Chapter 9

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1601, Globe Theatre, London

The Globe Theatre in London stood as a beacon of artistic expression, a place where the brilliance of Shakespearean drama unfolded beneath the starry skies. Among the eager audience members were two extraordinary figures, Crowley and Aziraphale, observing the theatrical spectacle with a keen interest.

As the renowned playwright William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" began, Crowley and Aziraphale stood side by side, their celestial essence concealed beneath the guise of theatergoers. Crowley, the demon with an innate flair for the dramatic, couldn't help but appreciate the theatricality of the human endeavor.

Aziraphale, the celestial guardian, regarded the play with a thoughtful expression, as the intricacies of human drama played out on the stage. It was amidst this artistic marvel that they discussed a peculiar matter.

"Crowley," Aziraphale began, "I have business to attend to in Edinburgh in the coming days. Matters of celestial importance, you understand."

Crowley raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Aziraphale hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting towards the stage where Hamlet grappled with his inner turmoil. "I was wondering if you might be willing to go in my place, to perform some miracles. You know, to keep up appearances."

Crowley relaxed his stance, contemplating the proposal. "Edinburgh, eh? I suppose I could. I'm meant to be going there anyway. But what's in it for me?"

Aziraphale smiled, his celestial charm at work. "I promise to treat you to a particularly fine bottle of wine upon your return."

Crowley chuckled, conceding to the offer. "Very well, angel. You've got yourself a deal."

As the play continued, their conversation drifted into the background, and they immersed themselves in the world of Hamlet. Little did they know that another presence from their past was also in the audience.

Y/N, the woman whose existence had intertwined with Crowley's across lifetimes, watched the play with rapt attention. Her eyes, however, strayed from the stage to the two figures seated nearby, Crowley and Aziraphale. With each lifetime that passed, it became easier for her to remember the two celestial beings.

Y/N approached them with a sly smile. "Well, well, what brings you two to the theatre tonight?"

Crowley and Aziraphale exchanged amused glances before Crowley responded, "Just enjoying a bit of human drama, darling. And you?"

Y/N's gaze lingered on Crowley, her interest unmistakable. "I couldn't resist the allure of Shakespeare. By the way, Crowley, I've missed our little adventures."

Crowley couldn't help but smirk at her words, his demon's heart fluttering with a sense of familiarity. "Perhaps we can catch up after the play."

Y/n gave him a sly smile in return. She returned her focus to the performance, her eyes filled with fascination, "It's incredible, isn't it? The way Hamlet perceives the emotions of grief."

Crowley turned to her, his eyes alight with curiosity. "Indeed, it is. But I have a feeling it's not just the play that's captured your attention, my dear."

Y/N's smile was warm and infectious as she nodded. "You're right." Crowley smiled slyly, noticing the blush that crept to her cheeks. Y/n paused before collecting herself. "It's a shame no one likes this play. I love it." she said softly, her eyes glowing with childlike wonder as she watched the performance.

The demon smirked mischievously at her, "But what if I could make it popular?"

Y/n turned and gazed up at him, "There is no way you could make that happen." she giggled.

But Crowley's mischievous grin hinted at a plan forming in his mind. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he performed a miracle, one that would change the course of history. The words of Hamlet, once confined to the Globe Theatre, began to resonate in the hearts and minds of people across London. The play, once a mere theatrical performance, became an overnight sensation.

As the conversation flowed, Crowley and Y/N found themselves drawn to each other. They shared stories of their experiences in different eras, their laughter filling the air like a timeless melody.

Aziraphale watched with a knowing smile, recognizing the spark of connection between his friend and Y/N. In the midst of the Globe Theatre's magic, an old bond had reformed.

Amidst the brilliance of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Crowley and Y/N's connection deepened, their shared appreciation for the wonders of the human experience forging a deep friendship that would continue through the ages. And as they left the Globe Theatre that evening, their hearts full of laughter and newfound companionship, they knew that the magic of the theatre had brought them together for a reason, a reminder of the enduring power of love and connection across the tapestry of history.

......

In the days that followed, as Crowley journeyed to Edinburgh in Aziraphale's place, he performed his miracles with characteristic flair, leaving a trail of wonder and amazement in his wake. Word of his miraculous deeds quickly spread, and it wasn't long before "Hamlet" became the talk of the town, drawing larger audiences than ever before.

As Crowley returned to London, the city was abuzz with excitement over the play, and he couldn't help but take credit for the newfound popularity. He had, after all, performed a miracle of his own, making Hamlet the sensation of the season. He made his way to Aziraphale's bookshop.

In a cozy corner of the Bookshop, Crowley, Aziraphale, and Y/N had gathered for a post-performance rendezvous. The dimly lit establishment was adorned with shelves of dusty books and scrolls, providing an ambiance that perfectly suited the trio's tastes.

Aziraphale, his celestial attire exchanged for a more casual ensemble, carefully uncorked a bottle of exquisite wine, the promised token of gratitude for Crowley's assistance in Edinburgh. The bottle had been aged to perfection, a testament to Aziraphale's appreciation for the finer things in life.

Crowley, leaning back in his chair with an air of casual elegance, couldn't help but smirk as he accepted the bottle. "Ah, angel, you do know how to make it up to me."

Aziraphale chuckled, pouring a generous glass for each of them. "Consider it a small token of my appreciation for filling in for me in Edinburgh."

Y/N, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint, raised her glass in a toast. "To fine wine and the theater."

They clinked their glasses, and the wine flowed freely as they indulged in lively conversation and laughter. As the evening wore on and the wine took its effect, Crowley couldn't resist dropping a hint about his recent miracle.

"You know," Crowley began, his voice tinged with a mischievous tone, "Hamlet seems to be quite the sensation these days. Can't go anywhere without hearing people discussing it."

Y/n rolled her eyes, "I guess you were right."

Y/N, who had been taking sips of wine throughout the evening, suddenly felt a surge of enthusiasm. With an impish grin, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

Crowley watched her with a mixture of amusement and intrigue as Y/N began to sway to an imaginary melody, her movements increasingly theatrical. She spun around, her arms raised high, and her voice filled with mock dramatic flair.

"You were right! You were right!" Y/N proclaimed, performing an improvised dance that had Crowley and Aziraphale bursting into laughter. "I was wrong, you were right!" she finished, with a bow and a flourish of her hand.

Aziraphale joined in the merriment, clapping his hands in time with Y/N's comical dance. "Bravo! Encore!"

Crowley, his laughter infectious, joined the chorus. "Quite the performance!"

As the night wore on, the wine flowed, and the trio continued to revel in their camaraderie. The Bookshop echoed with the sound of their laughter, a testament to the enduring bond that had formed among a demon, an angel, and a woman who had transcended time and destiny to be with them.

In that moment, as they shared wine, laughter, and the joy of newfound popularity for 'Hamlet', Crowley, Aziraphale, and Y/N embraced the beauty of the present, savoring the bonds of friendship that defied the celestial order and the timeless dance of life's little miracles.

'Til We Meet Again - Crowley x ReaderWhere stories live. Discover now