By the time Aziraphale finally makes it back to the hotel, it’s both dark and empty in the lobby, so the angel tries to sneak in as quietly as he can.
But it’s still apparently not quiet enough, because Esther shows up a moment later, greeting him, “Ezra! I’ve been waiting for you!”, and walking towards the front desk.
Aziraphale is intrigued enough to ask, “Is that so?”, right as she hands him a photo.
“Thought you’d want to hold onto that for your personal collection.”
Upon getting a better look, he discovers it’s the photo of him and Crowley Esther had all but insisted they take together, and though looking at it leaves him feeling bittersweet, he just smiles at her in appreciation, thanks her, and walks back to his room.
As soon as he approaches the bed, he looks at it one last time, then sets it on the nightstand, then quickly changes for the night and gets into bed.
The next morning, Crowley’s back at the tables, chatting with a vendor,
“Can I get my usual?”, and handing over the money in exchange for the goods.
“That was very bold of you.”
Looks like this isn’t going to be a Hell free day either, as he hears Hastur’s voice from behind as he approaches.
Crowley turns his head towards the other demon, for once not having a clue as to what the Duke of Hell could be talking about, “Sorry?”
Hastur points to the bags in front of them, telling the vendor, “Can I get two?”, to get her to walk away for a moment, then turns back to Crowley,
“Your autumn gold chocolate bar. Not your typical modus operandi, is it?”
Crowley can’t even be bothered to look Hastur in the eye right now, that’s how much he wants this whole conversation to be over with,
“Well, I was never one to do what everyone expects anyway, was I?”
Hastur nods in slight agreement, “Perhaps.”, and when Crowley finally does turn his head, the other demon adds, “But Aziraphale is. And he’s the one all about taking risks because he can, isn’t he? His knack for interesting flavors, my innovative flair, my shop will be flooding with customers within days of the review coming out.”
For the moment, Crowley had started to tune Hastur out, but upon hearing the bit about the review, finds himself jumping right back in.
“He’s going to review your shop for a local magazine?”
Hastur shrugs, pretending to be interested in the bags on the table as the vendor returns with his purchases.
“Perhaps I’m putting the cart before the horse. But I’m sure whatever we end up doing, it’ll be far more personal than anything you two ever did. Underneath a thick layer of professionalism, of course.”
Then he pays for his bags, and walks away, leaving Crowley standing there once again in shock.
Aziraphale, as it happens, ends up making his way down to Crowley’s shop later that same day, no idea what he’s going to say when he sees the red haired demon, but knowing he can’t leave until he does.
He walks in, and upon seeing the empty shop, walks towards the back, through the back door, and into the kitchen.
It’s largely empty as well, besides someone standing behind a rack, and he takes a chance, calling out, “Crowley?” hopefully.
YOU ARE READING
Falling in Chocolate
Roman d'amourLondon bookshop owner and foodie Aziraphale is heartbroken when his boyfriend leaves him before their planned romantic getaway to Amsterdam for Halloween. Crowley and his fellow chocolatiers are in the midst of a competition to create the most roman...
