On the drive home, Crowley worried about what he should say to Aziraphale, and he continued to worry while he cooked and then ate dinner.

Eventually he settled on sending a text message. Something casual, just to let Aziraphale know what had happened. In the end, it was the thought of Gabriel giving his side of the story first, or of Tracy accidently letting slip, that gave him the push he needed to get it done.

'I handed in my notice today! Wahoo! I've only got two weeks left. By the way, Gabriel found out that I gave you my number – someone overheard me do it and told him – and he had a few choice words for me. He doesn't think I'm good enough for you and he's probably right. Lol. You are an angel after all. It looks like he won't be happy if he finds out we're dating. Just thought I should give you a heads up. I hope you're having a great evening. I'm about to try that mint hot chocolate we got at the Christmas market yesterday.'

The text message was long, but it would have to do. He sent it and then put his phone down on the table, letting out a sigh of relief. It was done.

Crowley picked up his mug, took a sip, and then choked on it when he realised the terrible mistake he'd made.

He'd said they were dating. Shit. Was that too forward? They'd only been on one date. Two if you counted the day they met. But they'd arranged another date, so that had to mean they were dating, right? Fuck. What if it made him sound needy? What if it made Aziraphale uncomfortable? They'd only known each other for a few days. He'd practically bloody proposed!

He reread the text a few times, cringed, swore, and then threw his phone onto the sofa beside him.

He fled to the spare room. "I need a hug," he said as he lowered his hand into Crawly's vivarium. She immediately wrapped around his wrist, moving steadily up his arm.

"I'm an idiot," he told her. "Dating. I said we were dating."

There came a beep from the living room – a text on his phone – and he froze. He dashed back into the living room while Crawly wiggled up his sleeve.

Heart in his throat, Crowley read the text.

'Have you tried our new range of pizzas this Christmas? Get into the festive spirit with our new Turkey and cranberry pizza!'

''Aghh! Fuck you, Domino's!"

His phone bounced off the sofa cushions and onto the rug.

Crowley picked up his hot chocolate – using the arm which didn't currently have a snake wrapped around it – and he wondered if a follow up text would help or just make the situation worse. He'd almost finished his drink when his phone beeped again, and he read the message – from Aziraphale this time – with bated breath.

"I'm terribly sorry about Gabriel. He's an absolute terror. Please don't take anything he said to heart. I'm considering telling him that we're in a relationship, but I'm worried he might make things even more difficult for you at work if I do.' Crowley stopped reading for a moment and grinned. Relationship. They were in a relationship! He continued reading the text with a smile on his face. 'I certainly need to give him a good telling off. Congratulations on handing in your notice! It must be a wonderful feeling. I'll celebrate with a hot cocoa too. P.S. I might add a splash of Bailey's to mine ;)'

Crowley was just considering how to respond - and thinking that alcohol sounded like a good idea - when another text came through.

'Can I call you?'

Heart pounding with nervous excitement, Crowley cleared his throat and then typed out a reply.

'Sure. Whenever you're ready.'

Crawly poked out from his sleeve and slid down onto his lap.

The phone rang after only a minute or two, and Crowley answered it eagerly. "Hi, Aziraphale."

"Hello, my dear. I want to apologise for Gabriel's behaviour."

"It's not your fault."

"I never thought he'd- Oh, but he's really outdone himself this time. I'm terribly embarrassed. He might seem aggressive, but he's all bark and no bite, I can assure you. What happened? Did he corner you?"

"There was a tannoy telling me to go to one of the meeting rooms, but it was only him in there."

"Oh, my goodness."

"So I was hoping it was just something work related, but nope. He just dove straight in with the 'Keep away from my brother' spiel."

Aziraphale made a furious noise.

Crowley continued. "But I had the last laugh. When he threatened to make my life difficult at work I told him I'd just handed in my notice. That pissed him off." Crowley laughed but then his face fell. "I don't know why he hates me so much. He barely knows me."

"Don't take it personally. He doesn't like me much either and I'm his brother. And I'm none too fond of him either." Aziraphale paused thoughtfully. "Gabriel likes 'yes' men, people he can control, but you have a will all of your own. I think that's why he's so keen for me to get with Sandy – he thinks he can control me through him. Sandy thinks the sun shines out of Gabriel's derriere."

"Gabriel is way too interested in your love life."

"Tell me about it," Aziraphale said with a sigh.

"Has Gabriel said anything about me? Have you spoken to him since the party? I'm not sure when he found out I gave you my number. It might have only been today."

"After the party we did speak, yes. He called Saturday morning, and I casually mentioned you. You and I were chatting most of the evening, after all. He jumped to conclusions and tried to put me off, but I paid him no mind."

Crowley's stomach flipped. "What did he say? Because he assumed some stuff about me that definitely isn't true. He implied that I sleep around but I'm not like that, I swear. I don't want you to think of me like that. I mean, I might have gone on a few dates over the past few months, but that's only coz they kept turning out to be arseholes…" He forced himself to shut up. He was only making it worse.

"Crowley, you are a wonderful man. Whatever your dating history is, it's no one's business but your own. And it's certainly nothing to be ashamed of."

Crowley smiled. "Thanks."

"Now, I do wish this cocoa would cool down. I really want to try it. Have you finished yours?"

"Yep and it was delicious- Oi! Come back here! Sorry, Crawly is trying to slither away across the floor. I think she's aiming for the plant room."

"Naughty snake," Aziraphale said with a chuckle. "You have a whole room for your plants?"

"Yeah. I'd like to have a garden one day. And a conservatory. Not really possible in a flat. But I've got floor to ceiling windows, so there's lots of sun for them."

"I can barely keep a cactus alive, if I'm being honest," Aziraphale said with an embarrassed laugh. "How is Crawly getting on in her bid for freedom?"

"I've got her. She doesn't move all that fast."

Time flew by as they talked, and soon it was late. Crowley liked the sound of Aziraphale's voice. Soft, distinguished and comforting. Once they'd hung up, Crowley got himself ready for bed, excited for the next time he'd get to see Aziraphale.

It was Friday evening and Aziraphale's phone was ringing. His heart soared, confident it would be Crowley. They had called each other almost every day since their call on Monday. But when he picked up his mobile this time he found to his disappointment that it was Gabriel. He answered it anyway, and after they'd said their hellos, Gabriel wasted no time in getting to the obvious reason for his call. "I know Crowley gave you his number. I hope you haven't contacted him."

Aziraphale didn't rise to it. "I heard about your silly little meeting with him."

"What?! Who told you about that? Did Crowley tell you? So you have been talking to him! Unless... Fuck. Did it get back to Tracy? Has Crowley been telling people?"

"You're lucky he hasn't told your superiors. Really, you could get fired for threatening a colleague like that. I'm extremely disappointed in you."

Gabriel made a dismissive sound. "It's fine. They wouldn't listen to him, anyway. And he's leaving soon. Flaky, you see? He's only been with us a few months. Goes from job to job..."

Aziraphale sighed, knowing full well that Crowley had been working there for almost two years. "You know, you talk about Crowley an awful lot. Do you have a crush on him? I suppose you just want to keep him for yourself."

Gabriel spluttered furiously. "I'm straight!"

"My condolences."

"We're getting way off track here. I was calling to ask what time to expect you on Christmas day. 11am?"

"A little earlier would be better. About 10am? I'm not stopping for dinner, as you know. But I should like to say hello and give you your Christmas present."

"And you're sure you're not eating here?" Gabriel said, suspicion in his voice.

"I'm sure."

After last Christmas - and the few before that – Aziraphale had finally had enough. He was not going to listen to Gabriel's constant comments about everything he chose to eat, or the comments about his weight. Their parents were no longer around, so he felt no obligation to put up with Gabriel any more than was absolutely necessary. He'd only gone to the Christmas party because he'd thought Tracy would be there.

"Never thought you'd turn down free food! You're going to Tracy's place, right? She's feeding you?"

"That's what I told you."

"Hmm. I wouldn't put it past you to try and get two Christmas dinners!" Gabriel let out a laugh, though Aziraphale got the impression he wasn't entirely joking.

"Just one dinner will suffice. I'll pop over about 10am. I won't be in your hair for long."

"Okay. But you won't be able to change your mind on the day, you know that, right? There won't be enough food."

"Don't worry, my plans are set in stone."

It was Saturday afternoon, and Aziraphale and Tracy were sat in the backroom of the bookshop with a pot of tea and some chocolate biscuits between them. It was the first time Aziraphale had seen her since he'd started dating Crowley, and he was excited to tell her how well things were going.

"He's taking me out tomorrow for afternoon tea. I'm so looking forward to it," Aziraphale said.

Aziraphale's phone beeped and he hurriedly pushed his teacup away onto the table and then grabbed at his phone. "Oh! Speak of the devil. That must be him letting me know how the wedding chauffeuring is going. I do hope the weather is holding out."

As he'd suspected, he'd just received a text message, but his heart dropped when he realised it was from an unknown number. He read the first line, saw who it was, and made a panicked sound which had Tracy freezing mid bite of her biscuit.

Aziraphale scan-read the message.

'Hi, Zira, this is Sandy. Gabriel gave me your number and said you wanted me to contact you. I really enjoyed our dates. Your cute and I'd like to see you again. But I kind of got the impression you weren't interested? But Gabriel said you are interested so now I'm confused. If your not into me just tell me and I'll leave you alone. But I hope to see you again soon.'

Aziraphale scrunched up his nose. For a moment, he was unable to focus on anything other than the fact that Sandy had used the wrong 'your' twice. He reminded himself that autocorrect could be to blame, and besides, not everyone was as fussy about the written word as he was.

"What should I say?" Aziraphale asked after he'd shown Tracy the message. "It sounds as though Gabriel has been leading him on. I'll tell him I'm seeing someone else. Yes. I'm already taken."

Tracy shook her head. "I think you should tell him you're just not interested, full stop. Or he might start messaging you again if things don't work out between you and Crowley. Or he might tell Gabriel what you said, and Gabriel will redouble his efforts to split you and Crowley up."

"Oh my goodness. You're right."

"Just tell him you're not a good match. And you're sorry Gabriel gave him the wrong impression."

Aziraphale carefully texted Sandy back, letting him down gently but firmly.

A reply came through several minutes later. Aziraphale read it out loud. "No worries, mate. Thanks for letting me know."

"Phew," said Tracy. "I'm glad that's sorted out."

Aziraphale nodded and let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

Tracy picked up her teacup and took a sip. "Why is Gabriel so keen for you and Sandy to get together anyway?"

"I suspect it's just yet another way for Gabriel to elbow his way into my life and get me under his thumb." Aziraphale let out a dramatic sigh.

"Or maybe Sandy confessed to Gabriel that he likes you, and Gabriel wanted to match-make?"

"Hmm. Maybe. There's no telling with Gabriel. I always find myself suspecting the worst."

"That's understandable. Gabriel does have a history of meddling. He's been single for a while now, hasn't he? Maybe if he met someone, he'd be less interested in your love life."

"I doubt it."

Tracy looked thoughtful. "Hmm. I do have some single friends."

"Are you sure you want to inflict Gabriel on them?"

Tracy considered this. "Ah. You're right. He is quite… overbearing."

Aziraphale nodded in agreement. "That's one way to put it."

That same evening, after Tracy had gone home and Aziraphale had finished his dinner, he received a text message from Crowley.

'Hey, angel. I got back from chauffeuring earlier than expected. It was fun but exhausting. I need a drink! Fancy joining me down the pub for a couple? Just you and me?'

Aziraphale's stomach flipped with excitement at this chance to see Crowley again – a whole day earlier than planned! A glance at the clock told him it was 7:20pm.

'That sounds wonderful. I could do with a tipple. Where were you thinking?'

'How about Eden? It's a wine bar about halfway between yours and mine. Should only be about a 15-minute walk for each of us, and they have really good wine.'

'Oh, yes, I know the place, though I've never been inside.'

The Eden Wine Bar had always looked a bit too trendy for Aziraphale's tastes, but he was more than willing to give it a try if Crowley recommended it.

The walk only took him about ten minutes, and the streets were busy with late night shoppers, illuminated by the Christmas lights that shone overhead. It was cold but dry, and Aziraphale was glad of his big warm coat. He had an umbrella hooked over one arm, just in case.

Crowley informed him by text that he'd managed to grab a table at the back, so Aziraphale fought his way through the crowds of people inside the bar until he found Crowley sat at a small table, his feet up on the chair in front of him to ward off any prospective chair thieves. His tight black trousers accentuated his long legs, and he was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, the elegant gold pattern on it verging on festive.

Crowley's face lit up when he saw him, and his legs slid to the floor. "Hi, angel!"

"Hello, dear boy," Aziraphale said, manoeuvring his way around a group of people wearing Christmas jumpers.

When Aziraphale reached the table, he wanted to kiss Crowley, but he felt unsure. He didn't know if his reluctance was due to his natural embarrassment at public displays of affection or a wary caution, because even so close to Soho people were not always as tolerant as one might hope, especially after a few drinks. It had felt incredibly daring just holding Crowley's hand on the way home from the Christmas market last Sunday.

He sat down, feeling awkward and a little guilty for not kissing him, but Crowley didn't seem offended.

"I got us some mulled wine," Crowley said, gesturing to the two glasses between them on the table – one slightly depleted. "Sorry it's so rammed in here. I should've known, what with Christmas only being two weeks away. Looks like a few work Christmas parties have ended up in here."

Aziraphale propped his umbrella against the table and then started to take off his coat. "Oh, but it's nice in here. I can't believe it's taken me so long to come inside. It's very green," he said, gesturing to all the plants. They hung from the ceiling and the walls, and there were large potted plants between the tables. "I feel like I'm in an enchanted forest."

Crowley laughed. "Yeah, the greenery is part of why I like it in here."

"Oh, look! That plant is flowering! And in the middle of winter too. Is it real?"

"Yep. That's a Christmas cactus." Crowley said with a grin, and then his gaze dropped to Aziraphale's throat. "Another tartan bowtie? You have quite the collection."

"Oh." Aziraphale looked down at his red and green tartan print bowtie. "One of my Christmas ones. To get me into the spirit." He nodded at Crowley's outfit. "I like your shirt. It looks good on you."

Upon closer inspection, the pattern was lots of little stars. Constellations, in fact.

"Thanks. I was super into astrology as a kid and never really grew out of it, as you can probably guess from the stargazing we did. Heh. I only wear it around Christmas and New Year's though. It's accidently festive. Good for Christmas parties."

"When you're not dressed as a snake."

Crowley laughed and then picked up his wineglass. Aziraphale followed suit and took a long sip, a sound of pleasure escaping him. It was the best mulled wine he'd ever tasted. "My goodness, this is absolutely divine. Top notch."

"I know, right? All their house wine is amazing."

"Mmm," Aziraphale sighed after another long sip. "I hope Gabriel hasn't given you any more grief?"

"Nah. He's been keeping out of my way. We've been keeping out of each other's way, to be honest."

"Oh, I'm glad. I gave him a bit of a telling off last night, and he very quickly changed the subject. I'd like to think he's a bit ashamed about the way he's acted."

"I hope so."

Aziraphale told Crowley about how Sandy had finally backed off, and then Crowley told him all about how the Wedding chauffeuring had gone.

Aziraphale got the next round of mulled wine, and then Crowley recommended several house wines for them to try – all of which were incredible – but when Aziraphale discovered that they sold one of his favourite vintages he couldn't resist buying them a bottle to share. It was a little pricy, but it was more than worth it. Aziraphale soon lost track of how many glasses they'd had.

Before they knew it, the wine bar was closing and they were being kicked out. They were both giggling as they stepped out onto the street, propping each other up. It was starting to rain so Aziraphale opened his umbrella and drew Crowley under it.

"D'ya wanna come to mine?" Crowley asked.

"Yes," said Aziraphale, excited that he was going to get see Crowley's flat for the first time.

They staggered to Crowley's place, warm with drink, and kissed in the elevator. Soon, Aziraphale found himself stepping into Crowley's flat.

It was more spacious than he'd expected, but maybe it only seemed that way because of the minimalist decor. He didn't get a good look in the end because they moved almost immediately to the bedroom, only stopping to remove outdoor coats and shoes. Soon the rest of their clothes had come off too and they fell drunkenly onto the bed.

Crowley was sprawled on his back, his body long, toned and beautiful, his hair a dishevelled mess. Aziraphale took a moment to admire him, unable to tear his eyes away, and then he was on top of him, kissing him and pressing him down into the mattress.

The feel of their bodies pressed together, of skin on skin, of Crowley's hard cock pressed against his own, had Aziraphale moaning into Crowley's mouth. They moved together, the friction intoxicating.

This was one of Aziraphale's favourite things to do in bed. He loved the feel of someone else's body against his own, of their cocks rubbing together. Frottage was one of the most erotic things he'd ever experienced.

Crowley was practically singing beneath him, all the more vocal when drunk, and hearing all of Crowley's little noises – and knowing he was the cause of them – had Aziraphale kissing him all the harder. He reached between them and wrapped his hand around the both of them, squeezing their cocks together, stroking and pulling.

Crowley made a desperate keening noise, his entire body trembling, fingernails digging into Aziraphale's shoulders. Crowley's cock twitched against Aziraphale's as he came, spilling hot between them.

Aziraphale was so overcome that suddenly he was tumbling over the edge too, tensing and gasping as orgasm washed through him. He collapsed on top of Crowley, and then he felt the other man's arms wrap around him, holding him close.

Aziraphale was so tired and drunk that he could have fallen asleep like that, but then Crowley rolled him onto his back, grabbed something from the floor – a pyjama top as it turned out – and used it to clean them up. Afterwards, they snuggled up together, and Crowley's arms wrapped around him once again.

Aziraphale woke up with a pounding headache and someone half draped over him. He squinted against the morning light that crept in through the curtains and saw Crowley sprawled next to him, fast asleep and with his mouth hanging open.

It has been a long time since he'd woken up next to someone, let alone in someone else's bed, and it was a nice feeling. He gazed blearily around the bedroom until he felt Crowley shift beside him, a pained groan escaping him.

Their eyes met.

"Good morning, angel," Crowley said, grinning despite his obvious hangover.

"Good morning, my dear," said Aziraphale. "I must confess, I seem to have overindulged last night. My head is pounding."

"Mine too. I'll grab us some water – I'll be right back. Oh, and the bathroom is just through that door," Crowley added, gesturing to an en-suite.

Aziraphale wasn't in the mood for getting up just yet, so he waited for Crowley to return, and when he did it was with water and, to Aziraphale's delight, blueberry muffins.

"I'll do a fry up in a bit," Crowley said as he climbed back into bed. "That always makes me feel a bit better. How do you feel? Can you manage food?"

"Oh, yes," said Aziraphale, eying up the muffins.

"I'm assuming you don't have anywhere you need to be this morning? No bookshop stuff?"

"No. My only prior engagement is a lunchtime date with an incredibly handsome devil," Aziraphale said with a chuckle. "I do hope I'll make it on time. It's 10am already."

Crowley smiled. "Don't you worry, I'll get you there on time. We've still got three hours."

"Assuming we feel up to it, of course."

"Well, if you're a no show, I've got a feeling your date will be too," Crowley said with a grin.

Cuddling up together in bed, they drank their water and ate their muffins.

"Oh," Crowley said suddenly. "Before I forget…" He reached into the drawer of his beside table and pulled out Aziraphale's handkerchief.

"Oh! I'd forgotten you had that! Perhaps you should keep it. Just in case we get into another sticky situation."

Crowley laughed. He pushed it back into the drawer which dislodged something else that had been tucked away at the back. Something long and white, with a dusting of silver glitter. Crowley quickly pushed it back again and Aziraphale pretended he hadn't seen it, not wanting to embarrass him. He recognised it immediately. It was one of the feathers from the wings of his costume. Several had fallen off during the evening, and the thought that Crowley had found one and taken it home, keeping it to remember him by, made his heart flutter.

Once they'd finished their muffins, Crowley climbed out of bed, struggled into some pyjama bottoms and then threw on a dressing gown. "Right. Fry up. I've got sausages, bacon, hashbrowns, er, mushrooms. Oh, and toast. I'm gonna have some of everything. What would you like?"

"It all sounds scrummy!"

"Good," Crowley said with a grin, and then he turned around and started to root about in his wardrobe. When he turned back around, he was holding another dressing gown, which was black like his own but fluffier. He also held up some grey and red striped cotton pyjamas. "You can wear these if you like."

"Thank you, darling."

"Feel free to stay in bed if you want. I can bring the food to you."

But Aziraphale was already climbing out of bed and taking the offered clothes. He wanted to spend as much time with Crowley as he could - and he wanted to help with the cooking.

"After breakfast I'll give you the grand tour," said Crowley when they reached the kitchen. "You didn't really get a proper look last night."

They prepared and cooked breakfast together and then they ate it at Crowley's breakfast counter. Aziraphale felt much better after getting a cooked meal inside of him, and after they'd both finished their coffee, Crowley showed him around.

First was the plant room. A Christmas tree had pride of place in the corner of the room, adorned with golden baubles, tinsel, and bright lights. Aziraphale moved closer and realised with a shock that the tree was not only real, but still alive, standing in a large pot of soil with a few needles scattered below it on the floor. Crowley explained that the tree was a 'Norway Spruce' and that he cared for it all year round, decorating it every year as soon as December hit. Back at the bookshop and in his flat, Aziraphale had a couple of fake plastic Christmas trees - he didn't want to risk getting needles all over his books.

The last room Crowley showed him was a small spare room – Crawly's room. The snake slithered over to the front of her vivarium to look at them, and Aziraphale stared back, full of curiosity.

"Oh, she's a darling."

"Would you like to hold her?"

Aziraphale hesitated, but only for a moment. "Yes. But I must confess, I've never held a snake before. You'll have to show me how. Is she fast? I don't want to lose her."

"Nah. She's a slow-moving little noodle."

Crowley reached into the tank and carefully picked her up. Instantly, her tail wrapped around his hand, her little forked tongue flicking out. Crowley unwrapped her with ease and then placed her onto Aziraphale's open hands. She slithered across his fingers and wrapped around his wrist.

"Oh, she's a strong little thing, isn't she."

"Yep. All muscle."

"And she's so smooth."

Aziraphale stared at her, enrapt, and then he looked up at Crowley who was smiling with genuine joy.

"I'm glad you like her," said Crowley.

"Oh, I do. She's fascinating."

They returned to the living room, bringing Crawly with them, and then they cuddled up together on the sofa, a big blanket draped over their laps. The television was on, the sound low.

An hour before their lunch date, they headed over to the book shop so that Aziraphale could get some fresh clothes. While there, Aziraphale checked his post, grabbed an overnight bag – Crowley had invited him back to his after lunch so they could watch Christmas films – and then they stepped back outside.

Crowley held Aziraphale's overnight bag while Aziraphale locked the door.

"If we take the underground, we should get to the café in about twenty minutes," said Crowley. "I think you'll really like- Ngk."

Aziraphale turned to see what had startled Crowley and suddenly found himself face to face with Gabriel.

"What's he doing here?" Gabriel barked, gesturing at Crowley, but before Aziraphale had a chance to respond, Gabriel whirled on Crowley, who took a step back. "I told you to back off."

Aziraphale quickly put himself between the pair of them. "It's none of your business who I chose to spend my time with, Gabriel. Go away."

"Did he sleep over?"

Aziraphale felt his cheeks heat up. "That's definitely none of your business."

Gabriel looked repulsed.

"We have places to be," Aziraphale snapped. He took Crowley's hand and started to lead him away.

Gabriel was suddenly in front of them again, and he drew himself up to his full height. "I'm buying food for Christmas Day and you're on dessert duty. We need profiteroles and a trifle. Good ones mind you. Go to Waitrose. Bring wine."

Aziraphale made an exasperated sound. "I've already told you a thousand times - I'm not joining you for Christmas dinner. I'm not supplying your dessert. I'll only be popping in briefly to say hi."

"You say that now, but I know you. Once you smell the turkey you won't be able to resist. If you're eating with us then you have to contribute."

Aziraphale felt a surge of anger and embarrassment. "I'm not eating with you. I'm having Christmas dinner elsewhere. I've told you."

"You say that like you're not perfectly capable of eating two Christmas dinners. I know the temptation will be too great and you'll end up staying and then going to Tracy's for dinner afterwards."

"I'm not staying, I'm not eating with you, and I'm definitely not supplying your desserts!"

"Well, who's going to bring the profiteroles?!"

"For heaven's sake! I'll bring profiteroles! If it's that important to you! Consider it part of your Christmas present."

"And wine."

"Fine. Yes. I'll bring a bottle."

"We're going to need at least three-"

"One bottle. Now we need to get going. Goodbye."

"And don't forget that you still need to replace that bottle you stole!"

"Yes. I'll bring that too," Aziraphale said as he grabbed Crowley's arm and all but dragged him away.

Gabriel shouted after them. "Don't come running to me when this all ends in tears!"

Humiliation writhed in Aziraphale's stomach, and he couldn't stop apologising the entire way to the café. He felt mortified by the things Gabriel had said, and it was only Crowley's soothing words and the way he squeezed his hand that calmed him down.

Once the afternoon-tea-for-two arrived, Aziraphale quickly cheered up. The food was just as delicious as Crowley had promised, and soon the relaxed atmosphere and the lovely company had him forgetting all about their recent confrontation with Gabriel.

Back at Crowley's flat, they browsed Crowley's various streaming services for festive films, choosing one each. Aziraphale chose A Christmas Carol as it was his favourite Christmas novel. Crowley chose Die Hard, despite Aziraphale being adamant that it wasn't a Christmas film, and no, it didn't count just because it happened to be set at Christmas. And, yes, okay, there were some Christmas songs in it, but first and foremost it was still an action film. Now please stop shouting 'I have a machine gun ho ho ho' - I'm trying to listen to this villain's monologue.

That night, Aziraphale fell asleep in Crowley's bed, wrapped up in his arms.

They parted ways early the next morning so that Crowley could drive to work. They kissed goodbye on the pavement beside his car, and then Aziraphale watched him drive away, waving after him, before turning around and heading back towards his bookshop.

He missed Crowley already. Silly really, they'd only known each other for a little over a week, though it felt like much longer. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such a strong connection to someone. He could already imagine a future with this man. He could picture them living together, surrounded by books and plants, and he daydreamed about it the entire walk home, a huge grin on his face.

Author's Notes:

I couldn't get a definitive answer but it's possible that real Christmas trees are toxic to snakes. The sap maybe? If so then the photo Crowley showed Aziraphale at the party was of Crawly in a plastic tree. He might have one in his house, or he visited Anathema with Crawly, and it's her tree.

I've been playing Animal Crossing New Horizon's: Happy Homes Paradise, and I made the Eden Wine Bar and Crowley's Flat from this story. If you wanted to take a look, here's the code - 3882 3224 5565

I've also made Aziraphale's flat from my spooky story, 'The Demon in the Doorway.' (It's kinda spoilery, so I recommend reading it first. Also, I had to move around the layout of the rooms to get it all to fit. Make sure you view both floors!) I've also made Aziraphale's bookshop from 'The Damned', and the house from 'Gilded Cage.' And I had a go at making Aziraphale's bookshop from the TV Show. Because Good Omens has found it's way into every part of my life XD