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Aziraphale blinked his eyes lazily against the bright winter glow shining in from the window. He was tempted to close his eyes once more, lulled by the soft rise and fall of–
of…
Aziraphale’s brain was slow to warm up in the mornings anyway but mix in the fact that he was waking up next to Crowley, well that was something else entirely. He let his eyes shut and nuzzled into the warmth of Crowley’s chest. In moments he felt himself falling back to sleep, it was like settling into the warm waters of a bath. Just before he drifted off, a realization jolted him awake: Puck was still at home, and would most likely be upset that his breakfast was not on schedule. Fighting every urge he had to lie back into the warmth of Crowley’s chest, he sat up and checked his watch for the time, half past 7.
Oh, thank goodness. He let out a sigh of mild relief. Breakfast would be late for Puck, but at least it wasn’t anything egregious. He turned to look at Crowley, who was beginning to stir on the couch. Crowley’s eyes were still closed as he yawned deeply and reached his arms over his head in a stretch. Aziraphale leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek, for no other reason than he couldn’t help himself. Crowley’s eyes blinked open as a smile spread across his face.
“Morning, Angel.”
“Good morning, my dear.”
Aziraphale reached his arms up and stretched as well. He’d fallen asleep in his reading chair before, but it had been a long time since he’d slept through the night on a couch. His muscles ached slightly, reminding him that he wasn’t as spry as he once was.
Crowley yawned and slowly positioned himself so that he was sitting upright next to Aziraphale. His hand made its way to the small of Aziraphale’s back.
“Didn’t realize we’d fallen asleep last night. ‘M sorry we ended up on the couch. ”
“It’s quite alright, my back will forgive me in a day or two.” Aziraphale took Crowley’s hand in his own and brought it up to his lips. “And I apologize for staying so long.”
“Don’t be silly,” Crowley’s hand rubbed a small circle on Aziraphale’s back. “You’re always welcome here, you know.”
Crowley’s eyes were still heavy with sleep, and it gave him an enchanting sort of look. Aziraphale felt his breath hitch as Crowley leaned in and pressed his lips against his.
Aziraphale returned the kiss, pressing into Crowley. It was intoxicating, encompassing, and so easy . It pained him to pull away.
“I’m sorry, my dear, but I’m afraid I’ve got to get home. Puck typically gets fed earlier in the morning and I can’t keep him waiting too long.”
“Oh right, of course,” Crowley managed through a yawn “can’t keep him waiting.”
As Aziraphale stood and busied himself with straightening out his clothes, Crowley moved to the kitchen. “But perhaps I could tempt you to a spot of tea to go?”
Aziraphale beamed “Temptation accomplished.”
_______
Aziraphale was met with a barrage of angry yowls the moment he cracked open the front door. He made sure to apologize to Puck profusely and even emptied a tad more food into his bowl to compensate for the lateness of the meal. His furry companion was standoffish for the rest of the morning, but by mid-afternoon was snuggling against Aziraphale’s leg again.
Something was different now. Aziraphale noticed it in the way the water rushed over him in the shower. The way the music sounded as it funneled out of the speakers of his record player. The way the pages felt between his fingers as he attempted to read. It was as if there was an electricity inside of him. As if somehow there were more sensory nerves underneath his skin. Aziraphale felt lighter and wondered how these mundane sensations suddenly felt more .
Despite the new sensations, Aziraphale found himself fretting as he scrubbed the dishes from dinner. He wanted more than anything to call Crowley again but was clueless as to what modern dating protocol was. It was 7:15 in the evening by the time Aziraphale broke down and grabbed his mobile.
Crowley answered immediately following the first ring.
“Hi, Aziraphale.”
“Hello, my dear. You answered quickly!”
Crowley let out a nervous chuckle, “Well, I was just about to call you actually.”
Relief rushed into Aziraphale’s veins as he too laughed “I suppose great minds think alike. I wanted to thank you for everything last night, for accompanying me to dinner, for listening and sharing with me. For all of it.”
“Of course, yeah, I… I enjoyed it.” Aziraphale sensed Crowley was blushing, if it were possible to pick up on that sort of thing through the phone. Crowley continued, “Um, what I wanted to ask was if you were free tomorrow night? I know a great Italian restaurant a few towns over if you’d like to join me?”
Aziraphale felt the giddy excitement seep into his chest, as a smile spread to his lips, “It’s a date.”
________________
When the sun rose the next morning, it revealed a thick coat of snow that leeched the world of any color other than white. Snow was falling lazily as Aziraphale rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He turned on the radio and scanned until he found a channel talking about the weather. He felt his heart sink when it was announced that a blizzard was on its way. He started a fire as the kettle boiled in the kitchen, wondering what to do about his date tonight with Crowley. He tried to push the worries from his mind as he watched the snow plows make their rounds through the otherwise silent streets. By mid-morning, however, the wind picked up and the snow gave no impression of stopping.
Aziraphale picked up a comfort book that he’d read more times than he’d care to admit and settled down into his chair by the fire. Puck stretched lazily in front of the fire before hopping up onto his lap. Aziraphale chuckled, he was trapped in his spot for now. He managed to lose himself in his book for about an hour but as it approached noon he hesitantly made his way to the windows to survey the roads. It looked even worse than it had this morning. Aziraphale audibly groaned. He moved back to his comfy chair and dialed Crowley’s number.
“Hi, angel.”
“Hello there, Crowley.” He paused, and the silence between spoke to the uncertainty of their plans. “Um… quite the blizzard we are having it seems.”
“Yeah. I’m not one for the colder weather really.”
Aziraphale shut his eyes. Not wanting to broach the topic, but knowing it needed to be said. “D-do you think we’ll be able to make it out of town for dinner?”
Crowley audibly sighed, conveying the disappointment that Aziraphale was already encompassed with. “I’ve been checking most of this morning, and it seems like most of the major roads are pretty bad. Even if we took the back roads, it’ll be even worse. They don’t plow those as often.”
Aziraphale swallowed “Right. They said on the radio that it wasn’t going to stop until much later into the night.”
Crowley let out a cackle, “You get your weather updates from the radio?”
Aziraphale let out a huff. “And what is the matter with that?”
“Well, it’s just there are apps, the internet, and the news on TV! Lots of other ways to find the weather!” He chuckled softly, “Nothing wrong with checking the weather on the radio, Angel. Just old fashioned is all.”
“Well, I am a bit old-fashioned, I’m afraid.” Aziraphale conceded.
“And I love that about you.”
Aziraphale’s heart stopped at the word. As if Crowley could sense his shock, he continued sputtering on.
“I-I-I um, anyway, yes, uh the weather doesn’t seem to be letting up you’re right.”
Love.
Whatever emotions were stirring in him, Aziraphale cleared his throat in an attempt to silence them. “Yes, yes exactly.”
“Maybe we should postpone?”
An irrational jolt of fear shot through him. It wasn’t as if postponing tonight was going to change how he felt about Crowley or how Crowley felt about him. But ever since their previous date, Aziraphale felt like he needed to be near Crowley again soon . There wasn’t logic behind the intensity of this need. But there it was, feverish and wanting.
“Do you think,” Aziraphale’s free hand fussed with the neckline of his sweater “that you could make it here, to my house? If we can’t go out, maybe we could have dinner in?”
“Yeah, I think I could make it.” Crowley’s voice sounded lighter, lifted. “Of course, I couldn’t take Queenie out in this. But I have some boots that should do the trick for walking there. I’d be sure to bundle up obviously.”
“I hate to make you walk out in all of this. I’d just,” Aziraphale shut his eyes. He was starting to feel like he was asking too much. Nevertheless, the magnetism of his need persisted. “I’d like to see you.”
“It’s no trouble, Aziraphale. I’d like to see you too.”
Aziraphale felt his shoulders soften “Same time, then?”
“That would work just fine. See you soon, Angel.”
“See you soon, my dear.” Aziraphale hung up, letting the relief wash over him. It was a few moments before the panic set in again…. I’m going to have to cook something.
_____________________
After a brief stint of hyperventilating, Aziraphale managed to find a few ingredients to throw together pasta and garlic bread. He was just starting to cook when Crowley arrived. Despite his objections, Crowley immediately donned an apron and started to help mince the garlic. Aziraphale poured them both a healthy glass of red wine, and Crowley put on some old jazz tunes that helped set the mood of their cooking venture.
Every so often, Aziraphale would stop stirring and sneak close to Crowley to kiss his cheek. Crowley returned the favor later by putting his arms around his waist as Aziraphale tended to the pasta sauce on the stovetop. Crowley rested his chin on Aziraphale’s shoulder.
“It’s looking good.”
Aziraphale sighed deeply and, in response, Crowley tightened his embrace. “It does, I just hope it tastes the same way.”
A soft kiss pressed into Aziraphale’s neck. “It will, Angel. Have a little faith.”
They had a few moments as the garlic bread finished in the oven. A Louis Armstrong number started to play, prompting Crowley to reach for Aziraphale’s hand. Some occult forces must have been at play, because before long Crowley was against his chest, and they were swaying back and forth. Crowley’s movements felt and looked so natural. Aziraphale didn’t dance. Excluding, however, the staff outing where (after several glasses of wine) he managed a decent gavotte. But typically his body and feet would not coordinate to dance. Even now he felt stiff but didn’t want to break the contact.
“I, um- afraid I’m not much of a dancer.” Aziraphale managed quietly. His head felt dizzy in the best way. He wasn’t sure if he could blame the wine, the frenzy of cooking, or the feeling of Crowley swaying next to him.
Crowley tilted his head and kissed him in response. “So much worry from you, Angel. Trust me when I say, you’re doing just fine.”
Aziraphale’s brain tried to come up with words or an explanation for the intensity of happiness he felt, but the only word that would register was heaven.
________________
As Crowley had reassured him, dinner turned out surprisingly well. Aziraphale’s stomach hurt from laughing as Crowley recounted his journey over in the snow. Apparently a group of four children was out having a snowball fight of epic proportions. Through some divine intervention, Crowley barely escaped the crossfire. They talked and laughed as they sipped more wine and did the dishes together.
Shortly after, they were sitting on the floor in front of the fire. Puck rubbed against Crowley’s leg before taking the comfy chair for himself. Aziraphale was delightfully tipsy as he found himself in a monologue about his hatred of The Sound of Music . It was humoring Crowley endlessly, who was laughing so hard tears welled in the corners of his eyes.
There was a lull in the conversation, and Aziraphale felt that intense urge to be near (or more accurately touching ) Crowley rise in him once more. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Crowley’s. It was soft and slow at first, but Aziraphale couldn’t help but deepen the kiss, letting his tongue graze the edge of Crowley’s lips. Was it the heat from the fire that was making him flush?
Crowley pulled back and swung his leg gently over Aziraphale’s lap so he was straddling him. Sweet merciful God. Crowley put his arms on Aziraphale’s shoulders, hesitating a moment. Aziraphale dug his fingers into Crowley’s sides as a way of saying yes. He let his lips hungrily press against Crowley’s. Oh god yes.
Crowley sank into him, his lips moving deliciously against Aziraphale's. Crowley moved his hands into Aziraphale’s hair where he curled his fingers into his platinum locks. Crowley pulled away softly, hands still intertwined in Aziraphale's curls. His breathing was heavy as his eyes studied Aziraphale’s face carefully.
“Please, Angel. May I touch you?” Crowley breathed, inches away from Aziraphale’s lips. “If you’ll let me, that is. If you want me to.”
Aziraphale grabbed Crowley’s shoulders and pulled him into another deep kiss. Aziraphale let his tongue trace Crowley’s bottom lip, and in response, Crowley hungrily opened his mouth wider. Crowley’s fingers curled into his hair again as he let out a moan against Aziraphale’s lips. The sound shot a bolt of electricity through Aziraphale’s chest. His heartbeat quickened and the blood in his veins felt hot. The heat from Crowley’s arousal was building a rubbing against his own. The clothing barrier was adding a different sensation all its own
Aziraphale finally managed to break away, “Yes, yes my darling. I’ll let you. I want you so desperately.”
Crowley pressed a tender kiss against him before he pulled back from Aziraphale’s arms slightly. His hand moved to undo the top button of his trousers.
A memory flashed through Aziraphale’s brain. He felt his chest clench in response, and he stiffened slightly. Crowley noticed and stopped all movement.
“Aziraphale, is everything alright?”
Aziraphale nodded “Yes… yes, everything is alright.”
Crowley's eyes flicked between his, holding his gaze with a look of concern.
“It’s just been a while since I’ve done this and the last several times weren’t– necessarily things I was comfortable with.”
Crowley moved both of his hands to cradle Aziraphale’s face. He bent down to kiss his cheek before looking into his eyes.
“Aziraphale, we can take this as slow as you need it. I’m never going to do anything that you’re not 100% comfortable with, right?” Crowley’s kiss against him was a gentle whisper. “We’re on your time.”
Aziraphale felt like his breath was taken from him. He pulled Crowley into another soft kiss. Aziraphale whispered against his lips, “Then I would like you now.”
Crowley’s face lit up as he leaned into him again. This time Crowley’s lips were slow, full, and passionate on his. The taste of arousal on his tongue made Azirphale feel dizzy. Like he was floating a few inches off the ground. Crowley paused for a moment and leaned back. “I suppose we didn’t discuss it earlier, but I’m clean. I was tested earlier this year, and I haven’t been with anyone else since.”
“You’re right, we didn’t discuss it. But I’m clean as well. I haven’t been with anyone since I last tested either. It’s– been awhile.”
Crowley nodded and whispered “I’ll take things slow, angel.” he punctuated this with a soft, chaste kiss. “If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or-or if you want to stop just say the word, yeah?”
There was lustful excitement in Crowley’s voice, but what made Aziraphale’s heart swell was the gentleness. It was the way Crowley was handling his words, nervous and careful, Aziraphale had never been treated with such grace. It made his heartbeat quicken as he held either side of Crowley’s face and slotted his mouth slowly, deliciously against his. Aziraphale had to break them apart to answer in a breath.
“Yes, my darling.”
Crowley peppered his neck in kisses before undoing the top button on his trousers and reaching down. His hand moved against his stomach, moving to take Aziraphale in his hand. From the moment Crowley’s skin came in contact with his, Aziraphale felt a shock straight to his libido.
He moaned when Crowley’s fingers closed around him. Crowley moved his hand around the length of him while kissing down his jawline. Aziraphale found himself slowly thrusting upward to meet him. He let out a sound he’d never made before when Crowley’s thumb rubbed over the tip of him, spreading the moisture that was gathered from his arousal.
Crowley's teeth brushed the edge of his ear, his breath warm as he whispered “God… you feel amazing. How do you want me?”
Pleasure pulsed through his body as Crowley continued to stroke him. “I-I want you on the bed, and I’d like to be inside you,” he confessed breathlessly.
“Yes, Angel.”
They couldn’t help but laugh as they clumsily attempted to take each other's clothes off as they stumbled their way to the bedroom. But eventually, they found themselves wrapped around each other on top of the sheets. Crowley lifted off Aziraphale’s undershirt, the last layer before they were both completely bare.
Aziraphale reveled in the feeling of Crowley’s skin under his hands. He pulled Crowley on top of him as their lips continued to collide desperately. Aziraphale rubbed himself with lube and watched hungrily as Crowley started to open himself up.
“Aziraphale, are you ready?” Crowley asked, chest heaving, his pupils large and black.
Aziraphale reached to grab onto Crowley’s hips “Yes, yes please …”
Crowley lowered himself slowly onto Aziraphale’s cock and let out a deep primal moan. Aziraphale echoed him, feeling his heels dig into the bed. When Crowley’s body flush with his he called out “Oh…. fuck”
Crowley let out a breathy chuckle as he relaxed against Aziraphale. “Such language!”
Aziraphale let out an exasperated huff as his fingers wrapped around Crowley’s hips. “I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to it, I’m not sure if I can hold it back with you.”
As he gently moved, Crowley’s eyes flashed to his, molten and eager and impossibly fond. Aziraphale never expected anyone to look at him like this, never expected to be in this situation. He could get lost here, swimming in the pools of those golden irises.
Crowley lowered to kiss him, breaking his trance. He started to roll his hips to meet Aziraphale’s gentle upward thrusts. The rise and fall of Crowley’s chest mirrored his own, and Aziraphale picked up his pace, delighting in the sound it elicited from Crowley.
Warmth and pressure pulsed from where Crowley’s fingers dug into Aziraphale’s chest. Aziraphale let his own fingers bore themselves into Crowley’s hips, pushing him down into each thrust upward.
It wasn’t long before he felt like the rest of the world was falling away. Crowley moaned out “ Fuck , Angel. I’m…”
Aziraphale let out a guttural cry in response as he felt his own orgasm cresting. Their bodies collided, their chests heaved, and their voices cried out in unison as they came. Aziraphale panted as they floated down from such a great height. Crowley adjusted and snuggled next to him. He brought his lips to Aziraphale’s cheek then lips.
Crowley leaned back slightly to more easily look into Aziraphale’s eyes, “Was… did I…” he sighed “Did that feel okay, feel comfortable for you?”
Aziraphale kissed his forehead “I appreciate the concern, my darling. But yes, it felt amazing. It all was incredible. You’re incredible.” He fished down the end of the bed and pulled the comforter up over them both.
Crowley relaxed his head back down into the pillow, pulling himself flush against Aziraphale. “I was going to say the same thing about you.”
“Well, thank you. I-I apologize if I was rusty.”
Crowley shook his head against Aziraphale’s side “No, no– definitely no rust.”
Aziraphale kissed his forehead again. “May I ask you to stay tonight?”
Crowley chuckled, “I’d sleep in the tub if it meant not going out in the cold again.” He leaned his head up and kissed Aziraphale’s jaw. “But seriously, yes, I’d love to stay.”
Aziraphale let his fingers trace the taut skin over Crowley’s ribs. They stayed like that, holding each other and talking sleepily about nothing in soft voices. They fell asleep at some point, still holding onto each other and sharing warmth while the blizzard raged outside.
______________________
One month later
“And whales,” Crowley brought his hands up to demonstrate the size. “Brain city whales!”
Aziraphale was trying to sip his wine but ended up leaning back against his seat and laughing instead.
Crowley chuckled before muttering “Damn big brains.”
Aziraphale licked his lips in excitement, “And the Kraken! Great big bugger…”
Crowley leaned forward and sipped his wine, enthralled.
It was another hour before they left the bar, they stood close together arguing playfully about mythological creatures as Crowley fumbled with his phone to order a Lyft. Aziraphale linked his arm with Crowley’s as he shivered in the cold.
“Sure you don’t want to wait inside, Angel?”
Aziraphale shook his head, “No, I’m alright, I don’t think I could stand to listen to one more person attempt to sing ABBA.”
Crowley cackled, “Our fault for coming on karaoke night.” He kissed Aziraphale’s cheek. “Driver should be here in a few minutes.”
“Well as I live and breathe, Aziraphale?”
It was already cold out, but the recognition of this new voice shot ice through Aziraphale’s heart.
Dante appeared in front of them, flanked by a young man. Dante’s hair slicked back and an amused smile on his lips. “Aziraphale it is just so good to see you again.”
He stepped closer, bringing with him the smell of tequila. Dante leaned and whispered something quickly to the man next to him, prompting him to hurry off into the bar.
“Dante.” Aziraphale said stiffly. Crowley picked up on his sudden change and moved his hand down to intertwine their fingers together.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce me?” Dante moved even closer now.
Aziraphale squeezed Crowley’s hand. He could feel Crowley’s eyes on him but kept his own eyes down. Not meeting his eye, not meeting Dante’s eye. He wished that he and Crowley could disappear. “Crowley, this is Dante.”
“Crowley, you say? A delight to meet you. Aziraphale and I were lovers, you know. We saw a lot of each other back in the day. I’m sure he’s mentioned me.” He held out his hand.
Crowley squeezed Aziraphale’s hand. Aziraphale looked up, meeting his eye. Crowley’s gaze was filled with concern, but Aziraphale didn’t know what to do but give a small nod. Crowley reluctantly removed his free hand from his pocket to shake Dante’s.
“Wow, he is handsome!” Dante took Crowley’s hand and shook it. “Would you be willing to share?” He gripped Crowley’s hand and brought it up to his lips. Crowley immediately pulled his hand back. Aziraphale watched a scowl spread to his face as he took a step forward.
“Get your fu –”
Aziraphale was snapped from whatever shell he was trying to hide in. His hand fled to Crowley’s chest as he moved between them “Crowley wait!”
Crowley’s breath came out through his bared teeth. Aziraphale kept his hand on his chest and tried to convey reassurance with his eyes. Crowley searched Aziraphale’s face before he stepped back slightly.
Dante cackled mirthlessly “And so feisty this one! Oh, Aziraphale you are one lucky bastard.”
Rage sparked inside Aziraphale, and he felt the color rise from underneath his skin. Aziraphale turned to face Dante, keeping Crowley behind him.
“Stop it. Leave us alone.”
Dante cocked his head, still smiling “Come now Aziraphale! Just having a bit of fun, really.”
Aziraphale shook his head with his jaw set “No, that’s quite enough.”
Dante’s smirk widened “Oh Aziraphale, we used to have such fun together! Remember? Perhaps I can show Crowley our work together?”
Aziraphale felt like he was going to be sick. He swallowed the bile in his throat. Crowley started to move forward again but Aziraphale stood firm. “I want you to leave, right now.”
The humor drained from Dante’s face, but somehow his smile remained. “If you’re sure that’s what you really want.”
Aziraphale glared and nodded “It is. I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to talk to you ever again. You’re going to leave me and Crowley alone from now on.”
For once Dante didn’t say anything, just chuckled under his breath.
Aziraphale turned toward Crowley holding onto his arms. “Let’s wait for our car up the street.”
Aziraphale started to lead Crowley away, but he felt a hand on the back of his shoulder.
“When this fling doesn’t work out though you know where—”
Crowley growled and grabbed Aziraphale by the arms and pulled him behind him. He stepped forward and grabbed Dante’s collar using both hands, forcing him back.
“You listen here because I’m going to say this once” Crowley hissed inches away from Dante’s face. He spoke through gritted teeth. “If you ever lay a hand on Aziraphale again, I will make sure that I break every one of your fucking fingers.”
Dante gulped. His eyes were wide in surprise and panic.
“If you talk, or look, or even think about the man I love again, I will see to it personally that your life is a living hell. Do you understand?”
Dante nodded quickly
“Good. Now piss off.”
Crowley released Dante’s collar, who pulled back quickly. Without looking at either of them, he hurriedly raced into the bar. Crowley stared him down until the door has shut behind him. Then he turned toward Aziraphale and put his hands on either side of his face.
“Aziraphale, sweetheart, are you okay?” Crowley was still breathing quickly. All of the fiery rage that was just on full display had subsided, leaving only concern left on his face now. Aziraphale nodded quickly, putting his hands on Crowley’s hips.
“Yes, my darling. Yes, I’m okay! Are you?”
Crowley nodded, not taking his eyes off Aziraphale “Yes Angel, I’m alright.”
Aziraphale sighed deeply and felt tears well in his eyes. “I’m… I’m so sorry.”
Crowley pulled him into an incredibly tight hug. “Shh, hey it’s okay. You’re okay. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
Crowley kept holding Aziraphale as they got into the car. Aziraphale found his breathing slowed, and his heartbeat returned to its normal pace. He felt exhausted.
“Thank you for that.” He whispered, his head leaning on Crowley’s shoulder.
Crowley turned and kissed his forehead “Of course, no one gets to treat you like that. Not while I have anything to say about it.”
Aziraphale smiled slightly. Then he remembered something else from the evening. He tilted his head up to kiss Crowley on the lips.
“I love you too, by the way.”