Feral

part 2

Crowley parked the Bently on the side of the road, right next to the sidewalk where Aziraphale’s bookshop stood. Two days had passed since their Anniversary, but due to the angel’s busy schedule, they decided to dine at the Ritz on his free day. Crowley understood how much Aziraphale loved working in the book shop, reading the same books over and over like he was reading it for the first time, and he loved interacting with the people who buy his books. So Crowley was willing to wait, always wanting to make his angel happy.

Crowley opened his car door as he hoped out, closing it gently as he walked around the car, stepping on the sidewalk, heading for the entrance. He snapped his fingers watching as one of the doors unlocked, opening for him. As he entered he locked the door back, looking around the book shop, finding it completely empty. The demon blinked, walking in further checking every room but the angel was nowhere. He began to worry a little, so he pulled out his phone going into his contacts. Luckily Azira finally purchased a touch phone so that they could talk anywhere other than the book shop. It took a while for him to understand how a touch phone works, but with the help of Crowley, he managed to show him how to text and call at least. As soon as he found Azira’s contact, he clicked call and placed the phone to his left ear listening to it ring three times before hearing it pick up.

“Hello?” Azira said on the other end.

Crowley sighed in relief, a small grin on his face after hearing his voice. “Hey, angel. I was just calling to see where you were. I’m at the book shop.”

“Oh, my apologies, dear. I just had to run a quick errand, I hope I didn’t make you wait too long.”

“No don’t worry. I’ve only been here for a few minutes.” Crowley smiled as he leaned on the counter, looking at the books that were scattered about.

“Well, that’s good. Don’t worry I’ll be there in a few minutes then we can head out.”

“Sounds good,” Crowley whispered, taking off his glasses, blinking his snake eyes as they adjusted to the room, putting his glasses in his jacket. “Love you.”

“I love you too, dear. See you in a few minutes.”

“Bye angel.” he then pulled his phone away as he hung up. As he was waiting he decided to scan the books on the shelves, reading some of the titles when-.

“Anthony J. Crowley… I thought you’d be here.”

Crowley froze as his smile vanished being replaced with scorn as he growled. “Gabriel,” he whispered as he turned around, seeing the very angel stand in the middle of the book shop, that same stupid grin on his face. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Anthony J. Crowley?” Gabriel questioned, cocking an eyebrow as he smiled. “That’s a very specific and… Odd name. And what does the J even stand for?”

“That’s none of your damn business!” Crowley snapped as he began to prowl around the room, his snake eyes locked on him, keeping distance just in case he does anything funny.

“Come to think of it, Crowley isn’t even your real name either. What was it?” Gabriel questioned, tapping his chin dramatically, before snapping his fingers. “Ah, that’s right. It was Crawley.” he watched as Crowley grit his teeth and clenched his fists at the name, still circling him.

“Don’t call me that,” he whispered casting his eyes to the ground.

“Well, that’s who you are… The wily serpent that tempted Adam and Eve, to eat the apple. Why change your name? Are you trying to push distance from what you were? What you still are?”