Chapter Text
Crowley loved to tease his Aziraphale. The literal Angel would get so… ruffled, even without his wings visible.
“I have not sinned, Crowley, and if I have, it’s entirely your fault!”
The demon’s eyebrows shot up at that. He pointed at himself and mouthed “me?” exaggeratedly.
“If it weren’t for you I’d have never indulged in that ox meat.” Aziraphale took a sip of his tea. They were at their usual table at the Ritz, having a very nonalcoholic breakfast for a change. It had been a big few days, what with averting an apocalypse and all. Aziraphale was on a “clean living” kick proving to himself and anyone that (definitely) was(n’t) looking (anymore) that he was still the upstanding, righteous force for good he always was, and frankly it was starting to annoy Crowley.
“You’re the one dragging me across the planet, trying this delicacy then the next. And don’t get me started on the drinking.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m gluttonous!”
“What would you call it, then?”
Aziraphale took a bite of toast, chewed thoroughly, and swallowed before answering. “Blending in with the locals.”
Crowley scoff/laughed so loud the restaurant fell silent around them. Aziraphale looked sheepishly at the other patrons while the low buzz of other conversations returned. Crowley was staring incredulously at him when he looked back at his companion, smiling that smile that said it all.
“‘Blending in’? You’re not serious!”
“Shh, Crowley, honestly!”
“You’ve had that coat for a hundred and eighty years! The waistcoat for two hundred! The velvet has worn off the front! You can’t seriously believe you ‘blend in’ with that tartan bow tie!”
“I love this bow tie.”
“My point, Angel, is that you have committed the deadly sin of Gluttony. You practically stripped that ox bare in that basement, and you’ve been ‘indulging’ ever since.” Crowley took his tea and sat back in his chair. “It’s the same with your books.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’ve hoard books like a dragon, love, there’s no use in denying it. You only keep the bookshop as a way to show them off. I’d discorporate with surprise if you ever actually sold one. You’re so proud of your collection-“ his face lit up behind his shades. “There’s another one! Pride!”
The discovery of a second sin committed blessfully took Aziraphale’s attention away from Crowley’s slip of tongue. “Love”? Where did that come from?
“Of course I’m pleased with my books, that doesn’t mean I’ve sinned about them!” Aziraphale’s hand faffed about trying to shoo Crowley’s words. “You’re mad.”
“Oh haven’t you, then? You’re not gluttonous with them?”
“No.”
“You’re not proud of your masterfully curated first editions?”
“Not at all.” Aziraphale looked down his nose in Crowley’s direction. “Angels don’t sin.”
Oooooh now there it was. The challenge was issued indeed. Crowley sipped his tea.
“Oh.” A delicious smile spread on his face. “Don’t they now.”