Scales

The return

Crowley leaned over the Bentley, watching his closest (and only) companion step into the elevator, leaving him for good.

Dark sunglasses hid his demonic eyes as tears glossed them over.

Crowley stepped into the Bentley, speeding away in a loud silence. He couldn't help but think about what he had said at the bookshop. "Idiot" • "us" • "group of the two of us" • "we could always relay on each other" • "no nightingales", and then, of course, the kiss. His confession, after millennia, that was his declaration of love.

Then his mind swung back around to what the angel had said. "Second in command" • "angels" • "if I'm in charge" • "you're the bad guys!" • "I need you" • "I forgive you", was that what he was? A number two? A second best? His backup? His "second in command"? Tears welled up in his golden eyes as he swerved around a corner.

He had no destination, so he just decided to loop around London, the thrill of dodging pedestrians and cyclists serving as a slight distraction.

IN THE ELEVATOR

The doors closed, the encounter replaying in Aziraphale's head. Everything the demon had said to him, on repeat. He finally began to really listen to the words, to put together what he had said, what he had meant.

"Stop." Aziraphale spoke coldly, the elevator coming to a halt. The Metatron looked to the nervous angel. "Aziraphale, what is the meaning of this?" He sounded concerned.

"I-.. I'm sorry, sir, but I've changed my mind. I fear I must decline your offer." Aziraphale was breathing fast, reaching to press the button to Earth.

"That demon, you really like him. Why?" The Metatron didn't protest.

"He.. he has stood by my side since Eden, shown me kindness, friendship, I enjoy every moment I'm near him. I couldn't stand to be away from him, Sir, I think I may love him.... Aren't you upset?" He spoke quietly and quickly, as if it would make the elevator move any faster.

"No, I knew you would choose him, just a matter of time. Go ahead, I'll try to keep Heaven off of your backs'." The Metatron smiled warmly, something Aziraphale didn't see often from Heaven.

"I-.. thank you, Sir." The doors opened and Aziraphale rushed out, hoping to catch his demon. It was too late, the Bentley was gone. A shaky breath left his lungs as he walked to the bookshop to think up a plan.

Just as the door to the bookshop opened a familiar growl peeled around the corner, Aziraphale whipped his head around to see the Bentley swing into her parking spot, turning that lovely yellow. He beamed at the demon as he stepped out of the car, watching the lanky figure make his way over to him with that shrewd strut of his.

"Crowley!" Aziraphale wrapped his arms around his friend, tight, without a thought. Crowley, on the other hand, was overflowing with thoughts. 'We never touch- what is this? It's... nice.' being a particularly loud one.

Aziraphale let go, seeing Crowley's pink cheeks and rushing to explain himself. 

"Oh! Oh my- oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking, I don't know what came over me, dea- Crowley. I guess I was just happy to see that I wasn't too late." He spewed, accompanied by some nervous giggles.

"...'Kay."

Crowley had so much going on in his mind that he had no room for forming words, let alone sentences. He slid into the bookshop, Aziraphale followed him in.