Of Crushes and temptations

Part 3

The next day Brother Francis was working enthusiastically arranging some bushes, Mrs. Dowling had requested a new look for the garden since her book club would be meeting anytime soon that week. The angelic gardener was doing his best with the bushes but he also had to admit that his mind was nowhere near his work but in Crowley.

Last night's situation had made him awfully uncomfortable, especially because deep down he knew, he wanted to fall into that temptation.

-Good morning Brother Francis!- Jonathan's voice had woken him up from his thoughts.
-Good morning my boy! How are you today? I wasn't expecting you until later.
-I was asked to come early by Mrs. Dowling herself. She wanted me to help with the bushes but... I can see you've been doing amazingly without me. Is this...an angel?- Jonathan asked  moving away so he could appreciate the figure better, Brother Francis did the same his eyes wide open as he recognized the resemblance of the bushes with certain demon he was thinking of.

-Wow! I don't think I would be able to imitate that but I'll try- Jonathan said as he picked up a pair of scissors for himself.- Are you feeling good Brother Francis?
-Uh? I'm sorry my boy. What did you say?
- I asked if you were feeling good. You look tired and I overheard from one of the maids that you were particularly clumsy this morning, bumping against furniture and people, she said you looked distracted.

-I'm ok my boy, just as you said, I'm tired. Thanks for your concern either way.-

Aziraphale lied to the boy he knew he wasn't capable of feeling tired, not physically at least.

-Brother Francis why don't you go a have a glass of lemonade? I'll take care of this for a while.
- Will do. Thanks my boy
-If you happen to crossed with Miss, Ashtoreth...- Brother Francis stopped in his place turned in his feet and looked at the boy. He wasn't looking at him but Francis knew he had a mocking smile on his face-...Tell her that I say "hi"
‌-Will do- he left Jonathan as he  started to walk around the garden he was also  trying not to think about  Crowley or Jonathan's jokes which he assumed were caused of his deductions from yesterday's accident.

As he continued walking he could listen to a very familiar voice and characteristic laughing after. He crossed in the next corner and saw young Warlock holding hands with his nanny who had a bright smile, Francis was rather surprised by this.

-Morning young  master Warlock and good morning to you too Ashtoreth.
-Good morning Brother Francis, can I tell you a joke?-Warlock asked him nicely and smiling
- He was recently awarded with a book of jokes-  Ashtoreth added grinning
-Well of course.
-If a homeless man goes to school how does he do homework?

Brother Francis was in shock and nanny Ashtoreth didn't hold her hysterical laugh.
-Did I forget to mention that it was a book of black humour jokes?
-I think you did, darling- Brother Francis stare at her raising his eyebrows a non-verbal message was delivered and received.
-Warlock my dear, why don't you go ahead without me?
-But nanny you said we were going to throw pebbles at the pond together!- he said pouting holding her hand thighter.

- I know what I said dear. I just need to talk to Brother Francis a minute so go ahead and find some pebbles for your nanny first.
-...Ok. Don't take too long!- and off the kid went running, when he was far enough to be heard but not enough not to be seen. Ashtoreth spoke.

-What do you want?- Crowley's voice sounded annoyed.
- I want to apologize for last night...
-There's nothing to be apologizing for...-
Crowley abruptly stopped Aziraphale . A smile was about to grow on the white-haired man face but it stopped when the nanny continued with her sentence.

-...There's nothing to be apologizing for because nothing happened last night.
She finally stated her eyes looking at the front glued to Warlock. Brother Francis noticed this and decided it was for the better to just drop the topic. He looked down at his shoes trying to think on something to save the conversation.