mimisempai

[mimisempai]

Like a dream come true 1/8

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

"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

[mimisempai]

Love's tender touch

Sometimes there's nothing more precious than a shared moment of tender intimacy. 

Notes

Lots of sugar, because we need it right now.

On Ao3

Rating G - 419 words

"Hmm... go on, Angel."

Aziraphale, lost in thought, snapped out of it at the sound of Crowley's voice and lowered his head to look at him.

The demon was sitting on the floor between his legs while Aziraphale, sitting on the sofa, stroked his hair. The angel couldn't hold back an amused chuckle at the way Crowley's hair was going all over the place because of him.

The demon lifted his head and two longer strands fell across his face. Aziraphale's amused look turned tender as Crowley squinted and then blew on the strands to get them out of his face, but to no avail.

Unable to resist, Aziraphale brought his hand to the demon's face and gently pushed the stubborn strands of hair back behind his ears. Crowley no longer squinted, but now stared at Aziraphale.

Aziraphale returned the gaze and, seeing Crowley's trusting expression, couldn't stop the words from coming out of his mouth.

"I love you."

The demon's eyes widened at the unexpected confession, then his lips curled into a broad smile.

He grabbed Aziraphale's hand and used it as leverage to pull himself up onto the angel's lap. He placed his hands on Aziraphale's hips and leaned forward, his face now close to the angel's as he replied softly, "Probably not as much as I love you."

"Impossible. I love you the most."

"I know I said I'm a demon and that I'm lying, but in this case it's the truth, it's me who loves you the most."

They both chuckled softly. 

Then Aziraphale, burying his hands in the red hair, said tenderly, "Let's agree to disagree."

The demon nodded and, closing the distance between them, pressed his lips to the angel's in a tender kiss that lasted until they had to pull away to catch their breath. 

Then, with a small smile on his lips, the demon said playfully, "I seem to remember asking you to continue just before that."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I must correct that mistake."

His fingers still in the demon's hair, the angel pulled him close until Crowley curled up against him, his head resting on the angel's shoulder. There, Aziraphale resumed his caresses in the hair, sliding the strands between his fingers, smoothing the short curls at the nape of the demon's neck, gently massaging the sensitive area behind his ears.

They spent the rest of the evening like this, the demon snuggled up to the angel in a silence only broken by hums of contentment from both lovers.

_________

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 little bit of demon in me

Summary

When a relationship shifts, you notice things that have been there for a long time. This is the case with Aziraphale, and he intends to use a little something he's just discovered in Crowley and tease him with it. 

Notes

Because we love a mischievous angel...

On Ao3

Rating G - 496 words

Aziraphale was sometimes surprised that he was still discovering things about Crowley after so many years. Probably those things had always been there, and now that their relationship had changed, he had opened his eyes and seen things differently.

For example, he'd recently discovered something very interesting about his demon and wondered why he'd never seen it before, since it was so obvious. 

Of course, he was used to Crowley looking at him when he ate, so used to it that he didn't really notice it anymore. But what Aziraphale had never noticed was that the demon's gaze always seemed to be drawn to his mouth.

Rather than make a big deal of it, however, Aziraphale had kept the information in the back of his mind, for while he was an angel, he was no saint, and he intended to make use of it... one day.

And that day was today. 

The opportunity presented itself when they had just finished a hearty lunch. While Crowley sipped a cup of coffee, Aziraphale finished the meal with dessert, of course. 

A crème brûlée.

The angel was currently taking great pleasure in slowly and conspicuously savoring each spoonful of his crème brûlée. 

Each time, he licked the spoon much slower and longer than necessary, all the while staring at Crowley and occasionally letting out a little moan of pleasure.

He could see Crowley's gaze darting over his lips now and then, more and more often.

This, of course, only encouraged Aziraphale, who continued to enjoy the rest of his dessert in this manner. He watched with delight as Crowley's cheeks blushed slightly, his eyes clouded with desire and his breath quickened as he went on.

Aziraphale looked into the demon's eyes, innocently licked a small bit of crème brûlée that had remained at the corner of his lips, and raised a candid eyebrow at Crowley, "Is something wrong, my dear?"

Crowley coughed slightly before replying in a low voice, "Don't look at me like that. Don't look at me with that fake innocent look when you know exactly what you're doing, Angel."

Aziraphale replied, licking his spoon in a perfectly indecent manner, "And you, if you don't stop looking at my lips idly, I swear I'll take you right here on this couch."

Crowley's eyes widened, then slowly took on a mischievous glint. There were two of them who could play, and he never turned down a challenge. He crossed his arms, continued to stare at Aziraphale's lips, now ostentatiously, but did nothing.

Aziraphale swallowed his last bite of dessert, slowly placed his plate and spoon on the coffee table, and licked his lips one last time before leaning toward the demon. Determined to enjoy another kind of dessert, he pressed his lips to Crowley's, locking them in a kiss full of a hunger his dessert hadn't satisfied. 

After all, he had sworn, and angels, especially this angel, never break their promises.

Much to the delight of his demon.

_________

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 smile that belongs only to you

Summary

While the angel and the demon are on a visit at Whickber Street, Nina points out something to Aziraphale. Something he'd never really realized, and it has to do with Crowley's smile.

Notes

Sorry but not sorry for the amount of sugar, I need it to counteract all that bitterness...

On Ao3

Rating G - 777 words

"When will our dear Mr. Grumpy be joining us, Aziraphale?"

Aziraphale and Crowley had left their cottage in the Southdowns to visit their friends on Wickber Street for a few days.

The angel put down his glass of sherry and replied to Nina, "In a few minutes. He's looking for a place to park the Bentley."

"Where? There's a free spot in front of the bookshop!"

"Too small, according to him."

"Oh, I see, Grumpy's afraid of scratching his old banger."

Maggie replied, "Honestly, that nickname hardly fits him anymore."

"You're right. The way he smiles, I should call him Dopey instead."

Muriel and Maggie giggled as Aziraphale looked at the three of them with a puzzled expression.

He asked, "What do you mean?"

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed. Whenever you're in a room and he walks in, he smiles in a very peculiar way. I'm not talking about that mocking smile he puts on his lips like a well-fitting mask, no, I'm talking about a goofy, completely idiotic smile. Fleeting, yes, but really silly."

Aziraphale was about to reply that Crowley had smiles for him that weren't mocking, but he'd never noticed the one Nina was talking about. Seeing his puzzled expression, Muriel added, "He smiles like that when he thinks you're not looking at him."

Maggie interjected, "Oh look, he's just entered the pub, take a good look, you'll see!"

Aziraphale didn't turn to the door on his left, but watched Crowley's arrival out of the corner of his eye.

First he saw him looking for them, then the look on his face when he saw them, and finally he saw it, the moment Crowley laid eyes on him, the smile Nina was talking about.

He vaguely heard Nina murmur: "I told you so! It's tiring to be right all the time."

Then she added in an even lower voice, “Dopey...”

Only for Aziraphale, there was nothing silly or goofy about that smile. The only word she could think of to describe it was happy. Knowing that it was he, Aziraphale, who had brought that smile to Crowley's lips filled the angel with overflowing joy.

He couldn't help but turn his full attention to Crowley and watch the smile turn into something more teasing. Ready to have some fun. Aziraphale watched in amusement as the demon "bickered" with Nina once he was seated beside him.

He thought about it later that evening as he joined Crowley in the bedroom above the bookshop. He watched the demon before entering and saw that smile again. 

Of course, Aziraphale had always wanted to see the joy on Crowley's face again. The pure joy of the Starmaker. But this was different. Here he was the one making Crowley smile. He'd never really thought about it, but one thing was for sure: he liked the idea. Very much.

A special smile. Just for and because of him.

He slid under the covers, and Crowley opened his arm so that Aziraphale could rest his head on his shoulder.

After a few seconds of silence, the angel asked softly, "May I tell you something? I mean something very sappy."

Crowley took Aziraphale's hand, which was resting on his chest, and planted a kiss on the palm.

"Go on."

"I like the way you smile." 

He felt Crowley's lips curve against his palm.

"The way I smile?" Crowley placed a gentle kiss on Aziraphale's wrist and the angel felt the smile on his skin again.

"The way you smile because of me or for me. You don't know how you make me feel."

Crowley lowered his head to meet Aziraphale's eyes and another smile appeared on his lips, literally a smile of adoration. 

"Tell me."

"Well, seeing you smile is always a delight, obviously. But when I know it's because of me or for me, it takes my breath away." 

Aziraphale shook his head before adding, "Sorry, I don't know how else to put it."

He rested his head on the demon's shoulder and felt Crowley kiss him in the hair before the demon replied softly, “It's the same for me, you know. I've always loved to see you smile, just because of me, because of something I said, something stupid I did, no matter why. Just to know that I was the reason for your smile."

Aziraphale lifted his head to look at Crowley and they both smiled at each other in the same way.

Nina would have said they were smiling like two idiots in love, but that didn't matter to the angel and the demon.

For each of them knew that he was the reason for the other's smile.

_________

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]

Irresistible

Summary

Aziraphale is awake, but unwilling to get up, he contemplates his sleeping lover. Until looking is no longer enough.

Notes

Unashamedly, just pure fluff with no plot.

On Ao3

Rating G - 498 words

The sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, and Aziraphale was far too comfortable to want to get up. As his eyes adjusted to the half-light, he turned and leaned on his elbow to look at his still-sleeping demon, unable to hold back a tender smile.

After a few minutes of silent contemplation, he could no longer resist and reached out his free hand toward Crowley. The contact was light, just a brush, and he ran his fingers over the smooth skin of which he now knew every corner, every hollow, every scar....

He was so handsome, though Crowley would deny it if he heard him say it out loud. He had flaws, of course, but there was perfection in Crowley's flaws, and Aziraphale loved every one of them.

But then again, he was biased because he loved everything about his demon.

The angel sighed softly as his hand slid down Crowley's thigh.

He ran his fingers over the skin, inch by inch, tracing the curve of his hip.

Gradually, his fingers climbed higher, following the lines of Crowley's flat stomach, the hollow of his navel.

Aziraphale's fingers continued to move, now brushing the demon's chest, then his arm, then along his shoulder to his neck, where he could feel his pulse throbbing against his fingers.

As Crowley stretched gently, a smile on his lips, Aziraphale buried his fingers in the short strands at the nape of the demon's neck, playing gently with the red strands.

"Hmmm... am I dead?"

Crowley's voice was slurred, still sleepy, and his eyes were not yet open.

Aziraphale continued to run his fingers over his skin, pleased with the goosebumps he felt rising under his touch.

He chuckled softly.

"No, you're very much alive, why do you ask?

"Well, for a moment I thought I was in heaven."

Crowley opened his eyes as he heard Aziraphale laugh softly.

"I assure you, heaven is nothing like this."

The demon joined in the chuckle and leaned into the angel's hand as Aziraphale continued to stroke the back of his neck.

"What..." Crowley began, but stopped with a wide yawn before continuing. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Aziraphale breathed back, burying his fingers in Crowley's hair again before leaning forward to plant a chaste kiss on the tip of his lover's nose.

"Nothing," he repeated in a softer voice, brushing a kiss to the corner of Crowley's mouth. "I was just watching you sleep."

Crowley's smile turned playful, "You weren't just watching..."

Aziraphale shrugged, "What do you expect, when I see something beautiful, I can't help but touch it."

Taking advantage of the demon's surprised silence, Aziraphale pressed his lips to his before continuing, "And when I see something delicious, I can't help but taste it."

He leaned over the demon and pressed his lips to his again in a kiss that deepened and lasted so long that by the time they decided to get up, the sun was high in the sky.

_________

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]

You alone

Summary

Aziraphale wakes up next to a cold, empty space and wonders what could have caused his demon to rise in the middle of the night. 

Notes

Just a little piece of fluff…

On Ao3

Rating G -  507 words

Aziraphale awoke with a strange and unusual sensation. The place beside him was empty and, more importantly, cold, which meant that Crowley had been gone for some time. He turned his eyes to the window and saw that it was still dark. 

A little concerned, the angel got up without bothering to put on a shirt and went to look for Crowley. He found him in the living room, his hand resting on the mantelpiece where their collection of photographs was displayed.

One was of the Them posing with their bikes in front of the Tadfield base fence. Anathema and Newt absorbed in reading some obscure manuscript, Nina, Maggie and Muriel in the Give me or Give me Death. A photo of the Bentley. The more than yellowed photo Furfur took of them in 1941. Their first beach vacation. Their first Christmas in the cottage. The pair of ducks swimming in the pond at the bottom of their garden.

Fragments of happiness that had made and continued to make their lives.

Aziraphale approached and gently placed his hand on Crowley's shoulder to signal his presence. Then he wrapped his arms around Crowley's waist, resting his chin on the demon's shoulder as he leaned his head against his.

He asked softly, "Nightmares?"

"Hm. Nothing new."

Aziraphale didn't answer, just put his arms around Crowley for support. They stood in silence for a few moments, looking at these pieces of their lives.

Suddenly, Crowley whispered, "Are you happy, Angel?"

"What?"

Crowley turned in Aziraphale's arms and put his hands around his waist.

"It's nothing, it's just because of the nightmare."

"If this nightmare makes you doubt my happiness, it's not nothing. To answer you, all you have to do is turn around and look at the photos of us together again, and you'll have your answer."

Aziraphale took the demon by the shoulders and turned him back to the fireplace.

"Look again," he repeated, pointing to the photos of them together, "look at those photos, look at me, do I look unhappy?

He didn't wait for an answer and continued: "I am happy, Crowley, and the person responsible for that happiness is you. You alone. If you ever doubt or wonder again, just look at these photos."

Crowley gazed at the photos for a few more moments, not having to strain to see what the angel had just told him. Now that the haze of his nightmare had cleared, the happiness in Aziraphale's eyes, in his smile, in his posture, was plain to see. 

In the photos, and in that moment when the angel grabbed his hand and tugged gently.

"Come on, Crowley, let's go to bed before it gets completely icy when we go to sleep."

Crowley squeezed the angel's hand in his own.

"Don't worry, Angel, I know plenty of pleasant ways to keep you warm."

"Idiot."

Chuckling as he was led away by his beloved, Crowley took one last look at the photos and figured there was plenty of room for more little bits of happiness. 

_________

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 angel you are

Summary

Aziraphale takes a reluctant Crowley for a walk in the snow, and Crowley is even more reluctant when he sees Aziraphale throwing himself into the snow to... make an angel. Worst of all, Aziraphale wants Crowley to do the same.

No way.

Unless there's more to this childish gesture.

Notes

Just... you know... them.

On Ao3

Rating G -  653 words

"Angel, remind me why we have to go out in this cold?"

It had snowed heavily into the night and the cottage and everything around it was covered in a thick white blanket.

Crowley pulled the red scarf tighter around his neck and shivered as the angel replied, "After spending the last few days feasting, we could both use a breath of fresh air. So stop grumbling and come walk with me. I promise you won't regret it."

Aziraphale held out his gloved hand to Crowley, who took it, but again made his displeasure kno

After only a few yards, they were in the middle of the orchard when Aziraphale suddenly stopped and exclaimed, letting go of Crowley's hand, "There! This is perfect."

"Perfect for... Angel! What's wrong with you?!"

Aziraphale had just let himself fall onto his back in the snow, flailing his arms and legs. 

Then the angel carefully got to his feet and, after brushing the snow from his clothes under the demon's stunned gaze, pointed to the ground and finally replied, "I made an angel."

Watching the shape of the angel in the snow, Crowley shook his head.

"What was going through your head?"

Instead of answering, Aziraphale nudged the demon lightly and said, "Now it's your turn."

Crowley shook his head vehemently.

"Out of the question. Nope. I will not lie down in the snow."

"For me?"

Crowley swallowed, because when Aziraphale took that tone and looked at him like that, with his eyes shining and his cheeks rosy with cold, he knew he couldn't resist. After thousands of years, he still couldn't.

Aziraphale stepped forward and planted a light kiss on his lips before continuing in the same tone, "Please, indulge me, my dear."

That was the coup de grâce, and with a sigh, Crowley dropped to the snow and, at the angel's urging, made the same movements he had just made.

Aziraphale then helped him to his feet, having dusted the snow off Crowley's clothes himself, took his hands in his own and kissed him before saying, with shining eyes, "Thank you."

"Can you tell me now why we had to do this?"

Aziraphale turned to the two angel shapes side by side on the snow and said quietly, "To show you."

"Show me what?"

Aziraphale released Crowley's hand and, removing his glove, raised his hand and placed it gently on the demon's cheek, caressing it tenderly with his thumb.

He said softly, "To show you that you're still an angel."

Crowley swallowed, his throat suddenly tightening, unable to respond as Aziraphale continued, "There is no need for white wings, for gold, for heaven."

The angel's hand slid from the demon's cheek to his chest.

"There you are, still the angel, the star maker who captured my heart in the middle of a starless sky."

Crowley placed his hand on Aziraphale's and asked, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion, "Why today?"

"Let's just say it was spontaneous and because I wanted you to be aware. That I know the angel that you are."

Crowley suddenly remembered.

The courtyard of Job's house.

"I know you."

"You do not know me."

"I know the angel you were." 

"The angel you knew is not me."

As if following his train of thought, Aziraphale continued.

"I don't like the idea of an angel I would have had in a memory of naive infatuation. I like the demon Crowley, who is still an angel at heart. I love the angel you are now."

Crowley, unable to find the words, let his body speak and, cupping the Angel's flushed face between his hands, kissed him passionately.

The kiss lasted until they had to pull away to catch their breath.  Aziraphale then wrapped his arms around the demon's waist, holding him close, and the two remained entwined for a few more moments, gazing into the snow at the reflection of their angelic silhouettes.

_________

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]

So much to discover

Summary

Overhearing Aziraphale's conversation with a plant, Crowley realized how well the angel knows him.

Notes

They'll never be bored with each other

On Ao3

Rating G -  419 words

"Wait, my lovely. I can't leave you with that scrawny leaf. If Crowley sees you like this, he'll scold you."

Crowley, confused by Aziraphale's words, paused in the doorway to the living room, amused to see the angel talking to the red poinsettia that sat on a sideboard near the sofa.

He was about to say something when the angel continued.

"But you know, he only scolds those he loves and doesn't like to see suffer. Like me. If you only knew how often he scolded me for not taking care of myself. It's one of his ways of showing love. It makes him even more lovable, you know? But you can't tell him."

"Too late, Angel."

The Angel turned sharply.

"Crowley!"

The demon approached the angel, who continued, stuttering slightly, "You... you heard everything?"

Croyley simply nodded as he walked forward.

Aziraphale continued, this time in a resolute tone, "I meant every word of what I just said."

Crowley was now only inches from the angel and asked, "Does that mean I've been found out?"

Aziraphale chuckled softly.

"I've had millennia for that."

Crowley wrapped his arms around the angel's neck and replied, "But you'll get bored when you know everything about me, when there's nothing left to discover."

Aziraphale wrapped his arms around the demon's waist.

"Oh, I doubt that, my multifaceted demon."

Crowley didn't answer, but leaned his head toward the angel and captured his lips in a kiss that Aziraphale returned with equal fervor. 

When they parted a few moments later, still embracing, Aziraphale continued, "You know, it's like that kiss. We've kissed many times, but each kiss has a different color, a different taste, a different emotion. Your lips are familiar, yet each kiss is new."

The demon nodded, understanding what the angel was getting at, then closed the distance between them and kissed him once more. The kiss didn't last long and when Crowley pulled away, he said in a playful tone, "You're right, Angel, this one was different too."

"Idiot."

Aziraphale stepped back, then grabbed Crowley's hand and pulled him toward the sideboard where the poinsettia lay.

"Come on, I haven't finished taking care of it yet."

Suddenly, he turned to the demon and added, "And don't you dare scold it." 

Crowley chuckled, and as he watched Aziraphale tend the beautiful red-flowered plant, his hand still in the angel's, he realized that if they had shared a thousand lives, their own life together was just beginning.

All was yet to be discovered.

_________

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]

Entangled

Summary

This time Crowley has to save his angel from a garland, but he has his work cut out for him, as it's a rather special garland where the more mischievous of the two is not the one you think.

Notes

Christmas shenanigans...

On Ao3

Rating G -  572 words

"Crowley, dear, would you mind getting the box of Christmas decorations that's in the small closet near the kitchen?"

Crowley looked amusedly at Aziraphale, who was perched on a stepladder, finishing hanging a gold garland around the top of the tree.

"Where exactly?"

"On the last shelf on the left."

"I'll get it."

Moments later, Crowley was reaching for the box in question when he suddenly heard a small cry coming from the living room.

He put the box down and hurried back to Aziraphale.

It took him only a few steps to see Aziraphale lying on the floor, tangled in the golden garland.

But what shocked the demon the most was to see the angel curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking as he cried.

Crowley ran to kneel beside the angel, but when he saw his face, he discovered that Aziraphale's shoulders were shaking, not with sobs, but with laughter.

"Cr... Crowley..."

The angel had to stop himself as he started to laugh again.

"Er... help... help me. I'm... I'm trapped in the garland."

The demon slid to the ground, relieved to see that the angel was okay. Then, after a few seconds, he took in the whole scene and couldn't hold back a small laugh.

Then, realizing that Aziraphale had indeed managed to become so entangled in the garland that he couldn't move, the demon's chuckle turned into a full-blown laugh, and he seemed unable to stop.

"Oh no, not you too."

Aziraphale, whose laughter had just subsided, laughed then harder as well. 

After a few moments, they both calmed down and Crowley said mockingly, "I leave you alone for ten seconds and you end up like this. You're amazing, Angel."

Aziraphale winked at him.

"That's because I know you love saving me."

"Idiot."

Then the demon leaned forward to bring his face close to the angel's and added mischievously, "But that means you're at my mercy now."

"What are you going to do?"

"What do you think?" the demon breathed, his lips just millimeters from the angel's.

"Kiss me."

"Good answer."

Crowley closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to the angel's. 

As the kiss deepened, he felt the angel squirm beneath him. Afraid of hurting him, he pulled back, but Aziraphale shook his head and said sulkily, "I can't touch you, I don't like it."

Crowley chuckled and immediately released the angel from his golden garland prison. No sooner was the last knot untied than Aziraphale's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him back to continue the interrupted kiss.

Much later when they parted to catch their breath, as Crowley tried to straighten up, he stopped abruptly in his movement and, dropping his forehead on the angel's shoulder, burst out laughing.

"Crowley?"

"I..." Another laugh shook the demon before he could continue.

"I think that garland is after us."

"What are you talking about?"

The demon lifted his foot and the angel's moved at the same time because the garland had wrapped itself around both of their feet.

Aziraphale raised his eyebrows and said playfully, "It's not mad at us, it just wants us to continue what we were doing."

"Then let's not disappoint this poor garland."

As the demon's lips once again captured the angel's for another kiss, Crowley didn't see Aziraphale make a slight movement with his hand, nor did he feel the garland fall to the ground and free their feet.

_________

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