"It's only for a few days, angel," Crowley defends, throwing the pieces of bread harder than needed. The surprised ducks squawk away, but quickly return for their prize. It was going to happen eventually, heaven and hell was going to want them back eventually. But Aziraphale just wished the peace and quiet could have lasted a little longer.
"Just one of their stupid check ins. Making sure I've been causing enough trouble up here,"
"That doesn't mean I have to like it," the angel pouted. After actually seeing hell a couple weeks ago, Aziraphale was in no rush to send anyone there again.
"Look Aziraphale, I'll be fine. Just water my plants and don't let anyone touch the Bentley," Crowley growled in frustration. He didn't like this any more than the principality did, but thanks to Adam, hell was finally giving him a chance to smooth things over. It sure was a good thing the young Antichrist retained his powers, especially the ones involving changing memories.
The angel gave a sigh and gently tossed some bread into the water.
"I guess with you gone, I'll finally have time to reorganize the shop," If Aziraphale couldn't stop the demon he might as well make the best out of it. Relaxing at the approval, Crowley glanced at his watch.
"Damn it," he hisses. It was time. Though he'd never admit it, the idea of going back under scared Crowley. What if when he went down he never came back? Not wanting to be alone, he didn't protest being escorted to the main entrance of the occult world bellow. And as he sunk lower and lower so did his heart.
Aziraphale just couldn't shake the image of Crowley descending as he walked back to the bookshop. He just felt so helpless as he watched his friend move further and further away. The principality shook his head, the demon was going to be back soon enough so he should stop worrying. He could finally spend as long as he wanted getting the shop on order, or perhaps practice his cooking skills. Maybe a trip out to Taddsfield to check in on Adam was in order.
No matter how hard he tried to cheer himself up, a sinking feeling was still in the angel's chest. It was starting to get dark he really should have taken the bus, but the bookshop wasn't far now. He wanted to walk anyway, it had been raining non-stop for the past week and today there was finally a break in the downpour. The streets were practically empty now, except the occasional drunk or person waiting at the bus stop. And it was also a quiet night, so it was quite easy to hear the commotion ringing out from the alleyway just behind the shop.
It really was none of his business, but as an angel of the lord Aziraphale just couldn't stand there. It was hard to tell in the low light, but two larger forms were cornering a smaller one against the back of the alley. The little form tried to dash past and escape, but was quickly apprehended. It heart-wrenchingly cried out, trying to break it's captor's grip.
"S-stop this!" Aziraphale shouted stepping into the alley. Confrontation was never his thing, but this simply couldn't be allowed to continue. Two men turned slowly and menacingly. One of them was struggling to maintain a grip on a young boy. At least that's what Aziraphale thought he saw, the small shape seemed to morph in strange ways in the dark. It must have been a trick of the light.
"This doesn't concern you," The one holding the child barked. His partner moved in on Aziraphale until they where almost touching. The man glared down, almost as if he was looking at some sort of roach.
"You unhand that child his instant, you ruffians!" the angel demanded, doing his best to look intimidating. The larger man just laughed, and gave the blonde a shove. Aziraphale was going to have use some extreme methods. The principality moved faster than humanly possible, slamming his fist into the attacker's jaw with all the force he could muster. The man drooped like a rock, out cold. Seeing his chance the boy doubled his effort, the shadow of his small body once again contorting in strange shapes.
Aziraphale rushed forward and knocked the second man off his balance. In terror the child squirmed away into the darkness. Red hot anger flashing in the man's eyes, he drew a handgun and pointed it straight at the angel. But before he had a chance to pull the trigger, he was miracled into a dreamless sleep. Shaking slightly and rubbing his sore knuckles Aziraphale straitened himself and took a deep breath. Looking around, he saw the small figure crouched in the corner of the alley trying his best to disappear. The poor little boy was obviously in shock, shaking uncontrollably.
"It's okay dear, you're safe no-" the angel reassured moving closer to where he could see the boy. But, Aziraphale suddenly stopped and was at a loss for words. The terrified child looked up at him with watery eyes and tried to hide himself with his dirty wings.