Chapter Text
It started off: with them not knowing each other. Obviously, you don't know people immediately. Even people you pretend to know. People you think you know. Anyways. That's not what we're focusing on today. We're focusing on their love story, their life. Although the people around them didn't quite support their relationship. I would know, they always seemed to say that; “God wouldn't approve.” Not much I could say really, but I found it disrespectful that they would use my name in such circumstances. But, that's besides the point.
On a warm but cloudy day in London; 1998. The two met, completely accidentally. One was at the wrong place, wrong time, the other one was simply trying to enter his bookshop & start the day. Then: they ran into each other. It would've been comical if Anthony wasn't being chased by a local gang. Aziraphale fell on his bottom, the book on his hand scattering near the steps of the bookshop, Anthony; not thinking clearly, got up quickly & ran straight into the bookshop. Aziraphale; shocked, got up quickly, with a bit of a struggle but quickly enough to catch up with Anthony. Before Aziraphale went inside fully. He stopped & picked up his book that he had dropped. Aziraphale really did treasure books, especially ones that were important to him. Then softly closed the door.
“H-hello?” Aziraphale said cautiously.
“We aren't exactly open yet. Though, I suppose you can be an early customer—”
“Ssshusshhh. You're gonna get us both killed with your loud mouth.” Anthony said, cutting off aziraphale with a harsh whisper.
With a now lower tone aziraphale responded with “Well. You could've told me that without being so rude.”
Anthony scoffed & quickly sat in aziraphales chair, closing the curtains & making himself at home. Placing his feet on one of aziraphales stools.
“Now– Hey! You can't just– do whatever you want in here, you're a guest, have you ever even heard of manners?” Aziraphale said while trying to push Anthony's feet off his stool.
Anthony sighed “ ’Course how rude of me.” Anthony said in a semi mocking tone. “ ’Names Crowley.”
“¿Crowley?” Aziraphale repeated. “What an unusual name...”
“ Let's hear yours then.” Anthony or should I say, crowley, said.
“–Well, most people call me «Mr. Fell...» ”
“Ppfft.” Crowley made a half laugh sound.
“Well!– my name isn't «Fell.» My name is Aziraphale.”
Aziraphale said, trying to salvage the situation. “ ’Hats even worse“ Crowley scoffed.
“Well– I don't understand why you!– came in here so roughly! You left an imprint on my carpet because of your roughness! That should need addressing.” Aziraphale said, trying to change the topic away from names as fast as he can.
“Oh yeah, that. ’Sorry ’bout that I was kinda in a hurry. Being chased by gangs ’n stuff. You know. Think they lost my trail for now.” Crowley responded, changing the topic & peeking through the blinds.
“–Gangs? But you don't seem the type of person to be involved with. Gangs...” Aziraphale said, a bit frightened from Crowley's involvement with the local gangsters.
“ ...You know. You're the first person to say that. People usually assume I'm in one, which, they aren't far off.” Crowley said, sounding assumed that Aziraphale isn't judging him immediately for that. He liked that.
“Well...” Aziraphale said, scuffing down his light pale jacket. “–You aren't here to... ¿Rob me I suppose?”
“¡Gods no. No, I swear I just wanted to find an escape so they wouldn't tear off my scalp. ’sides ’m not really involved anymore...You don't seem much trouble anyways. ’ Real names Anthony.”
“...Anthony...” Aziraphale repeats. “I like that name. Suits you my dear”
“Ngk–” Crowley squeaks, making a weird sound. He hasn't been called «dear» ever in his 37 years of living. He finds it weird. Makes him feel all tingly.
Aziraphale could see the surprise in crowleys face. He began to notice a slight pink blush starting to form. “Oh I'm–I call everyone that. My apologizes.” Aziraphale seemed quite embarrassed now.
“No– No I liked it. Don't worry.” Crowley said, lifting his hand up while trying to cover his face with his jacket. It was a black one too. It's awfully pretty, Aziraphale thought.
“...Why'd you tell me your name is Crowley then?” Aziraphale says, trying to change the subject a little.
“Hmmm... Well, I like it. ’sounds nice to the tongue.”
“Is there anything behind it?” Aziraphale responds. Crowley pats the chair next to him.
“...Mmm well, if you really want to know. ’Sit down, ’it's a long one.” Crowley then proceeded to tell Aziraphale that his nickname wasn't so he could have a gang name. It was actually because he simply liked crows. He just wanted to be named after them. But being named «Crow» isn't exactly... A normal nickname. So, he decided to add «ley» to it, as Crowley said “it's better to the tongue.”
When Crowley finally finished his nickname story, Aziraphale decided to add his own. Aziraphales name didn't just pop out of nowhere, it was originally an angels name, a powerful supreme archangel's name infact. what a gift. Crowley wasn't named after anyone. He was just named Anthony. Anthony, a simple sounding name. Simple enough for a boy who doesn't have anything going on for him, just a normal boy. No angels to be named after, not even parents.
“what a lucky bastard.” Crowley thought. Crowley then paused. Stopping the fog to overflow his mind, turned his head & looked at Aziraphale, still blissfully chatting like nothing happened. He then realized that they've been talking together for at least 3 hours. Crowley is pretty sure that the gang that was following him earlier is already far from gone. Though, he seems to want to spend just a little more time with Azirphale. He doesn't know why but something about him makes him feel; safe. He likes that feeling.
“–Hey... Aziraphale?” Crowley said, interrupting Aziraphale abruptly.
“Yes?” Aziraphale responded back, placing his hands back down to his lap in a polite, even senseless way.
Crowley pretended not to notice. “You never really, You know. Told me why you're named...” Crowley stopped.
“–’Named «Azira- uh- fell.» Crowley continued, trying to sound it out to get his point across.
“...Well. I already told you, I was named after an angel–”
“No, no, no. I want to know why. Why specifically an angel? Why ’not a Greek gods ’name, or a-”
“Ohh...” Aziraphale said softly. Cutting off Crowley unintentionally. “My family is very Christian. They don't really... believe in any other religion besides Christianity...”
“Mhm..” Crowley nodded slowly.
“So they thought, naming their children after angels wouldn't be such a harm.” Aziraphale continued.
“ ’Your names pretty ’anyways.” Crowley mumered. “ ’sides the whole angel thing.”
Aziraphale gave a light hearted chuckle. Then offered Crowley a nice, warm cup of tea. Crowley didn't really like tea, but he accepted anyways.
“ ’Can I call you angel if I ever see you again?” Crowley said, out of the blue.
Aziraphale almost spat out his tea. “A-angel...?” Aziraphale repeated, a bit stunned. Pink touching his cheeks.
“Yes. Angel, ’since you have a whole background with angelic stuff. Woudlnt be ’surprised if you were originally going to be named «Angel.»”
“Suppose I don't see a problem with it”
“mmm...” Crowley sipped his tea. “Good.”
It took Aziraphale long to noticed that the stranger, that presents himself as Crowley, wears these completely dark sunglasses. He can't tell what Crowley's eye color could be. Although, Aziraphale doesn't seem to ask Crowley. He thinks it might be a little rude to ask. Though, that doesn't mean he isn't curious.
“...Well” Aziraphale finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Are you safe to go now? Or do you want to browse by & pick a book.” Aziraphale gestured to the stacks of bookshelves behind Crowley.
“Ehh... I'm not really a book type.” Crowley said, following to where Aziraphale was gesturing. “...You sure are though.” Crowley muttered under his breath. Backhand compliment. Classic Crowley.
“ ’Sides. Think I'm ready to go now. Nice talking to ya. Saved my life out there.”
“Alright my dear, please stay safe. We just met but I can't stop but worry for your safety, Gangs are always the most dangerous to be in.
“Yeah, yeah.” Crowley said, fixing his leather jacket. He wasn't really paying attention to Aziraphale anymore. Just wanted to leave & see if his car was still in one piece. Probably got vandalized if one of the gangsters got his hands on it, They are ruthless after all. “Gods, why'd I spend so much time taking ’bout names with this blonde bookworm.” Crowley thought.
“ ’Thanks.” Crowley said before opening the door & walking out. Aziraphale stood there for a bit. Just taking it all in. That stranger Crowley. He was...He was «unique» Aziraphale thought. Didn't seem to care much, but also seemed to care. He's confusing... Aziraphale thought once again.
Aziraphale didn't think he'd ever see Crowley ever again. Just a one time situation, nothing much, Aziraphale thought.
Then, about two days later; 1998: 3pm, London time. Aziraphale was in his bookshop, as usual. Attending customers that were browsing by or planning to buy a few books. Until he heard it: The rumble of a car, a very loud & obnoxious sound playing from inside it. Sounded like one of Queens songs. Aziraphale turned around; startled. A black car, most likely a Bentley parked right next to his bookshop. Then Crowley walked out. Aziraphales mouth dropped half way, then he quickly closed it & tried to compose himself. His cheeks starting to turn pink. He didn't know why. He wasn't always the smartest when it came to understanding himself.
“Mr. Fell?” The customer near him said. “Are you alright?, you were just now explaining to me about this book & you just stopped.”
“–Oh, yes, yes, my dearest apologies. I got... –Distracted, ¡Yes! Now, where were we?”
Then Crowley walked straight in. Loudly announcing
“I'm back, Aziraphale. ’Took me a bit to find your exact address but asking ’round did half of the work for me.”
Everyone in that bookshop turned around & stared, some just glanced up, some ignored him right after.
“¡C-Crowley? Aziraphale said, clearly embarrassed. “I thought I'd never see you again–How'd you even?–What are you doing here?!”
“ ’Missed me?” Crowley said, teasing Aziraphale in a way.
Aziraphale immediately became flustered & embarrassed. There were so many of his daily customers near; witnessing this. Since Aziraphale was aware that Crowley has, or well, is in some local gangs, he wasn't so sure if people would recognize him, which would result in Crowley possibly scaring off his customers. “Out.” Aziraphale suddenly commanded.
“Oh don't be like that, Mr. Fell.” Crowley said, obviously making fun of Aziraphale. “I brought you a gift for last time, you can't kick me out for bringing a gift–”
“OUT.” Aziraphale said, louder this time.
“Dear god.” Crowley muttered under his breath. “Alright, alright, I'm walking out this door. Though, you might want to follow me outside, Fell.” Aziraphale reluctantly followed Crowley outside his bookshop.
“What are you– doing here!– You're gonna scare off my customers & get me in SERIOUS trouble!–”
“Now, slow down, angel.” Crowley raised up his hand in a stop motion.
Aziraphale made a squeak hearing that. He wasn't used to nicknames, probably never will.
“Firstly, I brought you a gift for saving my ass. Secondly, what would I do to get you into trouble?–”
Aziraphale then interrupted Crowley. “Well– you wouldn't get me in trouble. I was just... Shocked & it came out wrong.” Aziraphale said, crossing his arms.
“Mhm...– Welllll I don't have much time so, here's your gift. A thank you for me not getting beaten up, enjoy it. I guessed what you would like.” Crowley said, getting a nicely golden wrapped gift box out of his car & handing it to Aziraphale. “ ’t's all yours now. Toodles.” Crowley said, before getting in his car & speeding off. Aziraphale was left surprised. That seemed, weird & quick. Aziraphale then looked down at the box in his hands, it was beautiful. After admiring it for 30 seconds he went back inside.
After everybody has left & it was past 6pm. Aziraphale decided to close up early to see what Crowley had given him. Aziraphale said down at his study. It was filled down with marvelous books & plenty of other stuff. Though, it was tidy, Aziraphale was always tidy. As Aziraphale put on his gloves & his reading glasses, he gently opened the gift & pulled out a teacup that was made out of porcelain & had an angel wing for a handle. Aziraphale stared at it, it was certainly beautiful. Aziraphale loved tea, & angels had a soft spot in his heart. He was dearly touched by this gift. He wondered how Crowley could know him so well after one full conversation. But, he was too mesmerized by the delicate teacup to pay too much attention to that. Aziraphale sure hoped to see Crowley again, to properly thank him for this wonderful gift.