Chapter Text
Crowley was having a crisis. You could argue that Crowley had been having this crisis for the better part of 6000 years now but he wasn't quite ready to admit that to himself yet. And it was all a certain starry eyed Angel's fault.
Things have been different between them ever since the Gabriel incident that happened a little over a month ago now. The biggest difference being that Crowley has now somehow found himself living in said Angel's bookshop permanently, a fact that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. He’s still not entirely sure how he found himself in this situation, but he’s definitely not complaining. Anything is better than living in his car. Crowley can still picture the devastating look of outrage that had crossed Aziraphale's face when he had found out Crowley's flat had been taken over by Shax for the last three years.
"You've been LIVING in your car?!" He had promptly shouted like he had been desperately holding that thought for the last five minutes. Not before waiting for the multiple angels and demons to have vacated the premises of the bookshop before he burst. "Why on earth did you not tell me?"
Crowley had been fully prepared to ignore the other and change the subject but the pleading look in Aziraphale's eyes was easily all it took to make Crowley fold like a deck of cards.
The tall demon shrugged exaggeratedly and continued to stare at anything that wasn’t Aziraphale. "S'not a big deal Angel, had the Bentley to sleep in. I was here practically all other hours of the day anyway." He waved a hand around the bookshop for emphasis, hoping that would be enough for the subject to drop. No such luck for a demon I'm afraid.
"Not like I was sleepin' outside on the streets with nowhere to go."
"Why didn't you just stay then?" The angel questioned softly, like Crowley staying at the bookshop would have been the most obvious course of action. And yet somehow the demon was still surprised by the statement. "I mean you said it yourself, you're practically here all the time anyway. You know there's plenty of room for the both of us." The angel pleaded gently.
Crowley was at a loss for words and desperately tried to think of an answer that would satisfy. Why hadn't he just stayed though? It's not that the thought had never crossed the demon's mind once or twice. And deep down he knows that Aziraphale would have offered immediately if he had bothered to tell him the situation at all. But a nagging feeling in the back of his mind stopped him from even entertaining the idea. A faint memory and a quiet voice that sounded suspiciously like Aziraphale played in the back of his mind.
'You go too fast for me, Crowley.'
A trickle of fear and hesitation raced down Crowley's back at the memory. Was this not going too fast? I mean sure things had changed drastically between them since Armageddon, obviously not trying to hide their friendship quite so much from their respective sides anymore will do that. It's been surprisingly peaceful, and they've been able to act freely in ways they just never could before without the constant threat of heaven and hell looming over them. In reality the past three years, the two of them had never been closer.
And Crowley was content with that, happy even. He didn't need to push for more because having Aziraphale in his life in any capacity at all was enough for Crowley, the fact that they got to this point was a miracle in itself. Or so he convinced himself. It didn't stop him from imagining things differently on occasion though.
Aziraphale stared at him, desperately waiting for an explanation while Crowley fidgeted in place and struggled to get a single word out. "I just- eh, you know… didn't want to impose…" He managed to wrangle out while staring at the floor and scuffing his foot across it awkwardly, it was a weak answer at best.
The indescribable look of fondness that was resting on the angel's face when Crowley finally looked back in his direction was like a punch to the demon's gut.
" Oh Crowley don't be silly, your presence in my life could never be an imposition!" The angel declared while taking a step closer in Crowley's personal space. "And… it is practically our bookshop at this point is it not?" It was less of a question and more of a statement than the timid way Aziraphale had spoken it would imply. A faint blush had risen on the Angels cheeks that Crowley couldn’t help but stare at.
Our bookshop. Our car. Our side…
Crowley's heart gave a startling lurch as he admired the other being in front of him. He took a breath and willed his corporation's heartbeat back to a normal level before he gave himself a heart attack right in the middle of the bookshop. Despite all the signs pointing to Aziraphale genuinely wanting Crowley to move in, the demon couldn't help but continue to doubt. Something he so desperately wanted couldn't possibly be true, he's a demon, he doesn't get to have nice things. Doesn't get to have these fond and nice feelings that wash over him in the presence of the only being he has ever cared about in his very long existence. A fact that has made itself startlingly obvious during the last few days, years…. decades.
"I mean it's not necessary…. anymore is it? What with Shax gone from my flat I mean." Crowley insisted, thinking that Aziraphale would take the offer back at the realisation.
Suddenly looking anything but confident and now extremely nervous Aziraphale stared intently in the direction of Crowley's gaze before he stuttered out. "And if- If I wanted you to stay anyway?"
If it was even possible Aziraphale took another small step closer to the other, now practically breathing each other’s air while Crowley could feel Aziraphale's hand just a hair away from grazing his own. The ghost of Aziraphale's palm against his own from their dance earlier was still seared into his brain. He hadn't had time to unpack that little endeavour earlier either, due to the chaotic happenings outside the bookshop. Nor all the little ways that Aziraphale had touched him the past few days, a gentle hand on his chest that dragged ever so slightly downward. His sturdy palm rested in the slope of his back while ushering him out the door. The firm squeeze to his shoulder at the display of Gabrial and Beelzebub's embrace earlier.
The violent realisation that no, it wasn't just Crowley that had wanted for something more than the restraints of their respective sides. Wanted, someone more. Who found the one person that was more important than choosing sides. A flood of hope raced through the demon in a way he'd never felt before. A hope that Aziraphale could actually feel the same. A thought that for once he didn't immediately chastise himself for and bury deep deep down into the proverbial box labelled 'Feelings for Aziraphale' that he normally refused to acknowledge in the recesses of his mind. Crowley so desperately wanted to reach out his hand to hold Aziraphale's own, but his apprehension got the better of him.
He couldn't stop himself from smiling though, even if he wanted to.
"You really asking me to move in with you Angel?" Despite the teasing tone there was still that edge of uncertainty to Crowley's voice.
Aziraphale huffed despite the beaming smile that stretched across his face. "I believe it was rather obvious that's what I was asking you." The angel said in that deeply affectionate and amused voice he tended to reserve for Crowley's ears only.
"Well…" Crowley had to pause to compose himself enough to speak without stuttering the words out too terribly. "Suppose I'll ask you where I should put my stuff then."
The immediate excitement that Aziraphale exuded was extremely contagious and Crowley could in turn feel his own face morphing into a stupid grin that he could no longer control. He didn't care that he looked ridiculous, he was going to savour this small victory for themselves and bask in it. Aziraphale's smile was like a beacon of hope that Crowley wanted to latch onto and never let go. Nothing in the universe could compare to the warmth he felt in his angel's presence. The demon felt himself stare just a little bit too long in the direction of Aziraphale's lips.
My god he's gorgeous. Crowley thought before immediately slapping himself mentally for his poor choice of words there. The sudden urge to close the distance between them until they could blur together into one being is the thought that finally startled the demon out of his trance.
"Might I suggest we discuss it more over breakfast then?" Aziraphale questioned excitedly.
"As long as there is copious amounts of alcohol I can consume." Crowley hummed in agreement and they both made their way towards the exit to their bookshop.
“Naturally.” The angel had hummed back in amusement before they made their way to the car together.
And just like that Crowley had slowly moved all his belongings in, very quickly making himself at home. Aziraphale had kindly insisted that Crowley take the larger bedroom beside the one Jim/Gabriel had been staying in. So essentially Aziraphale's own bedroom, that he emphasised that he barely used and only kept for appearance sake. Crowley tried not to dwell on the fact that he's sleeping in Aziraphale's bed now, despite that it had hardly been used to begin with. The room and the bed itself still had the distinct smell of Aziraphale, the familiar scent of his cologne and old books clinging to it and Crowley pretended not to enjoy that fact nearly as much as he did.
So safe to say things have been going great. Better than great, better than Crowley could have ever imagined. He got to wake up everyday to the smell of Aziraphale making tea and the sounds of the angel bustling around the bookshop. He'd happily make himself comfortable, and sit around and watch his angel read all day, and stare at his little expressions everytime something particularly interesting happened in whatever book he'd picked out. He got to help scare customers out of the shop because god forbid anyone would ever try to buy a book around here. It had all fallen quite naturally into place for the two of them. Crowley was content.
As the days continued on they fell into a very comfortable routine together. Crowley currently found himself across the road at the coffee shop, not so patiently waiting for Aziraphale to close shop for the day so the two of them could go to dinner. In the time that it took for him to sit down in his regular spot, Nina had already sat a large mug in front of him. He nodded his thanks and sat back in his chair and continued to stare out the window while taking slow sips of his coffee.
Once the evening rush had dissipated and Nina had served the last customer she walked back to Crowley's table and gestured at the empty mug in front of him.
"Need a refill then?" She asked, waking the demon out of his daze.
"Eh, better not." He replied short and gruff and went back to watching for signs of Aziraphale leaving the shop. He could view through the window a single customer that seemed to refuse to leave and a very annoyed angel trailing behind. Obviously some poor misguided soul who thought he was going to purchase something. Crowley snorted out a laugh when he caught a glimpse of the angel sending him an exasperated expression through the window, already knowing exactly where the demon was seated in the coffee shop watching the whole thing unfold.
"So have you told him yet or what?" Nina's voice cut through the air startling Crowley's peaceful silence, having thought she had already walked away from the table. No such luck though, as he turned his head in her direction with a raised brow. Once Crowley realised what she was referring to, the grin that had been on his face quickly morphed into a scowl. He leaned back into his chair with his arms crossed in a way that he hoped conveyed the phrase 'Fuck Off' in its execution. Nina didn't look phased by this.
"I'll take that as a 'no' then." She smirked at the others closed off demeanour, and despite the angry aura he was clearly emanating she sat down in the seat across from him anyway.
"I don't understand what you're waitin' for, the two of you are living together now are you not?"
"I don't even know what you're on about." He grunted out while doing his best to continue to glare daggers at the woman across from him through his dark lenses.
"Not that it's any of your business." He hissed out in irritation.
That response earned a loud bark of laughter out of Nina. "Ha! You're sure one to talk with the stunt the two of you pulled last month."
Crowley scoffed. "Oh please, you should be thanking us for that." He argued, considering the fact that Nina and Maggie have also continued to become much closer after the whole fiasco. Turns out fighting demons together was a great bonding experience.
Nina rolled her eyes in disbelief. "Oh yes, I am ever so grateful for you and your partners attempts at forcing us into a Jane Austen novel from my nightmares ." The sarcasm was practically dripping from her voice. "Or dumping a gallon of water on top of our heads. Real romantic that one was, bravo ." Okay she had him there, clearly it hadn't been the best scheme he's cooked up.
"Fair point." He grunted, still refusing to acknowledge Nina's initial question before she had sat down. Sighing dramatically when he realised she didn't seem to be leaving him alone any time soon, he silently wished he'd asked for more coffee now.
"Got a little overzealous. Hadn't done weather in ages, was a bit rusty at it."
He doesn't really know why he said it; he just felt compelled to fill the silence. He hadn't really bothered watching the things he said around Nina anymore, considering everything that's happened. They still never overtly spoke about what transpired the night of the Whickber street traders meeting, but Nina and Maggie were both well aware now that the eccentric Mr. Fell and his odd companion were definitely not human. And Crowley couldn't be bothered to miracle or explain his way out of that whole fiasco, so he just left it well enough alone and figured 'What's the harm?' On days like this when Nina got nosy though, he kind of wishes he'd wiped their memories if only to get out of this conversation.
"I'm just gonna pretend I understood what any of that means." Nina huffed quickly before leaning onto the table to get more comfortable. "And stop trying to change the subject." She accused the other with a raised brow.
"I'm not." Crowley spat back in defence. “Don’t you have better things to do than bother me.”
"Evidently not. Will you quit acting like a whiny child and just talk about it?" Nine groaned out exasperated.
"I am literally millions of years older than you, if anyones a child it's you!" He replied smugly.
"Then act like it and tell that poor man you're in love with him already!" Nina shot back while gesturing aggressively in the direction of the bookshop, no longer having the patience to beat around the bush anymore.
If the bright flush that spread across Crowley's face wasn't telling enough, the way the man had started jerking his head around anxiously scanning the shop despite the fact it was practically empty definitely was. Looking as if Aziraphale could pop out of nowhere and overhear the conversation. Nina couldn't help but roll her eyes at the man's dramatics, like his feelings for Mr. Fell weren't glaringly obvious to everyone but himself.
Whatever response that Crowley had in his mind had been immediately forgotten at the utterance of that stupid word. Love. Nina had said it before, and the reaction his body was having was equally as troubling as the last time. He unconsciously felt his heart rate pick up and palms become clammy.
"I already told you it's not like that. " He whispered back through gritted teeth, unable to keep the embarrassment and the hint of disappointment out of his words. It was a lie of course. There was no denying that what the demon felt for Aziraphale could only be described as 'Love'. But demons arent supposed to be able to love. They just weren't made for that. And there was no way that Aziraphale would in return fall in love with a supposedly heartless demon right?
Nina laughed and shook her head in disbelief. "Yeah you said it before, and it was bullshit before too." Trying to get this man to talk about anything was like pulling fucking teeth, she thought irritatedly. "I just don't get what you're so afraid of, honestly." She pushed onward despite the lack of response she was still getting from the demon.
Crowley growled in frustration, thoroughly agitated by Nina's inability to take a hint and just drop it .
"And that's just it, isn't it? You couldn't even begin to understand-" He groaned angrily and cut himself off, realising he was giving more information away then he had meant to. “It’s complicated.”
"Try me." The dark haired woman declared, satisfied that she was finally getting the man to at least talk back.
Suddenly Crowley felt the overwhelming need to prove a point. And dammit if that wasn't an unfortunate weakness of his. He argued that was why he finally decided to vent to the human, and not the overwhelming need to just talk to someone about it. Because the one person he wanted to actually open up to, he couldn't. So he decided to humour her.
"You're a human ." He said the word with mild contempt. "We aren't like you."
"So you say." Nina murmured unconvinced.
Crowley paused for a moment so he could consider the best way to make his point.
"Me and Aziraphale… course' we care about each other, we've known each other a long time. But trust me, it wasn't always this easy." Crowley subtly glanced out the window, checking to make sure Aziraphale was still busy over at the bookshop before he continued.
"There's plenty for us to still be afraid of. Just being around each other is a threat to our existence… There's too much on the line that we could lose." Like each other. His brain unhelpfully supplied.
The painful memory of a burning bookshop flashed in Crowley's mind at the thought. Whenever he's reminded of that day it puts a disgusting pit in his stomach that takes forever to shake.
"I dont give a shit what hell does to me, they're all incompetent anyway. But heaven. " The way he said the word you would have expected venom to spit from his mouth at the inflection.
"I can't let Aziraphale get mixed up in that again. They're cruel, unforgiving, and then have the fucking audacity to hide it behind all that obnoxious 'greater good' nonsense." Crowley spat out and had to stop to take a breath before he got too worked up.
"They tried to kill us before, and we made it out just barely. We won't be so lucky a second time I believe." He finished his statement with a finality that said he was done talking about this. Nina stared in silence for a moment waiting for more input, but when she realised that's all she was getting out of the other she raised her eyebrows in confusion.
"So… what? You're just going to spend the rest of your lives unhappy because you're afraid of what they'll do to you?" She asked incredulously. "That's idiocy, can't possibly be the only reason. If it was, you wouldn't have moved in together. You guys are literally attached at the hip half the time you don't think that's not a lil' obvious ?"
Crowley was definitely considering just wiping Nina's memory of this conversation entirely. Mostly because he was annoyed but also because she was infuriatingly right. Not about the fact that they had every right to be terrified about what heaven and hell would do, Crowley doesn't think he'll ever not be scared of losing Aziraphale again. But it's the fact that neither of them seem to be pretending that they aren't a unit together anymore. Heaven and hell both are well aware at this point, and don't seem to be making any moves towards them any time soon. Not yet at least.
No, heaven and hell are not the main reason Crowley is scared. The scowl on the demon's face would've deepend even further if it was physically possible.
"I am perfectly… happy, with how things are." The argument sounded weak even to his own ears. And the way he gritted out the word 'happy' between clenched teeth might not have been very convincing.
"And what about him?" Nina asked, nodding her head in the direction of the bookshop again.
Crowley just shrugged, and gave her a raised brow in response.
"Is he happy with how things are?" She sighed when she realised she had to be more specific.
"Course he is, why wouldn't he be?" The red head stated defensively, and said a little too quickly to be casual.
The silence between them was thick while Nina narrowed her eyes at the man in contemplation. That is, until a sudden look of understanding seemed to flash across her face.
"Holy shit… You really don't think he loves you back?" At that she couldn't help but laugh, despite the obvious glare he shot her at the reaction. Because seriously, how in denial do you have to be to believe that.
"You've gotta be kidding. Have you not seen the way that man looks at you?" She exclaimed loudly in bafflement.
The demon scoffed at the statement and shook his head dismissively. "He doesn't look at me any different than anyone else." He argued.
"Ha! You must be blind behind those glasses mate." Nina chuckled more, absolutely in disbelief. She leaned back and rolled her eyes so hard she felt dizzy. "So you're saying Mr. Fell looks at everyone like he desperately wants to climb them like a tree, is that it?"
The immediate refusal was on the tip of Crowley's tongue, but not before the sudden feeling of unbridled curiosity and satisfaction took over. Did Aziraphale really look at me like that? The thought was entertained only for a second before Crowley was sputtering out his response.
"What? H-He does not! Don't be ridiculous." The flustered demon denied quickly, while practically squirming out of his seat because he couldn't seem to keep still anymore. He snuck a glance across the street to the large window of the bookstore and ironically enough, locked eyes with Aziraphale again. Only this time the Angel was startled and almost looked embarrassed to be caught staring and nervously started shuffling papers on his desk. But not before giving Crowley a small and bashful smile and then forcing his attention elsewhere. Crowley pointedly ignored the delightful little spark of pleasure that raced through his body at the sight. Nina gave him an infuriatingly knowing glance from across the table they were seated at. Obviously having witnessed that little moment between the two oblivious men.
"My god man, you're delusional." Nina groaned while rubbing her temples soothingly.
This conversation was entirely too painful. But how else are you supposed to get an angry and repressed demon to open up about his 'secret' feelings for his angel best friend? There was only so much patience she could have. Normally Nina wasn't one to get involved in other people's business either, but something about the relationship between these two has piqued her interest enough to intervene.
Or more likely she's just sick of having to watch the two tiptoe around each other every damn day. She concluded that neither one of these idiots were going to make the first move, so it was time to take things into her own hands, for her own sanity.
"Look, take my advice or don't. It's your life not mine." She spoke up once again, gaining the others' attention back. "But it's embarrassingly obvious that you both have feelings for one another. And I'd say take a chance before it passes ya' by." She firmly stated.
Crowley groaned exaggeratedly and rolled his head around his shoulders in a way that looked fairly painful, and almost physically impossible for anyone human to do.
"I can't. " The demon grunted out between clenched teeth.
"Seriously man. What's the worst that can happen?" The woman replied.
"Would you like me to write you a list?" The demon mocked, unintentionally raising his voice an octave too high.
"What if he-" Initially he wanted to make another sarcastic comment at the woman but found himself at a loss for words. He shook his head, sighed and snuck another glance at Aziraphale through the window and felt his heart lurch.
"What if he wants nothing to do with me, when he finds out?" Crowley's voice shrunk dramatically, absolutely despising how vulnerable and insecure he sounded. But suddenly like a damn he couldn't seem to stop the words from falling out now.
"What if he doesn't want me the same way that I want him and he's… disgusted by me, kicks me out? What if he never talks to me again?" It took everything in Crowley's power not to let his voice break at the thought.
His voice sounded smaller than Nina had ever heard and a pang of sympathy rolled through her at the words. For somebody who puts up such an impenetrable wall of confidence and indifference it was surprising to see him suddenly so unsure of himself. It was obvious he was scared and had been holding these insecurities in for far too long.
However the look of pity on her face made him squirm with regret at his words as soon as they left his mouth. Small lapse in judgement on his part. He didn't need pity. Not from some mortal who could never comprehend the life that he has lived. Crowley groaned and leaned back into his chair, slinking further in on himself in the process.
"Why the hell am I even talking to you about this?" He moaned at the ceiling sounding tired, the question was more pointed at himself than the human sitting across from him.
" Oh, I assumed it's cause' you dont got any friends." Nina shrugged and stated rather bluntly, earning a surprised snort from the other. She wasn't wrong. He did somewhat appreciate how unapologetically blunt Nina was. He still thinks she asks too many questions. Reminded him too much of himself at times.
"Do you really think that he would have the heart to do any of that stuff?" Nina questioned in a lighter tone.
Crowley paused to ponder, but only needing to for a second. "Not really, no." He admitted quietly.
"But is it really worth it? To risk six thousand years of…" His words got choked off when he realised he didn't know what to call them anymore.
He was going to say friendship but was that really the word to use for their relationship anymore? Crowley doesn't think there is a word in any language that could possibly describe what they mean to each other. Instead he just grunted, went silent and waved his hand through the air and hoped he got his point across. But Crowley was very much done with this conversation. There was no way this random human would be able to understand the kind of bond that he and Aziraphale have anyway. Six thousand years of something wasn't worth the risk of throwing away over the slim chance that Aziraphale might feel something more as well.
Nina sighed and leaned back in her chair as well. She could tell that she was really starting to push her luck with the man by continuing this line of topic. She wasn't too sure what else she could say to get through to him though. She begrudgingly turned to look out the window and her gaze landed on the record shop where Maggie resided, she smiled at the sight of her organising what looked to be a new shipment of records.
"Maybe a month ago I would've said it wasn't worth it…" She started off and turned her gaze back to the slouched demon.
"But… I think love is worth the risk. If I hadn't taken a chance, I would still be with a person who treated me like garbage." The unexpected sound of vulnerability to Nina's statement was what forced the demon to stop glowering at the ceiling and finally make eye contact with her again, albeit still behind his dark shades.
"Lindsay never really loved me… and I knew it. But I stayed, because I thought it was better than being alone." She confessed, if not very reluctantly. "And deep down… I imagine I didn't think I deserved much better."
Something about the subtle crack in Crowley's facial expression gave him away despite how he tried to hide it. It told her that he could relate to the sentiment. She gave him a compassionate smile. "And funny enough, it was the two of you that made me realise that there was hope. Just watching the way you are with each other, it just… Makes you truly believe that it's possible even for the most unlikely of pairs."
That got a shocked look of surprise from the demon, fully expecting her to have waxed poetic about the power of Maggie's love being what set her free or something equally as corny. "But we're not even… a couple." He blurted, rather confused at the woman's statement.
Nina shook her head and laughed at the other. "It doesn't matter. Watching you two has shown me that there's no reason I should be settling for shit, when I could take a risk and have that. Just… absolute adoration for one another."
Crowley realised he didn't have the energy to argue with Nina any longer. He's accepted that she was going to believe what she wanted to believe. He still didn't have to admit that she was right either though. Sudden movement from across the street caught Crowley's eye as he saw Aziraphale step out of the bookshop and start making his way over to the coffee shop. Finally Crowley would have an excuse to leave this entirely too personal conversation. The angel was patiently waiting for the traffic to clear when Nina spoke up again from the prolonged silence.
"You know, he never shuts up about you when you're not around." She smirked at the demon knowing she'd piqued his interest at that. "All he talks about is you ."
Suddenly Crowley very much wanted to continue the conversation actually, but knew they had very little time now with Aziraphale crossing the street in mere seconds. He didn't even realise that Aziraphale spoke to other people about him, let alone enough to be brought up in conversation. He couldn't even imagine what he would have said. He surprisingly felt his brain swim pleasantly at the idea though. He leaned forward on the table with a little bit too much enthusiasm, and propped his chin in the palm of his hand hoping it came off more nonchalant. It didn't.
"What-uhh-Hmm… What kind of things does he say?" He asked in a rushed voice, while frantically looking between Nina and the angel currently walking across the road. He chose to ignore the smug look that he got from the woman at his reaction.
"Oh you know, just how wonderful it is to have you at the bookshop helping him out. Constantly goin' on about how impressed he is with your plants. Talks about how good you are to him, practically gushes about it, and all the nice little things you do for him."
The rising flush on Crowley's face was impossible to hide at this point. Normally he was able to control his bodies corporation a little better but when it came to Aziraphale all control and rational thought goes out the window it seems. The mere thought that Aziraphale was going around telling random humans how good he is made him feel like he could discorporate on the spot. It was equally as embarrassing as it was enticing. For somebody who violently denied the fact that he was anything but good , when Aziraphale said it to him he couldn't stop the small swell of pride he would feel at the angel's praise.
Just as soon as Nina finished teasing the poor bastard, the door to the coffee shop opened abruptly and Aziraphale strolled in. Crowley swore that every room Aziraphale stepped in automatically brightened in his presence. At least for Crowley it does. The angel was already making his way to where Crowley and Nina were seated when he walked through the door. Pointing his beautifully calming presence in Crowley's direction.
"Goodness! You would not believe the customer that I had to deal with. The man absolutely refused to leave. Wouldn't stop going on about the abnormal hours of operation that we have. I explained there was a very detailed note on the door explaining everything but he refused to listen!" Aziraphale huffed in exasperation.
Crowley knew what note Aziraphale was talking about. Actually helped him write it. It didn't make a lick of sense to the demon either, so he can imagine the frustration it would cause the humans trying to decipher it and actually come to the place when it's open. He didn't correct Aziraphale on it though because he thought it was much more amusing that way.
"And then, he had the audacity to want to purchase a book !" He added on at the end as if this was the worst crime someone could commit. That got a raised brow from Nina, while the demon across from her just snorted in amusement.
"But… you run a bookshop?"
As if only noticing Nina's presence now, he turned to regard her with a friendly smile.
"Ah! Nina, how nice to see you again!" The angel beamed jovially. "And what have you two been chatting about?" He pointedly avoided Nina's question about the bookshop. Aziraphale had concluded very early on that explaining his terrible work ethic to the humans was nothing but a waste of energy. Better to just divert the topic elsewhere.
Crowley tensed up immediately at the angel's question though, fully expecting Nina to throw him under the bus at this. He tried his best to give the woman a look that hopefully conveyed that he was pleading with her not to be an asshole right now. He thinks it might've just come across as mildly constipated.
"Oh, I was just telling Crowley how well things between me and Maggie have been going lately." She said smoothly, like she had already been prepared with the excuse. Crowley sighed and leaned back in his normal sprawl in relief again. He'd have to thank Nina later, and promptly find out every little thing Aziraphale has said about him in conversation to the woman. Just out of curiosity, nothing weird .
"Oh that's just wonderful to hear! I'm so glad that things have worked out between you two." Aziraphale exclaimed sincerely.
"Yep, we're actually going out to dinner tonight at that new place down the street." Nina replied and smiled back at the man.
At that Aziraphale seemed to perk up and let out a little noise of surprise. "Oh! What a coincidence, we were also planning on going there tonight!"
It was true, there was a new sushi restaurant that opened up only a few blocks away from the bookshop. Crowley had noticed the place when it was still in construction and had waited patiently for the opening date. Prepared to immediately offer to bring Aziraphale there when the place had finally opened. Which he did, and Aziraphale instantly said yes. Something about the expression Nina's face made caught the demon's attention again. There was a spark of mischief in her eyes that he very much didn't like the look of.
"Is that so…" She said, giving Crowley this infuriatingly smug look. "Well here's an idea, why don't we all go together?"
Where was she going with this? Crowley thought to himself, desperately confused by this whole situation. He definitely didn't want to spend his time at the restaurant talking to two mortals instead of watching Aziraphale happily eat while he sat back and drank himself silly. He started to shake his head in disagreement until he felt Aziraphale's hand clasp his shoulder in a familiar gesture. Crowley moved his gaze up to the angel, now noticing how he was standing much closer beside him than he did when he initially walked to their table. And Aziraphale being the naively sweet man that he is, looked absolutely delighted by Nina's suggestion. Well shit, he couldn't say no anymore now could he?
"Why that would be just lovely! We would be happy to accompany you wouldn't we, Crowley?" Aziraphale exclaimed cheerfully. Completely oblivious to the demon's disapproval of such an idea.
Nina smirked. "Great! It's a double date then." She exclaimed before Crowley could think of an excuse out of this.
Crowley has realised that he no longer wants to thank Nina anymore. In fact he has quite a few choice words he'd like to express to her instead. A bloody date? She knows that wasn't what he and Aziraphale were doing. Or…at least he didn't think so? Were the countless dinners and outings they've invited each other on for centuries actually dates? Did Aziraphale ever think they were dates? Of course not, Crowley would have known if that were the case. Which was why the sudden squeeze to his shoulder and the absolutely giddy noise the angel made came as a pleasant surprise to the demon. Duly noting that neither of them made any attempt at correcting Nina's assumption at all.
The abrupt sound of a bell ringing and the sight of customers walking in was what finally got Nina to rise from her seat. "That's my que. We'll stop by the bookshop after closing." She said just as quickly as she got up, leaving Crowley with the mess she left behind. The sound of Aziraphale nervously clearing his throat is what woke him from his internal thoughts. He glanced up to see him staring back at the demon with an incredibly fond look.
"Well I suppose we can head over to the bookshop then while we wait, shall we?"
Before the angel could start to make his way towards the door Crowley raised from his seat and went to open it for him. He leaned on the door leisurely and gestured for Aziraphale to walk through, giving the other an equally fond smile. "Angel's first." Crowley stated when Aziraphale had given him an amused little smirk. He could've sworn he saw the angel's eyes move up and down his body, and his face flushed a lovely shade of pink at the gesture, before he quickly strolled through the open door. Crowley followed shortly behind, ignoring the amused shake of Nina's head as the door shut behind them.