The Body I'm In

Chapter Two

Summer 2024 (Random Day in July)

Crowley's mind was a million miles away. All day long he found himself zoning out. People grumbled about him getting in the way and how he'll get himself run over if he wasn't careful. His band mates questioned if he was drunk. He did not want to get himself run over. He was not drunk. He just couldn't focus. His mind was only on Aziraphale. The rocker did not even remember calling an impromptu practice for the festival next week, but apparently he did because the whole team showed up at the studio. Hell, Crowley did not even remember going to the studio nor did he even pay attention to the songs they practiced (thankfully one of the band members thought to record the jam session to upload on YouTube). Last he'd decided was that this was not a practice day. From the moment he'd heard Aziraphale was in Soho, (and performing no less), the world felt like it had tilted. Everything was asunder with seismic changes. Nothing would be the same.

That must seem like a preposterous claim. How could a small concert in Soho change anything? Honestly, Crowley had the foggiest of clues. He just knew.

Maybe it was the fact that he had not seen Aziraphale in five years? Maybe it's because when he locked eyes with that dear angel soul, Crowley felt utterly intoxicated? Maybe if they spoke, he'd end up falling once more? What if lust got the better of him? What if lust got the better of Aziraphale? Maybe it was because he hadn't been to Soho in those same five years and the week he ended up here for a show of his own, Aziraphale also came? Maybe it was something he hadn't even thought of yet.

Guess I'll face that when I get there, he thought as he boarded the bus. Crowley could have driven, but he chose differently. He was too distracted to drive. He would probably end up in the gutter the way his thoughts were in a million places. Besides, he was too hot and Crowley hated driving when it was sweltering. Sitting and looking out the window would give him time to prepare for this reunion. However, that didn't happen. Their first meeting came to mind.

Crowley stumbled through the crowd with a beer-filled pitcher in his hands. He tried to walk as straight of line as possible. But, it was more of a saunter. He'd been out for several hours and he was definitely buzzed. As he worked to carry the beer back to his table, he bumped into someone. The golden liquid sloshed out if it.

~*~

Autumn 2017 (Crowley's Birthday in October)

A delicate noise came from the other person. "Oh, dear. Gabriel won't like this," he whispered. "He just got this for me."

Crowley stood there listening to the man mumble to himself as he wiped off some of the beer from his jacket. His brow puckered. As the moments ticked by, he found himself bubbling with curiosity (although, that could have been the alcohol's effect). "I am so sorry," Crowley said with a rushed tone as he was not the strongest at apologizing. "I can, uh, play for the dry cleaning or a new jacket if you want."

"No. No. it's all right," Aziraphale said, grabbing some napkins and dabbing at the spot. "I have some miracle stuff that gets any stain out of clothes."

"Good. That's... good. If you won't let me pay to clean the jacket, then can I at least offer you a drink?"

"Well, that would be lovely. Yes. I think I can do that. I have a little time," the man said. "I'm Aziraphale, by the way. You?"

"Eh, Crowley," he stammered, taking a moment to look at who he ran into. The man took his breath away. His white hair curled around his head as if he was wearing a crown. He had a wide, wholesome face with eyes so bright and gentle that he could easily spend his day just staring at him. He was dressed in heavenly colors – cream jeans, tan leather jacket, and a screen-printed t-shirt printed with tartan. "You... nice look."

"Oh, thank you. I worried it wasn't enough."

"I don't know you, but I think anything you wear will be enough," Crowley said. He then gestured his hand to get Aziraphale to join him. Once at the table, he introduces Aziraphale to the crowd. Then, the two of them fell into deep conversations about Queen (particularly Bohemian Rhapsody) that lasted for hours and hours. Crowley's friends slipped in and out of their conversation.

They only stopped with a bell chimed. Aziraphale pulled out his phone to check the time. "Oh, I need to go. I have an early day tomorrow," he stammered, standing up. "This was a lovely evening. I hope we can do it soon."

"I hope we can, too," Crowley mumbled as Aziraphale left the bar. He just stared after the man, regretting not getting his phone number. He'd forgotten phones existed until Aziraphale pulled his out. Crowley so very wished the evening had lasted forever.

~*~

Summer 2024 (Random Day in July)

Crowley wanted this night to be as quick as possible. He did not know if he could handle facing this gorgeous specimen of a person for very long. He did not know how it would go and Crowley did not want to make a fool of himself. He was pretty sure he'd get down on his knees and beg Aziraphale to take him back, but that would not be a good look. Crowley had worked so hard to get where he was and he did not want to mess it up by bringing in reinforcements.

He never thought he'd want to get away from Aziraphale. He just didn't want to do something he'd regret later. He didn't want to ruin the memories of what they'd had together. It had not been perfect. Tumultuous was a better term for what they experienced. But he wouldn't change a thing. Would he change this? Only time would tell.