NSFW warning: This story contains very graphic sex scenes. Proceed with caution and only if you're an adult!
Previous PartThe familiar swish of the sliding door welcomed Aziraphale back. Over his footsteps on the pearly white tiles pattered the burble of the pretentious fountain. His nostrils filled with the lemony smell of the freshly cleaned entrance hall, greeting the employers after the weekend.
Aziraphale was early. Coming in before most of the others had several advantages. It came with free elevators, no jammed copying machines (yet) and getting the office in order before Gabriel arrived.
Unlike most of his colleagues, Aziraphale did not complain about Mondays. It was a day like the others, with a beginning and an end. However, on this particular Monday, he was in a glum mood as he stepped into the elevator. The stupid music did not help which was no surprise, but even a few minutes later in the kitchen, the smell of his favourite tea could not cheer him up.
During Aziraphale’s week off, Crowley had not once called him. Sure, Aziraphale could have messaged Crowley as well, but he’d been afraid to disturb Crowley during work. Crowley, however, had known Aziraphale was free. Why hadn’t he called?
Aziraphale sighed. Maybe it had just been a game to Crowley. A one-time thing. After all, Crowley was gorgeous. Handsome, charming and wealthy - not the type who had to settle for the bookish chubby PA of his business partner. In hindsight, Aziraphale should have known. Perhaps he had known, but hadn’t wanted to know.
Either way, it stung.
Aziraphale’s mood was further dampened when he entered his workplace. Nothing in the anteroom was out of place. The blue crystal paperweight Anathema had gifted to him sat untouched on the small desk and nobody had messed with the chair’s height. That was good.
What was bad were the shuffling noises from Gabriel’s office. Especially after one week of absence, Aziraphale needed the hour he came in earlier to get himself sorted. Aziraphale liked Gabriel, but his boss was a source of stress.
Aziraphale could not very well pretend he hadn’t heard Gabriel though. At least, he had to wish him a good morning. Sighing, Aziraphale approached the door and knocked politely.
But it was not Gabriel’s voice, calling out, “Come in!”
With shaking hands, Aziraphale pushed open the door. There he stood, in all his glory: Crowley. His stunning red hair shone in the morning sun that fell through the large window. Confidence and mischief glinted in the amber-coloured eyes and the sinful body leant suavely against Gabriel’s desk.
“Hey, Aziraphale,” he said with a smirk.
“Crow… Mr Cr… uh… sir,” Aziraphale stammered. “I mean, good morning sir. I… I’m afraid Mr. Wing won’t be in for at least an hour.”
Crowley chuckled. “Make that ‘a week’, angel,” he said.
“Pardon me?”
“Poor Gabe is stuck in New York,” Crowley said. “Some legal stuff has to be sorted which apparently takes longer than anticipated.”
“Oh, should I… book a flight to New York?” Aziraphale asked. “For me or you? To support Mr. Wing?”
“Oh, no, no,” Crowley said, pushing himself up from the desk. “He’ll be fine. But I do need you here.”
Aziraphale swallowed when Crowley stepped closer to him. Suddenly, he felt for each mouse ever cornered by a snake, slowly but determinedly slithering closer.
“You… you do?”
“Indeed,” Crowley all but purred. “Bea needed more time to fix her family stuff, you see. Now I’m without a PA. And you,” he paused before leisurely running a finger along Aziraphale’s cheek, “are without a boss, poor thing. But you need someone to tell you what to do, don’t you?”
This was not fair. Aziraphale was angry with Crowley, but his body seemed to have forgotten. His cheeks heated up, his heart was pounding and his cock stirring. Oh, good Lord, he shouldn’t be so easy.
Taking a deep breath, Aziraphale retreated towards the door.
“Heh, yes, absolutely correct, sir,” he said. “You and I will keep things going until Mr. Wing and Bea are back.” Blindly, Aziraphale fumbled for the handle. “After all, we are a great team.”
“We are,” Crowley said, apparently highly amused about Aziraphale’s state. “I’m still in awe of the results from the last time we… came together.”
“R… right,” Aziraphale stuttered. “So, I’ll be at my desk to… work, yes, I work here. See you later, si…”
With two strides of his long legs, Crowley was in Aziraphale’s space. His lean body pressed Aziraphale against the door while one of his hands clasped around Aziraphale’s and, with it, around the handle. With a smirk, Crowley turned it, locking the door.
“I can’t let you work like that, Aziraphale,” he whispered, his breath running across Aziraphale’s face. “You’re all worked up and nervous. I’m your boss. I have a responsibility to take care of you. Let’s get you relaxed.”
Aziraphale wanted to protest, to say that this wasn’t relaxing at all. That he was in fact quite tensing even more now. But every word was stolen right from his lips by Crowley’s mouth.
Helplessly, Aziraphale sank into the kiss and into Crowley’s arms. He barely noticed how he was turned around and steered towards Gabriel’s desk until the back of his knees hit the tabletop.
Crowley made quick work with the buttons on Aziraphale’s jacket and vest and pulled them off. When he finally had his hands on bare skin, he hummed in satisfaction. Crowley’s fingers roamed across Aziraphale’s chest and stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps. Desperate and needy, Aziraphale moaned into the kiss. With a soothing motion, Crowley’s free hand ran through Aziraphale’s hair, the touch soft and yet grounding.
“Turn around for me, angel,” Crowley said and - when Aziraphale complied - commended, “Good boy.”
A shiver went through Aziraphale’s body. He gasped when Crowley pulled down his trousers and underpants in one swift move. When he heard a bottle being uncapped, Aziraphale lifted his head, staring at the lube in Crowley’s hand.
“Did you plan this?” he asked.
Crowley laughed. “Did I plan this?” he repeated.
He buried his hand in Aziraphale’s hair. Using his hold to pull him up, he nipped and licked at Aziraphale’s throat.
“Yes, I did,” he whispered. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after I had you in my office. I wrecked my head thinking how I would get my hands on you if you were back to being Gabriel’s PA. And believe me, I had ideas!” Crowley dug his teeth into Aziraphale’s shoulder. “But Gabriel’s out of the way for now.”
With that, Crowley let go of Aziraphale’s hair and, shortly after, a squelching sound reached Aziraphale’s ear. A few seconds later, a lubed, dexterous finger entered Aziraphale. Groaning, he let his head fall down to the desk. He missed the keyboard by an inch and Crowley chuckled behind him.
“Tsk, careful with Gabriel’s stuff, angel,” he said. “Or would you want to explain a broken computer to him?”
Whining, Aziraphale shook his head. Then he focused on the sensation of Crowley inside him. Crowley definitely knew what he was doing as it took him only a few tries to find Aziraphale’s sweet spot. He used the knowledge to tease and torture, to knock the last coherent thought out of Aziraphale’s mind. All there was left was the feeling of fingers pumping and curling inside of him.
For all his urgency, Crowley took his time. This was far from Aziraphale’s first time, but no lover before had prepared him so thoroughly. Maybe it was genuine concern, maybe Crowley had just a lot of fun driving Aziraphale mad.
Either way when Crowley finally deemed Aziraphale ready, Aziraphale was willing, wet and groaning into his hands like a wanton.
“Psst, sweetheart,” Crowley husked into his ear. “I locked the door, but anyone could enter the anteroom. Wouldn’t want everyone to know what a slut you are for me, would you?”
The words knocked another moan out of Aziraphale. He tried muffling it by burying his face into his own arms. His entrance pulsated, clenching around nothing as Crowley withdrew his fingers.
For a moment, Crowley’s hands disappeared completely, leaving Aziraphale craving the warm touch. Aziraphale heard the noise of a condom wrapper ripping and a few seconds later Crowley was back on him. Carefully, he spread Aziraphale’s arsecheeks and positioned himself.
“Ready, angel?” he asked, tone suddenly very soft.
“Yes, sir,” Aziraphale breathed out.
With a satisfied hum, Crowley pushed in.
Aziraphale gasped at the intrusion. It had been a while and the familiar sensation, the tightrope between pleasure and pain, knocked the breath out of him. Carefully, Crowley ventured on, inch by inch. When he was fully sheathed, he paused. Softly, his right hand stroked Aziraphale’s spine while the left playfully patted Aziraphale’s arse cheeks.
“Alright?” he asked.
“Y- yes, sir.”
“Be honest, sweetheart,” Crowley admonished good-naturedly.
“May… maybe a moment, sir?”
“Of course.”
Crowley gave Aziraphale time to adjust. Breathing evenly, Aziraphale focused on his body, relaxing into the sensations. After a while, he nodded.
“You can move,” he said and added quickly, “sir.”
“Such a good angel,” Crowley said.
His tone was playful and teasing. But underneath, Aziraphale heard a strain in Crowley’s voice, suggesting his own impatience.
Slowly, Crowley pulled back. When only the head of his cock was still inside Aziraphale, he rolled his hips leisurely to push in again. He repeated the tantalizing yet torturous motion a few times. Then he picked up pace gradually.
Sometimes the metall of Crowley’s zipper would dig into Aziraphale’s arse. It was not painful, but a reminder of his thrilling vulnerability. Aziraphale’s pants and trousers were at his feet, shirt, vest and jacket thrown over Gabriel’s chair. While he was fully exposed, Crowley had merely freed his cock. And somehow Aziraphale liked this very much.
Behind him, Crowley groaned, a delicious, greedy sound. Digging his hands into the soft flesh of Aziraphale’s hips, he thrusted in deep, making Aziraphale feel every inch of his manhood.
After a while, Crowley changed his rhythm. He tried out different angles with his thrusts until one particular movement hit Aziraphale’s prostate. At the last second Aziraphale clasped his hands over his mouth to stifle the cry of pleasure.
Behind him Crowley laughed. Now every push was a perfect aim against Aziraphale’s sweet spot. Aziraphale tried his best to remain quiet which was quite a task with Crowley’s cock up his arse and Crowley’s taunts in his ear:
“Not so loud, angel.”
“Think of your reputation.”
“Or would you like them to know?”
“We could let them know.”
“Would you like that? Everyone looking at you knowing full well you spread those delicious thighs for me?”
Aziraphale was beyond speech now. Not that he would have known what to say to this idea. So he let himself fall. Clinging to the edge of the desk, he buried his face in his crossed arms.
Clearly close as well, Crowley was no longer teasing. By now, he was thrusting into Aziraphale at a punishing pace, chasing his own pleasure. Crowley reached for Aziraphale’s cock and stroked it in sync with his snapping hips. The noises Crowley made, grunting, panting, growling, sent the thrill of being desired through Aziraphale.
Combined with Crowley’s sure aim, being wanted so much sent Aziraphale over the edge. He moaned lowly into his own arms as his channel clenched around Crowley’s cock. Aziraphale felt the thick member inside him pulsating as Crowley frantically fucked into him. With a long drawn out groan, Crowley finally buried his face into the slope of Aziraphale’s neck, riding out his climax with short quick thrusts.
For a while, there was no sound but the humming of the computer and two sets of ragged breath.
Aziraphale was not sure how much time passed. At one point, large warm hands gently took hold of his shoulders, pulled him up and turned him around. Blushing, Aziraphale directed his gaze downwards. Crowley was already fully dressed again and cleaned up. His hair was a bit mussed, but otherwise he looked like nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Aziraphale’s pants and trousers still pooled around his ankles, leaving him exposed. Remains of his own cum stained his shirt and ran down his thighs, he was out of breath and he could only guess how red his face was.
With a satisfied grin on his handsome features, Crowley pulled some wet wipes out of a drawer. Tenderly, he cleaned Aziraphale up as much as possible and helped him remove the remnants of his orgasm from Gabriel’s desk.
“Thank you,” Aziraphale mumbled.
“Thank you , angel,” Crowley gave back while bending down to readjust Aziraphale’s wardrobe.
Smiling, he tucked Aziraphale’s shirt in the trousers, concealing the stained parts. After buttoning shirt and vest, he stole a kiss and cupped Aziraphale’s cheek.
“Now, isn’t that better?” Crowley’s voice reminded Aziraphale of a purring cat. “All relaxed and content. Right?”
“Y- yes, sir,” Aziraphale said.
“So, what do we say?”
“Thank you, sir.”
Crowley pecked Aziraphale’s nose. Then he pointed towards the door and gave Aziraphale’s butt a light slap.
“Well, to work, angel,” he said. “We have a lot to do.”
“Right, yes.” Aziraphale hurried to unlock the door.
Just as he wanted to leave, Crowley spoke again.
“Oh, Aziraphale?”
“Yes, sir?”
“I expect you early tomorrow as well,” Crowley said with a predatory smile. “You know, so we can make sure you’re properly taken care of before work. Understood?”
Aziraphale swallowed and his face grew hot. Nodding obediently, he said, “Of course, sir.”
*
After Aziraphale had settled in, he had to admit that he was more relaxed now. During the rest of the day Crowley was all business. Nevertheless he smiled, warm and grateful, when Aziraphale assisted him or simply brought him coffee.
Crowley bought lunch for the both of them. Grinning fondly, he listened as Aziraphale listed his favourite authors, summarised his favourite books and ranted about bad TV adaptations of said books.
When Crowley’s timer reminded them to go back to work, Aziraphale was a bit embarrassed. The whole time he had chattered about himself, not once asking Crowley to tell something about his life. But Crowley appeared to be in a great mood so Aziraphale decided not to worry about it.
The afternoon was filled with work. Like the last time, they made a good team and, despite the additional workload, they managed just fine. Crowley was perfectly professional. However, as soon as Aziraphale had turned off his computer and shouldered his back, Crowley pressed himself against Aziraphale’s back.
“Ride home, angel?” he asked.
Once more, part of Aziraphale wanted to say no. Two Fridays ago, Aziraphale had given Crowley a blowjob in his office, only for Crowley to go radio silent for over a week. So Aziraphale really should let him dangle a bit. Then again, that specific ship probably had sailed this morning.
“That’s very kind of you, sir,” Aziraphale said.
“Isn’t it just?” Crowley chuckled.
Aziraphale was not in the slightest surprised that Crowley did a little detour. He found a dimly lit side street and was on Aziraphale within seconds after parking. Like teenagers, hiding their tryst from their parents, they were kissing in the car while fumbling with each other’s zippers.
Again, Aziraphale let himself be swept away - by Crowley’s cock in his hand, Crowley’s hand on his own manhood and Crowley’s hot lips possessively licking and biting Aziraphale’s neck. In between the nips and kisses, Crowley would shower Aziraphale in dirty and sweet words. Almost simultaneously, they found their climax, holding on to each other, lips locking.
Crowley got Aziraphale home safely afterwards. From the car, he watched Aziraphale walk up to the apartment building and did not drive away before Aziraphale was inside.
*
So it happened the next day. And the day after that. The whole week. And the next. Crowley would bend Aziraphale over Gabriel’s desk in the morning and fool around in the car with him in the evening. But while he kept his hands to himself during the work day he still was flirty, sweet and interested, making warm hope bloom in Aziraphale.
However, during the weekend there was no contact. No call, no message.
It had Aziraphale wonder how things would proceed when Gabriel returned. But a few weeks ago, Aziraphale wouldn’t have dared to dream to have with Crowley what they had now. So he was afraid to rock the boat. Afraid to maybe, in the search for more, lose the little he had.
So Friday morning, he felt a bit melancholic. Crowley, catching his breath, picked up on it.
As he tucked himself in, he asked, “What’s wrong, angel?”
“Oh, just tired,” Aziraphale lied. When Crowley gave him a sceptical look, he quickly added, “Aren’t you? After all, you’ve been doing Gabriel’s and your work and I did mine and Bea’s.”
Crowley hummed in agreement. “Yeah, it was admittedly harder than usual.” He smirked, all his charm and teeth on display. “Maybe it didn’t seem so bad because of you.”
Blushing, Aziraphale smiled and nodded. “Yes,” he said. “It was definitely nice to work with you.”
“You’re the best assistant ever,” Crowley said with a broad grin and whispered, “and your work is not done. So many things left to do in the car.” He halted. “By the way, remind me to store condoms in the car. I would love to fuck you in the backseat some day.”
Scrunching up his nose, Aziraphale pictured the interior of the car.
“Sorry, sir,” he said. “But that does not sound spine-friendly, at all.”
“Point taken,” Crowley said with a serious expression before grinning again. “On the bonnet then.” At Aziraphale’s aghast face, he laughed heartily, “Alright, alright. We’ll negotiate for future encounters. To work now.”
Upon entering the anteroom, Aziraphale felt his heart might jump out of his chest. “Some day”, “future encounters”. This did not sound like Crowley wanted to end this any time soon. Maybe he could talk to Crowley about deepening their relationship. Maybe over lunch?
*
After the morning’s workload, Crowley looked forward to lunch with Aziraphale. His cute temporary assistant was the perfect distraction from the day’s hussle. However, fate did not mean well today.
Just around noon, Crowley’s phone rang. Direct calls to him were rare as only a few people had his personal number. Sure enough, Gabriel’s name appeared on the display. With a sinking feeling, Crowley accepted the call.
Gabriel still had problems in New York. And now they were Crowley’s problems as well. Crowley was good at his job, very good. So whatever legal issue there was, Crowley would be able to find a solution. It wouldn’t be hard to do, but it would be a lot to do.
He was still on the phone with Gabriel when there was a knock.
“Yes?” Crowley called out and told Gabriel, “Didn’t mean you.”
The door opened and Aziraphale’s blond curls appeared. Aziraphale led imaginary cutlery to his lips, smacking them in an imitation of eating. Crowley grinned first, but then he wistfully shrugged and mouthed “not now”. Looking a bit disappointed, Aziraphale nodded and disappeared again.
Half an hour later, Crowley left Gabriel’s office. As he entered the anteroom, Aziraphale smiled and got up from his chair expectantly.
“Sorry, Aziraphale,” Crowley said. “Gabriel made his problems mine and I gotta take care of it, like yesterday.”
“I understand,” Aziraphale said. “Let me help.”
“Oh no, angel. I have to do this myself,” Crowley said. “It’s actually really important. You go have lunch. It’s on me.”
Sighing, Crowley went to his own office. He would have preferred spending time with Aziraphale, but he would have to wait for their ride home.
As expected, finding all the old files and researching the precedents was annoying and took forever. But at the end of the day, Crowley had collected everything Gabriel would need. He emailed a quick summary to Gabriel with the promise to send more details on Monday.
“Puh,” Crowley said as he stored the files in his desk. “I earned my weekend.”
With a wide smile, he went back to Gabriel’s office to get Aziraphale. At the end of a day like that, he looked forward to a little fun in the car. However, when he stepped into the anteroom, he found it empty. The lights were out and so was the computer.
Confused, Crowley dialed Aziraphale’s number. After a few rings, Aziraphale picked up. The usually sweet voice sounded distant and reserved when he said, “Yes, sir?”
“Uh, I came to the office to pick you up,” Crowley said. “Where are you?”
“On the train, sir,” Aziraphale answered coolly. “It got late and I assumed you would no longer need me. I can come back if it’s urgent.”
“Um, no, not really,” Crowley said. “I just wanted to get you home safely. As always.”
“I’ll be fine, sir,” Aziraphale said. “Would this be all?”
“I guess?”
“Good. See you on Monday, sir,” Aziraphale said. “Have a nice weekend.”
“Thanks. Same to…,” the call ended, “...you?”
Befuddled, Crowley stared at his phone.
“What was this about?”
*
Crowley was not the type to fake it. If he did not feel he had done something wrong, he did not apologise just for peace’s sake. However, he was self aware enough to know that he sometimes missed the little things. And Aziraphale was not someone to get upset over nothing.
So Crowley spent the weekend staring at his phone while biting his lips. He did not expect Aziraphale to call. Crowley did consider calling Aziraphale though. While he did not want to be one of those bosses who pestered their assistants during the well-earned weekend, he longed to talk to Aziraphale.
Not only was Aziraphale a great assistant and Gabriel would kill Crowley if the company lost him because of something Crowley had said or done. No, Crowley also genuinely liked the fussy smart little thing. Maybe he’d even allow himself to feel deeper if he thought it would lead anywhere.
In the end, he did not call Aziraphale. If it was bad enough to upset a gentle soul like Aziraphale, it probably needed a conversation face to face.
Crowley forced himself to wait for Monday. However, he basically fell out of bed when his alarm sounded and got himself ready for work in half the usual time. All but jumping into his Bentley, he reminded himself that Aziraphale would not be in the office for half an hour. So he took a detour and got breakfast for Aziraphale and himself.
However, when he entered the anteroom to Gabriel’s office, Crowley was in for an unpleasant surprise. Gabriel stood next to Aziraphale’s workplace and on Aziraphale’s chair sat Dagon with an unhappy expression.
“Uh, hello?” Crowley said. “I wanted to speak to Aziraphale?”
Gabriel raised his brows. Then his eyes fell on the cardboard tray with tea and coffee and the sandwich bag in Crowley’s hands. Gabriel smiled widely.
“How nice!” he said.”You wanted to thank him with breakfast for his assistance while Bea and I were gone.”
“Something like that, yeah,” Crowley said. “Where is he?”
“Poor thing called me this morning,” Gabriel said, concern in his voice. “He asked for a day off because he feels exhausted. I said I would not take a vacation day from him for this and told him to take two sick days. He sounded outright defeated. I feel bad for putting so much on him.”
Crowley’s stomach sank. Now he felt guilty for somehow hurting Aziraphale and for Gabriel blaming himself for that.
“It… it was a lot of work,” Crowley said. “But this isn’t your fault, Gabe. Had to be done. And he gets his break now.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Gabriel sighed but then smiled and put a hand on Dagon’s shoulder. “And Dagon here will help me out until Aziraphale is back. We’ll be a great team, right?”
“Like Spiderman and the Green Goblin,” sighed Dagon.
With a painful looking clap against Dagon’s back, Gabriel laughed. “That’s what I like to hear!” he said and disappeared into his office.
When the door fell shut behind him, Dagon glowered at Crowley.
“I know that this is somehow your fault,” she hissed. “And you will regret this!”
“Have breakfast,” Crowley said and put the tea and the sandwiches on her desk.
Then he fled with his black coffee into his office.
Sitting at his desk, Crowley scratched his head. What now? Maybe it was narcissistic to think Aziraphale would call in sick because of him, but it was a strange coincidence at least.
Well, either way, he had to get through the day. Later he could decide whether or not to call Aziraphale.
Crowley started his computer. Checking his schedule, he sighed at seeing the 10am meeting. Just as he was about to gather the documents he needed, the door opened and Bea entered.
A feeling of relief spread through him.
“Thank God!” he said. “Morning, Bea!”
“Crowley,” she said, distant.
“I completely forgot the 10 o'clock meeting,” he said.
“Imagine my shock.”
“I need the files from last month and the calculations from last season.” Crowley looked expectantly at Bea.
She, however, just sat down at her desk and shrugged. “Oh?” she asked.
“Erm, yes,” Crowley said. “Could you get them?”
Very slowly, she turned her chair until she faced him. “I don’t know, Crowley,” she said, swaying her head. “Can I?”
“Uh… I guess so?”
“No, I mean, are you sure?” she asked. “Like, is it something a tiny little PA can manage or is it something that is actually important?”
Crowley blinked. “What the Hell are you talking about, Bea?” he hissed. “I don’t have time for you talking in riddles. What is this about?”
Narrowing her eyes, she poked his chest with her index finger.
“This is about you gladly letting Aziraphale assist you, spoil you and,“ she lowered her voice, “using him to wet your dick and then telling him he cannot do ‘actually important’ work.”
“I… what… I never…”
“He told me,” Bea insisted. “And Aziraphale is not one to make shit like that up. You had no problem having him work like crazy for you, happily extended his duties - and then you have the nerve to doubt his competence?”
“I don’t know what…,” Crowley paused. “Shit!”
“Sorry, Aziraphale. Gabriel made his problems mine and I gotta take care of it, like yesterday.”
“I understand. Let me help.”
“Oh no, angel. I have to do this myself. It’s actually really important. You go have lunch. It’s on me.”
Groaning, Crowley rubbed his face. Remembering his own words betrayed the condescension and low regard ringing with them. He pinched the bridge of his nose while sorting his thoughts. Then he made a calming gesture towards Bea.
“Okay, listen,” he said. “I will fix this. I promise. Let’s… let’s get the day’s work done. The faster I’m out of here, the faster I can go to him, okay?”
Bea considered him. She didn’t say anything so he begged, “Please” and she sighed.
“Fine,” she said. “But you better apologise and make it up to him.”
“I will,” Crowley reassured. “I will.”
Several meetings and a busy work day later, Crowley parked in front of Aziraphale’s building. He felt like an intruder. Bothering an employer who explicitly had asked for time off in the evening, could not count as good manners.
However, sitting in the car, staring at the apartment complex, was way creepier than ringing the bell and getting it over with. With a sigh, Crowley grabbed his peace offerings. Armed with a T.S. Eliot first edition and some chocolate, he left his Bentley and walked over to the house.
Shortly, he wondered if Aziraphale would even let him in. But then the solution showed itself in the form of a colourful van. Its headlights illuminated the pavement before it came to a halt and a young man jumped out. He was carrying a large bag from which a delicious smell emanated.
“For Fell?” Crowley asked and grinned when the man nodded.
*
Delighted, Aziraphale looked up. Punctual as always, his favourite Chinese delivery service arrived 30 minutes after his call. Perfect. Aziraphale was hungry.
He hurried to the door. “Come up,” he spoke into the intercom.
Leaving the door ajar, he fished his wallet out of his jacket to tip the driver. But when he turned back to the entrance, he froze.
“You really shouldn’t leave your door open like that at this time of day, angel.”
In the frame stood none other than Anthony Crowley. A sheepish smile lay on his unfairly handsome face and the golden brown eyes aimed right for Aziraphale’s soul. In his left hand, he held Aziraphale’s Chinese food, in the right a book and sweets. Remaining in his slightly slumped posture, Crowley stretched out his arms to hand Aziraphale the bag with the food.
“On me,” Crowley said, charming as always.
Automatically, Aziraphale took the offered bag. But after a few seconds of silence, he snapped at Crowley, “What do you want?”
At once, Crowley lifted his hands in a placating manner.
“I fully take the blame,” he said. “You have every right to be mad. This has all gone south because of my stupid wording. But… it’s actually just that… stupid wording.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Aziraphale turned his back to Crowley to put down the food somewhere.
Crowley followed him into the kitchen. “Look, I know what I said,” he pleaded. “But please let me explain that I never meant to say that you are not capable enough.”
“Sure sounded like it.” Without looking at Crowley, Aziraphale began unpacking the food.
“I know,” Crowley sighed and started to ramble, “Listen, it was important and I had to do it. And I know that how I said it seemed to imply that there was a… causal relationship between it being important and me having to do it. But there wasn’t. It just was both true. It was important because our US branche’s future depends on it and I had to do it because several of the relevant documents were bosses’ eyes only. It was faster to do it myself than to get you clearance. That had nothing to do with your competence. Actually, I’m sure you could have done this way more efficiently than I have. But…”
“...I didn’t have clearance?”
“Exactly!” Crowley said.
“That… that’s really all it was about?” Aziraphale asked doubtfully.
“I swear,” Crowley said and all but begged, “Tell me what I can do to prove this. You want me to do a bungee jump and give you and only you the responsibility to check on the rope? Because we can do that! First thing in the morning!”
Laughing, Aziraphale lifted his hands. “No, that is not my field of expertise,” he said.
Crowley tilted his head and stepped closer. “Still, I’d trust you with it without hesitation.”
Clearing his throat, Aziraphale nodded. “I believe you.”
“I’m really sorry, angel.”
“It’s fine,” Aziraphale assured. “And sorry for overreacting.”
“No, you don’t get to apologise,” Crowley insisted. “All my fault.”
Silence fell. After a while, Aziraphale smiled awkwardly.
“Alright,” he said. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Oooor,” Crowley said, “I’ll stay a while, watch you eat and then… make it up to you?”
Before Aziraphale realised that this was another chance to be not too easy, he had already made eye contact. Crowley’s boyish smile and the mischievous glint in the amber irises did their magic before Aziraphale could put up any defences.
“I guess I have time,” he said coyly. “My boss insisted I take tomorrow off as well.”
Grinning, Crowley reached out to take Aziraphale’s hand.
“Sounds like you can make full use of the night then.”
Midnight found Aziraphale on his own tartan coloured carpet. In the living room, surrounded by his shelves of books, he and Crowley had somehow ended up on the floor. Scrutinised from the sofa by two cats, Aziraphale let Crowley have his way with him.
Lips locked, limps entangled and bodies joined, neither of them had time to think about the walls they were tearing down.
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