and plant two hearty kisses on his cheeks, trying to make him promise to come more often accompanied by his good lad.

As he and Crowley walked side by side to the next group of people, Crowley leaned over and whispered in Aziraphale's ear, "Save me some, Angel."

Aziraphale turned his head in his direction, raised an eyebrow, and asked, a little confused, "Some what?"

Crowley continued to whisper in his ear, "Some kisses."

He hissed the end of the word and couldn't help but feel a certain satisfaction in seeing the slight shiver that ran through Aziraphale as a result.

But the demon's smile quickly faded as Aziraphale lightly pressed his mouth to his in a soft kiss, then ran his tongue fleetingly over his lover's lips before answering cheekily, "These special kisses are only for you, my love, all others are of no importance." 

Then, ignoring Crowley's astonished look, the angel took the demon's hand and walked to the next group. Crowley obediently followed the angel, who never ceased to baffle him.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Something good

Summary

Crowley watches Aziraphale sleep and seeing the way the angel sleeps surrendered against him, marvels once again at their relationship. 

Notes

Inpired by “Something Good” from The Sound of Music

On Ao3

Rating G - 438 words

How could he be so lucky?

Crowley lay on his side, his head resting on his arm as he watched Aziraphale sleep. God knew he didn't really like musicals and had often mocked Aziraphale with The Sound of Music, nevertheless it was the lyrics of one of the songs from that musical that came to mind as he watched his sleeping angel.

Perhaps I had a wicked childhood,

Perhaps I had a miserable youth,

But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past,

There must have been a moment of truth.

For Crowley had never imagined that he would wake up every day like this, next to the angel who had been the first to look at him with awe in his eyes.

You are there, lying beside me, loving me. Whether or not you should

The only one who saw that there was something to love. 

Before, during, and after.

Crowley didn't have to do anything to earn Aziraphale's love. 

He just had to be. He just had to be Crowley. 

No tricks, no pretenses, just Crowley.

How could he have known that calling for help was the luckiest thing he'd ever done? 

His call for help had put in his path the angel who was at this very moment sleeping peacefully beside him. 

Surrendered. Trusting. 

Crowley couldn't help but bring a trembling hand to Aziraphale's face. But he dared not touch him, not wanting to disturb his restful sleep.

Was he aware of the grace he was bestowing upon Crowley? To sleep beside him like this? To love him? To protect him? To cherish him like this?

Crowley didn't resist, and with a finger as light as a feather, he traced the contours of Aziraphale's face. 

The angel opened his eyes, smiling instantly as he met Crowley's gaze.

"Good morning, my dear, are you already awake? "

Crowley leaned over and kissed Aziraphale's lips gently before saying softly, "I was just thinking how lucky I had been. That day. I just wanted someone to help me and you came. Nothing comes from nothing, so I must have done something good."

Aziraphale kissed him back and replied softly.

"I've been telling myself the same thing for a long, long time."

Then, realizing something, he added, "Wait, did you just quote The Sound of Music?"

Crowley chuckled.

"What can I say? It's fitting."

"You're not wrong."

Aziraphale then pecked Crowley's lips again before pulling him closer.

And there, both entwined, lips against Crowley's hair, the angel began to sing softly.

Nothing comes from nothing,

Nothing ever could.

So somewhere in my youth or childhood

I must have done something...

Something good.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[mimisempai]

Taking your pain away

Summary

Crowley gets hurt gardening and Aziraphale makes a big deal about it. Is he being a drama queen, or is there something deeper going on?

Notes

Just one more situation to create a bit of fluff...

On Ao3

Rating G - 787 words

"Hold still and let me take care of you."

Aziraphale shoved Crowley, forcing him to sit on the edge of the bed.

The demon began to protest vehemently, "Angel! I'm all right! It's just a scratch, stop making such a fuss - ouch!"

Aziraphale had just touched where Crowley's shirt was torn on his hip and raised an eyebrow at Crowley's reaction.

"Just a scratch, huh? Then show me that scratch."

Crowley continued to protest, but the angel cut him off.

"Now!"

After a moment's hesitation, the demon began to lift his shirt, grimacing as the fabric peeled away from the wound.

"Crowley, you've got to be kidding me, this is more than a scratch! Don't move!"

Aziraphale rushed to the bathroom and returned with a damp cloth.

"What happened to you? And don't lie to me, will you?"

While Aziraphale went to fetch a wet towel, Crowley sheepishly told him that a step on the old ladder had cracked while he was trimming an apple tree, and that it was a branch that had cut him when he fell.

"It's just a scratch. It's really nothing to make a drama out of. Just a little miracle and it'll be gone."

Aziraphale wasn't impressed with Crowley's casual tone and scolded, "Off the ladder! You fell off the ladder and you're telling me not to make a fuss? Besides, there's dirt and I don't know what around it, we have to clean it up before we do anything, miracle or no miracle." 

As the angel used the wet cloth to clean the wound, he said in a softer tone, "This is going to hurt."

Crowley couldn't help but hiss in pain as Aziraphale tended to the wound. Then he instinctively grabbed the angel's forearm, digging his nails into the flesh. Once the brief moment of pain had passed, the demon released Aziraphale's arm.

His gaze fell on Aziraphale's tense face as he finished cleaning his wound, before he made a small gesture that caused the wound to close and disappear as if nothing had happened.

Without a word, the angel got up, rummaged through the closet, and returned with a clean shirt. Still without a word, he helped Crowley take off the torn shirt and put on the clean one.

At his silence, Crowley grabbed Aziraphale's arm to make him sit down beside him.

"Angel? Why are you angry? Talk to me."

Aziraphale mumbled something between his teeth that Crowley didn't understand.

"Can you repeat that, please?

Aziraphale looked up at him and said more clearly, "I hate to see you hurt."

"I'm sorry."

Aziraphale shook his head.

"There's nothing you can do about it. But sometimes I wonder how many times it must have happened to you without me knowing."

"Not as much as you think. I mean, they're not exactly soft in hell, but as far as I know, you haven't been spared by your own side either."

"Don't change the subject. I'm serious about this. I hate to think of you suffering in any way."

Crowley didn't answer, but stepped back to sit against the headboard, then stretched out his arms toward Aziraphale.

"Come here, Angel."

Aziraphale climbed onto the bed and, once near the demon, snuggled up to Crowley, resting his head on his chest and gently caressing the demon's hip where the wound had disappeared.

After a moment, the angel whispered, "I wish I had the power to make sure that you would never be hurt again, that you would never be in pain again."

Crowley kissed the angel's hair and replied softly, "Even if you can work miracles, there are certain things that are unavoidable. That's life. Human life. The one we choose to live. You won't be able to stop me from tripping over a stone in the middle of the road any more than I could stop a book from falling on your head."

The angel chuckled slightly as the demon continued, "But you'll be there to help me up and heal my scrapped knee, and I'll be there to put the book back in its place and ease your pain. That's all I can promise you."

Aziraphale hummed against the demon's chest before lifting his head to look at him.

Crowley lowered his head until his lips met the angel's in a tender kiss.

As he wrapped his arms around the demon's neck, lost in the sweetness of the moment, a thought crossed the angel's mind. 

Crowley was right.

They didn't know what danger, great or small, lurked around the bend. Their one constant, their one certainty, was the strength of their love, the knowledge that they would have each other no matter what the danger.

And that was enough.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

South Downs cottage series : here

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here