'Til We Meet Again - Crowley x Reader

Chapter 40

5 Hours and 48 Minutes to the End of the World

As Aziraphale and Y/N walked back to Aziraphale's bookshop, Y/N's troubled expression didn't go unnoticed by the angel. They had shared so much together, and her well-being was important to him.

"Is there something troubling you, my dear?" Aziraphale inquired gently, casting a concerned look her way.

Y/N hesitated but knew she couldn't keep her concerns hidden any longer. "Aziraphale, there's something I need to discuss with you. Something important."

Before Aziraphale could respond, he noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere. The presence of angels became apparent as they approached. Glancing around discreetly, Aziraphale recognised Michael, Uriel, and Sandalphon, three rather imposing celestial figures who had been part of Heaven's old guard.

Aziraphale's heart sank as he realised the gravity of the situation. Concern etched into his face, Aziraphale spoke in a low voice to Y/N, his eyes briefly flickering towards their pursuers. "Y/N, my dear, I want you to head back to my bookshop right away. Stay there until I return. I have some urgent business to attend to."

Y/N looked concerned but nodded in agreement. "Alright, but be careful, Aziraphale."

Aziraphale managed a reassuring smile as he watched Y/N head back to his bookshop. Then, he continued walking toward the approaching angels, who had now cornered him, prepared for whatever confrontations or consequences lay ahead.

Aziraphale found himself cornered on a quiet, seemingly deserted street, a sudden confrontation with three formidable angels - Michael, Uriel, and Sandalphon. Their imposing presence made it clear they meant business.

"Oh, Michael, Uriel, Sandalphon. Um... Hello." Aziraphale greeted calmly, slowly backing against a wall. The three angels followed, leaving him trapped.

The angels bore stern expressions, their eyes fixed on Aziraphale. Michael, the leader of the trio, spoke with an air of authority. "Aziraphale," she said with a tone of disappointment, "We know you've been consorting with the enemy."

Aziraphale, though flustered by their sudden appearance, didn't back down. He replied, "Oh, I haven't been consorting."

Uriel, ever steadfast, chimed in, "You need to make a choice, Aziraphale. Which side are you on when Armageddon comes?"

Aziraphale sighed heavily, knowing that this moment of reckoning had been a long time coming. He muttered, "I've-I've actually been giving that a lot of thought. The, erm, the whole choosing sides thing. Erm, what I think is that there obviously has to be two sides. That's the whole point. So people can make choices. That's... that's what being human means. Choices." Aziraphale pointed briefly to the people walking past them on the street, "But... but that's... That's for them. Our job as-as angels should be to keep all this working so they can make choices."

Sandalphon stepped forward, landing a brutal punch in Aziraphale's gut. The air was knocked out of him, and his world swirled for a moment. He staggered, catching his breath.

Uriel, with an air of stern determination, grabbed Aziraphale by the collar, his grip unyielding. "You think too much," he warned.

Aziraphale, despite the pain and pressure, found his resolve. "You... you mustn't. Why would you do this? We're the good guys. I have to warn you that.... That I'm going to take this entire interaction up with... up with... a higher authority."

Uriel's eyes bore into him as he continued, "You really think upstairs will take your call? You're ridiculous."

The angels turned their gaze towards the heavens, where a war horn rang out. "Armageddon is starting." Sandalphon stated a sly grin on his face. Uriel finally released their hold, their ominous presence giving way. With a final, foreboding gaze, the angels departed, their wings carrying them away from the angelic crossroads they had just created. Aziraphale was left standing on the pavement, thoroughly ruffled by the encounter. He felt the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him, like a celestial hand forcing him to decide.

Frustration bubbling within him, Aziraphale muttered under his breath, "You...You... You bad angels."

Without further ado, Aziraphale hurriedly made his way back to his beloved bookshop, a sense of urgency compelling him. He needed to find Y/N, not only to discuss the tumultuous encounter he'd just endured but to prepare for the approaching Armageddon that was now on the horizon.