GOOD OMENS FANFIC- Flower Shop AU

Part 2

"Tink" went their champagne glasses.

'What are we toasting to?' Crowley asked.

'To the wonderful summer evening you've treated me to.'

Crowley smiled. 'To a wonderful evening.' He lifted his glass and Aziraphale followed suit, smiling. That smile... It was a smile Crowley saw less frequently than the others, though it was becoming more common these days. Small and soft, it was paired with sparkling eyes that saw nothing but him. He couldn't help but feel that that particular expression was designed for him. The way it plucked at his heart and fizzled his insides felt too particular, too personal—he'd never seen Aziraphale look at anyone else like that.

Course after delicious course was brought out on silver trays, Aziraphale's joy increasing as the meal continued. Each serving was small, quality over quantity, and the angel took his careful time enjoying every mouthful. Crowley was content to watch, happy for the evening to stretch on for as long as it pleased—maybe part of him didn't want to reach the finale. He only consumed alcohol, but Aziraphale managed to coax him into having an oyster.

'The best I've had in the past one hundred years!' he'd exclaimed after swallowing the first. 'You simply must try one.'

Maybe Aziraphale's gentle fingers resting under the mouth of the shellfish helped convince him. His well-groomed fingertips were just centimetres from Crowley's bottom lip, so he let the mollusc slide, salty and slimy, down his throat. Crowley had never really enjoyed food; it didn't sit right inside him, but there was little he wasn't prepared to do for Aziraphale, and if he was honest, it was a good oyster.

The ride home fostered a content quiet. Even the Bentley was lulled into an unusual stillness and no music played on the radio. The night had been so full of chatter and entertainment, everyone felt happy to simply sit in peace.

'Thank you very much, Crowley,' Aziraphale beamed as he slid out of the car. 'I had the most wonderful night. Drive safely, old boy.'

'Yes, um, wait...' Crowley said, leaning over the gearshift. 'Could I... come in for a minute or two?' His heart started to beat faster, a trend he knew would only increase. He'd committed now, he couldn't go back. This is what the whole evening was for.

'Of course! I'm sorry for not inviting you in, I assumed you'd want to rest at home. It's been a long day.'

'Ya ya, s' fine. Thanks.'

Unlocking the flower shop, the two stepped inside, the intoxicating mixture of flower scents hitting Crowley's tongue. It was sometimes overwhelming, all of the fragrances.

'So, should I get some wine?' Aziraphale asked, beginning to potter about.

'Ya, could do with more wine,' he replied, reaching for the leaf of a plant without thinking. What he'd consumed hadn't been enough to dull his nerves. Grasping the random leaf-matter, his hand quaked, though he was too preoccupied to notice. On the green in his palm sat a dark mark. Large enough to see without straining, its presence ruined the beauty of the entire plant, at least, in Crowley's eyes. When Aziraphale had left the room for the cellar, the demon pinched the leaf meanly.

'I thought we had an understanding,' he spat. 'That you would perform with the utmost respect and decency! What is this?!'

The plant stared at him, quivering with fear.

'Do you think just because Aziraphale treats you well, you have the right to slack off? Huh?! Do you think you can just let yourself go because he won't sell you?!'

The plant shook harder, a petal falling from its face.

'No! From now on you will grow to the best of your pathetic ability, you hear?!'