'Til We Meet Again - Crowley x Reader

Chapter 14

1862, St. James Park, London

St. James Park in London, bathed in the gentle light of the late afternoon sun, was the perfect setting for an unexpected encounter between old friends. Crowley, the demon, and Aziraphale, the angel, found themselves on opposite sides of a park bench, watching a group of ducks lazily paddling in the pond.

Crowley reclined on the bench, sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose, his usual swagger slightly subdued in the presence of his celestial companion. Aziraphale, resplendent in his meticulously tailored attire, sat with an air of quiet contentment, his attention divided between the ducks and the demon beside him.

They chatted amiably, as they often did when they managed to set aside the tumultuous events of their celestial existence. The ducks, it seemed, were a source of fascination for them both, their seemingly carefree lives a stark contrast to the chaos they often found themselves embroiled in.

But then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, Crowley broke the tranquil atmosphere. "Aziraphale," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of unease, "I need something from you."

Aziraphale turned to him, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it, my dear?"

Crowley hesitated for a moment before making his request. "I need holy water," he said, his words cautious.

Aziraphale's expression darkened, and he replied with a tone of finality, "Absolutely not."

Crowley sighed, his frustration evident. "Come on, Aziraphale. Just a little vial, for assurance. In case anything goes wrong."

But Aziraphale's resolve remained steadfast. "I cannot and will not provide you with holy water, Crowley. It goes against everything I stand for."

Their conversation lingered for a while longer, but it became increasingly clear that Aziraphale would not budge on the matter. With a sigh of resignation, Crowley conceded the point, and they parted ways, each returning to their respective lives.

........

Back at the antiquarian bookshop that had become a second home to Aziraphale, another presence had quietly inserted itself into his world. Y/N had found her way back to him, drawn by the magnetism of his celestial presence.

The bookshop had welcomed her with open arms, and she had begun working alongside Aziraphale, sharing in the joy of rare volumes and ancient manuscripts. She found solace in the quiet corners of the shop, surrounded by the knowledge and history that permeated the air.

On this day, as they were shelving books together, Y/N couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She turned to Aziraphale and asked, "Where were you earlier today? You were gone for quite a while."

Aziraphale, who had been lost in thought, hesitated for a moment. He had not anticipated this question, and a flicker of guilt passed over his features. "Oh, I was meeting someone to buy a book," he replied, his voice unconvincing even to his own ears.

Y/N, perceptive as ever, arched an eyebrow. "Really? Because I don't see any new books around. Did the deal fall through?"

Aziraphale shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "Well, you see, the book was not quite what I expected, so I decided not to purchase it after all."

Y/N wasn't easily swayed by half-truths, and her scepticism was palpable. "Aziraphale, you can tell me the truth. I won't judge."

Aziraphale sighed, realizing that evasion was futile. "Very well," he admitted, his voice softening. "I met with an old friend. We went for a walk in St. James Park."

Y/N nodded, her curiosity satisfied for the moment. She knew better than to press further when Aziraphale wasn't ready to share more.

As they continued their work in the bookshop, Y/N couldn't help but wonder about the secrecy that shrouded Aziraphale's meeting. There was something about that encounter in the park, and Aziraphale's reluctance to discuss it, that piqued her curiosity even further.

Y/N decided to press further, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Aziraphale, have you seen Crowley since he was taken by Hell?"

Aziraphale's heart skipped a beat, and he averted his gaze, his discomfort evident. He couldn't bring himself to meet Y/N's eyes as he replied, "No, I haven't seen him."

Y/N wasn't easily fooled, and she sensed that Aziraphale was keeping something from her. She continued to question him, her voice gentle but persistent. "Aziraphale, was the person you met in the park today Crowley?"

Aziraphale sighed, realizing that he couldn't outsmart Y/N. He met her gaze, his eyes filled with resignation. "Yes, it was Crowley."

Y/N's brow furrowed as she considered Aziraphale's admission. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Aziraphale looked pained, his concern for Y/N evident in his words. "Crowley asked me not to tell you, my dear. He wanted to protect you from the dangers of Hell."

.......

Aziraphale's eyes sparkled with delight as he spoke, his voice filled with genuine affection. "Crowley, my dear friend, it's a miracle to see you again. I simply must tell Y/N that you've returned. She'll be overjoyed!"

Crowley, however, held up a hand to stop Aziraphale before he could utter another word. His expression turned serious, and he leaned in closer, his sunglasses hiding the vulnerability in his eyes.

"No, Aziraphale," Crowley said firmly. "You can't tell Y/N about this."

Aziraphale furrowed his brow in confusion, his excitement dampened by Crowley's unexpected request. "But why, Crowley? She's been worried sick about you."

Crowley's gaze hardened, and he took a deep breath before answering. "Aziraphale, I can't risk it. I can't risk her."

Aziraphale leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Crowley's. "Risk her? What are you talking about, my dear?"

Crowley was reminded of the torment he had endured in Hell, the horrors he had witnessed, and the constant fear that had gripped him. He had been subjected to unimaginable pain and had seen the lengths to which Hell would go to obtain what they desired.

"I went to Hell, Aziraphale," Crowley began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw what they're capable of. What they did to me..."

Crowley took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and determination. "Y/N, she's special, Aziraphale. And that makes her a target. If Hell ever gets its hands on her..."

Understanding slowly dawned on Aziraphale as he realized the gravity of the situation. "You're doing this to protect Y/N, aren't you?"

Crowley nodded, his sunglasses unable to hide the turmoil in his eyes. "Yes. I can't bear the thought of her going through what I did, of being used against me."

Aziraphale reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Crowley's, his touch warm and comforting. "I understand, my dear. I won't tell Y/N about this. We'll find a way to keep her safe."

Crowley's shoulders relaxed slightly, and a small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He had missed Aziraphale more than he cared to admit, and the bond they shared was something he couldn't bear to lose.

........

Y/N nodded, understanding the complexity of their situation. The bond between Aziraphale and Crowley was one that transcended their celestial roles, and she couldn't fault Aziraphale for wanting to safeguard her from the tumultuous world they inhabited.

But as she stood in the bookshop, surrounded by ancient tomes and the secrets they held, Y/N couldn't help but wonder about the future and the challenges that lay ahead. She knew that the presence of Crowley in their lives was a complicated one, and that their destinies were intertwined in ways they couldn't fully comprehend.